Author: Emil Lazarian

Armenian bishop dies of cancer
AP Online
May 01, 2004

Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian of the Armenian Orthodox Church has died
of lung cancer, a church statement said Saturday. He was 57.
Aznavorian, chairman of the religious council and director of the
Christian Education Department of the Armenian Orthodox Church of
Cilicia, died Friday at the church’s seat in Antelias, north of the
Lebanese capital, Beirut, the statement said.
The bishop, whose condition deteriorated in the past few days, had
received treatment in New York before returning to Beirut last month.
Born in Beirut in 1947, Aznavorian studied priesthood in the Antelias’
seminary and later in the Rome Theological University.
In the early 1980s, he was the Armenian Orthodox Vicar of Cyprus based
in Nicosia.
In the past few years, Aznavorian had been engaged in translating the
Old and New Testament from archaic Greek and Hebrew originals into
modern Armenian.
He will be burned in Antelias on Monday.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia
to the United Nations
119E 36th street, New York, NY 10016
Tel.: 1-212-686-9079
Fax: 1-212-686-3934
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
May 1, 2004
PRESS RELEASE
Armenia’s Minister for Nature Protection participated at the 12th
session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
>From April 28-30, 2004, the delegation of the Republic of Armenia, headed
by H.E. Vardan Ayvazyan, Minister for Nature Protection, participated at the
High-Level Segment of the 12th session of the Commission on Sustainable
Development, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The
High-Level discussion focused on the issue of sanitation and human
settlements.
During the session Minister Ayvazyan made statements on water and
sanitation, which are considered to be core elements for sustainable
development. In his remarks he noted that the United Nations and its
agencies and funds, as well as international financial institutions could
play an important role in the implementation of national programs aimed at
addressing water and sanitation challenges in the country. He urged to focus
on rehabilitating dated sanitation systems and providing for new
environmentally and ecologically sound technologies.
Speaking about water issues, the Minister noted that Armenia suffered some
serious water problems, including water quality. Much of the water came
from underground, and was of a good quality. By passing through obsolete
water supply systems it loses its quality. Moreover, 50% of the water
entering the system gets lost due to leakage. In 2002, the country had
adopted a Water Code, with a focus on basin management, the first to be
developed and implemented in the South Caucasus. It had helped to introduce
integrated water resource management in the country.
Full texts of Minister Ayvazyan’s statements:
Statement by H.E. Vardan Ayvazyan
Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia
at the High-Level Segment of the 12th session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development
April 30, 2004
(Statements and interactive discussion focusing on “Water”)
Dear Chairman,
Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
For the Republic of Armenia, a mountainous country situated in an arid
region of the South Caucasus, the problems of the protection of water
resources, water quality, and access of the population to clean and safe
water are actual problems not only from ecological, but also from economic
and social perspectives.
In this regard it is worth mentioning here that the sustainable management
of the water resources remains one of the most important issues in Armenia.
The absence of an integrated approach to the management and use of water
resources in the period of economic crisis of the 1990s led to such negative
consequences as decline in the access to water supply, deterioration of the
water quality and gradual degradation of the corresponding infrastructure..
It should be mentioned that more than 90% of the drinking water used in the
country is formed out of the underground water sources. This water is of
quite a high quality, but as it passes through water supply systems, which
are very dated and do not correspond to sanitary requirements, the quality
of the water significantly deteriorates. Moreover, 50% of the water entering
the system gets lost due to leakage.
In the water policy of our country great attention is paid to the question
of financial assistance from international financial institutions for the
implementation of national water programs. In this connection I would like
to emphasize the activities of the UN Agencies, the World Bank, and other
financial institutions, as well as the donor countries aimed at assisting in
the implementation of environmental programmes, particularly in the field of
water resource protection, such as the restoration of the ecological balance
of the lake Sevan, which is one of the unique natural water reservoirs on
the planet. According to expert estimates, this freshwater mountain lake,
situated 2000 meters above the sea level, is the only perspective source for
drinking water in the South Caucasus. Starting from the 1930s, the water
resources of the lake were used for agricultural and energy purposes, which
resulted in the drastic decrease of the water level for about 19,5 meters.
Activities undertaken by the Government of Armenia during the last few years
led to the increase of the water level for about 1 meter.
In 2002 the new Water Code of Armenia was adopted. One of the main ideas of
the Water Code is the creation of basin management system that will
contribute to the sustainable use and integrated water resource management.
I would like to mention that Armenia is the first country in the South
Caucasus to introduce the basin management system. In the same year the
National Council on Water, headed by the Prime-Minster, became operational.
Since then more than 100 normative and regulatory acts have been elaborated
and adopted. The establishment of basin management bodies continues. The
articles of the Water Code are being vigorously implemented. Financial
assistance from our international partners in this phase could greatly
contribute to the sustainable water resource management.
One of the priorities of the Armenian Government is the elaboration of the
National Water Policy and the National Water Programme. In the National
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper special attention is paid to the
advancement of the irrigation system, which aims to increase the
effectiveness of the agricultural activities and mitigate the
desertification processes.
The improvement of the financial mechanisms in the water sphere would aim at
achieving a speedy resolution to the water problems in Armenia in the
context of country’s sustainable development. Armenia’s joining the
strategic partnership on water in Johannesburg was in compliance with that
approach. I consider the EU’s Water Initiative and its component for the
Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and the Central Asia, in particular, a
good basis for the development of real mechanisms of cooperation aimed at
the realization of both the decisions of World Summit on Sustainable
Development and the regional and national action plans. This would be our
contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the
field of water resources.
In conclusion I would like to state that the Government of the Republic of
Armenia recognizes that the effective and comprehensive management of the
water resources could provide for the sustainable and environmentally
justified economic development of the country.
Statement by H.E. Vardan Ayvazyan
Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia
at the High-Level Segment of the 12th session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development
April 30, 2004
(Statements and interactive discussion focusing on “Sanitation”)
Dear Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As it was stated in Johannesburg, ensuring availability of safe water and
adequate sanitary conditions is a core element for sustainable development.
Creation of a healthy environment and prevention of adverse impact of
unfavorable environmental factors on the health of the population are
several of the main goals that were duly reflected in the national
programmes and action plans adopted by the Government of Armenia in the
recent years. Water-resource management, water supply and sanitation are
considered to be determining factors. The implementation of these programmes
implies intersectoral cooperation and integrated planning. Support from
international organizations, and that of the UN agencies in particular, can
be very instrumental and play a positive role in implementing these
programmes.
It should be noted here that the economic mechanisms regulating the
reduction of water pollution are not yet sufficient in Armenia. We are
actively working towards the creation of appropriate legal and institutional
systems, which could provide for the allocation of financial resources to
the end of solving the acute problems in the water sector.
The 1990s were marked by economic crisis and decline of the industrial
production by over 70% in Armenia, whereupon the untreated or poorly treated
municipal and agricultural wastewater became the main source for the water
pollution.
In most of the human settlements, the wastewater drains into water objects
either bypassing the treatment plants or, if they go through treatment
plants, gets an inadequate treatment. The problem is exacerbated by the mere
fact that none of the existing 20 wastewater treatment plants in Armenia
function in full capacity. Wastewater undergoes a partial mechanical
treatment only.
All treatment plants were put into operation before 1990 and the
technologies applied there do not correspond to the actual demands. In
addition, these technologies were developed taking into account the low-cost
of the energy consumption at the time, and their utilization presently is
associated with colossal expenses.
It is also worth mentioning that with the projected economic growth and
recommencement of industrial activities the water quality can deteriorate
because of the absence of necessary infrastructure for wastewater treatment.
In this respect, I would like to draw your attention to a point which was
rightfully brought up in paragraph 46 of the Document on Sanitation
(E/CN.17?2004/5), stating that there is a necessity for shifting the
evaluation of sanitation system from the monitoring of the existence or
absence of appropriate infrastructure to the efficiency of its functioning.
As far as Armenia is concerned, the problem is not the absence of such
infrastructure, but rather its poor functioning and deterioration.
Accordingly, for countries like Armenia, the rehabilitation and
modernization of the wastewater treatment plants through the utilization of
modern technologies, as well as the construction of new ones are a priority
as far as the provision of safe water and quality of surface and ground
water is concerned. The latter is an integral part of our national policy in
the field of water resources. To solve these problems under current
conditions great financial resources are needed, and the Armenian Government
is creating stimulating economic mechanisms today to attract these
resources.
The problems existing in Armenia related to the condition of water resources
and sanitation can be solved gradually parallel to the economic development
of the country, the possible increase of the state budget capacities, the
creation and implementation of new mechanisms for a target-oriented
financing and with adequate environmental administration, as well as
significant financial assistance for the national programmes by
international financial institutions.
END
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

newBrainframes.org
KARABAKH: FIRST INDEPENDENT PAPER
Ashot Beglarian (01-05-2004)The first non-government publication in the
Armenian-controlled province aims to cover themes which previously went
unreported.
Setting up an independent newspaper for Nagorny Karabakh has long been a
dream of Gegam Bagdasarian, head of the Stepanakert Press Club. Now
it's happened, and Bagdasarian is editor-in-chief of a twice-monthly
paper called Demo.
The idea behind it was to create a newspaper that is not beholden to the
authorities or any opposition movement, but is a voice for the public at
large – hence the title Demo, as in “democracy”. The paper's 16 pages
are in Armenian and Russian.
“Every citizen should have the chance to know what is actually happening in
his motherland and not just from one source but from several,” explained
Bagdasarian. “We intend to become a really independent source.”
Founding an independent newspaper is a very delicate project in a society
which emerged from a devastating conflict ten years ago. Until now there has
only been one main newspaper, the government publication Azat Artsakh.
Bagdasarian says he is well aware of the sensitivities. “We understand what
a responsible mission we are undertaking, as there is virtually no precedent
in the Armenian information space,” he said. “Demo is trying to become a
free publication in the classic sense, meaning it depends only on the
reader. We are not forcing our views on anyone. When we have a free market,
the reader himself can choose what reason and conscience dictate.”
Karabakh president Arkady Gukasian, himself a former journalist, told IWPR
last month that he welcomed the project. “A free press is a sign of the
formation of civil society,” Gukasian said. “We are now facing the biggest
challenge – helping democracy to take root here.”
But the new paper will undoubtedly create controversy. The first issue
touched on sensitive issues such as the resignation of Karabakh deputy prime
minister Yury Gazarian and a property dispute over a collective farm in the
town of Stepanakert. A column by Boris Navadasardian expressed concern about
Armenian reactions to the recent murder in Budapest of Gurgen Markarian, an
Armenian army officer, by Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov.
Demo is supported by the British-based non-government organisation
Conciliation Resources, as part of a wider consortium which is beginning a
series of projects in both Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage with the Nagorny
Karabakh dispute, with funding from the British government's Conflict
Prevention Pool.
In this spirit, the paper has also set itself the goal of building bridges
across the ceasefire line with Azerbaijan. It is covering events in the
Caucasus as a whole, and is publishing a page of IWPR's Caucasus
articles in each issue.
“We will be publishing articles about events in Azerbaijan, Georgia and
Armenia, trying to fill the information gap that has formed,” said
Bagdasarian. “I hope this will help us find common points of agreement.”
So far, readers have responded positively to Demo. “The articles published
in the newspaper are not only interesting but relevant,” said Armen
Sarkisian, a civil servant. “The whole spectrum of socio-political life in
Nagorny Karabakh is reflected there.”
Albert Voskanian, a well-known local activist who heads Stepanakert's
Centre for Civic Initiatives, said, “It is a lively newspaper which touches
on and investigates topics which are not only interesting but also painful,
and which worry people. I have no doubt it has a future.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Scotsman, UK
May 2 2004
Gilded youth
by Kenneth Walton
Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year
USHER HALL, EDINBURGH
IN AN awe-inspiring showcase of prodigious young talent at the Usher
Hall yesterday, 16-year-old Ayrshire violinist Nicola Benedetti beat
off stiff competition to win the grand final of the 2004 BBC Young
Musician of the Year award.
All five finalists showed remarkable presence and confidence before a
2,000 capacity audience and prestigious panel of judges. And each one,
from the pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, 11, to the 17-year-old
percussionist Lucy Beeson, displayed complete professionalism in the
way they handled their concerto roles with the BBC Scottish Symphony
Orchestra, under its principal conductor, Ilan Volkov.
It was, we were told, the youngest set of finalists in the
competition’s 26-year history. Highlighting that, the diminutive
Grosvenor gave a technically assured account of Ravel’s G major Piano
Concerto on a concert grand lent to him by the makers Bösendorfer,
specially adapted to accommodate his size. Grosvenor is scheduled to
appear next season, playing Mozart and Britten, in the Scottish
Ensemble’s High Flyers tour. Each of yesterday’s finalists chose
challenging, rather than predictable repertoire. Lucy Beeson’s
cool-headed performance of Joe Duddell’s percussion concerto Ruby
revealed music of immense beauty. Welsh 15-year-old Daniel de
Gruchy-Lambert chose the Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian’s
excitable Trumpet Concerto to display his buoyant virtuosity. The
Manchester flautist Adam Walker produced exquisite variances of tone in
a bristling performance of Neilsen’s Flute Concerto.
But there was one clear winner. Nicola Benedetti’s performance of
Szymanowski’s First Violin Concerto was utterly captivating. It was
technically outstanding, and the charisma and musicianship of her
performance was that of the accomplished artist we know her to be. This
was playing soaked in delicacy, subtlety and sheer virtuosity. Her star
is very much in the ascendent.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Guardian, UK
May 2 2004
Scientists to search for Noah’s ark on Turkish mountain
Expedition will study ‘man-made object’ shown by satellite photos
Nick Paton Walsh in Moscow
The CIA calls it the “Ararat anomaly”. Mountaineers call it the peak of
the unforgiving range on the Turkish-Armenian border. But some
scientists think it might hold a far greater historical significance as
the great archaeological mirage – the remains of Noah’s ark.
Ten explorers and scientists from the US and Turkey will embark on an
expedition on July 15 to scale Mount Ararat, 4,700 metres (15,000ft)
above sea level, to determine what is behind the image that has been
picked up by spy satellites in the past two decades.
New satellite pictures suggest a huge 14-metre-high structure that was
exposed when the heatwave that hit Europe last summer melted the
snowcap that had obscured it for years.
The expedition will be led by Ahmet Ali Arslan, an English professor at
Seljuk University in Turkey. An experienced mountaineer, he has already
scaled Mt Ararat 40 times and grew up around the mountain range.
“The slopes are very, very harsh and dangerous on the northern face –
it is extremely challenging, mentally and physically,” said Mr Arslan,
who was once a prime-ministerial aide.
The expedition can only occur with the consent of the Turkish
government, and Mr Arslan will meet the prime minister next week to
discuss the proposed trip. The estimated cost is £500,000 and will be
met by Daniel McGivern, a businessman and Christian activist from
Hawaii.
At a press conference to announce the trip this week he said: “We are
not excavating it. We’re going to photograph it and, God willing,
you’re all going to see it.”
“These new photos unequivocally show a man-made object,” he added. “I
am convinced that the excavation of the object and the results of tests
run on any collected samples will prove that it is Noah’s ark.”
Mr McGivern’s Trinity Corporation last year used Quick Bird, the
world’s highest resolution satellite, to photograph the anomaly.
He has said he is 98% sure that the object is the ark, because of beams
of wood he said were visible in the images.
The Bible says that the ark, packed with either seven or two of each
creature, male and female, on earth, came to rest on the mountains of
Ararat after the great floods – thought to have occurred in 5,600BC,
when the Mediterranean flooded into the basin where the Black Sea now
sits.
Sceptics have pointed out that Noah would have had to load 460
organisms a second to fill the ark with two of each species in 24 hours
as the Bible suggests.
The object on Mount Ararat was first noticed by the CIA in 1949 from a
spy plane.
Turkish pilots saw it again 10 years later, and the pictures began to
reinforce the myth around the vessel, giving Christians apparent
archeological evidence that part of Genesis could be physically
substantiated.
The region was off limits until 1982 because of Soviet complaints that
explorers were spying. Since then, teams of explorers have tried to
reach the ark, but failed to substantiate what the object is.
Geologists have discovered evidence of a flood in the region known as
Mesopotamia in Sumerian times (6,000 years ago), yet have maintained
that it is not possible for a ship to have made landfall at an altitude
as high as that of Mt Ararat.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 3 2004
AZERBAIJAN-GEORGIA RELATIONS DEVELOPING
[May 03, 2004, 14:50:44]
Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov met with Foreign Affairs
Minister of Georgia Mrs. Salome Zurabishvili, in Baku, on May 1,
AzerTAj correspondent learnt from the Ministry’s press-center.
The Minister appreciated Mrs. Zurabishvili’s visit as continuation of
the relations between the two countries. He noted that further
development of relationships in economic, political, trade and other
spheres has importance significance for both countries.
Having thanked for warm reception, Mrs. Zurabishvili noted that she had
supported development of relations in all spheres. Touching on
commercial-economic issues between the two countries, she emphasized
that her country was keen in dynamic development of the relations. She
stressed the importance of coordination in the upcoming NATO summit to
be held in Istanbul, in July 2004, as well as membership of Georgia in
Asiatic International Bank.
Having stressed his satisfaction with the growth of trade turnover
between the two countries, Minister Mammadyarov noted that reciprocal
reduction of tariffs on Great Silk Road to increase turnover of goods,
improvement of infrastructure might positively influence on welfare of
both countries, as well as Azerbaijanis, residing in Georgia. The
Minister expressed confidence that the Georgian side would promote in
examination of issue regarding Embassy of Azerbaijan in Georgia.
The Minister noted that he would be pleased to meet with his colleague
at the upcoming regular sitting of GUUAM Council of Foreign Ministers
due in Tbilisi, on May 17. The Minister stressed the importance of
solution of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict based on
joint efforts of international community, adding that the conflict
exert negative influence on regional cooperation.
The sides discussed other issues of mutual interest.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Gulf News, United Arab Emirates
May 1 2004
Man shares crime blame to be with friend

By Bassam Za’za’

Staff Reporter

Dubai: Two friends demonstrated what loyalty is all about when the
Dubai Court of First Instance gave them both four months in jail for
stealing video cameras worth Dh6,000.
The court heard that on March 3 a manager of an electronics company at
Jebel Ali Port reported to police that two video cameras were missing
from the warehouse.
Police probe revealed that the thieves, both Armenians, had taken a
regular customer to the company showroom to look at the goods. While
there, D.J., 32, stole the cameras but the equipment was recovered at
the gates on their way out.
Under questioning, D.J. confessed to the crime. He admitted hiding the
two cameras under his clothes without his friend’s knowledge.
However, bizarrely, his friend, A.S., 31, also a visitor to Dubai,
admitted that he, too, had been involved in the theft. He insisted he
should face similar punishment as he did not want his buddy to stay in
jail alone.
The court found the two men guilty of attempted theft.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
May 3 2004
Fifth International Black Sea Littoral States Theatre Festival To Start
On Tuesday
TRABZON – Fifth International Black Sea Littoral States Theatre
Festival will start on Tuesday.
Directorate General of State Theatres traditionally holds the
International Theatre Festival every year.
Turkey, Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Armenia, Georgia,
Moldova, Romania, Russia and Ukraine join the festival.
William Shakespeare’s ”Twelfth Night” will be displayed in the first
day of the festival.
The festival will end on May 14.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Le Monde, France
29 Avril 2004
Chirac repousse à dix ans l’adhésion de la Turquie
Au cours de sa conférence de presse, jeudi 29 avril, à l’Elysée,
consacrée à l’élargissement de l’Union européenne, le 1er mai, le
président de la République, Jacques Chirac, évoqué l’ensemble des
sujets liés à la construction européenne, de la ratification du traité
portant sur la Constitution européenne à la candidature de la Turquie à
l’Union, via l’Europe sociale et la puissance économique européenne
dans le monde avec le passage à une Union à 25 membres.
Le président Jacques Chirac s’est adressé directement aux Français,
jeudi 29 avril, lors d’une conférence de presse, à l’Elysée, devant
près de 200 journalistes. En ouvrant la conférence sur sa vision de
l’Europe, le président Chirac a insisté sur le moment historique que
vont vivre les Européens avec l’élargissement à vingt-cinq membres de
l’Union européenne.
Lors de la conférence de presse, le président Chirac a déclaré qu’il
était “prématuré” de choisir entre la voie parlementaire et la voie
référendaire pour adopter la Constitution européenne. Il fallait
d’abord “procéder par étapes”. Le Conseil européen des 17 et 18 juin
devra se mettre d’accord sur le projet, puis les Etats devront le
signer. Enfin, une fois en conformité avec la Constitution, selon
l’article 54, qui impliquera une révision de la Loi fondamentale, “il
reviendra aux Français de décider par voie référendaire ou voie
parlementaire de l’adopter”.
Sur la Turquie, dont l’adhésion est rejetée par l’UMP, le parti du
président, et l’UDF, le président a affirmé que la question est
“importante”. “La Turquie a une vocation européenne depuis plusieurs
siècles”, a-t-il poursuivi. Mais il a rappelé que plusieurs éléments
étaient nécessaires avant d’arrêter une position. La candidature turque
soulève “deux questions : l’adhésion de la Turquie est elle souhaitable
? Et cette adhésion est-elle possible ?”. Pour la première question, la
réponse du président est “non”. “La Turquie doit respecter les
conditions d’adhésion. Ce n’est pas le cas”, a-t-il déclaré. “La
Turquie a déjà fait de profondes réformes pour s’adapter aux critères
de Copenhague”, selon le chef de l’Etat. “Mais encore faut-il les
appliquer sur le terrain”, a-t-il souligné.
Le président a rappelé la procédure d’adhésion : “La Commission
européenne remettra son rapport au Conseil européen, qui devra prendre
une décision. Soit le Conseil européen jugera qu’il est prématuré
d’ouvrir des négociations et qu’il faudra attendre encore quelque temps
avant de les engager. Soit il estimera que la Turquie remplit les
critères de Copenhague et que les négociations pourront commencer dès
2005. Mais la vraie question est celle qui sera posée à chaque peuple
de l’Union. Le dernier mot leur reviendra, soit par voie référendaire,
soit par voie parlementaire.” Mais pour la Turquie, le président a
déclaré que les négociations pouvaient durer dix à quinze ans.
A propos de l’Europe sociale ou l’Europe libérale, le président a
estimé que “suivre à fond l’une des deux dynamiques conduirait à une
impasse. Il faut être réaliste”. La France, a-t-il rappelé, est en tête
du mouvement en faveur d’une Europe sociale, en matière de défense des
services publics, de dialogue social, d’échange entre les partenaires
sociaux et de coordination des politiques d’emploi. Le président a
rappelé que “la France n’est pas suivie pas tous”, notamment la
“Grande-Bretagne”, dont l’approche est plus libérale.
S’agissant de l’Irak, l’Union européenne fait confiance aux
propositions de l’envoyé spécial de l’ONU, M. Brahimi, sur la
reconstruction politique et économique du pays. Il a plaidé pour un
transfert de souveraineté “urgent” en Irak “sous le contrôle effectif
des Nations unies”. Le président français a estimé qu’une solution
fondée “sur une ambiguïté” concernant le partage des pouvoirs entre les
forces de coalition et l’ONU serait “désastreuse”. “Nous estimons qu’il
est urgent, aujourd’hui, de rendre leur souveraineté aux Irakiens”,
a-t-il dit. Aujourd’hui, a souligné le président, “l’heure n’est plus à
la fracture de l’Union européenne”, mais il constate “l’émergence d’une
conscience européenne à l’échelle des populations”. Il se dit persuadé
que les vingt-cinq membres de l’Union européenne approuveront à
l’unanimité les propositions du représentant des Nations unies en Irak.
Sur le calendrier de l’élargissement, le président a insisté sur la
détermination de l’Europe, notamment de la France, à respecter
l’engagement d’accepter la Roumanie et la Bulgarie à partir de 2007
dans l’espace de l’Union.
Quant à la force de l’euro et au rôle économique de l’Union, Jacques
Chirac a rappelé qu’il était favorable au texte de la Convention et
hostile à tout changement en matière de politique monétaire, financière
et économique.
Sur les autres sujets, comme la reconnaissance du génocide des
Arméniens en préalable à l’entrée de la Turquie ou le plan Sharon dans
les territoires palestiniens, le président Jacques Chirac a souligné
qu’il ne fallait pas que “les problèmes bilatéraux interfèrent dans les
critères d’adhésion” et qu’il se réjouissait que “de nouvelles
perspectives s’ouvrent entre l’Arménie et la Turquie”. A propos du plan
Sharon, le président français a estimé que toute initiative
unilatérale, comme le retrait de Gaza proposé par le premier ministre
israélien, était “vouée à l’échec”.
Lemonde.fr
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Le Monde, France
30 Avril 2004

Les Arméniens de France répondent vivement au chef de l’Etat
Interrogé, mercredi 29 avril, pour savoir s’il ferait de la
reconnaissance du génocide arménien une condition préalable à l’entrée
de la Turquie dans l’Union européenne, Jacques Chirac a répondu qu’il
s’agissait, selon lui, “d’un problème qui concerne les relations entre
la Turquie et l’Arménie”. “J’observe avec satisfaction qu’il y a dans
ce domaine une évolution positive et je m’en réjouis, a-t-il ajouté. On
ne peut pas non plus, sur le plan bilatéral, juger de tout l’avenir en
fonction exclusivement du passé.” Cette phrase n’a pas été du goût des
associations arméniennes.
Le Conseil de coordination des organisations arméniennes de France
(CCAF) s’est ainsi “étonné” des déclarations du chef de l’Etat,
rappelant que les autorités françaises avaient elles-mêmes – sous sa
présidence – reconnu le génocide arménien. “Si cette question relative
à un crime contre l’humanité ne concerne que les relations bilatérales
entre ces deux pays, pourquoi le président a-t-il promulgué, le 29
janvier 2001, une loi votée à l’unanimité au Parlement et par laquelle
la France reconnaît publiquement le génocide arménien ?”, s’est
interrogé le CCAF, redoutant que M. Chirac “se lave personnellement les
mains de l’extermination des Arméniens de Turquie, dont une partie a
trouvé refuge en France”.
Parmi les responsables politiques, le président de l’UDF, François
Bayrou, qui avait demandé, au mois de mai 2000 au Sénat, la
reconnaissance officielle du génocide arménien, a, lui aussi, critiqué
les propos de M. Chirac : “J’ai été troublé et je n’ai pas approuvé les
déclarations du président de la République sur le génocide Arménien”,
a-t-il déclaré. M. Bayrou a estimé qu’invoquer un simple “problème
bilatéral” sur la question arménienne revenait à juger que “les
exterminations ne concernent que les communautés ou les ethnies qui en
sont les victimes”.
LE 24 AVRIL 1915
Dans un récent ouvrage – intitulé 24 avril (Cherche Midi) -, Alexis
Govciyan, qui présidait le CCAF jusqu’en 2002, a relaté étape par étape
la longue hésitation, de 1998 à 2001, du Parlement français devant les
menaces de rétorsion turques. La date du 24 avril renvoie au début des
opérations génocidaires en 1915. Le préfet de police d’Istanbul donna
ce jour-là l’ordre à ses hommes de rafler les notables arméniens de la
capitale ottomane, qui seront déportés puis assassinés à l’instigation
du gouvernement nationaliste des “jeunes Turcs”. Le nombre des victimes
varie selon les estimations, les Arméniens revendiquant un million et
demi de tués. C’est à partir de la commémoration du cinquantième
anniversaire du génocide, en 1965, marquée par une grande manifestation
à Paris, qu’a émergé, en France, la revendication d’une reconnaissance
du génocide.
La communauté arménienne s’est toujours montrée particulièrement
sourcilleuse face à toute position qualifiée de “négationniste”. C’est
ainsi qu’elle intenta un procès à l’orientaliste américain Bernard
Lewis, qui fut condamné en juin 1995. Elle obtint moins de succès dans
son opposition à l’élection au Collège de France, en janvier 1999, de
l’historien Gilles Veinstein, spécialiste de la Turquie, qui jugeait
que les intentions criminelles du gouvernement turc de l’époque
n’étaient pas bien établies (Le Monde du 27 janvier 1999). Le 9 février
1999, M. Chirac confirmait, par décret, la nomination de
l’orientaliste.
Christiane Chombeau et Nicolas Weill
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress