Author: Antranik Varosian

ArmenPress
Nov 16 2004
ITALIAN COMMERCIAL OFFICE IN YEREVAN SET TO OPEN LATER THIS MONTH
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS: Italy’s ambassador to Armenia,
Marco Clemente, told Armenpress the Italian Commercial Office will be
fully functional in a few week time, possibly during the November
20-23 visit to Armenia of deputy foreign minister Margherit Boniver.
The main function of the Office will be to provide information
about the Armenian economy and business opportunities to the Italian
entrepreneurs as well as to support those Armenian businessmen who
want to expand their activities in Italy in cooperation with and
under the coordination of the Italian Embassy in Yerevan, with the
headquarter of the Italian Trade Commission in Moscow.
“I am confident that with this extra tool the Italian Embassy will
be able to provide extra help to the business community in Armenia in
its strive to strengthen commercial bilateral ties between our two
countries and our two peoples,” the ambassador said, adding the Trade
Commission is planning to organize in Italy, at the beginning of next
year, a “Country Presentation” on Armenia that will most certainly
attract much attention by the Italian businessmen on Armenian
economic and trade opportunities.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Moscow Times
Nov 10 2004
News in Brief
Aliyev on Nagorny
BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Tuesday
that ethnic Armenian forces in Nagorny Karabakh must withdraw before
a peace deal can be signed.
“We demand with justification that the seized territory be freed and
the occupation forces withdraw,” Aliyev said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Police panel formed to increase dialogue
By Naush Boghossian, Staff Writer
LA Daily News
27 Oct. 2004
GLENDALE — Glendale Police Chief Randy Adams announced Tuesday that
he has assembled a 25-member advisory panel that will work to keep
him better in touch with the community. Organizations including
the Kiwanis Club, Homeowners Coordinating Council, Latino Unidos
Parents Association and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce were asked
to nominate a member to serve on the panel _ the Community-Police
Partnership Advisory Committee _ that meets every two months.
“I’m a big believer that the police department is an extension of
the community, so the greater networking we have with the community,
the better the partnerships and the more effective we will be,”
Adams said. “My hope is that it will enhance communication so if
there are any issues or concerns, they’ll bring them forward while
they’re minor rather than having them become major problems.”
Panelist Louisa Gourjian, who represents the Armenian Relief Society,
said the panel will improve communication between the community and
the police department.
“The people we serve know us, and they’ll come and tell us their
problems. We’ll be able to take that to the police department,”
she said. “Also, there are a lot of cultural issues that the police
department may not be familiar with, and we can help with that.”
Any local organizations interested in joining the panel are asked
to contact Sgt. Tom Lorenz at (818) 548-4818 Naush Boghossian, (818)
546-3306 [email protected]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
10/20/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Armenian Political Parties Issue Joint Statement on Presidential Elections 2) Unprecedented European Armenian Convention Ends, Issues Declaration 3) European Greens Support Turkish EU Bid 4) Western Prelacy Board of Regents for Prelacy Armenian School Appointed 5) Armenian, Georgian Presidents to Meet in Georgia 6) Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian in Italy 1) Armenian Political Parties Issue Joint Statement on Presidential Elections On October 19, The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Armenian Democratic-Liberal Party, and the Social-Democratic Hunchak Party issued the following appeal to the Armenian community in the United States to cast their vote for Presidential candidate John Kerry: An Appeal to American-Armenians The US presidential elections will take place on November 2. The two main candidates, President George W. Bush and US Senator John Kerry, are waging a vigorous campaign for the people's votes. So far, according to observers, the ratings of the two candidates are extremely close; each vote will, therefore, carry significance. On November 2, the American people will have their decisive say--including American-Armenians, who will go to the polls conscious of their civic duty. Accordingly, we appeal to our people to vote for Senator John Kerry, because he has espoused pro-Armenian positions on issues that American-Armenians consider vital. As a Senator, John Kerry has been constant in adopting positions in favor of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, increases in US aid to Armenia, and a just resolution to the Mountainous Karabagh problem. Moreover, he has always had an open-door policy toward American-Armenians and has been responsive to our needs and requests. John Kerry's efforts within the Senate are proof positive of his pro-Armenian and pro-Armenia policies. Under the current circumstances, American-Armenians will play a crucial role in the upcoming presidential elections, because every vote counts. On November 2, let us go to the polls, en masse, to cast our votes in favor of Senator John Kerry. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committees of the Western and Eastern United States Armenian Democratic-Liberal Party Regional Executives of the Western and Eastern United States Social-Democratic Hunchak Party 2) Unprecedented European Armenian Convention Ends, Issues Declaration BRUSSELS--The first Convention of European Armenians closed on Tuesday with the adoption of a final declaration affirming its support for fundamental European values, the need for the increased promotion of Armenian identity within Europe, further integration of Armenia into the European family of nations, and strong opposition to Turkey's candidacy for membership in the European Union. The more than two hundred and fifty delegates to the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) Convention unanimously affirmed these points. The declaration will be sent to the twenty-five member states of the European Union. Tuesday's program opened with a panel on The challenges of the enlargement process, moderated by Phillipe Kalfayan, the Deputy Secretary General of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH). In a sweeping introduction to this topic, Kalfayan touched on the security, religious, and cultural dimensions to Turkey's candidacy, as well as the impact of internal Turkish policy on its relations with European institutions. The first speaker, noted historian and the Rector of the Catholic University of Louvain, Prof. Bernard Coulie, alluding to the reservoir of historical understanding of Armenia's longstanding relations with Europe, discussed the prospects for Armenia and Armenian diaspora drawing closer to the European Union. He noted with certainty that Armenia--as a member or close neighbor, will either be in or on the border with the European Union. The Armenian community of Europe, he explained, will become a vital catalyst in bringing Armenia and Europe closer together. The second speaker, Chairman of the Armenian Liberal Democratic (Ramgavar) Party Jean Varoujan Sirapian, point by point spelled out why Turkey's acceptance into the European Union would contradict the spirit of the Union's founding, and would ultimately undermine the interests and values of the vital institution. He sharply criticized recent reports pointing out Turkey's many failures, nonetheless still recommending opening talks on membership. He announced the publication of a report by the Chobanian Institute that makes the case against Turkey's acceptance into the EU. The next speaker, the Vice-President of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament Harlem Desir, stressed the that though Turkey must be held accountable for meeting EU criteria, once these have been met, Turkey could, nevertheless, rightfully be considered for membership. He stressed his efforts and the work of his Party in pressing Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide and noted his regret that the EU did not formally set Armenian genocide recognition as a precondition for membership. Turkey must do what Germany and France have done, Desir stressed, and come to terms with their history. The EU, he noted, should use Turkey's interest in membership as leverage to secure continued reforms. In a spirited and compelling presentation, the next speaker, Frank Biancheri, analyzed the practical prospects for Turkey's acceptance into the EU. Biancheri, the Chairman of the think tank TIESweb, argued that for a myriad of domestic and international reasons, Turkey's membership is highly unrealistic during the next twenty years. "The fact is," he said, "that the forces against Turkey's membership have set forth arguments that have resonance across Europe, while pro-Turkey elements have been limited to parts of ruling European elite. Given the likelihood of referendums on Turkey's acceptance, the chances for approval are very low." He argued, instead, for a Privileged Partnership relationship as a realistic alternative. The final speaker on the panel, Charles Papazian, representing the Western Europe branch of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, argued that acceptance into the EU would run counter to European values and public opinion across the continent. He outlined the basis for this opposition, on issues ranging from genocide denial, blockades, human rights, treatment of minorities, the continued occupation of Cyprus, and the role of religion in Turkish society. He stressed the growing gap on this issue between governing European elites and the broad cross section of popular opinion. In closing, he discussed ARF's advocacy and grassroots efforts in Brussels and throughout Europe in opposing Turkey's membership to culminate in a demonstration outside of the European Commission building on December 17. The especially spirited question and answer period, which lasted nearly two hours, raised issues on the lowering of EU standards for Turkey, the role of public opinion on Turkey's candidacy, and the sincerity of pronouncements by elements of Turkey's governing elite concerning the EU. Charles Tannock, MEP, (Christian Democrat, UK), criticized the moral double standard being applied to Turkey, and warned of the large costs of taking Turkey into the Union and stressed that serious attention should be devoted to the issues of fundamental cultural differences, and the role of Islam in Turkey. He predicted that the top-driven agenda of getting Turkey into the EU will come to a halt as national referendums are held on this issue. Following the question and answer session, Hilda Tchoboian, the Chairperson of the EAFJD, read the Declaration of the Convention, which was approved unanimously by acclamation. In his closing remarks, ARF Bureau member and the Chairman of the Armenian National Committee international coordinating body Garo Armenian, praised this historic beginning and noted the progress made by Europe's Armenian community in emerging as a political force on the European stage. He stressed the success of the EAFJD in developing a Europe-wide consensus, and organizing focused and effective advocacy in the key European capitals. He closed his comments by noting for all in attendance that the real work for Europe's increasingly vibrant Armenian community lies ahead. Following the formal program, Hilda Tchoboian and EAFJD Executive Director Laurent Leylekian held a press conference for the several dozen print and broadcast journalists at the Convention. 3) European Greens Support Turkish EU Bid (AFP/DW)--During a three-day parliamentary group meeting in Istanbul, Europe's Greens have come out in support for Turkey's EU bid and criticized proposed national referendums on its membership. Europe's Greens, once Turkey's most vocal critics and now the staunchest supporters of its EU membership, began a three-day parliamentary group meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday by airing strong criticism against any plans to hold national referendums on whether Ankara should join the bloc. "We are against holding referendums in one country about another country," Greens group president Daniel Cohn-Bendit said. "There are seven million Turks living in Europe, so the real question in the referendum will be, 'Do you like Turks--do you like Muslims?'" He singled out President Jacques Chirac, criticizing his proposal to amend the French constitution to allow referendums on future EU members as "foolish" and "ridiculous." "How can a democratic president, even Chirac, say what will happen 'in 10 years' time?" Cohn-Bendit asked at a press conference at the opening of the meeting. "Are they going to have referendums on the memberships of Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia? The French will go crazy," he said. "This is ridiculous. Don't waste our time with what will happen in 10 years." Cohn-Bendit was flanked at the press conference by co-chair Monica Frassoni of Italy, Dutchman Joost Logendijk, and Germany's Cem Özdemir, both of the EU-Turkey joint parliamentary committee. SPECIAL NEGOTIATIONS Cohn-Bendit urged Turkey to accept the fact that it is different from other candidate countries and that a special negotiating process is needed to allow it into the EU. A generally favorable European Commission report on Oct. 6 advises EU leaders to agree at a Dec. 17 summit in Brussels to launch membership talks with Turkey. "When you say, 'We want equal treatment,' you do not mean it," Cohn-Bendit said. "Turkey is not Malta, it is not Romania, it is not Bulgaria. It is a big country, it is a proud country, and its entry into the EU will be an important event." 'CRITICAL FRIENDS' He said the Greens had arrived in Turkey as "critical friends" in hopes that many issues that remain to be ironed out--the situation of the Kurds and other minorities, women's rights, the Armenian massacres--could be "openly discussed among friends." "We must have uncomfortable discussions on, for example, Cyprus and the role of the army," Frassoni said, adding: "The process of building a European democracy is not finished." The Greens support Turkey's EU membership, the Italian MEP said, but so does Italy's conservative Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi--"his reasons are not the same as ours," she added. "What is the Greens' message to Turkey?" asked Özdemir, who is of Turkish origin. "The message is that we are here and not somewhere else. If Turkey is today at another point than where it was several years ago, it is also because of civil society, not only because of politicians," he said. ISSUES ON CONTENTION Another message from the Greens to Turkey's politicians is "don't panic," Logendijk said. He added the Commission report contained elements Turkey and the Greens both disagree with, such as the open-ended nature of the talks and mention of permanent derogations concerning this country, such as barring its citizens from free circulation in Europe. "But," he said, "don't lose your focus; don't lose sight of the main point: [membership] negotiations should begin next year." The meeting of the joint Greens/European Free Alliance group next goes into a series of panel conferences covering aspects of Turkey-EU ties. Panelists include German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gül, Kurdish activist Leyla Zana, and Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk. 4) Western Prelacy Board of Regents for Prelacy Armenian School Appointed His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the Executive Council announced on October 18, appointments to the Board of Regents of Western Prelacy Armenian Schools. The Prelate and the Executive Council met with newly appointed members Dr. Roubina Peroomian, Dr. Armine Hacopian, Dr. Ida Karayan, Dr. Vartkes Tomassian, Avo Keshishian, Mher Der Ohanessian, Vahe Hovaguimian and Chris Keossian, JD, to discuss the affairs and plans for Prelacy schools. At the end of discussions, the Board of Regents held its first working session and formed its executive body: Dr. Roubina Peroomian, Chairperson; Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice-chairperson; Vahe Hovaguimian, Secretary; Avo Keshishian, Treasurer. 5) Armenian, Georgian Presidents to Meet in Georgia YEREVAN (Armenpress)--President Robert Kocharian will visit Georgia on October 22 for an official three-day visit. The welcoming ceremony will be held at Bagratashen village on the Armenian-Georgian border, after which Kocharian will meet with his counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili in the capital city Tbilisi. Kocharian's visit also includes meetings with parliament chairwoman Nino Burjanadze, prime minister Zurab Zhvania, as well as the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. He will conclude his trip by meeting with members of the local Armenian community. 6) Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian in Italy ROME (Armenpress)--Foreign Minister Oskanian arrived in Italy on October 18, to mark the third official visit of an Armenian Foreign Minister to Italy since 1998. In a meeting with his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini, the ministers discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues, taking into consideration the prospects of developing relations. They specifically addressed Armenia's economic development, and Italy's knowledge of small and medium enterprises, as well as the tourism industry. They also spoke of expanding cultural relations as well as those concerning health care, and education. In the course of their political discussions, they addressed Armenia's integration into Europe within the framework of EU's New Neighborhood Policy, as well as Armenia's and Italy's cooperation within international organizations. They also thoroughly covered urgent international policy issues, developments in the South Caucasus, the Mountainous Karabagh conflict, and Armenian-Turkish relations. Oskanian also visited The Vatican and met with Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican secretary for relations with states. In 1998, the two countries signed documents to encourage mutual protection of capital investments, and consultation between their foreign services. During his second visit to Italy in June 2002, Oskanian signed an inter-governmental treaty on taxation. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
October 15, 2004
___________________
GEORGIAN ARCHBISHOP VISITS EASTERN DIOCESE
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), met with Georgian Orthodox Church
Archbishop Nicholaos of the Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo region of Georgia,
at the Diocesan Center in New York City on Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Archbishop Nicholaos was in America planning an upcoming visit by
Georgian Orthodox His Holiness Patriarch Illia II. He talked with the
Primate about the possibility of the Patriarch visiting the St. Vartan
Cathedral, as he did during an earlier visit to the U.S.
The two archbishops also talked about reaching out to the Armenians who
live in the Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo region of Georgia. Archbishop
Barsamian presented Archbishop Nicholaos with a copy of the
Russian-language Divine Liturgy pew book, so his Armenian worshipers can
learn prayers in both Russian and Armenian, rather than Georgian.
Also at the meeting was Garnik Nanagoulian, executive director of the
Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the Diocesan-affiliated international
aid organization. They spoke of possible ways FAR could join with other
organizations to work on improving the lives of the Armenians in Georgia
and their Georgian neighbors.
— 10/15/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), presents a Russian-language
Divine Liturgy pew book to Georgian Orthodox Church Archbishop Nicholaos
of the Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo region of Georgia, during a meeting at
the Diocesan Center in New York City.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Garnik Nanagoulian, executive director of the Fund
for Armenian Relief (FAR), talks with Georgian Orthodox Church
Archbishop Nikoloz of the Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo region of Georgia,
during a meeting at the Diocesan Center on October 14, 2004.
# # #
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri authorities “blacklist” foreign companies working in Karabakh – paper
Zerkalo, Baku
30 Sep 04
The Azerbaijani authorities have instituted a blacklist of foreign
companies doing business in the self-declared Nagornyy Karabakh
Republic, Azerbaijani newspaper Zerkalo has reported. However, this
is a belated step, the report said. Zerkalo noted that it was not
worth spoiling relations with large foreign companies and instead
Azerbaijan could adopt a law regulating foreign financial assistance
to Nagornyy Karabakh. The following is an excerpt from R. Mirqadirov
report by Azerbaijani newspaper Zerkalo on 30 September headlined “Ice
is cracking?” and subheaded “Blacklist of companies working on occupied
territories compiled”; subheadings have been inserted editorially:
Belated statement
Azerbaijan has compiled a “blacklist” of foreign companies engaged in
illegal activity on Armenian-occupied territories, Trend news agency
has quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov as saying.
He said these companies, agencies and different bodies will be banned
from engaging in any activity on Azerbaijani territory. Also, appeals
will be sent to the governments of the countries they represent. Azimov
added that the Azerbaijani government will demand that international
sanctions be applied against them as well.
“Azerbaijan cannot turn a blind eye to the illegal tapping of natural
resources on its occupied territories and Armenia’s policy of illegal
settlement,” he said.
Considering the statements by Azerbaijani officials on the need for
palpable results in the Karabakh settlement and the restoration
of the country’s territorial integrity within one year, it seems
that Baku has “woken up” from the winter hibernation. Unfortunately,
rather late. And this is when a question arises: is it worth spoiling
relations with serious foreign companies which in some cases represent
influential countries?
Of course, we are not talking about Araz Azimov now. After all, he
has voiced the official position which, in fact, is quite right. But
then another pretty straightforward and rhetorical question arises:
why did we have to remain inactive for such a long time to develop
a position on such a mundane and clear issue?
Without mentioning other media outlets, Zerkalo alone has repeatedly
raised this topical issue over the past several years. And every
time we named the foreign companies and international organizations
working on occupied territories, including outside Nagornyy
Karabakh. Indifference to the fact that its natural resources are
squandered by a country at war with Azerbaijan, though not quite
officially, was beyond comprehension. Because first reports on
the exploration of gold deposits outside Nagornyy Karabakh emerged
almost 10 years ago. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan once even
showed gold ingots from those deposits to TV cameras. Meanwhile,
Baku remained “Olympic quiet” and tried to ignore media publications
and Kocharyan’s bravery.
At the same time, these belated steps, or to be more exact declarative
statements, can hardly be seen as complete. As mentioned, Azerbaijan’s
sovereignty over the occupied territories is violated not only by
foreign companies but also international organizations, funds, states
and even individual citizens of foreign countries.
Law needed to regulate foreign financial assistance to Karabakh
Let’s start with the end. In any country a violation of its borders
is a flagrant offence, which in Azerbaijan is even punishable. In
other words, any citizen of a foreign country who has visited Nagornyy
Karabakh without the Azerbaijani visa has violated our borders with
everything that entails.
As far as the activity of foreign companies on the occupied territories
is concerned, everything is quite clear. There can be no foreign
investment or entrepreneurial activity until a political settlement
to the Karabakh problem is reached. To prevent such activity, it is
necessary to engage all international legal instruments, including
judicial ones. The point is that by signing a contract to develop
a deposit on Azerbaijani territory with the government of Armenia
or the authorities of the so-called “Nagornyy Karabakh Republic”,
a foreign company not only violates international legal norms but
also inflicts enormous economic damage to us. And this must become
an object of consideration in international judicial bodies and
compensation must be sought for the damage caused.
I am not saying we should “deny entry” to the occupied territories,
including Nagornyy Karabakh, to all countries, international
organizations, funds, including humanitarian and human rights, and
foreign citizens. This, in fact, is not possible.
However, it is high time we adopted a law regulating foreign activity
on occupied territories. For instance, while it is impossible to ban
the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Karabakh population,
we can urge international organizations, including those representing
specific countries, to abide by legislative parameters of such
assistance. Then we will have a chance to exercise at least some
control over financial and other flows to Karabakh.
[Passage to end omitted: minor details]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Gomidas Institute (UK)
Garod House
42 Bythe Road
London W14 0HA
UK
Email: [email protected]
DATE: 21 September 2004
New Publication United States Records on the Armenian Genocide 1915-1917
Makes Debut in Los Angeles
Brentwood, CA – The Gomidas Institute marked the Western United States
debut of its most recent publication, United States Official Records on
the Armenian Genocide 1915-1917 at a community sponsored event in Los
Angeles, California. The new book was presented on 29 August 2004 at the
home of community activists Zaven and Sonia Akian, whose generous
support made the publication possible. The event took place in the
presence of graduate students, journalists, politicians and supporters
of Armenian lobbying organizations — the Armenian National Committee of
America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) and the Armenian Assembly of America
(AAA).
According to Ara Sarafian, the editor of the volume, the intellectual
value of this work lies in the fact that it is composed of eyewitness
accounts of the Armenian Genocide, as well as discussions of these
materials by US Ambassadors in Constantinople, Henry Morgenthau and
Abram Elkus, during the events in question. These accounts informed
American officials about the Armenian Genocide and ultimately led to the
Department of State supporting a clandestine relief operation in the
Ottoman Empire to save victims wherever possible. These efforts led to
the creation of the Near East Foundation by an Act of Congress in 1919.
The book clearly demonstrates that the American government was keenly
aware of the Armenian Genocide while the killings were taking place and
constitutes an invaluable resource for historians today.
Several speakers at the Los Angeles release stressed the political
significance of this work. Erin Prangley, District Director for
Congressman Brad Sherman stated that the new book was of immense value
to United States legislators working for the reaffirmation of the
Armenian Genocide by the United States government. “This [760 page] book
lays the essential facts we need about the Armenian Genocide at our
fingertips. It will make our job supporting the Armenian case much more
effective” she said.
Prangley also presented the Zakian family with a letter from Congressman
Sherman personally commending their contribution to the efforts to seek
official U.S. reaffirmation of the historical reality of the Armenian
Genocide. ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian welcomed the
new work and pointed to the growing momentum in the United States for
the official reaffirmation of the Genocide in Washington DC. The new
book by Gomidas Institute clearly adds to that momentum. Kassakhian also
disclosed that the ANC is already using United States Official Records
on the Armenian Genocide for effective lobbying purposes. Maria
Armoudian, legislative consultant to Senator Richard Alarcon thanked Ara
Sarafian and Vincent Lima of the Gomidas Institute for their continued
good work in Armenian Studies today. Other distinguished guests included
Lonnie Sanders (Congresswoman Dianne Watson’s Field Representative),
Haig Khartounian (Rep. Adam Schiff’s District Representative), Kirk
Cartozian (Mayor of the City of Downey), Paul Krekorian (Vice President
of the Burbank School Board), and Raffi Hamparian (ANCA-WR Chairman).
Zaven Akian, Ara Sarafian and Vincent Lima were also awarded
certificates of special recognition of their “outstanding and invaluable
service” from the offices of Congressman Adam Schiff and Senator Richard
Alarcon.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: United States Official Records on the
Armenian Genocide 1915-1917 comp., ed. and intro. by Ara Sarafian, with
a preface by U. S. Congressmen Pallone and Knollenberg (Gomidas
Institute: Princeton and London, 2004) xxxvi + 706 pp.
The Gomidas Institute is an independent academic institution
specializing in modern Armenian Studies. The Institute has offices in
Princeton (USA) and London (UK). For more information about the Gomidas
Institute please contact [email protected]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Cancellation of exercises in Baku to hurt NATO-Azerbaijan relations – US ambassador
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 16 2004
Washington has expressed its regret with Azerbaijan’s refusal to
allow Armenian officers to attend NATO exercises in Baku.
The US ambassador to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish told journalists on
Wednesday that “this will somewhat negatively affect Azerbaijan’s
positions in the “Partnership for Peace” program”.
NATO administration decided to cancel the multi-national exercises
in Azerbaijan hours before they were due to start on September 14.
Shortly before the planned exercises, the opposition, public
organizations, the parliament of Azerbaijan voiced their protests
against the Armenian officers’ participation, reaffirming the fact
that Armenia occupies Azerbaijan’s territories.
Harnish mentioned that over the last year Azerbaijan had been making
preparations for the exercises and promised to resolve the problem
of Armenians’ participation in NATO exercises.*
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Tehran festival to stage over 20 foreign puppet shows
Tehran Times
Sept 5 2004
Tehran Times Art Desk
TEHRAN (MNA) — Over 20 foreign puppet shows are to be staged during
the 10th International Puppet Show Festival, slated for September 13
to 19 in Tehran.
According to the Public Relations Office of the Center for Dramatic
Arts, puppeteers from Germany, France, Armenia, Slovenia, Italy,
Britain, Portugal, Tajikistan, Turkey, Russia, Serbia-Montenegro,
India, Canada, Turkmenistan, China, and the Azerbaijan Republic will
be attending the festival.
“Mobarakbazi” (directed by Mohammad Asgari), “Lo’batbazi” (Iraj
Kaleh-chahi), “Stories of Qashang-o-Mashang” (Parinaz Ale-Aqa),
“Toward Avignon” (Meysam Yusefi) are some of the street shows from
Tehran province which are also scheduled to be staged during the
week-long event.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SwissInfo
30 août 2004
Relancer le dialogue avec la Turquie

En janvier dernier, le président suisse, Joseph Deiss, rencontrait le
premier ministre turc, Tayyip Erdogan, lors du Forum économique de
Davos. (Keystone)

Une délégation parlementaire suisse se rend en Turquie pour
réchauffer les relations entre les deux pays après la crise
diplomatique de l’an dernier.

Suite au débat ouvert en Suisse sur le génocide arménien, le
gouvernement turc avait annulé une visite de la ministre suisse des
Affaires étrangères à Ankara.

Un «affront», une «provocation»: c’est ainsi que quelques politiciens
suisses avaient qualifié, il y a un an, la décision des autorités
turques d’annuler la visite à Ankara de Micheline Calmy-Rey.
La ministre suisse des Affaires étrangères (DFAE) – qui aurait voulu
évoquer la question du respect des minorités et des droits de l’homme
au cours de son voyage – s’était quant à elle diplomatiquement
contentée de juger «excessive» la décision de la Turquie.
Une fois encore, c’était la question du génocide des Arméniens qui
avait suscité l’ire du gouvernement turc. Une question «trop» souvent
évoquée ces dernières années en Suisse aux yeux du gouvernement
d’Ankara.
Pour mémoire, 800’000 des 1,8 million d’Arméniens vivant en Turquie
auraient été, selon les recherches historiques, systématiquement
déportés et exterminés par l’Empire ottoman entre 1915 et 1918.

Petite crise diplomatique

Toujours nié par la Turquie, qui affirme que «seulement» 200’000
Arméniens auraient été tués durant les opérations de la Première
Guerre mondiale, ce génocide a été reconnu en 1998 par le parlement
du canton de Genève.
En 2001, la Chambre basse du parlement fédéral avait quant à elle
rejeté un postulat dans ce sens, mais par seulement trois voix
d’écart.
Les choses ont toutefois rebondi l’an dernier. La question arménienne
est revenue sous les feux de l’actualité lorsque, le 23 septembre, le
parlement du canton de Vaud a à son tour reconnu le génocide.
Peu de jours après, le gouvernement turc annonçait sa décision
d’annuler le voyage de Micheline Calmy-Rey, ouvrant ainsi une petite
crise diplomatique qui a refroidi les relations entre les deux pays.
Un refroidissement d’autant plus vif qu’en décembre dernier, la
Chambre basse du parlement fédéral, appelée à se prononcer sur un
nouveau postulat, reconnaissait à son tour le génocide.
Cette décision n’a pas plu aux Turcs. Le nouveau premier ministre
Recep Tayyp Erdogan l’a d’ailleurs regrettée lors d’une rencontre
avec Micheline Calmy-Rey et le président de la Confédération Joseph
Deiss en janvier dernier en marge du Forum économique mondial (WEF)
de Davos.

Nouvelles possibilités de dialogue

Annulée en octobre 2003, la visite en Turquie des membres de la
Commission de politique extérieure (CPE) de la Chambre haute du
parlement suisse peut donc être considérée comme un pas important
vers la relance du dialogue et d’une amélioration des relations entre
les deux pays.
«L’an dernier, nous avions préféré renoncer à notre visite, déclare
le sénateur Peter Briner, président de la commission et chef de la
délégation. Les relations bilatérales était alors marquées par une
certaine irritation et nous n’aurions pas pu trouver d’interlocuteurs
turcs prêts à dialoguer.»
«Le temps a permis de surmonter cette irritation, poursuit-il. Nos
collègues du parlement turc et l’ambassadeur turc à Berne nous ont
assuré que nous serions les bienvenus dans leur pays.»
La visite aura donc lieu du 30 août au 3 septembre. La délégation
suisse sera reçue par des représentants politiques de haut rang du
parlement et du gouvernement turcs, notamment par le ministre des
Affaires étrangères Abdullah Gül.
La coopération économique et technique sera au centre des
discussions. Mais la question du respect des minorités et des droits
de l’homme, aujourd’hui en Turquie, sera également abordée.
«Nous voulons aussi faire le point sur les réformes que la Turquie
entend mettre en `uvre et sur les efforts qu’elle a déjà accomplis
dans le cadre des ses préparatifs pour adhérer à l’Union européenne»,
précise Peter Briner.

Des visions opposées

Selon le président de la Commission de politique extérieure de la
Chambre haute, la délégation suisse ne veut en revanche pas revenir
sur la question du génocide arménien, toujours tabou en Turquie.
«Nous ne voulons pas juger cette terrible période historique avec une
attitude de moralistes, déclare-t-il. Cette tche revient aux
historiens. Chaque pays doit se confronter tout seul à son propre
passé.»
Mais cette position n’est probablement pas partagée par bon nombre de
ses collègues parlementaires. Le débat tenu le 16 décembre dernier à
la Chambre basse sur le génocide arménien avait en effet une nouvelle
fois fait apparaître deux visions opposées de la politique étrangère.
D’un côté, il y a la volonté de privilégier l’implication de la
Confédération en faveur des droits de l’homme et des minorités.
Surtout quelques mois après l’adhésion de la Suisse à une Cour pénale
internationale appelée à juger les cas de génocide.
D’un autre côté, il y a en revanche la volonté de maintenir le
dialogue et de ne pas compromettre les relations avec un partenaire
économique important comme la Turquie.
En 2003, la Suisse occupait en effet le 6e rang des investisseurs
étrangers en Turquie et le 7e rang des pays exportateurs (1,6
milliard de francs d’exportation vers la Turquie en 2003).

Moment particulièrement favorable

Même si elle n’abordera peut-être pas toutes les questions les plus
délicates, la visite de la délégation suisse en Turquie est
accueillie favorablement par les représentants de la communauté
arménienne de Suisse.
«Si elle ne se base pas sur le mensonge, la recherche du dialogue est
fondamentale pour que la Turquie se débarrasse de l’obstructionnisme
qu’elle a toujours pratiqué», estime Sarkis Shahinian, vice-président
de l’association Suisse-Arménie.
Or le moment pour y parvenir semble particulièrement favorable, étant
donné la volonté de la Turquie d’adhérer à l’Union européenne et son
ambition d’assumer un rôle stratégique de pont entre le monde
occidental et le monde islamique.
«C’est le moment pour la Turquie de faire la lumière sur son passé et
de s’adapter enfin aux critères de respect des droits humains
indispensables pour pouvoir adhérer à l’Union européenne», conclut
Sarkis Shahinian.
swissinfo, Armando Mombelli
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress