Author: admin

Ukraine offers mediation between Azerbaijan, Armenia

Interfax-Ukraine news agency
14 Oct 04

Kiev, 14 October: Ukraine is ready to take part in efforts to settle
the conflict in Nagornyy Karabakh [dispute between Azerbaijan and
Armenia], Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Hryshchenko has said.

Ukraine is interested to see conflicts located close to its borders
being settled as soon as possible, he told journalists in Kiev today
after a meeting with Azeri Prime Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

Ukraine would like to see more effort by the international community
and the involvement of all main international players, so that the
talks between the two conflicting sides will find support not only on
the level of experts but also on the level of leaders of the states
and organizations which can influence the process, Hryshchenko said.

“We are ready to join these efforts and we are ready to join the
form of a settlement which will probably require the participation
of Russia or the UN, as it is done in other regions of the world,”
Hryshchenko said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-

PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:

PRESS RELEASE

14 October 2004

Minister Oskanian receives the assistant to US Secretary of State Laura
Kennedy

On 14 October Minister Oskanian received the assistant to US Secretary
of State, Laura Kennedy.

During the meeting the two sides exchanged views on bilateral and
urgent international issues of mutual interest. Touching the nature of
the Armenian-American relations, the sides stated with satisfaction
that they are characterized by dynamic progress and high level of
certainty.

The sides paid great attention to the economic constituent of the
Armenian-American relations. They discussed the results of the 9th
meeting of the Armenian-American working group of Economic cooperation,
which recently took place in Washington.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current
status of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict settlement, Armenia -Turkey
relations, as well as several other issues on the international agenda.
Minister Oskanian expressed his concern regarding the policy of
blockade carried out by Turkey and stressed that such a policy is
inconsistent with current regional developments.

Laura Kennedy is a Minister-Councellor in the Foreign Service of
the USA. Since June, she has been appointed assistant to the US
Secretary of State. In 1992, she was Charge d’Affaires of the newly
opened US embassy in Armenia. In 2001, she was the US ambassador
in Turkmenistan.

Religion in Armenia

Moscow Times
Oct 15 2004

News in Brief

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Authorities in Armenia registered the
Jehovah’s Witnesses on Wednesday, allowing the religious group to
operate in the Caucasus nation after years of debate and denial.

Legalizing the Jehovah’s Witnesses was one of the main conditions
set out by the Council of Europe when it granted Armenia membership
two years ago.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
Oct 15 2004

WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS TO ATTEND CONFERENCE IN ITALY
[October 14, 2004, 19:10:19]

World conference of women parliamentarians on protection of children
and youth is due on 17 October in Rome, Italy.

Vice-speaker of Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic Govhar
Bakhshaliyeva and chair of the Azerbaijan-Italy inter-parliamentary
friendship group, MP Amalya Panahova will take part at the workshop,
press service of Parliament said.

In the 2-day action, discussed will be issues of the rights of
children and youth, their health, education, family status and other
topics. Also will focused trade in children, adolescent labor, as
well as problems of the children in the armed conflicts.

Ms. Govhar Bakhshaliyeva will report on the topic “Children are
victims in the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict”. The
report is dedicated to intolerable conditions of the children who
became refugees as a result of Armenia’s aggressive policy.

After the Conference, on 19 October, the delegation of Azerbaijan will
meet head of the Italy-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group,
senator Danielli. The sides will discuss exchange of experience in the
field of lawmaking, cooperation of the friendship group, significance
of mutual visits and other questions.

The visit is to end on 20 October.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

French Parliament Divided on Turkey’s EU Accession

Zaman Online, Turkey
Oct 15 2004

The French parliament convened yesterday to discuss Turkey’s
accession to the European Union (EU), but reactions were split.

Although Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin gave his support to
Turkish accession, differences of opinions within the parties were as
numerous as those among and between them.

Along with Raffarin, Foreign Minister Michael Barnier and the Green
Party supported Turkey, but some deputies of the Union for a Popular
Movement Party (UMP), the French Democracy Union (UDF), and some
Socialist Party deputies stood against Turkey’s membership.

Raffarin tried to calm down the parties opposed to Turkey with a
speech in which he said Turkey is connected to Europe with historical
and geographical ties and its desire to take place among EU members
is “legitimate”. When the time comes, this will come to life, added
Raffarin. A modern, democratic and stable Turkey will add new
horizons to Europe and France is ready to take Turkey’s side during
the reform process, underlined the French Prime Minister.

“Turkey shouldn’t be left in the arms of those who want a clash of
civilizations and an Islam-West clash,” said the French Prime
Minister as he stressed that Turkey is undergoing big change and
should be given time to fulfill the membership conditions. He also
said that if Turkey fails to meet the requisites, its membership will
not take place. In that case, he said, the process may end with a
“privileged membership”. “History will decide on Turkey’s EU
membership,” he said.

Meanwhile, Barnier said EU should start membership negotiations for
Turkey and that a country that has met the Copenhagen Criteria needs
to be given the opportunity to prove itself. The Union will have the
control and, if needed, negotiations can be suspended.

When asked whether or not recognition of the alleged Armenian
genocide could be a pre-condition, Barnier said that the subject is
not among the Copenhagen Criteria.

Speaking on behalf of the Green Party, Noel Mamere said that the
Greens support Turkey’s accession to the Union. While enumerating the
reasons for their support, Mamere said, “For the EU’s multicultural
development, to show it is not a Christian club, and to prevent a
clash of civilizations, we support the start of membership
negotiations for Turkey.”

10.15.2004
Ali Ihsan Aydin
Paris

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Le Figaro, France
14 octobre 2004

Relance du dossier turc pour le char Leclerc;
DÉFENSE Nouvel appel d’offres courant 2005

par Philippe Migault

Alors que Giat Industries, menacé d’une rupture de son plan de
charge, est en pleine restructuration et que toutes ses perspectives
à l’export, hormis le canon Caesar, semblaient caduques, la piste
turque se relance. En jeu, un contrat portant sur un premier lot de
250 chars d’assaut, pour lequel un appel d’offres devrait être lancé
courant 2005. Or le Leclerc est très apprécié à Ankara. Les autorités
turques avaient lancé un premier appel d’offres en 1999 pour
l’acquisition de mille engins. Compte tenu de la crise économique
sévissant en Turquie les années suivantes, elles l’ont annulé au
printemps 2004. Mais pour les militaires turcs, le char français
était sorti vainqueur de la campagne d’essais qui l’avait opposé à
ses rivaux. Les trois sociétés turques, FNSS, Otokar et BMC, qui ont
été chargées d’une enquête préalable au lancement d’un nouvel appel
d’offres en 2005 par le haut comité de défense turc et par SSM,
l’équivalent local de la DGA, s’en souviendront sans doute. Et le
Leclerc partira peut-être dans cette compétition avec un temps
d’avance si la Turquie ne tient pas compte de la polémique divisant
l’opinion française au sujet de son entrée dans l’Union européenne.
Déjà, en 2001, le Parlement français avait reconnu le génocide
arménien de 1915, ce qui avait jeté un froid. Seul bémol : le nouvel
appel d’offres sera cette fois-ci différent.

La Turquie souhaite désormais que son industrie de défense participe
beaucoup plus au programme. L’électronique de bord devrait notamment
être d’origine turque, ce qui, compte tenu de la valeur ajoutée de
cette composante dans les chars occidentaux, diminuera d’autant la
part des électroniciens qui emporteront le contrat. En France, Thales
et Sagem représentent une forte part du coût et de l’excellence du
Leclerc. Quoi qu’il en soit, le Leclerc, auquel le Qatar et l’Arabie
saoudite s’intéressaient avant que les négociations ne s’enlisent, a
une nouvelle opportunité. Outre-Rhin, la presse s’est fait l’écho de
contacts renouvelés entre les autorités turques et allemandes. Et les
récentes déclarations du ministre allemand de la Défense, Peter
Struck, estimant que les progrès réalisés par la Turquie dans la
perspective de son adhésion à l’UE devraient faciliter la reprise des
ventes d’armes, sont déjà interprétées comme un signal de départ.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Ecumenical News International
Daily News Service
14 October 2004

Spitting triggers Jewish-Christian tension in Jerusalem’s Old City
ENI-04-0681

By Michele Green

Jerusalem, 14 October (ENI)–Tensions in Jerusalem’s Old City
have flared following an incident in which a Jewish seminary
student spat at an archbishop during a procession from the city’s
Armenian Quarter to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a site
commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

Israeli police arrested the seminary student, but Christian
clerics living in the walled Old City say such assaults by
ultra-Orthodox Jews is a frequent occurrence.

“It happens maybe once a week,” Armenian Bishop Aris Shirvanian
told Ecumenical News International. “As soon as they notice a
Christian clergyman they spit. Those who are ‘respectful’ turn
their backs to us or the large cross that we may carry but the
ones that are daring either spit on the ground or on the person
without any provocation on our part.”

In the incident on Sunday, a cross was ripped from the
archbishop’s neck when a scuffle broke out after the Jewish
seminary student spat at the cleric. The seminary student later
told police he had done it because he saw the religious
procession as idolatry. Police said the man had been temporarily
banned from visiting the Old City and that he had been placed on
bail pending an indictment.

Bishop Shirvanian said spitting against Christian clergyman had
been going on for years and that the assailants were religious
Jews, sometimes men but also women, teenagers and even children.
“This shows that it is a phenomenon that is prevailing in their
religious education and it should be corrected,” he said.

Daniel Rossing, director of the Jerusalem Center for
Jewish-Christian relations, said his organization was collating
accounts of spitting incidents so they could approach rabbis and
demand they teach their congregants to stop such attacks.

“All people are created in the image of God and to spit on
another person is to spit on the image of God,” Rossing said. He
said that usually the assailants were ultra-Orthodox Jews and the
victims were “people wearing liturgical vestments or are wearing
a manifest Christian symbol such as a cross”. Rossing said he
believed the attacks were carried out due to intolerance towards
Christians by ultra-Orthodox Jews as well as to anger from
religious persecution in past centuries.

Israeli police spokesman Gil Kleiman said few Christians file
complaints with police about such assaults and unless they did it
was impossible to arrest and prosecute the assailants.

“We can only act when we have been informed by a complainant.
When we do know about it we act immediately to arrest the person
who did it and bring them to justice,” Kleiman said.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz said in a 12 October editorial: “It
is intolerable that Christian citizens of Jerusalem suffer from
the shameful spitting at or near a crucifix. Similar behaviour
toward Jews anywhere in the world would immediately prompt
vehement responses.” [482 words]

All articles (c) Ecumenical News International
Reproduction permitted only by media subscribers and
provided ENI is acknowledged as the source.

Ecumenical News International
PO Box 2100
CH – 1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SERGE SARGSSYAN HAS NO INTENTION TO RESIGN

A1 Plus | 21:43:09 | 14-10-2004 | Politics |

Armenian defense minister Serge Sargssyan refuted Thursday rumors
going around about his likely resignation.

He said at Thursday’s news conference that such rumors had surrounded
him since he took office eleven years ago. He said he knew very well
where these rumors came from and who seeks advantage from them.

“I take it easy”, he added.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Historical Churches & Christianity Root in Iran

Culture

Persian Journal
October 14, 2004

The majority of churches in Iran that possess historical and artistic
value were built around the eight century A.H. or the 14th century AD,
and the period thereafter. Of course, this does not mean that there were
no churches existing in the country before that period.

During the reign of Shah Abbas, the Safavid king, his sagacious policies
caused a sizable number of Armenians from Armenia and Azerbaijan to
transfer and settle in Isfahan and other regions of Iran. A place called
Jolfa was built at the banks of the Zayande-rud River in Esfahan and
became the residence of these migrating people. Consequently, churches
were erected in that town.

Meanwhile, after a short lapse of time, some Armenians moved to Gilan
and some resided in Shiraz.

After the death of Shah Abbas the First, his successor, Shah Abbas the
Second, also paid close attention to the welfare of Armenians and more
churches were erected in Jolfa.

The influx of many Europeans during the reign of the Qajars led to the
flourishing of other churches, in addition to those that were
constructed previously. A number of these edifices have lasted and
acquired architectural and artistic significance.

Azarbaijan is host to the oldest churches in Iran. Among the most
significant are the Tatavous Vank (St. Tatavous Cathedral), which is
also called the Ghara Kelissa (the black monastery). This is located at
the Siahcheshmeh (Ghara-Eini) border area south of Makou. There is also
the church known as Saint Stepanous, which stands 24 kilometers south of
Azarbaijan’s Jolfa town.

Generally, each church has a large hall for congregational prayers; its
foremost part is raised like a dais, adorned with the pictures or images
of religious figures and it also serves as an altar. Here, candles are
lighted and the church mass is conducted by the priest. On the
foreground is the praying congregation which face the platform where the
priest is leading the rites in the church; this is similar to the Muslim
practice of praying facing the niche in the mosque. While the mass is
being said, the people stand, kneel, or sit depending on what the rites
require.

The structure of churches in Iran follow more or less the pattern of
Iranian architecture, or they are a mixture of Iranian and non-Iranian
designs.

Saint Stepanous church is another old church located at an intersection
west of the Marand-Jolfa highway and east of the Khoy-Jolfa road. Also
having a pyramidal dome, it is, nevertheless, quite beautiful and far
more pleasant to behold than the Saint Tatavous church.

The general structure mostly resembles Armenian and Georgian
architecture and the inside of the building is adorned with beautiful
paintings by Honatanian, a renowned Armenian artist. Hayk Ajimian, an
Armenian scholar and historian, recorded that the church was originally
built in the ninth century AD, but repeated earthquakes in Azarbaijan
completely eroded the previous structure. The church was rebuilt during
the rule of Shah Abbas the Second.

Saint Mary’s Church in Tabriz:

This church was built in the sixth century A.H. (12th century AD) and in
his travel chronicles, Marco Polo, the famous Venetian traveler who
lived during the eight century A.H. (14th century AD), referred to this
church on his way to China. For so many years, Saint Mary’s served as
the seat of the Azarbaijan Armenian Archbishop. It is a handsomely built
edifice, with different annex buildings sprawled on a large area. A
board of Armenian peers are governing the well- attended church.

Aside from the above three churches, there are others in Azarbaijan such
as the old church built in the eight century A.H. at Modjanbar village,
which is some 50 kilometers from Tabriz Another one is the large Saint
Sarkis church, situated in Khoy; this building has survived from the
time of Shah Abbas the Second (12th century A.H.). During the reign of
the said Safavid king, another edifice called the Saint Gevorg (Saint
George) church was constructed, using marble stones and designed with a
large dome, at Haft Van village near Shapur (Salmas). A church, also
with a huge dome, likewise stands at Derishk village in the vicinity of
Shapur, in Azarbaijan.

The Saint Tatavous Monastery or the Ghara Kelissa:

Initially, this church comprised of a small hall with a pyramid- shaped
dome on the top and 12 crevices similar to the Islamic dome-shaped
buildings from the Mongol era. The difference was that the church dome
was made of stone. The main part of this pyramid structure followed
Byzantine (Eastern Roman) architecture, including the horizontal and
parallel fringes made of white and black stones in the interior and
black stones on the exterior facing.

Since the facade is dominated by black stones, the church was formerly
called the Ghara Kelissa (or black monastery) by the natives. During the
reign of the Qajar ruler, Fathalishah, new structures were added to the
Saint Tatavous church upon the order of Abbas Mirza, the crown prince,
and the governor of Azarbaijan. The renovations resulted in the
enlargement of the prayer hall and the small old church was converted
into a prayer platform, holding the altar, the holy ornaments and a
place where the priest could lead the prayers. The bell tower and the
church entrance were situated at one side of the new building, but
unfortunately, this part remained unfinished.

Meanwhile, due to border skirmishes and other political disturbances in
the area during the succeeding periods, the church was abandoned and
ruined. Some minor repairs have been carried out in recent years. Each
year, during a special season (in the summer), many Armenians from all
parts of Iran travel to this site for prayer and pilgrimage. They come
by jeeps or trucks after crossing a very rough mountainous passage. They
flock around the church, stay for a few days and perform their religions
ceremonies. For the rest of the year, however, the church remains
deserted in that remote area.

The additions made to the Saint Tatavous church on the order of Abbas
Mirza consist of embossed images of the apostles on the facade and
decorations of flowers, bushes, lion and sun figures and arabesques, all
of which had been done by Iranian craftsmen. The architecture of the
church interior is a combination of Byzantine, Armenian and Georgian
designs. Beside the large church, special chambers have been built in
the yard to shelter pilgrims and hermits.

Historical Churches at Jolfa of Isfahan:

The most important historical church in Iran is the old cathedral,
commonly referred to as the Vank (which means “cathedral” in the
Armenian language). This large building was constructed during the reign
of Shah Abbas the First and completely reflects Iranian architecture. It
has a double-layer brick dome that is very much similar to those built
by the Safavids. The interior of the church is decorated with glorious
and beautiful paintings and miniature works that represent biblical
traditions and the image of angels and apostles, all of which have been
executed in a mixture of Iranian and Italian styles. The ceiling and
walls are coated with tiles from the Safavid epoch.

At a corner of the large courtyard of the cathedral, offices and halls
have been built to accommodate guests, the Esfahan archbishop and his
retinue, as well as other important Armenian religious hierarchy in
Iran. The church compound also includes a museum that is located in a
separate building. The museum displays preserved historical records and
relics, and the edicts of Iranian kings dating back to the time of Shah
Abbas the First. It also contains an interesting collection of art work.

Esfahan has other historical churches, the most important of which is
the Church of Beit-ol Lahm (Bethlehem) at Nazar Avenue. There are also
the Saint Mary church at Jolfa Square and the Yerevan church in the
Yerevan area.

The Armenian Church in Shiraz:

In the eastern section of Ghaani Avenue, in a district called “Sare
Jouye Aramaneh”, an interesting building has survived from the era of
Shah Abbas the Second. Its principal structure stands in the midst of a
garden-like compound and consists of a prayer hall with a lofty flat
ceiling and several cells flanking the two side of the building. The
ceiling is decorated with original paintings from the Safavid era and
the adjoining cells are adorned with niches and arches and plaster
molding, also in the Safavid style. This is considered a historical
monument at Shiraz and definitely worth a visit.

Saint Simon’s Church in Shiraz:

This is another relatively important, but not so old church in Shiraz.
The large hall is completely done in Iranian style while the roof is
Roman. Small barrel-shaped vaults, many Iranian art work and stained
glass window panes adorn the church. Meanwhile, another church called
the Glory of Christ, stands at Ghalat, 34 kilometers from Shiraz. This
building has survived from the Qajar period and is surrounded by
charming gardens.

Saint Tatavous Church, Tehran:

This edifice is located at the Chaleh Meidan district, one of the oldest
districts in Tehran It stands south of the Seyed Esmail Mausoleum, at
the beginning of the northern part of the so-called Armenians’ Street.
The oldest church of Tehran, it was built during the reign of the Qajar
king, Fathalishah. The building has a dome-shaped roof and four alcoves,
an altar and a special chair reserved for the Armenian religions leader
or prelate. The vestibule leading to the church contains the graves of
prominent non-Iranian Christians who have died in Iran, and in the
middle of the churchyard, Gribaydof, the Czarist ambassador at the court
of Fathalishah, and his companions were laid to rest. They were killed
by the revolutionary forces of Tehran at that time.

Meanwhile in Bushehr, there is a church from the Qajar period that is a
good specimen of Iranian architecture. All the windows are modeled after
old Iranian buildings and the colored panes are purely Iranian art work.

There are also many other churches in Ourumieh, in hamlets surrounding
Arasbaran, Ardabil, Maragheh, Naqadeh, Qazvin, Hameadan Khuzestan,
Chaharmahal, Arak, in the old Vanak village north of Tehran, etc. These
churches, though, are all deserted and are of little artistic significance.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2004
Contact: Serouj Aprahamian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES CONTINUE
TO SPEAK OUT ON ARMENIAN ISSUES

— Incumbents and Challengers Reach out to Armenian American
Voters through the ANCA Candidate Questionnaire

“I will continue to support a strong
U.S.-Armenian relationship. Our nations
stand together, determined to create a
future of peace, prosperity, and freedom
for the citizens of both countries,
regions, and the world.”
­ Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5)

WASHINGTON, DC – In the final weeks before the November 2nd
elections, Congressional candidates from around the nation continue
to submit Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Candidate
Questionnaires outlining their views on Armenian American issues.

The ANCA questionnaires were sent to over 1,000 Congressional
candidates throughout the country as part of this election cycle’s
ANCA voter education drive. Copies of both the Congressional and
Presidential questionnaires can be downloaded by visiting the ANCA
website at Also provided on this website are sample
cover letters and instructions for forwarding the questionnaires to
candidates.

The ANCA’s election year voter education campaign helps inform
Armenian Americans about the policy issues impacting Armenia,
Nagorno Karabagh, and the Armenian American community. The
campaign also provides timely and reliable information on the
records and views of the candidates seeking Armenian American
votes, while encouraging increased civic participation in local,
state, and national elections.

The Questionnaire features nine questions about recognition of the
Armenian Genocide; U.S. support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh;
U.S.-Armenia economic relations; Self-determination for Nagorno
Karabagh; Conditions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan; the Turkish
blockade of Armenia, and; the U.S. subsidy of the Baku-Ceyhan
pipeline bypass of Armenia.

Provided below are several recent responses from Congressional
candidates throughout United States.

—————————————————————-
Question 1: The Armenian Genocide

Do you support Congressional initiatives and resolutions to
commemorate the Armenian Genocide?
—————————————————————-

Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA-53): We must recognize and condemn all acts
of genocide against all races. I have supported resolutions in
Congress doing so. The international community must also address
ways to prevent future genocides and work to stop current
genocides.

Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL-19): Congress plays an important role in
insuring that the Armenian Genocide is not overlooked or forgotten.
I am proud to play my role and will do all I can to help remember
the 1.5 million Armenians who were massacred.

Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI-5): The fate of one and a half
million Armenians at the hands of Young Turks in the early part of
the 20th Century remains one of the darkest moments in the history
of the world. I have long recognized the genocide inflicted upon
the Armenian people. This is why as Chairman of the House
Judiciary committee, I cosponsored and expeditiously voted out of
my committee, legislation affirming America’s support of the
Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987. Although we cannot
do anything about the people who were murdered, we can remember the
events that transpired, and honor the citizens of Armenia by
commemorating the Armenian Genocide.

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-4): The atrocities committed against the
Armenian people between 1915 and 1923 must be recognized for what
they were: genocide. I believe that the truth about the Armenian
Genocide should be understood by all and officially acknowledged by
the United States government, as well as the Turkish government.
If we continue to react with silence regarding these events and are
unwilling to stand up and publicly condemn these atrocities, we
effectively give our approval to abuses of power such as the
Armenian Genocide.

—————————————————————-
Question 2: U.S. Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh

Do you support U.S. aid and other bilateral programs to strengthen
Armenia’s independence?
—————————————————————-

Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ-9): As a Member of the Foreign Operations
Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue
to work to ensure that Armenia receives the assistance it needs to
become a flourishing and self-sufficient country.

House Candidate Bill Federer (R-MO-3): Yes. Armenia has a long
and noble history as its own nation!

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI-6): I am a proud member of the Armenian
Issues Caucus and support US aid to Armenia.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18): I fully support maintaining a
high level of economic assistance, along with the necessary
military and humanitarian assistance to Armenia, both to help the
country overcome the dual blockade which continues to impede
Armenia’s economic well-being, as well as to continue the shift in
U.S. assistance programs, away from humanitarian goals to longer
term development ones.

—————————————————————-
Question 3: U.S. Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh

Do you support continued U.S. developmental and humanitarian
assistance to Nagorno Karabagh?
—————————————————————-

Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI-Senate): Yes, Nagorno-Karabagh needs
continued developmental and humanitarian assistance from the U.S.,
especially due to the damaging blockades of trade and assistance
imposed by Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Rep. Thaddeus McCottter (R-MI-11): Definitely. The NK region
needs our help to not only grow, but to combat the economic
consequences of the blockades.

—————————————————————-
Question 4: U.S. – Armenia Economic Relations

Do you support expanding the U.S.-Armenia economic relations,
including extending permanent normal trade relations for Armenia
and negotiating a Social Security Agreement and Tax Treaty?
—————————————————————-

Senate Candidate Inez Tenenbaum (D-SC-Senate): I will support the
right of Armenians everywhere to live in a peaceful, democratic,
and secure society.

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA-7): The ascension of Armenia to the World
Trade Organization will begin to stabilize trade relations with the
United States. It is a step in the right direction because free
trade with Armenia will have a positive effect on not only the
economy of that country but that of the United States as well. All
free trade promotes job creation and economic growth throughout the
world; by helping Armenia we are helping the American economy
prosper.

Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL-19): I support extending permanent normal
trade relations between the United States and Armenia as a means of
strengthening the bonds and the commitment between our nations.

—————————————————————-
Question 5: Self-Determination for Nagorno Karabagh

Do you support Nagorno Karabagh’s right to self-determination
within secure borders?
—————————————————————-

House Candidate Robert M. Neeld (D-FL-14): Yes. Security would
help stabilize the region and allow a return of local culture.

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC-2): I believe Azerbaijan should stop the
economic blockade of Armenia and believe Armenians should have the
right to live within secure borders in a democratic society.

House Candidate Joe Driscoll (D-PA-15): The Congress, in the
fiscal year 2003 foreign aid bill, should encourage the
Administration to deliver previously appropriated aid to Nagorno
Karabagh in a timely manner, and to allocate no less than $10
million specifically for reconstruction and economic development
activities to help the people of Nagorno Karabagh recover.

—————————————————————-
Question 6: Conditions on U.S. Aid to Azerbaijan

Do you support maintaining Section 907 as a statement of U.S.
opposition to Azerbaijan’s blockades?
—————————————————————-

Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA-13): I support maintaining Section 907 until
Azerbaijan removes the threat of any blockades against Armenia and
Nagorno-Karabagh.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI-11): Yes. Azerbaijan must be held
accountable for their actions­economic injustice must not be
rewarded. I signed a letter to President Bush asking for parity in
foreign military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan, maintaining the
intent and the language of the Section 907.

—————————————————————-
Question 7: The Turkish Blockade of Armenia

Do you support legislative and other means to encourage Turkey to
end its blockade of Armenia?
—————————————————————-

Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA-40): Yes. Turkey’s blockade has inflated
Armenia’s transportation costs by 30-35%, stifling its trade and
economy. I have written to the President asking that he reiterate
his Administration’s position to the Turkish government that the
blockade be lifted.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI-11): Turkey, too, must be held
accountable, both for the Genocide of the past, and their blockades
of today. The world must never forget what they did and what they
still try to do today.

—————————————————————-
Question 8: The Turkish Blockade of Armenia

Do you support linking U.S. arms sales/transfers to Turkey to its
blockade of Armenia, occupation of Cyprus, mistreatment of Kurds,
restrictions on Christian communities, and human rights record?

—————————————————————-

House Candidate Joe Driscoll (D-PA-15): Congress should carefully
scrutinize proposed sales and transfers of U.S. military hardware
to Turkey, and ensure strict enforcement of Code of Conduct
legislation limiting arms sales to regimes, including Turkey, that
violate human rights or engage in aggression against neighboring
states.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI-8): I support conditions on U.S. arms sales
to any nation that is in violation of international law and
disregards human rights.

—————————————————————-
Question 9: U.S. Subsidy of Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline Bypass

Do you oppose U.S. taxpayer subsidies for a Baku-Ceyhan pipeline
route that avoids Armenia?
—————————————————————-

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-4): The United States should not
subsidize any oil or gas pipeline in the South Caucasus that is
against the interests of U.S. taxpayers and fails to advance the
U.S. goal of helping Armenia advance toward a more prosperous
economic future.

Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA-43): I believe Armenia is a safe site for the
pipeline and it would be a boom to economic development.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress