Author: Ekmekjian Janet

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
February 2, 2005 Wednesday
Karabakh settlement may boost economic coop in region – FM
By Sevindzh Abdullayeva and Viktor Shulman
BAKU
The resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will create
conditions for the development of economic cooperation in the region,
said Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, presidential
special envoy at the talks on Nagorno-Karabakh settlement.
Speaking at NATO’s seminar, “Economy, Security and Defence”, on
Wednesday, Azimov said, “There is certain progress in the talks on
the solution to the Karabakh problem.” The sides are holding
negotiations on possibilities of withdrawing troops from all occupied
territories, restoring communications, and returning refugees to
their homes. “Then discussions will focus on the normalisation of
relations between the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of
Nagorno-Karabakh, between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the diplomat said.
“Relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia, that have agreed to carry
out different projects in the energy sector, are an excellent model
of cooperation in the region,” he said. “The third country of the
region is losing its opportunities” due to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict,” Azimov said.
At the same time, he stressed, “Territorial compromises are
inadmissible and unacceptable in this aspect.” “Such conflict cannot
be settled on such base,” he added.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili’s initiatives on the
settlement of the South Ossetian conflict “may become an excellent
factor for Azerbaijan that may give an impetus to the resolution of
such conflicts,” Azimov pointed out.

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Jan 29 2005
Erdogan: We Have Been Maintaining Our Preparatory Efforts For Our
E.U. Membership Process
Anadolu Agency: 1/29/2005
DAVOS (AA) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on
Friday, ”we have been maintaining our preparatory efforts for our EU
membership process. Also, efforts have been under way to form the
legal infrastructure for the Ankara Agreement. We are in favor of
solution.”
Prime Minister Erdogan, who is currently in Davos town of
Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum, held a news
conference.
Upon a question about so-called Armenian genocide, Prime
Minister Erdogan said, ”our official position is clear. According to
our point of view, not politicians but historians should deal with
such issues. As the Republic of Turkey, we have opened air corridor
with Armenia, and also initiated trade. There are 30 thousand
citizens of Armenian origin in Turkey. They do not have such
problems.”

-TURKEY-ISRAEL RELATIONS-
Upon a question about Turkey-Israel relations, Prime Minister
Erdogan said, ”Turkey is in favor of peace in the Middle East.
Turkey has good relations both with Israel and Palestine. But we are
against all kinds of acts of terrorism. We want two separate states
in the Middle East. We have launched a series of initiatives to this
end following the elections in Palestine. Foreign Minister & Deputy
Prime Minister Abdullah Gul paid visits to Israel and Palestine.”
”Our trade volume with Israel is about 2.5 billion U.S.
dollars. I will visit Israel and Palestine in the coming months. We
have always advocate a peaceful atmosphere. Both Israel and Palestine
should fulfil their responsibilities to this end,” he said.

-EU-
Replying to a question about Turkey’s EU membership process,
Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”we have been maintaining our
preparatory efforts for our EU membership process. Also, efforts have
been under way to form the legal infrastructure for the Ankara
Agreement. We do not want any delay. We are in favor of solution.”

-ELECTIONS IN IRAQ-
Upon a question about upcoming elections in Iraq, Prime Minister
Erdogan said, ”the elections will constitute a transition into
democracy. The new government should define the next process
carefully. It will have a heavy responsibility since it will prepare
a new constitution. This constitution should not allow sovereignty of
ethnic elements over each other. It should preserve Iraq’s
territorial integrity.”

-UKRAINE’S EU MEMBERSHIP-
Upon a question about Ukraine’s EU membership, Prime Minister
Erdogan said, ”as you know, the EU’s enlargement process has been
continuing. We support Ukraine’s EU membership as long as it is in
line with rules.”

Kommersant, Russia
Jan 28 2005
Doing unto Others: The Price of the Question
World Practice
There have been too many coincidences to think that it is accidental.
Mikhail Saakashvili is making the rounds in Strasbourg with new peace
proposals for South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and what do you know?, at
the very same time the leaders of the two unrecognized states, Eduard
Kokoity and Sergey Bagapsh, turn up in Moscow and shriek in chorus
that the peace proposals are practically a declaration of war and
hitting him on both fronts at once. The next day, the UN Security
Council discusses Abkhazia on Moscow’s initiative and without any
representation from Georgia. It becomes clear that Russia sees no
reason for the Georgian ambassador to be present at discussions of
the Abkhazian problem. But you have to think that the problem has a
little to do with Georgia too.
Bagapsh, leader of sunny Abkhazia, has declared how happy he is to
have met Kokoity in snowy Moscow and that he intends to `coordinate
actions’ with the presidents of unrecognized Transdniestr Republic
and Nagorny Karabakh. Very touching, of course.
We have already forgotten our righteous anger over the intriguing of
outside forces in Ukraine. And it didn’t stop us from thinking that
our own actions were only for the sake of greater stability in
Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan and everywhere else. We know
best, of course, what the former Soviet republics and their citizens
really need. They couldn’t cope without us. We are a great power and
they are our buffer zone and underbelly. The present Russian-Georgian
collision has dispelled any doubts. The linchpin of Moscow’s position
among the former Soviet countries will be Abkhazia, South Ossetia
and, unseen, Transdniestr, Eastern Ukraine and area in similar
circumstances. It sounds scary, but it seems to be what’s happening.
We don’t have any other ways of keeping the West away yet. At least
in those places we still pull some weight. We have our own people. We
lost Aslan Abashidze in Ajaria, but there’s still Kokoity and
Bagapsh/Khadzjimba and Igor Smirnov in Transdniestr. We can give
Arkady Gukasyan in Karabakh a go if need be to. And there’s still
Viktor Yanukovich. He’s not finished yet and is putting gout signals
that he could use a hand – a sure sign of life.
It would seem that it is a no-lose, irrefutable position. But we have
to be morally prepared for to pay the high price of having our own
weapons used against us. They’ll use our experience and know-how.
There are lots more places to do it in. Just the North Caucasus, with
its eternal reputation as a tinderbox, is enough. Then we’ll remember
the old truth that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw
stones.
by Sergey Strokan

Frankfurter Allgemeine, Germany
Jan 28 2005
State removes reference to genocide from lesson
28. Januar 2005 POTSDAM. In response to a Turkish request, officials
in the state of Brandenburg have removed a passage in a history
lesson about a controversial event in Turkish history – the deaths of
thousands of Armenians in the early 20th century. The lesson focused
on genocide and mentioned the Armenian case as the only example. The
decision was made two weeks ago after Turkish General Counsel Aydin
Durusay raised the issue. Turkey maintains the Armenians were killed
as the Ottoman Empire fought civil unrest. Part of the empire became
Turkey in 1923. Armenians say 1.5 million people were killed between
1915 and 1923 as part of the empire’s campaign to push them from
eastern Turkey. pra

UK HOSTS FIRST SEASON OF ARMENIAN CINEMA FOR 25 YEARS
YEREVAN, JANUARY 27. ARMINFO. A season of Armenian cinema is to be
held in London Feb 11-17, says film director Artsvi Bakhchinyan.
This is the first such season in the UK in 25 years. The festival is
aimed to be an eye-opening glimpse into the Armenian culture too
little known in the UK.
Showcasing shorts, features, documentaries and artists’ film, the
season features established directors like Atom Egoyan and undisputed
classics like Paradjanov’s The Colour of Pomegranates but also
uncovers lost gems and overlooked directors of great
significance. Panel discussions will place the films in the context of
both Armenian experience and contemporary film, providing a unique
chance to encounter one of world cinema’s hidden national treasures.
Shown will be the following films:
Pierlequin, Lighter than Air, by Tigran Xmalian, with Vladimir Msrian,
Hrach Harutunian, Anush Khorenian;
Garin Torossian Artists’ Film Programme, Short Films Programme;
Vodka Lemon by Hiner Saleem, with Romen Avinian, Lala Sarkissian, Ivan
Franek;
Calendar by Atom Egoyan, with Atom Egoyan, Arsine Khanjian, Ashot
Adamian;
Return to the Promised Land by Harutiun Khachatryan;
Terra Emota & Lux Aeterna by Levon Minassian and Serge Avedikian;
Last Station by Harutiun Khachatryan and Nora Armani, with Nora
Armani, Gerald Papasian, Armen Djigarkhanian;
The Colour of Pomegranates by Sergei Paradjanov, with Sofiko
Chiaureli, Melkon Aleksanyan, Vilen Galstyan;
Ararat by Atom Egoyan, with Arsine Khanjian, Charles Aznavour, Elias
Koteas, Marie-Josie Croze;
Komitas by Don Askarian, with Samuel Ovasapian, Onig Saadetian,
Margarita Woskanjan;
Lovember by Tigran Xzmalian.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA TO BE HARDLY PUSHED TO REVOLUTION IN NEAR FUTURE: RUSSIAN
POLITOLOGIST
YEREVAN, JANUARY 26. ARMINFO. Armenia will hardly be pushed to a
revolution in the coming years: the snowdrops are not ripe yet, says
Russian politologist Andrey Milovzorov on Utro.ru in his article
“Russia’s Partners are Pregnant with Revolutions of All Colors.”
Georgian and Ukraine have shown that the key prerequisite for a
revolution is mass popular displeasure with the ruling regime and life
under this regime (typical of all the CIS countries); growing
pro-Russian moods even in a pro-West government; the West’s fuel
interests (oil, gas, pipelines) in a given country in opposition to
similar potential interests from Russia. There are many candidates for
revolution: Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, shattered Moldova,
totalitarian Turkmenistan.
Armenia is also a worthy candidate. That country is facing a serious
social-economic crisis, its people is displeased with its regime,
Russian influence is too big and would better be reduced. Recent
surveys have shown that Armenians are becoming increasingly inclined
towards Europe and are tending to support any opposition to the
regime. Many experts say that Armenia is the next victim to revolution
– snowdrop revolution. But there are serious obstacles too: the
opposition is motley and lacks the political drive, the power hunger
of Saakashvili and Yuschenko. It is all but consolidated, has no
director and no financing. There could be revolution in Armenia after
the elections 2003 but it did not happen. Washington must have
considered the Armenian opposition not sufficiently anti-Russian – a
prerequisite for real support. Besides Russia has troops in Armenia.
As for neighboring Azerbaijan it is hardly a candidate for
revolution. Until recently it has been a loyal outpost of the US in
the Caspian region. Now under Aliev Junior Baku has become
ambiguous. It is still bad with Moscow (because of Armenia) but
instead it has made friends with Iran, the country the US hates very
much. This is serious but not enough for a coup. Besides there is no
mass displeasure with Ilham Aliev in Azerbaijan; nor are there any
threats to the US’ oil interests. No, in Azerbaijan the western
scenario makers will rather work with the incumbent regime than try to
change it, concludes Milovzorov.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
01/24/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF Celebrates over a Century of Service to Armenians Worldwide 2) Rep. Linda Sanchez Latest Addition to Congressional Armenian Caucus 3) US Ambassador Evans Comments on Jones's Statement 4) Council of Europe Defames Armenia 1) ARF Celebrates over a Century of Service to Armenians Worldwide GLENDALE--The Southern California Armenian community, along with the faithful from as far away as Fresno, gathered in Glendale, California on January 22 to celebrate the anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), founded in 1890. Glendale High School's auditorium was packed with about 2,000 supporters who came to mark the venerable organization's unwavering commitment and dedication to the Armenian people for more than a hundred years, through thick and thin. The Homenetmen regional band, along with the scouts of its Ararat chapter, opened the program with the flag ceremony, followed by the performances of the American national anthem by Nanor Hindoyan, and the Armenian and ARF anthems by Nersik Ispiryan. Honored guests included Western Region Prelate Archbishop Mousegh Mardirossian and Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and former Primate Vatche Hovsepian, representatives of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical churches, Armenia's Consul General in the US Gagik Kirakossian, ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian, Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, as well as representatives of the ADL (Ramgavar party), AGBU, ARS, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, and other representatives of various organizations and the media. Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Vasken Madenlian conveyed welcoming remarks and served as the evening's emcee. Subsequent speakers included Melanie Vartabedian of the Armenian Youth Federation, Anahit Stepanian of the ARF Central Committee, as well as keynote speaker ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian. Margarian began, noting that for decades on, when commemorating the anniversary of the ARF, these events serve as an opportunity to be accountable to the public. Addressing current fundamental changes and unfolding of strategic situations throughout the world, Margarian stressed that numerous important political and international advancements were registered during the past year. "In the case of Armenia, these advancements have come in the social, domestic-political, economic sectors, and in foreign policy; there has also been progress in Armenia-diaspora relations, in the advancement of the Armenian case, pan-Armenian, as well in the development of pan-diasporan community relations." As far as ARF's role and activity in carrying out vital social and economic reforms in Armenia, Margarian noted that the ARF's role as a government coalition partner is not a self-serving one, and stressed that its participation does not imply that the Tashnagtsutiun is fully content with the government's activities. "Rather, as a coalition partner, the Tashnagtsutiun strives to guarantee that the government works toward maintaining and continuing reform programs. It serves to ensure that the government's fight against corruption and bribery are more forceful, and that it more effectively pursues the shaping of civil and public sectors, the implementation of democratic ideals, and preservation of national harmony." In order to effectively tackle the country's widespread corruption, the ARF, revealed Margarian, urged the Armenian government to join Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). As a result, Armenia became the 37th member, agreeing to adopt a strategic plan of action to stamp out corruption, and indicating its clear-cut political will to integrate European standards into society. Armenia's membership, he stressed, also presumes legislative commitments, and a multidisciplinary approach to fighting corruption that includes cross-border cooperation between states and international institutions. In summary, Margarian stated that for the ARF, priority lies in pursuit of issues tied to Armenia's security. "The ARF cannot win when the people of Armenia and our nation are under threat. During these times, the ARF, when considering its political goals, simply cannot assume the role of a spectator." He said that the ARF will continue to fight--at all cost and available means, to establish democracy in Armenia and in eliminating poverty and corruption. Margarian also spoke of recent upheavals in the South Caucuses, as well as the effects of foreign intervention and policy on the region, specifically Armenia. He said that the opposition in Armenia, inspired by developments in Georgia, attempted to seize power, creating instability, and threatening not only the situation in Mountainous Karabagh Republic, but also developments and advancements in Armenia. Margarian stressed that the ARF immediately called for negotiations between the government and the opposition to maintain internal stability. Although the opposition rejected all offers, the efforts and propositions of the ARF nevertheless helped in quelling internal crisis. And as a result of that policy, the party today enjoys a certain political authority, leverage, and respect by the authorities, opposition organizations, political forces, as well as international and diplomatic representatives operating in Armenia, he said. On Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), Margarian emphasized that the commitment of the diaspora to the issue, and the involvement of all Armenians are guarantees that our victories there will be preserved and strengthened. He affirmed ARF's commitment to its fundamental views in establishing a resolution to the conflict--according to which, and also legally--MKR must be a part of the Republic of Armenia. On the issue of Javakhk, a majority Armenian populated region of Georgia, Margarian said that Georgia is obliged to practically display its commitment to lifting not only its biased policy in the region, but one that has neglected the economic and basic social needs of the population. Margarian noted the importance of commemorating the 90th anniversary of the genocide of Armenians by Turkey, saying, "Armenians must once again convey their condemnation of that act against humanity--stressing to the world that there will never be forgiveness without repentance and just compensation. Only then can there be normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, and only then can progress be registered." 2) Rep. Linda Sanchez Latest Addition to Congressional Armenian Caucus --Two term Congresswoman has been active on Genocide Recognition and US-Armenia Economic Relations Issues GLENDALE--Southern California Democrat Linda Sanchez (39th Dist.) is the most recent in a line of Representatives who have become members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. She joins Representatives Ben Chandler (R-KY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Joe Schwarz (R-MI), all of whom have added their names to the Caucus over the past three weeks. Since her election to Congress in 2002, Rep. Sanchez has consistently been active on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. In the 108th Congress, she was a cosponsor of a measure, which granted permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) to Armenia. She has also been vocal in urging President Bush to properly commemorate the Armenian genocide, joining over 160 of her colleagues in cosigning letters to the President regarding the topic in April 2003 and 2004. `We appreciate Rep. Linda Sanchez's leadership and advocacy on issues of concern to her Armenian American constituency,' commented ANCA Western Region Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian. `It is through exemplary leadership like hers that we will see the membership of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues continue to grow.' An attorney by profession prior to her election to office, Rep. Sanchez currently serves on the House Government Reforms, Small Business and Judiciary Committees. She convincingly defeated Republican Tim Escobar in the 2004 Congressional elections, garnering 61% of the vote. Established in 1995 and co-chaired by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the Congressional Armenian Caucus is a bipartisan forum for the discussion of policies to foster increased cooperation between the United States and Armenian governments and to strengthen the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian peoples. 3) US Ambassador Evans Comments on Jones's Statement YEREVAN (Arminfo)--In an interview broadcast by TV Company Armenia, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans stated, `I know what criminal elements US Assistant Secretary of the State Elizabeth Jones was referring to and do not think the matter concerned Nagorno-Karabakh.' According to the ambassador, the US's position on Karabagh, which calls for a peaceful settlement to the conflict, remains unchanged. `I have known her for almost 30 years as a professional diplomat and when I first read about her statement, I thought immediately: something is wrong here,' commented Evans. Jones's intent, according to Evans, is to create closer cooperation between the US and Russia in resolving the conflicts in Abkhazia, Transdnesitria, and Mountainous Karabagh. `I know the geography [of the region] and I don't think that the matter concerned Nagorno Karabakhwe know what districts and elements she meant,' the American diplomat said. Evans also added that the US has for several years now allocated support to Mountainous Karabagh, and those who misinterpret Jones's statement are attempting to damage US-Armenia relations. 4) Council of Europe Defames Armenia STRASBOURG--The European Armenian Federation announced over the weekend that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is on the verge of adopting two resolutions, one questioning the independent status of the Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), and the other excluding the Armenian genocide day of remembrance from the European calendar. PACE members will determine the fate of both resolutions on Tuesday. Prepared by David Atkinson (Democrat) from the United Kingdom, the resolution dealing with MKR notes that `considerable parts of the territory of Azerbaijan are still occupied by Armenian forces' and that `separatist forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.' Full of incendiary language, the resolution also describes MKR as a mono-ethnic area `which [evokes] the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing.' `The Atkinson report is the report of Azerbaijan. This country believes that shifting the institutional framework will turn its crimes into virtues. Attempts of ethnic cleansing actually occurred but, contrary to Mr. Atkinson insinuations, it was the policy led by Baku,' declared Laurent Leylekian, executive director of the European Armenian Federation. `Without the fight for self-determination led by the people of Karabagh, theses historically Armenian territories would no longer house Armenians, as is the case today in the region of Nakhitchevan or throughout the areas of Eastern Turkey,' Leylekian added. On Tuesday, parliamentarians will also vote on a resolution drafted by Sweden's Mats Einarsson (United Left), which calls for the `establishment of a European remembrance center for victims of forced population movements and ethnic cleansing.' In its current form, the resolution cites several examples of genocides perpetrated during the twentieth century, including the Holocaust organized by the Nazis, the forced migrations directed by Stalin, and the genocide of the Ukrainians. It, however, deliberately omits mention of the Armenian genocide. `How can we grant credibility to an institution which supports such a biased lecture of history?' questioned Leylekian. `By taking cues from Turkey, the Council of Europe is making itself party to a second symbolic murder of the Armenians of Anatolia and Western Armenia. Such a move, taken by an institution which claims to serve as the guardian of human rights in Europe, is simply pathetic.' The European Armenian Federation has called upon European citizens and organizations to intervene in the matter, by urging their PACE representatives to vote against the two resolutions. A complete list of PACE parliamentarians is available online at All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Macedonian Press Agency
MONDAY, 24 JANUARY 2005
SAE PRESIDENT VISIT TO WASHINGTON
Washington, 24 January 2005 (14:39 UTC+2)
World SAE President Andrew A. Athens, attended the festivities for President
Bush’s inauguration in Washington and concluded a series of meetings dealing
with the U.S. position on Turkey and Cyprus, Omogeneia issues in Albania and
SAE’s medical program.
`It was a very productive visit, especially in planning Omogeneia actions on
Cyprus’, Mr. Athens stated. `At the meeting with the officers of the major
Cypriot organizations we decided to focus on a short-term, intensive effort
in anticipation of the October deadline Turkey is facing on the future of
its discussions with the European Union.’ The meeting was requested by PSEKA
President Phil Christopher and attended by Cyprus Federation of America
President Panicos Papanicolaou and former president Savvas Tsivicos; Greek
Ambassador George Savvaidis and Cypriot Ambassador Evripides Evriviadis.
In meetings with highly placed Congressmen and State Department officials,
Mr. Athens sought and received key U.S. backing in support of the
application of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and Albania to be granted
Albanian citizenship. `Because Albania does not have clear laws regarding
citizenship, it has taken a long time to act on the application of his
Eminence’, Mr. Athens said.
At a dinner hosted by Mr. Athens and Mr. Andrew Manatos of the Coordinated
Effort of Hellenes, the Omogeneia honoured his Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
of America. Among about 50 invitees were Congressman Bilirakis and State
Department and National Security Council officials, including Undersecretary
Barbara Pope, and USAID Director Andrew Natsios.
During his visit to Washington, Mr. Athens also presented reports on the
Primary Health Care Initiative to USAID Director Natsios and Ambassador for
Humanitarian Assistance Tom Adams. The development agency supports SAE’s
health care program for Hellenes and recently utilized PHCI to upgrade
health care stations in Armenia and Georgia.
After the visit to Washington, Mr. Athens was scheduled to fly to
Thessaloniki to attend the commemoration of the Memorial Day honouring Greek
victims of the Holocaust.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN MP SAYS USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAN “UNACCEPTABLE”
Arminfo
19 Jan 05
YEREVAN
Armenia believes that any use of force against neighbouring Iran is
unacceptable and might have dangerous repercussions, the head of the
Foreign Relations Commission of the Armenian National Assembly and a
representative of the supreme body of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation – Dashnaktsutyun, Armen Rustamyan, told an Arminfo
correspondent today when commenting on the US president’s statement
about the possibility of using military force against Iran if the
latter continues developing its nuclear programme.
“Iran is Armenia’s closest neighbour and strategic partner. Not very
long ago when Armenia was facing difficult times, it was the friendly
relations with Iran that helped the republic overcome the blockade and
economic recession. And it is quite natural that any use of force
against Iran runs counter to the interests of Armenia,” Armen
Rustamyan said.
The head of the commission stressed that the military action in Iraq,
which the United States carried out without the consent of the UN
Security Council, should give Washington food for thought. He said
decisions on the use of military force against any country without the
consent of the UN Security Council threaten with dangerous and
unpredictable consequences, which was the case in Iraq.

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
January 18, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA CRITICIZES STATE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT DESCRIBING THE
NAGORNO KARABAGH REPUBLIC AS “CRIMINAL SECESSIONISTS”
— Incendiary Remarks by Assistant Secretary of
State Jones Undermine the Karabagh Peace Process
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today condemned highly incendiary statements by U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones referring to Nagorno Karabagh’s
leaders as “criminal secessionists” and calling for their removal
from power. The statement came as part of a January 13th digital
video-conference with journalists in U.S. Embassies in Moscow, Rome
and Bratislava.
“Assistant Secretary Jones’s comments seriously weaken the
foundation of our role – as Americans – as impartial mediators of
the Nagorno Karabagh conflict,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.
“Her remarks unfairly attack the right of the people of Nagorno
Karabagh to express themselves democratically through elections.
They also prejudice the outcome of the OSCE negotiations,
materially compromising the search for peace, and – very
significantly – embolden the growing chorus in the Azerbaijan
government that are calling for renewed aggression against Nagorno
Karabagh.”
“The Armenian American community is shocked and outraged at
Assistant Secretary Jones’ remarks. We condemn her statements as
counter to the long-standing U.S. policy of helping the parties
reach a negotiated settlement, and call on the Administration to
begin repairing this damage by immediately and clearly renouncing
these patently unfair and demonstrably inaccurate remarks,” said
Hachikian.
During the video conference, Jones, in discussing U.S. bi-lateral
relations with Russia, called for increased engagement in resolving
regional conflicts in the former Soviet Union, stating:
“It is in Russia’s interest for these areas, for Transnistria,
Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, for these areas to be
stable, for corruption to end there, for the criminal secessionists
who rule there to be removed. It is not appropriate for this kind
of instability and criminality to exist right in the middle of
Europe.”
When asked to clarify her reference to “criminal secessionists” in
the region, Jones stated:
“What about the areas that are right around Russia’s borders where
there are, as I said, secessionists who are criminals that seem to us
to undercut Russia’s security by allowing and not really addressing
in a concrete way the fact that there are secessionist, two
secessionist areas remaining in Georgia and one in Moldova. There
are still outstanding questions with Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia can
play a very positive leadership role in addressing these questions.
It cannot be in Russia’s interest to allow this kind of criminal
activity to take place so close to its borders. This is where there
can be a breeding ground for terrorists. That is not in Russia’s
interests. It is not in Russia’s interest, or in the interests of
the United States or Europe for these areas to be free for weapons
transportation, for narcotics transportation and trafficking. It
cannot be in Russia’s interests.”
The complete transcript from the video conference may be obtained
on the U.S. Embassy-Moscow, Russia website: