Author: admin

The Delaware County Times, PA
Dec 10 2004

Gil Spencer: In this instance, CIS is running the asylum

Garegin and Nadia Ambartsoumian have been in this country for eight
years, raising their three children and working hard. Nadia works
six, sometimes seven days a week, cleaning houses and offices.
Garegin, a house painter, works long hours, too. After three years on
his own, his business is starting to take off.

Their girls, Karina and Rimma, are honor students at Upper Darby High
School. Their son, George, goes to the Armenian Sisters Academy in
Radnor.

They live in row house in Drexel Hill — but not for long, if the
Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has anything to
say about it. And it does.

The CIS wants the Ambartsoumian family to go back where it came from,
namely Georgia or Ukraine. One of those places in the former Soviet
Union. It doesn’t really matter which one. As the bartender says at
closing time, “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”

Well, George can. He’s a natural-born American citizen. So he can
stay on, but without his parents and sisters. He’s 8.

The Ambartsoumians applied for refugee status soon after they arrived
here in 1996. They fled the Soviet Union four years earlier after
years of what they claim was religious and ethnic persecution.

Nadia is a Baptist. Her father was a Baptist minister. Under the old
communist regime, religion was frowned upon.

“In communist country,” Nadia said in her still-thick Eastern
European accent, “they don’t let people to believe in God.”

For practicing his beliefs, Nadia’s father was sent to Siberia.
Overall, he spent 25 years of his life there. When she was old
enough, Nadia went to live with him.

“I was three years with my father in Siberia,” she said. But her
mother stayed in Ukraine with her sisters.

After returning home to Odessa, Nadia met Garegin. He’d come from
Georgia to work construction. She was working in a hotel. They
married and had two children.

But life was tough for the mixed couple. She is Ukrainian. He was
born in Georgia but is Armenian by ancestry. In the cauldron of
ethnic tribalism that passed for the former Soviet Union, Gari and
Nadia increasingly found themselves the targets of ethnic and
religious harassment.

When they decided it was time to get out, they headed first to Canada
and then to New York.

They arrived June 5, 1996, declaring themselves refugees and
requesting political asylum. Nadia gave birth to George five months
later.

They moved to the Overbrook section of Philadelphia and then to
Drexel Hill a couple of years later. They’ve been in Delco ever
since.

Though she speaks five languages, the only work Nadia could get was
cleaning houses.

“I just housekeeper,” she says.

But she’s a good one, according to the people she works for. More
than that, they say, she’s a special human being.

“She is just the most lovely person,” said Ginny Brookins, who lives
in Wayne.

In 1997, Brookins was battling cancer when Nadia came to work for
her. Today Nadia is more than an employee.

“She really has become a dear friend. She would do anything for you,”
Brookins said.

George Aman, an attorney who lives in Radnor, is another of Nadia’s
clients.

“She is a very nice woman, a fine woman, who works very hard,” he
said. “It would be a terrible shame to have her deported.”

Though she has her own lawyer, Aman has taken an interest in Nadia’s
case. He’s written letters on her behalf and called newspapers too.

“All of (her clients) want her to stay,” he said, “for economic as
well as personal reasons.”

But none more than Brookins, who Nadia helped through one of the
toughest times of her life.

“This is the type of family we need in the United States: Generous,
hard working, just the kind of people you want to know,” she said.

Unfortunately, when it comes to winning asylum, the U.S. government
isn’t swayed by such testimonials.

“We have people who have been illegally present for years who develop
equities in the community,” said Bill Strassberger, a CIS spokesman.
“But they have to have a basis to qualify for asylum.”

In 1999, an immigration judge decided that Garegin and Nadia had
failed to establish that they were sufficiently persecuted in their
home countries.

Though both of them described numerous incidents of their being
harassed, threatened and beaten, the judge found insufficient
evidence that they had a “well-founded fear of future persecution.”

Their second appeal was heard last month by a three-judge panel, and
the original decision was upheld. They were given 30 days to leave
the country, since extended until the end of the school year.

Unless someone intervenes on their behalf, this could be their last
Christmas in America.

Happy holidays.

(More about the Ambartsoumians and their situation Sunday.)

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BBC News
Dec 10 2004

1988: Death toll rises in Armenian earthquake

Up to 45,000 people have died and a further 500,000 are homeless
after the devastating earthquake which ripped through Armenia,
official figures revealed today.

Rescue work is currently still concentrating on finding any
survivors, but hope is waning in Armenia which borders Turkey and
Azerbaijan.

The Soviet Union declared today a national day of mourning as the
death toll rose and President Gorbachev toured the cities devastated
by the earthquake.

It measured 6.9 on the Richter scale and affected an area 80
kilometres in diameter.

Spitak, a town of 25,000 inhabitants, has been completely destroyed
and cannot be rebuilt – a new city will have to be built over the
wreckage.

Devastating consequences

The city of Leninakan, with 290,000 inhabitants, and the towns of
Stepanavan and Kirovakan in the northern area of Armenia, were also
hit by the earthquake.

It struck three days ago at 1141 local time when children were at
school and most people at work.

With most of Armenia covered in high-rise buildings the consequences
have been devastating.

The scale of the destruction has brought criticism the infrastructure
was substandard, prompting Soviet authorities to pledge Spitak will
be rebuilt with blocks no more than five storeys high.

Medical Aid

The disaster has led to an unprecedented level of openness by the
Soviet authorities as they struggle to cope with the devastation.

The Soviet Union has made an appeal for medical aid requesting, in
particular, blood transfusion equipment and dialysis machines.

America is sending medical aid and sniffer dogs capable of detecting
survivors.

Dogs sent by France alerted aid workers to 60 people buried alive
under the rubble yesterday.

India has sent clothes and blankets while Britain is transporting
excavating equipment

Five tonnes of clothes have already been collected by Aid Armenia
based in Britain.

In Context
The final number of people who died reached 25,000.
The former Soviet Union came under heavy criticism for failing to
co-ordinate rescue work and acting promptly – revealing it had no
contingency plans for any disasters.

Twelve thousand families remain displaced as a result of the
earthquake after new cities, started by Moscow in 1989, have remained
half-built.

A project by the Urban Institute, policy researchers, along with its
partners, the Institute for Urban Economics in Moscow and the
American University of Armenia, is underway to resolve this.

The goal is to provide permanent housing to those still displaced by
the earthquake while restoring the original city centres.

Watch/Listen
The earthquake measured 6.9 on the Richter scale

BBC News report on the British response to the tragedy

Your Memories?
Write your account of the events.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian defence minister pleased with army’s combat readiness

Golos Armenii, Yerevan
9 Dec 04

Armenian Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisyan has said that he is pleased
with the current level of the army’s combat readiness, although there
are many problems that should be settled. In a hotline with the
readers of Golos Armenii newspaper, Sarkisyan said that all experts
assess the state of the Armenian army as normal. The defence minister
also pointed out that the number of personnel in the army is very
high, which is quite a heavy burden for the country. Armenia is
taking measures to set up a professional army, although it is
connected with great expenses, he said. He also said that the decision
to send a military contingent to Iraq was correct and denied that
Armenia will sign a an unfavourable peace agreement with
Azerbaijan. The following is an excerpt from Lana Mshetsyan, Tigran
Mirzoyan and David Arutyunyan report by Armenian newspaper Golos
Armenii on 9 December headlined “For a great number of young men to
serve in the army is a holy duty”. Subheadings have been inserted
editorially:

Hotline with Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisyan.

Superpowers must find a common language

[Ashot Yesayan, teacher] Observers are talking about the weakening of
the influence of the Russian factor in Georgia, Ajaria and Ukraine. In
this connection, to what extent are we continuing to rely on the
Russian factor, especially in the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh
conflict and the stability and security of the whole region?

[Serzh Sarkisyan] Hundreds of circumstances affect the settlement of
the Karabakh issue. In this context, any changes may affect it
positively, as well as negatively. We do not want the region to be
crossed by separating lines. Nor do we want the countries of our
region to talk to each other from the position of force. It is
desirable for us that the superpowers find a common language with each
other and do not divide spheres of influence. Only then, will there
favourable conditions for Armenia. We have never tried to join various
military and political alliances to the detriment of Russia as our
neighbours do. We have always said that we are conducting an Armenian
national policy, and our cooperation with NATO is never to the
detriment of cooperation with Russia. Unfortunately, not everybody
accepts the policy of complementarity.

[Passage omitted: Sarkisyan said that young men who earlier avoided
military service may pay a certain sum and avoid criminal
accountability. The National Assembly adopted this law in order to
allow those who left the country and did not do their military service
to return to Armenia. Sarkisyan said that there is no corruption in
the Defence Ministry]

[Norayr Avakyan, sociologist] Azerbaijan is doing its best to prevent
Armenian servicemen from participating in NATO programmes. What do you
think is the reason for such an uncompromising and unacceptable
attitude from our neighbours?

[Sarkisyan] I would not say so. In any case, Azerbaijan is not doing
that openly. But Azerbaijan wants Armenia to be defeated wherever
possible. If for instance our country does not cooperate with NATO and
the USA and their attitude towards Armenia changes, Azerbaijan likes
that. Another thing is when events are held on their territory. In
that case, they are really doing everything possible not to let the
Armenian party participate in them. There are many reasons for
this. One of them is that Azerbaijan lost the war and naturally, the
authorities should do something to justify themselves before their
people. For this reason, even an ordinary trip to Azerbaijan by a
journalist of Armenian descent causes problems.

[Karen Avakyan, teacher] There are rumours in the Azerbaijani press
about the possible extradition of Ramil Safarov [Azerbaijani officer
charged with killing an Armenian officer in Budapest] to
Azerbaijan. Is that possible?

[Sarkisyan] I cannot speak on behalf of the Hungarian authorities and
guarantee that Safarov will not be extradited to Azerbaijan, though
there is no agreement on extradition between Hungary and
Azerbaijan. In any case, the Armenian authorities are doing everything
possible to ensure an impartial trial and get the criminal to be
punished appropriately.

[Marina Saakyan, musician] Are you going to run in the next
presidential elections?

[Sarkisyan] It is too early to speak about this. Of course, I
understand people’s interest, but I have not even thought about it
yet.

Pleased with the army’s combat readiness

[Areg Meliksetyan, student] How do you assess the combat readiness of
the Armenian army at present?

[Sarkisyan] The defence minister cannot objectively reply to this
question. However, I should say that there are several parametres for
determining the combat readiness of an army in the world. These are
exercises where troops learn to fight, and inspectors assess their
condition and inspect real hostilities. Today all experts assess the
state of our army state as normal. I think this is the highest mark. A
group of inspectors under the president of Armenia always inspects
military units. Both the Armenian president and I familiarize
ourselves with their results. Their estimations are normal. Certainly,
there are shortcomings as well. I am always greatly interested in
familiarizing myself with these papers: individual officers and units
are assessed there. Such information is very useful when making
decisions on personnel policy. There is one more factor. Our small
platoon is in Kosovo, it is taking part in peacekeeping operations
there and we get excellent comments on its work. One more unit took
part in the NATO exercises in Yerevan last year – and again we had a
positive response. Together with the Russians, we are also taking part
in the bilateral and multilateral exercises where we are also highly
rated. In any case, I am pleased with the current level of the combat
effectiveness of our army, although there are many problems that
should be settled.

Big army “heavy burden”

[Ashot Saakyan, builder] Is the military and political leadership of
our country considering measures to overcome the negative consequences
of the social and economic situation of the early 1990s, which can
seriously affect the fighting efficiency of the armed forces? First of
all, I mean the fall in the birth rate, and as a result, the permanent
fall in the number of conscripts, as well as the sharp fall in the
level of conscripts’ educational and physical training.

[Sarkisyan] Certainly, this problem worries us a lot. It is difficult
to raise the birth rate and literacy in a short period of time. But
these problems are beyond the army’s responsibility. I should say that
at present, the number of personnel in the army is very high for peace
time and this is quite a heavy burden for our people (let the people
and army forgive me). If we settle relations with our neighbours, the
number of personnel in the army will definitely be reduced by three or
four times. In that case, we shall have a chance to choose and the
army will be replenished only with educated soldiers and officers. In
any case, we will still keep the existing number of personnel in the
army and the level of fighting efficiency for a long period of
time. This problem cannot be settled tomorrow or during the next
conscription campaign. At the same time, we are taking specific
measures. First, we are trying to settle the education problems of
soldiers and officers in the army by organizing different short-term
and long-term courses. We also have military units with so-called
schools where soldiers can get secondary education. But our main
resource are those who serve in the army under contract. A
professional army is the shortest way to settle this problem. But
today Armenia cannot have a professional army as it is connected with
very large expenses. For this reason, we are creating contract units,
i.e. some elements of a professional army, and trying to keep up our
fighting efficiency. Today we have many units of the sort, especially
in the border regions. There is such a unit in Yerevan – a
peacekeeping battalion. At present, 3,500 women are serving in the
army under contract. Civilians also work in the army wherever
possible. This allows us to settle the social problems of the
population on the one hand and purely military problems on the other.

In parallel, we are working with the Education Ministry and Sports
Committee to restore the patriotic and physical training system. The
main vector of the problem should be directed towards schools. I would
like to mention specially our joint work with the Health
Ministry. This is the first time that we have started medical
examinations of young men below the age of conscription. In 2004, we
started work to satisfy the health needs of servicemen’s family
members (including active military service soldiers).

[Svetlana Yagubyan, pensioner] What is your attitude towards the
activity of the Armenian Pan-National Movement [APNM] and the rumours
about [Armenian ex-President] Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s return to big-time
politics?

[Sarkisyan] I do not think the APNM has become very active. The former
ruling party is always active. As for the rumours about the return of
the first president to politics, they mean just what they mean. He has
answered this question himself.

[Passage omitted: Sarkisyan thinks that it is high time to set up an
effective centre in Armenia that could coordinate the actions of all
the components of the national security system, including the army,
collect and analyze information]

Armenian military contingent in Iraq

[Manuk Yesayan, chemist] Several months have passed since the signing
of a memorandum with Americans on sending an Armenian contingent to
Iraq. Today the problem is finally being solved. Despite the protests
of society and the request of the Iraqi Armenians, you still think
that sending an Armenian contingent to Iraq is a justified necessity?

[Sarkisyan] Yes, I think we have to do it. Even if we sustain losses
if our contingent is sent to Iraq, they will be less than if we keep
out of these processes. Moreover, people who will go there will be
volunteers. They will sign a contract and will be paid well. We have
never intended to send there active service soldiers. We do not have
such plans in the future either. Servicemen under contract, drivers,
doctors and sappers will be send to Iraq. Second, I would like to say
that we have not reached any agreement either with the Americans,
Poles or somebody else to send our military contingent to Iraq. Third,
UN resolution No 1546 of 8 June 2004 places emphasis on continuing the
world community’s support for the transitional processes taking place
in Iraq whose main goal is to establish stability and security in the
region. Different countries are taking part in stabilization in Iraq
in different ways.

[Passage omitted: Other details]

Taking into account that there is an Armenian diaspora, spiritual and
culture centres in Iraq and they have traditionally friendly relations
with the people of Iraq, Armenia refrained from participating in the
hostilities within the coalition forces, trying to prevent possible
negative consequences for the Armenian community of Iraq. Instead,
Armenia chose not a military, but a humanitarian option for
participating in the problems of Iraq.

The number of accidents in the army is falling

[Ara Saakyan, philologist] According to statistics, the number of
accidents in the army has fallen. Each of such accidents is not only a
tragedy for an individual family, but also undermines the authority of
the army and creates unwillingness to serve in it.

[Sarkisyan] I absolutely agree. Indeed, the number of such accidents
is falling from year to year, but they still happen. This year 36
active military service soldiers died or were killed. I have to say
that this figure is several times lower than several years ago. I am
sure that the number of such incidents will fall in the
future. Although no explanations, references and objective
circumstances can lessen the sorrow of parents who have lost their
son. But this does not mean that we are pleased with these figures. We
have been working and are continuing to work in this direction. I
would like to say that we conduct public opinion polls from time to
time and there is a big number of young men who consider military
service to be their holy duty. It is these people that our army relies
on.

[Samvel Rustamyan, biologist] What can you say about Azerbaijan’s
permanent threats to settle the Karabakh conflict in a military way?
How real are these threats and is our army ready to repel them?

[Sarkisyan] Our army is ready to defend our independence and the
borders of our country. As for Azerbaijan, we can understand their
arrogance as they are trying to calm down their people in this
way. What else are they to do? I have never ruled out that Azerbaijan
might resume the hostilities, but I do not see any threat of war in
the near future.

[Passage omitted: Sarkisyan is talking about privileges for war
veterans. He said that in 2005, the pensions of war veterans will
increase by 20 per cent. Sarkisyan also said that Turkey must
recognize the Armenian genocide]

No defeat in Karabakh talks

[David Amirkhanyan, musician] Defeat in the negotiating process on the
Karabakh issue settlement and the signing of an unfavourable agreement
with Baku – these subjects are being touched upon more actively
again. What is going on?

[Sarkisyan] There is some similarity between today’s situation and
what was happening in 1992. I do not quite understand this fuss. I am
always ready to listen to fair criticism, but what is this
Schadenfreude for? There are no grounds for this. In 1992, they were
screaming that Karabakh has been sold or lost, but everybody saw for
himself that this was not true. Today I do not see real facts
testifying to our possible defeat in the negotiating process. All talk
about documents that have allegedly been signed is wide of the mark. I
can say with certainty that no document will be signed beyond the
three principles announced by the president of Armenia – Karabakh
cannot be part of Azerbaijan, Karabakh must have a full land link with
Armenia (not a “path” as many ill-wishers say) and Karabakh must have
serious security guarantees, including the guarantee that the war will
not resume.

[Passage omitted: Possible instability in the country may affect the
army’s fighting efficiency]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DUTCH AMBASSADOR, ANC MEET ON TURKEY EU TALKS

BEIRUT, December 10 (Noyan Tapan). A delegation from Lebanon’s
Armenian National Committee (ANC) met with the Dutch ambassador to
Lebanon G.J. van Epen on Wednesday to protest the December 17 summit
that will decide whether to launch European Union entry talks with
Ankara, “Aztag” daily reported. The Dutch currently hold the six-month
EU presidency. The delegation expressed concern about Turkey’s entry
into the Union, and presented a letter to the ambassador, intended for
the foreign ministry of his country. In the letter, the ANC outlined
issues that clearly reveal Turkey’s inability to adhere to European
norms and standards. The meeting took place at the Royal Netherlands
Embassy of Lebanon.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Roj TV, Denmark
Dec 10 2004

>From writers’ point of view, Kurds and EU: Every one should make
attempts

While campaigns like “Yes to Discrepancies, No to Separatism” are
being held on solution of Kurd Problem, which is a significant
parameter in relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) and,
comes on the agenda in accordance with regional relationships, some
authors pointed the significance of the problem to be solved.

By referring to the Dec. 17 summit, they stated that the problem
should be solved even if a date for the start of talks were not
announced. Armenian Author Mýgýrdiç Margosyan says: ”I wish, we took
steps in democratization, liberty and human rights for ourselves not
by impositions. If we enter the EU, if such a process comes true , I
think, several problems of minorities and especially of Kurds will be
solved easily.”

Turkish foreign policy has been focused on the 17 Dec, when a Road Map
will be drawn for the membership of Turkey. Whether or not to give a
date for starting membership negotiations with Turkey will be
determined on Dec.17. Some discussions are being made on Kurd, Cyprus
and Aegean Sea Problems, and labor power and Turkey’s economical
picture is awaited on the table of the EU. It is considered crucial in
terms of Kurd Problem that President of European Parliament Josep
Borrell Fontelles visited Diyarbakir after Ankara, in his presidency
capacity.

Kurdish, Turkish, Armenian and Circassion writers answered to question
”How it fixing a date of starting negations to Turkey on Dec. 17 may
contribute to the solution of Kurd Problem.”

Armenian Author Migirdich Margosyan: ”I am in favour of those who
think that Turkey should access to the EU because the union open some
doors for us. Let’s face it or not, we obliged to either reluctantly
or compulsorily make declinations on democratization, becoming free,
human rights and all the others. That one may say these new steps were
taken by impositions or recommendations. If wish, it would not have
happened so, namely, I wish, we ourselves would have done the new
expansions neither by these or those policies of the EU nor by its
two-way polices (harsh and soft) I do never agree in what our
politicians said or are saying that they wanted all of those works for
their humans, since if there were something like this, would not have
faced the impositions of the EU. If we are deigning to some
modifications in the Turkish constitution, this have occurred as
result of the EU pressure. I see it entering the EU to be useful. I
believe that the unity will make contributions to the solution of Kurd
Problem. If we enter the EU, if such a process comes true, I think,
several problems of minorities and especially of Kurds will be solved
easily.”

‘Solution is a process and end everyone should endeavour’

Circassion Poet Mansur Balcý says: ”Firstly, the accession to the EU
does not mean that every thing will be solved at once. A process or a
type of life like we are in the union is experienced in the talks
operation. This a mutual interest and will be lived as a process. I
had to write in Turkish in place of my mother tongue, but now everyone
is able to produce by both mother tongue and joint language, which is
an unbelievable wealth. When the guns lay down, soldiers attempted to
establish the voice of peace but Intelligentsia was not involved in
the process. But it is not the soldier that will constitute the
language of peace. Kurd Problem will not be solved in a day by
accessing to European society, this is a process. Every one should
struggle for this operation.”

‘There is a need to peace’

Writer and Poet Haydar Ergülen say:” I hope this will be more
positive and will give way to more positive results in Kurd Problem.
I believe, in fact I wish, that peace operation will come true. I wish
this for all the young; not only those on mounts but also soldiers. I
do not the blood to be shed any more. Nobody needs blood but every
body is in need of peace.

Author Cezmi Ersoz: “After Dec. 17, some impositions will be started
by the EU. No doubt, this process will create new areas of liberty in
Kurd Problem, beside expansions. It also caused an atmosphere of
debate. I wish Dec. 17 end safe and sound. This is process may augment
and last 15 years. Even if the European Union does not our
participation in the unity, this will make us achieve some
declinations and provide new fields of liberty. Even we do not access
to the EU, we should appraise the operation well. This process, at
least, will create an environment in which Kurdish Public is given
opportunity to live with Turkish counterpart. I wish no misfortune,
provocation and coup d’état happen and I also wish no tension appear
between Peoples. We must have a common sense more to fulfill the
process. Two Publics should be open to dialog, as should their
actors. A shepherd in Hakkari and a 12-year boy were killed. Some ones
press the button. I want the intelligentsia to be sensitive about
these provocations. I am optimistic. Yes, a date will be given.”

Syrian Author Sherko Cihani: ”If Turkey goes in the EU, it should
make rooted changes. They should also provide assistance. Just like
how the EU promoted the unity of nations inside, It should endure this
for Turkish and Kurdish Peoples. The 1st and 2nd World Wars made
Europeans kill each other. There were too many combats. The German
killed the French, as the latter did the same, but today these people
live friendly together. There is no boundary between them but there is
one between Turks and Kurds. This border is combat and blood. Blood of
humans is shed. Ocalan has interpreted these in his defense. A
response should be given to KONGRA-GEL (Kurdistan People’s
Congress). EU should not want KONGRA-GEL to surround to, which is not
such a system to cave in. Maybe, within the framework of democracy,
justice and humanity KONGA-GEL may be a political party in
Turkey. Just like how we see political parties of some groups in
Europe, Turkey must officially admit KONGRA-GEL. In addition, the
gangs must be removed and militarism has to be reduced. Two committees
came to Turkey and had good practices, nevertheless the country
constantly held military operations. They should stop and as well as
village guard system to be abolished. Good economical grounds should
be laid down in Kurdistan by Turkey and Europe. Not only for a
democratic Turkey but also a democratic Middle East Europe should have
works. The date should be given according to Turkey’s practices .A
term for negotiations should be given to Turkey. As to its practices
the date can be taken back because Turkey may not take these steps
easily.

Writer Altay Marti: ”A thing between to give or not give a date for
negotiations will happen. A date will be given but, we will not
understand whether we have been taken to unity or not. I do not think
that no change will happen in economy, Turkey’s Kurd policy and
general picture of the country. As a matter of fact, we understand
this from what has happened hitherto. Three are thousands types of
pressure. These are, too, a matter of the process, but in the long
term both the Kurds and Turks need a more democratic, humanely and
prosperous life. I do not think that Europe will solve all these at
once. That the President of European Parliament came to Diyarbakir is
a sample that shows where the problem will be solved. Even if some
parts of People in Turkey do not know where the problem will be
solved, the dominants do know. As they know they come here,
Diyarbakir. I would like a democratic expansion for all of us.

Author, Tuna Kiremitci: ”Generally, we need to solve our national
problem. What is Kurd? What is Turk? What is the relation between the
Kurd and Turk? How it should be? It will be very nice, if these cause
us to answer the questions that have not been answered through out the
history of Turkish Republic, if we, ourselves, succeed in doing
this. Even though the thing that had had to be done before a long time
is delayed, it will have been fulfilled. We would want to realize the
process without requiring the EU, but we can wangle by ourselves. I am
thinking now that ”Yes” will be said to Turkey”

Syrian Kurdish Writer Deham Abdulfettah: ”In the EU, It will be good
to give a date to Turkey. If the Kurd Problem comes on the agenda of
the EU, this will be good. When Turkey enters the unity, the laws of
the union will effective on the Turkish state.”

Author Suheyla Acar: ” I do not believe that during the operation of
membership, the EU will not dictate the solution of Kurd Problem to
Turkey, if political balances are thought. Therefore, if this problem
is solved in Turkey, this will be done by the approach of political
power. This is a sensitive subject at which political power in Turkey
is strong. The problem can be solved stage by stage and with the of
passing over some hindrances. This will take time. I do not think it
to be solved at a night. I am not a political scientist and my
foresights may not be true but, I think that a date will be given,
because this is not a thing to be put on the table as only Turkey’s
demand. From Europe’s point of view, this bears importance. I do not
think the EU to run a risk.

Kurdolog Emir Hasanpour: ”It makes a positive effect in general but
this is not absolute. The Kurds should not think every thing will be
solved and be happy. They also should not be consoled, because there
is affirmativeness only at proportion of what the Turkish state has
compensated. If Turkey tells: ‘I do not admit this’, Europe can not
press on Turkey with works. Turkey, too, should be willing in solving
the question.”

Critic Hayri Kako Yetik , one of the founders of Agora journal says:
”We ourselves should solve the question but, in the EU accession
process, unfortunately the laws are modified with the pressure of the
EU. Even if this comes from Europe, we affirm it. The most important
thing is to exceed our prejudices. Without exceeding our prejudices,
there is not much to be realized in life. The prejudiced opinion of
people about Kurds must be broken. Turks are prejudiced against Kurds,
and the latter’s also biased against the formers. The same prejudices,
unfortunately, is there between Arabs and Turks. This jaundice which
is rooted from the past must be abolished. The politician should put
aside their political accounts. Those who are in favour of peace,
brotherhood, humanity must raise their voice a lot. These sectors
should be self-denying. The democrats should be radical democrats. In
an other word , every body should do their duties for democracy to be
radically defended and for democracy to be implemented in practice. If
these are done, there will be obstacle on the way of solving Kurd
Problem. The biggest hindrance standing on the solution cited is the
prejudices of the politicians and also self-seeking accounts. If this
has been exceeded, I think, the question will be solved in a short
time. The peoples do not have enmity against each other. A date of
negotiations will be given.”

Syrian Kurdish Writer Rizoye Ose: ”Human Rights and especially those
of Kurds will be accepted in Turkey. If Turkey does not the rights of
the Kurds, It will not pay attention to the accession of the EU, at
all. Turkey should approve these rights to be able feel itself from
the soul of EU. If Turkey is sincere, it should accept the dues but,
if play a trick, won’t admit. If the Turkish state wants to show that
it is from the soul of EU, it will approach democracy, human rights
and Kurd Question in a positive manner. The EU soul already has human
rights. If Turkey fulfills the requirements, the date will be given.

Author Tuncay Akgun: ”I am in favor of the accession of Turkey to
Europe, which will be nice, if happen. Some hindrances may appear, but
I think, Turkey will be approved to the unity. There are some steps
taken by Turkey for the sake of democracy. I think the Turkish
administration to be important, as do the representation of Kurds in
Turkey. Here, there some things that have changed .Due to Hisbullah
terror, there was a fear of death 10 years ago. I think we should lead
to a normal process. For me, we should solve the problem here,in
Turkey. We ourselves should do.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Wyoming News, WY
Dec 10 2004

Armenian family released from immigration center

DENVER (AP) – An Armenian family held in an immigration detention
center in Denver for nearly five weeks has been unexpectedly
released.

”I’m shaking. It happened so fast. It’s incredible. I feel like I’m
in a dream,” said Gevorg Sargsyan, moments after he, his sister
Meri, brother Hayk and father Ruben walked out of the center
Thursday.

The Sargsyan family was taken into custody while their attorney was
trying to obtain visas for them, based on their contention they were
victims of a con man who trafficked in fraudulent visas. That battle
is not over.

The family has lived and worked in the western Colorado town of
Ridgway for more than six years.

Hayk is a senior honor student at Ridgway High School. Gevorg was on
the dean’s list at the University of Colorado, where he was studying
chemical engineering. Meri was well known for playing piano in local
churches. Ruben, a space-optics scientist in Armenia, had been
working multiple jobs to provide for his family.

His wife, Susan, and their daughter Nvart, who both work in Ouray and
Ridgway, were not taken into custody because their immigration cases
were being heard separately.

Ouray County residents have raised more than $30,000 for their legal
defense, written hundreds of letters and e-mails and asked officials
from regional immigration officials to President Bush to take another
look at the case and allow the family to stay.

”We are very glad ICE made this decision,” said Pete Whiskeman, a
Ridgway businessman who has helped lead the effort.

Carl Rusnok, a Dallas-based spokesman for the immigration division,
said the Sargsyans were released on orders from Washington on
Thursday.

”They were released because they are not a threat to national
security and not a flight risk,” Rusnok said. ”Frankly, we can use
the detention space for more dangerous criminals.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A1 Plus | 21:46:26 | 10-12-2004 | Social |

PRIZES FOR HIGHLIGHTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Authors of the best environmental articles were awarded prizes on Friday
at the contest announced by OSCE Yerevan office and Orhus center.{BR}

40 TV and printed profiles were presented.

Concrete Civilization Edik Baghdasryan’s film and Professionalism Cut in
Forest Susanna Shahnazaryan’s article were found the best.

A special prize was given to Hrachya Papinyan for his film highlighting
problems related to water and forests pollution.

The majority of contenders are from Armenia’s regions.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ArmenPress
Dec 10 2004

KOCHARIAN MEETS CENTRAL BANK COUNCIL MEMBERS

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert
Kocharian’s press office said he had a working meeting today with
members of the Central Bank Council. It said “the focal topic of the
meeting was to sum up what the Bank has done in the outgoing year and
to discuss the current situation in the financial market.”
Kocharian was quoted as saying that the Central Bank is
experiencing now a very crucial moment with global shifts occurring
at the world’s financial markets, which “could not have failed to
have its impact on Armenia’s economy.”
Kocharian said it is very important for the Central Bank and the
government to adapt their moves and policies to global processes,
“but not to oppose them, as in that case Armenia would sustain only
damages.” According to Kocharian, Armenia may even gain if it carries
a flexible and correct policy. He said the Central Bank is the body
that is responsible for carrying out that kind of policy. “A great
deal depends on you,” Kocharian said, meaning members of the Council.
The president said Central Bank officials should have in view that
drastic fluctuations of hard currency exchange rates prompts
speculative deals in the financial markets, urging the Central Bank
to take a more resolute stand and act swiftly to foil them.
The president asked Council members to share their vision of
developments in the domestic financial market (the drastic decline of
US Dollar value against Armenia’s national currency-dram) and their
suggestions what can be done so that the government and people do not
sustain damages and also what can be done to take the opportunity of
a stronger dram in order to boost domestic production.
Kocharian’s press office said Council members presented the
situation in the financial markets and their views on how to
alleviate its aftereffects.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA News Agency
Dec 9 2004

ON DEC 1-9 NOMINAL EXCHANGE RATE OF ARMENIAN DRAM STRENGTHENED IN
RESPECT TO ALL FOREIGN CURRENCIES

YEREVAN, December 9. /ARKA/. On Dec 1-9 nominal exchange rate of
Armenian dram strengthened in respect to all foreign currencies,
quotes on which are set by CBA. According to analysis of ARKA News
Agency, Canadian dollar lost its positions compared to Armenian dram,
its rate decreased by 6.27% in Dec 1-9 (395.53 AMD). Australian
dollar goes next – by 5.82%, to 366.1 AMD, Argentinean peso – by
5.21% to 161.08 AMD.
Currencies, most important to participants of financial market of
Arenia, i.e. USD and Euro, weakened their positions during such a
short period of time. Thus, exchange nominal rate of AMD to USD made
478 per $1, i.e. by 22.05 AMD or 4.41% more than on Dec 1, 2004. Note
a year earlier, on Dec 9, 2003 $1 was equal to 566.53 AMD. Exchange
rate of AMD to Euro since the beginning of the month strengthened by
4.37% or by 29.08 AMD and today it costs 635.74 AMD. A year ago 1
Euro cost 692.19 AMD.
The fact of strengthening of Armenian dram to Russian ruble is also
interesting. Since the beginning of December ruble in Armenia
weakened by 3.77%, to 17.09 AMD per ruble, while as of Dec 9, 2004, 1
ruble cost 19.17 AMD.
Analysis of foreign exchange market sale-purchase rates by the banks
gives more surprising picture: pretty serious margin between purchase
rate and sale rate of foreign exchange. Today it achieves 25 AMD
during trade of USD and sometimes even more in trade with Euros. Such
a serious margin usually took place in the country in more serious
variation of rates in conditions of not created foreign exchange
markets in the beginning of transition period. In `normal’
conditions, namely in the beginning of 2004, margin in trade with USD
ranged between 2-7 AMD. On request of ARKA to explain the reason to
such a big difference between sale and purchase rates, the dealers of
some commercial banks said that they go for this because average rate
really makes 460 AMD per $1, at the exchange rate of CBA in 478 AMD.
That is why the banks had to increase the margin to minimize currency
risks and receive income from foreign exchange operations in account
of rate difference. Otherwise the banks would have losses.
Thus, most of the dealers, though do not exclude future strengthening
of AMD in the beginning of the next year, do not give the forecasts
in short-term perspective. No one of them gives any comments,
explaining it that existing situation `does not have any logics, and
it is outside of all economic laws’. Everything depends on what will
take place at international financial markets, what moods and trends
will be created there, what inflation and what macroindicators will
be created in USA and European countries. It is also noted that not
the last role in rate trends was played by not so much by exporters,
but large investments in Armenia. Nevertheless, part of the dealers
expressed opinion that fast decrease of USD rate in last days and in
the future more than likely won’t take place. At this, dealers note
serious volumes of sale-purchase deals at foreign exchange market of
Armenia. Along with that on the threshold of holidays Armenia
continues receive large private transfers and mostly in USD. At this,
received assets immediately turn to drams for making purchases.
Note that in the beginning of Aug 2004, when ARKA News Agency
conducted poll among commercial banks, the banks forecasted that by
the end of 2004 the rate of national currency in the country will
stabilize around 530-550 AMD per USD. Besides, Armenian banks did not
exclude that in result of the year, inflation can make 8%. At the
moment, in 11 months of 2004 deflation in Armenia made 0.3%.
According to ARKA News Agency data, 26.94% of profit accrued by
commercial banks of Armenia in Jan-Sep 2004 was provided in account
of net income from foreign exchange operations (1995.3 million AMD on
19 banks). With consideration of Armsvyazbank, net income from
currency operations of banking system made2448.1 million AMD.
Compared to the same period of 2003, income on foreign exchange
operations of 19 banks grew by 816.1 million AMD, or by 69.2%. ($1 –
478 AMD). L.D. –0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanArmenian News
Dec 9 2004

ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER HAS NOT “THOUGHT OF POSSIBLE PARTICIPATION
IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN 2008”

09.12.2004 14:29

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Defense Minister Serge Sargsian stated in
an interview with the Golos Armenii newspaper that speaking about his
possible participation in the presidential election in 2008 “is too
early”. Of course one can understand people’s interest towards the
matter, however, I have not even thought about it yet, S. Sargsian
said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress