Month: December 2008

S. SARGSYAN. "ISSUE OF ALL OF US IS TO CONFRONT EXISTING CHALLENGES BY COOPERATION OF THE STATE AND PRIVATE SECTOR"

ARMENPRESS
Dec 22, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS: On the occasion of New Year and
Christmas Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan called today a reception in
his residence for more than 100 representatives of business community.

Presidential press service told Armenpress that congratulating the
present on the coming New Year and Christmas, the president of the
country said, "We all realize well that the 2009 will be year of hard
work. The issue of all of us is to confront the existing challenges
in close cooperation of the state and private sector and seize the
examination of the time. The success of each of us in his/her field,
in all, is success of all of us."

Remembering old saying "It is hard to be rich in poor country",
Serzh Sargsyan said that "in such cases there is only one solution –
enrich and strengthen the country".

Armenian president wished the businessmen success, high mood and
effective work in the coming year.

CHP DEPUTY STICKS TO STANCE DESPITE CRITICISM

Hurriyet
Dec 22 2008
Turkey

ANKARA – President Gul hails the apology initiative as proof of
Turkey’s democratic health, while Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
the military and the CHP oppose the campaign, saying the consequences
will be harmful

Despite a written warning from her party, the Republican People’s
Party, or CHP, deputy Canan Arıtman has decided to move ahead with
controversial claims over the weekend concerning alleged Armenian
roots of the president.

"If I had seen the president, I would have hurled a shoe at him,"
Arıtman was quoted as saying, referring to the recent protest of
the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoe at outgoing U.S. President
George W. Bush.

In protest of President Abdullah Gul’s approach to an apology campaign
launched by Turkish intellectuals about World War I-era killings of
Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, Arıtman argued Gul was
a secret Armenian. "Look at his ethnic origins from his mother side,"
she said in controversial remarks last week, which also drew reaction
from her party.

In her latest statements, Arıtman said she would open a counter-suit
if Gul opened a case against her. "I was not engaged in racism. If a
price is to be paid, I’ll pay it," she said while commenting on the
CHP warning.

In response to Arıtman’s allegations, Gul said yesterday his family
comes from Satoglu on his mother’s side and from Gul (Gulukimam)
on his father’s side and noted that the registered history of his
family tracing back to centuries ago was "Muslim" and "Turk."

Gul said he felt the need to inform the public about the recent
claims, according to a written statement released by the presidency
press office.

Respecting all citizens "I respect ethnic origins, different faiths
and family bonds of all my citizens and consider all these diversities
as a reality and also richness of our country which has a history of
empire," said the president. "I also want to stress that all citizens
are equal with no discrimination. Nobody has superiority over the
others. Everyone’s rights are safeguarded in the Constitution."

At the CHP party congress, Arıtman, in an attempt to clarify her
statements about Gul’s ethnic origins, said persons occupying state
posts has no right to care for an ethnic identity. "I did not ask
the president to reveal his ethnic identity. I want the president to
fulfill his duty of protecting the Turkish Republic and the nation
on the basis of the oath he took," she said.

The apology campaign, which was countered by a declaration from a group
of retired ambassadors, avoids the word "genocide" and uses instead the
term "great catastrophe." Gul has distanced himself from the criticism,
hailing the initiative as proof of Turkey’s democratic health. On
the contrary, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the military
opposed the campaign, saying that it would yield harmful consequences.

Toptan said making biased judgments about Turkey was "unfair," in
remarks before a visit to Macedonia.

"I have difficulty in understanding what those friends who issued
the declaration want to do. Will this initiative make relations
with Armenia gain impetus? Will it put an end to Armenian diaspora
activities against Turkey? Will it help clear the events of [1915]
and offer evidence? I cannot understand," he said.

Toptan slammed Arıtman’s controversial remarks as "unbecoming"
as per the oath she took to serve as a parliamentarian.

"We cannot display such a behavior of researching the ethnic origins
of one another and reach conclusions," he said, adding that he did
not approve of the statement made by the CHP deputy.

International plot At his party’s congress, CHP leader Deniz Baykal
also criticized the apology campaign and considered it as part
of systematic international efforts aimed at making Turkey feel
guilty. He referred to the government’s proposal, in cooperation
with the CHP, to set up a joint committee of independent historians
to study genocide allegations.

He said while Turkey was defending that history should be left to
historians, not politicians, a group of intellectuals’ campaign was
no different from a series of genocide resolutions passed in several
countries’ parliaments.

"Some might be launching this campaign deliberately. Turkey should
not take it seriously," Baykal said.

–Boundary_(ID_7Gm5PhCYiudyFc28Gmg4zQ)–

TURKISH FM BABACAN SAYS ARMENIA SOLUTION WAS NEVER THIS CLOSE

Hurriyet
Dec 22 2008
Turkey

A solution for the disputes between Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan,
which has lasted since World War One, was never this close, Turkey’s
foreign minister told Hurriyet daily on Monday. (UPDATED)

"The Serzh Sargsyan administration believes that solution of problems
with both Turkey and Azerbaijan will bring stability and welfare to
the country," Ali Babacan told in an interview with the daily.

He added that both Sargsyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham
Aliyev show the necessary will to find a solution.

"If they progress, our job will also be easier," Babacan said. "We
are not at the stage that we can put forward the final points, but
we have made much progress," he added.

Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic relations and their border
has been closed for more than a decade, as Armenia presses the
international community to admit the so-called "genocide" claims
instead of accepting Turkey’s call to investigate the allegations,
and Armenia’s invasion of 20 percent territory of Azerbaijan.

A warmer period began in relations when Turkish President Abdullah
Gul paid a landmark visit to Yerevan in September. The two countries
have been holding contacts at the minister level since.

Turkish, Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers have also held
trilateral meetings, and agreed to work on a lasting peace agreement
and to continue their meetings.

Aliyev, Sargsyan and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a joint
declaration asserting their desire to find a political settlement to
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in November.

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia began in 1988 on Armenian
territorial claims over Azerbaijan. Since 1992 Armenian Armed Forces
have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan including the Nagorno-Karabakh
region and its seven surrounding districts.

FACING HISTORY

Ottawa Citizen
y/1103406/story.html
Dec 22 2008
Canada

The online petition by a group of Turkish intellectuals, apologizing
for the Ottoman massacres of Armenians in 1915, shows just how far
Turkey has come in the last few years — and how far it has yet to go.

Writers have paid with their careers and their lives for talking openly
about history. Journalist Hrant Drink was prosecuted for "insulting
Turkishness" and then shot to death by a Turkish nationalist in
January 2007. The Nobel-prize winning writer Orhan Pamuk was also
prosecuted, only three years ago, simply for saying that a million
Armenians had died.

So this new petition is a remarkably brave act on the part of its
authors. What’s even more remarkable is that thousands of members of
the public have also signed the petition. This might be a sign that
among ordinary Turks, there is a willingness to break the old taboos
and start talking honestly about what happened a century ago. Frank
talk is important; humanity stands no chance of preventing future
genocides and war crimes if it cannot acknowledge and universally
condemn those of the past.

"I reject this injustice, share in the feelings and pain of my Armenian
brothers, and apologize to them," reads the online petition.

All the same, its authors were careful not to use the word
"genocide." They call it, instead, the "great catastrophe" — a phrase
that might just as easily be used to describe an impersonal natural
disaster as a wilful mass murder.

There is already a nationalist backlash building against the
petition. Imagine what the reaction would have been if the authors
had dared to use the word many parliaments, including Canada’s,
have used in their condemnations.

TURKISH EXPERT: "TURKEY’S INTENTION TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA MAKE BAKU GET SILENT"

Today.Az
litics/49735.html
Dec 22 2008
Azerbaijan

"Azerbaijan’s reaction to Turkey’s idea to normalize relations with
Armenia is surprising. Azerbaijan does not react, resist and is calm",
said Burchu Gultekin, expert of the Center of European Studies of
Turkish Near Eastern Technical University.

"Moreover, we hope for resolution of the Karabakh conflict, which
may promote the development of economic relations in conditions of
unblocked borders of Armenia and Turkey. And in this sense the opening
of border with Armenia is not a sufficient provision for Turkey,
which would want to diversify routes of access to the Caspian region.

Turkey is also interested in opening of borders and its efforts for
normalization of relations with Armenia make Baku get silent. Moreover,
I think that such developments were viewed as a variant in the
resolution of the Karabakh conflict in Baku", noted Gultekin.

ICRC TO INVESTIGATE SITUATION WITH REJECTION OF ARMENIAN-CAPTURED AZERBAIJANI SOLDIER TO RETURN TO AZERBAIJAN

Today.Az
ety/49732.html
Dec 22 2008
Azerbaijan

Appeal was made to the Armenian delegation of the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to investigate the reports that
soldier of Azerbaijani Army Rafig Rahman Hasanov captured by Armenian
servicemen on October 8 wants to stay in Armenia.

Spokesperson of ICRC delegation in Azerbaijan Gulnaz Guliyeva told APA
about it. Gulnaz Guliyeva refuted the reports that ICRC representative
was present when Rafig Hasanov said in his interview to an Armenian
channel that he did not want to return to Azerbaijan.

Novosti-Armenia reported that 19-year-old soldier Rafig Hasanov said
in his interview to an Armenian channel that he refused to return to
Azerbaijan. In his interview Hasanov reportedly said he had undergone
insult and humiliation in Azerbaijani Army.

"I could not bear it, so I shot at my leg and was treated in
hospital. But insulting actions continued," he said.

Soldier of Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s military unit, Hasanov
Rafig Rahman, 19, was captured by Armenian servicemen on the line of
contact near Gazakh region on October 8, 2008.

FREDERICK STARR: "IT IS OBVIOUS THAT RUSSIA ATTEMPTS TO REPLACE THE MINSK PROCESS WITH THE MOSCOW PROCESS"

Today.Az
olitics/49731.html
Dec 22 2008
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with Frederick Starr, head of the Institute of
Central Asia and Caucasus of John Hopkins University.

– What is the reason of the intensification of Russia’s role in the
resolution of the Karabakh conflict, which led to signing of the
Moscow declaration?

– It is quite obvious that despite official statements, Moscow tries to
replace the Minsk process with the Moscow process. But such a conduct
remained in the past and I think that Russia has more urgent problems
on which it should focus its attention.

– How serious can changes in the relations between Russia and the
United States be following the events in Georgia?

– Most expect profound changes in the relations between Moscow and
the United States. I consider these expectations to be mistaken. The
relations will develop in the evolutionary manner. No doubts that the
United States have ground to support good relations with Moscow. It
will not be conducted to damage the interests of our friends in the
Caucasus. I think ignoring these interests in relations with Moscow
would become the worst mistake for Washington. This is what Europeans
do, who use the Caucasus states as a trading object in the relations
with Moscow. I hope that in the future the United States will still
treat Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia as legal objects not as a token
money in the geopolitical game.

– Can the differences between Russia and the United States, as the
OSCE MG states, influence on the Karabakh resolution?

– I was initially confident about the ineffectiveness of the Minsk
process, as Russia on many aspects was the conflict participant and
now it offers mediation services. I do not know which progress it will
lead to, but it is clear to me that the Minsk Group has previously
failed. All parties are aware that it will lead to nothing. Certainly,
Russia has an opportunity to settle the Karabakh problem, but if it
illegally supplies Armenia with arms for $1 bln it creates problems.

Moscow is interested in preservation of the quo status. Russia must
realize that the careless policy towards neighbors and the world
community will lead to nothing and it must behave as a responsible
modern force. Other imprtant members of the world community do not
intend to build a Great Chinese Wall between the Russian actions in
the Caucasus and their readiness to cooperate with Russia.

But until Russia changes its policy in the Caucasus, there will be
suspicion and distrust in the relations with this country. I imply
not only the United States and Europe, but also China, which is also
resented over Russia’s behavior in Georgia. Moreover, all the Central
Asian States are quite strong to show their resentment which will be
possible under Beijing’s support.

– What do you think about Ankara’s actions in the resolution of
problems in the Caucasus and its Initiative of the Caucasus Stability
and Security Platform?

– I took a particular interest in Turkey’s initiative in this
direction. At the same time, I am anxious that Ankara may have the
intention of settling the "Armenian genocide" issue at the cost of
Karabakh. I sincerely believe that I am mistaken. I hope Turkey will
soon make a clear statement on this issue. Otherwise, there may appear
grounds for concern.

MILITARY EXPERT: "ARMENIANS PUT AZERBAIJANI CAPTIVE TO HUMILIATING TORTURE"

Azeri Press Agency
Dec 22 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku-APA. "My best regards to my mother, father, brothers, sister,
and wives of my brothers. I am in good condition and do not worry
about me. My best regards to my relatives and all residents of
Safarli settlement.

I thought much and decided to return back to my motherland and
mother. I hope that we will meet soon. Do not worry, wait a little. I
hope that I will return back soon", this is a full text of Armenian
captured Azerbaijani soldier Rafig Rahman Hasanov’s letter, which
was gained by APA.

The full text of the letter written in Russian by official of
International Committee of the Red Cross stresses that the captive
wants to return back to his motherland and family.

‘WE HAVE LITTLE TIME’
Georgiy Garnikovich Aleksanyan: [email protected]

A1+
[04:53 pm] 22 December, 2008

The Moscow City Court has set bail in the amount of 50 million
roubles, upon posting of which my son Vasily Aleksanyan can be
freed from detention. For now I do not wish to discuss whether this
decision is lawful or just. I simply wish to say that the amount of
bail exceeds the financial possibilities of our family. Simply said,
we do not have such funds. Vasily is not able to come up with such
funds himself either, since all his property is under a freezing
order and he remains fatally ill and in detention.

I am forever grateful to all those who have offered assistance to
our family, and to all those who have not been indifferent to the
tragic fate of my son. Both Vasily’s family and his lawyers have been
receiving calls and letters with offers of assistance in collecting
funds to post his bail. For moral reasons we had avoided making any
public appeal for assistance. On the other hand, during our silence
confusion and speculation has arisen in the media concerning the
bank accounts that were opened to collect funds to post bail for
Vasily Aleksanyan.

We have very little time left. Therefore I want to confirm that the
Sberbank bank details published by the radio station Ekho Moscow
are accurate:

BANK DETAILS FOR TRANSFERS IN ROUBLES

Vernadskoe otdelenie Sberbanka Rossii g. Moskvy 7970/01249

BIC: 044525225

Account no.: 30301810038006003818

Corr. Account of Sberbank Russia in the Bank of Russia:
30101810400000000225

Ð~XÐ~]&#xD 0;~]: 7707083893

Ð~ZÐ~^Ð" Ð~^Ð~ZÐ~^Ð~]Ð¥: 96130

Ð~ZÐ~^Ð" Ð~^Ð~ZÐ~_Ð~^: 00032537

Beneficiary: Aleksanyan Georgiy Garnikovich

Beneficiary address: 117571, Moscow, ul. 26 Bakinskikh Komissarov,
d. 7, kor. 4, kv. 101

Beneficiary account no.: 42307810538181109080

BANK DETAILS FOR TRANSFERS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY Recipient bank: SABRRUMM
(SWIFT code for Sberbank Russia)

SBERBANK VERNADSKOE BRANCH 7970 MOSCOW RUSSIAN

Beneficiary Customer:

Account no.: 42307810538181109080

Beneficiary: Aleksanyan Georgiy Garnikovich v Address: 117571, Moscow,
ul. 26 Bakinskikh Komissarov, d. 7, kor. 4, kv.101

I also opened an account in the Armenian bank Ardshininvestbank for
the same purpose.

BANK DETAILS FOR TRANSFERS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

Recipient bank: ARDSHININVESTBANK

SWIFT: ASHBAM22

Telex: (684) 243286 LALA AM

e-mail: [email protected], Phone/Fax: (3741) 581221, 564152, 581403

AMD: 2470101020170010

USD: 2470101020170020

EUR: 2470101020170030

BANK DETAILS FOR TRANSFERS IN ROUBLES

Recipient bank: ARDSHININVESTBANK SWIFT: ASHBAM22

Telex: (684) 243286 LALA AM

e-mail: [email protected], Phone/Fax: (3741) 581221, 564152, 581403

RUR: 2470101020170040

I ask all those who decide to transfer funds to these accounts to
indicate their bank details. Otherwise you will not be able to receive
your funds back after (in the event that) the bail payment is returned.

I am very grateful to all those that have not been indifferent to
the fate of my son, to all those who write about him, who have taken
part in demonstrations and come to the court hearings, to all those
that have offered their help to pay his bail. It is very difficult
to express my gratitude in words. Thank you very much!

–Boundary_(ID_U/ysYp5yJduayRc9BZSdKQ)–

HASAN JELAL GUZEL: "THOSE WHO LAUNCHED ARMENIAN APOLOGY CAMPAIGN BETRAYED THE MOTHERLAND"

Azeri Press Agency
Dec 22 2008
Azerbaijan

Istanbul. Mayis Alizadeh – APA. "I am from Gaziantep, everybody knows
that the Armenians together with the French killed about 5000 civilians
in the region. Our "intellectuals", who have launched apology campaign,
do not speak about Armenians’ aggression against Turks in Anatolia
and Caucasus," former minister of state Hasan Jelal Guzel told APA’s
Turkey bureau exclusively. He said those who started Armenian apology
campaign were known for their double standards in Turkish society.

"They support Barzani in northern Iraq, but do not speak about
Turkmens undergoing aggression in Kirkuk. These "intellectuals"
always had biased position on Turkish people. Those who have launched
this campaign say they do it to eliminate enmity between the two
nations. But in order to eliminate enmity Armenia should fulfill
the conditions. President Abdullah Gul visited Armenia and Armenian
leadership will visit Turkey. Some other steps may be taken, if the
relations improve.

For that at first injustices against Azerbaijan should be eliminated
and Armenians must withdraw from the lands they occupied. If our
"intellectuals" starts such campaign while we are trying to normalize
relations in the region, I will bring to agenda the oppressions
Armenian dashnaks committed against us 100 years ago. Then it will
create tensions and damage the peace process. It meets interests of
Armenian Diaspora before anything else".

Hasan Celal Guzel said the Armenian Diaspora did not want the
normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. "The main issue
for them is a rancor and revenge. Our "intellectuals" are playing into
the hands of Armenian Diaspora with starting this campaign. The Western
media is writing now that the Turkish "intellectuals" also started
to recognize the fact of "genocide". Barack Obama was elected the
President and he made some promises to Armenians. Barack Obama may use
the phrase of "Armenian genocide" on April 24. Instead of prevention
this action, we give an opportunity to the Armenian Diaspora. It is not
particular to unveil military secrets to betray the homeland. These
"intellectuals" are betraying the homeland. The "intellectuals",
who called their country as a "state committed genocide", are high
traitors. This process will have a negative impact on the Armenian
people too. This campaign damages the Turkey’s policy and benefits
for the Armenian Diaspora".