Author: Emil Lazarian

Anatolian Times, Turkey
May 9 2006
Lagendijk: Some Circles In The E.U. Expect Turkey To Give Up Its E.U.
Membership
ANKARA – ”There are some circles in the European Union (EU) who
expect Turkey to give up its EU candidacy and membership. Turkey
should not fall into this trap,” said Joost Lagendijk, Co-Chairman
of Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission (KPK), today.
KPK members, who attended Turkey-EU KPK 56th term meetings in Ankara
in the past two days, met students in a conference held at Bilkent
University.
Lagendijk pointed out that there are groups in Turkey that believe
that the EU is against expansion and Turkey’s membership. ”Such a
scenario does not represent the reality,” told Lagendijk.
”The referendums held in France and the Netherlands in which the
people of both countries rejected the EU Constitution do not imply
that the referendums are signs against Turkey’s EU membership,”
noted Lagendijk.
Joost Lagendijk stressed that the 25 member EU’s current system does
not work properly. ”The EU definitely needs a new constitution and
regulations.”
Lagendijk underlined that, if the EU wants to be a global player, it
has to admit Turkey in as a full member.
Asked by a student if he would be supported by Lagendijk on the topic
of freedom of expression in France, Lagendijk stated that the student
should express his thoughts on the so-called Armenian genocide
freely. ”At the same time, I believe that groups requesting
discussions on the so-called Armenian genocide should receive fair
treatment in Turkey,” commented Lagendijk.
Meanwhile, Onur Oymen, Turkey-EU KPK Vice-Chairman, said that those
circles who claim that Turkey is not geographically in Europe are
actually stating so for their political interests. ”Turkey belongs
in Europe,” told Oymen. ”Nevertheless, there is no strong
leadership in the EU that supports Turkish membership,” added Oymen.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CONFERENCE IN VILNIUS MARKS NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CIS
NAIRA HAIRUMYAN
Lragir.am
09 May 06
The international conference `Common Vision for Common Neighborhood’
in Vilnius somehow passed unnoticed by us. It was the first big
event, organized by the Community of Democratic Choice. The core of
this organization are Ukraine, Georgia and several other countries
which have chosen the path of democracy or have carried out a `fruit
or flower’ revolution. Analysts said this organization may gradually
come to compete with the CIS. Especially that the representatives of
Georgia and Ukraine are already considering seceding from the CIS and
joining NATO. It is notable that one of the maintopics of the
conference was the ways of protecting the South Caucasus from Russian
influence.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney addressed the conference, accusing
Russia of an antidemocratic policy and intervention with the affairs
of its neighbors.
The key accusation was the use of energy for political coercion. The
statement of the conference puts it clearly that Europe should support
democracies in Eastern Europe, having the prospect of joining the
EU. It was suggestedto develop a common approach of the West towards
Russia. Official Brussels is advised to set up close ties with
Kaliningrad to relieve the international isolation of this region,
imposed by Russia.
In the meantime, the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made
interesting statements. She advised Russia to recognize the lawful
interests of the United States in the post-Soviet territory. Most
analysts define this as a preparation for the G8 Summit to take place
this summer in Saint Petersburg.
Apparently, there are going to be great rows. Aspirations are not
concealed. An insight in the energy policy of Moscow is enough to
understand the imperialistic moods in this country. Moscow is doing
everything to bar NATO from the post-Soviet territory. This policy is
especially apparent in Armenia. The evidence to this is the increased
price of gas, the `seize’ of several important units of the energy
sector by Russia, as well as intensifying Russian propaganda in
Armenia and even in Karabakh. If in the past 15 years even the Russian
NGOs were reluctant to be present in Karabakh, presently an event is
held in Stepanakert every week on the money of Russian
foundations. Even the Azat Artsakh Newspaper publishes a loose leaf
entitled Russia Today.
Why should Russia need to control the situation everywhere and fight
against the West? It is hard to understand. Once the former president
of Russia Yeltsin made a sensational statement that Russia could
easily join NATO. It caused a shock in Russia and beat the arguments
of Russophobes in the West. The tense relations between Russia and the
West calmed down, but President Putin not only brought back tensions
but is also increasing pressure day by day.And this cannot but result
in a clash.
The Washington Post writes that the West has already come to
understand that it is pointless to persuade Russia to be democratic,
and prefers issuing an ultimatum in the form of advice to Russia. At
the same time, the Wall Street Journal reports that before Cheney’s
anti-Russian statement Bush had had meeting with the heads of
non-democratic Eastern countries, such as the president of Azerbaijan.
The Russian foreign minister Lavrov reminded that bloodshed was
prevented in Moldavia and Georgia and the territorial integrity of
these countries was maintained thanks to the Russian peacemakers. It
is interesting to know who gave the evaluation, either positive or
negative, that the territorial integrity of these countries was
preserved. But was it preserved at all? When we asked a Russian
political expert why the entrance of one country or another to NATO
would be dangerous, he said it would mean loss of sovereignty. How
about the Baltic states, we enquired? He found it difficult to answer.
Maybe he started to doubt that the danger of NATO is a post-Soviet
myth, imposed on Russians, as well as Armenians.
It is reported that certain arrangements on the principles of
resolution of the Karabakh conflict might be reached in the G8 Summit.
However, judging by controversies between the Minsk Group co-chairs,
this time the peace talks are likely resemble a race `who can run
farther.’
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARF Lebanon Central Committee issues statement over Abdul Hamid II clock

Yerkir.am
May 05, 2006
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Lebanon Central Committee
issued on April 26 a statement in protest of placing a plaque in
memory of Abdul Hamid II in a Tripoli square after the renovation of
the Hamid clock.
“It is disappointing that this initiative that offends deeply the
dignity of the Armenian people has coincided with the commemoration of
the 1915 Armenian Genocide `which has killed more than 1.5 million
Armenians — perpetrated by the Turks,” the statement said. “We
strongly condemn that initiative which is equal to disrespect of the
collective memory of the Armenians.”
It further said that on May 17, 2000, the Lebanese Parliament
recognized the Armenian Genocide in a resolution that stated: “On the
occasion of the 85th anniversary of the Genocide perpetrated by the
Ottoman government in 1915 that took the lives of 1.5 million
Armenians, the Lebanese Parliament condemns the collective massacre
carried out against Armenians and expresses its support to its
compatriots as well as notes that the international recognition of the
Genocide is the key condition to prevent such crimes in future.”
“Therefore we state that it is wrong to go back and the decision of
the Tripoli city council should be on line with the Lebanese
Parliament policy,” the statement concluded.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri, Armenian foreign ministers to meet in Strasbourg on 18-19 May
Turan news agency
9 May 06
Baku, 9 May: The Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers will meet on
18-19 May in Strasbourg, Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan has told reporters.
Mammadyarov confirmed Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan’s statement
that the two would meet in Strasbourg to discuss the possibility of holding a
meeting between the presidents of the two countries in June. The co-chairs
of the OSCE Minsk will also join the talks to be held between Oskanyan and
Mammadyarov.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE PRIMATE OF SYRIANS
His Holiness Aram I received the Syrian Metropolitan of Mount Lebanon Mor
Theophilus Georges Saliba on May 5. The Bishop wanted to convey the warm
greetings of Patriarch Zakka I Iwas on the occasion of Easter and consult
His Holiness on issues related to the cooperation of the two churches.
The two mostly talked about the agenda of the upcoming meeting of
representatives from the Coptic, Syrian Churches and the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in Antelias next month. His Holiness Aram I stressed the importance
of transferring ecumenical cooperation from the international and regional
levels to the local level, as well as initiating cooperation on the common
concerns and plans of the three nations.
In this context, the Pontiff praised the gathering organized by Syrians on
Aril 24 and dedicated to the massacre of Armenians, Syrians and Arabs by the
Ottoman Turks and Genocide and human rights in general.
Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, Bishop Nareg Alemezian,
also attended the meeting.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
April 25, 2006
Contact Aris Babikian
(613) 235-2622
Ottawa – Dr. Vagharch Ehramdjian, Chairman of the Armenian National
Committee of Canada, sent a thank you letter to the Prime Minster of Canada,
the Right Honourble Stephen Harper expressing the gratitude and appreciation
of the Canadian-Armenian Community for Canadian Government’s and the Prime
Minister’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Attached you will find the full text of the letter:
April 25, 2006
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, MP
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons
Langevin Block
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A2
Dear Prime Minister,
On behalf of the Canadian-Armenian community, I would like to take the
opportunity to thank you for your moral fortitude in recognizing the
Armenian Genocide. Your April 21st statement on the eve of the 91st
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and Hon. Peter McKay’s response,
during Question Period, is an honourable and courageous policy shift. The
statements brought the policy of our executive branch of government on the
Armenian Genocide in line with the House of Commons and the Senate of
Canada’s resolutions. Your historic statement will finally conciliate the
Canadian-Armenian community and start the healing process.
This is the first time that the head of the Federal Government in Canada has
issued such a policy statement on the Armenian Genocide. Through your
statements you steadfastly upheld your party’s and your own position during
the House of Commons debate and vote on Motion M-380 in 2004.
Furthermore, the Government’s Genocide recognition honoured not only the
memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide but also the wishes of the
overwhelming majority of Canadians. In addition to the Canadian Senate and
the House of Commons, the three largest provinces (Ontario, Quebec, and
British Columbia) have also recognized the Armenian Genocide.
Your statement and your government’s observance of a minute of silence in
memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide demonstrates, once again,
that truth and justice will prevail over short-term economic gains or
political expediency. Your government’s policy will send a clear message to
authoritarian and undemocratic leaders, that Canada and the free world will
always stand up for human rights and will not tolerate neither ethnic
cleansing nor genocide wherever they may occur.
We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts
and pivotal contribution your party members – Hon. Jason Kenney and Gary
Goodyear – made to inform their colleagues about the historical facts of the
Armenian Genocide.
We are very pleased to see our close co-operation, since 2004, culminating
in such a momentous outcome. We are confident that our future co-operation
will continue to contribute to the advancement and betterment of not only
our community and your Government but also to that of all Canadians.
The Canadian-Armenian community is proud of its government. Once again, on
behalf of our community and the Armenian National Committee of Canada, its
chapters and the thousands of supporters all over our country, we would like
to thank you and commend you for your courageous leadership and your
integrity.
Respectfully,
Dr. Vagharch Ehrmadjian
Chairman
-30-
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
Regional Chapters
Montréal- Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St. Catharines –
Windsor- Vancouver
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/08/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Victory Day Marked on Anniversary of Shushi's Liberation 2) Reed Amendment Reaffirms Parity in Defense Department Assistance to Armenia And Azerbaijan 3) ARS Celebrates Armenian Culture at 5th Annual Festival 4) Turkey Recalls Envoys in France, Canada 5) Organizations Visit Armenian Consulate to Offer Condolences 6) Armenian Weightlifter Wins Gold Medal at European Championship 1) Victory Day Marked on Anniversary of Shushi's Liberation YEREVAN (Combined Sources)Tuesday, May 9, marks the 14th anniversary of the liberation of Karabagh's second largest city, Shushi. To mark this day, members of the Yerkrapah Union of Karabagh War Veterans will commemorate the soldiers who gave their lives to the Karabagh war. Flowers and wreaths will be placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Yeraplur cemetery where many of the fallen soldiers were placed to rest. A military parade will then take place in Yerevan's Republic Square and in the evening a holiday concert and fireworks will be held in Victory Park. The Yerkrapah Union began marking this day after Armenian troops liberated Shushi in 1992. 2) Reed Amendment Reaffirms Parity in Defense Department Assistance to Armenia And Azerbaijan WASHINGTON, DC--In a legislative reaffirmation of the 2001 agreement between Congress and the White House to maintain military aid parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) secured this week the adoption of an amendment adding Armenia to the list of nations receiving Department of Defense counter-drug assistance, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Commenting to the ANCA following the adoption of his amendment, Senator Reed said, "I am pleased that the Senate Armed Services Committee recognized the importance of providing military aid to Armenia for training and equipment in light of its decision to provide funding to Azerbaijan. It is essential that we maintain parity between the two nations, and I am happy that my amendment was accepted." The amendment was offered by the Senator, a senior members of the Armed Services Committee, to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (S.2507). The measure added Armenia to the list of eligible nations for a Defense Department counter-drug assistance program. Azerbaijan was among the nations listed in the original version of the Authorization bill authored by Committee Chairman John Warner (R-VA). The Armed Services Committee report advises the Defense Department that the panel "expects that the authority granted in this section will be administered in the spirit of maintaining current military parity between Azerbaijan and Armenia." The Committee report language refers to the agreement between Congress and the White House in 2001 to maintain military aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In 2001, Congress granted the President limited waiver authority over Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which restricts US assistance to Azerbaijan as long as it continues to blockade Armenia and Karabagh, with the understanding that the Administration will not provide more military assistance to Azerbaijan than to Armenia. "We join with the Armenian American community of Rhode Island in thanking Senator Reed for helping to ensure parity in the provision of US defense assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We will, in the coming weeks, continue to share with legislators in both houses of Congress the negative implications for peace and regional stability of the Administration's ill-advised proposal to break the military aid parity agreement that has been in force for the past five years." The House Armed Services Committee has also finalized its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2007 (HR 5122), which does include Azerbaijan, but not Armenia as an eligible country. The two versions of the bill will eventually be reconciled after passage in both chambers. The ANCA will urge the conference committee to accede to the amended Senate version of this provision, and, more broadly, to work toward overall military aid parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan. 3) ARS Celebrates Armenian Culture at 5th Annual Festival The fifth annual Armenian Relief Society - Western Region (ARS-WR) Armenian Cultural and Food Festival was held Saturday and Sunday at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. ARS Regional Executive chairman Angela Savoian made the opening statements and officially kicked off the event Saturday afternoon. The Festival ended Sunday evening, with several thousand community members in attendance. The festival featured traditional Armenian dancing, music, art, and other cultural activities. 4) Turkey Recalls Envoys in France, Canada ANKARA (AFP/AP)--Turkey has temporarily recalled its ambassadors to France and Canada for consultations, the Foreign Ministry announced Monday, to protest moves in both countries that recognize the Armenian genocide. "Our ambassador in Paris, Osman Koruturk, and our ambassador in Ottawa, Aydemir Erman, have been recalled to Ankara for a short time for consultations on the latest developments," the foreign ministry said in a brief statement. "We foresee that our ambassadors will return to their duties after the consultations," it said. The diplomatic move was Turkey's latest outburst against increasing international pressure on Turkey to recognize the genocide of Armenians during World War I. Last week, Turkey warned France that bilateral ties would suffer "irreparable damage" if the French Parliament passes a bill making it a punishable offense to "deny the existence of the 1915 Armenian genocide." If approved, the bill would provide for one year in prison and a 45,000 Euro (57,000 dollar) fine for any person who denies that the 1915-1917 massacres of Armenians were genocide. The bill, which follows a 2001 French law officially recognizing the Genocide, was proposed by members of the opposition Socialist Party (PS) and will have its first reading before Parliament on May 18. Turkey was also angered when Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper reaffirmed the Armenian genocide in a statement praising commemorations of the 91st anniversary of the Genocide on April 24. The Turkish foreign ministry said at the time that Harper's words were "appalling" and would "negatively affect" bilateral ties. In 2002, the Canadian Senate recognized the Armenian genocide as the first genocide of the 20th century and the House of Commons followed suit two years later. 5) Organizations Visit Armenian Consulate to Offer Condolences Representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen visited Friday the Armenian Consulate of Los Angeles to personally offer their condolences to Armenian Consul General Gagik Giragossian for last week's tragic crash of the Armavia Airline. The delegation included ARF Central Committee members Hovig Saliba, Avedik Izmirlian, Arto Keuleyan, and Dikran Sassounian, Hamazkayin representative Hrair Sherikian, and Homenetmen representative Sako Garabedian. 6) Armenian Weightlifter Wins Gold Medal at European Championship YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Gevorg Davtian, a weightlifter from Gyumri, Armenia, won the gold medal at the European championship in Vladislavovo, Poland. His combined result was 360 kg. The 77 kg Davtian became the third Armenian athlete to win the gold at a European championship this year. Armenian athletes also won 4 silver and 2 bronze medals this year in shooting, weightlifting, and Greco-Roman wrestling. 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) 2006 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. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA STATE FLAG BENDED AND MOURNING REGISTERS OPENED ON MAY 5 AND 6 AT
RA REPRESENTATIONS ABROAD

YEREVAN, MAY 8, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Mourning days were also
announced at all the RA dimplomatic representations abroad on May 5
and 6. The state flag of the Republic of Armenia was bended and
mourning registers were opened on that occasion. High-ranking
representatives of the authorities of countries having Armenian
embassies, heads of diplomatic representations accredited in those
countries, representatives of community organizations and parties,
Armenian churches visited the RA representations and expressed their
condolences on the occasion of the Armenian A-320 plane crash. As
Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and
Information Department, representations of Armenia continue to get
numerous letters of condolence from different organizations and
individuals.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DAMASCUS ARMENIAN DIOCESE PRIMACY AND NATIONAL AUTHORITIES GRIEVE OVER
DEATH OF NUMEROUS VICTIMS OF PLANE CRASH

DAMASCUS, MAY 8, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “We got to know with
deep heart sorrow about the accident of the aircraft of Yerevan-Sochi
flight and about the numerous victims,” is said in the message of
condolence of the Damascus Armenian Diocese primacy. The Damascus
Armenian Diocese primacy and the national authorities grieve over the
numerous victims’ death and express their sympathy to the crash
victims’ families, relatives and the Armenian people. “We pray for the
God receives souls of victims in his heavenly sacristies and gifts
them heavenly patience. We wish the victims’ relatives the Holy
Spirit’s consolation,” is said in the message. “We prayed the God with
the May 7 Surb Liturgy divine service, asking for consolation for
relatives and heavenly patience for victims,” the Damascus Armenian
diocese primacy informs.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN VETERANS OF PATRIOTIC WAR WANT TO RESTORE PRIVILEGES THEY HAD
BEFORE

YEREVAN, MAY 8, NOYAN TAPAN. 7898 veterans of the Patriotic War live
in Armenia at present. About 2000 of them are invalids. Veterans get
8300 drams (about 18.4 U.S. dollars) pension and invalid veterans get
12-21 thousand drams. Besides, according to the RA law “On Patriotic
War Veterans”, all veterans get monthly payment of honor, 10000
drams. Veterans pay for flat, litter, radio and phone subscribing 50%
of payments. They have privileges of getting free medical assistance,
medicine, free applies for accomodation in a sanatorium as well as to
run freely once in a year in the territory of the CIS countries.
Instead of some privileges of 2004, veterans get assistance of 3000
drams, and invalid veterans get assistance of 4500 drams. But, as
Major General Rafik Karapetian, the Chairman of the Veterans’ Union of
Armenia mentioned in the interveiw to the Noyan Tapan correspondent,
veterans want to restore their privileges. The Union is going to
address to the RA President, Prime Minister,
National Assembly Speaker with this issue. According to R.Karapetian,
it is necessary to undertake means to improve the social-economic
state of veterans, “They are already old people: the youngest of them
is 82 years old,” he mentioned, adding that 1400 veterans died the
last year.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress