Author: Boshkezenian Garik

California Courier Online, August 18, 2005
1 – Commentary
Turks Try to Intimidate This Writer
By Threatening Him with Lawsuit
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier
2 – Ararat Home and
Triple X Plan for
53rd Annual Picnic
3- The Really Easy Rider
4 – Professor Richard Hovannisian with
Teachers and with Deniers in Houston
5 – AGBU Generation Next Program to
Host Mentor Recruitment Events
6 – Global Gold Corp. Acquires
Tukhmanuk Mine in Armenia
7 – The ‘ARS Voice’ Will Start
Airing Sundays on Horizon TV
8 – Knights and Daughters of Vartan
Contribute to Variety of Projects
9 – Emmy-Award Winning Producer Robert Papazian
Will Keynote 9th Celebrating Saroyan Event in SF
*************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Turks Try to Intimidate This Writer
By Threatening Him with Lawsuit
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
While Turkish leaders are desperately trying to convince the world that
their country is civilized enough to join the European Union, they are
actually proving the exact opposite with every passing day.
Despite the fact that the Turkish leaders are supposed be on their best
behavior in order to impress the Europeans, they have yet to grant equal
rights to Turkey’s many religious and ethnic minorities. They also refuse
to return to Greek and Armenian charitable foundations in Turkey their
properties confiscated by the Turkish government decades earlier.
In an attempt to fool the international community, on the one hand Turkish
officials have advocated the setting up of a joint commission with
Armenians ostensibly to study the facts of the Armenian Genocide, while on
the other hand, they have forced the cancellation of a symposium organized
by three leading universities in Turkey, thereby preventing the discussion
of this issue even among Turkish scholars.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has boldly announced that his
government is ready to admit the Armenian Genocide if sufficient proof is
presented, while Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is bragging that Turkey has
inundated journalists, scholars, universities, libraries and
parliamentarians worldwide with revisionist books on the Armenian Genocide.
As the human rights of millions of Turkish citizens are violated on a
regular basis, it comes as no surprise that the Turkish government is
prosecuting Hrant Dink, an Armenian journalist in Turkey, for allegedly
insulting Turks in an article he wrote in his newspaper, AGOS. If found
guilty, he could be sentenced to a 1-6 year jail term.
Turkish officials and their agents are so used to silencing, intimidating
and jailing anyone who disagrees with them that they dare to bully also
their opponents overseas who are beyond their reach. No dissent is
tolerated!
This writer is quite familiar with the Turkish practice of suppressing free
speech. As the author of a weekly column that is very critical of Turkish
denialist and oppressive policies, I receive a lot of abusive e-mails from
Turks from around the world. Most of these Turks forget that the despotic
methods they practice at home to bully people or force them into silence do
not work in Western countries where freedom of expression is basic right.
Last week, when a young Armenian lady, Maral Der Ohanesian, sent a couple
of e-mails to Dr. Sedat Laciner, editor of the Journal of Turkish Weekly in
Ankara, an on-line Turkish propaganda site, complaining about the
distortions in one of its articles, he shamelessly accused her of
“fabricating” arguments.
The JTW had cleverly edited an Swiss info wire story by including
revisionist statements on the Armenian Genocide and deleting criticism of
the Turkish position, thereby giving the false impression that Peter
Briner, the President of the Senate foreign affairs committee of
Switzerland, had made statements which he had not.
When Maral forwarded to me her exchange of e-mails, I sent a strongly
worded private e-mail to JTW, castigating the staff for accusing Maral of
fabrication when they themselves had distorted the original news item
beyond recognition. Within hours of my letter, the JTW published on its
front page a “press release” with the following sensational title: “JTW
Condemns The California Courier Publisher Harut Sassounian.” Not happy with
my criticism, the JTW resorted to calling me an extremist Armenian and
threatened that
“the JTW will start a legal action in California” against me. The JTW also
posted my e-mail on its web site.
I received dozens of e-mails and phone calls from around the world, from
both Armenians and non-Armenians alike, among them several attorneys and
judges, who assured me that there was nothing illegal in what I had written
to the JTW. Criticizing a publication is not against the law in civilized
countries. That, apparently, is not the case in Turkey.
A reader from Canada wrote: “The prospect of a lawsuit against you by the
JTW in California must be extremely encouraging. They silenced their own in
Turkey. They try to silence foreign parliaments and now they’re trying to
silence an American journalist. It’s wonderful the way they are keeping the
issue alive. A lawsuit would provide a superb opportunity for a US court to
pronounce itself definitely on the Armenian Genocide.” Another reader from
Armenia wrote: “Congratulations on being vilified by the Turkish press!
It’s an achievement, and I consider it a badge of courage. Keep on pissing
them off.” A fellow publisher wrote in his newspaper: “Turks have
unwittingly made [this writer] an even bigger hero.”
The real issue is not these empty Turkish threats. As we do not live in
Turkey, no one in this country is scared or intimidated by such tactics.
What’s more important is that these Turkish propagandists had apparently
started celebrating a little prematurely. The JTW, quoting Peter Briner,
had gleefully reported that the Armenian Genocide issue would “never” be
taken up by the Swiss Senate. Dogu Perincek, the leader of the Turkish
Labor Party, who had been interrogated by Swiss prosecutors last month for
denying the Armenian Genocide, also claimed credit for this false report.
He gave a press conference to announce that his outspoken statements on
this issue as well his testimony in Switzerland had influenced the Swiss
Senate to withdraw a pending resolution on the Armenian Genocide. Perincek
called his antics “a great success.”
Here is a more accurate report of what really transpired: To begin with,
Perincek’s bombastic statements not only got him in legal trouble in
Switzerland, but helped generate great publicity for the issue of the
Armenian Genocide in Switzerland and throughout Europe on the eve of a
decision by the Europeans to consider starting negotiations for Turkey’s
membership in the EU. Turkey then decided to deliver a note of protest to
Switzerland and cancelled the scheduled visit of the Swiss Economics
Minister Joseph Deiss to Turkey. These foolhardy Turkish actions made the
genocide issue even more newsworthy throughout the world.
Erwin Jutzet, the President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of Swiss
Parliament reacted sharply to the Turkish bullying tactics by stating:
“Turkey has to stop reacting so sensitively to such events. It would be
better to recognize once and for all the genocide of the Armenians.” Jutzet
said it was up to Turkey to make a positive move rather than “always taking
offense and resorting to blackmail. If Switzerland were to turn its back on
Turkey, it would be a bad sign for EU entry.”
More bad news surfaced for the cocky Turkish propagandists, when Sen. Peter
Briner denied having said that the Armenian Genocide would “never” be
debated in the Swiss Senate. He countered that these false reports were
“based on either a misquote or a misunderstanding.” He added: “I can never
be sure what will be on the Senate’s agenda, of course, but right now the
postponement of Economics Minister Joseph Deiss’ invitation to Turkey will
certainly be discussed” during the Foreign Affairs Committee’s next meeting
on August 23. At that time, any member of the Committee could raise the
issue of the Armenian Genocide. Should that happen, the self-declared
premature Turkish victory could end up being a defeat, thanks to the
boastful behavior of Mr. Perincek and his band of incompetent
propagandists.
Even worse for Turkey, the Swiss government declared that its law against
denial of genocide also applies to the Armenian Genocide. The Swiss Foreign
Ministry (DFA) issued a formal statement following a meeting between
Ambassador Jean-Jacques de Dardel, the head of the Political Affairs
Division of the Foreign Ministry, and the Ambassador of Turkey in
Switzerland, in connection with the proceedings against Perincek. The
Foreign Ministry stated:
“During the meeting, the DFA underlined the applicability of Swiss law in
this matter and recalled that article 261 bis of the Swiss Penal Code
stipulates that any person who denies, minimizes or justifies a genocide or
other crimes against humanity is liable to prosecution. It is the task of
the Swiss judicial instances to decide on the modalities of the application
of the legal provisions of our country.”
Despite the boastful and threatening statements emanating from various
Turkish propagandists, the fact remains that ever fewer countries are going
along with Ankara’s denials of the Armenian Genocide. The Turkish officials
have less than six weeks to come to their senses and realize that they have
to make a bold move on the Armenian Genocide issue if they have any hope of
salvaging their sinking prospects for the start of EU negotiations on
October 3.
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2 – Ararat Home and
Triple X Plan for
53rd Annual Picnic
MISSION HILLS, CA – The Ararat Home of Los Angeles and the Triple X
Fraternity of Los Angeles are planning for their 53rd annual picnic, Sept.
25, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Home grounds in Mission Hills, 15105
Mission Hills Road.
Dunk tank, carnival games and other games of skills, as well games for
children, prepared by the Jr. Triple X members of Los Angeles.
Price for the dinner, which includes lamb or chicken kebabm pilaf,
yalanchi, salad and bread is $14 per person. Also available is lahmajoun,
sou beoreg, kufta, paklava, creamed and walnut kadayif, and other assorted
pastries provided by the Ararat Ladies Auxiliary and Ararat Ladies guilds
throughout Los Angeles.
Music and entertainment will be provided by the Oasis Band.
Free shuttle bus from off-site parking is provided by the Sevan Lodge,
Knights of Vartan.
Free admission and free parking.
For more information, call (818) 365-3000.
*****************************************************************
3 – The Really Easy Rider
By Michelle Higgins
The New York Times
NEW YORK – Like pilgrims to some holy land, but tattooed and on two wheels,
thousands of motorcyclists will converge in Sturgis, South Dakota, next
week to be part of one of the country’s largest and longest-running
gatherings of bikers. Many will ride for days, enduring miles of blistering
sun, bouts of rain and the occasional mouthful of bugs before arriving in a
cloud of dust at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Chevalier Kevorkian will be there, too, just as he has been about a dozen
times before. But his bike will roll into town another way – in the back of
a tractor trailer. For roughly $675, Kevorkian, a 57-year-old screenwriter
from Palm Springs, Calif., is having his Harley shipped from his hometown
to Sturgis and back. Instead of taking three long days of riding just to
get there, he’ll arrive fresh off a flight and pick up his bike at a local
hotel.
“I just don’t have the schedule to do it this year,” said Kevorkian, who
has ridden to Sturgis from Los Angeles in the past. “At least I’ll be there
and be on my own bike.”
In a major shift from tradition, a small but growing number of enthusiasts,
who like to ride but not to rough it, are shipping
instead of riding their bikes to motorcycle events. For the months of May
through August, the Federal Warehouse Company in East Peoria, Ill., an
affiliate of Allied Van Lines, expects to ship 3,000 bikes for individuals
and groups to various places this year, up from 2,800 as recently as 2003.
Taking notice of the niche, FedEx began marketing a vehicle shipping
service in January – a venture the company bought in 2000 and rebranded
last year. FedEx is marketing the service for groups. For example, it will
ship 12 motorcycles one-way from Los Angeles to Sturgis for $617 each.
That’s $895 below the charge for shipping an individual bike.
**************************************************************
4 – Professor Richard Hovannisian with
Teachers and with Deniers in Houston
UCLA-Professor Richard G. Hovannisian, AEF Chair in Modern Armenian History
at UCLA, is continuing his worldwide activities on the ninetieth
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In June he was the keynote speaker at
the biennial conference of the International Association of Genocide
Scholars in Boca Raton, Florida. He then traveled to France, to participate
in an international symposium organized by the “Centre de Juifs, Arméniens
et Chrétiens d’Orient” (Gérard Dédéyan and Carol Iancu). Hovannisian
discussed recent revelations about the planning and organization, as well
as evolving interpretations, of the Armenian Genocide.
Dr. Hovannisian’s summer activities have included presentations in Yerevan
and Houston, Texas. He gave the opening lecture on July 22 to Armenian
youth from several countries who had come together for the annual
Hamazkayin Forum in Yerevan. As a member of the organizing committee of the
forthcoming international congress on the 1600th anniversary of the
creation of the Armenian alphabet, to be held in Yerevan in September, he
also helped to finalize arrangements for that celebration.
At the invitation of the Holocaust Museum of Houston, Hovannisian was in
Houston on July 25-26 to speak at a teacher-training institute and to give
a public lecture. For the first time, the Museum’s Max Kaplan Summer
Institute for Educators received a formal presentation on the Armenian
Genocide, during which Hovannisian emphasized the significance of the
Armenian experience as a prototype of mass killings in the modern age.
Teachers from five states as well as from Chile, Uruguay, and Romania
learned of the preconditions and warning signals of genocide, the role of
ideology, the use of technology, and the similarities and differences
between the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust.
According to the Museum’s Director of Education, Christina Vasquez, the
teachers became engrossed with the subject and were captivated by
Hovannisian’s presentation. She added: “The lecture about the Armenian
genocide and its relation to the Holocaust was framed in a very skillful
way so that our participants could use the information in their classrooms.
What was particularly striking was the twelve points in the patterns of
genocide, as well as how the situation in Turkey in regard to the Armenian
genocide sadly differs from Germany’s confrontation of its past.”
On the evening of July 26, a turn-away audience filled the Holocaust
Museum’s auditorium for Prof. Hovannisian’s public lecture. In his
reflective discourse, the speaker considered the historical, ethical, and
humanitarian aspects of the genocide. He began by taking note of the
presence of members of the American Turkish Association of Houston, who had
come with denial literature and prepared questions to challenge the reality
of the Armenian Genocide. Apparently, high-ranking Turkish officials and a
supportive non-Turkish organization in the United States had lobbied for
cancellation of the lecture, but the Holocaust Museum stood firm in its
invitation. Hovannisian suggested that the ATA members and all other
doubters should become better acquainted with the facts and the consensus
of world scholarship and join the growing number of Turkish scholars who
now reject the state’s untenable narrative of events. He noted that one of
the sad consequences of denial is that it has prevented proper
acknowledgement of the thousands of good Turks and other Muslims who
intervened to rescue Armenians during the deportations and massacres.
Prof. Hovannisian’s adept handling of the situation was roundly applauded
by the audience but apparently did not satisfy all of those who had come to
detract. During the discussion period, many of the familiar denial
arguments were reiterated, but they were met with calm, factually-based
responses and a new appeal for all sides to face their history honestly as
a necessary precondition to some form of eventual conciliation. The speaker
hoped that his reflections on the legacy of the Armenian Genocide might
further the on-going quest for truth and the ability to look forward while
never losing sight of the past.
On his arrival in Houston on July 25, Hovannisian enjoyed the company of
members of the Houston Armenian community at a reception in the home of
Joseph and Alice Galoostian. Philip Kanayan and Vatche Hovsepian assisted
with local arrangements.
**************************************************************************
5 – AGBU Generation Next Program to
Host Mentor Recruitment Events
GLENDALE, Calif. – The AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program is currently
recruiting dedicated, qualified young adults to mentor Armenian youth of
Southern California.
Since 1997, AGBU Generation Next Mentorship program, whose mission is to
serve the Armenian youth by providing them with guidance and mentoring, has
helped hundreds of youth. Adult volunteers from Generation Next act as
positive role models and provide friendship and companionship to Armenian
youth. This mentoring relationship is intended to introduce young Armenians
to new experiences and alternatives, enabling them to become responsible,
self-sufficient, and independent adults.
To become a mentor, applicants must be at least 21 years of age, an insured
safe driver, and able to commit to a one year relationship with a student
(October to August).
This recruitment drive is crucial since the biggest obstacle to the
continued success of the unique program remains the number of mentors that
are willing to dedicate their time to the younger generation.
Mentor Recruitment sessions will be held, Aug. 16, Aug. 31, and Sept. 7,
from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Glendale Unified School District, Room 103,
223 North Jackson Street, Glendale.
To receive more information about the program or to request an application
to become a mentor, call 626-794-7942 or email [email protected].
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6 – Global Gold Corp. Acquires
Tukhmanuk Mine in Armenia
GREENWICH, CT – Global Gold Corporation acquired the Tukhmanuk gold mine,
plant, and surrounding exploration sites in Armenia and, on July 29, closed
a private placement raising $3 million. Global Gold will use the proceeds
to fund the Tukhmanuk acquisition and expansion as well as to further its
mining and exploration projects and for working capital.
The transaction involved the issuance of four million shares of common
stock at $0.75 per share. Lead investors include current shareholders
Firebird Global Master Fund, Ltd., Firebird Republics Fund, Ltd, and
Firebird Avrora Fund, Ltd () and new shareholders East
Capital (), Falcon QPLP, and Dover Industries.
The Tukhmanuk property is adjacent to Global Gold’s Hankavan property in
central Armenia, between the Aragatsotn and Kotayk provinces. In addition,
the acquisition includes a 200,000-ton per year capacity plant and the
Damlik, Mirak, Grebnevaya, Ozyornaya, Emin Yourt, Voskedzor, and Dalma
exploration sites. The property is held by the Armenian company Mego-Gold,
LLC, for which Global Gold’s subsidiary Global Gold Mining, LLC (“GGM”)
agreed to pay $3,500,000. GGM is initially paying $1,500,000 for 51% of
Mego-Gold and paying the balance of the purchase price for the remaining
49% within
two years.
Global Gold Corporation is an international gold mining, development and
exploration company with mining properties in Chile and Armenia. Global
Gold Corporation is located at 104 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT.
More information can be found at
**************************************************************************
7 – The ‘ARS Voice’ Will Start
Airing Sundays on Horizon TV
GLENDALE – The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA (ARS-WR), Regional
Executive announced last week that the “ARS Voice,” a one-hour program will
air on Horizon TV starting on August 14. from 8 to 9 pm.
“After several months of planning, we will have our own studio corner to
air this exciting new program,” said Angela Savoian, Chair of the ARS-WR
Regional Executive. She added, “If you already get the Horizon TV, be sure
to tune in at 8 pm on Sunday.”
The new television program will be commercial free, but the ARS is seeking
sponsors who believe in being part of serving the social, health and
educational needs of the Armenian people in the US, as well as in the
homeland.
Horizon 24-Hour Television is available on cable in the Glendale area, and
by satellite in other areas. To subscribe to the 24-hour satellite service,
call (866) 955-9327.
**************************************************************************
8 – Knights and Daughters of Vartan
Contribute to Variety of Projects
TAYLOR, MI – The Knights and Daughters of Vartan are service organizations
dedicated to Armenian causes. During the past year they have received
donations totaling over $225,000 of which over $165,000 has been
transferred to the World Bank ASIF Account for the 90/10 program. This
program is to repair or construct schools in Armenia that are in need and
supported by the local communities. The total number of school projects to
date number 128. The Knights of Vartan has been a vessel which has helped
to contribute over $1,000,000 to the World Bank ASIF Program.
Each community is required to raise 10% of the necessary funding and the
World Bank provides the remaining 90%. The money contributed is controlled
by the World Bank to insure that actual costs of the project are maintained
and meet strict requirements.
In addition, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan provide assistance to
other charitable organizations such as Adopt-A-School in Armenia, Armenian
Research Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Michigan,
scholarships within the United States to Armenian offspring of Knights and
Daughters of Vartan, 50 scholarships in Armenia for students of the
University of Yerevan and the State Engineering University of Armenia,
Armenian Eye Care Project, BAFA Soup Kitchens in Armenia, Nork
Marash Medical Center-Children’s Cardiac Center of Armenia, support for two
Armenian Assembly Summer Interns and many other charities.
The Daughters of Vartan contribute to Armenian American Wellness Center,
formally known as the Mammography Center, Armenian Missionary Association
of America, Habitat for Humanity International for Armenia, Medical
Outreach for Armenians, many schools and universities, several Armenian
children’s camps and many of the organizations that the Knights
of Vartan sponsor.
**************************************************************************
9 – Emmy-Award Winning Producer Robert Papazian
Will Keynote 9th Celebrating Saroyan Event in SF
SAN FRANCISCO – Emmy-award winning TV and motion picture producer Robert
Papazian will speak about “Saroyan and the Stage and Screen,” at the 9th
Celebrating Saroyan Event at the San Francisco Public Library, Koret
Auditorium on Sept. 17.
He is the CEO of Sunset-Gower Studios formerly Columbia Pictures in
Hollywood.
In addition, David Calonne, PhD, will introduce the play Jim Dandy. Eddy
Budworth, American Conservatory Theater producer will present a scene from
that play.
The doors to the auditorium will open at 1:30 the program begins at 2 PM.
Seating is open and limited. The program is free to the public. For
information, contact Jacqueline Kazarian 415 307 4418.
Co-sponsors include the Armenian Embassy, The Commonwealth Club of CA, The
UC Bancroft Library, The Fromm Institute, SF. chapters of Hamazkayin ,
Armenian Professional Society, Krouzian Zekarian Vasbouragan Armenian
School, UC Berkeley Armenian Alumni, SF Museum & Historical Society, SF
City Guides, Fred FinchYouth Center and City Lights Booksellers to mention
a few.
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COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNED IN YEREVAN BETWEEN SIL INSURANCE
(ARMENIA), EURASIA (KAZAKHSTAN) COMPANIES
YEREVAN, August 12. /ARKA/. Agreement on cooperation between Sil
Insurance, Armenian insurance company, and Kazakh Eurasia Insurance
Company was signed Friday in Yerevan. Sil Insurance’s Acting Executive
Director Hayk Baghramyan said at the signing ceremony that the
agreement aimed at further cooperation between the insurance companies
either in Armenia or in Kazakhstan. In his words, the cooperation will
help develop Armenian insurance market especially in medical and
financial risks insurance areas. The agreement’s goal is to develop
cooperation between the two companies in reinsurance activity area as
well as in specialists training and advanced technologies areas.
According to Baghramyan, Sil Insurance intends to use rich experience
of Eurasia Kazakh Company and adjust it to Armenian conditions.
Eurasia, the biggest Kazakhstan’s insurance company, was established
in 1995. The company’s own capital totals over $60mln. The Eurasia
cooperates with Belgian, British, Russian, Italian and Georgian
companies and has licenses for performing compulsory and voluntary
insurance and reinsurance activity. Sil Insurance, Armenian company,
was founded in 2000. Its authorized capital makes some AMD
231.5mln. The company offers services on insuring cars, property,
cargos, construction works and responsibility. ($1 – AMD
454.85). M.V. –0–

ArmenPress
Aug 8 2005
MEDIEVAL ARMENIAN MONASTERY FOUND IN KYRGYZTAN
BISHKEK, AUGUST 8, ARMENPRESS: A group of paleontologists from
Kyrgyztan’s Slavonic University found a medieval Armenian monastery
on the shore of Issyk-Kul lake, ITAR-TASS reported.
Alexander Kamishev, the leader of the group, said “We have heard
about the “Catalonian Map” which was formed by Venice traders
traveling by Silk road. In the map it was noted that on the shore of
Issyk-Kul there is an Armenian monastery under walls of which ashes
of apostle Matthews were buried.” He said the monastery was built in
14th century.
“We think that the monastery has three storeys but the two are
under ground, just in a way Armenian medieval monasteries were
built,” said Kamishev, noting that the “Catalonian map” is a “true
map” and with its help they will also manage to find the relics of
apostle Matthews.

Academics Appeal on Behalf of Jailed Duke Student
Letter to Armenian president calls for release of
Yektan Turkyilmaz
Duke University (Durham, North Carolina)
News & Communications
Friday, August 05, 2005
Note to Editors: The following letter has been signed by more than
200 academics from the United States, Turkey, Armenia and elsewhere
in support of Duke student Yektan Turkyilmaz who is being detained
in Armenia on charges of taking books out of the country without
permission.
Robert Kocharian
His Excellency
President of the Republic of Armenia
Your Excellency,
We write to you today to express our grave concern about Yektan
Turkyilmaz and his pending trial in Armenia. Mr. Turkyilmaz is
a Ph.D. student at Duke University in the United States. He is
a Turkish citizen who was arrested on June 17, 2005, as he was
leaving Armenia. He has been held under high security conditions
at the National Security Service building in Yerevan ever since his
arrest. Last week, the request to release him on bail, accompanied
by personal guarantees of a member of the Armenian Parliament and
a prominent Armenian- American historian, was turned down. It now
appears that Mr. Turkyilmaz will stand trial on customs violation
charges under Article 215 Paragraph 2 of the Armenian Criminal Code,
which includes a prison sentence of 4 to 8 years.
Mr. President, we the undersigned care deeply about improvements
in Armenian-Turkish relations and consider the unimpeded work of
independent scholars to be a sine qua non of vital steps in the right
direction. The way that Mr. Turkyilmaz has been treated is setting
a negative precedent.
Yektan Turkyilmaz is fluent in six languages, including Armenian, and
has been the first Turkish scholar to work in the Armenian National
Archives. His dissertation research at a leading American university
is being supported by several prestigious awards. We understand that
he has been questioned about his research and theoretical orientations,
and the digital copies of his archival research have been confiscated.
There can be no justification for this treatment.
Furthermore, we understand that he is now being charged with attempting
to take old books out of Armenia without permission. We understand
that none of the books he had with him were absolutely prohibited from
being taken out of the country, but only required permissions. We are
convinced that Mr. Turkyilmaz did not know about this requirement at
the time and would have undoubtedly complied with this requirement as
he has demonstrated to be a serious scholar and a friend of Armenian
culture on many occasions. We recognize that laws have to be applied
consistently under rule of law. However, as the investigator in
charge of this case states, the current law places no obligation
on the sellers of old books to inform the purchasers that special
permissions will be needed to take the books out of the country, and
makes no distinction between violations involving nuclear weapons and
books. While it may be appropriate to impose a fine for the unknowing
violation of customs regulations, prison terms of 4 to 8 years are
grossly disproportionate and would send a deterrent signal to other
independent scholars.
The political implications of this arrest cause grave concern. Yektan
Turkyilmaz is one of a very few Turkish scholars who have critically
tackled the events of 1915 and other instances of political violence
in the first part of this century. Being the only researcher who
can understand Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Kurdish and Armenian at the
same time (besides English and French), his research promises to add
new dimensions to the study of a very troubled historical period in
Anatolia and the South Caucasus. The fact that he was arrested soon
after he gained access as the first Turkish scholar to the Armenian
National Archives adds to these concerns. The fragile space of dialogue
that has recently been opened up between Turkish and Armenian scholars
is put to the risk of being greatly damaged by Turkyilmaz~Rs prolonged
detention. This arrest would also raise serious doubts as to whether
Armenia encourages independent scholarly research on its history.
Mr. President, we respectfully urge you to intervene to ensure that
this unfortunate state of affairs comes to a swift and amicable
end. We request the immediate release of Yektan Turkyilmaz and a
return of his digital research material so that he can continue his
scholarly activities.
Committee for Solidarity with Yektan Turkyilmaz
For more information, contact:
John F. Burness, Senior Vice President for Public
Affairs and Government Relations |
919-681-3788 | [email protected]

PARLIAMENT VOTED CONFIDENCE TO GOVERNMENT
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
01 Aug  05
On July 28 after the 24-hour adjournment announced on the eve the first
meeting of the NKR National Assembly was resumed. The members of the
government and Prime Minister Anoushavan Danielian participated in
the meeting as well. Speaker Ashot Ghulian announced that during the
adjournment no motion of vote of no confidence was taken. “Therefore
in accordance with the law we may state that the programme of
the government was approved, and a vote of confidence was given
to the government,” he said. The speaker of the National Assembly
congratulated the government and wished success in implementation
of the programme for the good of the nation. Then the speaker of
the parliament made a closing speech. Summing up the meeting, the NA
speaker pointed out the formation of the leadership of the parliament,
the standing committees, the parliamentary factions and the group,
the measures regulating the activity of the NA administration. He
also mentioned that the work of the standing committees is going
on, and they are already working on the bills. The speaker of the
parliament presented the preparations for the upcoming session. At
the end A. Ghulian announced that the first meeting of the autumn
session of the NKR National Assembly will take place on September 14,
at 11 o’clock, in the big hall of meetings of the National Assembly.
AA.
01-08-2005
–Boundary_(ID_G/OYLDzf+W7+Qj5rn2JVMA)–

ArmenPress
July 29 2005
GEORGIAN TIMES SAYS GRENADE SUSPECT MAY BE TAKEN TO USA
TBILISI, JULY 29, ARMENPRESS: The Georgian Times, an
English-language newspaper published in a former Soviet Republic of
Georgia claimed that Vladimir Harutunian, a man suspected in tossing
a hand-grenade during the U.S. President Bush’s public speech in
Tbilisi on May 10, may be secretly transported to the USA by FBI
agents.
The reason, according to the newspaper, is that FBI agents are
getting increasingly frustrated with Georgian counterparts who cannot
force Harutunian to reveal the motives behind his act and also his
accomplices.
Another story in the newspaper claims that the Armenian lobbying
organizations in the USA may be behind the incident, saying the
Armenian organizations are disappointed with president Bush’s policy
towards Iran. The Georgian Times says Armenia and Iran enjoy strong
economic ties and Bush’s anti-Iranian policy hits seriously the
interests of US-based billionaires of Armenian descent.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
28. Juli 2005
Are we ashamed? an example of inner peace: The Turks & memory
Wir sollen uns schämen?;
Probe auf den inneren Frieden: Die Türken und die Erinnerung
Aufmacher Feuilleton
Können es die Türken nicht einfach machen wie die Deutschen? Wir
haben doch auch unsere Lektion gelernt. Anerkennung des Völkermords
an den Armeniern gegen Beitritt zur Europäischen Union: Auf den
Vorschlag eines solchen Handels laufen die Signale hinaus, die jüngst
zwischen Ankara und Berlin hin und her gingen (F.A.Z. vom 18. Mai).
Die deutsche Gedenkstättenlandschaft hält für türkische Besucher eine
tröstliche Botschaft bereit: Auf ein schlechtes Gewissen kann man
mächtig stolz sein. Da steht zum Beispiel in einem Park am Bremer
Hauptbahnhof ein Elefant aus Backstein. Errichtet wurde das gewaltige
Denkmal 1932 zur Erinnerung an die in Afrika gefallenen deutschen
Kolonialkrieger. Als Namibia 1990 seine Unabhängigkeit erlangte,
widmete man das Monument zum Antikolonialdenkmal um. Die Bremer
Kaufleute hatten einst vom Kolonialismus gelebt, also übernahmen ihre
weltoffenen Nachfahren die Verantwortung. Zur Zeit plant die Stadt
ein Mahnmal zur Erinnerung an den Herero-Aufstand in
Deutsch-Südwestafrika. Dafür sollen Steine aus jener namibischen
Wüste geholt werden, in welche die kaiserliche Schutztruppe die
Aufständischen 1904 trieb, so daß sie an Hunger und Durst verendeten.
Ob das Wort “Völkermord” zum Kontext des Denkmals gehören soll, steht
noch nicht fest.
Nur hundert Meter vom Steinelefanten entfernt, steht an einem
sandigen Weg seit dem 24. April ein armenisches Steinkreuz. Neben dem
mannshohen Quader mit dem fein gemeißelten Halbrelief liegen
verdorrte Blumen und ein ausgebranntes Teelicht. Eine kleine Tafel
trägt die Inschrift: “Zum 90. Jahrestag des Völkermords an den
Armeniern im Osmanischen Reich gedenken wir der 1 500 000 ermordeten
Armenier.” Auf die Metallplatte hat jemand das Wort “Lüge” gekratzt,
in eckigen Großbuchstaben und nur aus schrägem Blickwinkel zu
erkennen.
Mehmet Güven, in der Türkei geboren und 1972 zum Studium nach Bremen
gekommen, betrachtet das Denkmal nachdenklich. Hat er etwa
Verständnis für die Beschädigung der Plakette? Der Endvierziger im
hellen Sommeranzug nickt: “Ja, das ist schon verständlich. Das Wort
Völkermord ist eine Provokation für die Türken.” Schon als das
Denkmal in Anwesenheit von Bürgermeister Henning Scherf aufgestellt
wurde, ging die türkische Bevölkerung auf die Barrikaden. Die
“Stiftung Armenisches Kulturerbe”, die den Stein gestiftet hat, will
die Fluchtwege der Exilarmenier mit einer Reihe von Denkmälern
zurückverfolgen. Der letzte Stein, so erklärt die
Stiftungsvorsitzende Elize Bisanz, soll zum hundertsten Jahrestag
aufgerichtet werden, wenn möglich in der Türkei. Nach den Worten von
Frau Bisanz nehmen die Steine jene Anerkennung vorweg, welche die
deutsche Politik noch nicht vollzogen hat – womit sie auch Prüfsteine
seien, wie die Bevölkerung reagiere.
In Bremen, wo die Stele nun wie ein miniaturisiertes
Holocaust-Mahnmal in einem beschaulichen Park steht, schlug der
demoskopische Sensor heftig aus. Rund vierzigtausend Türken leben in
der Hansestadt, und lange Zeit sahen sie Scherf als ihren Freund an.
“Der hat auf unseren Hochzeiten getanzt und zum Ramadan die Moscheen
besucht”, so Güven. Seit das Denkmal steht, scheint es vorbei mit
dieser Freundschaft. Bremens Partnerstadt Izmir wollte sogar die
Beziehungen abbrechen, beließ es dann aber bei einem Brief mit dem
Ausdruck tiefer Betrübnis. Güven, selbst im SPD-Ortsverein
Bremen-Nord engagiert, setzte ein Protestschreiben an den Genossen
Scherf auf: “Ihr Verhalten verletzt uns tief in unseren Gefühlen. Ich
kann die Frage nicht beantworten, wenn mich meine Tochter eines Tages
fragt: Papa, warum haben wir die Armenier ermordet? Vielleicht können
Sie die Antwort geben.”
Der Informatik-Berater Güven erfüllt keineswegs das Klischee des vom
Nationalstolz besessenen Türken. Er kam in den Siebzigern an die
politisierte Bremer Universität, sieht sich als Linken und kritisiert
den von türkischen Medien angeheizten Nationalismus vieler
Deutschtürken. Trotzdem stellt der Völkermordvorwurf für ihn – hier
zögert er nur kurz – “eine Frage der Ehre” dar. Die Deutschen würden
den Türken immer sagen: “Was ist an der Anerkennung so schlimm, wir
haben auch Völkermord begangen.” Doch die Sache liege anders: In der
Türkei sei das Thema ein Tabu, jahrzehntelang totgeschwiegen. Somit
seien weniger die juristischen Dimensionen das Problem als die
“gefühlsmäßigen”. Güven war in Istanbul mit Armeniern befreundet und
könnte die Vorstellung, daß seine Vorfahren deren Großväter
umgebracht haben, nur schwer ertragen: “Die Türken würden sich
schämen vor ihren Freunden.”
In einer Schamkultur wie der türkischen folgt das Gedenken anderen
Regeln als in einer westlichen Schuldkultur. Auf eine tiefgreifende
Umwälzung des Geschichtsbildes, so Güven, müsse man sich “eingehend
vorbereiten, aber nicht einseitig”. Und in der Situation vor Beginn
der Beitrittsverhandlungen fühlten sich die Türken “in die Ecke
gedrängt”, denn eine Anerkennung des Genozids, die doch nur Ergebnis
eines Verständigungsprozesses sein könne, werde als Bedingung
vorausgesetzt. Eine “vorbehaltlose” Diskussion könne aber nur “ohne
Druck von Dritten” stattfinden.
Hört man sich in der türkischen Bevölkerung von Bremen um, so findet
man quer durch die Generationen erhitzte Gemüter. Im Vereinsheim des
türkischen Fußballklubs KSV Vatansport, im Arbeiterstadtteil
Gröpelingen angesiedelt, steht zwischen Mannschaftsfotos des
einstigen Verbandsligameisters eine Atatürk-Büste. Der ehemalige
Vereinsvorsitzende Halil Angün organisiert Protestveranstaltungen
gegen das Denkmal und erwägt Parolen wie “Türken sind keine
Deutschen, Armenier sind keine Juden”. Über dem Tisch ziert ein
gerahmter Erlaß des Sultans Mehmet II. aus dem Jahr 1453 die Wand, in
welchem – so Angün – den griechischen, armenischen, jüdischen und
bulgarischen Minderheiten gleiche Rechte eingeräumt werden. Am Ende
zeigt Angün eine ausgedruckte Internetseite mit den elf
“Google”-Einträgen seines Sohnes, der als Arzt in Berlin lebt.
Im Konsul-Hackfeld-Haus in der Innenstadt haben die türkischen
Vereine eine Ausstellung namens “Die andere Seite der Medaille –
Hintergründe der Tragödie von 1915 in Kleinasien” aufgebaut, welche
die Schuldzuschreibung schlichtweg umkehrt und zahllose Greuelfotos
aneinanderreiht, die laut Bildlegende “Skelette getöteter türkischer
Muslime” und “massakrierte Türken” zeigen. Die bizarre Schau ist, wie
ein Plakat mit dem seltsamen Titel “Von Osmanen bis Heute –
Armanischen Terrorismus” verrät, aus dem Generaldirektorat des
Türkischen Staatsarchivs importiert.
Im Vorraum trinken ein paar junge Türken Tee. “Wir werden in eine
zweite Klasse eingestuft”, empört sich ein Endzwanziger mit offenem
Hemd und hanseatischem Akzent, “und man gibt uns noch nicht mal die
Möglichkeit zu reagieren.” Für die gemeinsame Aufarbeitung der
Geschichte wählt er eine Pokermetapher: “Man soll sich an einen Tisch
setzen und die Karten auf den Tisch legen: Was habe ich, was hast
du?” Ein achtundzwanzigjähriger Wirtschaftswissenschaftler betrachtet
die Sache nüchterner. Er habe versucht, sich einzulesen – und zwar
“nicht aus einseitiger Perspektive”, was schwer gewesen sei.
Leugnungen wie “Es hat niemals Morde gegeben” erklärt er sich damit,
daß es auch auf türkischer Seite an handfesten Informationen mangele.
Trotzdem läuft die Debatte für ihn in eine falsche Richtung: “Die
Diskussion ist nicht mehr ehrlich, wenn man Ergebnisse präsentiert
bekommt, ohne einbezogen worden zu sein.”
Auch in Braunschweig steht seit dem 1. Mai ein armenischer
Kreuzstein. Allerdings befindet er sich auf dem Privatgrundstück der
evangelisch-lutherischen Brüderkirche am Rande der Fußgängerzone.
Anders als der Bremer Senat, der seine schützende Hand über das
Denkmal hielt, lehnte die Braunschweiger Verwaltung eine
Unterstützung ab. Die offizielle Begründung lautet, der Stein passe
nicht zum auf Lokalgeschichte konzentrierten “Gedenkstättenkonzept”.
Doch der CDU-Fraktionsvorsitzende Wolfgang Sehrt gibt eine
deutlichere Erklärung: “In einer Kommune kann es nicht in Ordnung
sein, daß man hier ein Zeichen setzt, das andere provoziert.”
Letztlich bot Pfarrer Frank-Georg Gozdek dem Gedenkstein Asyl und
ließ ihn unter wütenden Protesten der Braunschweiger Türken am Chor
seiner Kirche aufbauen. Wenn der rauschebärtige Gottesmann, in seiner
bärenhaften Gestalt fast ein Wiedergänger Luthers, an die
Einweihungsfeier zurückdenkt, packt ihn heiliger Zorn: “Wir haben ein
deutsches Osterlied gesungen, und die haben gepfiffen und gebrüllt!”
In Gozdeks museal anmutender Pfarrstube biegen sich die Regalbretter
unter stockfleckigen Folianten. In der Brüderkirche, so Gozdek, halte
er den Gottesdienst “authentisch wie zu Luthers Zeiten”, also ohne
schwarzen Talar, mit dem Gesicht zum Altar und mit viel Weihrauch:
“Dadurch steht die Gemeinde der Ostkirche sehr nahe.” Offensichtlich
gilt in diesem Pfarramt kein Bilderverbot: An der Wand hängt neben
zahlreichen Christusbildern auch Dürers “Melancholia”. Unter dem
Stich sitzt der armenische Chirurg Kevork Kalatas, der die
Aufstellung des Denkmals in Braunschweig vorangetrieben hat und sich
noch lebhaft an die auf der Protestkundgebung spielenden
Mehter-Kapellen erinnert, die einst an den Spitzen der osmanischen
Heere marschierten. Fast erweckt die Beschreibung der Szene an der
Braunschweiger Kirche den Eindruck, als stünden die Türken wieder vor
Wien und nicht etwa vor dem Beitritt in die Europäische Union.
Für Kalatas, der viele türkische Patienten hat, ist die ablehnende
Haltung der Türken keineswegs einheitlich: Von den ebenfalls vom
türkischen Nationalismus traumatisierten Kurden und Aleviten, aber
auch von ausgewanderten Sozialisten und Kommunisten gebe es Zuspruch.
Kalatas spricht von den “armenischen Leichen im türkischen Keller”
und von der verdrängten Erinnerung. In seinem Heimatdorf sei er
einmal von Kindern gefragt worden, ob die wenigen dort noch lebenden
Armenier aus Kanada stammten. “Die Türken bauten ihren Staat auf
einer Lüge”, sagt Kalatas, “nämlich der Heroisierung der Jungtürken.”
Deren Anerkennung als “Gauner” sei für jeden Türken schmerzhaft.
Nach Bremen und Braunschweig will die Stiftung Armenisches Kulturerbe
auch in anderen deutschen Städten Kreuzsteine errichten. So entstehe,
hier spricht Elize Bisanz als die in Lüneburg lehrende
Kulturwissenschaftlerin, beiläufig eine “Landkarte des öffentlichen
Raums”. An den ersten Stationen hat sich schon gezeigt, daß die
Wegmarken aus armenischem Granit den Raum nicht nur vermessen,
sondern auch wie erinnerungspolitische Magnetsteine verändern. Eine
durch Einschüchterung erzwungene Kirchhofsruhe wird keinen Bestand
haben.
ANDREAS ROSENFELDER
Die Schuldkultur soll helfen: In Braunschweig bietet eine Kirche dem
armenischen Gedenkstein Asyl.
Fotos Holde Schneider
In Bremen steht das Kreuz mit dem Segen der Stadtoberen in einem
Park. Die Stifter sind so kühn, sich den letzten Stein ihres Parcours
auf türkischem Boden vorzustellen.
Wie groß ist die Furcht der deutschen Kommunalpolitik vor dem
EU-Kandidaten? Gedenksteine in Kreuzesform, die von Armeniern
errichtet und von Türken zerkratzt werden, sind nicht jedem
Bürgermeister willkommen.

Azeri interior minister says radicals plan to use force during polls
Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
27 Jul 05
[Presenter Namiq Aliyev] Interior Minister Ramil Usubov has said that
with the aim of carrying out an armed provocation, the radical
opposition is already trying to form a false opinion that the
[November 2005 parliamentary] election will not be held
democratically. In this connection, the law-enforcement bodies are
taking measures against those who intend to smuggle weapons into
Azerbaijan,.
[Correspondent] The radical opposition wishes to disrupt the stability
in Azerbaijan in the run-up to the election and there are operative
reports that the opposition is drawing up a special plan, Interior
Minister Ramil Usubov said. He added that the radical opposition is
already trying to form a public opinion that the election will not be
held democratically.
[Usubov interviewed by journalists, captioned] According to reports we
received – although these reports are not precise, they are
operational reports – some radical opposition bodies are planning to
use violence against the state and the state bodies during or after
the election, and to claim that human rights violations. We have such
reports and we are working on them.
[Correspondent] However, the minister said that the radical opposition
will not be allowed to acquire weapons illegally. He said the State
Border Service, National Security Ministry and Ministry of Internal
Affairs are continuing efforts to prevent the smuggling of weapons
into Azerbaijan.
[Passage omitted: Usubov comments on the exodus of Azeris from Armenia
in the late 1980s saying they did not have a good leader then]

REGULAR ANTI-ARMENIAN RALLY ORGANIZED IN BAKU
BAKU, JULY 26. ARMINFO. July 24 For Azerbaijan movement held a rally
on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of “the occupation of Agdam by
Armenian armed forces.”
Azeri media report that despite heat rallying were several hundreds
movement activists. Present there were foreign journalists.
The ralliers demanded the fulfillment of four UN Security Council
resolutions and the settlement of the Karabakh conflict in accordance
with the international law and is the framework of Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity. They said that the settlement of the conflict
directly depends on the outcome of the coming parliamentary elections.
Lieutenant Colonel Ilgar Sultanov says that one should not leave the
problem to the coming generations. “20% of our territory is occupied
by Armenias and almost 1 mln Azeris are out of their homes,” says
Sultanov. War veteran Shamil Sabiroglu says that Agdam became victim
to the political games played in the country at the time. He is
against peace process and reiterates “Karabakh or Death!”
Meanwhile representative of the Union of Reserve Officers Ildym
Mamedov says that only legitimately elected government will be able to
settle the problem. So the country should hold democratic elections
that will help to settle not only the Karabakh issue but also many
other problems Azerbaijan is facing now.

UEFA.com
July 26 2005
Assessing tomorrow’s stars
Tuesday, 26 July 2005
By Andrew Haslam in Belfast
The UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals in Northern Ireland
have proved an interesting experience for UEFA technical observers
Gerhard Hitzel and Roy Millar, who have been closely watching
throughout.
Coaching roles
Hitzel works for the Austrian Football Association’s technical
department, and within that is responsible for coach education.
Millar, meanwhile, is manager of the Northern Ireland Under-21 side
and is also the Irish Football Assocation’s director of coaching, and
both feel the finals have been a thoroughly worthwhile experience.
Even competition
“It’s been a very interesting tournament, as we went into the last
round of group games and all eight teams had a chance of going
through,” Millar told uefa.com. “It’s been a very tight tournament,
no one’s been heavily beaten, so the eight teams are very closely
matched. I think that’s an indication of the standard at this
tournament – it’s been very high.
High standards
“In one section, France, England and Norway were all close together
going into their final fixtures, and the standard of the game between
France and England was very high,” Millar continued. “In the other
group, Serbia and Montenegro were outstanding, Germany look very good
and Greece have done well, so there were three sides in either
section that were capable of reaching the semi-finals.”
Pleasant surprise
Hitzel agreed the standard had been high, adding: “I was very
surprised how good Norway were. We know all about Germany, England,
France and Serbia and Montenegro, these are traditionally the strong
countries. But I was surprised with Norway and also Armenia – they
were the youngest and smallest team physically, but they played very
good football and are technically skilful, which was good to see.”
Contrasting styles
The pair’s observations form the basis of UEFA’s post-tournament
technical report, which is sent out to all 52 member associations,
and both have noticed some interesting trends. “There’s a real
contrast between the two different styles of play,” Millar said.
“Some teams play very technical football, and some play more of a
pressing game.
New approach
“The other trend we’ve noticed is that more coaches are turning to
4-3-3. I think by next year’s [FIFA] World Cup finals in Germany, a
lot of teams are going to play that way,” he pointed out. “It gives
you more options in attack and defensively it means you can drop
players back and very quickly form five in midfield. It’s an exciting
formation if you play with two wide players and there’s been a lot of
good wing play in this tournament so far, and I think that’ll be a
trend that develops in senior football. International football has
traditionally been 4-4-2, but I see it shifting.”
Information relayed
The duo also believe this tournament will be beneficial when they
return to their own associations, Hitzel saying: “Myself and Roy are
both responsible for coach education in our respective countries. It
is therefore very important for me to see the preparation, the
pre-match warm-up and speak to the coaches. Here, I can see it with
my own eyes, and when I go back to Austria I can relay it. Education
is undoubtedly improved when you have seen something in person, so
it’s a very, very good experience.”
Practical experience
Millar went on: “If you are at major tournaments, whether it’s U17,
U19 or U21 level, it gives the coach educators the opportunity to see
what happens in practice, take that and transfer it back home. That
helps raise the standard of coaching in our own countries.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress