Author: Hagop Kamalian

AZERIS IN GEORGIA CAN UNDERTAKE MOST RADICAL MEASURES
PanArmenian News
Dec 7 2004
07.12.2004 18:13
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Azeris residing in Georgia can undertake most
radical measures – up to announcing an autonomy in the areas of
their compact residence, if the Georgian authorities do not stop
their discrimination policy towards the Azeris,” stated Zumrud
Gurbanov, the Chairman of Heyrat non-governmental organization, which
represents Azeris residing in Georgia. Day.az reported referring to
Trend news agency. Gurbanov is former MP of the Georgian Parliament,
representing E. Shevardnadze’s party. It should be reminded that the
other day a 65-year-old Azeri woman died at hospital from firearm
wounds. Four Azeris were gravely wounded due to an armed incident
next to Kula village. In Gurbanov’s words, “the incident in Kula
village took place before the eyes of the police, which did not
undertake anything.” Azeris compactly live in the South-Eastern part
of Georgia, known as Kvemo Kartli. These are the descendants Borchalu
Turkic-language tribes, which were brought to the region by Abbas
Iranian shah – after he had undertook mass expulsion of Georgians and
Armenians from the region. Azeris, whom the Georgians traditionally
call “Tatar”, today are the second on the size national minority of
Georgia. Most of them do not speak Georgian and are slightly integrated
into the Georgian society. Increase of Islamist sentiments among them
is not ruled out.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
AGBU Hye Geen Organization
2048 Erin Way
Glendale , CA 91206
Contact: Sona Yacoubian
Tel: (818)790-3023
E-mail: [email protected]
The launching of Sona Zeitlian’s newest publication “Contribution of
Armenians to the History of Medieval and Modern Egypt” took place on 1
December 2004 at the Glendale Central Public Library. The event was
sponsored by Tekeyan Cultural Association and AGBU “Hye Geen”.

The presentation of this unique study was made by Parsegh Kartalian, a
well known community leader. To begin with, he stressed that in the
history of the widespread Armenian diasporas, Egypt maintained a
prominent place until the middle of 20th century. In the medieval
period, he dwelt on the Armenian Veziers of 11th and 12th centuries
and their contribution to Egypt’s military, political and cultural
evolution. Summing up the legacy of this period, he mentioned the
establishment of the Armenian see that still functions today and the
contributions of Armenian architects and artisans whose works have
left an indelible mark on the evolution of muslim architecture.
He then focused on Modern Egypt, where Armenian statesmen have
contributed to the country’s politico-economic, legal and educational
evolution. In an atmosphere of religious tolerance and national
cohesion, such prominent figures as Boghos Bey Yusufian, Nubar Pasha
Nubarian, Dikran Pasha D’Abro, Ya’cub Artin Pasha Tcherakian, Boghos
Nubar Pasha Nubarian and many others have laid the foundations of the
state apparatus, public education, public transportation and the legal
framework based on secular principles. The speaker made an in depth
analysis of the contributions of these leading Armenian statesmen who
have also been pillars of their own community.
Then Sona Yacubian, president of AGBU “Hye Geen” introduced the
author, Sona Zeitlian. In her address, the author focused on the
pan-Armenian conception of Egypt’s Armenian community and the key role
it played in cementing diasporan relations and constant exchanges with
the Homeland. In fact, the community used its economic and
organizational clout as well as church unity to serve fellow Armenians
at a time of national crisis. The pan-Armenian conception was at the
heart of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) established in
Egypt in 1906. For almost a century this world wide organization has
adapted to serve the nation’s changing needs.
Sona Zeitlian’s work was highly appreciated by an enthusiastic
audience, mindful of the fact that the diasporan narrative was linked
with the enfolding Armenian history.
Sona Zeitlian’s book is available from HSZ Publications at
[email protected]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenians destroying historical monuments – Azeris report to Council of
Europe
Bilik Dunyasi news agency
3 Dec 04
BAKU
The destruction and seizure of over 100,000 pieces of cultural
heritage of national and international importance on the occupied
Azerbaijani territories, including some 500 historical and more than
100 archaeological monuments, are reflected in the report “On the
destruction and seizure of cultural monuments on the Armenian-occupied
Azerbaijani territories” submitted to the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe [PACE] committee on science, education and
culture by a member of the Azerbaijani delegation, Rafael Huseynov.
The report also says Armenia has fully or partly destroyed 22 museums,
looted over 1,000 schools, 927 libraries and five music school on
Azerbaijani territory, a source at the international relations
department of the Milli Maclis [parliament] has told Bilik
Dunyasi. Azerbaijan has been trying to table this issue at a PACE
session for two years.
The Azerbaijani delegation has submitted two other documents to the
PACE secretariat, revealing more facts of the destruction of
Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage on the occupied territories – “On the
urgent prevention of the destruction of cultural monuments in the
Azerbaijani town of Susa [Shusha]” and “On the desecration of ancient
cemeteries and historical monuments on the occupied Azerbaijani
territories”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Four tiny constellations to west are faint and not too famous
San Diego Union-Tribune
Nov 24 2004
UNION-TRIBUNE
As the year draws to a close, the three bright stars of the famous
Summer Triangle appear high above the western horizon shortly after
dark.
Near and among the stars of this large celestial grouping lie four
small constellations. But don’t think you’ll be able to recognize
these from just their names alone. These are some of the tiniest and
faintest constellations in the heavens.
The easternmost of the four is Equuleus, the Little Horse. It’s an
ancient group whose origins are shrouded in history.
It was mentioned by the first century astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in
his great book “Almagest” but, because Ptolemy borrowed much of his
material from others, it might have actually been created by the
Greek astronomer Hipparchus three centuries earlier. The
second-tiniest constellation in the sky – and one of the faintest –
Equuleus is difficult to see even under the darkest conditions.
Just to its west lies Delphinus, an ancient constellation that
represents the dolphin, and that probably originated in ancient
Greece. When Poseidon, god of the sea, wanted to marry Amphitrite,
she became so disgusted at the thought of living under the sea that
she fled to the distant Atlas Mountains. Poseidon sent several
messengers after her in hopes that she might return to him; only the
dolphin Delphinus succeeded, and was rewarded by Poseidon with a
place in the heavens.
Sagitta, the Arrow, is the third-smallest constellation in the sky
and, interestingly, is one of the few star patterns that actually
looks like its namesake. Sagitta is an ancient constellation, and
many cultures have seen an arrow outlined by its five faint stars.
It has been identified as a stray arrow shot by Sagittarius, the
archer, as one shot by Apollo to kill the Cyclops, or even as one of
Cupid’s arrows. Its name comes from ancient Hebrew, Armenian and
Arabic, and all mean “arrow.”
Finally we find Vulpecula, the Fox, one of seven faint and relatively
obscure Northern Hemisphere constellations created and introduced as
“Vulpecula cum Anser” – Fox with Goose – by the Polish astronomer
Johannes Hevelius in his 1690 atlas titled “Firmamentum Sobieski.”
It was in this constellation that, in 1967, astronomer Jocelyn Bell
discovered the first pulsar – a rapidly rotating neutron star whose
regularly pulsating radio signals led some (erroneously) to believe
it was a message from an intelligent extraterrestrial civilization.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Le Monde, France
07 octobre 2004
La Commission européenne entrouvre la porte à la Turquie

UNION EUROPEENNE
Le collège des commissaires se prononce, mercredi 6 octobre, pour
l’ouverture des négociations d’adhésion avec Ankara. Mais ce
processus est durci et une clause de rupture est introduite. Les
discussions devront se poursuivre une dizaine d’années pour
satisfaire les conditions de l’UE
Arnaud Leparmentier
BRUXELLES de notre bureau européen
C’est par un « oui » assorti denombreusesconditions que la Commission
européenne devait répondre, mercredi 6 octobre, à la demande de la
Turquie d’ouvrir des négociations d’adhésion. Dans sa recommandation
de 9 pages, le collège des commissaires européens se prononce pour
l’ouverture de négociations maisdurcit sensiblement ce processus de
discussion, précisant que « les résultats ne peuvent être garantis à
l’avance ». Une clause de suspension des négociations est introduite
et plusieurs restrictions sont faites concernant la liberté de
circulation des travailleurs turcs et le versement des aides
européennes. La Turquie s’agace des nombreusesréserves exprimésdans
les pays européens. En France, M. Bayrou, opposant à l’adhésion de la
Turquie, demande que le gouvernement engage sa responsabilité.
TEXTE-ARTICLE:
La Commission européenne devait proposer, mercredi 6 octobre, à
l’Union européenne (UE) d’ouvrir des négociations d’adhésion avec la
Turquie. Dans une recommandation de neuf pages, l’institution
présidée par Romano Prodi propose d’encadrer strictement le processus
d’adhésion. Le texte, qui tente de répondre à toutes les questions
posées par une éventuelle entrée de la Turquie dans l’UE, servira de
base de travail aux chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement, qui doivent
décider au plus tard le 17 décembre de l’ouverture des négociations.
Mercredi, M. Prodi cherchait à obtenir l’unanimité au sein de son
collège sur ce texte, espérant grce à d’ultimes amendements rallier
les commissaires les plus réticents.
Critères démocratiques.
La Commission estime que « la Turquie satisfait suffisamment aux
critères politiques et recommande l’ouverture de négociations ».
Cette appréciation est conditionnée à la mise en oeuvre d’une série
de lois déjà votées, en particulier le nouveau code pénal et la loi
sur les associations. Ankara a accompli « des progrès substantiels
dans son processus de réforme politique », mais des problèmes
demeurent dans le respect concret de l’Etat de droit, des minorités
religieuses, des droits syndicaux. La torture et les mauvais
traitements ayant suscité de graves interrogations chez de nombreux
commissaires, la recommandation précise qu’ « en dépit des efforts
importants la mise en oeuvre doit être encore consolidée ». Elle
ajoute que « l’irréversibilité du processus de réforme, en
particulier sa mise en oeuvre, devra être confirmée sur une plus
longue période ». La recommandation insiste sur la nécessité de
débattre avec la société civile. Cette disposition a pour objectif de
forcer les autorités turques à discuter avec les organisations non
gouvernementales (ONG).
Des négociations à l’issue ouverte.
La Turquie n’est pas assurée de devenir membre de l’Union. « Il
s’agit d’un processus ouvert dont les résultats ne peuvent pas être
garantis à l’avance », précise la recommandation, qui ajoute qu ‘«
indépendamment du résultat des négociations ou du processus de
ratification qui pourrait en découler, les relations entre l’Union
européenne et la Turquie doivent garantir que la Turquie reste ancrée
aux structures européennes ». Sans expliciter la piste d’un «
partenariat privilégié », réclamé par l’UMP en France et la droite
allemande, le texte débattu mercredi ouvrait la voie à un scénario
autre que l’adhésion, en cas d’échec des négociations ou des
référendums sur l’adhésion.
La suspension des négociations.
La Commission a prévu un système de « frein à main », selon la
formule d’un rédacteur du projet, si la Turquie ne confirme pas sa
démocratisation. « En cas de violation grave et persistante des
principes de liberté, de démocratie, de respect des droits de l’homme
et des libertés fondamentales, la Commission recommande la suspension
des négociations et le conseil en décide à la majorité », préconise
la recommandation. Le texte précise que les conférences
intergouvernementales exigent l’unanimité, ce qui permet de
réaffirmer le droit de veto de chaque Etat.
Une adhésion prévue vers 2015.
La Commission précise que l’adhésion ne pourra pas avoir lieu avant
que les Européens aient décidé du budget européen à partir de 2014.
Cela équivaut à prévoir une adhésion vers 2015. Les négociations
seraient conduites de manière plus stricte que par le passé. Pour
clore un chapitre de négociations, la Commission ne se contentera pas
de promesses de réformes, mais devra tirer un bilan satisfaisant de
leur mise en oeuvre.
La non-liberté de circulation des travailleurs turcs.
De nombreux pays européens craignent un afflux d’immigrés turcs. La
Commission précise que « des clauses de sauvegarde permanentes
pourraient être envisagées pour la libre circulation des travailleurs
». Cette mesure, qui ne fait pas l’unanimité, vise à rassurer les
populations européennes mais priverait les Turcs d’une des libertés
fondamentales de l’Union.
Préservation des politiques agricole et régionale.
La Commission estime que le coût de l’adhésion sera de 0,17 % du
produit intérieur brut (PIB) de l’Union (environ 25 milliards d’euros
à l’horizon 2020). Le texte ne prévoit pas un relèvement du plafond
du budget de l’Union, actuellement fixé à 1,27 % du PIB. Il précise
que les négociations se feront « sur la base de l’acquis »
communautaire, ce qui signifie que c’est la Turquie qui devra
s’adapter à l’UE et pas l’inverse. Pour éviter que l’essentiel des
subsides des politiques agricole et régionale soit absorbé par la
Turquie, « des dispositions spécifiques pourront être exigées ». La
Turquie pourrait donc avoir un traitement à part en Europe.
Chypre et l’Arménie.
Le texte ne fait pas de la résolution du problème de Chypre, non
reconnue par la Turquie, qui occupe sa partie nord, une condition
préalable à l’ouverture des négociations. Il évoque le problème
indirectement en rappelant que les négociations « se tiennent dans le
cadre d’une conférence intergouvernementale comprenant tous les Etats
membres de l’Union ». Ce libellé, censé rappeler à la Turquie qu’elle
doit cheminer vers une reconnaissance de Chypre, était jugé
insuffisant par certains commissaires.
Le projet de recommandation ne mentionne pas explicitement l’Arménie,
mais insistait sur la nécessité de profiter de la période de
négociation pour que la Turquie améliore ses relations avec ses
voisins.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARF DASHNAKTSUTYUN SAYS MECHANISMS OF COUNTER-BALANCE AND RESTRAIN OF
AUTHORITIES NECESSARY CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
YEREVAN, October 1 (Noyan Tapan). The ARF Dashnaktsutyun believes that
the mechanisms of counter-balance and restrain of authorities are
important Constitutional reforms, Armen Roustamian, member of the ARF
Dashnaktsutyun Executive Council, Chairman of the Parliamentary
Standing Commission on Foreign Relations, told an October 1 news
conference, adding that the three power branches are not divided
according to this principle in Armenia. Armen Roustamian also
emphasized the necessity of independence of the judicial power. This,
according to the ARF member, may only be achieved through amending the
order of forming the Justice Council. According to Roustamian, a
self-governing common republican control system should be founded. The
ARF Dashnaktsutyun also emphasizes the importance of employment
problems. “A government ought to address the employment problems of
its people and be able to provide them with jobs,” Armen Roustamian
stressed.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STAFF OF YEREVAN CHOREOGRAPHIC COLLEGE PICKET PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 25. ARMINFO. Today the creative staff and parents
of the students of Yerevan Choreographic College again picket the
residence of the Armenian President.
It should be noted that the only ballet school in the country, which
is 80-years-old, is on a strike for already 15 days. The reason of the
strike of teachers and students is known: dissatisfaction with the
order of Minister for Culture and Youth Affairs of Armenia Hovik
Hoveyan on release of the current Director Norayr Meghrabyan from his
post and his replacement by Karen Gevorgyan. The picketers sent a
letter to President Kocharyan asking for restoration of “status quo.”
During the recent reception of the members of the parents committee
and the creative staff of the college, an employee of the Presidential
Control Service passed Robert Kocharyan’s words to them.
He said that the president is informed of all the problems connected
with the college and waits for return of Hovik Hoveyan from Germany to
finally solve the issue. However, several days have passed, but no
final reply has been given to the picketers.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Russian, US leaders congratulate Armenia on independence anniversary
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
21 Sep 04

[Presenter over video of celebration ceremony] Armenia today
celebrates the 13th anniversary of its independence. On 21 September
1991, exactly 13 years ago, Armenian society made a resolute decision
by saying decisive “yes” at an independence referendum.
Celebrations started today by government members’ visit to Yerablur
[monument to martyrs in Yerevan]. The country’s high-ranking officials
led by President Robert Kocharyan laid flowers at the graves of
[assassinated Prime Minister] Vazgen Sarkisyan and Andranik [known to
the Armenian public as Zoravar Andranik, a distinguished leader of the
Armenian national liberation movement in the early 1900s].
[The president of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic, Arkadiy Gukasyan,
captioned, in Yerablur] Armenia’s independence belongs not only to the
Armenians, this is a holiday for the whole Armenianhood. Armenia’s
independence is the basis on which the independence of Nagornyy
Karabakh and the diaspora – Armenia – Nagornyy Karabakh union have
been established. But, as you now, Karabakh’s independence is 18 days
older than Armenia’s independence. We all understand that without free
and independent Armenia there would hardly be the free and independent
Nagornyy Karabakh Republic and it would have been very difficult to
win this war [for Nagornyy Karabakh]. This is natural for
Armenianhood, and this is the greatest and most valuable achievement.
[Armenian Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisyan, captioned] Today we have a
combat-ready and strong army which is able to defend our
independence. I think this is the greatest achievement.
[Presenter] US President George W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir
Putin and Belarus President Alyaksandr Lukashenka have sent
congratulatory messages to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan on the
occasion of the 13th anniversary of independence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to
the Armenian president. Our peoples’ historical friendship is based on
Russian-Armenian multifaceted cooperation. I am sure that the further
deepening of Russian-Armenian military cooperation meets our
countries’ interests, which plays the most important role in
preserving and strengthening peace and stability in the Caucasus, the
message said.
US President George W. Bush has also sent a congratulatory message to
President Kocharyan: I send my congratulations to you and all the
Armenian people on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence. Today, independent Armenia is one of the most important
partners of the USA. My special thanks to Armenia for its special
support to the USA in the antiterror fight. The USA will continue
supporting the Armenian government and people to achieve economic
development and settle the Nagornyy Karabakh problem. I hope that
cooperation between our countries and friendly relations between our
peoples will strengthen, the message said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Defense Minister Protests Armenian Officers’ Planned Visit To Baku
11/09/2004 12:01
On Friday, Defense Minister, Colonel General Safar Abiyev strongly
protested against the planned participation of Armenian officers in
NATO’s Cooperative Best Effort-2004 desert exercises to be held in
Baku in September within the Partnership for Peace Program.
Assa-Irada — General Abiyev underlined that the Azerbaijani people are
surprised with the efforts by Armenia, which has occupied Azerbaijan’s
lands and supports terror and separatism on the level of state policy,
to take part in the NATO exercises in Baku.
“Armenia doesn’t recognize Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and
doesn’t give up its territorial claims against Azerbaijan. There are
no diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In this case,
the participation of the officers in the Armenian Armed Forces in
the exercises held in Baku is not purposeful.”
General Abiyev stressed that the Azerbaijani people are against the
planned participation of Armenian officers in the NATO exercises
under the cover of international cooperation. The defense minister
recalled that Azerbaijan refused to take part in NATO exercise held
in Armenia in 2003.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Outgoing Russian envoy hopes for speedy Karabakh settlement
ANS TV, Baku
9 Sep 04
[Presenter Natavan Babayeva] The Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan,
Nikolay Ryabov, has ended his diplomatic mission in Baku. He said
goodbye to journalists first.
[Correspondent over video of Ryabov’s news conference] I admit that
I knew nothing about Azerbaijan before my appointment to Baku. But
now four year later, I am leaving this country as a diplomat who
knows the country very well, Ryabov told his last news conference for
the Azerbaijani media. He said that work in Baku made an important
contribution to his career.
[Ryabov in Russian with Azeri voice-over] Our diplomatic mission here
has been operating and enjoying political comfort. We have always felt
support from the government, the opposition, public organizations
and the media. We never felt any kind of moral and psychological
pressure. Someone could describe this fact as normal. But this is
very important for diplomatic activities.
[Correspondent] Sometimes we made progress in solving most of the
problems fully and sometimes partly. But I regret that no progress
was made on the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh problem during my
activities, Ryabov said. Ryabov spoke about his great expectations
from the meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents
in Astana on 16 September to be held at Russian President Vladimir
Putin’s initiative. Ryabov hoped that Azerbaijan’s occupied lands
would be returned soon.
[Ryabov] One should not be complacent. There is a need for new and
additional proposals. There is a need to settle old conflicts.
[Correspondent] Speaking about the act of terror in school No 1 of
the North Ossetian town of Beslan, Ryabov thanked the Azerbaijani
people and government for their support. He said that Azerbaijan’s
aid to Russia on this tragic days despite many problems facing the
country and more than 1m refugees has made our countries even closer
given the 400 years of cooperation between us.
[Passage omitted: Ryabov does not know who will succeed him]