Author: Bedik Zaminian

ARMENIAN PM RECEIVES EGYPTIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA
ArmenPress
Aug 4 2005
YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian received today Egyptian ambassador to Armenia Mrs. Abla
Abd al-Rahman Osman.
Governmental press service said during the meeting the prime minister
expressed condolences on the terrorist attack in Sharm el Sheikh July
23 and pointed out that terrorism is an evil directed against the
humanity and must be condemned. Referring to the Armenian-Egyptian
political relations, particularly in international organizations,
Andranik Margarian said they are on a high level and noted that within
the frameworks of amendments in UN Armenia is for including Egypt in
the Security Council.
As to bilateral trade-economic cooperation, the prime minister
said there are not satisfactory at the same time noting that during
the recent period positive steps have been implemented towards the
development of the cooperation.
The Egyptian ambassador expressed hope that the visit of the Armenian
prime minister to Egypt planned on fall will tangibly promote the
expansion of economic cooperation. The visit will be followed by the
4th session of the Armenian-Egyptian inter-parliamentary commission, by
the Armenian-Egyptian business conference and political consultations
between Foreign Affairs Ministries. During the meeting they also
discussed the possibility of developing new programs for cooperation
in health, cultural, education, agricultural and other spheres
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Ground Zero: Hiroshima Sixty Years On
Editorial by Richard Marcus
Blogger News Network
Aug 1 2005
Sixtieth anniversaries are few and far between. Not many people are
still around for them for one thing. Those who are, usually don’t have
much more time to spend with us. These events need to be honoured
and cherished by all who have any connection, no matter how slim,
to the circumstances.
August 5th 2005 will mark the 60th anniversary of the dropping of
an Atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Just four days latter Nagasaki was
devastated by a second blast. Although many people point to the
allied fire bombing of Dresden in Germany as the most devastating in
terms of civilian casualties, that doesn’t take into account the post
blast consequences.
The long term effects of the radiation left behind by the two
bombs continued to show up in post blast generations. Birth defects,
sterility, and other symptoms associated with exposure to high levels
of radiation were common place for years after.
I’d like to think that in our naivete at the time our leaders didn’t
fully understand the implications of what they were doing. That they
were not just dropping an incredibly high powered bomb would never
occur to them. I would hate to think of anybody consciously deciding
to use a weapon that they knew would devastate generations to come
no matter what the circumstances.
When I’ve talked to people of my parent’s generation about the bombing
they have, in most instances, said there initial reaction was that of
relief that the war would be over. For people like my father who were
a year away from entering the army it meant that they would not have
to take part in an invasion of Japan. Given the previous tenacity
shown in their defence of outlying territories they had previously
occupied, it was reasonably expected that casualties in a land war
would be astronomical for both sides.
What we know now is that Japan’s war machine was coming down to it’s
last legs. They had always had very low reserves of the oil and natural
resources necessary for arming themselves, and the four years of war
fare had just about exhausted their supplies. Any invasion would have
been bitterly contested, but without proper equipment they could not
have held out for long.
Hindsight has always been said to be twenty-twenty so judgement in
that area is probably unfair. If I had been alive at the time I doubt
I would have reacted any differently than others of that generation.
It would have been such a relief for the war to be finally over.
That being said it’s one thing to understand the reasons behind an
action, but it’s another thing all together to forget the results of
the same action. According to survivors it seems that less and less
people want to know or hear about the dangers of nuclear weapons.
Weapons continue to proliferate at an alarming rate and the chances
of one being used again increase proportionately with increased
availability.
When the Cold War sputtered to a stop in 1987 it was hoped that this
would see the end for the “need” of countries to have the capability
of blowing the world up countless times over. For a while it looked
like this hope was being borne out, as the testing of nuclear weapons
had ceased by 2000. But since September 11 2001 the United States
have held eight bomb tests and the Russians one.
I don’t know how either country figures that testing weapons,
or event their availability will, help them in their wars against
terrorists. Unless their plan is to turn huge swathes of land into
parking lots nuclear bombs are of know use against terrorists. In fact
their continued existence poses the biggest potential threat possible.
What if it had been a nuclear device set off in London last week?
What use would Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles been? The old
policies of deterrent and detente are no longer applicable. When
dealing with primarily a stateless enemy, in other words they
represent a concept not a nation, retaliation on a large scale is
fruitless. If the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan haven’t stopped
attacks will turning either Syria or Iran into a smoking hole offer
any better result?
The attitude of “just nuke the bastards” won’t accomplish anything in
this day’s world. Instead of testing eight nuclear bombs since 2001
wouldn’t the Bush administration have been better served by spending
that money on beefing up security against the potential for an attack
by those they consider “rogue” states who are looking to gain nuclear
capabilities.(Iran and North Korea) Being able to knock one out of
the sky seems more important right now than developing newer and
stronger ones.
Five years ago at the review of the United Nations nuclear Non
Proliferation Treaty the U.S. had agreed with long term goal of
eliminating all atomic weapons. Just last spring the most current
review fell apart because of their refusal to co-operate on disarmament
issues. This is the same administration who continually expresses
dismay over the possibility of Iran and North Korea obtaining the
same weapons.
Any moral authority they had for protesting about those countries
evaporates in the face of their own interagency when it comes to the
same issue. There is no way a country like North Korea should be
permitted to arm itself with weapons capable of mass destruction,
but who has the right to say that only I am allowed to play with
those toys?
Hiroshima survivors are finding it harder and harder to get anyone to
listen to their stories. Even though some of them still bear scars
that reflect the awful damage of the bomb the last four years has
seen an alarming shift away from compassion to downright hostility.
Bookings to speak at schools in America are cancelled at the last
moment.
All of a sudden they are being labelled as opponents of the
administration. They are beginning to fear that people are forgetting
the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It’s not just in America
that they run into the problem of indifference. Japan is gradually
phasing out peace education components in school curriculum, and
with the survivor generation dying out there are few reminders of
the horror left.
Prior to September 11 2001 the words ground zero were used in reference
to the impact site of a nuclear bomb. Their mention would evoke images
of a mushroom cloud and scenes of mass destruction. People’s shadows
left on buildings as the flash obliterated them but burned their image
indelibly into stone, skin bubbling of the bone from the intense heat,
and other graphic images culled from news clips were brought to mind
by those two words.
Far too many people will no longer know what those words initially
meant. We are facing the danger of becoming the victims of tunnel
vision. Obsessing on one thing only without remembering the potential
for other acts of horror. I’ll probably get in trouble for this but
in my mind not remembering the atomic blasts at Hiroshima and Nagasaki
is akin to forgetting other acts of horror from the 20th century like
the genocides of the Holocaust, the mass extermination of Armenians,
and the ethnic violence of Rawanda and the Balkans.
When we ignore the lessons of history we run the danger of repeating
our past mistakes. In these days of strife and turmoil it becomes
more not less important that we stay aware of those reminders of how
dangerous as a species we can be. This Friday August 5th wherever
you are, what ever you are doing, spare a seconds thought for those
who died at the original ground zero.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF CANADA
COMITÉ NATIONAL ARMÉNIEN DU CANADA
3401 Olivar-Asselin
Montréal, Québec
H4J 1L5
Tél. (514) 334-1299 Fax (514) 334-6853
Communiqué de Presse – Press Release
July 21 juillet, 2005
Contacts: Shant Karabajak 514-334-1299
Roupen Kouyoumdjian 514-336-7095
For immediate release:
Pour diffusion immédiate:
Journalist faces three years in Turkish jail
Montreal – State prosecutor has called for a three year prison sentence
for Hrant Dink, the Turkish-Armenian journalist, under article 301
of the penal code, which came into force on 1st of june.
The world press freedom organization said it was concerned about
fuzzy language in the new criminal code that could easily be used
against journalists discussing sensitive topics, such as the Armenian
Genocide or withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus.
Reporters Without Borders criticized the current trial for “insulting
Turkish identity” in discussing the 1915 genocide against Armenians.
“This trial based on a total misunderstanding,” Dink told Reporters
Without Borders. “I never meant to insult Turkish citizen.”
“The Turkish authorities continue their policy of denial of the
Armenian Genocide by adopting new laws to prosecute and punish any
expression of recognition of the historical fact” stated Dr. Girair
Basmadjian of the Armenian National Committee of Canada.
“This despite the fact that Turkey pretends to be ready for open
discussions.”
-30-
–Boundary_(ID_btS//txGTJNdYvxK//WSsA)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Daily Telegraph (Sydney, Australia)
July 6, 2005 Wednesday
Vic’s speed and power
GRANTLEE KIEZA
THUNDER and lightning merged this week when big punching world
flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan slugged it out with laser quick
prospect Billy Dib in furious sparring sessions at Jeff Fenech’s
Marrickville gym.
Darchinyan, 29, defends his IBF world title against Colombian Jair
Jimenez at the Entertainment Centre on July 27 and says he has found
a brilliant sparring partner in Dib, a Sydney youngster who honed his
craft training with the legendary featherweight Prince Naseem Hamed
in England.
Dib, 19, will fight heavy hitting Filipino Bobby Pacquiao on the
Darchinyan undercard in his first major international test.
The promotion is being packaged by William Takataka, who last year
put together the exciting Paul Briggs-Stipe Drews light-heavyweight
battle.
Darchinyan says the second defence of the world title he bludgeoned
from another Colombian, Irene Pacheco, last year in Florida promises
similar fireworks.
“Jimenez fights like me, he comes forward throwing big punches,”
Darchinyan said. “He’s three years younger than me and very hungry to
win so I can guarantee it will be an exciting fight.
“Boxing against Billy Dib and [world-rated flyweight] Hussein Hussein
is excellent preparation for me.
“I want to win this fight and then go after the other world champions
to unify the division.” Darchinyan, an aggressive, relentless
southpaw, represented Armenia at the Sydney Olympics and once shared
a flat with fellow champion Danny Green in Bankstown.
He is unbeaten in 23 fights with 18 knockout wins.
Darchinyan was given a tough test in his first title defence, against
South African Mzukisi Sikali, at Homebush in March before his power
overwhelmed the visitor in round eight.
Jimenez has 22 wins and a draw in 27 fights and has won 16 by KO. In
2002 he lost a close decision against Nicaragua’s Adonis Rivas for
the WBO Interim flyweight title but goes into this fight having lost
his past two bouts against Mexican Gerson Guerrero in the heavier
super-flyweight division.
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
July 6, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ARMENIAN DELEGATION TO OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY
THANKS STATES THAT HAVE RECOGNIZED THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
— Delegation Head Praises Karabagh’s Elections, Calls for Baku
to Restore Direct Ties to Karabagh’s Government, and Notes
Armenia’s Progress on Constitutional and Electoral Reforms
WASHINGTON, DC – Speaking in Washington, DC at the July 4th plenary
session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA), the head of the
Armenian delegation, Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament
Vahan Vahan Hovhannisian briefed over 300 parliamentarians from 55
OSCE member states about recent developments in Armenia and the
South Caucasus region, reported the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA). Joining Vahan Hovhannisian as members of the OSCE
PA delegation were Artashes Geghamyan, MP and Samvel Nikoyan, MP.
At the outset of his remarks, Hovhannisian noted to his colleagues
that 2005 marked the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
commenting that “it would not be an exaggeration to say that most
of the current problems in our region stem from those tragic
events.” He went on to thank the OSCE member states that have
recognized the Armenian Genocide, among them Cyprus, Canada,
Russia, Greece, Belgium, Sweden, France, Italy, Switzerland,
Slovakia, Netherlands, Poland, and Germany.
Hovhannisian praised the conduct of the recent Parliamentary
elections in Nagorno Karabagh, the fourth held by the Republic
since independence in 1991. Noting the positive findings of
international election observers, he pointed out that, “Some of
Nagorno Karabakh’s neighbors can learn a great deal from its
example of holding democratic elections.”
In a related matter, the ANCA has supported the efforts of
Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA), the Chairman of the
International Relations Subcommittee on Europe, to pass
legislation, H.Res.326, calling for free and fair parliamentary
elections in Azerbaijan. This resolution outlines the expectations
of the U.S. regarding the upcoming November 2005 balloting, with a
special focus on preventing problems, reported in past elections by
international observers, regarding “inequality and irregularities
in campaign and election conditions, including intimidation against
opposition supporters, restrictions on political rallies by
opposition candidates, and voting fraud.”
Speaking directly to the Nagorno Karabagh peace talks, which are
mediated by the OSCE’s Minsk Group, Hovhannisian remarked that
other regional conflicts being addressed by the OSCE, such as
Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Moldova, are all characterized by
direct talks between the conflicting parties. “As such,” he
commented, “we do not see a reason why the Azerbaijani authorities
cannot do the same and try to restore their contacts with elected
authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh.”
In closing, Hovhannisian noted Armenia’s progress in revising its
Electoral Code in accordance with European standards, a move that
was welcomed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe. He added that the political parties in Armenia have, after
extensive deliberations, reached an agreement about constitutional
changes and amendments in accordance with the recommendations of
the Council of Europe.
#####
Text of Vahan Hovhannisian’s July 4, 2004 Speech at the OSCE PA
Thank you Mr. President.
Dear Colleagues,
I would like, today, to briefly update the Assembly on the key
elements of the current political situation and recent developments
in Armenia and the South Caucasus region.
But first, I would like to note that this April all Armenians
commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
perpetrated by the rulers of Ottoman Turkey starting in 1915. I
think it would not be an exaggeration to say that most of the
current problems in our region stem from those tragic events.
So, on this occasion, the Armenian delegation would like to express
our deep gratitude to the people and parliaments of the OSCE member
countries that, having found the courage not to remain silent, have
adopted the resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide. These
countries include Cyprus, Canada, Russia, Greece, Belgium, Sweden,
France, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Netherlands, Poland, and
Germany. Their actions represent vital steps toward urging all
governments and parliaments to be alert to the threats of new
genocides and vigilant in taking practical steps to preventing any
possible further attempts of genocide in any part of the world.
This is especially important today in light of our neighbor
Turkey’s efforts to secure EU membership even as it imposes a one-
sided blockade on the Republic of Armenia and refuses to establish
diplomatic relations with Armenia.
Dear colleagues, two weeks ago the people of Nagorno Karabakh
Republic held parliamentary elections for the fourth time since
establishing independence in 1991. As many international observers
stated in their reports, the elections were conducted freely and in
transparent manner. I want to thank the independent observers from
many countries, who have done so much important work in the place
of international organizations such as our distinguished Assembly,
for their excellent efforts in monitoring these elections and their
fair and unbiased attitude. Their reports clearly show that
Nagorno Karabakh cannot be considered a “lawless zone.” Some of
Nagorno Karabakh’s neighbors can learn a great deal from its
example of holding democratic elections.
Dear colleagues, we witnessed the adoption of resolutions on
Abkhazia and Moldova. We see how much heated discussions they
generated. But they have one important thing in common: both
Georgian and Moldavian authorities in their sincere desire to
settle these conflicts have been directly negotiating – and are
prepared to do so in the future – with the authorities of Abkhazia,
South Ossetia and Transdnestria. As such, we do not see a reason
why the Azerbaijani authorities cannot do the same and try to
restore their contacts with elected authorities of the Nagorno
Karabakh, as was proposed by Mr. Lennmarker in his report. I would
like to use this opportunity to join our distinguished President in
commending the outstanding job done by his Special Representative
G. Lennmarker, whose ideas on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict may
provide the basis for future cooperation between the Parliaments of
Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Finally, I would like to note that earlier this year the Armenian
Parliament revised the Electoral Code in accordance with European
standards, a move which was welcomed by the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe. The political parties in Armenia have,
at last, reached an agreement about constitutional changes and
amendments in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice
Commission. This accomplishment, I am glad to report, fulfills our
obligations to the Council of Europe.
Thank you very much.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pan Armenian News
YEREVAN INTERESTED IN TRANSIT POSSIBILITIES OF BANDAR-E ABBAS PORT
06.07.2005 02:57
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Governor of the Iranian province of Hormozgan Ebrahim
Derazmisu met with Armenian Minister of transport and Communications
Andranik Manukian to discuss trade-economic cooperation. The parties noted
the positive tendencies of the development of the Armenian-Iranian relations
and the high potential of the bilateral cooperation. During the meeting
Andranik Manukian mentioned of Armenia’s interest in using the possibilities
of the Bandar-e `Abbas port for transit transportation. He also highlighted
the friendly relations between the two states and stressed the necessity of
soonest completion of the Iran-Armenia highway. In his turn Ebrahim
Derazmisu pointed out to the strengthening of cooperation adding that Iran’s
transport potential including the ports and free economic areas of Hozmorgan
are a good basis for the development of the Iranian-Armenian cooperation.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA News Agency
July 5 2005
NKR PRESIDENT MEETS THE STUDENTS OF “MANUKYAN-DEMIRCHYAN” COLLEGE
STEPANAKERT, July 5. /ARKA/. NKR President Arkadi Ghukasyan met the
students of “MAnukyan-Demirchyan” college of the Armenian Benevolent
Union (Los-Angeles, California, USA), who arrived in Stepanakert.
According to ARKA’s reporter from Stepanakert, in the course of the
meeting Ghukasyan noted that such visits stimulated consolidation of
the nation. Noting the role of the youth in the future of the
country, Ghukasyan emphasized that today’s young people are more
patriotic and educated, so they may do much for the welfare of the
country. “Many of you obviously had the chance to have rest in any
European country, however you preferred NKR and we are grateful to
you for it. I am sure that it will become tradition and once a year
you will visit Artsakh, since by your arrival you inspire our young
people. We won the war, because the Diaspora backed us. Naturally,
the main burden was on Artsakh, but, realizing that our compatriots
in the USA and other countries of the world backed us, we felt much
stringer”, he said.
In his turn the head of the group, Deputy Director of the College Eli
Andreasyan noted that every year, eight years on end, the students of
the college arrive in Armenia. Last year the group which arrived in
Armenia participated in the TV marathon in Los-Angeles, transferring
$32 thsd. “This time we decided to arrive in Karabakh, which allowed
us to return to Los Angeles, full with patriotic spirit”, she said.
A.H.-0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

‘Border issue’ defines Turkish lawmaker’s Armenian visit
Journal of Turkish Weekly
June 13 2005
ANKARA – The opening of the Turkey – Armenia border became the main
issue of ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party deputy Turhan
Comez’s visit to Armenia over the weekend.
Comez suggested that Armenian lawmaker Hacat Sukyasian and himself
should deliver speeches at their respective Parliaments and ask them
to find further solutions to the so-called genocide claims and the
opening of borders between the two countries.
During his meeting with Sukyasian, Comez exchanged views on the
development of Turkish-Armenian relations and asked the Armenians to
renounce their allegations.
“Let’s both make a joint study,” Comez said. “When I deliver a speech
at my Parliament on the opening of the border gate, you too address
your Parliament and say that the events of 1915 were not “genocide”
but that the issue will be researched by historians. This would be
a little step but an important beginning,” he said.
Sukyasian stated that problems should be left aside but that the
border gate should be opened immediately.
“Those events have made us enemies. Once the border is open we may
have the chance of joint expansion and growth. Let’s develop this
region together,” he proposed.
Turkey closed the border in 1993 after Armenian forces occupied 20
percent of Azerbaijan. Armenian troops also threatened the Turkey
and Iran borders. A 1994 truce largely ended hostilities but a final
settlement has not been reached. Yerevan rejects to withdraw from
the occupied territories.
Armenia considers the ending of the ‘Turkish trade embargo’ on Armenia
the key to better relations, but the heart of their estrangement
is Turkey’s refusal to accept Armenia’s charge that Ottoman Turks
committed “genocide” against Armenians. Armenia says as many as 1.5
million Armenians died violently or of disease and hunger in the period
1915-1923, as they were relocated from eastern Ottoman Empire. Turkey
maintains that the figures have been inflated and that the deaths
resulted from efforts to secure the Ottoman Empire’s border with
Russia, and defend it against Armenian militants. 523,000 Turkish
people were masscred by the Armenian militants during the last years
of the Ottoman Empire. The Armenian terrorists killed more than 40
Turkish diplomats and statesmen after the 1915 events.
Turkey says both sides first have to focus on the current issues
instead of the historcial disputes. Ankara further urged the Yerevan
to set a joint commission to discuss the historcial problems.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian defence minister, US senator discuss military cooperation
A1+ web site
2 Jun 05
[No dateline, as received] The Armenian defence minister and secretary
of the Security Council under the Armenian president, Serzh Sarkisyan,
today received a [US] delegation led by Senator Chuck Hagel. The US
ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, and the deputy commander of US
European Command, Gen Charles Wald, also took part in the meeting.
Sarkisyan noted that Armenian-American relations are developing
dynamically. Armenian-American military cooperation which started
three years ago has expanded. The same can be said about the country’s
cooperation with NATO.
Senator Hagel thanked the minister for efforts in the struggle against
international terrorism and Armenia’s participation in peacekeeping
operations in Kosovo and Iraq. He said that thanks to reforms and the
establishment of democratic institutions the Armenian armed forces
have made great progress.
Touching upon the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, Sarkisyan said:
“We are convinced that the problem can be resolved only peacefully
and the OSCE Minsk Group is playing a great role in this.”

Turkey not European: Sarkozy
ABHaber 20.05.2005
The Middle Eastern countries of Israel and Lebanon were more European
than Turkey, according to the man who may well be the next president
of France.
Nicolas Sarkozy, the chairman of France’s ruling centre right Union
for Popular Movement, and tipped to be a candidate in the 2007 French
presidential election, said Thursday that while he did not opposed
to either Muslim countries or Turkey itself, he did not want to see
an Asian nation as part of the European Union.
Turkey has tried to join the EU since 1963 and if it was European it
would have been a member by now, Sarkozy said.
Having what he described as an Asian country in the EU would bring
problems such as the Kurds and Hizbullah to the bloc, he said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress