Author: Emil Lazarian

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE FOCUSES ON PLIGHT OF ASSYRIANS
Hermiz Shahen Secretary, Assyrian Universal Alliance-Australian Chapter
Assyrian International News Agency
May 31 2006
(AINA) — In a private members business session on Monday, 29 May 2006,
in the house of representative of the Australian Federal Parliament
and under the title of religious minorities Mr Allen Cadman MP.,
member for Mitchel raised a motion with reference to the Republic of
Turkey and its relations with the different Christian minorities in the
area. Mr Cadman commended the Australian of Greek and Turkish origin
for the peaceful and harmonious relationship they have established in
Australia which is an example to all communities coming from older
cultures, he requested the Turkish government as it moves towards
joining the European Union as a full member to return private property
to minority groups of all religious backgrounds, to permit r-opening
of the Greek Orthodox Theological College on the island of Halke and
to permit Christian denominations to operate seminaries of their own,
wether Greek, Armenian or Syriac.
Mr. Chris Bowen MP, member for prospect who raised the Assyrian
Universal Alliance petition in the Australian Federal Parliament
on May last year, calling on the Australian Government to urge the
Iraqi Government to create a ‘protected administrative region for the
Assyrians’, seconded the above motion and added his concerns about the
rights of Christians in Iraq which he have spoken about previously in
the house. Mr Bowen said, ” It is hard to conceive that the position of
Christians in Iraq has actually deteriorated since the fall of Saddam
Hussein. As a member of the coalition of the willing, this government
has an obligation to speak up for Christians in Iraq. I am sorry
to say that the government’s response has been less than adequate,
and I used the forum of this motion to again call on the Minister
for Foreign Affairs to make representations at the highest possible
level to insure the protection of Assyrians, Chaldeans and Mandians
in Iraq. The government also needs to be doing more in relation to
providing save heaven for Christians who have left Iraq. I again call
on the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to review
the way her department handles applications for refugee status from
Christians and Mandeans who have fled Iraq”.
On the Turkish issue Mr Bowen added, ” It is also important for
the future that the wrongs of the past are acknowledged. I believe
the Assyrian people, among others, have a legitimate concern to
insure that the terrible event of 1915 are properly acknowledged and
commemorated. The Turkish people and the Assyrian people could then
join together in the acknowledgement that we must all work together to
insure that such event can never happen again-just as the Turkish and
Australian people joined together in friendship after Gallipoli,…”
To read the whole motion please click here. In the House of
Representatives Hansard page choose 29 May 2006-05-31, and then go
to page 23 “Private Members Business” Religious Minorities.
On behalf of the Assyrian Universal Alliance-Australia Chapter and
the Assyrian Australian community we would like to thank Mr. Chris
Bowen MP, member for prospect for raising the Assyrian issue with
the Australian Government, for his great determination, sincerity
and outstanding effort to support the indigenous Assyrian rights in
Iraq and for his dedication in serving the people of his electorate,
which give us as Assyrians the citizens of this country; despite
being citizen of many countries of the Middle East the pride to be
known as Australians.

TURKEY, ARMENIA IN TALKS ON TIES
NTV MSNBC, Turkey
May 31 2006
Turkey is intending to pursue efforts to normalize relations with
Armenia, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
ANKARA – Turkey has announced its officials have been meeting with
Armenian counterparts to discuss the normalisation of relations
between the two countries, a spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Minister
revealed Wednesday.
While not going into details of the talks, Foreign Ministry spokesman
Namik Tan, said that three rounds of discussions have so far been
held. “A negotiation process has started between the two countries
to seek a common ground,” Tan said.
The two countries do not have formal diplomatic ties, with one of the
main stumbling blocks being Armenian claims that the Ottoman empire
carried out a systematic slaughter of its Armenian citizens during
the years of the First World War. Turkey strongly denied the claims
and points to massacres of Turkish civilians in areas of the east of
the country by Armenian forces that Allied themselves to invading
Tzarist troops during the war. However, Turkish does acknowledge
that some 300,000 Armenians dies during the unrest in the region,
mainly when being relocated away from the scenes of fighting.
Tan said that the talks were initiated after Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan wrote to his Armenian counterpart Robert
Kocharian calling for the two countries to conduct a joint historical
investigation the alleged massacres.
“Turkey is intending to pursue efforts to normalize relations with
Armenia”, said Tan during a regular press briefing. “The success of
Turkeys efforts to normalise relations depends on a more flexible
approach from Yerevan as well as to the overcoming of bilateral and
regional problems.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KONSTANTIN KOSACHEV: “RUSSIA TO BACK ANY DECISION ON KARABAKH”
Today, Azerbaijan
May 31 2006
Russia will uphold any decision on Nagorno-Karabakh that will meet
the interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan, said Konstantin Kosachev,
chairman of the State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee.
According to Itar-Tass, in an interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio
station on Wednesday, Kosachev said Russia did not pursue any own
goals in the Karabakh settlement and upheld any decision, which would
meet the interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains very difficult and Russia
is ready to support any decision, which will satisfy the demands of
both Armenia and Azerbaijan. If mutual accord is reached to deploy a
peacekeeping contingent in the enclave, Russia should support their
address and facilitate its implementation,” the Duma lawmaker said.
Kosachev commented on Vice-Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei
Ivanov’s statement on the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces in
Nagorno Karabakh. Peacekeeping units could appear in Nagorno-Karabakh,
the vice-prime minister said.
“As concerns Nagorno Karabakh, I do not exclude that peacekeeping
forces can appear there in a foreseeable future for guaranteeing the
fulfilment of all political accords that will be achieved sooner or
later,” he told reporters.
“The acey-deucy situation, excuse me for mauve ton, cannot continue
endlessly,” he said.
The fragile truce in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area lasts for 12
years, since May 1994.
“There have been not less, but more flash points like Nagorno Karabakh
in the world from year to year, and this causes regret,” Ivanov said.
URL:

ALIYEV SENDS TERSE MESSAGE TO ARMENIA
AzerNews Weekly, Azerbaijan
June 1 2006
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent a harsh message to Armenia
on Friday, a statement that follows a visit by the OSCE mediators
brokering settlement to the long-standing conflict over Upper (Nagorno)
Garabagh to the region. Aliyev said the occupied territories will be
freed no matter what it takes.
“We will make use of all means to liberate our land from occupation.
We will resort to diplomatic, economic, transport, and, if necessary,
military means, as this is our right,” the Azerbaijani leader said
addressing celebrations dedicated to the Day of Republic, May 28.
“Armenia should think carefully – how long will the Azerbaijani people
tolerate this? They should withdraw from the Azerbaijani land they
occupied on their own free will, otherwise, a military option will
be used, as Azerbaijan will not allow the establishment of a second
Armenian state on its soil.
We will never allow Upper Garabagh’s separation from Azerbaijan,”
the commander-in-chief said. “Independence is not measured by state
attributes alone. It is also directly related to the country’s
pursuing an independent policy. The Armenian aggression is the main
threat posed to Azerbaijan’s independence,” he said. President Aliyev
said, however, that he does not support a resumption of military
action. “No one wants the war to be restarted. Who wants bloodshed
to take place again and people to die?” he enquired. Upper Garabagh,
which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has both
Azeri and ethnic Armenian population. It was occupied by Armenia
in early 1990s, along with seven other Azerbaijani districts, after
large-scale hostilities that killed up to 30,000 people and forced over
a million Azeris out of their homes. The ceasefire accord was signed in
1994, but peace talks have been fruitless so far and refugees remain
stranded. President Aliyev condemned some international organizations
disregarding the Armenian policy of aggression. “Armenians celebrate
the day of ‘liberation’ of Shusha [an ancient Azeri town occupied by
Armenia during the hostilities].
The question is who was Shusha freed from? No one but Azerbaijanis
had lived there. This means Armenians mark the outcomes of their
ethnic cleansing policy on the state level. Why are international
organizations and rights groups as well as some forces within the
country who blare about democracy and human rights turning a blind
eye to this?” It appears that the United States has set out a goal
to fully resolve the Upper Garabagh conflict as early as in 2006,
considering the latest message from US President George Bush. Bush sent
a letter to his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Friday saying
that he is looking forward to consistent efforts by the Azerbaijani
head of state to achieve a negotiated settlement to the Garabagh
dispute. In his message sent on the occasion of the Day of Republic,
he also expressed hope that peace talks to settle the conflict would
continue. Bush indicated that President Aliyev’s visit to Washington
late in April was very beneficial, saying the talks he had with his
Azerbaijani counterpart were a historic chance to advance mutual
interests in the area of security, energy and democracy. The US
president wrote that the Azerbaijani government remains committed to
achieving a prosperous and bright future for the people and voiced
confidence that the democratic and economic reforms will be continued
to ensure the country’s future success.
Mediators urge ‘peace option’ The OSCE mediators have reaffirmed the
need to seek a peaceful solution to the Garabagh conflict, saying it
is time for the sides to reach agreement on key principles of the peace
process. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Grigori Karasin, US Assistant
Secretary of State Daniel Fried and former French ambassador to Russia
and China Pierre Morel, who accompanied the Minsk Group co-chairs
from Russia, US and France and the OSCE chairman’s special envoy on
their visit to Baku, issued a joint statement last Wednesday. The
intermediaries said their respective countries and the world community
in particular are confident that any option other than peace will not
lead to the conflict settlement. “Both countries should prepare their
people not for war but peace.” The co-chairmen indicated that the way
the negotiations will unfold depends on Azerbaijan and Armenia proper.
“We are leaving Azerbaijan with hope and confidence for progress,”
the statement reads. US Assistant Secretary of State Fried has urged
the sides to take decisive actions to reach a solution on Garabagh.
“All the nations in the region are entitled to peace. To make this
happen, resolute steps on the state level are required. I believe
both President Ilham Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Robert
Kocharian are capable of achieving peace.” Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov said some of the new ideas put forth by the mediators
are acceptable for Azerbaijan. “There are interesting ideas. We are
satisfied with some of them,” he told the press while commenting
on the suggestions made by the Minsk Group co-chairs during their
visit to Baku. Mammadyarov added that during the talks with the
intermediaries, work was carried out on these ideas, but he did not
provide any details. Nonetheless, Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov
said the MG co-chairs did not bring any specific proposals. “By making
such statements, they are just trying to raise the magnitude of their
activity in the eyes of the public. The mediators undoubtedly must
justify their actions, which is why we hear statements about new ideas
every time,” Azimov said. Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia Ilham
Aliyev and Robert Kocharian have agreed to hold the next meeting to
discuss Garabagh settlement in Bucharest.
The meeting between the two heads of state is to take place on the
sidelines of the Black Sea Summit for Dialogue and Partnership due in
the Romanian capital June 4-6. Azerbaijan and Armenia failed to agree
upon the issues of principle during the latest talks held by the two
presidents in Rambouillet, France in February, which was followed by
Azerbaijan’s threats to resort to military action.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SAUDI ARABIA SUPPORTS POSITION OF AZERBAIJAN IN SOLUTION PROCESS NK CONFLICT
Author: R.Abdullayev
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
May 31 2006
Saudi Arabia will support the position of Azerbaijan in
the international arena, as well as in solution process of
Azerbaijan-Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The prince of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amir Havvaf bin Feysal bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz
made such a statement at the meeting with the chairman of the Caucasus
Moslem Department shekhiruslam Allah Shukur Pashazade.
According to prince, the ties between two people create a strong
base for the development of the bilateral relations. “I hope that
the efforts of the heads of Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia will further
expand the cooperation established by ex-president Heydar Aliyev and
the late king Fadh ben Abdelaziz,” told prince.
At the same time, Pashazade spoke about the satisfactory level of the
development of the relations between the two countries by noting that
Azerbaijan always feels the support of Saudi Arabia.
The Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov also delivered
a report. The Minister noted that the sport relations between the two
countries were established in 2001, and in 2004, the first agreement
on cooperation at the level of ministries was signed.
“I am sure that the protocol on the cooperation between Saudi Arabia
and Azerbaijan in the sphere of youth and sport, which will be signed
on June 1 in Baku, will form a strong base for the future expansion
of our relations,” told Rahimov.
It is necessary to remember that the prince Navvaf bin Feysal bin
Fahd bin Abdulaziz discusses the issues of youth, sport and culture
in the government of Saudi Arabia and at the moment is in Baku on a
business visit that will be completed on June 2.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKEY ASKS RUSSIA TO STOP REBEL KURD ACTIVITIES
Anatolia news agency
1 Jun 06
Ankara, 1 June: Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul asked his
Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to support Turkey in its fight
against terrorism.
Gul and Lavrov had a dinner in the Turkish Foreign Minister’s Residence
yesterday.
According to diplomats, two foreign ministers exchanged views about
bilateral relations and regional topics, as well as Turkey’s EU
membership bid.
Lavrov welcomed measures Turkey has taken regarding the Caucasus,
while Gul asked Lavrov to extend support to Turkey’s fight against
the terrorist organization PKK [Kurdistan Workers’ Party]. He asked
that Russia take measures against illegal activities of the terrorist
organization on its territory.
The two ministers also discussed the so-called Armenian genocide
allegations, as well as Armenian-Azerbaijani controversy.
Diplomats quoted Lavrov as saying that “the Armenian allegations
are not a dominant factor in Turkish-Russian relations; although
it is important for the Armenians”. In the meeting, Lavrov said
“they (Russians) are against using such historical incidents as a
political tool.”
Supporting Turkey’s suggestion to set up a joint commission composed
of Turkish-Armenian historians to investigate the Armenian claims,
Lavrov said that they are ready to extend necessary support to Turkey
regarding this issue.
Meanwhile, Gul said that unless the controversy between Armenia and
Azerbaijan is settled before Azerbaijani elections, a solution may not
be reached within next five or 10 years. “Therefore, we hope Russia
will contribute to the settlement of the problem in the possible
shortest time,” he noted.
On the other hand, diplomats said that Russia plans to upgrade its
consulate in southern Turkish city of Antalya to a consulate general,
while Turkey thinks of opening a consulate general in St Petersburg.
In their meeting, Gul told Lavrov that he is thinking of participating
in “Paris Charter” meeting to be held in Russia on 27 July.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SERGEY LAVROV: THE CONFLICTS IN KARABAKH AND CYPRUS CAN BE RESOLVED WITH THE CONSENT OF THE SIDES
ArmRadio.am
01.06.2006 15:56
“It’s hard to compare the conflicts of Nagorno-Karabakh and Cyprus,
but the common thing is that these can be resolved with the consent of
the sides only,” declared RF Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov preceding
his upcoming visit to Ankara.
“Russia does not only observe the conflicts, but also participates
in international efforts to resolve these.” In case of Cyprus,
it is the UN Security Council format and the leading role of the
five permanent members. In case of Nagorno-Karabakh it is the OSCE
Minsk Group format. In both cases the major efforts are directed at
maintenance of direct dialogue to provide for mutually acceptable
results,” Sergey Lavrov said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE ARMENIAN CODE
Aram Abrahamian
Aravot.am
01 June 06
No advertising promoter could provide for the commerce success of
”Da Vinchi’s Code” film than it did the church. First Vatican did
the advertisement of the film and the Armenian Apostolic Church added
a little to it in our small country. Those who didn’t know at all Den
Brawn’s and wouldn’t be interested in the film ran immediately to the
cinemas to know what the church criticized so much. The complaint of
the elite of Catholics can be explained; first one of the intrigues of
the book /I haven’t watched the film/ refers to a totalitarian sect
which acts by Vatican sponsorship, second, inquisition, forbidding
literature and culture works, firing people and books include in the
”traditions” of that church. But our church, which doesn’t have
such traditions, has no reason to forbid that film.
A paper is given with the thicket of that film in Cinema ”Nairi”
in which the church warns, ”This film has no connection with the
Biblical truth”. But is there anybody who think that it has; the
books are written and films are shot for not “having connection”
with any truth. A group hands out leaflets at the same Cinema, which
starts with the following; “Dark powers want us to pull up from our
roots and make us disown our secret belief. “Da Vinchi’s Code” false
film throws mud at Bible, God Son and Cross sacrament”.
Frankly speaking I didn’t notice such feeling during reading the book;
it is a usual easy reading detective, which is in mode today but
will be forgotten soon. The version of Christ who has wife and heirs
gives some sort of sharpness to the film. In the same way Bulgakov in
his famous novel needed in ” re-editing” the Bible for grasping the
Soviet reality. And finally, 10 of thousands foreign enemies were
trying to obliterate our belief but they didn’t succeed in it, and
now will Den Brawn destroy our 1700 year s old culture with his book?
I’m inclined to think that our officials can do it who all have already
broken ”Don’t steal” and some of them ”Don’t kill” precepts.
–Boundary_(ID_7jcy5lvvnhLZ1UYKK7+FMA)- –
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA-DIASPORA ECONOMIC FORUM THIS FALL
Lragir.am
01 June 06
The second Armenia-Diaspora Economic Forum will take place in Yerevan
on September 20, announced Tigran Davtyan, Deputy Minister of Trade
and Economic Development, on June 1.
“The Armenia-Diaspora Economic Forum will be devoted to the 15th
anniversary of independence of Armenia. The Ministry of Trade and
Economic Development anticipates 500-1000 businessmen to take part
in the forum,” said Tigran Davtyan. It is suggested that all the
businessmen and international organizations, interested in the
development and prosperity of Armenia, will attend the forum. The
forum is held on alternative means, it is not funded from the state
budget. This time participation fee will be cut from 100 to 50 euros.
The first forum was held in 2003, the number of participants was 1000.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OLEG YESAYAN APPOINTED AMBASSADOR TO THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
ArmRadio.am
01.06.2006 18:02
With President Robert Kocharyan’s decree of June the 1st,
Suren Harutyunyan was dismissed form the positions of Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Belarus and RA
Plenipotentiary Representative to CIS structures.
Oleg Yesayan (seat in Minsk) was appointed to the position.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress