Author: Badalian Vardan

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
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. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

February 7, 2007
___________________

DECADE OF SERVICE BY FR. ODABASHIANHONORED

By Florence Avakian

Through his dedicated ministry, Fr. Simeon Odabashian has always been an
inspiration to people of all ages interested in serving the Armenian Church,
a role model of a young man who humbly dedicates his life to his faith and
community.

Over the past three years, he has shared his quiet yet strong passion with
the parishioners of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
where he serves as its pastor. Therefore, it took some doing by the Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob parish council and parishioners to convince the priest,
known for his humility and modesty, to have a celebration of the tenth
anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

The special day on Sunday, December 3, 2006, began with Fr. Odabashian
celebrating the badarak, after which a champagne reception was held in the
church hall, hosted by the parish’s Women’s Guild and attended by more than
200 people. In honor of Father Odabashian, a special proclamation by Rhode
Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri was read at the event.

Guests of honor attending included Fr. Odabashian’s parents Diramayr Zabel
and Norair Odabashian, along with his sister Marsha. Also honoring him was
Fr. Joseph Santos of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Providence.

In his message of tribute to Fr. Odabashian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), recalled
the day ten years ago when he ordained the young priest.

"It is always powerful to see one give his life whole-heartedly to service
to his church and to God. It is hard to believe that a full decade has
elapsed since that day," he wrote. "But it is not hard to believe that
Fr. Simeon has proven himself a worthy pastor and a true son of the Armenian
Church."

"Many people have benefited from Hayr Soorp’s guidance," the Primate
continued. "Though Sts. Sahag and Mesrob parish is the most recent to be
blessed, I know many Armenians in many communities throughout the Diocese
who owe a lot to the pastoral leadership of Fr. Simeon."

Following his graduation from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St.
Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary, Fr. Odabashian served as pastor of the St.
Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, and then as coordinator of the
Diocese’s Mission Parish Project, through which he served the spiritual and
administrative needs of small, growing communities throughout the Diocese.

He has also been an instructor of liturgical practice at St. Nersess. In
addition to his position as pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church,
he also represents the Eastern Diocese in the Joint Commission on the
Eastern/Oriental Orthodox Churches.

$1,400 IN GIFTS DONATED

Dn. Gary Alexander, who served as master of ceremonies at the celebration,
called Fr. Odabashian a long time friend.

With so many friends, more than $1,400 in gifts were sent in to celebrate
Fr. Odabashian’s anniversary. Following his wishes, the money was divided
between Providence’s sister parish, the St. Katoghigeh Church in Jervezh,
Armenia, and the Noubarashen Orphanage in Yerevan.

On behalf of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, a hand-cross made in Armenia
as well as a volume of "The Armeniad" was presented to Fr. Odabashian by
Parish Council Chair Linda Minassian during the celebration, organized by
co-chairs Elizabeth Kooloian and Joyce Avedisian.

Additionally, a letter from Fr. Fr. Shnork Kasparian was read. And the
audience was treated to a special performance of the Junior Choir of Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Church under the direction of Maestro Konstantin
Petrossian.

— 2/7/06

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Simeon Odabashian, pastor of the Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, was honored by his parishioners for his ten
years of pastoral service on December 3, 2006.

# # #

RA DEFENSE MINISTER HAD A FAREWELL MEETING WITH THE ITALIAN AMBASSADOR

ArmRadio.am
07.02.2007 17:50

February 7 Secretary of the Presidential Council on National
Security, RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan received the Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Marco Clementi, who is
completing his mission in Armenia, Press Secretary of RA MOD Seyran
Shahsuvaryan informs.

Speaking of Armenian-Italian military relations, the parties turned
to the necessity of expanding bilateral cooperation. Reference was
made also to the reforms in the Armed Forces in the frameworks of
the Individual Partnership Action Plan.

Thanking the Ambassador for the productive activity during his tenure
in office, Minister Sargsyan wished him success in his future activity
and said: " Once again I want to emphasize the role of Rome and Italy
in our history. Again I get convinced that today Armenian culture
continues to develop in Italy.

On this positive background we are obliged to develop the military
cooperation. I’m confident we shall succeed."

AGAPI DOES NOT GIVE MONEY

Panorama.am
18:38 06/02/2007

"Agap-Hrat" Ltd tries to transfer the economic argument to the
political field. Clarifications are given by various mass media, trying
to politicize it", Nerses Haroutyunyan, advocate of Martoun Ivanyan who
has made a claim against the "Agap-Hrat" Ltd, told journalists today.

According to Haroutyunyan, his client has signed a service contract
with "Agap-Hrat" Ltd, but the company has not fulfilled its obligations
stipulated by the contract, and has not paid 7 350 000 drams for the
rendered services. Regarding the fact the court of first instance
passed a verdict, obliging the "Agap-Hrat" to pay to the plaintiff
9 048 thous. drams (the court took into account the fines as well).

Though the decision of the court satisfies the claim of the plaintiff,
but the advocate says that the enforcement service has not taken any
steps to exact the amount. Haroutyunan stated, he is going to appeal
the inactivity of the enforcement service.

ISSUES OF ARMENIAN-FRENCH COOPERATION IN SOCIAL SPHERES DISCUSSED

ArmRadio.am
06.02.2007 15:32

RA Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Aghvan Vardanyan received today
the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to
Armenia Serge Smessov. During the meeting the Minister spoke about
the cultural and political relations between the two countries,
which create a firm basis for further cooperation in economic and
social spheres.

Public Relations Department of RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
told Armenpress that during the meeting Serge Smessov noted that
Armenia has a special place in the relations with France. Turning
to the social sphere, the Ambassador voiced opinion that it will be
beneficial for Armenia to apply the rich experience of France in the
spheres of labor and employment.

He expressed willingness to promote the contacts between the structures
of the two countries engaged in labor and social security issues,
the rise of level of mutual information.

At the end of the meeting Aghvan Vardanyan clarified the spheres of
cooperation with the French side – establishment of the institute
of social partnership, elaboration of the national programs of
demographic policy and the elderly, implementation of reforms in the
pension system.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN THE THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

The fourth meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological
Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches took
place in Rome, at the new offices of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity, from January 28 to February 3, 2007.

Joining the delegates from the Catholic Church were representatives of the
following Oriental Orthodox Churches: Coptic Orthodox Church, Syrian
Orthodox Church, Armenian Apostolic Church-Catholicosate of All Armenians,
Armenian Apostolic Church-Holy See of Cilicia, Malankara Orthodox Syrian
Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and Eritrean Orthodox Church.

The Catholicosate of All Armenians was represented by Archbishop Mesrob
Krikorian, (Primate of Vienna and Patriarchal Delegate for Central Europe
and Scandinavia) and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian (Primate of the Eastern
Diocese of the USA). On behalf of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan (Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy in the USA) and
Bishop Nareg Alemezian (Ecumenical Officer) participated in the meeting.

The members of the international commission were received in audience by
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on February 1. His Eminence Anba Bishoy
(Co-chair) greeted His Holiness the Pope on behalf of the members of the
dialogue and thanked him for his efforts to promote dialogue with the
Oriental Orthodox. Addressing the group, Pope Benedict said, "Your meeting
concerning the constitution and mission of the Church is of great importance
for our common journey towards the restoration of full communion. The
Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches share an ecclesial
patrimony stemming from apostolic times and the first centuries of
Christianity." The Pope also expressed his concern for the situation of
Christians in the Middle East, calling upon them to be "courageous and
steadfast in the power of the Spirit of Christ."

Following the plan for the dialogue that was adopted at the Preparatory
Meeting in 2003, the following items were discussed during the course of the
meeting: "Mission, Witness, Service and the Problem of Proselytism," "The
Salvation of Non-Believers" and "Mixed Marriages with Non-Christians."

The fifth meeting of the International Commission will take place January
27 to February 2, 2008, at Saint Ephrem Syrian Orthodox Monastery in Maarrat
Saydnaya near Damascus, Syria, at the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch
Ignatius Zakka I.

Read the report of the meeting below:

REPORT
The Fourth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological
Dialogue
Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches

Rome, Italy, January 28 to February 3, 2007

The International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue
between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was initiated
at the preparatory meeting in 2003. The fourth meeting of this official
commission took place in Rome, at the new offices of the Pontifical Council
for Promoting Christian Unity, from January 28 to February 3, 2007. Below is
the report of the last meeting.

The fourth meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological
Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches took
place in Rome from January 28 to February 3, 2007, under the co-chairmanship
of His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council
for Promoting Christian Unity and His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of
Damiette, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Lebanon at the kind
invitation of His Beatitude Patriarch Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir of the Maronite
Church. Regrettably, the political situation in that country did not allow
the members to meet there at this time. Instead, the meeting was held in
Rome at the new offices of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian
Unity. The members were hosted at the Domus Romana Sacerdotalis. Joining
the delegates from the Catholic Church were representatives of the following
Oriental Orthodox Churches: Coptic Orthodox Church, Syrian Orthodox Church,
Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of All Armenians), Armenian
Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church,
Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and Eritrean Orthodox Church.

The Oriental Orthodox delegation met separately on January 29 and 30 in
order to discuss themes in ecclesiology. During the course of these
meetings, they produced a draft report that was later given to the Catholic
members. The Catholic delegation met separately on January 30. The full
International Joint Commission met on three consecutive days, on January 31,
February 1 and 2. Each day began with a brief prayer service using material
that had been produced for this year’s Prayer for Christian Unity.

The members of the international commission were received in audience by
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on February 1. His Eminence Anba Bishoy
greeted His Holiness the Pope on behalf of the members of the dialogue and
thanked him for his efforts to promote dialogue with the Oriental Orthodox.
He also presented him with an icon hand painted by Coptic Orthodox nuns in
Egypt. Addressing the group, Pope Benedict said, "Your meeting concerning
the constitution and mission of the Church is of great importance for our
common journey towards the restoration of full communion. The Catholic
Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches share an ecclesial patrimony
stemming from apostolic times and the first centuries of Christianity. This
‘heritage of experience’ should shape our future ‘guiding our common path
towards the re-establishment of full communion’ (cf. Ut Unum Sint, 56)."
The Pope also expressed his concern for the situation of Christians in the
Middle East, calling upon them to be "courageous and steadfast in the power
of the Spirit of Christ."

Following the plan for the dialogue that was adopted at the Preparatory
Meeting in 2003, the following papers were presented during the course of
the meeting: "Mission, Witness, Service and the Problem of Proselytism," by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian; "The Mission of the Church," by Bishop
Paul-Werner Scheele; "The Salvation of Non-Believers in the Patristic
Period," by Rev. Mark Sheridan, OSB; "The Church and the Salvation of
Non-Christians in the Second Vatican Council and Afterwards," by Msgr. Johan
Bonny; "The Salvation of Non-Believers," by Metropolitan Bishoy, "Marriage
Between Catholics and Muslims: A Catholic Perspective," by Archbishop Peter
Marayati, and "Mixed Marriages With Non-Christians," by Metropolitan Bishoy.

Because of technical difficulties, the drafting committee that had been
named at the third meeting of the dialogue in Etchmiadzin, Armenia, was not
able to meet. Its membership was modified, and is now composed of Catholic
members Fr. Frans Bouwen, Fr. Mark Sheridan, Msgr. Johan Bonny, and Prof.
Dietmar Winkler, and Oriental Orthodox members Metropolitan Bishoy,
Metropolitan Theophilus George Saliba, Archbishop Mesrob Krikorian, and
Bishop Nareg Alemezian. The drafting committee will meet in Rome on May 29
and 30, 2007.

On the evening of January 30, the members of the commission attended a
Vespers service at the Church of the Transfiguration, a Catholic parish in
Rome that also hosts a Coptic Orthodox community. The commission members
later met with the parishioners and attended a festive meal provided by the
parish. On the evening of February 1, His Eminence Cardinal Kasper hosted a
meal at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican to welcome the members to
Rome. They were joined by a number of officials of the Pontifical Council
for Promoting Christian Unity and other dicasteries of the Roman Curia.
Metropolitan Bishoy thanked Cardinal Kasper and the staff of the Pontifical
Council for Promoting Christian Unity for hosting the meeting.

The fifth meeting of the International Commission will take place at Saint
Ephrem Syrian Orthodox Monastery in Maarrat Saydnaya near Damascus, Syria,
at the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of the
Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. The Oriental Orthodox delegation will
plan to arrive on January 27, and the Catholics on January 28, 2008. The
two delegations will meet separately, and have full joint sessions on
January 30, 31, and February 1, with departure on February 2. At this
meeting the text prepared by the drafting committee will be considered, and
one paper from each side will be presented on the goal of the ecumenical
dialogue.

The members of the Commission were:

Representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches (in alphabetical order)

Antiochian Syrian Orthodox Church: H.E. Mor Theophilus George Saliba,
Archbishop of Mount Lebanon, Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Syrian
Orthodox Church; H.E. Kuriakose Theophilose, Metropolitan of the Malankara
Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kerala, India;

Armenian Apostolic Church: Catholicosate of all Armenians: H.E. Mesrob K.
Krikorian, Archbishop of Vienna and Patriarchal Delegate for Central Europe
and Scandinavia; H.E. Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop of the Eastern Diocese of
the USA;

Armenian Apostolic Church: Holy See of Cilicia: H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy in the U.S.A.; H.G. Bishop Nareg
Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of Cilicia;

Coptic Orthodox Church: H.E. Anba Bishoy (co-chair), Metropolitan of
Damiette, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church;
Rev. Fr. Shenouda Maher Ishak, West Henrietta, NY;

Eritrean Orthodox Church: Rev. Fr. Kaleab Gebreselassie Gebru, Coordinator
for Foreign Affairs;

Ethiopian Orthodox Church: Rev. Fr. Megabe Biluy Seife Selassie Yohannes,
Lique Hiruyan Getachew Guadie (prevented);

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church: H.E. Philipos Mar Eusebios, Metropolitan
of Pathanamthitta, Rev. Dr. John Mathews (co-secretary), Secretary of the
Committee on Inter-Church Relations (prevented; substituted by Rev. Fr.
Abraham Thomas, London).

Representatives of the Catholic Church

His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper (co-chair), President of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity;

Most Reverend Paul-Werner Scheele, Bishop Emeritus of Würzburg (Germany);

Most Reverend Amba Kyrillos William, Coptic Catholic Bishop of Assiut,
President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Egypt;

Most Reverend Jules Mikhael Al-Jamil, Procurator of the Syrian Catholic
Patriarchate to the Holy See and Apostolic Visitator in Europe;

Most Reverend Peter Marayati, Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo,
President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Syria;

Most Reverend Woldetensae Ghebreghiorghis, Apostolic Vicar of Harar
(Ethiopia), President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in
Ethiopia and Eritrea;

Rev. Fr. Frans Bouwen M.Afr., Consultant to the Pontifical Council for
Promoting Christian Unity; Jerusalem;

Rev. Fr. Philippe Luisier SJ, Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome;

Rev. Fr. Ronald Roberson, CSP, Associate Director of the Secretariat for
Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, US Conference of Catholic Bishops,
Washington, DC;

Rev. Fr. Paul Rouhana, OLM, Université Saint-Esprit, Kaslik, Jounieh,
Liban;

Rev. Fr. Mark Sheridan, OSB, Rector, Pontificio Ateneo S. Anselmo, Rome;

Rev. Fr. Mathew Vellanickal, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Changanacherry (India);

Rev. Fr. Boghos Levon Zekiyan, Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome;

Prof. Dietmar W. Winkler, Paris Lodron Universität, Salzburg, Austria;

Secretariat: Msgr. Johan Bonny (co-secretary), staff-member of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Rome, February 2, 2007

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

–Boundary_(ID_3cIe15CzhGj5Wk2y5S6NFA)–

SERGE SARGSIAN: "FESTIVE EVENTS ARE CALLED TO INCREASE ARMY’S EFFICIENCY"

Noyan Tapan
Feb 05 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The events dedicated to the 15th
anniversary of the Armenian army will continue till May 9, the 15th
anniversary of the Shoushi liberation. Serge Sargsian, the RA Defence
Minister mentioned about it in the interview to the "Armenia" TV. He
informed that the state commission founded by the RA President’s decree
will organize a number of events from now on as well. In the Minister’s
words, those events are not end in itself and are called to re-affirm
the army’s reputation to be the most improved structure, to start
usage of new standards for holding similar events. In S.Sargsian’s
words, military servicemen must again make sure that the people and
the state estimate their hard work, care about them and are proud of
them. In his opinion, it may only positively influence on the Armenian
army’s martial readiness and efficiency.

Touching upon the displeasures and criticisms expressed on the occasion
of events dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the army, the Minister
mentioned that "some mercenary journalists and mass media functioning
for special purposes were instructed by their masters, childish but
having great ambitions, to spoil impression and moods in any way,"
but they did not manage. As for displeasures connected with passing
over in silence first RA Defence Minister Vazgen Manukian’s role
in the army building, in S.Sargsian’s words, his name was mentioned
during programs dedicated to the holiday by a number of TV companies,
and one of TV companies gave him possibility of expression. "Isn’t
it enough about a person who was the Defence Minister of Armenia only
few months and did his best to leave that post as soon as possible,"
S.Sargsian mentioned.

In his words, during the 14 years after his being the Minister,
V.Manukian "did not say a kind word about the army," and did not take
part ever in any army event though he was always invited.

THE STRENGTH OF OUR BORDERS IS THE REASON WHY THE ENEMY DOES NOT ATTACK US
By S. Hakobian

Yerkir.am
February 02, 2007

With the victory in the liberation war in Artsakh and preservation of
the territorial integrity and border of Armenia our army has proven
that it is strong and ready to accomplish any military tasks.

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Armenian army ARF’s
Supreme Body organized a visit to the motor-infantry division N58831
named after Vazgen Sargsian in Ararat.

Congratulating the soldiers on the army’s 15th anniversary member
of ARF’s Bureau and Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Vahan
Hovhannissian noted that 15 years ago, on January 28, 1992, it became
possible to establish the guarantee of our country’s security and
territorial integrity – the Armenian army.

Hovhannissian extended his gratitude to all parents who realize the
necessity to serve in the army and send their sons to the Armenian
national army.

Hovhannissian believes the reason why the enemy does not attack Armenia
is that our borders are strong. He wished the Armenian army peace and
victories noting that the army’s value in a time of peace is the same
as in a time of war. "We don’t need any enemy attacks. We must be so
strong that no one would even think of attacking us, and you are the
guarantee of this."

The visit to the military unit protecting Armenia’s south-west border
was special because it is very closely located to Yerevan and is very
dangerous because it is close to the border with Nakhijevan.

Azeris believe Nakhijevan is very close to Yerevan and if they have
any aggressive plans they are going to use Nakhijevan. This is why
protection of this border is very important for the Armenian side.

Head of ARF’s parliamentary faction Hrayr Karapetian noted that
celebration of the army’s anniversary is probably the most glorious
holiday.

"Our army becomes stronger morally and physically. The material
conditions are gradually improved and this is the best guarantee that
the Armenian nation will live in its free and independent country,
and nurture hopes of living in its historical homeland in the future."

Appreciation certificates were awarded to several officers for high
military discipline. The guests presented to the military unit the
film series telling about the heroes of Karabagh war, and several
films telling about the First Armenian Republic, the monuments in
Western Armenia, and a TV and video player.

They also presented the soldiers a book titled "Armenian Soldier" where
the image of the Armenian soldier is crystallized in the images of Dro
and Sebastatsi Murad. 30 members of ARF’s Nikol Aghbalian Student Union
visited the military unit to get acquainted with the conditions in the
army to be sure that they will be serving in a strong and secure army.

Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Feb 1 2007

Turkish minister comments on war on terror, US visit, Cyprus on way
to Albania

by Duygu Bayar:

"Foreign minister Gul in Albania"

Tirana, 1 February: Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul said that it would be wrong to assign the responsibility
of fighting terrorism solely to special representatives. He added:
"The representatives are doing what is incumbent on them. Our
expectations from them are well known."

Gul answered reporters’ questions on his flight to Albania where he
went for an official visit.

Answering a question on the recent Ankara visit of US Special
Representative on Combating Terrorism Gen (retd) Joseph Ralston, Gul
said that Turkey expects much from the United States in the war
against terrorism and that everyone in the United States, from
President George Bush down to the lowest levels, are aware of this.

Gul said that the United States must fight the terrorist organization
PKK as it fights other terrorists organizations and that, from that
perspective, Turkey’s expectations are even higher.

When asked how long it will take for any results to be achieved in
the battle against terrorism, Gul replied that "what he said earlier
was not a haphazard comment" and added that it would not be right for
him to say more about this issue in view of its nature.

When asked to comment on whether the special representative mechanism
is working, Gul said: "The representatives are doing what is
incumbent on them. Our expectations from them are well known." Noting
that it would be wrong to assign the responsibility of fighting
terrorism solely to special representatives, Gul said that this issue
is the highest-priority problem of the prime minister, the ministers,
and commanders.

Answering a question on his upcoming visit to the United States, Gul
said that the details of the visit have not yet been finalized but
that he expects to convey during this visit Turkey’s views on
developments in Iraq and the so-called Armenian genocide bill that
has been introduced in the US House of Representatives. He added that
this will be an important visit from many perspectives.

When reminded about efforts to organize international meetings on
Iraq, Gul said that he does not believe very large meetings are very
useful and that a meeting on Iraq between the five permanent members
of the UN Security Council and regional countries is a possibility.

‘Was it appropriate for Lebanon?’

When asked whether it was "appropriate for Lebanon" to sign an
agreement with the Greek Cypriot administration at a time when Turkey
has sent soldiers and aid to that country, Gul replied: "Of course,
it was not appropriate."

Gul said that he thinks this situation was the result of the power
vacuum and climate of chaos in Lebanon and that even the Lebanese
prime minister was not aware of the agreement. He added that the
necessary representations have been made, that Lebanon has
commitments on this issue, and that Turkey issued the necessary
warnings earlier.

When asked by a reporter whether the withdrawal of troops from
Lebanon is possible as a reprisal, Gul replied "no."

Gul was then reminded that a law enacted in the Greek Cypriot sector
allows oil exploration and extraction in the eastern Mediterranean
and that the first contract will be awarded on 15 February. Asked
whether this contract will actually be awarded, Gul replied that this
is unlikely. He added: "That cannot happen. If it happens, then
whatever is necessary will be done."

Gul begins contacts

Gul has begun in his talks in Albania where he arrived on a two-day
official visit.

Gul first met with Foreign Minister Besnik Mustafaj. The two
ministers are expected to hold a press conference after the end of
their meeting.

Tomorrow morning Gul will first attend the meeting of the
Turkish-Albanian Business Council together with Mustafaj. Then he
will be received by the prime minister, the speaker of the
parliament, and the president, in that order.

Gul is expected to return to Turkey tomorrow afternoon after
completing his contacts.

AZERI HACKER PROMISES TO CRACK

Yerevan, January 30. ArmInfo. The Azeri hacker promises to crack the
official site of RA President. "The next site will be
;, it is said in the cracked sites.

The Internet-pages , ,
and are still under
Bacioglu hacker’s control. As the Director of "Arminco" Company,
Andranik Alexanyan, told ArmInfo, the Armenian side does not intend to
follow any provocations and the actions of this hacker cannot be
called a hacking since real hackers do not act in such a way. The
Director had noted earlier that this man can be qualified as a
politically ill man.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
January 29, 2007 Monday

Azerbaijan not to agree to NKarabakh independence – Aliyev

Azerbaijan will never agree to the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh,
Azerbaijani President Ilkham Aliyev, who is beginning a visit to
Paris on Monday, said in an interview with Le Figaro newspaper.
France, together with Russia and the United States, is a mediator in
the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Azerbaijani leader blamed Armenia for the absence of progress in
the negotiations. According to Aliyev, “the so-called referendum on
the constitution, held in Nagorno-Karabakh last December, was
absolutely illegal.” “Armenia should realise that we shall never
agree to the independence of that territory,” he said.

Aliyev assured that Baku would grant Nagorno-Karabakh “the broadest
possible autonomy within the framework of Azerbaijan.”

Responding to the question about whether or not he regarded as real
the prospect of an armed settlement of the conflict, Aliyev said:
“Obviously, our economic might and political prestige will make it
possible for us some day to take steps for the liberation of our
land. We prefer to settle the problem by peaceful means, however,
without starting a war.”