ASBAREZ Online [03-01-2005]

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03/01/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Ambassador Evans's Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy 2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims 3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus 4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany 5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks 6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation 7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement 1) Ambassador Evans' Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy ANCA voices community outrage over Administration's inability to withstand Turkish pressure over Ambassador's statements WASHINGTON, DC--US Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans, only days after completing an official tour of Armenian American communities during which he repeatedly gave recognition to the Armenian genocide, has noted that these comments were his private views and do not reflect a change in US government policy. His statement on this subject was posted Tuesday on the Embassy's website: "Armenian Americans are profoundly disappointed by those influential officials that remain within the Administration who--against all facts and contrary to US interests--are still able to impose their agenda on every front of the increasingly untenable and lop-sided US-Turkey relationship. This is particularly troubling, coming at a time when Turkey has obstructed US regional objectives, deceived US policymakers, and fostered an unprecedented level of anti-American sentiment among its citizens. As a community, we vigorously condemn the ongoing policy of US complicity in Turkey's shameful campaign of genocide denial," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Regardless of the disappointing outcome of this episode, we commend Amb. Evans for his courage in coming forward and publicly stating his views on the Armenian genocide, views that are shared by all but the Turkish government and its surrogates. In so doing, the Ambassador has placed this issue prominently on America's public agenda. For our part, as Armenian Americans, on this year of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, will pursue this matter with renewed vigor--with the White House, Congress, and the entire foreign policy community," added Hamparian. Ambassador Evans comments were made at a series of public Armenian American community outreach events in Boston, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno, and Washington, DC. During his presentations in these cities, the Ambassador spoke with a level of candor on the Armenian genocide that was specifically welcomed by Armenian Americans. During his public presentation at the University of California, Berkeley, hosted by Armenian Studies Program Executive Director, Prof. Stephan Astourian, Evans announced, "I will today call it the Armenian Genocide." The Ambassador, who has studied Russian History at Yale and Columbia universities and Ottoman History at the Kennan Institute, argued, "We, the US government, owe you, our fellow citizens a more frank and honest way of discussing this problem. Today, as someone who's studied it...There's no doubt in my mind what happened." He explained that he had also consulted with a State Department lawyer who confirmed that the events of 1915 were "genocide by definition." Amb. Evans' commitment to moral clarity came through in further remarks, stating, "I think it is unbecoming of us as Americans to play word games here. I believe in calling things by their name." During a speech to schoolchildren at the Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles, Amb. Evans cited with pride that 37 US states had recognized the Armenian genocide. 2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board member Paul Krekorian announced that March 16 is the absolute deadline to submit a claim for payment under the class action settlement in Marootian v. New York Life Insurance Co. The Marootian case was a class action suit filed in United States District Court by the heirs of Armenians who had purchased life insurance from New York Life in the Ottoman Empire between 1875 and 1915. The heirs contend that on the deaths of the policyholders, many of whom were murdered by Turks during the Armenian genocide, New York Life did not pay the benefits on these policies. Last year, New York Life agreed to settle the class action suit by paying a total of $20 million, including up to $11 million for the heirs of the policyholders and at least $3 million for specified Armenian charities. "The beneficiaries of these policies have waited 90 years for justice," said Settlement Fund Board member Krekorian, an attorney who also serves as Vice President of the Burbank Board of Education. "It would be a great tragedy if their efforts were frustrated now because they missed a simple deadline and waived their legitimate legal rights," Krekorian said. The heirs of policyholders may be considered for a share of benefits under this settlement only if they submit a Notice of Claim form by March 16. The form may be obtained by calling the toll free information line at 1-866-422-0124 or visiting the settlement fund website at <;www.armenianinsurancesettlemen t.com. Claims may come from anywhere in the world, and it is not necessary that complete documentation be included with the Notice of Claim form. After the Settlement Fund Board receives the Notice of Claim form, the claimant will be informed about other steps that are required in the process. The settlement fund website includes a partial list of New York Life policyholders from the relevant era, and those who believe they may be heirs can search for their ancestors on this list. However, it is not necessary that their ancestor appear on the list in order to submit a claim. A claim might still be approved if the heir has some other evidence that their ancestor was a policyholder and payment was not made, even if the ancestor does not appear on the list. The Settlement Fund Board is an independent panel of three Armenian community leaders appointed by California State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. The Settlement Fund Board is not affiliated in any way with the lawyers who handled the class action suit, and the Board members were not involved in negotiating the terms of the settlement. The Settlement Fund Board is an entirely independent panel that will evaluate all of the claims of individual heirs and award the funds to those who meet the qualifications of the agreement. The three members of the Board are Paul Krekorian; attorney and law professor Berj Boyajian; and physician and health care activist Viken Manjikian. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, $3 million has already been distributed in equal shares to the AGBU, the Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Education Foundation, the Armenian Missionary Association, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church of North America, and the Eastern and Western Prelacies of the Armenian Apostolic Church. 3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus LONDON (International Herald Tribune)--The European Union warned Turkey on Monday that it must recognize Cyprus soon if it wants to begin talks to join the Union in October. The view reflects mounting concern within the EU that Turkey may not meet its promise to tacitly recognize Cyprus, which was the condition agreed to by EU leaders last December for talks to begin on Oct. 3 this year. "The member states of the European Union expect Turkey to sign the protocol regarding the adaptation of the Ankara agreement as soon as possible," said Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, which currently holds the EU presidency. "There is no possibility for Ankara to start commenting on what has already been negotiated," he added after talks in Luxembourg with President Tassos Papadopoulos of Cyprus. After tense negotiations at a summit meeting with EU leaders last December, Turkey agreed to tacitly recognize Cyprus, although at the time Turkey insisted that did not represent formal political recognition. Ankara agreed to sign a protocol that extended an existing customs union with the EU to the 10 new countries that joined the EU last May, including Cyprus. The landmark agreement appeared to end months of uncertainty about whether Europeans could accept Turkey within the EU's borders. It also appeared to pave the way for Turkey to join the Union at the end of negotiations, which were set to last for 10 to 15 years. But since December, Ankara has not moved to sign the protocol, leading EU officials Monday to warn that a delay jeopardized the December agreement. "Obviously the protocol has to be ratified before it can enter into force. If Turkey does not sign soon we will have a problem with the ratification process," a spokesman for the Luxembourg government said. "The clock is ticking." Earlier Monday, Nicolas Schmit, the foreign affairs and immigration minister of Luxembourg, said that Turkey's EU membership efforts had lost momentum. "After the Brussels summit there has been a loss of enthusiasm," he said during a visit to Turkey. "That has created certain worries" about Ankara's determination to join the EU, Schmit said in a television interview ahead of a meeting with Abdullah Gul, the Turkish foreign minister. "We cannot say there has been a very good atmosphere" in Turkey, Schmit said. Schmit underlined the necessity for Turkey to continue its pro-European momentum and to fully implement the reforms already proposed by Turkey in its campaign to join the EU. However, Abdullah said Monday that EU membership remained Turkey's "top priority." "The process of democratization will be followed with the same determination," Gul was quoted as saying by the Turkish news agency Anatolia. During the past five years, Turkey has undertaken a raft of reforms to meet requirements for EU membership. However, it has stopped short of recognizing Cyprus, a key condition for EU countries. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey occupied the northern part of the island following a Greek Cypriot coup that sought to unite the island with Greece. In December, EU countries agreed that the final goal of negotiations with Turkey would be membership of the EU but they offered no guarantees that the talks would necessarily end in Turkey joining the EU. They also stipulated that Turkey could face strict long-term restrictions on the migration of Turks into Western Europe. The safeguards would be the toughest yet faced by a nation aspiring to join the EU. The Union also said it would break off talks if Ankara broke promises on human rights and democratic reforms. 4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany (Combined Sources)Turkey has new reason to vent its frustration over the manner in which various German circles have been treating the issue of the Armenian genocide. The German opposition Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) last week issued a statement calling for the immediate recognition of the genocide perpetrated under the Ottoman regime. Turkey's Ambassador to Germany, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, immediately swung back by labeling the opposition as the "spokesman for fanatical Armenian nationalism." Now, Turkey has discovered that some Armenians are interested in converting German historian Johannes Lepsius's home into an Armenian genocide museum. Born in Potsdam, Germany in 1858, Lepsiusan evangelical pastor--was, from the onset, interested in documenting the persecution of Ottoman Armenians. After the first wave of massacres struck in the mid-1890s, Lepsius set up the Deutsche Orient Mission with the aim of assisting Armenian orphans. In an attempt to publicize the atrocities, Lepsius in 1896 published "Armenians and Europe"the first report documenting the large-scale massacres directed by Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Soon after, the German philanthropist established the "Lepsius Foundation," and participated in the diplomatic conferences on the Armenian question in Constantinople, Paris, London and Bern. During the first state of the genocide, Lepsius arranged to meet privately with Minister of War Enver Pasha, who disregarded the German's pleas. Within the following year, Lepius authored and privately published "The Condition of the Armenian People in Turkey," copies of which were censored and confiscated by the German government. Prior to his death in 1926, Lepsius took refuge in Holland, where he published yet another volume, "Germany and Armenia 1914-1918," in which he thoroughly documented German complicity in the Genocide. After the assassination of former Minister of Interior Talaat Pasha, Lepsius appeared as an expert witness on behalf of Soghomon Tehlirian. Turkish officials have told the German Ambassador in Ankara that the move to establish the genocide museum could seriously impact the relations between the two countries. 5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The next and potentially crucial round of Armenian-Azeri peace talks on Karabagh, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed due to Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian's illness, officials in Yerevan said on Tuesday. A spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Sedrak Bejanian, said the meeting between Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov may still take place in Prague later this week. "Everything depends on the minister's health condition," he said. Oskanian is said to be suffering from an acute cold. He has not been seen in public since returning from a visit to Equatorial Guinea a week ago. Meanwhile, Mammadyarov was already in Prague on Monday. Azeri media, citing the Foreign Ministry in Baku, said the meetings mediated by the French, Russian, and US co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group will take place in Paris on Thursday. Bejanian did not confirm or refute the information. "Nothing can be ruled out," he said. The planned talks are part of "the Prague process." It began last year and raised new hopes for a breakthrough in the protracted search for Karabagh peace. Speaking after his most recent encounter with Mammadyarov in the Czech capital on January 11, Oskanian said the "second phase" of that process could prove decisive. The mediators are also cautiously optimistic. "We hope that there will be progress," the chief French negotiator, Bernard Fassier, said on February 8. For his part, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans remarked in a recent speech in California that the current situation bodes well for the conflict's resolution as neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan is nearing an election. Addressing a group of Armenian-Americans, Evans also stated that "Karabagh can't be given back to Azerbaijan." The remark drew protests from Azerbaijan. Baku's ambassador in Washington, Hafiz Pashaev, said he was assured by senior US State Department officials that Evans had expressed his personal opinion. In a statement on Monday, the US envoy said he regrets "misunderstandings" caused by his comments but did not retract them. 6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation Galveston, TX--The City of Galveston issued a proclamation last week, marking the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of Texas (ANC-TX). The city adds its name to the growing list of states, counties, and towns who have joined the Armenian American community in commemorating this crime against humanity. "Armenians in Galveston and throughout Texas join together in thanking Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas for her proclamation commemorating the Armenian Genocide, for her leadership in the Galveston-Armavir sister city program, and for all of her outreach to the Armenian community," said ANC-Texas representative Vatche Hovsepian. "This is a kick-off of the 90th anniversary commemoration events in Texas. We recognize the important role Texas plays in national politics. We hope to build on this and other successes, catapulting 'Texahye' concerns on the state-wide level." Since 2001, Galveston has been developing a special relationship with Armenia and the Armenian American community. Through the efforts of the University of Texas and widespread support by local Armenian community organizations, including the ANC, Galveston established a sister-city relationship with Armavir, Armenia. The University worked on healthcare and disaster preparedness projects in Armavir through a collaboration of the American International Health Alliance (AIHA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID.) To read more about the University of Texas Medical Branch Community Outreach Partnership Program between Armavir, Armenia / Galveston, Texas, visit: <; virPartnership/Default.asp 7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement Congressional Armenian Caucus organizes special order speeches WASHINGTON, DC--Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) were joined by Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and Michael McNulty (D-NY), last week, in commemorating the 17th anniversary of the Mountainous Karabagh liberation movement, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) The House Members stressed their commitment in ensuring a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Karabagh conflict. "We join with the people of Nagorno Karabagh, Armenians around the world, and throughout the United States in thanking Representatives Frank Pallone, Joe Knollenberg, Rush Holt, Carolyn Maloney, and Michael McNulty for helping to mark the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabagh liberation movement," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "In 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabagh--at great sacrifice--were the first to rise up against Soviet misrule, sparking powerful pro-democracy movements that would bring an end to the Cold War and ultimately make the United States and the entire world safer." In Special Order speeches organized by the Congressional Armenian Caucus, the Representatives called attention to Mountainous Karabagh Republic's commitment to self-determination and regional peace. In his remarks, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone reviewed Karabagh's efforts to end Soviet-era oppression of its citizenry. "During the seven decades of Soviet rule, the Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh repeatedly stated to each successive Soviet regime their desire to be joined against with Armenia. These peaceful and legal maneuvers were met with violent repression and forced settlement of ethnic Azeris into Nagorno Karabagh," explained Rep. Pallone. He noted that on the fall of the Soviet Union, the "Nagorno Karabagh population overwhelmingly voted to establish an independent Nagorno Karabagh Republic, currently known as Nagorno Karabagh Republic." Noting his participation in an election-monitoring group for the Karabagh presidential elections, he praised the strengthening of democracy in the state. "This process is astounding considering that Nagorno Karabagh Republic is not recognized internationally; that they still must deal every day with Azeri aggression, and that their economy is still devastated from the war," stated Pallone. New York Democrat Carolyn Maloney remarked that "The people of Nagorno Karabagh courageously defended their right to live freely on their ancestral lands." She went on to cite the importance of ongoing US assistance to Nagorno Karabagh, "which has a vital role in achieving a peaceful and stable South Caucasus region." Rep. McNulty noted that "Nagorno Karabagh continues to strengthen its statehood with a democratically elected government, a capable armed forces and independent foreign policy. I stand with the people of Nagorno Karabagh in celebrating their continuing freedom and democracy." Rep. Holt cited the importance of finding a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Karabagh conflict. "Just as the people of Nagorno Karabagh saw the necessity of a peaceful secession from Azerbaijan seventeen years ago, so too must a peaceful resolution be achieved with this current conflict. . .The United States will continue to promote the cause of our democratic friends in Nagorno Karabagh, not yielding until the goals set forth on February 20, 1988, have been fully realized." Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg sent a congratulatory letter to Karabagh President Arkady Ghoukasian, commending the Karabagh people on the 17th anniversary of the liberation movement and pledging support for continued efforts to find a lasting peace in the region. The complete texts of the Congressional statements may be found on the ANCA website at the following link: All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. --Boundary_(ID_4LGluBV3naeXXI9yW2Oo6Q) Content-type: message/rfc822; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-description: From: KM
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ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
03/01/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Ambassador Evans's Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy 2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims 3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus 4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany 5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks 6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation 7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement 1) Ambassador Evans' Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy ANCA voices community outrage over Administration's inability to withstand Turkish pressure over Ambassador's statements WASHINGTON, DC--US Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans, only days after completing an official tour of Armenian American communities during which he repeatedly gave recognition to the Armenian genocide, has noted that these comments were his private views and do not reflect a change in US government policy. His statement on this subject was posted Tuesday on the Embassy's website: "Armenian Americans are profoundly disappointed by those influential officials that remain within the Administration who--against all facts and contrary to US interests--are still able to impose their agenda on every front of the increasingly untenable and lop-sided US-Turkey relationship. This is particularly troubling, coming at a time when Turkey has obstructed US regional objectives, deceived US policymakers, and fostered an unprecedented level of anti-American sentiment among its citizens. As a community, we vigorously condemn the ongoing policy of US complicity in Turkey's shameful campaign of genocide denial," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Regardless of the disappointing outcome of this episode, we commend Amb. Evans for his courage in coming forward and publicly stating his views on the Armenian genocide, views that are shared by all but the Turkish government and its surrogates. In so doing, the Ambassador has placed this issue prominently on America's public agenda. For our part, as Armenian Americans, on this year of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, will pursue this matter with renewed vigor--with the White House, Congress, and the entire foreign policy community," added Hamparian. Ambassador Evans comments were made at a series of public Armenian American community outreach events in Boston, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno, and Washington, DC. During his presentations in these cities, the Ambassador spoke with a level of candor on the Armenian genocide that was specifically welcomed by Armenian Americans. During his public presentation at the University of California, Berkeley, hosted by Armenian Studies Program Executive Director, Prof. Stephan Astourian, Evans announced, "I will today call it the Armenian Genocide." The Ambassador, who has studied Russian History at Yale and Columbia universities and Ottoman History at the Kennan Institute, argued, "We, the US government, owe you, our fellow citizens a more frank and honest way of discussing this problem. Today, as someone who's studied it...There's no doubt in my mind what happened." He explained that he had also consulted with a State Department lawyer who confirmed that the events of 1915 were "genocide by definition." Amb. Evans' commitment to moral clarity came through in further remarks, stating, "I think it is unbecoming of us as Americans to play word games here. I believe in calling things by their name." During a speech to schoolchildren at the Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles, Amb. Evans cited with pride that 37 US states had recognized the Armenian genocide. 2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board member Paul Krekorian announced that March 16 is the absolute deadline to submit a claim for payment under the class action settlement in Marootian v. New York Life Insurance Co. The Marootian case was a class action suit filed in United States District Court by the heirs of Armenians who had purchased life insurance from New York Life in the Ottoman Empire between 1875 and 1915. The heirs contend that on the deaths of the policyholders, many of whom were murdered by Turks during the Armenian genocide, New York Life did not pay the benefits on these policies. Last year, New York Life agreed to settle the class action suit by paying a total of $20 million, including up to $11 million for the heirs of the policyholders and at least $3 million for specified Armenian charities. "The beneficiaries of these policies have waited 90 years for justice," said Settlement Fund Board member Krekorian, an attorney who also serves as Vice President of the Burbank Board of Education. "It would be a great tragedy if their efforts were frustrated now because they missed a simple deadline and waived their legitimate legal rights," Krekorian said. The heirs of policyholders may be considered for a share of benefits under this settlement only if they submit a Notice of Claim form by March 16. The form may be obtained by calling the toll free information line at 1-866-422-0124 or visiting the settlement fund website at <;www.armenianinsurancesettlemen t.com. Claims may come from anywhere in the world, and it is not necessary that complete documentation be included with the Notice of Claim form. After the Settlement Fund Board receives the Notice of Claim form, the claimant will be informed about other steps that are required in the process. The settlement fund website includes a partial list of New York Life policyholders from the relevant era, and those who believe they may be heirs can search for their ancestors on this list. However, it is not necessary that their ancestor appear on the list in order to submit a claim. A claim might still be approved if the heir has some other evidence that their ancestor was a policyholder and payment was not made, even if the ancestor does not appear on the list. The Settlement Fund Board is an independent panel of three Armenian community leaders appointed by California State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. The Settlement Fund Board is not affiliated in any way with the lawyers who handled the class action suit, and the Board members were not involved in negotiating the terms of the settlement. The Settlement Fund Board is an entirely independent panel that will evaluate all of the claims of individual heirs and award the funds to those who meet the qualifications of the agreement. The three members of the Board are Paul Krekorian; attorney and law professor Berj Boyajian; and physician and health care activist Viken Manjikian. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, $3 million has already been distributed in equal shares to the AGBU, the Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Education Foundation, the Armenian Missionary Association, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church of North America, and the Eastern and Western Prelacies of the Armenian Apostolic Church. 3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus LONDON (International Herald Tribune)--The European Union warned Turkey on Monday that it must recognize Cyprus soon if it wants to begin talks to join the Union in October. The view reflects mounting concern within the EU that Turkey may not meet its promise to tacitly recognize Cyprus, which was the condition agreed to by EU leaders last December for talks to begin on Oct. 3 this year. "The member states of the European Union expect Turkey to sign the protocol regarding the adaptation of the Ankara agreement as soon as possible," said Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, which currently holds the EU presidency. "There is no possibility for Ankara to start commenting on what has already been negotiated," he added after talks in Luxembourg with President Tassos Papadopoulos of Cyprus. After tense negotiations at a summit meeting with EU leaders last December, Turkey agreed to tacitly recognize Cyprus, although at the time Turkey insisted that did not represent formal political recognition. Ankara agreed to sign a protocol that extended an existing customs union with the EU to the 10 new countries that joined the EU last May, including Cyprus. The landmark agreement appeared to end months of uncertainty about whether Europeans could accept Turkey within the EU's borders. It also appeared to pave the way for Turkey to join the Union at the end of negotiations, which were set to last for 10 to 15 years. But since December, Ankara has not moved to sign the protocol, leading EU officials Monday to warn that a delay jeopardized the December agreement. "Obviously the protocol has to be ratified before it can enter into force. If Turkey does not sign soon we will have a problem with the ratification process," a spokesman for the Luxembourg government said. "The clock is ticking." Earlier Monday, Nicolas Schmit, the foreign affairs and immigration minister of Luxembourg, said that Turkey's EU membership efforts had lost momentum. "After the Brussels summit there has been a loss of enthusiasm," he said during a visit to Turkey. "That has created certain worries" about Ankara's determination to join the EU, Schmit said in a television interview ahead of a meeting with Abdullah Gul, the Turkish foreign minister. "We cannot say there has been a very good atmosphere" in Turkey, Schmit said. Schmit underlined the necessity for Turkey to continue its pro-European momentum and to fully implement the reforms already proposed by Turkey in its campaign to join the EU. However, Abdullah said Monday that EU membership remained Turkey's "top priority." "The process of democratization will be followed with the same determination," Gul was quoted as saying by the Turkish news agency Anatolia. During the past five years, Turkey has undertaken a raft of reforms to meet requirements for EU membership. However, it has stopped short of recognizing Cyprus, a key condition for EU countries. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey occupied the northern part of the island following a Greek Cypriot coup that sought to unite the island with Greece. In December, EU countries agreed that the final goal of negotiations with Turkey would be membership of the EU but they offered no guarantees that the talks would necessarily end in Turkey joining the EU. They also stipulated that Turkey could face strict long-term restrictions on the migration of Turks into Western Europe. The safeguards would be the toughest yet faced by a nation aspiring to join the EU. The Union also said it would break off talks if Ankara broke promises on human rights and democratic reforms. 4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany (Combined Sources)Turkey has new reason to vent its frustration over the manner in which various German circles have been treating the issue of the Armenian genocide. The German opposition Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) last week issued a statement calling for the immediate recognition of the genocide perpetrated under the Ottoman regime. Turkey's Ambassador to Germany, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, immediately swung back by labeling the opposition as the "spokesman for fanatical Armenian nationalism." Now, Turkey has discovered that some Armenians are interested in converting German historian Johannes Lepsius's home into an Armenian genocide museum. Born in Potsdam, Germany in 1858, Lepsiusan evangelical pastor--was, from the onset, interested in documenting the persecution of Ottoman Armenians. After the first wave of massacres struck in the mid-1890s, Lepsius set up the Deutsche Orient Mission with the aim of assisting Armenian orphans. In an attempt to publicize the atrocities, Lepsius in 1896 published "Armenians and Europe"the first report documenting the large-scale massacres directed by Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Soon after, the German philanthropist established the "Lepsius Foundation," and participated in the diplomatic conferences on the Armenian question in Constantinople, Paris, London and Bern. During the first state of the genocide, Lepsius arranged to meet privately with Minister of War Enver Pasha, who disregarded the German's pleas. Within the following year, Lepius authored and privately published "The Condition of the Armenian People in Turkey," copies of which were censored and confiscated by the German government. Prior to his death in 1926, Lepsius took refuge in Holland, where he published yet another volume, "Germany and Armenia 1914-1918," in which he thoroughly documented German complicity in the Genocide. After the assassination of former Minister of Interior Talaat Pasha, Lepsius appeared as an expert witness on behalf of Soghomon Tehlirian. Turkish officials have told the German Ambassador in Ankara that the move to establish the genocide museum could seriously impact the relations between the two countries. 5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The next and potentially crucial round of Armenian-Azeri peace talks on Karabagh, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed due to Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian's illness, officials in Yerevan said on Tuesday. A spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Sedrak Bejanian, said the meeting between Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov may still take place in Prague later this week. "Everything depends on the minister's health condition," he said. Oskanian is said to be suffering from an acute cold. He has not been seen in public since returning from a visit to Equatorial Guinea a week ago. Meanwhile, Mammadyarov was already in Prague on Monday. Azeri media, citing the Foreign Ministry in Baku, said the meetings mediated by the French, Russian, and US co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group will take place in Paris on Thursday. Bejanian did not confirm or refute the information. "Nothing can be ruled out," he said. The planned talks are part of "the Prague process." It began last year and raised new hopes for a breakthrough in the protracted search for Karabagh peace. Speaking after his most recent encounter with Mammadyarov in the Czech capital on January 11, Oskanian said the "second phase" of that process could prove decisive. The mediators are also cautiously optimistic. "We hope that there will be progress," the chief French negotiator, Bernard Fassier, said on February 8. For his part, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans remarked in a recent speech in California that the current situation bodes well for the conflict's resolution as neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan is nearing an election. Addressing a group of Armenian-Americans, Evans also stated that "Karabagh can't be given back to Azerbaijan." The remark drew protests from Azerbaijan. Baku's ambassador in Washington, Hafiz Pashaev, said he was assured by senior US State Department officials that Evans had expressed his personal opinion. In a statement on Monday, the US envoy said he regrets "misunderstandings" caused by his comments but did not retract them. 6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation Galveston, TX--The City of Galveston issued a proclamation last week, marking the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of Texas (ANC-TX). The city adds its name to the growing list of states, counties, and towns who have joined the Armenian American community in commemorating this crime against humanity. "Armenians in Galveston and throughout Texas join together in thanking Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas for her proclamation commemorating the Armenian Genocide, for her leadership in the Galveston-Armavir sister city program, and for all of her outreach to the Armenian community," said ANC-Texas representative Vatche Hovsepian. "This is a kick-off of the 90th anniversary commemoration events in Texas. We recognize the important role Texas plays in national politics. We hope to build on this and other successes, catapulting 'Texahye' concerns on the state-wide level." Since 2001, Galveston has been developing a special relationship with Armenia and the Armenian American community. Through the efforts of the University of Texas and widespread support by local Armenian community organizations, including the ANC, Galveston established a sister-city relationship with Armavir, Armenia. The University worked on healthcare and disaster preparedness projects in Armavir through a collaboration of the American International Health Alliance (AIHA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID.) To read more about the University of Texas Medical Branch Community Outreach Partnership Program between Armavir, Armenia / Galveston, Texas, visit: <; virPartnership/Default.asp 7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement Congressional Armenian Caucus organizes special order speeches WASHINGTON, DC--Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) were joined by Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and Michael McNulty (D-NY), last week, in commemorating the 17th anniversary of the Mountainous Karabagh liberation movement, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) The House Members stressed their commitment in ensuring a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Karabagh conflict. "We join with the people of Nagorno Karabagh, Armenians around the world, and throughout the United States in thanking Representatives Frank Pallone, Joe Knollenberg, Rush Holt, Carolyn Maloney, and Michael McNulty for helping to mark the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabagh liberation movement," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "In 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabagh--at great sacrifice--were the first to rise up against Soviet misrule, sparking powerful pro-democracy movements that would bring an end to the Cold War and ultimately make the United States and the entire world safer." In Special Order speeches organized by the Congressional Armenian Caucus, the Representatives called attention to Mountainous Karabagh Republic's commitment to self-determination and regional peace. In his remarks, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone reviewed Karabagh's efforts to end Soviet-era oppression of its citizenry. "During the seven decades of Soviet rule, the Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh repeatedly stated to each successive Soviet regime their desire to be joined against with Armenia. These peaceful and legal maneuvers were met with violent repression and forced settlement of ethnic Azeris into Nagorno Karabagh," explained Rep. Pallone. He noted that on the fall of the Soviet Union, the "Nagorno Karabagh population overwhelmingly voted to establish an independent Nagorno Karabagh Republic, currently known as Nagorno Karabagh Republic." Noting his participation in an election-monitoring group for the Karabagh presidential elections, he praised the strengthening of democracy in the state. "This process is astounding considering that Nagorno Karabagh Republic is not recognized internationally; that they still must deal every day with Azeri aggression, and that their economy is still devastated from the war," stated Pallone. New York Democrat Carolyn Maloney remarked that "The people of Nagorno Karabagh courageously defended their right to live freely on their ancestral lands." She went on to cite the importance of ongoing US assistance to Nagorno Karabagh, "which has a vital role in achieving a peaceful and stable South Caucasus region." Rep. McNulty noted that "Nagorno Karabagh continues to strengthen its statehood with a democratically elected government, a capable armed forces and independent foreign policy. I stand with the people of Nagorno Karabagh in celebrating their continuing freedom and democracy." Rep. Holt cited the importance of finding a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Karabagh conflict. "Just as the people of Nagorno Karabagh saw the necessity of a peaceful secession from Azerbaijan seventeen years ago, so too must a peaceful resolution be achieved with this current conflict. . .The United States will continue to promote the cause of our democratic friends in Nagorno Karabagh, not yielding until the goals set forth on February 20, 1988, have been fully realized." Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg sent a congratulatory letter to Karabagh President Arkady Ghoukasian, commending the Karabagh people on the 17th anniversary of the liberation movement and pledging support for continued efforts to find a lasting peace in the region. The complete texts of the Congressional statements may be found on the ANCA website at the following link: All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. 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