Author: admin

Israel is among the holocaust deniers

Haaretz
Tue., March 29, 2005

By Yossi Sarid

April 24 will mark the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and
the Armenian government is holding an international conference in the
capital of Yerevan, dedicated to the memory of the more than a million
Armenians murdered by the Turks. I was also invited, and I decided to
attend. This month will also see the Hebrew publication of Prof. Yair
Auron’s eye-opening and stomach churning book, “The Banality of
Denial: Israel and the Armenian Genocide,” Transaction Publishers,
which has already been highly praised overseas in its English-language
edition.

As opposed to many other nations, Israel has never recognized the
murder of the Armenian people, and in effect lent a hand to the
deniers of that genocide. Our official reactions moved in the vague,
illusory realm between denial to evasion, from “it’s not clear there
really was genocide” to “it’s an issue for the historians,” as Shimon
Peres once put it so outrageously and stupidly.

There are two main motives for the Israeli position. The first is the
importance of the relationship with Turkey, which for some reason
continues to deny any responsibility for the genocide, and uses heavy
pressure worldwide to prevent the historical responsibility for the
genocide to be laid at its door. The pressure does work, and not only
Israel, but other countries as well do the arithmetic of profits and
loss. The other motive is that recognition of another nation’s murder
would seem to erode the uniqueness of the Jewish Holocaust.

Five years ago, on the 85th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, I
was invited as education minister to the Armenian church in the Old
City of Jerusalem. This is what I said at the time:

“I am here, with you, as a human being, as a Jew, as an Israeli, and
as the minister of education in Israel. For many years, too many, you
were alone on this, your memorial day. I am aware of the special
significance of my presence here. Today, for the first time, you are
less alone.”

I recalled the Jewish American ambassador to Turkey at the time of the
slaughter, Henry Morgenthau, who called the massacre of the Armenians
“the greatest crime of modern history.” That good man had no idea what
would yet happen in the 20th century – who could have anticipated the
Jewish Holocaust? And I recalled Franz Werfel’s “The 40 Days of Musa
Dagh,” which came out in Germany in the spring of 1933 and shocked
millions of people and eventually, me, too, as a youth.

Summing up, I said, “We Jews, the main victims of murderous hatred,
must be doubly sensitive and identify with other victims. Those who
stand aside, turn away, cast a blind eye, make their calculations of
gains and losses, and are silent, always help the murderers and never
those who are being murdered. In our new history curriculum I want to
see a central chapter on genocide, and within it, an open reference to
the Armenian genocide. That is our duty to you and to ourselves.”

The Armenian community in Israel and the world took note of that
statement with satisfaction. Turkey complained vociferously, demanding
an explanation from the Israeli government. And “my government,” of
all governments, first stammered and then denied responsibility, and
explained that I spoke for myself. And not a remnant survives in the
new curriculum of the Livnat era.

Now it can be said. They were right. All the stammerers and deniers. I
really did not consult with anyone else and did not ask for
permission. What must be asked when the answer is known in advance,
and it is based on the wrong assumption that there is a contradiction
between a moral position and a political one? Just how beastly must we
be as humans, or as Haaretz wrote then in its editorial, “The teaching
of genocides must be at the top of the priorities of the values of the
Jewish people, the victim of the Holocaust, and no diplomacy of
interests can be allowed to stand in that way”?

The Israeli Foreign Ministry, and not only it, is always afraid of its
own shadow and thus it casts a dark shadow over us all as accomplices
to the “silence of the world.” The Dalai Lama, leader of the exiled
Tibetans, has visited here twice, and twice I was warned by
“officials” not to meet with him. It would mean a crisis in relations
with China, the exact same thing they say about Turkey. I rebuffed
those warnings in both cases. I have always believed that moral
policies pay off in the long run, while rotten policies end up losing.

And all this I will repeat in the capital of Armenia, only in my name,
of course.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
1025 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 1000, Washington DC, 20036
Tel: (202) 347-5166
Fax: (202) 347-5168
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site:

ARTSAKH NEWSLETTER
Vol. 7, no. 1
March 28, 2005

The ARTSAKH NEWSLETTER is a publication of the NKR Office in
Washington, D.C., the official representation of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the United States. To subscribe/unsubscribe to the Artsakh
Newsletter, please reply to this email.

In this issue:
1. AZERBAIJAN ATTEMPTS TO SCUTTLE THE NK PEACE PROCESS
2. MEMBERS OF US CONGRESS SUPPORT KARABAKH’S FREEDOM
3. NEW APPOINTMENTS IN THE NKR GOVERNMENT
4. ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 2004, PRIORITIES SET FOR 2005
5. SITUATION ON THE LINE OF CONTACT
6. NKR TO HOLD ITS 4TH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION
7. `SAVE A LIFE, ACT TODAY!’ CAMPAIGN

1. NAGORNO KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS

High-level consultations continued between the Foreign Ministers of
Armenia and Azerbaijan. Presidents Robert Kocharian and Ilham Aliyev
met in Astana, Kazakstan last year to advance the negotiation
process. However, no tangible progress has been reported. The OSCE
Minsk Group co-chairs visited the region in July 2004 to consult with
the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh.

In November 2004 Azerbaijan initiated a discussion at the UN General
Assembly by submitting a draft resolution `On the situation in the
occupied territories of Azerbaijan’. A number of countries, including
the U.S., objected this move. OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs from the
United States, Russia and France criticized Azerbaijan for its efforts
to force a debate on the Karabakh conflict at the UN. Under pressure
from the Group, Azerbaijan suspended its resolution.

The OSCE mediators returned to the region in January 2005 to accompany
a fact-finding mission, created to verify Azeri allegations that
Armenia was engaged in mass population of territories under Nagorno
Karabakh’s control. The Nagorno Karabakh authorities cooperated
closely with the group, headed by a German Foreign Ministry
official. The group presented its findings to the OSCE Permanent
Council on March 17, which concluded that `overall settlement is quite
limited” and “there is no clear organized resettlement, no
non-voluntary resettlement, no recruitment…’. The report also said
that “the mission did not determine that such settlement has resulted
from a deliberate policy by the government of Armenia.”

NKR praised the report as `highly objective’ in a March 28 statement
and called on the international community to follow the lead of
Armenia and the United States in supporting Nagorno Karabakh’s efforts
to overcome the consequences of the Azerbaijani military
aggression. The OSCE mission acknowledged that the authorities of the
Nagorno Karabakh are in charge of the situation in controlled
territories, including Lachin, a fact on which the two Armenian sides
have insisted all along.

Azerbaijan continues to refuse to negotiate directly with Nagorno
Karabakh, the main concerned party, thus delaying prospects for
resolution to the conflict. Armenia and NKR have repeatedly stated the
importance of Karabakh’s direct participation in the negotiation
process. `Everybody understands that without considering Karabakh’s
position no resolution is possible’, underscored NKR President Arkady
Ghoukasian at a February 28 meeting with students of the Artsakh State
University.

In related news, an outspoken opponent of the Azerbaijani war rhetoric
was assassinated on March 2, 2005. Elmar Huseinov, a leading
opposition journalist, and his publication, the Monitor, were
well-known for its criticism of Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian
policies. Official Baku continues to portray Armenians as its eternal
enemies and does not favor any contact with Nagorno Karabakh.

Karabakh has repeatedly called on Azerbaijan to agree to a series of
confidence building measures and to work towards establishing an
atmosphere conductive to peace and friendly relations between de-facto
neighbors, Azerbaijan and NKR.

2. MEMBERS OF US CONGRESS SUPPORT KARABAKH’S FREEDOM

Marking the 17th Anniversary of Karabakh Movement, NKR parliament
adopted a special resolution, which reconfirmed Karabakh’s commitment
to a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Azerbaijan, called on
official Baku to work towards establishing an atmosphere of trust and
tolerance in the region, and appealed to the international community
to recognize Karabakh’s efforts to build a full-fledged civil society
based on the rule of law.

Several members of the U.S. Congress joined in commemorating the event
by sending letters to the people of Karabakh and speaking on the floor
of the House of Representatives.

`Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the people
of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) on the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno
Karabakh Freedom Movement,’ Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) said.

`On February 20, 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabakh officially
petitioned the Soviet government to reunite with Armenia and reverse
the injustice perpetrated by the Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin. This
peaceful and legal request was met with violent reaction by the Soviet
and Azerbaijani leadership, and escalated into full military
aggression against Nagorno Karabakh. The people of Nagorno Karabakh
bravely defended their right to live in freedom on their ancestral
land,’ said Rep. Michael McNulty (D-NY) in his floor statement.

`Today, the unwavering strength of the Freedom Movement can be seen in
the democratically-elected government of Nagorno Karabakh. […] I
congratulate the people of Nagorno Karabakh for their steadfast
commitment to promoting freedom, democracy and economic development
over the past seventeen years,’ echoed Rep. Martin Meehan (D-MA) in
his speech on the House floor.

`The people of Nagorno Karabakh should be commended for […]
achieving sovereignty in the face of strong opposition from
neighboring nations. The United States is honored to share such
fundamental values with Nagorno Karabakh as democracy, liberty, and a
profound respect for human rights,’ said Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ).

`Congress recognized this consistent move towards democracy, granting
NKR $20 million in humanitarian assistance in FY `97, an additional $5
million in FY `03 and $3 million just last year. This assistance has
not just been crucial for needs of the people of NKR, but has also
fostered the beginnings of an excellent relationship between our two
countries,’ underscored Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) in his floor
statement.

Pallone and Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the co-chairs of the
Congressional Armenian Caucus, also sent a joint letter to the people
of Nagorno Karabakh.

The letter said in part: `We applaud your constructive approach and
ongoing contribution to peace and strability in the region. Our
support for your democracy and your quest to live free, under the
government of your own choosing, remains strong.’

`Like so many who have undergone the pains of oppression, the people
of Nagorno Karabakh must rest assured knowing that democracy breeds
peace. The United States will continue to promote the cause of our
democratic friends in Nagorno Karabakh, not yielding until the goals
set forth on February 20, 1988, have been realized in full,’ concluded
Rep. Holt in his powerful statement on the House floor.

NKR President Arkady Ghoukasian thanked members of the U.S. Congress
for their public support. In his March 4, 2005 letter Ghoukasian said:
`The people of Nagorno Karabakh are truly grateful for this ongoing
support, which contributes to achieving a secure, democratic and
prosperous Nagorno Karabakh and South Caucasus.’

Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States
Vardan Barseghian met with members of Congress to personally thank
them and brief them on recent developments in Nagorno Karabakh.

3. NEW APPOINTMENTS IN THE NKR GOVERNMENT

President Arkady Ghoukasian announced several new cabinet appointments
and also introduced some structural changes. On January 12, 2005 a
presidential decree finalized the following structure and personnel:

Prime Minister – Mr. Anoushavan Daniyelian
Vice-Prime Minister – Mr. Ararat Daniyelian*
Minister of Agriculture – Mr. Vahram Baghdassarian
Minister of Defense – Lt.Gen. Col. Seyran Ohanian
Minister of Education, Culture and Sports – Mr. Ashot Ghoulian
Minister of Finances and Economy – Mr. Spartak Tevossian
Minister of Foreign Affairs – Amb. Arman Melikian
Minister of Health – Mrs. Zoya Lazarian
Minister of Justice – Mr. Robert Hayrapetian
Minister of Social Security – Mr. Lenston Ghoulian
Minister of Territorial Administration & Development of Industrial
Infrastructures – Mr. Armo Tsatourian
Minister of Urban Development – Mr. Boris Alaverdian
Chief of Staff, Minister – Mr. Suren Grigorian
Head of National Security Service – Mr. Bako Sahakyan
Head of Police – Mr. Armen Isagulov
Head of State Tax Service – Mr. Hakob Kaghramanian

* not related to the Prime Minister

4. ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 2004, PRIORITIES FOR 2005

The NKR economy continued to show strong growth last year with the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching 42.2 billion dram
($79.3million), up by 17.5% from 2003. Exports totaled $39 million
(m), a 25% growth over last year.

Nagorno Karabakh’s industrial output totaled 18.5 billion drams
($35m), registering a 160% growth, as compared to the previous
year. Eighty percent of industrial enterprises are privately
owned. The main sectors showing growth were ore-mining (a 46% growth
in 2004), food processing (8% growth), production and distribution of
electricity (2.5% growth). Capital construction totaled 9.1 billion
drams ($17.2m), up by 5 percent.

On December 27, 2004 the NKR Parliament adopted the 2005 state budget,
which included 6.5 billion drams ($13m) in projected income and 21.4
billion drams ($42.8m) in expenses. The resulting deficit is due to be
covered mainly by $27m inter-government loan from Armenia.

The 2005 budget allocated in part (in drams):
4,490m for social security (21% of state budget)
1,210m for health care (a 30% increase)
785m for education, sport and youth programs
577m for social subsidy for certain categories of children
500m for restoration and development of irrigation facilities
200m for development of viticulture, cattle breeding and agro-machinery lease
190m to support families of killed soldiers, war wounded and veterans
107m to conduct first post-independence census
100m for preservation and reconstruction of historic architectural monuments.

Funding has also been earmarked for small and medium business loans, a
program that has been operating since 2001.

As of January 1, 2005, the minimum wage increased by 30% to 15,000
drams, and the minimum pension rose by the same percentage to 4,000
drams.

The government has also identified priority development areas for next
few years, which included school construction, building new medical
facilities with modern equipment, improvement of road infrastructure,
water reservoirs and irrigation facilities.

5. SITUATION ON THE LINE OF CONTACT

Azerbaijan continued its attempts to draw closer to NKR positions,
which led to increased tensions along the Line of Contact. Azerbaijan
violated the cease-fire regime several times in early March, causing
isolated skirmishes that resulted in lose of live from both sides.

NKR denounced Azerbaijan’s tactics while warning that continued
attacks will be rebuffed forcefully. Deputy Foreign Minister Masis
Mayilyan called for international demarcation of the Line of Contact
to prevent local attacks and further destabilization.

On March 18, 2005 Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian said that the
`defense capability of the NKR Army is high and that the Army is able
to ensure the security of the republic and its population.’

The OSCE cease-fire monitoring missions continued regularly and
confirmed that the overall situation on the Line of Contact remained
stable.

6. NKR TO HOLD ITS 4TH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION

Nagorno Karabakh will hold its fourth Parliamentary Election on June
19, 2005. The new Central Electoral Commission has set the dates for
candidates’ nomination, registration and campaigning. Four major
political parties — the ruling Democratic Artsakh and opposition
ARF-Dashnaktsutiun, Movement-88 and Our Homeland Armenia — along with
several smaller parties plan to participate.

As in the past, NKR invited international observers to monitor the
vote. Past elections in NKR were observed by international monitors
and reported to be in line with or exceeding the internationally
accepted standards for post-soviet territories.

Opposition to people’s right to vote continued in Azerbaijan, as
official Baku made statements on Karabakh’s upcoming ballot. As in the
past, the government of Azerbaijan launched a campaign of undermining
and discrediting the June election in Nagorno Karabakh. Despite Baku’s
effort, the international community clearly appreciates the Nagorno
Karabakh’s right to live in freedom, under a government of its own
choosing. In 2004, commenting on NK municipal election, the U.S. State
Department did not criticize the ballot and said only `that [the
election] would not affect the ongoing peace talks’. Members of the
U.S. Congress have supported democratic processes in Nagorno Karabakh.

`The men and women of Nagorno-Karabakh exercised their right to
vote–a right which we have cherished for more than two centuries and
a right that we hope will spread across the
world. […]Congratulations to the people of Nagorno Karabakh for
[their] commitment to freedom and democracy,’ said Rep. Adam Shiff
(D-CA) in a September 2002 statement on NKR Presidential Election.

7. `SAVE A LIFE, ACT TODAY!’

Extend a helping hand to the children of Artsakh!

The Government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) asks you to
contribute to its efforts to ensure proper medical treatment for the
children of Artsakh.

Artsakh is still recovering from a devastating war initiated by
Azerbaijan. Much has been done to improve pediatric medical
care. However, some children with special needs still require medical
treatment outside Artsakh, in Armenia, Russia and elsewhere.

Considering the dire social situation in the republic, the NKR
Government has been consistent in trying to ease the financial burden
on such families by providing funds for treatment abroad. We often
rely on your support for making this assistance possible and are happy
to inform that last year five children received such benevolent
assistance.

A special committee has been created to oversee the proper
distribution and use of the humanitarian assistance. The Committee on
Implementation of Medical Assistance Projects (CIMAP) includes
representatives of Ministries of Health, Social Security and Foreign
Affairs, a local non-governmental organization, Motherhood, and a
local liaison of the U.S.-based Americans for Artsakh organization.

CIMAP receives and reviews applications for financial assistance and,
after scrupulous consideration, decides on the amount of financial aid
to be provided. It also outlines financial reporting guidelines for
recipient families. These families agree to use the funds exclusively
for medical treatment and associated expenses and to report to the
committee on the results.

Last year, CIMAP reported to its donors on the assistance impact and
use of funds in required detail.

Currently, a number of children are awaiting for financial help to
continue or even start their medical treatments. The NKR Government
requires at least $10,000 a month to be able to continue helping those
children.

We call on you to join this humanitarian effort and help ensure that
proper medical treatment is provided to the children of Artsakh! We
welcome donations from individuals and organizations! Every dollar is
sent to Artsakh to benefit the children.

Please mail your tax-deductible donation today to:

ARMENIAN CHILDREN’S RELIEF FUND
31800 West Eight Mile Road
Farmington, MI 48336

Please make your check payable to the Armenian Children’s Relief Fund
and include a note `Children of Artsakh’.

For more information, please contact
NKR Office at (202) 347-5166 or [email protected]

CIMAP can be contacted directly at (374-71) 7-15-51 or [email protected]

* * *

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is
based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia
and the public representing the official policies and interests of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the United States (NKR Office) on behalf of the government
of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with
the U.S. government under the Foreign Agent Registration
Act. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice,
Washington, D.C.

UEFA.com
March 26 2005

Armenians made to work
Saturday, 26 March 2005

A second-half goal from Romik Khachatryan was enough to seal victory
for Armenia in the basement encounter with Andorra in FIFA World Cup
qualifying Group 1.

Photo: Armenia’s Artavazd Karamyan battles with Andorra’s Oscar
Sonejee Masand

Good heart
It was Armenia’s first win in the group and, after taking a point
from their last match with Romania, Bernard Casoni’s men will travel
to the Netherlands for their next test on Wednesday night in great
heart having overtaken Andorra on head-to-head record to go sixth.
The performance at the Republican stadium in Yerevan was particularly
impressive as Armenia were missing captain Harutyun Vardanyan and
top-scorer Artur Petrosyan through injury.

Expected goal
It was all Armenia in the first half and it was no surprise when they
took a 32nd-minute lead as FC Stal Alchevsk forward Ara Hakobyan beat
Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Alvarez. The home side then missed a good
chance to extend their lead nine minutes later as midfield player
Artavadz Karamyan’s header just shaved the post. Andorra had only
managed a single shot on target in the first period so it came as
something of a shock when they levelled the score in the 57th minute.

Long-range winner
Justo Ruiz’s powerful free kick hit the post and bounced back to
create havoc in the home penalty area. Fernando Silva was alert to
the opportunity and was first to reach the ball, heading past keeper
Roman Berezovsky. But Armenia were not to be denied and OFI Crete FC
midfield player Khachatryan scored the winner with a spectacular
long-range drive in the 73rd minute. Andorra are next in action on
Wednesday when they play host to the Czech Republic.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
UAAS board
Uppsala, March 22, 2005
Email: [email protected]
Tel: + 46 18 31 47 94

The Swedish-Armenian community is united unanimous as ever.

The Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden (UAAS) has close
cooperation with the Assembly of Armenians of Europe (AAE).

On March 12, the annual general meeting of the Union of Armenian
Associations in Sweden (UAAS) was convened in the city of Uppsala.
Representatives of the member associations and organizations who had
come from different cities participated in the meeting.
After the presentation of activities and financial reports, the
following subjects were examined in detail: the expansion of the future
activity of the centre within member organizations, organizing and
uniting of all capable forces and the further democratization of the
centre’s structures.

The meeting approved the renewed version of the more than ten-years-old
statutes of UAAS. The revision was necessary to meet the requirements of
the new contitions and situations.

The meeting examined a whole list of commemorating events dedicated to
the 90th anniversary of the Genocide and took corresponding decisions.
The participating representatives stressed the importance of the
Armenian language and culture and its development. Also the education of
the young generation as conscious Armenians was a topic of discussion.
The representatives of the youth organizations expressed their
viewpoints and expounded the problems encountered by the Armenian youth.

As an active member of the Assembly of Armenians Europe (AAE), the UAAS
in its annual meeting, reaffirmed its full support of the AAE and its
cooperation with it in efforts directed towards the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, ever strengthening of the statehood of the Republic
of Armenia and towards the just resolution of the Question of Karabakh.
The representative of the Norwegian-Armenian Association thanked the
Swedish-Armenians for their assistance and emphasized the need for
cooperation between all European-Armenian communities and for the
strengthening of mutual ties between those communities.

For the months of April and May, a number of events dedicated to
Genocide such as exhibitions, lectures, conferences etc have been
organized in many cities with large Armenian communities. The 24th April
committee consist of Armenian organizations and Armenian church
representatives in Stockholm invites On 23th and 24th of April, in
Stockholm, the whole Swedish-Armenian community to commemorate the
Genocide with a joint event and demonstration. In September, a number of
events will be organized in the European level, directed against
Turkey’s membership of the European Union.

The general meeting of the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden
(UAAS) approved the program of activities presented by the directorate
for the years 2005-2007 and endorsed their general course and direction
accordingly.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LENMARKER’S REPORT’S FREE FROM ATKINSON’S PRINCIPLES

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
28 March 05

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly reporter on Nagorno Karabakh conflict
confirmed the fact that the question to be settled first is that of
the status of Nagorno Karabakh. The rest – territories, refugees,
etc. – are derivative. The draft report on Nagorno Karabakh by Goran
Lenmarker states that without the settlement of the problem of status
the rest will be impossible to solve. Recently the delegates of
Armenia and Azerbaijan took part in the discussion of the Karabakh
conflict undertaken by G. Lenmarker at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
in Brussels. Later the vice speaker of the National Assembly of
Armenia Vahan Hovhannissian and Member of Parliament Samvel Nikoyan
told the journalists that despite the efforts of the Azerbaijani
delegation the draft report by Goran Lenmarker to be presented to the
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly did not contain the principles of
Atkinson’s report so dear to the Azerbaijanis. What is more, according
to NA vice speaker V. Hovhannissian, Lenmarker’s report is quite
balanced, which caused anxiety among their Azerbaijani colleagues.
According to the member of the Armenian delegation Samvel Nikoyan,
although throughout the negotiations and meetings the Azerbaijani side
attempted to withdraw the issue of Nagorno Karabakh from the OSCE,
they failed because the OSCE realizes that the mandate for settlement
of the NKR problem belongs to the OSCE only.

Lenmarker’s report will be ready in July and will be presented at the
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Washington. However, before the
document will be sent out to the parties in order for them to put
forward suggestions and propose changes. Of course, it is still too
early to make conclusions on the final variant of the report but it
should not be excluded either that heated arguments are awaiting the
adoption of the report by the OSCE PA. Nevertheless, it can be stated
with careful optimism that the principles of Atkinson’s report will
not underlie Lenmarker’s report. Moreover, as the NA vice speaker
stated, the report will first of all maintain the necessity of
clarifying the status of Nagorno Karabakh. However, before the
adoption of the report, as it was mentioned already, hot struggle
between the conflict parties is expected. Most probably, in the
expected struggle Azerbaijan will get the support of the Turkish,
maybe also Georgian and Moldavian delegations. Armenia also has its
leverages for counteraction about which V. Hovhannissian did not give
any information for security reasons. The members of the Armenian
delegation vowed to do their best to prevent unfavourable
developments. Another report similar to the Atkinson’ s would greatly
complicate the situation. `If the first can be overlooked, the second
will already be difficult to overlook,’ noticed Vahan Hovhannissian.

CHRISTINE MNATSAKANIAN.
28-03-2005

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanArmenian News
March 28 2005

DIGITECH 2005 EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED IN ARMENIA

28.03.2005 03:04

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Digitech 2005 exhibition organized by Enterprise
Incubator Foundation of Union of Information Technologies Enterprises
will be staged in Yerevan September 30-October 2. As the initiators
told PanARMENIAN.Net, simultaneously with the exhibition a forum
entitled `Information and Communication Technologies in Business’
will be held. Besides computer equipment, various ways of
implementing information and communication technologies – for family,
society and business – will be presented. The exhibition aims at
presenting the activities of the IT enterprises in Armenia, providing
of up-to-date technologies in the IT sphere as well as presenting
Armenia at the international market. The forum purposes the object of
creating business atmosphere between IT entrepreneurs and consumers.
Various contests on Internet search, programming and E-content will
be organized. To note, the exhibition will be the first one to be
held in Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanArmenian News
March 28 2005

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT’S ADVISER: NO CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN KARABAKH
SETTLEMENT CAN BE EXPECTED IN NEAR FUTURE

28.03.2005 01:41

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ There is no reconciliation of positions of Armenia
and Azerbaijan on Nagorno Karabakh and no considerable progress can
be expected in the near future, Garnik Isagulian, the adviser on
national security to the Armenian President stated, Iterfax agency
reports. In his words, Azerbaijan is considering the settlement of
the conflict within the context of its territorial integrity while
Armenia is insisting on Karabakh’s independence. `Let us not forget
that the armistice agreement was signed by three parties –
Azerbaijan, Karabakh and Armenia, the latter being the guarantor of
Karabakh’s security’, G. Isagulian said. The recurrent meeting of the
Armenian and Azeri FMs is scheduled for April.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanArmenian News
March 28 2005

PROCESSION DEDICATED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE 90-TH ANNIVERSARY TO BE
HELD IN US

28.03.2005 05:31

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A procession with the slogan `In the Name of
Humanity’ will march from Fresno to Sacramento on the occasion of the
90-th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The aim of the event is
to remind about the Armenian Genocide and other crimes against
humanity, Armenpress agency reports. Several dozens of Armenians will
march 350 kilometers. After a 19-day journey they are going to
express gratitude to the legislators of those US states, which
officially recognized the Armenian Genocide. On this occasion a
website was created and the great number of visitors was a surprise
for the action initiators. The Armenian communities of Central
California, Washington, New York and Boston declared of the financial
and moral support to the procession participants. The marchers will
reach Sacramento April 21.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Zaman, Turkey
March 28 2005

Three Questions

SELCUK GULTASLI

Many events that have violated the harmony of the government occurred
following the December 17 European Union (EU) summit; however, I
place the most importance on just three: Firstly, the impression of
the existence of unrest between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
and Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Gul that has become widespread.
While no one can explain any rational reason how a one party
government is unable to assign a chief negotiator.

It is reasonable that Turkey has remained silent on the EU front,
remaining silent about the depth and breath of preparations ahead of
the French referendum; however, their inability to assign a chief
negotiator is without explanation. Suppose that we covered up the
chief negotiator issue with the French referendum, how would we
explain Gul’s non-attendance at crucial meetings, to be held with
Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Foreign Affairs Minister
Petros Moliviatis, which will deal with many crucial issues from the
Cyprus conflict to problems in the Aegean? What kind of reasoning
would be behind replacing the Secretary of State Mehmet Aydin as the
addressee of Moliviatis, while the Cyrus issue, which is the only
condition for us to begin negotiations on October 3, was being
discussed and while the extra protocol negations to execute this
condition had reached their hottest stage? What is of concern is that
the adaptation problem between the two Justice and Development Party
(AK) leaders would come to a halt.

Secondly, Kurdish nationalists and PKK supporters are under the
impression that they are garbling the EU process for their separatist
policy agendas. That the demonstrations, which were held under the
Newruz pretext, were about to break the agreement, which for the
first time in Turkish history may cause the Jacobian and taught
reform orders and the demands of the public overlap and lead to
concerns that being pro-EU is the same as being a US supporter after
the Iraqi war, that resulted in the increased wave of nationalism.
Considering the EU membership process is an important opportunity for
Turkey’s development, AK Party support and in the broader sense the
conservative circles’ vision, which was implicitly implied, with
regard to the EU, which has settled negotiations on the grounds that
it would be used to divide Turkey, has unfortunately been gathering
strength. The Newruz demonstrations, which coincided with the days of
intense discussion regarding the Armenian ‘genocide’ , revived the
historical documents of the Ottomans, which were fragmented because
of minority support, not only in the minds of nationalists but also
conservatives. From here on in the liberal- conservative circles that
support the democratic demands of the Kurds, may economize on their
support and may think twice before taking any steps. What is of
concern is that the irresponsible approach of the Kurds would slow
down the reform process in the country and would encourage the
government to be more indecisive.

Thirdly, the reaction shown by the EU in response to incidents on
March 6. Beating women should be condemned and it was condemned.
However, before completely understanding the situation, the scenes
that were broadcast for days on international networks and calls,
which were awaited in March in order to postpone negotiations with
Turkey, were immediately circulated, and strengthened the notion that
one little obstacle in Turkey’s 10 year-negotiation journey would be
enough to create waves of joy across Europe. A German journalist
wrote, “Only through good will, would the negotiations with Turkey
result in membership,” as he was surprised with the conditions placed
on Turkey. Turkey may not be able to show a successful performance;
but it could not find a good will approach in return either. What is
of concern is that there might be a rise in support for Turkey more
than the Ukraine for future membership to the EU, the Ukraine, which
has just been rescued from a dictatorship and which has not even been
nominated for the EU, and the expansion of the idea “What are we
doing where we are not wanted” throughout the country and the which
could cause the country to withdraw into itself.

What is hoped is, that these concerns will amount to nothing and that
the reform process will continue.

March 28, 2005

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkish Press
March 28 2005

Justin McCarthy: A one-man army

BY TUFAN TURENC

HURRIYET- It’s obvious why we can’t disprove the Armenian
allegations, because we don’t know what happened in the years
1915-16. Moreover, unlike the Armenians’ fervent belief in their
allegations, we don’t have a strong belief in the fact that we are
right. As with every issue, we are so lazy that we prefer to stay
silent instead of fighting. I was thinking about this when I was
talking with Justin McCarthy from the University of Louisville after
his conference at Marmara University. `The Armenian allegations are a
great lie and their documents are false. Turkey has to fight these
slanders, but I have to admit I’m not positive that it will do so,’
he told me.

I asked McCarthy how he began his research on the issue. As a Ph.D.
student at the University of California Los Angeles in 1976, McCarthy
found out that 3 million Muslims had been killed in the Balkans and
Turkey, and he started to look into this. His studies drove him to
research the Armenian genocide allegations. `I have to say that until
then I also believed the Armenian genocide allegations, but as I
looked deeper into the issue the truth came out,’ he said frankly.
`As my research continued, I found out that the documents of the
Armenians were fake. The Turks were facing a great lie and slander.’
McCarthy came under pressure. He was threatened with losing his job
if he continued his research. His family had to get police
protection. This didn’t intimidate McCarthy.

Many of his colleagues who signed an open letter published in The
Washington Post saying that there was no genocide withdrew after
receiving threats and gave up their research on the allegations. Only
McCarthy stood firm. `I would always say the same things, because
they’re true,’ said McCarthy. He also exposed that the people and
accounts in `The Blue Book’ by British historian Arnold Toynbee were
nothing more than fiction. He found out that there had been no
genocide at the places mentioned in the book. `Toynbee did it wrong.
He wasn’t honest in his profession,’ said McCarthy. `I think he was
embarrassed. History can’t be written with such lies, because this
isn’t history.’ I believe that McCarthy’s honesty and courage won’t
let him give up his fight.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress