Month: November 2009

"NA/NE" CONTEST OF JOURNALISTS’ WORKS CONDUCTED

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 16, 2009
Yerevan

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS: The British Council and OSCE Yerevan
Office within the framework of "Wo/men in Politics" program funded by
British embassy conducts in Armenia "Na/ne" contest of journalists’
works.

An official from the Armenian office of the British Council told
Armenpress that the materials must be dated 2009 December-January,
refer to the activity of women, their achievements in political,
social and economic fields.

Printed, on-line, and broadcasting mass media as well as freelance
reporters may present their works. NGOs may also forward candidates.

The applications will be accepted till December 31, 2009. The results
of the contest will be summed up in late January.

PROGRAM OF SUPPORT TO THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES OF LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES TO BE CONDUCTED

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 16, 2009
Yerevan

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Diaspora Ministry is
carrying out support program to the solution of the issues of
Armenian communities of South (Latin) American countries. The next
year draft budget is expected to release 27 million 396,000 AMD for
the implementation of the program.

Head of the Armenian Communities of America Department of the Diaspora
Ministry Arthur Nikoghosyan told Armenpress that with the program it
is expected to support the center of Armenian studies of San Paulo
University and publication of two scientific works.

Concert of Armenian creative ensembles is expected to be organized
in the Armenian communities of Latin America. A. Nikoghosyan also
highlighted visits of Armenian writers, cultural figured to South
American countries.

The head of the department said that this year only one teacher from
Argentine managed to participate in the annual training of Diaspora
Armenian teachers. For more effective organization of the training
process next year one teacher will be sent from Armenia to conduct
classes for the teachers of all the regional Armenian schools.

About 10,000 Armenians live in Argentine, 40,000 in Brazil, 19,000
in Uruguay, 4,000 in Venezuela, 1500 in Chili

COMPUTER CLASSES FOR PEOPLE WITH BAD EYESIGHT IN NKR

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 16, 2009
STEPANAKERT

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS: Specialists of "Arev" program
who are invited to Nagorno Karabakh will teach the citizens having
eyesight problems computer skills trough a special program.

Head of the Social Support Department of the NKR Social Insurance
Ministry Samvel Israyelyan said this year the program implemented
by the ministry for the first time involves also disabled completely
blind people to integrate them into the society.

Six people will participate in the first class. At the end of the
program the participants will get certificates and computers.

S. Israyelyan said the program will be continuative.

Le Premier ministre arménien mise sur l’évolution démocratique de la
Turquie The Armenian Prime Minister put on the democratic evolution of
Turkey

jeudi5 novembre 2009, par Krikor Amirzayan/armenews jeudi5 November
2009 by Krikor Amirzayan / armenews

Dikran Sarkissian

Le Premier ministre d’Arménie, Dikran Sarkissian a accordé à Krikor
Amirzayan, pour « Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » une longue interview
jeudi 29 octobre dans son bureau au Palais du gouvernement à Erevan.
Prime Minister of Armenia, Dikran Sarkissian granted Krikor Amirzayan
for "News Magazine of Armenia" a lengthy interview Thursday, October
29 in his office at Government House in Yerevan. Nos confrères de
France 3 Méditerranée étant également présents. Our colleagues from
France 3 Méditerranée is also present. Une occasion pour le chef du
gouvernement arménien de faire le point sur les accords arméno-turcs
de Zurich et d’esquisser l’avenir géopolitique de l’Arménie. An
opportunity for the head of the Armenian government to review the
agreements on Armenian-Turkish Zurich and outlining the geopolitical
future of Armenia. Interview. Interview.

Dikran Sarkissian reçoit Krikor Amirzayan (Nouvelles d’Arménie
Magazine) Dikran Krikor Sarkisian receives Amirzayan (Armenian News
Magazine) « Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » : Quel regard politique et
diplomatique portez-vous sur les accords de Zurich qui mettent un
terme à plus de quinze ans de gel diplomatique ? "Armenia News
Magazine: What political and diplomatic respect your view of Zurich
agreements that put an end to more than fifteen years of diplomatic
freeze?
Dikran Sarkissian : Les accords qui ont été signés entre les ministres
des Affaires étrangères de la Turquie et d’Arménie ont abouti à un
compromis entre les deux pays. Dikran Sarkisian: The agreements were
signed between the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Armenia have
resulted in a compromise between the two countries. Ces négociations
n’étaient pas simples. These negotiations were not easy. Il est
évident que l’Arménie a sa propre vision de l’amélioration des
relations arméno-turques et la Turquie a la sienne. It is clear that
Armenia has its own vision of improving Armenian-Turkish relations and
Turkey’s own. Mais les deux parties ont manifesté une volonté
politique qui a finalement donné naissance à un document commun qui
marque le début du dialogue. But both sides have shown political will
which finally gave birth to a common document which marks the
beginning of the dialogue. Bien sur, de nombreuses questions restent
en suspens et il ya encore du chemin à faire pour parvenir à un accord
complet ! Of course, many questions remain unanswered and there is
still some way to go to reach complete agreement! Nous savons que
cette route ne sera pas facile, mais comme l’a déclaré le président de
la République d’Arménie : le temps est venu de régler les questions
les plus épineuses ! We know that this road will not be easy, but as
stated by the President of the Republic of Armenia: the time has come
to resolve the thorniest issues! L’Arménie est disposée de son côté à
en parler. Armenia is ready to turn to talk.

« Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » : L’histoire a du mal à passer. "News
Magazine of Armenia": The story is hard to pass. Mais en n’abordant
pas la question du génocide, cet accord a provoqué la colère d’une
grande partie de la diaspora, certains évoquent même un embargo sur la
mémoire, qu’avez-vous a répondre à ces interrogations légitimes de la
diaspora arménienne ? But not addressing the issue of genocide, this
agreement has angered much of the diaspora, some even suggest a ban on
memory, what did you answer these legitimate questions of the Armenian
Diaspora ?
Dikran Sarkissian : Naturellement cela nous crée des problèmes sérieux
puisque des centaines de milliers d’Arméniens de la diaspora luttent
pour la reconnaissance du génocide, tant par la communauté des nations
que par la Turquie. Dikran Sargsyan: Of course it creates us serious
problems because hundreds of thousands of Armenians in the diaspora
struggle for recognition of genocide by both the community of nations
as Turkey. Et dans ce contexte, la question se pose de savoir comment
atteindre cet objectif ? And in this context, the question arises of
how to achieve this goal? Pour résumer, il ya aujourd’hui deux axes.
To summarize, there are now two axes. Le premier est de considérer la
Turquie comme un pays ennemi du peuple arménien. The first is to
consider Turkey as an enemy of the Armenian people. C’est ce que
pensent nombre d’Arméniens de la diaspora mais aussi d’Arménie et du
Haut Karabagh qui luttent pour l’obliger à reconnaître la réalité du
génocide. It is believed that many Armenians in the diaspora but also
to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh fighting to force it to recognize the
reality of genocide. Il ya aussi un deuxième axe : il consiste a
considérer la Turquie actuelle comme un pays en mutation qui réalise
des réformes pour entrer dans l’Union européenne. There is also a
second area: it consists in considering the present Turkey as a
country that makes changing reforms to join the European Union. Cela
signifie qu’elle travaille à devenir un Etat moderne qui ambitionne de
se conformer aux normes des valeurs européennes et de les intégrer
dans ses institutions. That means it works to become a modern state
that aspires to meet the standards of European values and integrate
them into its institutions. Ce qui l’amènera de façon inéluctable, tôt
ou tard, à reconnaître le génocide arménien. What led him so
inevitable, sooner or later, to recognize the Armenian genocide. De
notre avis ce deuxième axe est plus opportun. In our opinion this
second axis is more appropriate. Le dialogue politique permettra
d’aboutir à l’ouverture des frontières, à l’accroissement des échanges
économiques et culturels entre écrivains, historiens, etc. The
political dialogue will lead to open borders, increased economic and
cultural exchanges between writers, historians, etc.. Tout cela
favorisera la disposition de la Turquie à reconnaître le génocide
arménien, dans un court avenir. All this will promote the provision of
Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide, in a short future.

« Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » : Dans un journal turc « Taraf » un
journaliste dit que c’est une question de morale, et que le
gouvernement turc doit reconnaître les crimes contre les Arméniens
mais aussi rendre hommage aux Turcs qui ont refusé de participer aux
massacres, quel est votre sentiment vu d’Arménie ? "News Magazine of
Armenia": In a Turkish newspaper "Taraf" a journalist said that it is
a moral issue, and that the Turkish government must acknowledge the
crimes against Armenians but also pay tribute to the Turks who refused
to participate massacres, what is your feeling light of Armenia?
Dikran Sarkissian : Nous suivons bien évidemment de près ces faits qui
sont le reflet d’une évolution de la démocratie en Turquie. Dikran
Sargsyan: We obviously follow closely these developments are a
reflection of an evolution of democracy in Turkey. Nous constatons que
dans les cercles intellectuels il ya des Turcs qui reconnaissent les
faits et que leur nombre augmente d’années en année. We note that in
intellectual circles there are Turks who recognize the facts and that
their number is rising year by year. Il est naturel que l’avancée des
valeurs démocratiques dans l’opinion publique turque tende à renforcer
ce phénomène inéluctable Un peuple évolué ne peut pas éternellement se
masquer la réalité historique. It is natural that the advance of
democratic values in Turkish public opinion tends to reinforce this
inevitable phenomenon evolved a people can not forever hide the
reality is history. Et les processus démocratiques en Turquie ne
peuvent que renforcer cette approche. And the democratic process in
Turkey can only reinforce this approach. C’est en cela que la
République d’Arménie est très intéressée par l’avancée des réformes de
la Turquie. This is where the Republic of Armenia is very interested
in the progress of reforms in Turkey. Ce phénomène répond également à
son désir d’intégrer l’Union européenne. This phenomenon also reflects
his desire to join the European Union.

« Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » : Cet accord arméno-turc traduit-il
un signe fort vers l’Europe pour une entrée éventuelle de la Turquie
dans l’Union européenne ? "News Magazine of Armenia": The
Armenian-Turkish agreement it reflects a strong signal to Europe for a
possible entry of Turkey into the European Union? Serait-ce un gage
diplomatique, un message envoyé a la communauté internationale surtout
à l’égard de la France car Nicolas Sarkozy est opposé à l’entrée de la
Turquie en Europe ainsi que la forte communauté arménienne de France ?
Is this a pledge diplomatic message sent to the international
community especially with regard to France since Nicolas Sarkozy was
opposed to the entry of Turkey into Europe and the strong Armenian
community in France?
Dikran Sarkissian : Il faut tout d’abord prendre en compte le fait que
la Turquie a réalisé environ 30 % de ses obligations à l’égard de
l’Union européenne. Dikran Sarkisian: It must first take into account
the fact that Turkey has achieved about 30% of its obligations towards
the European Union. Il est sans doute compréhensible qu’il lui reste
un long chemin à réaliser. It is understandable that he is still a
long way to achieving. La France et l’Allemagne l’observent et
estiment que la Turquie n’est pas prête à en être membre. The France
and Germany to observe and feel that Turkey is not ready to be a
member. Ces deux pays sont disposés à aborder avec la Turquie un plan
de mesures pour suivre son évolution dans ce processus qui intègre des
questions importantes comme par exemple la reforme des droits des
minorités, l’autorisation de l’enseignement de leurs langues. These
two countries are willing to discuss with Turkey an action plan to
follow its evolution in this process, which includes important issues
such as reform of minority rights, the authorization of the teaching
of their languages. Ce sont des pas importants qui exigent des
autorités une juste perception de l’opposition intérieure qu’ils
pourraient entraîner. These are important steps that the authorities
require a clear view of the internal opposition they may cause. Il est
impossible de réformer en une journée les institutions. It is
impossible to reform in one day institutions. Ce phénomène est
d’ailleurs également vrai pour l’Arménie. This is also true for
Armenia. Nous savons qu’il s’agit d’un processus douloureux par lequel
la Turquie doit passer si elle veut atteindre son cap. We know that
this is a painful process by which Turkey must pass if it wants to
reach its cap. Si elle réussit, elle s’approchera de l’Europe. If she
succeeds, she will approach Europe. Et si elle reconnaît le génocide,
sa place, sa notoriété y seront plus grande. And if it recognizes the
genocide, its place, its reputation will be greater.
Si la Turquie ne parvient pas à réaliser ces réformes, cela signifiera
que ses institutions ne sont pas démocratiques et qu’elle ne rentrera
pas dans l’Union européenne. If Turkey fails to implement these
reforms, it will mean that institutions are not democratic and it will
not fit into the European Union. Et cela voudra dire aussi que la
Turquie ne reconnaîtra pas le génocide. And it means also that Turkey
does not recognize the genocide. Nous reviendrons au point de départ.
We return to the starting point. Mais nous disposons d’une chance
historique : les autorités politiques turques ont déclaré vouloir
réformer leurs institutions pour intégrer une Europe dont elles se
considèrent comme partie prenante. But we have a historic opportunity:
the Turkish political authorities said they wanted to reform their
institutions to integrate a Europe they regard themselves as
stakeholders. Cette occasion politique est une chance pour l’Arménie
et pour l’Union européenne. The political opportunity is an
opportunity for Armenia and the European Union.

« Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » : L’ouverture de la frontière entre
les deux pays peut générer des angoisses, peut-on redouter une
turquisation de l’Arménie ? "News Magazine of Armenia": The opening of
the border between the two countries can generate anxiety, fear can be
a Turkization of Armenia?
Dikran Sarkissian : L’ouverture des frontières peut susciter des
risques, mais des frontières fermées aussi ! Dikran Sarkissian: Open
borders may create risks, but closed borders too! Et au XXIe siècle,
la fermeture des frontières constitue un non-sens. And the
twenty-first century, the border closure is nonsense. La communauté
internationale souhaite leur ouverture et nous devons être prêts à
aborder cette nouvelle ère et à ne pas la redouter. The international
community wants them open and we must be prepared to discuss this new
era and do not fear. La politique arménienne prône une ouverture dans
le cadre d’une économie libérale de marché et le gouvernement est prêt
à coopérer avec tous nos voisins dans ce cadre là. The Armenian
political advocates openness in the context of a liberal market
economy and the government is ready to cooperate with all our
neighbors within this framework. Cette stratégie présente aussi des
risques mais ils sont connus et momentanés. This strategy also
involves risks, but they are known and momentary. Nous devons être
prêts à les gérer. We must be ready to manage. C’est un challenge pour
l’Arménie et nous sommes prêts à relever ce défi. It is a challenge
for Armenia and we are ready to meet this challenge.

« Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » : Y at-il des risques politiques ?
Dikran Sarkissian : Pour la gestion des risques de sécurité
intérieure, la République d’Arménie dispose d’une législation.
"Armenia News Magazine: Are there political risks? Dikran Sarkisian:
To manage the risk of internal security, the Republic of Armenia has
legislation. Si ces risques mettaient en danger l’indépendance du pays
et notre souveraineté nationale, il ne serait alors pas exclu de
refermer notre frontière ! If these risks were endangering the
country’s independence and national sovereignty, then it would not
rule out closing the border!

« Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine » : L’Azerbaïdjan se dit victime d’une
trahison, est-ce que la question du Haut Karabagh a interféré lors des
pourparlers et de ces accords à Zurich ? "New Armenian magazine"
Azerbaijan is a victim of treachery, is that the issue of Nagorno
Karabakh has interfered in the talks and the agreements in Zurich?
Dikran Sarkissian : La position de la République d’Arménie est très
claire et n’a jamais variée sur ce point : nous sommes prêts à établir
avec la Turquie des relations diplomatiques sans pré conditions.
Dikran Sarkisian: The position of the Republic of Armenia is very
clear and has never varied on this point: we are ready to establish
with Turkey’s diplomatic relations without preconditions. Ce qui
signifie qu’un troisième pays ne peut interférer dans ces relations
bilatérales. This means that a third country can interfere in these
relations. Nous continuerons à rester sur cette position. We continue
to remain in this position. Il est cependant vrai que l’Azerbaïdjan et
la Turquie tentent dans leurs déclarations publiques de revenir sur la
question du Haut Karabagh en la liant aux protocoles conclus. It is
however true that Azerbaijan and Turkey are trying in their public
statements to revisit the issue of Nagorno Karabakh in the binding
protocols concluded. Mais nous avons déclaré avec les ministres des
Affaires étrangères de la France, de la Russie et de l’Europe que ces
accords ne devaient pas être liés à la question du règlement du
conflit du Haut Karabagh et nous devons maintenir cette position
essentielle ! But we said with the foreign ministers of France, Russia
and Europe that these agreements should not be related to the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and we must maintain this
position essential! Il est vrai que dans la politique d’ensemble,
l’amélioration des relations arméno- turques ne peut pas ne pas
influer sur les nombreux conflits de la région et les marquer de son
empreinte. It is true that in the overall policy, improvement of
Armenian-Turkish relations can not but influence the many conflicts in
the region and make its mark. Et c’est pour cela que l’Azerbaïdjan se
montre très contrarié de cette entente puisque selon ce pays
l’amélioration des relations arméno-turques va à son encontre. And
that is why Azerbaijan is very upset because of this agreement by that
country improve Turkish-Armenian relations will against him. Mais en
ce qui nous concerne, nous pensons que l’amélioration des relations
arméno-turques favorisera le renforcement de la paix dans toute la
région et cela ira dans le sens des intérêts de chacun de nos pays, y
compris l’Azerbaïdjan. But in our case, we believe that the
improvement of Turkish-Armenian relations will promote the
strengthening of peace throughout the region and it will go in the
interests of each of our countries, including Azerbaijan. Bakou sait
pertinemment que la question du Haut Karabagh ne peut être réglée
qu’avec des pourparlers de paix. Baku knows that the issue of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict can be resolved only in peace talks. En fait,
l’amélioration des relations arméno-turques contribuera à
l’amélioration des relations arméno-azéries pour un règlement
pacifique de la question du Haut Karabagh. In fact, improvement of
Turkish-Armenian relations will contribute to the improvement of
Armenian-Azerbaijani relations for a peaceful settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh.
Interview réalisée à Erévan par Krikor Amirzayan Interview conducted
in Yerevan by Krikor Amirzayan

Turkish Press
Nov 15 2009

France And Turkey: With Or Without The E.U.?

Published: 11/15/2009
BY BERIL DEDEOGLU

STAR- Paris was one of the important stops in Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu’s November schedule. This visit followed President Abdullah
Gul’s trip to Paris as part of the Turkish Season in France, where
certain tensions were seen. Davutoglu explained Turkey’s foreign
policy moves to the French and international media, saying that people
who claim Turkey has changed its axis should try to look at the world
with new eyes. He discussed Turkey’s approach and initiatives. During
his visit, he also met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and
probably said similar things.

France’s approach can be summed up as, ‘Let’s do the European Union
process, but let’s also develop bilateral relations,’ whereas Turkey’s
approach says that bilateral relations can’t be separated from the EU
process. France is eager to develop bilateral relations and invest in
Turkey, especially in the energy sector, and to win back military
contracts. But Turkey wants to see France change its stance, and is in
no hurry. Turkey knows that Sarkozy and his people, who oppose
Turkey’s EU bid, aren’t all there is to France.

As there are other forces in France, Turkey partially dropped
obstacles to France using its airspace to reach its troops in
Afghanistan. The US might have played a role in this. The possibility
of Gaz de France getting involved into the Nabucco project has also
been raised. Among other pipelines, Nabucco is the one which most
closely concerns Europe, but it’s also likely to suffer delays. So
getting France involved would require decision-makers to be careful
about Turkey and also shows that Turkey is in no hurry. These
developments, which don’t indicate great initiatives in terms of
bilateral relations but long-term expectations, were welcomed in
Turkey.

French Minister for EU Affairs Pierre Lellouche said that France would
continue to oppose Turkey’s EU membership, but that it wants Turkey to
stay in the talks and that France wants to maximize bilateral
economic, strategic and political relations, as does Turkey. In short,
as France tries to block Turkey’s EU membership, Turkey will try to
work with France and do what it asks. Of course some might ask, why
would Turkey do this?

Either Turkey has left the EU process and we learn this from
Lellouche, or he’s trying to create a public perception that they
convinced Turkey, that is, presenting it as a fait accompli through
such statements. Lellouche said that he was invited to attend the
recent landmark soccer game between Armenia and Turkey in Bursa, but
he wasn’t able to come due to scheduling conflicts. So the first
possibility doesn’t seem to be reasonable or credible. The second
possibility might indicate a Turkish ‘wait and see’ policy. We should
also remember that such a stance poisons Turkish public opinion and
that Turkey is helping France’s policy of throwing in the towel.
Turkey needs top officials to make statements about the issue of EU
and France.

Iran-Turkey gas deal may fail
15.11.2009 15:22 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Iran-Turkey gas deal needs to be approved by
Majlis, the chairman of the Majlis Energy Committee said here on
Wednesday.

The Mehr News Agency quoted Hamid-Reza Katouzian as saying that,
"According to Iran’s Constitution all the international contracts
needs to be approved by the Majlis."

"The recent agreements between Iran and Turkey have not been approved
by Majlis, so it is probable that the deal be cancelled," he added.

Iran and TPAO signed an agreement in 2008 based on which the Turkish
side undertook to produce 20.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural
gas annually from three development phases of Iran’s South Pars gas
field, but the deal has been delayed.

In October Iran gave TPAO one month’s deadline to finalize the deal to
develop phases 22, 23 and 24 of South Pars but extended the deadline
by three months during the Turkish high-ranking delegation’s visit to
Tehran last month.

During the visit Iran and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding
to broaden ties in the field of gas industry.

Iranian Oil Minister Masoud Mirkazemi and Turkish Energy and Natural
Resources Minister Taner
Yildiz signed the MOU.

Transferring Iranian gas to Europe via Turkey, boosting the presence
of Turkish firms in Iran’s petrochemical sector, and developing Iran’s
gas fields were among the MOU items, Tehran Times reported.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkey denies deal with France on privilege EU partnership
15.11.2009 15:29 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Burak Ozugergin
denied allegations that Turkey reached consensus or an agreement with
France to form a partnership alternative to EU membership.

Ozugergin told reporters that Turkey’s accession process to the EU was
an integral part of Turkey’s relations with France, replying to news
suggesting that bilateral relations with this country was independent
from the EU membership.

"Therefore such an agreement with France as mentioned in recent news
has always been and will be out of the question," said Ozugergin, AA
reported.

IRIN news (UN project for Humanitarian Affairs)
Nov 15 2009

IRAQ: Minority communities in Nineveh appeal for protection

Photo: Afif Sarhan/IRIN
An estimated 800,000 Christians are left in Iraq (file photo)

BAGHDAD, 15 November 2009 (IRIN) – Iraq’s minority communities in the
northern province of Nineveh have appealed to local and national
authorities for protection amid warnings of an increase in attacks
against them in the run-up to January’s national elections.

`As Christians we have been feeling insecure since the 2003 [US-led]
invasion as we are subjected to killings, kidnappings, extortion and
displacement by different parties due to either political agendas or
extremist ideologies,’ said Ihsan Matti, a 33-year-old taxi driver in
Mosul, provincial capital of Nineveh.

Matti said Iraq’s security forces were slow to respond to any
anti-Christian attacks and left their communities vulnerable to more
violence. `The government still doesn’t deal with the threats we face
seriously. We are still facing the same threats without any
sustainable measures [to counter them].’

Since 2003, minority communities have been repeatedly attacked by
Sunni militants, the majority of whom were affiliated to al-Qaida in
Iraq, by their own admission. The militants accuse minorities of being
crusaders, devil-worshipers, infidels or traitors for co-operating
with US forces.

The main groups of minorities targeted in Nineveh Province are the
Shabaks, whose numbers are estimated at 300,000-400,000 and have a
religion containing elements of Islam, Christianity and other
religions; the Yazidi community, which worships Melek Taus, the
Peacock Angel; and Christians, which are made up of Chaldeans,
Orthodox, Catholics, Assyrians, Anglicans and Armenians.

The deadliest attack on a minority group was in August 2007 when four
truck bombs detonated simultaneously in the small village of
Qahataniya, killing more than 300 Yazidis. Some five months before
that, truck bombs hit markets in the northwestern city of Tal Afar,
killing at least 152 Turkomen people.

In October 2008, a new wave of anti-Christian violence erupted in
Mosul when gunmen started attacking Christians and threatening others,
forcing them to leave the city either to displacement camps or outside
the country.

Government measures

Photo: IRIN
Gates locked outside a church in Iraq

Abdul-Raheem al-Shimari, head of the provincial Security and Defence
Committee, warned that such attacks were likely to increase in the
province in the run-up to January’s national elections, as minority
communities had a significant stake in them.

`I do believe that there will be some security disturbances not only
for the minority communities but for the whole province as we approach
the elections,’ al-Shimari told IRIN. `All parties, especially those
with influential militias, will have a role in destabilizing the
security situation to embarrass the other.’

He added that plans were underway to recruit 14,000 new police
officers and soldiers from the province. The new recruits are to be
spread around Nineveh but with a greater concentration in the areas
where minorities live.

`This will help the residents of these areas to protect their
communities,’ al-Shimari said, adding that 50cm-wide trenches were
being dug around the Christian towns of Tilkaif and Hamdaniya to
prevent car bombs getting in.

Ridha Jawad, 54, of the Shabak community complained of the
government’s `lax measures’, which he said encouraged militants to
increase their brazen attacks.

`If there were tough measures from the government against those who
attack us, such as arrests and executions, we would never see such an
increase in these attacks,’ Jawad said. `We want quick and effective
measures.’

`On vulnerable ground’

Photo: IRIN
Yazidis worship Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel, who some Muslims and
Christians consider the devil

On 10 November, New York-based NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) shed light
on another source of repression for these minority communities in
Nineveh; the longstanding territorial dispute between the central
government and the Kurdish regional government.

It its 51-page report titled "On vulnerable ground", HRW said
minorities in the disputed northern areas are caught between the
semi-autonomous regional authorities of Kurdistan and the central
government in Baghdad. It said the ongoing dispute threatens to create
a "human rights catastrophe" for these communities.

"The competing efforts to resolve deep disputes over the future of
northern Iraq have left the minority communities who live there in a
precarious position, bearing the brunt of conflict and coming under
intense pressure to declare their loyalty to one side or the other, or
face consequences," the report said.

"They have been victimized by Kurdish authorities’ heavy handed
tactics, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, and intimidation
directed at anyone resistant to Kurdish expansionist plans," it added.

The rights watchdog called upon the Iraqi government and the Kurdish
regional government to protect minorities and to create an independent
body of inquiry to determine those responsible for the orchestrated
killings of minorities.

Yazidi community member Hamoo Khalil, 44, said that if the government
did not do more to protect them from attacks they would be forced to
take matters into their own hands.

`If the situation continues like this we’ll find ourselves taking up
our own arms to defend our families,’ said Khalil, a father of six who
runs a small supermarket in Baashiqa town, about 15km north of Mosul.
`I’m afraid that we’ve reached the point where we have no trust in the
government’s forces.’

sm/ed

px?ReportId=87044

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Russian, U.S. President discuss Iran’s nuclear program
15.11.2009 16:26 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ U.S. President Barack Obama said Sunday time was
running out for diplomacy to resolve a crisis over Iran’s nuclear
program, but Russian President Dmitry Medvedev offered softer
criticism of Tehran.

The United States had been willing to give Iran time to decide whether
to accept a U.N.-brokered deal meant to allay suspicions it is after
atomic bombs but which has drawn Iranian objections, a U.S. diplomat
said a week ago.

Sunday Obama, speaking after talks with Medvedev on the sidelines of
an Asia-Pacific meeting in Singapore, suggested patience was running
low.

"Unfortunately, so far at least, Iran appears to have been unable to
say yes to what everyone acknowledges is a creative and constructive
approach," Obama said while seated next to Medvedev. "We are running
out of time with respect to that approach."

Repeating previous Russian language, Medvedev said "other means" could
be used if discussions did not yield results, but did not specify what
they might be.

"Thanks to joint efforts the process of (the Iran talks) has not
stopped but we are not completely happy about its pace. If something
does not work there are other means to move the process further," he
said.
"Our aim is clear – a transparent nuclear program rather than a
program which causes others’ concern."

In talks with six powers in Geneva on October 1, Iran had agreed in
principle to send the bulk of its low-enriched uranium to Russia and
France for further processing and conversion into fuel plates for the
Tehran reactor, Western officials said.

The plan for Iran to part with stocks of potential nuclear explosive
material in exchange for fuel to keep a nuclear medicine facility
running has subsequently stumbled on Iranian calls for amendments and
more talks, which Washington has rejected, Reuters reported.

Cham Press, Syria
Nov 15 2009

President al-Assad Meets Catholicos of All Armenians, Upgrading
Relations with Armenia and Countries of Region is a Priority

Damascus-Receiving Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin
II, President al-Assad expressed relief over the signature of the
normalization of relations agreement between Turkey and Armenia which
will positively affect the region’s peoples and future.

The historical relations connecting the Syrian and Armenian peoples,
were reviewed during the meeting, where His Holiness Catholicos
stressed the importance of the recent visit paid by President al-Assad
to Armenia and the good impression it has left in the hearts of the
Armenian people.

He highly appreciated Syria’s embracement of the Armenians as a
full-fledged Syrian citizens who contribute in the development and
prosperity of their country.

– President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday stressed Syria’s keenness on
upgrading its relations with Armenia in all fields to match the
distinguished relations between peoples of the two countries and its
determination to contribute in all what would push relations among
countries of the region forward.

Sunday 15-11-2009
/Article/view/48133