Author: admin

ARMENIA’S FM FORECASTS UNPRECEDENTED FOREIGN POLITICAL ACTIVITY IN 2005

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22. ARMINFO. 2005 will be the year of unprecedented
foreign political activity for Armenia, says Armenia’s FM Vardan
Oskanyan.

Armenia has to complete the development of its individual action plan
in the framework of the new European neighborhood policy. This is a
tremendous work that should be a guideline for our further relations
with EU.

In the framework of its cooperation with NATO Armenia is to present by
Mar-Apr 2005 an individual partnership action plan. The deadlines for
Armenia’s honoring its commitments to CE is getting more pressing. “We
are facing serious tasks especially as CE is holding a summit in
May or June so Armenia has to comply with the deadline to make its
position clear,” says Oskanyan.

He says that Armenia should not wait for the beginning of the
Turkey-EU talks but should pave the way for raising its interests
during the talks.

In connection with the 60th anniversary of UN Armenia should specify
its position on the package of reforms of this organization adding the
possibility of the conduct of an OSCE summit. There is also the issue
of Karabakh, the Prague Process. “I am convinced that the presidents
will also meet,” says Oskanyan noting that there will be many ups
and downs in these processes.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VARDAN OSKANIAN: ANTI-SEMITISM AS PHENOMENON DOES NOT EXIST IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22. ARMINFO. Anti-semitism as a phenomenon does
not exist in Armenia. Minister of foreign affairs of Armenia Vardan
Oskanian had declared during the meeting with representative of the
Jewish community of Armenia a day before. ARMINFO was informed in the
press office of the Foreign Ministry, the head of the foreign political
office of Armenia had expressed readiness to be more consecutive
in connection with isolated manifestations of anti-Semitism. The
leaders of the Jewish community had informed Vardan Oskanian
that the community of the republic is actively working and gained
international contacts. During the last two years the representatives
of the community have taken part in the conference on the topic of
anti-Semitism organized by OSCE. They also mentioned that the Jews
have never felt foreigners in Armenia and considered themselves full
citizens of Armenia. The government of Armenia, different offices
and organizations have assisted the spiritual and cultural life of
the Jewish community. At the same time, they expressed regret that
several official persons and individuals venture to make anti-semite
statements. Vardan Oskanian mentioned that Armenians and Jews who
have analogous history and historical-cultural common traits, have
all the grounds to act with joint efforts. He highly assessed the
contribution of the Jewish community of Armenia and welcomed their
consecutive assistance to the development of Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARZUMANIAN: THE SIDES WERE OFFERED STEP-BY-STEP SOLUTION IN ASTANA

Azg/arm
23 Dec 04

At his last press conference the foreign minister of Armenia told
journalists that the public’s opinion should be decisive in choosing a
solution alternate for Nagorno Karabakh conflict. “If there is people’s
demand to take, say, the step-by-step solution, then the issue should
be discussed at the parliament and it will decide whether we are on
the wrong path and should we take the step-by-step alternate or not”,
Vartan Oskanian said. The former foreign minister of Armenia, Alexander
Arzumanian, thinks that Oskanian and the authorities are preparing
the public opinion to make a turn to the step-by-step solution.

– Mr. Arzumanian, the former Armenian president stated recently that we
cannot get today what we could get in 1997. Do you agree with such a view?

– Situation in 1997 was more favorable for Armenia and the options
on the table made it possible to reach a solution that would be in
interests of Armenia and the Karabakh people. Levon Ter-Petrosian was
considering that the time is playing into Azerbaijan’s hands and that
we should use the chance to negotiate, that there will be no better
chance in future. I think that the past 7 years show that he was right.

– In 1997 they were suggesting to withdraw the armed forces without
saying what will Nagorno Karabakh get. Do you call this success?

– The suggestions of 97 were covered by the media. What I mean is
that there were two opposite approaches, one proposed by Azerbaijan,
the other by Karabakh. As the two conflicting approaches could not
be brought together, we decided to pick out separate issues for
discussion, to switch to the step-by-step solution, which supposed,
as first steps to be taken, signing a peace treaty, withdrawal of
forces from several territories, return of the refugees against which
the people of Karabakh would be guaranteed security, Armenia would
be recognized a guarantee for Karabakh’s security and the status of
Karabakh would be discussed separately. I used to say at the time
and now I repeat that each conflict’s solution lies in accomplishing
gradual steps. The fact is that the so-called step-by-step solution
plans of Astana, that are on the table today, are the same plans
only modified. There is no argument over this today, and I am glad
that your newspaper is wishful to speak of it. The authorities
were obstinately claiming before the OSCE Ministers’ meeting in
Sofia that the sides were offered nothing. Moreover, Armat NGO was
condemned in disorientating the public, in depreciating Armenia’s
“great diplomatic success”, in encouraging the Azeri side and a number
of other things. But in fact, the organization has issued a report
informing that it became clear during Karabakh issue discussions
at the UN that there were offers to the sides. Armat was referring
to US representative to the UN, Susan Moor, who noted in her speech
that the sides received offers two months ago and the co-chairs are
waiting for their answer and for that reason the Azeri formula cannot
be put to vote at the General Assembly. In Sofia the OSCE Ministerial
Council stated that the sides received offers in Astana and called
on to continue negotiations leaning on the offers. Besides, there
is another sentence that is not spoken of much. The statement by the
OSCE Ministerial Council also notes that it became possible to review
all the criteria of the conflict at the Prague process (something
that is put to silence). This means that the modified step-by-step
solution is likely to return to the agenda.

The sides were offered in Astana to withdraw Armenian forces from all
Karabakh’s neighboring Azeri territories against which referendums
would be held in Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. This is nothing
else but a step-by-step solution offer.

– Are you still an adherent of the step-by-step solution?

– We again return to favorable conditions. I was for the step-by-step
solution possible in 1997. But what have we got during these
7 years. The only thing we have is the total blockade by the
international community. I mean in 1997 we had only economical
blockade but today there is also a political blockade. The world
community’s understanding of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has
changed in essence. If they used to speak of Karabakh people’s
freedom for self-identification then today we hear talks about a
territorial argument between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Karabakh
has dropped out of the negotiations decisive for its own fate. The
step-by-step solution we have today differs from that we had in 97
and the conditions today are less beneficial for the Armenian side.

– Mr. Arzumanian, have you read the offer that the sides received in
Astana, if there is a document on that at all?

– Certainly no, because they were not published, and I think that’s
right as all the details of essential offers should be discussed
confidentially. But I don’t speak of the details now but of the
principles that lie as offers’ foundation. From this viewpoint, the
information I now possess allows me to claim that what they mean is
a modified step-by-step solution.

– You mentioned of Armenian’s total political isolation. Don’t you
think that Armenia appeared in such isolation in 1996, after the
Lisbon, when all the OSCE states marched against Armenia?

– Not at all. In Lisbon there was an attempt to impose on Armenia
a solution variant that was unacceptable and was not in national
interests of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. For that reason Armenia
used its veto right not to let an unacceptable option pass. Armenia
was not isolated and was able to clearly formulate its standpoints
and approaches to the world community. Today’s Armenia is unable to
veto as the atmosphere has changed. Today’s Armenia is in a situation
when it is viewed as an occupant of Azeri territories. Armenia has
never been blamed for conquering foreign lands, for inhabiting and
for carrying out ethnic cleansing.

By Tatoul Hakobian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Will USA Re-Introduce Draft?
By Sasha Uzunov

Reality Macedonia, Macedonia
Dec 22 2004

In recent weeks we have heard of the growing number of United States
military personnel deserting or threatening to sue their government
unless it stops extending their tours of duty in Iraq. It seems the
US military is having problems with manpower. Could it be possible
the Bush Administration will re-introduce the draft, conscription?

Scott Taylor, Canada’s foremost war correspondent and ex-Canadian
soldier, believes so.

“The invasion has left American soldiers and generals overworked and
at risk in the midst of an enraged Iraqi population, and citizens at
home all but certain to face a draft after the November presidential
election to shore up a mission they were told would be over in six
months,” he said.

Mr Taylor has been to Iraq over twenty times and in September of this
year was taken hostage and tortured by Iraqi militants for five days,
before being released.

The Iraq war was supposed to be short, sharp and sweet. US Defence
Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was telling the world of his “shock and awe”
strategy by using a small and mobile force to knock over the Saddam
regime. But it has been nearly two years since the US ousted the
Iraqi dictator and is still battling to mop up the insurgency. In fact
Washington has realised that it needs more men to secure the “peace.”

The US Armed Forces are a volunteer professional force bolstered by
National Guard or reservists on full time service. President Nixon
abolished the draft at the tail end of the Vietnam War (1962-72),
a divisive conflict in American society.

Pundits have been quick to draw parallels between the quagmire of
Vietnam, which dragged on for a decade, and Iraq. But Iraq is more
like a disintegrating Yugoslavia of the early 1990s.

In Vietnam, 60,000 Americans lost their lives. That means 6,000
were being killed a year. So far in 18 months, US deaths in Iraq are
over 1200.

But will the Bush Administration have the political will to
re-introduce the draft? And will mainstream America accept such a
decision? Will the youth of that country comply with the call up? Is
it fair for politicians such as President George Bush and his cabinet
members, many who did not fight in Vietnam, to be sending others to
war? Ironically, the only warrior is outgoing US Secretary of State,
General Colin Powell, who served in Vietnam and was opposed to the
Iraqi adventure. Conversely, is it fair for only a small section of
society, the professional armed forces and reservists, to be carrying
the burden for the rest of society?

If the draft is introduced, will Australia follow? Militarily and
politically conscription is not needed by Australia at the moment.
Our commitment in Iraq is miniscule. It is highly improbable that
the Howard Coalition government would re-introduce National Service.
Conscription as an issue is too politically divisive.

How long is America prepared to stay in Iraq? History, and Vietnam in
particular, demonstrates that the US military has trouble fighting a
counter-insurgency or anti-guerrilla war. Can the US secure victory?
And what kind of victory will it be?

Iraq reminds me of the former Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, both
communist federations consisting of various competing ethnic groups.
Both of these nations lasted about 70 years before fragmenting
violently into a multitude of new nation states in the early 1990s.

Iraq is a hodge-podge consisting of an ethnic Arab majority, many
of whom are Shiite or Sunni Muslim. A very small number are Arab
Christians. Add to this mixture, millions of Sunni Muslim Kurds and
Turkmans in the north of the country. Kurds are non-Arabs, whilst the
Turkmans are closely related to the Turks. Not forgetting the Assyrian
Christians, who were the original inhabitants of Iraq before being
swamped by an Islamic Arab invasion in 637 AD, more than 1300 years
ago. There are also tiny numbers of ethnic Christian Armenians, and
two little known sects, the Sabia, who worship water, and the Yazidi,
mistakenly referred to as “devil worshipers.”

Iraq has Yugoslavia written all over it. Can such a country survive
intact? Can the west, in particular the United States-lead coalition
of the willing, hold it all together? Would it be better to partition
Iraq as a long-term solution?

So many question. Only time will tell. As the old Chinese curse goes:
“may you live in interesting times!”

Sasha Uzunov is a freelance journalist who has covered the Balkans
region and is an ex-Australian soldier who served in East Timor.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MSNBC
Dec 22 2004

Christian exodus from Holy Land
Bethlehem’s fate highlights dwindling community’s woes

By Ara Ayer
Producer
NBC News
Updated: 2:54 p.m. ET Dec. 22, 2004

BETHLEHEM, West Bank – A tree stands prominently in Bethlehem’s
Manger Square. Not a Christmas pine adorned with bulbs and tinsel
for the season, but an olive tree. The Palestinians call it “the tree
of peace.” It looks dead.

The body of the tree — barren, broken and pruned back — is a metaphor
for Christian life here.

Throughout Israel and the Palestinian territories, Christians are
losing both turf and population. Squeezed between opposing sides in
an intractable war, Christians are slowly leaving the holy land.

More than 110,000 Christians lived in the occupied territories before
1948, only some 50,000 remain. Bethlehem has the largest Christian
community — with 27,000 — but it’s in decline.

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the lack
of economic and social options has led more than 2,000 Christians to
leave Bethlehem over the past four years.

Christians forced out
Karneg Balekdjian, a bespectacled, 30-year-old clerk for the Armenian
Church of Jerusalem, won’t be celebrating Christmas this year with
his family.

‘If Joseph and Mary tried to come today, Israeli soldiers would check
their papers, rummage through their baggage and rudely turn them
away.’

He recently packed his suitcases, said goodbye to his loved ones and
the only home he’s ever known. “I’m not leaving Jerusalem for
opportunity,” said Karneg “but for love.”

Israeli officials barred Balekdjian’s 26-year old bride, Ivette
Askandarian, from immigrating to Israel. Born and raised in Iran —
but Christian and ethnically Armenian — Ivette couldn’t even visit
Karneg in Jerusalem yet alone live with him.

“We had no idea,” Balekdjian sighed, “our lives together would begin
with forced separation.”

Israeli immigration rules shut out people born in countries hostile
to Israel. Yet Jews born in those same hostile countries can visit
Israel and immigrate without a problem.

Balekdjian, conscious of the double standard, appealed to the Israeli
Interior ministry with little effect. “I went to the Interior
Ministry twice a week for almost a year, most times I couldn’t even
get through the door.”

“My wife is not Muslim, not a terrorist, not a threat to Israel,”
said Balekdjian. “Yet as Christians we were not allowed to live
here.” He said the Armenian Church even tried to sponsor his wife
with a job, but the Israelis said no.

Part of the growing exodus of Christians leaving the holy land for
better lives, Balekdjian, feels guilty for leaving his family and
Jerusalem behind. But, he “really didn’t have a choice but to join
his wife,” according to his mother, Angel Balekdjian.

Cradling a framed photo of Balekdjian and his wife in the sitting
room of her stone house, his mother said, “Christians will finish
from here, slowly. Slowly we will go.”

Community marginalized
Prior to the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, Christians
migrated from communities in Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt
and Lebanon to live near the holy sites in Jerusalem and nearby
Bethlehem and support the churches.

Business transactions, marriages and family ties connected Christian
communities of the Near and Middle East. The Christian communities of
Bethlehem and Jerusalem drew population, resources and income from
Beirut, Cairo, Baghdad and Aleppo. These relationships and resources
were severed when the Israelis took control.

Israel’s wars with its Arab neighbors and nearly 10 years of conflict
with Palestinian Muslims have done more to isolate, marginalize and
drive off the Christian population.

Furthermore, when Bethlehem’s Christians leave the holy land they
often cannot come back. The reason is not Israel – but fellow
Palestinians. As Christians leave their homes to work abroad,
Palestinian Muslims sometimes move in to seize their property and
land.

For years, Christians have been complaining to the Palestinian
Authority with little effect.

With scarce resources shared between the Christian and Muslim
communities, some Christians say they are easy targets for their
Muslim brothers who control the government and militant
organizations.

“Even though Christians are represented in Palestinian government,”
says Bethlehem University professor Manuel Hassassian, “they have no
actual political power. Christian clout doesn’t exist.”

Bethlehem hemmed in by wall
A charismatic man with a calm disposition, Bethlehem’s Christian
mayor, Hannah Nasser, becomes distressed around the holidays,
especially Christmas.

Strolling the sparsely decorated streets, he cannot fathom how the
Christian world’s attention could be focused annually on his town and
people, yet its predicament is ignored.

“I’m a mayor of a jail,” exclaimed Nasser. “Christmas or not,
Bethlehem is a big prison.”

Surrounded by 78 physical barriers including concrete roadblocks, 10
Israeli military checkpoints, 55 dirt mounds and a soon to be
completed 39 mile-long security wall, the “little town of Bethlehem”
of Christmas songs is an isolated, stagnant and depressing place.

Israeli soldiers on foot patrol, in jeeps and in watchtowers monitor
and restrict almost all pedestrian and vehicle traffic in and out of
town.

Nasser said Israel’s zeal to stop potential attacks by Palestinian
Muslims from Bethlehem is so great that “if Joseph and Mary tried to
come today, Israeli soldiers would check their papers, rummage
through their baggage and rudely turn them away.”

Scratching his balding pate, Nasser said he can’t rationalize
Israel’s need for security at the expense of human rights, the rights
of his people.

“The mood is not joyful, no one is really out in the streets
celebrating,” he said. “Bethlehem is still under siege.”

Nasser fears that if the economic and social blockade continues,
Bethlehem’s Christian community will leave. “If things don’t change
in a generation, all that will be left is the stone churches and the
priests who occupy them.”

Nothing left but lonely shopkeepers
According to a recent study, published by the United Nations, Israeli
security restrictions and the construction of its security wall
around Bethlehem has led to the closure of 72 of 80 businesses on the
main thoroughfare into town.

Most of these businesses were owned and operated by Christians. In
some cases, Israel seized Christian land and property.

The study also cited a staggering drop-off in the tourist trade, the
life’s blood of this biblical town.

In the past four years, the number of tourists visiting Bethlehem per
month has dropped from 91,726 to 7,249. Driving along the streets,
even at Christmas time, it is not uncommon to see rows of businesses
and homes either abandoned or boarded up.

Bethlehem’s economy is so poor, restaurant owner George Nazar has
resorted to giving away free cups of coffee.

“I’m lonely all day,” said Nazar, “if I charge for the coffee, the
people might not come to my restaurant.”

Nazar says he’s lucky to see five customers in a day, and they rarely
buy food.

“No one has money,” cried Nazar, tears welling up in his eyes. “I
don’t make enough to pay the rent; I don’t know how I’m going to buy
Christmas presents for my kids.”

“Times are tough, and will remain tough for Christians here,” said an
old Muslim shopkeeper, afraid of giving his name.

Surrounded by shelves of religious icons and countertops strewn with
souvenirs imported from China, the shopkeeper shifted his weight and
said, “only a peace between the Jews and the Muslims will help the
Christians.” Otherwise, he recommended deceit.

“Please lie to the people,” he begged. “Write an article saying
Bethlehem is safe and peaceful this Christmas,” he said. “Only the
tourists, with their money, can save the Christians, save us all.”

Ara Ayer is an NBC News producer based in Tel Aviv.

–Boundary_(ID_bpIwtKDQh+Q9Ww78N36SAA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GRYZLOV MADE WRONG STATEMENT, OSKANIAN CONSIDERS

PanArmenian News
Dec 22 2004

22.12.2004 18:02

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Touching upon the words of Russian Duma Speaker
Boris Gryzlov Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian stated that
“the word he used presents the Armenian-Russian relationships a
wrong way”. Boris Gryzlov “just used a wrong wording”, V. Oskanian,
who visited the National Press Club today, considers. He said “to
date negotiations can be more efficient than in 1997. Moreover,
with the proposals available today we can “fix” Karabakh’s right for
self-determination”. Vardan Oskanian also noted that at present the
leadership has to decide on Karabakh’s participation in the talks –
either to insist on involving Karabakh and break out the negotiations
unless the demand is satisfied or to continue the process. Nowadays
the authorities prefer the second variant.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

La Turquie expédiée en une petite heure

La Nouvelle République du Centre Ouest
22 décembre 2004

S’il fallait une illustration que l’Assemblée nationale est, sous la
Ve République, notamment en matière de politique étrangère, un
théâtre d’ombres, le « débat » organisé, hier, sur l’ouverture des
négociations d’adhésion de la Turquie à l’Union européenne, en
offrirait une caricature.

Le 14 octobre dernier, les groupes politiques avaient pu
s’exprimer… mais les députés n’avaient pas été autorisés à voter,
au prétexte qu’il n’était pas question de lier les mains du président
de la République avant le Conseil européen, ce que personne
n’envisageait d’ailleurs.

Ledit conseil a eu lieu le 17 décembre, il a décidé d’ouvrir les
négociations avec la Turquie et, quatre jours plus tard, l’Assemblée
rouvre le débat dans les mêmes conditions. A François Bayrou, le
président de l’UDF, qui dénonçait ces pratiques, Jean-Pierre Raffarin
répliqua qu’il entendait respecter à la lettre les prérogatives du
Président.

Un ” oui ” frileux

Alain Bocquet, pour le PCF, estima que « le ” oui ” à la Turquie
était un ” oui ” frileux » de nature à inciter ce pays « à se
contenter d’un partenariat privilégié ».

La tâche de Bernard Accoyer, le président du groupe UMP, était
nettement plus délicate, son parti s’étant prononcé contre l’adhésion
et en faveur d’un partenariat privilégié, à l’inverse justement de
Jacques Chirac.

« L’intérêt de la France et de l’Europe est de ne fermer aucune porte
[…], mais l’hypothèse qui nous paraît la plus probable est celle
d’un lien fort […] L’alternative ne sera pas à l’issue de la
négociation entre une adhésion quasi automatique et le rejet pur et
simple », se réjouit-il.

Jean-Marc Ayrault, le président du groupe socialiste, se félicita de
l’ouverture des négociations et des garde-fous introduits qui
permettront de mesurer « la volonté turque de faire sienne les
valeurs et les règles de l’Union », la liberté religieuse, le droit
des femmes et des minorités, les normes sociales, mais aussi la
reconnaissance du génocide arménien et celle de la république de
Chypre.

Le PS dénonce le ” simplisme ” de la droite

« L’UMP et l’UDF font assaut de simplisme pour expliquer que la
Turquie et l’Europe sont incompatibles […] Nicolas Sarkozy et
François Bayrou insinuent l’impossibilité d’intégrer 70 millions de
musulmans dans l’Europe. En attisant les peurs et les fantasmes, ils
brouillent les enjeux et conduisent leurs électeurs à exprimer leur
refus de la Turquie en s’opposant à la Constitution européenne. Voilà
comment d’une pierre, on commet deux catastrophes », lança-t-il, en
rappelant qu’à tout moment, chaque État pourra bloquer les
négociations.

La réponse du Premier ministre fut le calque des propos tenus la
semaine dernière par Jacques Chirac : « Oui à l’entrée de la Turquie
si à terme elle remplit les critères d’adhésion : c’est l’intérêt de
la France et de l’Europe […] C’est à la Turquie de rejoindre notre
projet […] Nous lui proposons de faire sa révolution européenne ».

« Le peuple souverain aura le dernier mot », conclut Jean-Pierre
Raffarin, en promettant aux députés « un dialogue régulier,
transparent » tout au long du processus. Un propos qui provoqua sur
tous les bancs un sourire crispé.

–Boundary_(ID_yOemJ6NLsYR4JluVebP43w)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Vic’s fancy belt is a hit

Northern District Times (Australia)
December 22, 2004 Wednesday

IN A humble red brick unit at Ryde sits a world title belt belonging
to newly-declared world champion boxer Vic Darchinyan.

The flyweight snared the elusive title at the International Boxing
Federation bout at Hollywood, Florida, on Friday.

The southpaw gave an account of how he triumphed over Colombian Irene
Paceco, making it 23 wins from 23 fights.

“I felt very aggressive and knocked him down after 20 seconds in
round 11,” the 28-year-old said.

“I believed from the start that I could become the world champion
because I believed in myself.

“I’m strong and no one’s stronger than me,” Darchinyan said.

The Armenian immigrant settled in Sydney after the 2000 Olympics and
started training with Australian champion boxer Jeff Fenech.

Fenech said Darchinyan had improved “tremendously” since joining his
Marrickville-based camp.

“He wasn’t used to training hard,” Fenech said.

“He never really ran. Now he’s got a combination of everything. It’s
been great. He’s got that strength.”

Darchinyan is already eyeing the World Boxing Federation title
next year.

“I want a whole belt now,” he said.

Fenech has complete faith in the gutsy fighter, but won’t let him to
become complacent.

“He’ll dominate his division for a long time,” Fenech said.

“He’s strong and very determined.

“Everyone wants to take it off him, so he’s got to stay focused.”

Meanwhile, Darchinyan is preparing to enjoy a three-week break with
his parents, who are visiting from his homeland.

But for now, his heart is in Australia.

“I love Australia . . . it’s a beautiful country,” he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NETHERLANDS DEMANDS RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmenPress
Dec 22 2004

THE HAGUE, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS: The Federation of the Armenian
Organizations in the Netherlands said in a press release, forwarded to
Armenpress that it was satisfied with the Dutch Parliament unanimous
adoption of a motion concerning the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.

Armenian community of The Netherlands has been insisting that the Dutch
Parliament and the government recognize f the Armenian Genocide of
1915 for many years. Especially last year, in the run-up to and during
the Dutch presidency of EU, the 24 April Committee of the Armenian
Federation has persistently campaigned to bring the Armenian question
under the attention of the Members of Parliament and the Dutch public.

debate nearly all fractions asked the government about the absence
of the Armenian Genocide issue in the Presidency conclusions. This in
spite of commitment by among others France and the European Parliament
and also by Dutch Foreign Minister Bot himself, who ensured the
Dutch Parliament that the Armenian question has always been brought
up at the meetings with the Turkish colleagues. The majority of the
Parliament Members had asked to pay attention to this point.

In the motion adopted by the Parliament the government is asked “to
bring up the recognition of the Armenian Genocide continuously and
expressly in the dialogue with Turkey”.

This motion has been introduced by the Chairman of Christian Union
fraction Mr. Rouvoet and supported by all other political parties in
the Parliament.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Hadra: Turkey Should Continue Relations With Arab Countries

Anadolu Agency
Dec 22 2004

MERSIN (AA) – Turkish-Arab Businessmen Association Chairman Mehmet
Hadra said on Saturday that Turkey, who got a date from the European
Union (EU) to start full membership negotiations, should continue
relations with Arab countries.

Hadra told a press conference that the target of their association
was to improve trade as well as cultural and art relations between
Turkey and Arab countries.

Meanwhile, commenting on Turkey’s getting a date from the EU
for membership negotiations, former Parliament Speaker Husamettin
Cindoruk said, “yesterday’s result is neither a success nor failure.
Getting October 3rd, 2005 is an acquisition.”

Addressing a seminar, Cindoruk said, “the EU neither accepts us nor let
us go. EU will make a decision according to the performance of Turkey.”

Cindoruk said there were two difficulties in agreement reached with
the EU. “One in negotiations’ being ‘open-ended’ and the second is
the Cyprus issue.”

Cindoruk defended that Turkey could not start negotiations if Ankara
Protocol is not signed till October 3rd, 2005.

Sinan Aygun, the Chairman of Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), said
when the newspaper headlines were considered, this was seen as a
success, but that it was not definite what would be brought in front
of Turkey till October 3rd, 2005.

Defending the word derogation as “limitation, prohibition”, Aygun said
Turkey would meet various limitations even if it becomes an EU member.

Aygun said Cyprus issue was a “question mark”, stating that, “it
is not definite what will be brought in front of us till October
3rd. Armenian issue, ecumenicalism, opening of Armenian border pass,
and allegations on Armenian genocide were not brought onto the
agenda. We can not know that would be asked from us from now on.”

Zafer Caglayan, Chairman of Ankara Chamber of Industry, said the
decision to start full membership negotiations with Turkey till October
3rd, 2005 was pleasing, stating that, “today is a new starting for
Turkey. However the efforts actually start today.”

Caglayan said Turkey entered a new period from now on, noting that all
sections of the society should undertake important responsibilities
from now on.

Meanwhile, the Motherland Party (ANAP) Headquarters issued a statement
and said a success was made in “making concessions” during the December
17th summit.

The statement said the demands, which have not been asked from any
country since the foundation of the EU, was imposed to Turkey.

Recalling that in the previous statements of Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah
Gul, it was reported that a negotiation process would be taken without
any condition and that Cyprus issue would never be brought onto the
agenda, the statement said, “we think that Mr. Erdogan does not
accept those as condition.”

Dogu Perincek, the leader of Labor Party, said the commitments made
by the government would not bind Turkey.

Perincek told a news conference at his party center in Istanbul
that, “we do not recognize the commitments made by the government.
We announce to the whole world that those commitments would not
bind Turkey.”

Mehmet Agar, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP) said, “we
consider the point that was reached as positive for continuation of
the EU process.”

Agar told a news conference that EU presented opening of full
membership negotiations with Turkey as a favor, stating that Turkey
was exposed to a treatment that was not shown to any country before.

Asked if DYP had a study in following EU process, Agar said DYP had
a special study group, and that this would be improved.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress