Author: Chatinian Lara

TURKEY TO GUARANTEE FREE SPEECH AFTER EU CHIDING

Agence France Presse — English
November 6, 2007 Tuesday 7:31 PM GMT

Turkey on Tuesday said it would ensure freedom of speech and expression
as part of a fresh reform drive to catch up with European Union norms
after the bloc chided it for slowing down its efforts.

The government will soon move to amend an infamous law which provides
for up to four years in jail for "denigrating Turkishness," Justice
Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said.

"Several drafts have been prepared in line with proposals by civic
groups. The cabinet will discuss them at first opportunity, select
one and submit it to parliament," Sahin told Anatolia news agency.

Dozens of intellectuals, among them 2006 Nobel literature laureate
Orhan Pamuk, have been tried under Article 301, mainly for contesting
the official line on the Ottoman massacres of Armenians, which many
countries have recognised as genocide, much to Turkey’s ire.

Several of them, including ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink who
was murdered in January, were convicted, but their sentences were
suspended by the courts. No one has been imprisoned so far.

Earlier Tuesday, the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm,
said in an annual report on Turkey’s membership bid that the country
had achieved only limited progress in 2007.

"Our commitment to completing our shortcomings and efficiently
implementing the reforms on the ground is not decreasing — on the
contrary it is increasing," the Turkish foreign ministry said after
the release of the report.

"We are determined to pursue reform until our country catches up with
the highest levels of democracy and human rights," it said.

The government has already begun submitting to parliament proposals
for fresh reforms, it said, without giving details.

Ankara stressed its accession process should not be "shaped in line
with the preferences of the political leaders of some member states"
or "reduced" to the enforcement of a customs union pact calling for
trade privileges for Cyprus, which Turkey does not recognise.

"We hope our friends in the EU will show strong determination to
resist raising irrelevant obstacles on our way" to membership, the
statement said.

This appeared to be a reference to French President Nicolas Sarkozy,
a staunch opponent of Turkey’s accession who in June succeeded in
blocking the start of negotiations with Ankara on one of the three
chapters the Commission had recommended.

Talks in eight of the 35 policy fields candidate countries must
negotiate were already suspended last year in response to Ankara’s
refusal to open its sea and air ports to Greek Cypriot use.

Ankara had little time this year to deal with its EU bid as a
presidential election in April sparked a severe political crisis and
prompted early general elections in July.

The government is now engulfed in a crisis over the safe haven Kurdish
rebels enjoy in northern Iraq, threatening cross-border military
action to crack down on separatist bases there.

SARGSYAN: WE WILL NEVER LET AZERBAIJAN…

Azat Artsakh Tert, Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Nov 12 2007

"We will never allow Azerbaijan and Turley to impose their will
on us," Armenian Prime Minister, chairman of the Republican Party
of Armenia, presidential contender Serge Sargsyan said at the
RPA 11th congress. "Armenia’s stand on relationship with Turkey
is unchangeable. We are ready to normalize relations without
preconditions," he said. As to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
resolution, he said, "Our purpose is the international recognition of
the right of Karabakhi people to self-determination, common border
with Armenia and safeguarding of security around NKR. At that he
noted that the problem will not be resolved quickly. "Time is needed.

We should use all tools to achieve our goals," he said.

THE PARLIAMENT HAS A NEW VICE-PRESIDENT

AZG Armenian Daily
13/11/2007

First time in Armenia a woman is elected in the post of the
vice-president of Armenian parliament. By 79 pro and 13 against
voting, representative of "Bargavach Hayastan" party Arevik
Petrosian was elected a vice-president of the National Assembly of
Armenia. Representative of "Jarangutyun" party correspondingly got
13 pro and 79 against votes.

CENTRAL BANK PUTS A NEW SILVER MEMORIAL COIN INTO CIRCULATION

Panorama.am
16:10 12/11/2007

The Central Bank (CB) has put a silver memorial coin into circulation
with a sign of Capricorn. It is issued within the framework of
international monitory science program titled "Zodiac signs." There
are 12 signs in the series.

CB press services report that the face of the coin is divided into
three circles. The coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia is pictured
in the first circle.

The nominal value of the coin is pictured under the coat of arms. The
coin has the year of the issue, 2007, in its upper part. In the third
circle, there are symbols of the zodiac signs.

On the back of the coin is the sign of Capricorn on the background
of blue. In the upper corn, the name of the sign is written in Latin
and at the bottom – in Russian.

The memorial coin is prepared in Poland. It is issued in 1200 items.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN USA CALLS ON CONGRESS TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

PanARMENIAN.Net
12.11.2007 12:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ November 7, 2007, the General Assembly of the
National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) and Church
World Service (CWS), holding its annual meeting here November 6-8,
urged the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation recognizing
the slaughter of Armenians in 1915 as Genocide.

The resolution put forward by the Rev. Arem Jabejian, an Armenian
Orthodox priest from Chicago, was passed by voice vote with six
persons requesting to be counted as abstaining.

In its business session Wednesday afternoon, the General Assembly
also reaffirmed the NCC and CWS commitment to Middle East peace, and
received "A Social Creed for the 21st Century" approved in September
by the NCC Governing Board.

The Armenian genocide statement as amended and approved by the General
Assembly said it is "unacceptable that the United States has yet to
officially recognize the Genocide of 1915, which in fact decimated
a majority of the Armenian population then living in Asia Minor."

The statement cited House Resolution 106 "acknowledging this
universally recognized historical fact (and) condemning this crime
against humanity."

Most historians agree that the slaughter was carried out by soldiers
of the then Ottoman Turk Empire.

The House leadership decided not to place the legislation before the
House because of objections from the Bush Administration, which said
it would harm relations between the U.S. and Turkey, a NATO ally.

"As persons of faith, we express our concern that the truth was not
upheld by our elected representatives," the resolution states.

The statement posted on the NCC web site "strongly urges the leadership
of the U.S. House of Representatives to bring forth this legislation
before the end of this Congress."

The General Assembly also passed by unanimous voice vote a
"Reaffirmation of Our Commitment to Peace in the Middle East in Light
of the 1980 Middle East Policy Statement.

Noting that the Middle East situation has deteriorated since the
hopeful days of the 1980 Camp David Peace Accords, the updated
policy reaffirms commitments to peace, including encouragement of
a responsible discourse in the Middle East; a focus on issues of
particular importance related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict;
concern for the alarming diminution of the Christian community of
the Middle East; and appreciation for interfaith sensitivities among
Christians, Jews and Muslims, as well as people of other faiths.

"The member communions of the NCC have a profound connection to the
Holy Land," the statement acknowledges. "It is the place where God was
revealed in Jesus Christ through the power of the Spirit … Therefore,
we reaffirm these commitments, cognizant of the role our nation plays
in the Middle East, to remind ourselves of the urgent need to influence
our country to take right and moral actions in the region."

"A Social Creed for the 21st Century" is an update of the Social
Creed of 1908 developed by the NCC’s predecessor organization, the
Federal Council of Churches.

"Just as the churches responded to the harshness of early 20th
century industrialization," declares the creed’s background statement,
"we offer a vision of a society that shares more and consumes less,
seeks compassion over suspicion and equality over domination, and
finds security in joined hands rather than massed arms."

The National Council of Churches USA is the ecumenical voice of 35 of
America’s Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, historic African American
and traditional peace churches. These NCC member communions have 45
million faithful members in 100,000 congregations in all 50 states.

Church World Service is the relief, development, and refugee assistance
agency of these same communions, working in 80 countries around the
world to eradicate hunger and poverty and promote peace and justice.

"SERGE SARGSIAN AND LEVON TER-PETROSIAN SHOULD STEP BACK FROM PRESIDENTIAL STRUGGLE, SUPPORTING ANY THIRD CANDIDATE," HEAD OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS UNION SAYS

Noyan Tapan
Nov 8, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Irrespective of the fact that
17 years have passed since the Soviet Union collapsed and Armenia
became independent, none of the authorities formed in the country
during this period has managed to become a real alternative for the
communist system. This point of view was expressed by Tatul Manaserian,
a former MP of the RA National Assembly and a doctor of economics,
during the November 8 discussion. In his words, no authority has
managed to create an atmosphere of mutual confidence between itself
and the people, "so as the people turn their faces towards the
authority." At present as well, according to Tatul Manaserian, if
those, who want to be nominated in the 2008 presidential elections,
do not repent, do not admit their mistakes of the past, the electors
will not be filled with faith towards them.

Another participant of the discussion Hrant Khachatrian, the Chairman
of the Constitutional Rights Union, mentioned that citizens of Armenia
are again standing in front of making a choice, without an alternative:
the two main candidates,that is to say, the first president and
the current Prime Minister: they do not offer a new word or a new
program. The nomination of the first president, according to Hrant
Khachatrian, is more inclined to "breaking" the current system than
contributing to the development of the country by coming to power. In
his conviction, it would be much better if the above-mentioned two
figures stepped back and supported a candidate, who "would symbolize
the national awakening."

Opposing the last observation of Hrant Khachatrian, Tatul Manaserian
mentioned that the idea on a third candidate to be supported by
the two strong political figures "is from the field of political
romanticism" and is peculiar to western countries, but not to Armenia,
where personal ambitions are deciding.

MELIK-SHAHNAZARYAN: TERRY DAVIS EXPRESSES OPINION OF HIS BOSSES

PanARMENIAN.Net
07.11.2007 18:54 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "According to some data, Terry Davis has a personal
interest in Azeri oil. The statements he made in Yerevan should be
given a proper response," political scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan
told a news conference in Yerevan.

"The current Council of Europe Secretary General used to sell
automotive spare parts, in his youth. He seems to have carried his
attitude of a trader into politics. Terry Davis doesn’t express his
personal opinion; he doesn’t even express the opinion of the Council
of Europe. He expresses the position of his masters. But Homeland is
not a car and can’t be sold.

Such an approach demonstrated by a European official is inadmissible
for Armenia," he said.

During a news conference in Yerevan Mr Davis called Nagorno Karabakh
people "separatists" unlike Kosovo Albanians, "who struggle for
independence."

When commenting on the Armenian-Turkish relations he said,
"Armenia should understand that normal relations with Armenia are
necessary. This is the only way to the future and the basic criterion
for the Council of Europe. Historical issues should not be dealt with
by lawmakers. Many innocent people died at those times but it’s time
not only to remember the victims but to face up the future."

TIME WILL GIVE THE ANSWER

"Hayots Ashkharh" Daily Newspaper
6 Nov 07
Armenia

On November 3 Armenian Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan participated in
the construction of the copper-molybdenum factory in Taghut village
Alaverdy.

The journalists used their chance to ask the Prime Minister why he
doesn’t respond to the announcements of the ex President.

"I’m more concerned about increase of the prices on bread, butter,
oil, sugar and other food products in our domestic market, rather than
certain announcements heard in Azatutyun Square. Especially because
announcements containing stricter critical elements have been made
about Levon Ter-Petrosyan in the same square. Time will come and I will
give political responses to all this announcements. But I will never
speak about his brothers or his family members." Serge Sargsyan said.

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

November 6, 2007
Contact: Haig Hovsepian

Tel: (818) 500-1918

Montebello Armenian Americans Support ANCA With Special Event

— Local Community Raises Funds for Washington, DC Office

Montebello, CA – Friends and supporters of the Armenian National Committee
of America came out in force on November 2, 2007 to raise funds for the
national grassroots public affairs organization. Over $40,000 was raised at
the event in support of the ANCA’s leadership in advancing Armenian issues
in the Washington, DC.

"We are proud of the ANCA," community leader Nazareth Sadorian remarked
after the ANCA fundraising event. "The support we received tonight for the
ANCA is a clear indication that our grassroots activists are one hundred
percent behind this organization," he added.

At the fundraiser, ANCA National Chairman Ken Hachikian outlined the
organization’s efforts in support of House Resolution 106, the Armenian
Genocide Resolution. He also outlined the challenges faced by the army of
lobbyists being hired by the Republic of Turkey to deny the Armenian
Genocide. According to Hachikian, former Republican Congressman Bob
Livingston is being paid $100,000 a month to lobby for Turkey. Former
Democratic leader Dick Gephardt is also getting paid over $100,000 to
represent Turkey on Capitol Hill. With a well-funded opposition, Hachikian
stressed the need for the ANCA to have the resources to counter the web of
Genocide denial which the well oiled Turkish lobby continually attempts to
advance. In addition, Hachikian stressed the need to expand the ANCA’s
grassroots efforts through more extensive field work and community education
outreach efforts. Finally, he underscored the value of voter registration
efforts.

"Leaders lead," commented ANC-Western Region Chairman Raffi Hamparian.
"That is what we always see in Montebello. A community that is united in
support of the Armenian Cause and always willing to provide financial
resources for the ANCA office Washington, DC. I am proud of the Montebello
community for having had the vision to put this wonderful event together,"
Hamparian added.

The Montebello area Armenian American community has a long and proud history
of supporting the ANCA and being at the forefront of issues related to the
Armenian Cause. In the 1960’s the community rallied to build a prominent
Armenian Genocide monument at Bicknell Park. More recently, the local
Armenian American community established a sister city relationship between
the City of Montebello and Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabagh.

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. Working
through a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the US and
around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the
Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

IT’S TIME TO TELL IT LIKE IT IS ABOUT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Roxanne Makasdjian

San Francisco Chronicle, CA
Nov 4 2007

The Armenian genocide resolution pending in Congress (HR106) has
prompted debate about whether it’s the right time for the United
States to officially recognize the systematic annihilation of the
Armenian population in Turkey, perpetrated by the government of the
Ottoman Empire in 1915. Against increasingly bold denials of history
and unjustifiable intimidation by Turkey, now is the best time for
our country to tell it like it is.

A wave of disinformation has been disseminated by the Turkish and
U.S. administrations since the resolution passed the House Committee on
Foreign Affairs on Oct. 10. Turkey’s threats have included cutting off
the use of our air base, thus restricting our military shipments, and
intervening in northern Iraq, destabilizing the only relatively quiet
part of that country. The rationale for those threats is deceptive,
the resolution being a convenient excuse to threaten to disrupt
U.S. military actions in Iraq to advance Turkey’s own interests.

The fact is that we needn’t become hostage to blackmail. In 2003,
without an Armenian genocide resolution up for a vote, Turkey refused
to allow us to use our base at Incirlik to invade Iraq. We carried
out the invasion successfully anyway. The United States has numerous
military bases in the area – in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan,
Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan – from which we
can operate.

The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Turkish Daily News
have all quoted U.S. officials saying that if Turkey cut off our base
or supply lines, it would not greatly affect our military operations.

And, according to a recent article in Defense News, the Armenian
genocide resolution wouldn’t even "dent" U.S. arms sales to Turkey.

Several years ago, when France passed a similar resolution, arms
sales between France and Turkey were back to booming within months.

Turkey’s strategic interests are much more dependent on good
relations with the United States than vice versa. If we tolerate
Turkey’s blackmail, we actually weaken our position in the strategic
relationship and embolden others in the region to blackmail us.

Turkey’s threats against the Kurds in Iraq are also not new, nor a
result of the pending resolution. Successive Turkish governments have
had claims on the oil-rich, northern Iraqi region of Kirkuk and Mosul
from as early as the 1930s. Turkish governments have also treated
their 20 million Kurds worse than second-class citizens.

Anti-Americanism has reached new heights in Turkey not because of
the Armenian genocide resolution, but because of opposition to the
U.S. intervention in Iraq and the consequent formation of a Kurdish
autonomous government controlling the oil revenue in northern Iraq.

As Graham Fuller, former vice chairman of the CIA’s National
Intelligence Council, wrote recently, "Turkish-American relations have
been deteriorating for years, and the root explanation is simple and
harsh: Washington’s policies are broadly and fundamentally incompatible
with Turkish foreign policy interests in multiple arenas."

Despite all this, the United States has been enabling Turkey’s denial
of the genocide, damaging our reputation and giving a junior ally
the upper hand in a relationship in which we should be leading. Last
year, the U.S. government went as far as dismissing our ambassador to
Armenia, John Evans, for discussing the Armenian genocide. President
Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have recently gone
further, referring to the Armenian genocide as an open historical
question needing more study.

This position contradicts the vast majority of historians and Holocaust
and genocide studies that recognize this event as unambiguous genocide,
as well as the abundant documentation in our own national archives,
including the memoirs of the U.S. ambassador to Ottoman Turkey in
1915, Henry Morgenthau, who wrote of witnessing the "extermination
of a whole race."

Turkey has even reached into our educational system by lobbying
against inclusion of the Armenian genocide in our textbooks, and
against local remembrances of the genocide, as was the case when
Armenian Americans purchased San Francisco’s Mount Davidson Cross in
memory of their slain forefathers.

In Turkey today, discussion of the Armenian genocide is a crime
carrying as many as 10 years in prison. Scores of writers, professors
and community leaders are being prosecuted under this law, legitimizing
the undemocratic, nationalist fervor of the Turkish masses. In
this context, the government’s call for a commission of Turkish and
Armenian historians to study the "events of 1915" is simply a way to
bury the truth.

Contrary to opponents’ claims, House Resolution 106 does not condemn
present-day Turkey for the crimes of its predecessor, nor does it
demand that Turkey recognize the genocide. It simply reaffirms the
historical record, a necessary affirmation when faced with massive
denial. Congress has passed recent resolutions reaffirming the truth
of the Holocaust as well as the genocides in Cambodia, Ukraine,
Bosnia and Darfur.

Most recently, we watched Bush and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi give the
Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama, despite China’s warnings
that such action would be detrimental to U.S.-China relations. Giving
in to similar warnings from Turkey would highlight the hypocrisy
in that action and signal to the world that we have a clear double
standard when it comes to human rights. The longer the United States
helps Turkey’s denial, the longer the denial will continue, and the
longer we’ll be hostage to it. Instead, we should help steer Turkey
toward democracy, for its own sake – and ours.

Roxanne Makasdjian is chair of the Bay Area Armenian National
Committee. Contact us at [email protected].

This article appeared on page E – 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle

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