Author: Emil Lazarian

RA FOREIGN MINISTER AND NORWEGIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS STATE SECRETARY
DISCUSS ISSUES RELATING TO COOPERATION AT INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. On May 12, RA Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian received the delegation led by Norwegian Foreign Affairs
State Secretary Kjetil Skogrand who is in Armenia within the framework
of a regional visit. The guest expressed satisfaction with the level
of relations between Norway and Armenia giving assurance that there is
a potential of deepening them for even more. In particular,
possibilities of development of cooperation in the sphere of economy,
energy, nature protection were mentioned. As Noyan Tapan was informed
from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department, the
interlocutors discussed issues relating to programs being implemented
in the region with the assistance of Norway. Then the sides touched
upon issues of cooperation within the framework of international
organizations. Presenting Armenia’s approaches towards regional issues
Minister Oskanian particularly dwelt on the recent developments in the
Nagorno Karabakh settlement process.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER PRESENTS CURRENT STAGE OF KARABAKH CONFLICT
SETTLEMENT PROCESS TO OSCE SECRETARY GENERAL

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The OSCE Secretary
General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut arrived in Armenia on the occasion
of launching the Melange Program on destruction of rocket fuel that
has remained in the territory of Armenia since the Soviet time. He met
with the Atmenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian on May 12. The OSCE
Secretary General expressed his appreciation for the contribution
Armenia has made to the OSCE activities. The sides spoke about the
programs being implemented in the country by the OSCE Yerevan Office,
as well as the process of democratic reforms in Armenia. According to
the RA MFA Press and Information Department, the interlocutors
discussed in detail the developments taking place in the OSCE region
and the ongoing reforms in the OSCE structure. V. Oskanian presented
the current stage of the Karabakh conflict settlement process. Marc
Perrin de Brichamaut was appointed as OSCE Secretary General in
January 2005, replacing Jan Kubish, representaive of Slovakia. The
Melange Program being implemented in Armenia is considered to be one
of the most successful programs carried out by the OSCE in its
participating states due to some peculiarities of the program, and the
high level of cooperation of the sides. The OSCE Secretary General’s
visit to Armenia will last until May 14.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THREE ARMENIAN FILMS TO PARTICIPATE IN GEORGIAN “SESILI” YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Within the framework of the “Directors
without Borders” program, three Armenian directors will participate in
the “Sesili” youth film festival to take place in Tbilisi on May
15-22, each of them presenting one documentary film. Vardan Hakobian
will present the “Duduk” (Armenian National Pipe) film, Anna Movsisian
the “-40 Degree” film, Aram Shahbazian will present “Wheels” film. As
the Noyan Tapan was informed by Susanna Haroutiunian, the Chairwoman
of the Film Critics and Film Journalists Association of Armenia, show
of 7 Armenian documentary films will be organized with a separate
program during the days of the festival: Aram Shahbazian’s “Shepherd’s
Monologue,” Aram Yeritsian’s “In the Open Air,” Suren Ter-Grigorian’s
“Born from Fire,” Ruben Khachatrian’s “Monologue” and “Pray for You,”
Vardan Hakobian’s “Duduk” and Nika Sheck’s “Song of Stones” and “I Saw
the World Here” films. Susanna Haroutiunian mentioned that those films
were shown in February in Iran as well.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CONVERSE BANK TAKES FIRST PLACE BY ITS OVERALL CAPITAL IN FIRST
QUARTER OF 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. In the first quarter of 2006, Converse
Bank was in first place by its overall capital in the RA banking
system. The newly appointed director general of the bank Artak
Hanesian stated during the May 12 press conference that in the
indicated period, the overall capital grew by 6.2% to about 9.5 bln
drams (about 21 mln USD). The bank’s assets increased by 10.7% over
the same period and made 46.2 bln drams, while crediting volumes – by
2.9% to 17.6 bln drams. By these indices Converse Bank took 3rd and
5th places respectively in the RA banking system. The bank’s profit
amounted to 612.8 mln drams. The total amount of transfers made by
natural persons grew by 24.8% on the same quarter of last year and
made 34.7 mln USD. According to A. Hanesian, in the period under
review, the share of mortgage credits made 372 mln drams, which is
more than half the programmed index. Converse Bank currently provides
credits repayable over 10 years at an annual interest rate of 13%. In
the words of the bank’s director general, these terms are quite
favorable for Armenia. In the first quarter of 2006, VIP MONEY
TRANSFER and INTEREXPRESS transfer systems, a new form of deposit – a
cumulative one, as well as provision of loans under the collateral of
real estate and cars were introduced in Converse Bank.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri minister, OSCE envoy discuss Karabakh conflict, energy projects
Azerbaijani news agency APA
12 May 06
Baku, 12 May: Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has received a
delegation led by Pierre Chevalier, a special envoy of the OSCE
chairman-in-office.
During the meeting, the sides discussed cooperation between Azerbaijan
and the OSCE, the peace talks on resolving the Azerbaijani-Armenian
conflict, reforms in various spheres and large-scale energy projects,
the press service of the Foreign Ministry has told APA.
During the meeting scheduled for the second half of May between the
Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers in Strasbourg, he will
again display the principled stance of Azerbaijan, Mammadyarov said.
Pierre Chevalier said he hoped that the talks between Armenia and
Azerbaijan mediated by international organizations, including by the
OSCE Minsk Group, will produce positive results and help resolve the
conflict.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Anatolian Times, Turkey
May 12 2006
It Is Important To Pursue Turkish – French Friendship, Poudade
ANKARA – It is important to pursue friendship between Turkey and
France, said French Ambassador to Turkey Paul Poudade on Tuesday.
Upon questions of reporters about recall of Turkish Ambassador to
France Osman Koruturk to Turkey (within the scope of debates on
so-called Armenian genocide in France), Poudade said that Koruturk
was recalled for consultations about the issue, adding that he will
meet Koruturk tomorrow. Poudade stressed the importance of
continuation of the friendship between Turkey and France.
Noting that there are good relations between the two countries in
economic and political areas, Poudade reminded that France is an EU
member, and it would be for the interest of Turkey to pursue its good
relations with France.
Poudade said that the issue should not be exaggerated and he believes
the developments will be kept under control.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Anatolian Times, Turkey
May 12 2006
Developments In France Can Be Prevented With Common Sense, Gul
IZMIR – “I believe that the developments pertaining to a draft law
which would make the denial of the so-called Armenian genocide a
crime can be hindered by acting with common sense,“ Turkish Foreign
Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Friday.
Gul said Turkish government, businessmen and non-governmental
organizations showed necessary reaction against the draft law,
stating that, “how this draft law would harm bilateral relations
should be explained.“
“I hope everybody would act responsibly,“ Gul indicated, and noted
that, “a proposal (the draft law which would make the denial of the
so-called Armenian genocide a crime) which restricts freedom of
expression would be wrong as France is accepted as a leading country
on issues like democracy and freedom of expression,“ Gul said.
Gul said it would be wrong to jeopardize relations between the
countries for small domestic political interests.
Gul also said the “Pontus Greek genocide“ monument built in Greek
city of Thessalonica has overshadowed friendly relations between
Turkey and Greece.
Underscoring that bringing the past issues which were left in the
history, onto the agenda would not contribute to relations, Gul said
NGOs in Turkey would launch some initiatives to protest erection of
such a monument.
Gul said some circles in Turkey decided to erect a monument in
(northwestern town of) Kesan in the memory of those who lost their
lives during the War of Independence.
Asked about the grenade attacks on Sisli office of the Cumhuriyet
newspaper, Gul said, “we harshly condemn such attacks.“
Gul said those attacks were made deliberately to create confusion and
to disrupt tranquility.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkish Press
May 12 2006
Press Review
CUMHURIYET
BELGIAN PARLIAMENT TO DEBATE ARMENIAN BILL
A bill to criminalize denial of the so-called Armenian genocide has
been submitted to the Belgian Parliament. The bill, drawn up by
Liberal Party Senators Francois Roelands du Vivier and Christine
Defraigne, aims to penalize those rejecting the so-called Armenian
genocide. The Belgian Parliament’s Justice Commission has not yet set
a date to debate the bill. /Cumhuriyet/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The New Anatolian, Turkey
May 12 2006
AKP discusses recognition of Algerian ‘genocide’
A ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party deputy on Wednesday
opened a draft bill for signatures that aims at Turkey’s recognition
of a French massacre of 200,000 Algerians between 1954 and 1962 as
“genocide.”
The move mirrors the French Parliament’s current discussions on a
bill that aims to punish those who question Armenian genocide claims
with prison time.
“The rationale of the Algerian draft bill underlines the French
double standards in denying crimes in Algeria and Rwanda and closing
its archives on the one hand, and not hesitating to move on a law
dictating imprisonment for those who question Armenian genocide
claims,” a source from the AK Party told The New Anatolian yesterday.
Although the draft bill succeeded in winning some support from AK
Party deputies, other members of the ruling party opposed bringing
such a bill to Parliament’s discussion floor, saying that
controversial historic issues should be discussed by historians not
parliaments. Opponents of the draft bill also say this contradicts
the Turkish position on the Armenian genocide claims.
The Algerian draft bill is expected to be discussed at an AK Party
group meeting on Tuesday and if approved will be brought to
Parliament.
Turkey has always opposed the debates that have taken place in many
European parliaments on the Armenian genocide claims, some of which
voted for recognition, saying that history should be left to studies
and interpretation by scholars.
In line with the Turkish thesis, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
suggested to Armenian President Robert Kocharian the establishment of
committees composed of Turkish and Armenian historians to study the
controversial events of 1915. Kocharian refused the suggestion,
saying that historian committees could only be established within the
process of a normalization of relations between the two countries.
French massacre of Algerians
The 1954-1962 Algerian War of Independence cost the lives of 1.5
million Algerians, according to the Algerian government, but French
figures for the same period show that just 200,000 were killed.
According to Algerian sources, Muslims were systematically killed at
the time. Senior French officers who fought in Algeria recently
confessed that torture and summary executions were routine grisly
instruments of French warfare. President Jacques Chirac, however,
fiercely opposed a parliamentary inquiry into the killings and said
it is a subject best left for historians to explore.
The Algerian archives were taken to France, and the French archives
for that period are off-limits to historians carrying out genocide
research.
Although the Algerian government has been seeking an apology from
France for its massacre of Algerians and other crimes committed while
the French were the country’s colonial rulers, besides not
apologizing, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy last month
warned Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika not to overuse the
term “genocide.”
Algeria and France were last year preparing to sign a friendship
treaty, similar to the 1963 Franco-German reconciliation treaty, as
part of efforts to normalize their relations. It was blocked,
however, by the French Parliament’s approval of a law that included a
reference to the “positive role of the French presence overseas,
especially in North Africa,” which provoked a strong reaction from
Algeria.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The New Anatolian, Turkey
May 12 2006
Socialists insist on bringing Armenian bill to French Parliament
French Socialist Party (PS) Secretary-General Francois Hollande
yesterday expressed his party’s insistence on bringing a bill
stipulating prison terms for questioning the Armenian genocide claims
to the French Parliament’s floor.
Hollande’s remarks came in response to a call from French scholars
and intellectuals urging Parliament to remove the Armenian bill from
the Parliament’s agenda at next Thursday’s gathering, underling that
history should be left to historians.
“I understand historians’ criticism but to debate history is also the
duty of parliaments,” said Hollande, stressing that approval of the
bill by Parliament won’t block historians’ debates on the Armenian
genocide claims.
Urging Turkey to recognize the controversial Armenian events,
Hollande also claimed that one of the requirements for Ankara to
become a member of the European Union is recognition of the genocide
claims.
French historians, in a joint statement on Tuesday, expressed strong
opposition to the PS’ move to bring the Armenian bill to French
Parliament for approval, warning that history teachers will become
“prisoners” if the bill is approved.
The same historians in a joint declaration four months ago called on
Parliament to annual its recognition of the Armenian genocide claims
— taken in 2001 — underlining that parliaments cannot write
history.
Turkish ambassadors return to posts
The Turkish ambassadors to France and Canada, who were recalled to
Turkey for consultations, left Turkey yesterday to return to their
posts.
Turkish Ambassador to France Osman Koruturk and Ambassador to Canada
Aydemir Erman were recalled this week for “a short time” for
consultations, announced the Foreign Ministry on Monday.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Namik Tan stated that while Ambassador
Koruturk was recalled for consultations concerning the French
Parliament’s possible approval of the Armenian bill, Ambassador Erman
was recalled over Canada’s move to recognize the 1915 events as
“genocide.” “It’s anticipated that the ambassadors will return to
their posts after the consultations,” Tan also said on Monday.
Sezer urges Chirac to block Armenian bill
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer this week sent a letter to his
French counterpart Jacques Chirac urging him to block the possible
approval of the Armenian bill, underling that it would be to the
advantage of neither country.
Calling on his French counterpart not to take any action that would
to ruin or upset cooperation and friendship between Turkey and
France, Sezer also stressed that approval of the controversial bill
would deal a serious blow to freedom of expression and thought, two
aspects of life that reminded Chirac are important to the French way
of life.
Sezer’s letter followed a similar one from Parliament Speaker Bulent
Arinc to his French counterpart in which Arinc warned French
Parliament not to take a decision that would undermine bilateral
relations between the two countries and efforts towards a
normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
In related news, Ankara Chamber of Trade and Commerce (ATO) Chair
Sinan Aygun yesterday sent a letter to its French counterpart calling
on the withdrawal of the Armenian bill, stressing that such a
political move would damage commercial and economic relations between
the two countries as Turkish companies and the Turkish public are
preparing to boycott French goods and services.
Also yesterday Turkish Parliament’s European Union Harmonization
Commission head Yasar Yakis dismissed the consequences of a possible
approval of the Armenian bill, saying that the move won’t affect
Turkey’s EU accession process. “Turkey doesn’t have to do what each
European state wants,” he added.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress