Author: Ekmekjian Janet

Daily News , South Africa
Nov 19 2004
Suspected mercenaries ‘chained like animals’
By Beauregard Tromp
Malabo: A South African arms dealer who could face death for plotting
to overthrow the president of Equatorial Guinea told a court
yesterday he and his comrades had been chained like animals and
tortured into confessing.
Equatorial Guinea’s state prosecutor demanded the death penalty for
Nick du Toit and decades in jail for 13 other suspected foreign
mercenaries.
But in a dramatic final day of submissions in a trial that began in
August, the defendants stood up in chains and handcuffs to plead
their innocence.
“No weapons, no arms, no explosives were found on us,” Du Toit said.
“We have done nothing wrong. Since our arrest, we have been chained
like wild animals. We have been tortured by the police.There hasn’t
been any coup attempt.”
State Prosecutor Jose Olo Obono rejected any allegations of
mistreatment, saying all prisoners’ rights had been respected.
“Any statement to the contrary is not admissible in this trial,” he
told the court.
After closing arguments yesterday the fate of the eight alleged South
African mercenaries and their co-accused is now in the balance with
the very real threat of every man spending the rest of his life in
prison.
Yesterday the men shuffled to the front of the courtroom in Atepa
International Convention Centre constrained by their leg-irons, and
one by one pleaded to the judge for their lives. Judgment is set to
be delivered next Friday.
First to enter the courtroom was Jose Domingos, one of the
naturalised South African Angolans, followed by Mark Smit, the
youngest of the group, who was brought in at the last minute to work
as a cook.
Some have visibly lost weight since a month ago. Most were wearing
shorts, T-shirts and sandals with the eight South Africans and six
Armenians still in handcuffs and leg irons.
After the judge and his two magistrates were seated, the alleged
ringleader of the mercenaries, Nic du Toit, was brought in, escorted
by six soldiers.
When the men were taken away later Du Toit was driven away alone in a
police van. He was kept away from the rest of the group who are all
seated behind eight defence attorneys.
The Equatorial Guinea authorities say there has been at least one
attempt to free the prisoners. It also emerged that while the
attention was focused on the trial of Mark Thatcher in Cape Town,
there had been another coup attempt.
The latest plot, EG authorities said, apparently was a local attempt
that was quickly quashed before it came to fruition.
Inside the courtroom a photographer and video cameraman moved around
the floor, photographing everybody present at the trial.
Even young Mark, who seemed teary-eyed and bewildered a few months
ago, has changed, now sporting a beard and a steely look was visible
from under his furrowed brow.
During the half-hour recess the men were glad for the opportunity to
speak to the South African officials attending the trial.
For Du Toit and Bones Boonzaaier it was another rare opportunity to
see their wives.
As they sit in an adjoining room, staring into their partners’ eyes
like young, starry-eyed lovers, they seem to relish every tidbit of
information they receive.
There was no talk of the trial, the horrendous prison conditions or
their health but rather of family, children and home. – Foreign
Service and Reuters

Azeri, Armenian foreign ministers meet in Berlin
Lider TV, Baku
19 Nov 04

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met his Armenian
counterpart, Vardan Oskanyan. At their meeting in Berlin, the
ministers continued discussing the issues which topped the agenda of
their Prague meeting [30 August 2004], the Azerbaijani Foreign
Ministry press service reported.
Mammadyarov will leave for New York tomorrow to attend discussions of
the situation on Azerbaijan’s occupied territories at the UN General
Assembly on 23 November.

Thames River – Results of EGM

Regulatory News Service
Nov 19, 2004

RNS Number:4554F Thames River Traditional Funds 19 November 2004 STOCK
EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT For Immediate Release 19 November 2004 Thames
River Traditional Funds plc Re: Results of Extraordinary General
Meetings The Directors of Thames River Traditional Funds plc (the
“Company”) wish to announce that, the resolutions regarding amendments
to the Investment Objective and Policy of the Eastern European Fund
and the Global Emerging Markets Fund, sub-funds of the Company, as
detailed in a Circular sent to shareholders on 22 October, 2004, were
passed at an extraordinary general meeting held on 12 November,
2004. The amendments to the Investment Objective and Policy of the
Eastern European Fund and the Global Emerging Markets Fund are set out
below: Eastern European Fund The definition of “Eastern Europe” in
Supplement 3 of the Prospectus has been amended to include the
following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Following this change, the third and
fourth paragraphs of the investment objective and policy section of
Supplement 3 of the Prospectus in respect of the Eastern European Fund
will read as follows: “Investment will be made primarily in the
securities of companies listed or traded on markets or exchanges in
Eastern Europe although the Fund reserves the right to invest in
companies whose securities are traded on other Recognised Exchanges in
which the Company may invest where these derive a substantial
proportion of revenue or profits from investments or business
conducted in or from Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe will for this
purpose include but shall not be limited to any or all of the
following countries or their successor states: Bulgaria, Croatia, the
Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,
Romania, Russia, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Turkey and
Ukraine. Investment in securities of companies located in Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan,
Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be undertaken
through depository receipts or other transferable securities such as
bonds issued by corporate and governmental issuers traded on
Recognised Exchanges.” Global Emerging Markets Fund “Russia and the
states of the Russian Federation” has been replaced with “Russia and
the countries of the Former Soviet Union” in the list of countries
included in which the Global Emerging Markets Fund will primarily
invest. “Bulgaria” has also been added to this list. Following this
change the first paragraph of the investment objective and policy
section of Supplement 5 of the Prospectus in respect of the Global
Emerging Markets Fund will read as follows: “The investment objective
of the Global Emerging Markets Fund is to achieve capital appreciation
through investment primarily in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile,
Venezuela, Peru, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Bulgaria, Croatia, the Baltic Republics, Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt,
Israel, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, South Africa, Sri Lanka,
Taiwan, South Korea, North Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, Russia and the
countries of the Former Soviet Union and, in addition, such countries
as may, at the time of investment, be in the Morgan Stanley Capital
International Emerging Markets Free Index (known as “MSCI EMF”),
collectively “Global Emerging Market Countries” or “Global Emerging
Markets”. Enquiries: Ashling Walsh Dillon Eustace +353 1 667 0022 J&E
Davy Elaine Drennan +353 1 614 8933 This announcement has been issued
through the Companies Announcement Service of the Irish Stock
Exchange. This information is provided by RNS The company news service
from the London Stock Exchange
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Los Angeles Times, CA
Nov 14 2004
After Years of Relative Peace, Christians Live in Fear
Church bombings, threats and attacks have driven tens of thousands
to leave Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Many fear a pogrom.
By Patrick J. McDonnell, Times Staff Writer
BAGHDAD — A wave of attacks on churches and Christians viewed as
infidels or collaborators is generating alarm among a Christian
community that has long lived in relative peace alongside Iraq’s
Muslim majority.
Growing antagonism from Islamic extremists and insurgents has driven
tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians from the country in the last 18
months, and many more are planning to emigrate.
“We are crying tears of blood in grief for what is happening in
Iraq,” said Khayri Estayfan Abona, a 44-year-old mechanical engineer
and father of three who was among a number of Christians lined up at
a passport office here. “We are weak and helpless, so we are made
into scapegoats.”
In the northern city of Mosul, home to a large Christian population,
leaflets from self-described mujahedin warned women to cover their
faces and dress conservatively during the Muslim holy month of
Ramadan. Christian students at Mosul University boycotted classes
last month after threats from extremists. Rumors have spread of
expropriation of Christian property. Graffiti have warned Christians
to leave or face death.
“Muslims and Christians have been living together on this land for
more than a millennium, as brothers living in one homeland,” declared
several Christian groups in a public appeal issued last month seeking
support from Muslims. “The blood of Christians mixed with the blood
of Muslims in defending this land.”
Privately, some Christians fear repression and a sanctioned pogrom if
conservative Islamists come to power next year, when Iraq is
scheduled to hold its first democratic elections. Islamic groups long
repressed under Saddam Hussein’s secular regime have moved to the
forefront of Iraqi political life since U.S.-led forces ousted the
dictator. Christians have endeavored to maintain a low profile amid
the turmoil.
Christians are said to have resided in what is now Iraq since the
early days of their religion. Today, Iraq’s diverse Christian
population stands at about 800,000, according to community estimates,
or about 3% of the nation’s population of 25 million.
Although Christians have long been marginalized in Iraq, and suffered
like most Iraqis under totalitarian rule, even Hussein’s Baathist
regime did not systematically persecute them. Christian villages in
the north were emptied as part of Hussein’s “Arabization” campaign,
but that drive was primarily aimed at displacing Muslim Kurds and
creating a new Arab majority in areas close to the lucrative oil
fields.
Many Iraqi Christians did well in business and assorted trades,
particularly the hotel and restaurant sectors. Hussein’s deputy prime
minister, Tariq Aziz, currently in U.S. custody, was perhaps the
best-known Christian in Iraq. Christians here generally are
considered pro- democracy and liberal.
Driving away this generally well-educated and moderate population can
only harm a nation with a dire need for economic advancement and
tolerance, Christian leaders say.
“What worries us is the tyranny of the majority,” said Wathiq Hindo,
a U.S.-educated businessman and prominent Christian whose uncle was
an archbishop of the Syriac Catholic Church.
“Saddam was a dictator, but he was not a religious fanatic. Religious
fanaticism is a threat to us,” said Hindo, who graduated from a
Jesuit high school and college in Baghdad.
Although fanaticism may motivate some of the attacks, others probably
are related to the widespread perception that Iraqi Christians
welcomed the downfall of Hussein and the arrival of the U.S.
military. Insurgents have targeted anyone working with U.S. troops,
be they Muslim or Christian, Arab or Kurd.
Late last month, Christian representatives here estimated that about
7% of their fellow Christians — or more than 50,000 people — had left
Iraq since Hussein was toppled. A large number headed initially to
Syria, where many have relatives. But the ultimate hope of a great
number of Christians is to immigrate eventually to the United States,
Canada, Australia or other destinations for the Iraqi Christian
diaspora.
One of the largest Iraqi Christian communities in the United States
is in San Diego County. Iraqi immigrants there say they are
increasingly dismayed as they hear of difficulties for Christians in
their homeland. Efforts to get approval from the federal government
to allow fleeing Christians into the U.S. have been unavailing,
community leaders said.
“It’s very bad,” said Jibran Hannaney, a civil engineer. “As much as
I thought the grace of God was coming to our people when Saddam
Hussein was pushed from power, basically it’s been the wrath of the
devil instead. This liberation-turned- occupation has not helped our
people.”
Hannaney said almost all Iraqi Christian families in San Diego County
have relatives and friends who have fled Iraq for Jordan, Syria,
Australia or another country after learning that they could not enter
the United States.
The recent migration is an acceleration of an established trend of
Iraqi Christians seeking opportunities elsewhere. The withering cycle
of warfare and sanctions has prompted as much as half of the nation’s
Christian population to emigrate since the 1980s, community leaders
say.
The great majority of Iraqi Christians are Chaldeans, an Eastern Rite
Catholic group. Other groups — Assyrians, Syriacs and Armenians —
also have lived here for generations. One sect, the Mandaeans, are
followers of John the Baptist. Some Christians still speak and hold
services in a modern-day form of Aramaic, the language Jesus is said
to have spoken.
A smattering of Protestants and Roman Catholics also have lived in
Iraq since the period of British rule after World War I. In addition,
the fall of Hussein has drawn Protestant missionaries.
Coordinated bombings of at least seven Baghdad churches in the last
four weeks followed attacks on churches in Baghdad and Mosul in
August that left 11 dead and 50 wounded. Some churches have suspended
Sunday services.
Numerous Christian-run liquor stores have been firebombed and forced
to close. Because alcohol is taboo to Muslims, Christians
traditionally have been the only Iraqis licensed to sell it.
“We’ve always been able to do our job and live with our Muslim
neighbors in peace, but now all that is changed,” said Imad Polis
Jajo, whose liquor store in Baghdad was firebombed last summer.
A few days after the bombing, a letter arrived at Jajo’s door. If he
attempted to restart the business, it warned, his 15-year-old son,
Rafeef, would be kidnapped. Jajo is now unemployed and must seek help
from relatives, he said during a recent interview at a near-deserted
Christian social club in central Baghdad. Its gloomy emptiness
attested to the fear that has gripped the Christian community here.
“Even during the time of Saddam we were free to come to our club,”
said Sameer Khouri, the administrative secretary of the facility.
“Now, people are afraid to leave their homes.”
In Mosul, some Christian women have acceded to anonymous demands to
modify their dress in accordance with Islamic code as a means of
self-protection.
“I put on the hijab [head scarf] … to prevent being harmed by these
crazy people,” said Dalia Ishaq, 18, a student at the Fine Arts
Institute for Girls in Mosul. She blamed the excesses on extremists.
“All my friends are Muslim girls,” Ishaq said, “and this threat would
never change my relationship with them.”
Throughout Iraq, Christians interviewed echoed those sentiments,
emphasizing their ties to Muslim neighbors.
“I have so many Muslim friends, and they have never treated me
harshly — they are just like my sisters,” said Rana Saeed Jerjees,
25, a teacher in Mosul. “I think there are certain people who want a
civil war to break out in Mosul and all over Iraq. This is all part
of a major plan, and we must never surrender to such schemes.”
Mainstream Muslim clerics and the Iraqi interim government have
repeatedly condemned sectarian attacks on Christians. The nation’s
interim constitution explicitly recognizes religious freedom and the
rights of minorities.
However, many Christians wonder whether the government — battered by
an insurgency and needing U.S.-led multinational troops to maintain
some semblance of order — can prevent such violence.
One plan under consideration is for Christians to field a slate of
candidates for January’s elections to ensure that they are
represented in the 275-member National Assembly.
Another idea that has met with a cool reception among Christians is
the creation of a kind of Christian safe haven in the plains of
Nineveh province, outside Mosul. Proponents hope to attract
Christians who have left the country, but others fear a kind of rural
ghettoization.
“We don’t want to be refugees in our own homeland,” said Yunadam
Khanna, a Christian representative in Iraq’s interim parliament.
“There is a general crisis in Iraq, and what is happening to the
Christians is part of that crisis.”
*Times staff writer Suhail Ahmed and special correspondent Said Rifai
in Baghdad, special correspondent Roaa Ahmed in Mosul and staff
writer Tony Perry in San Diego contributed to this report.
–Boundary_(ID_IruMllrBnvOEoltu+pUuBg)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MP says US military presence could facilitate solution to Azerbaijan’s
problems
Zerkalo, Baku
11 Nov 04
An Azerbaijani MP has blamed Russia for instability in the South
Caucasus and said it was time to ask other countries for help
in bringing back peace to the region. In his comments to Zerkalo
newspaper, Alimammad Nuriyev said he was “genuinely” interested in the
stationing of US military bases in Azerbaijan which, he said, could
facilitate a solution to some of Azerbaijan’s domestic problems. The
following is an excerpt from report by C. Sumarinli and C. Bayramova
in the Azerbaijani newspaper Zerkalo on 11 November headlined
“NATO forces could be stationed in Fuzuli District” and sub-headed
“Russian media claim that the USA pushes Azerbaijan into an abysm of
chaos”. Subheadings have been inserted editorially.
Russia’s concerns
In an effort to thwart Russia’s initiative of building the strategic
Moscow-Yerevan-Tehran vector, the USA and Turkey are cherishing some
kind of a plan. Namely, as [Russian] Gazeta SNG reports, the two
countries, without the unnecessary hue and cry, intend to launch a
programme of assistance to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces similar to
the Train and Equip programme apparently finishing in Georgia.
“Back in July 2002, the information came in that soon after the arrival
of several hundred US commandos in Georgia, about 40 US servicemen
came to Azerbaijan, apparently for training purposes as well. It is
hard to say how many US servicemen there are in Azerbaijan now,” says
the author of the article and adds that these countries have chosen
the zone of the Karabakh conflict (Fuzuli District) to implement
their training programmes.
The author says that it is not at all necessary to be in an immediate
vicinity of the contact line to provide training – there are also
firing ranges in the rear which have been generously scattered on the
entire territory of Azerbaijan ever since the Soviet times. However,
the article contains a pointed hint that the USA is interested in
destabilizing the situation in the region. “The lessons the US military
taught to Georgian servicemen are manifesting themselves. The central
role in instability in Abkhazia and South Ossetia is played by the
very Georgian commandos trained by the Americans. If the USA manages
to break the `Russian chain’ in the Caucasus and, following Abkhazia
and South Ossetia, destabilize the zone of the Karabakh conflict, a
`US-controlled chaos’ will be in store for the region.”
“Azerbaijan’s priority – integration into Euro-Atlantic area”
The head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry,
Ramiz Malikov, says he has no information about the training of our
servicemen by that of the USA. He described the reports as being wide
of the mark.
Contrary to this, a member of the standing parliamentary commission
on defence and security, Alimammad Nuriyev, says: “It sounds quite
realistic that US servicemen may train ours. And I can’t rule out
that this may be so in the near future. The concern of the Russian
side over the possible stationing of the US forces in Azerbaijan is
understandable. However, we shouldn’t forget that cooperation between
the USA and Azerbaijan, which are allies, may develop in different
spheres. While up until now this cooperation mainly centred on the
political and economic fields, now these relations may expand in the
military sphere as well,” Nuriyev said.
In principle, Azerbaijan should treat quite normally the possible
stationing of US mobile forces and the establishment of training
centres on its territory, at least because our country is part of the
antiterror coalition. At the same time, the MP said that Azerbaijan’s
priority is integration into the Euro-Atlantic security system. This
implies that the process of army building in Azerbaijan must be in
line with the NATO standards. And this necessitates the opening of
such training centres.
The MP added that “it wasn’t by chance that during his recent visit
to Baku NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer assigned the
`homework’ of ensuring the involvement of US top brass in the training
of Azerbaijani servicemen”.
Time to ask for help in restoring stability in South Caucasus
At the same time, Nuriyev said that the opening of the US training
centres on the territory of Azerbaijan can to some degree facilitate
the solution to the country’s problems. “This first of all holds true
for the Karabakh problem. Our commandos trained by the US servicemen
may play a major role in liberating our occupied territories,”
he said. The MP welcomed the idea of a US military presence in
Azerbaijan. “While I do not have credible information about the
presence of US military bases here, I would genuinely like that to
happen. Why don’t we use the NATO security systems for our integration
into the Euro-Atlantic area when the Qabala radar station being used
by Russia can easily operate in our country?”
At the same time, the MP does not believe that the American presence
in the region can destabilize the situation. “Instability has been
an inherent part of this region since 1990 and this is `thanks’ to
an active involvement of the Russian armed forces and their support
for the Armenian side. It is common knowledge that Russia could have
turned the South Caucasus into a stable region. But it chose not
to. Therefore, to stabilize the situation it is necessary to resort
to the assistance of other countries,” the MP said.
[Passage omitted: opinion of an independent expert]

PM SAYS DOUBTS ABOUT OCTOBER 27 ATTACK NOT FULLY DIFFUSED
ArmenPress
Nov 11 2004
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS: Armenian prime minister Andranik
Margarian admitted on November 10 that despite the chief prosecutor’s
council’s decision to drop the so-called “separated case” that
was supposed to find out whether the 1999 October 27 attack on
the parliament had been designed by other people except the five
terrorists, there still remain some doubts.
The chief prosecutor’s council made the decision two days ago
saying that all investigative measures had failed to track down
other masterminds of the assault.. Margarian called on all people
who claimed that they have information that may shed new light to
the attack, to present it to prosecutors.
Margarian, who was among parliament hostages, said when he was giving
testimony he mentioned that his impression was that the attackers
were waiting for someone else, for an assistance beyond the parliament
walls. He said he still has the same impression.
“I hope that some evidence will be brought about to diffuse these
doubts, if not now, maybe in future,” he said.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/09/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) No Shift in Armenia's Genocide Recognition Policy 2) Caucus Co-Chairs Oppose Azeri Effort to Disrupt Karabagh Peace Process 3) Aliyev Boast of Settlement Alternative, Major Military Spending Boost 4) Ball in Baku's Court Says Armenian Foreign Minister 5) Slovak Parliament to Discuss a Genocide Resolution 6) Zhvania, Kokoity Meeting in Sochi 1) No Shift in Armenia's Genocide Recognition Policy YEREVAN (Armenpress/Noyan Tapan)Armenia's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamlet Gasparian said Armenia's policy for international recognition of the 1915 genocide has not changed, and remains a foreign policy priority. His comment came in response to Azeri and Turkish media reports that Yerevan may be considering a shift in its policy to help normalization of ties with Turkey. The reports claimed the shift may be indicated by the lack of regular reference to the genocide in next year's draft budget sent to parliament for approval. Gasparian said the draft budget has no relation to Armenia's consistency and decisiveness to continue the campaign for international recognition of the genocide, adding that no previous budget has ever had a special clause earmarking such expenditures. "The international recognition of the Armenian genocide does not refer to Armenia or Armenians alone; it refers to humanity and cannot be placed within a budget or other financial calculations," Gasparian said. The lack of reference to the genocide in the budget appears to have aroused enthusiasm in Turkey and Azerbaijan. The Azeri press reported that a historical coup is taking place in Armenia. "Yeni Musavat" states that the government of Armenia is making a historical decision while trying to improve its relations with Turkey. The "Aina" newspaper writes that the Armenian authorities are taking a wiser stance on the issue of the genocide. Turkish mass media does not reveal, however, if the genocide issue has ever been included in Armenia's budget. According to the Istanbul-based Marmara Armenian newspaper, political observers stress that the absence of the indicated point in the budget does not indicate a change of Armenia's policies. 2) Caucus Co-Chairs Oppose Azeri Effort to Disrupt Karabagh Peace Process --Urge Secretary Powell to "renounce" and "secure retraction" of proposed UN initiative WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) have urged Secretary of State Colin Powell to take decisive action against a UN resolution, introduced by Azerbaijan, which could seriously undermine the Karabagh peace process. In a November 7 letter to the Secretary of State, the Caucus Co-Chairs expressed concern about the "ill-advised" resolution on the "situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan," stating, "This intentionally disruptive resolution threatens the principles and procedures of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as well as the Minsk group mediation effort, co-chaired by the United States, France, and Russia to resolve the Karabagh conflict." The letter from the Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs continues, "Efforts to reinforce stability and reduce the risk of conflict are in the best interests of the US and the South Caucasus region. To this end, we urge that the United States forcefully renounce this proposal, secure its retraction, and impress upon the Azeri government that it should drop such counter-productive tactics in favor of a serious and lasting commitment to the OSCE Minsk Group process." "We want to thank the Co-Chairmen of the Armenian Issues Caucus--Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg--from drawing Secretary Powell's urgent attention to the threat that Azerbaijan's efforts at the United Nations to manipulate the Karabagh issue pose to US interests in the stability of the Caucasus region," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We share the concerns they raised in their letter and are also urging the State Department to take decisive action against destructive measures, such as this, that only foster greater divisiveness and set back the cause of peace in this important part of the world." On October 14, the Azeri Ambassador to the UN Yashar Aliyev, submitted a letter requesting that a resolution, which would restrict the repatriation of Armenians to their homes in Karabagh, be included on the UN General Assembly agenda. Prior to its consideration by the international panel, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) urged US Ambassador to the UN, John Danforth, to oppose the measure, citing the negative ramifications on the Karabagh peace process. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs issued a statement on October 27, noting that "introducing this issue to the United Nations General Assembly may have two negative consequences. In light of the situation we have outlined, this will be detrimental to the efforts to find a just and lasting settlement of the issue, particularly at this time. Secondly, it will fail to achieve consensus, a situation that will not be helpful. We advise avoiding this situation." Despite these efforts, on October 29, the UN General Assembly voted in support of the request during their regular session. The complete text of the Knollenberg/Pallone letter to Secretary Powell is provided below: Dear Mr. Secretary: We are writing to share with you our alarm over the prospect that Azerbaijan's continued efforts at the United Nations to manipulate the Nagorno Karabagh conflict will, if unchecked, undermine our clearly articulated national interest in the stability of the Caucasus. We refer, of course, to Azerbaijan's recent introduction of an ill-advised resolution on the "situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. This intentionally disruptive resolution threatens the principles and procedures of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as well as the Minsk group mediation effort, co-chaired by the United States, France and Russia, to resolve the Karabagh conflict. Azerbaijan's proposal represents a hostile declaration against the entire peace process, aimed only at fostering increased divisiveness. Its consideration can only set back the cause of peace. We are deeply concerned that the OSCE Minsk process cannot survive Azerbaijan's destabilizing tactics. Continued tampering with this process will inevitably produce a chain reaction resulting in its demise. We cannot afford to allow Azerbaijan to continue to disrupt the work of the OSCE, which, as you know, has been recognized by the UN itself as the lead arbiter in this conflict. We value the vital role the United States plays as an honest broker in the Nagorno Karabagh peace process. In this capacity, given our commitment to keep the parties talking and moving forward, it is necessary for the United States to act forcefully against destabilizing steps that will unravel the peace process. Our interests are best served by the continuation of dialogue on the outstanding issues related to Nagorno Karabagh within the OSCE framework, not by the fragmentation of this orderly process. Efforts to reinforce stability and reduce the risk of conflict are in the best interests of the US and the South Caucasus region. To this end, we urge that the United States forcefully renounce this proposal, secure its retraction, and impress upon the Azerbaijani government that it should drop such counter-productive tactics in favor of a serious and lasting commitment to the OSCE Minsk Group process. Thank you for your consideration of our views. We stand ready, of course, to assist you in addressing this matter in the interest of the American people. Sincerely, Joe Knollenberg Frank Pallone, Jr. Member of Congress 3) Aliyev Boast of Settlement Alternative, Major Military Spending Boost ASTARA, Azerbaijan (AFP/Armepress)--Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Tuesday that a peace agreement on regulating the Mountainous Karabagh conflict could not be signed unless Azeri territories are first liberated. "The conflict cannot be resolved unless Azerbaijan's territorial integrity is restored in full," he said. He also announced defense spending in Azerbaijan would grow by nearly one third in 2005, after Armenia unveiled plans to significantly boost its own military budget. Aliyev was visiting the southern regions of Azerbaijan. "Our parliament is discussing next year's budget, where spending will grow by 25 to 30 percent, and this includes military spending," Aliyev told reporters in Astara. Aliyev's comments followed a proposal made Monday by Armenia's parliament to raise defense spending by 20 percent to 99 million dollars in 2005. During his visit to the small seaside city Lenkoran located near the Southern border with Iran, Aliyev boasted, "If we see that that negotiations and international efforts are unproductive, then we can resort to ways to resolve the conflict." According to a finance ministry source, Azerbaijan's military spending in 2004 amounted to just under 150 million dollars. 4) Ball in Baku's Court Says Armenian Foreign Minister YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Talking about the prospects for resolving the Mountainous Karabagh conflict, Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said that "serious progress" was achieved during his four meetings with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov in Prague and Strasbourg over the past six months. "We can now enter the second stage of the Prague meetings and deepen the achievements of the first stage," Oskanian said. "Azerbaijan has announced that it would wait for Armenia's response to begin the second stage of the negotiations. I can announce through your Radio that Armenia has already given its positive answer and is ready to resume the negotiations as early as tomorrow." The Armenian Foreign Minister characterized as "a diplomatic mistake" Azerbaijan's initiative to include in the agenda of UN General Assembly the issue of the resettlement of Armenian families on Armenian-controlled Azerbaijani territories around Mountainous Karabagh. "Azerbaijan should not hope to continue the negotiations within OSCE Minsk Group and at the same time expect other solutions for separate issues picked from the whole package in other instances. It never happens," Oskanian said. "Either we continue the negotiations within the Minsk Group, trying to reach a solution of the whole problem, or Azerbaijan can take the issue to other instances, seeking separate solutions; in that case, Baku will have to deal with the authorities of Karabagh. The ball today is in their court." 5) Slovak Parliament to Discuss a Genocide Resolution YEREVAN (Armenpress)--During its November session, the Slovak parliament will discuss a resolution condemning the 1915 Armenian genocide. The resolution is supported by five factions of the Slovak legislature making up the absolute majority. The lawmakers will also be watching a documentary on the genocide, to be aired later on Slovak TV. The Armenian community of Slovakia and the political and diplomatic forces of Armenia are in full support of the resolution. 6) Zhvania, Kokoity Meeting in Sochi MOSCOW (Interfax)--Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and the leader of the self-proclaimed republic of South Ossetia, Eduard Kokoity, are currently meeting in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi. According to a source with the South Ossetian Information and Press Department, the meeting is also being attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Loshchinin and co-chairman of the Joint Control Commission representing North Ossetia, Taimuraz Kusov. Kusov told journalists that, even though they may hold differing opinions concerning the circumstances of the settlement, those responsible for driving forth the negotiations have completely ruled out the use of force as a viable solution. According to Kusov, they also agreed to contribute to an atmosphere of trust that will help the parties reach a comprehensive settlement. "The sides agreed to open transportation routes and are willing to do this," Kusov said. "Everything is going fine--the conversations concern joint cooperation, and I am very glad about the dialog that has been created," Loshchinin told journalists. One agreement signed during the meeting called for the withdrawal of all illegal armed units from the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zone by November 20. "Serious work and constructive positions of the participants in the meeting have resulted in the signing an important document. It imposes a cease-fire in the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zone and bans any military actions. This is backed by the parties' demilitarization obligations. Only peacekeepers will stay there. All illegal armed units have to be withdrawn. The deadline is November 20," read a Russian Foreign Ministry statement drafted after the agreement was signed on Friday. "All essential conditions for resuming negotiations on a comprehensive political settlement of the conflict have been set up," it said. "The document also stipulates the need to carry out joint economic projects. Fundamentally important is also the fact that the statement has been signed by the Georgian prime minister and the president of South Ossetia, which means the top level. The leaders of the two sides, displaying wisdom and great responsibility, have undertaken practical commitments to reach a settlement only by peaceful means. Russia is confident that these commitments will be honored," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. South Ossetia is legally a province of Georgia, but an armed conflict following a USSR collapse in the early 1990s led to its de facto independence. Tensions between Tbilisi and Tskhinvali have escalated in recent months, involving skirmishes, as Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has stepped up efforts to restore control over the breakaway republic. 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) 2004 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.

Iranian envoy says Azeri oil project “political” not commercial – Armenian paper
Iravunk, Yerevan
29 Oct 04
Not only the interests of the world’s super powers clash in the South
Caucasus but also those of the regional countries. In this sense
relations between Iran and Armenia stand out as they have always
been friendly and warm. The Iranian ambassador to Armenia, Ali Reza
Haqiqian, answers some of the questions regarding Armenian-Iranian
relations.
[Iravunk correspondent] Mr Ambassador, what do you think of the
current level of Armenian-Iranian relations?
[Ali Reza Haqiqian] Today Iran-Armenian relations are at a good level.
[Passage omitted: the ambassador says that Kocharyan’s visit to Iran
In 2001 and Khatami’s visit to Armenia this year played an important
role in deepening relations and strengthening a long-lasting peace
in the Caucasus and calls for multilateral links]
[Correspondent] Although Nagornyy Karabakh is an unrecognized country,
it is Iran’s neighbour, and the latter has to have a certain position
on the Karabakh settlement. Which principles should be taken into
account in settling the Karabakh issue?
[Haqiqian] Iran’s position on regional developments is precise
and is based on the principles of cooperation, balance and mutual
understanding. We stress the need for a peaceful settlement of
the Karabakh issue and the continuation of Armenian-Azerbaijani
negotiations. And Iran has always expressed its readiness to help
settle the problem.
[Correspondent] After 15 years of neutrality Iran finally said that
it recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. It is quite normal
for a country to sympathize with its neighbour’s problems, but why
does your country put an emphasis on this? Does this statement mean
a radical change in Iran’s position?
[Haqiqian] Iran has not changed its principled position on the regional
developments and neighbouring countries.
[Correspondent] It is known that the USA and Azerbaijan have very
close relations. In this case why is Iran siding with these two?
[Haqiqian] Iran builds its bilateral relations with all the countries
and especially with its neighbours on the basis of the principle of
mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs. It is
noteworthy that relations with our neighbours develop in different
spheres on the basis of the will, desire, ability and potential of
the parties involved.
[Correspondent] They say that the Moscow-Baku-Tehran railway will
become an alternative to the Baku-Tbilisi Ceyhan [oil pipeline, BTC,
as received]. What is your view?
[Haqiqian] Iran has an important role and place in the regional
communication and transit system. For this reason it is natural for
the regional countries to be interested in developing cooperation with
Iran. Moreover the situation in the region and regional developments
have once again shown the significance of the Iranian direction. We
hope that this will also create conditions for the development of
regional cooperation. As for the BTC project, many specialists think
it is not a commercial but a political project.
[Correspondent] What can you say about a gas pipeline to link Iran
and Armenia? Will it become a transit one?
[Haqiqian] The Iranian-Armenian gas pipeline is one of the most
important elements of our relations. The construction of the gas
pipeline will have a positive economic impact on the region. As for
the transit problem, I must say that on the whole the development of
cooperation among different countries, in particular, in the energy
sphere will contribute to greater mutual understanding. At the
same time in case of the gas transit we must look at the economic,
technical and other sides of the issue.

Author Balakian to give Holocaust Lecture
By Barbara Rea
Washington University Record, Washington
29 Oct. 2004
Peter Balakian, Ph.D., will give the Holocaust Lecture for the Assembly
Series at 4 p.m. Nov. 4 in Graham Chapel. His talk is titled “The
Armenian Genocide and America’s First International Human Rights
Movement.”
Peter Balakian
Balakian is the Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Professor of the
Humanities and professor of English at Colgate University, and a
human-rights activist who has been involved in the national and
international movement for Armenian genocide recognition.
In his 2004 book, The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and
America’s Response, he describes the systematic deportation and
murder of as many as 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Turks
during World War I. The book was a New York Times Notable Book and
a New York Times best seller.
The Burning Tigris followed a 1997 memoir, Black Dog of Fate, which
won the 1998 PEN/Martha Albrand Prize for the Art of the Memoir and
appeared on the “best books of the year lists” for The New York Times,
Los Angeles Times and Publisher’s Weekly.
In addition, Balakian has written a book of poetry, June-tree: New
and Selected Poems, 1974-2000, published in 2001, and a book on the
American poet Theodore Roethke. He has also co-translated Armenian
poet Siamanto’s Bloody News From My Friend. Between 1976-1996, he
and Bruce Smith edited the poetry journal Graham House Review.
Most notable among Balakian’s many awards, prizes and civic citations
are a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts
Fellowship, an Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Ahanhit Literary
Prize.
He earned an undergraduate degree from Bucknell University and a
doctorate from Brown University.
Assembly Series lectures are free and open to the public. For more
information, go online to assemblyseries.wustl.edu or call 935-4620.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Oct 28, 2004
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL TO VISIT BAKU
[October 28, 2004, 19:19:40]
Secretary General of NATO Mr. Yaap de Hoop Scheffer is expected to
pay a familiarizing visit to Azerbaijan on 4 November, AzerTAj said.
Mr. Y.H. Scheffer will negotiate with political and defense leadership
of the Republic, discuss participation of the Republic in the PfP
program of the Alliance, realization of individual partnership plan,
and development of cooperation in the frame of international coalition
on combat against terrorism.
In the frame of visit, also will be focused issues of preparation
of the seminar of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on situation in
the South Caucasus due late November in Baku, settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh.