Author: Basmajian Ani

MINISTER INFLAMES ‘GENOCIDE’ ROW BETWEEN TURKEY AND CANBERRA
Michael Owen

The Australian
ory/0,25197,25469326-5006787,00.html
May 13 2009
Australia

A STATE Labor minister has inflamed tensions between Turkey and
Canberra about a "genocide" by accepting an invitation to address a
20,000-strong rally in Greece on the sensitive issue.

South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson sparked outrage
from the Turkish Government this year after he described the "genocide"
of Pontian Greeks by Turkish nationalists between 1916 and 1923.

Mr Atkinson, who also is the Minister for Multicultural Affairs,
inflamed the row by declaring that anyone who disputed this version
of history was practising a form of "Holocaust denial".

As reported by The Australian last month, the Turkish ambassador to
Australia, Murat Ersavci, protested to Foreign Minister Stephen Smith
about the "defamation" of his country, and warned that thousands of
Turkish Australians feared discrimination because of the situation
in South Australia.

But last night, a defiant Mr Atkinson said he was "honoured" to have
accepted an invitation to speak at an annual assembly in Greece,
commemorating the Pontian Greeks, and would leave on Friday as a guest
of the Pan-Pontian Federation of Greece. Mr Ersavci said Mr Atkinson’s
decision to address next Tuesday’s rally was "deeply regrettable".

Mr Atkinson and the state parliament, which passed a motion of support
on April 30, "could very easily bring the friendship between Turkey
and Australia to a halt", Mr Ersavci warned.

"Australian citizens of Turkish origin naturally fear that a deliberate
climate of hostility is being created towards them and that there is
a strong racist undercurrent to it," he said.

Australia’s ambassador to Turkey, Peter Doyle, said South Australia’s
position "does not reflect the approach of the Australian Government".

Mr Atkinson said he had been "overwhelmed" by the response from the
Greek, Armenian and Cypriot communities to his stance. "There are
many Greek-Australians who have been deeply affected by the genocide,"
he said.

Mr Ersavci accused Mr Atkinson of rewriting history to lever votes
for the ALP, a charge Mr Atkinson denied.

But Mr Atkinson has written to thousands of voters from Greek,
Assyrian, Syrian Orthodox and Armenian backgrounds in eight state
seats in Adelaide on the matter.

US AMBASSADOR JUSTIFIES VIOLATION OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE PARITY FOR YEREVAN AND BAKU

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
12.05.2009 20:26 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ US Ambassador to Armenia Mari Yovanovich justifies
violation of military assistance parity for Yerevan and Baku.

"Regarding military assistance, the Administration’s FMF request
for Armenia in FY 2010 is the same level as Armenia received in FY
2009. There has been no decrease. The specific increase for Azerbaijan
is linked to U.S. priorities in peacekeeping and maritime security,
particularly regarding proliferation and drug trafficking on the
Caspian Sea. The respective levels requested for Armenia and Azerbaijan
are carefully considered and calibrated to ensure that they do not
adversely affect the military balance in the region or undermine
efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
they do, however, provide appropriate assistance to each country that
will enhance their interoperability and military professionalism,"
she stated.

US administration in his Fiscal Year 2010 International Affairs
budget requested cut aid to Armenia. The budget request also upsets
the balance of military aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In particular, the U.S. administration proposes to provide $30 million
in Economic Assistance. Additionally, the budget did not include
funding for Nagorno Karabakh, while in FY 2009 Congress approved
$8 million.

Besides, the Administration’s FY 2010 funding proposal for Foreign
Military Financing calls for $3 million for Armenia and $4 million for
Azerbaijan. The proposed budget also suggests $900,000 for Azerbaijan
versus $450,000 for Armenia in International Military Education and
Training assistance.

AssA-Irada, Azerbaijan
May 6 2009

ISRAEL REJECTS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CLAIMS

The Israeli government has rejected allegations on the so-called
genocide of Armenians, a claim on the World War I-era mass killings in
the Ottoman Empire. Tel-Aviv passed a decision indicating that the
government and parliament were no places for leveling genocide claims,
Turkeys Milliyet (Nation) newspaper said. On April 24, the day
considered by Armenians as the date marking the alleged massacres,
Israeli lawmaker Haim Oron submitted a bill calling to recognize the
genocide to the legislature. However, Gilad Erdan, the country’s
Minister of Environmental Protection, said while unveiling the
governments position that discussing the issue would be out of
place. Commemorating the Armenians killed is our moral
responsibility. But this issue should be discussed openly on the basis
of historical data, and parliament is not a place for such a
discussion, Erdan said. The government in Yerevan has accused Turkey
of genocide against Armenians in the latter years of the Ottoman
Empire, which preceded modern Turkey. The Turkish government says the
developments were part of the clashes that related to Armenian groups
supporting Russia against Turkey during World War I. Ankara insists
the killings were not orchestrated by the Ottoman government and
Turkish President Abdullah Gul has proposed opening Ottoman archives
to international scholars to try to resolve the dispute.

CHANGE OF POLITICAL FIELD STARTED IN PRAGUE

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.05.2009 18:09 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Prospects of Eastern partnership should be approached
in terms of Euro Atlantic integration of the post-soviet states,
said the deputy general director of the Strategic Culture Fund Andrey
Areshev. According to the expert, when European states and standing
behind them the US suggest certain initiatives, they first of all
pursue own interests.

Answering the question of a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, what specific
interests, political or economical he means, Mr. Areshev stressed,
that fight for energy resources takes place first of all. "It is talked
of the fight for energy resources and their transportation routs with
further radical change of the format of political landscape of those
countries and possible placement of NATO infrastructure objects",
concluded Andey Areshev.

Eastern Partnership Summit opened on May 7 in Prague as an initiative
of Euro commission. The program is approved on December 3 of 2008
and involves 6 post-soviet countries, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan,
Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus.

KARINE GHAZINIAN: RA FOREIGN MINISTRY DOES NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO ARMENIA, DIASPORA, AND KARABAKH

NOYAN TAPAN
MAY 6, 2009
YEREVAN

The RA Foreign Ministry considers that the Armenian-Turkish
negotiations should be kept secret until they reach a certain point. RA
Deputy Foreign Minister Karine Ghazinian reported at the May 6 press
conference replying to journalists’ observations that Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian does not provide sufficient information to Armenia’s
journalists and public. Speaking about journalists’ discontent that
they learn the most important news regarding Armenian-Turkish relations
from foreign or Turkish press, K. Ghazinian reminded of the view E.

Nalbandian voiced in his interview to Haylur that in general, one
should not believe unofficial media.

The Deputy Foreign Minister said that today society in Armenia and
Diaspora is not aware of the details of Armenia’s and Turkey’s April
22 statement, it does not know that it has nothing in common with the
Nagorno Karabakh problem or recognition of the Armenian Genocide. All
that, according to K. Ghazinian, is Foreign Ministry’s omission,
the Ministry should have provided more detailed information to the
Armenians in the whole world. "We should also work better with our
colleagues in Karabakh. In my conviction, the negative opinions on
the negotiations process received from Karabakh are the result of
poor awareness," K. Ghazinian said.

ARMENIA MAY PULL OUT OF NATO-LED DRILLS IN GEORGIA

RIA Novosti
17:27 | 05/ 05/ 2009
YEREVAN

Armenia will not take part in the upcoming NATO-led Cooperative
Longbow /Cooperative Lancer 2009 military exercises in Georgia,
an Armenian newspaper said on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.

The Aravot newspaper said the decision was made after a meeting last
Wednesday in Brussels between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at which the NATO chief
supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Relations have been tense for more than two decades between Armenia
and Azerbaijan over Nagorny Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan with a
largely Armenian population. The region declared its independence
in a 1991 after a referendum boycotted by local Azerbaijanis. The
ensuing conflict claimed some 35,000 lives before a ceasefire was
signed in 1994. The area technically remains part of Azerbaijan,
but has its own de facto government.

However, Armenian authorities have not yet officially confirmed the
country’s withdrawal from the NATO exercises. Armenian Foreign Ministry
told RIA Novosti on Tuesday that the situation "was still unclear."

The Cooperative Longbow/Cooperative Lancer 2009 command-and-staff
exercise, which Russia has criticized as unhelpful in the wake of last
summer’s armed conflict between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia,
is scheduled for May 6-June 1.

According to NATO, the drills are aimed at improving interoperability
between NATO and partner countries, within the framework of Partnership
for Peace, Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative
programs, and will not involve any light or heavy weaponry.

Over 1,300 troops from 19 NATO member or ally states were originally
scheduled to participate, but Kazakhstan, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova
and Serbia have already withdrawn.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan confirmed on May 1 its participation in the
NATO-led exercises, and stressed the country’s commitment to relations
with NATO and its active participation in the Individual Partnership
Action Plan.

ARMENIA’S BRANDY OUTPUT DOWN 36.8% IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2009

RIA Novosti
18:33 | 05/ 05/ 2009
YEREVAN

Armenia’s brandy output declined 36.8% year-on-year in January-March
to 2.34 million liters, the country’s National Statistics Service
reported on Tuesday.

In January-March 2009, Armenian companies produced 2.65 million liters
of vodka, liquors and spirits, or 12.1% more than in the same period
of last year, the National Statistics Service said.

The output of wines went up 4% to 773,600 liters, while beer
production declined 14.3% to 1.17 million liters in January-March
2009 year-on-year.

Production of sparkling wines grew 14.5% to 41,800 liters in the
reporting period, the National Statistics Service said.

At the same time, the output of non-alcoholic beverages dropped 2.8%
in the reporting period to 7.45 million liters.

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN MEETS RUSSIAN MUSICIANS

armradio.am
04.05.2009 18:03

President Serzh Sargsyan today received renowned conductor Valery
Gergiev, legendry ballerina Maya Mlisetskaya, celebrated composer
Rodion Shchedrin and famous pianist Denis Matsuev.

Welcoming the visit of the renowned musicians to Armenia, President
Sargsyan noted with appreciation that many popular Russian artists
have presented their art in Armenia this year. The President said
he praised the broad cooperation between Armenia and Russian in
the humanitarian sphere during his recent meeting with his Russian
counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

According to President Sargsyan, the effective cooperation in the
humanitarian sphere, the rich agenda evidence the firm spiritual
links between the two peoples.

"I have come to Armenia with great joy and with special feelings,"
renowned conductor Valery Gergiev said. Noting that he will perform
alongside Armenian musicians, the head of the Symphonic Orchestra of
the Mariinsky Theatre said there are many talented Armenian musicians
in the world, whom Armenia can be proud of.

The interlocutors attached importance to cultural contacts and
emphasized the great role of culture in the relations between two
countries.

SA ‘YES’ TO GENOCIDE MOTION
Anastasios Papapostolou

Greek Reporter
-yes-to-genocide-motion/
May 4 2009
Australia

Photo: L-R Peter Jasonidis, Alternate President of the Federation
of Pontian Associations of Australia (FPAA), Attorney General of SA
Michael Atkinson and Haralambos Tavlaridis, President of FPAA.

The South Australian Parliament recognised unanimously on Thursday
the Genocide of Armenians, Pontian Greeks, Syrian Orthodox, Assyrian
and other Christian minorities.

It is the first such recognition by any State or Federal Parliament
in Australia. The resolution was proposed by South Australia’s
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Multicultural Affairs and
Veterans’ Affairs, Michael Atkinson.

The resolution states: "That, whereas the genocide by the Ottoman state
between 1915-1923 of Armenians, Hellenes, Syrian and other minorities
in Asia Minor is one of the greatest crimes against humanity, the
people of South Australia and this House – join the members of the
Armenian-Australian, Pontian Greek-Australian and Syrian-Australian
communities in honouring the memory of the innocent men, women and
children who fell victim to the first modern genocide; condemns the
genocide of the Armenians, Pontian Greeks, Syrian Orthodox and other
Christian minorities, and all other acts of Genocide as the ultimate
act of racial, religious and cultural intolerance; recognises the
importance of remembering and learning from such dark chapters in
human history to ensure that such crimes against humanity are not
allowed to be repeated; condemns and prevents all attempts to use
the passage of time to deny or distort the historical truth of the
Genocide of the Armenians and other acts of Genocide committed during
this century; acknowledges the significant humanitarian contribution
made by the people of South Australia to the victims and survivors
of the Armenian Genocide and the Pontian Genocide; and calls on the
commonwealth parliament officially to condemn the Genocide."

The issue of the Pontian Genocide had recently stirred a contentious
political debate in South Australia with the Liberal Senator Alan
Ferguson accusing Mr Atkinson of playing politics on the issue.

In a speech he delivered at the Senate on March 18 Mr Ferguson went
so far as to dispute the validity of historical evidence regerarding
the Armenian and Pontian Genocides.

The South Australian State Opposition Leader did not hesitate to
proclaim his allegiance by stressing, "As a man married to a Greek,
with a son who is half Greek, who is Orthodox, this has very much
touched me and my family. Let there be no doubt in the mind of any
South Australian about my view and the view of the state Liberals
of these terrible and tragic events." He continued by chastising
Mr Atkinson for politically taking advantage of that situation by
sending to his Greek constituents the speech made by Senator Ferguson.

PRESS RELEASE
Date: May 2, 2009
Armenian National Committee of Rhode Island
7 Armenia St., Providence, RI 02909
Contact: George Mangalo
Email: [email protected]

ACTIVISTS FROM THE "OCEAN STATE" VISIT CAPITOL HILL TO URGE
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE LEGISLATION
–Senator Jack Reed Offers Remarks on Senate Floor

Washington, DC—Five activists from Rhode Island traveled last week
to Washington, DC for the "End the Cycle of Genocide" advocacy days
organized by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and
the Genocide Intervention Network (GI-Net), reported the ANC of
Rhode Island (ANC-RI).

"It is our duty as victims of genocide to meet and urge lawmakers
to take action," commented ANC-RI Chair George Mangalo. "Decisive
action needs to be taken to ensure the proper recognition of the
Armenian Genocide as well as ending the genocide in Darfur."

Over the course of several days, ANC-RI activists met with the
entire congressional delegation from the Ocean State, including
Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-RI-1) and James Langevin (D-RI-
2), both of whom are cosponsors of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution, H. Res. 252. The group also met with Senators Sheldon
Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI). Throughout the meetings,
the activists stressed the importance of recognition of the
Armenian Genocide and asked for support to help end the genocide in
Darfur. The activists also requested that the current aid levels
to Armenia and Karabagh be increased and end to military aid to
Azerbaijan. On all these issues, the Rhode Island activists
received positive feedback from their Members of Congress.

On April 24th, Sen. Jack Reed, an active supporter of human rights
issues, made a statement on the Senate floor in recognition of the
Armenian Genocide:

"Mr. President, today I join with my colleagues, my fellow Rhode
Islanders, and the Armenian-American community to observe the 94th
anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

Each year, on April 24, it is fitting that we pause to remember and
reflect on one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, the
systematic killing of Armenians. From 1915 through the end of
1923, nearly 1 1/2 million Armenians were killed and over half a
million survivors were exiled.

The Armenian Genocide demonstrated the evils humans are capable of,
and unfortunately, it was only the first of several 20th century
tragedies.

As we reflect and recall this tragic time, let us call for our own
country to recognize the Armenian genocide, just as my own State of
Rhode Island has done, along with many other States and
governments.

‘Menk panav chenk mornar-‘–We will never forget."

On May 3, twenty activists will be attending Senator Reed’s Spring
Breakfast in Rhode Island as a way of thanking the senator for all
his support of issues of concern to the Armenian American
community.

The Armenian National Committee of Rhode Island (ANC-RI) is part of
the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots
political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANC-RI actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.

####

Photo Caption: Left to Right: ANC activists Anait Grigoryan, Greg Arzoomanian,
Melkon Megerdichian, Senator Jack Reed, Steve Mesrobian, Tigran
Mikaelian, Stephanie Mesrobian, and Bethany Creel of GI-Net