Author: Hakobian Adrine

The Toronto Star
April 22, 2004
News in Brief
Armenia
10,000 rally to demand president’s resignation
More than 10,000 demonstrators marched yesterday to demand the
resignation of Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, whom they accuse
of rigging his re-election last year, and to seek a national
referendum on his administration.
Ignoring both heavy rain and a threat by authorities to disperse mass
gatherings, protesters poured into Freedom Square in central Yerevan
and then filed through the city centre without incident.

Michigan Armenians mark genocide by Turks
The Associated Press
4/22/04 2:02 AM
DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Armenian Americans are preparing to mark the
89th anniversary of a mass murder that helped mark the the 1900s as
the century of genocide.
Before the Nazi slaughtered 6 million Jews, before the Khmer Rouge
killed 1.7 million of their fellow Cambodians, before Rwandan Hutus
killed 800,000 ethnic Tutsis, the Armenians of Turkey endured mass
slaughter at the hands of the Ottoman Turks.
Armenians say they lost 1.5 million people in 1915-23, during and
after World War I, as Turkish authorities forced them out of eastern
Turkey. Turkey says the death count is inflated and that the deaths
were a result of civil unrest.
But Adolf Hitler cited the killing of the Armenians as a precedent for
his own slaughter of the Jews two decades later.
“Kill without mercy!” the Nazi leader told his military on the eve of
the Holocaust. “Who today remembers the annihilation of the
Armenians?” Southeastern Michigan is home to about 40,000
Armenian-Americans. On Friday, they start a series of events marking
the 89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., are pushing for a
commemoration of the genocide. He Levin has signed a letter to
President Bush urging him to officially call the deaths a genocide.
The Rev. Daron Stepanian of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in
Dearborn recalled the story of what Talat Pashah had declared when the
killing started.
Pashah was the leader of the Young Turks, a group of military officers
who in 1908 staged a coup to overthrow the sultan who ruled the
Ottoman Empire.
“He said they would keep one Armenian in a museum so future
generations would know what an Armenian looked like,” Stepanian told
The Detroit News.
Each year, April 24 is marked as “Martyrs Day” because 400 Armenian
intellectuals were rounded up and killed in Istanbul on April 24,
1915.
Turkey, an ally of Germany and an enemy of czarist Russia in World War
I, announced during the war that Armenians had been, for their own
safety, evacuated to strategic hamlets so they would not be caught
between Turkey and Russia.
In reality, hundreds of thousands of Armenians were marched into the
Syrian desert to die of thirst, exposure, starvation and disease.
“The world should care,” Stepanian said. “Hitler himself said, `Who
remembers the Armenians?’ Acknowledgement must come.”
“Righteous people have a moral imperative not to let the (Armenian)
Genocide or the Holocaust go unremembered and unmourned,” University
of Michigan-Dearborn historian Dennis R. Papazian wrote in an opinion
column in the Detroit Free Press. “To do so would be to make us less
human and to encourage the repetition of evil.”

Armenian ruling coalition offers opposition to start dialogue “at any time”
Mediamax news agency
15 Apr 04
YEREVAN
The ruling coalition today offered the Armenian opposition “to start
the political process of dialogue in the Armenian National Assembly at
any time”.
According to Mediamax news agency, the political forces which are
members of the coalition – the Republican Party of Armenia, the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun and the Orinats
Yerkir Party – declared this in a statement today.
The coalition says in the statement that “the intolerant and radical
opposition, as well as the tactics of setting unacceptable conditions
for beginning a dialogue have turned the situation into an open
confrontation”.
“Given the fact that there is no alternative to dialogue, the
coalition offers again to start a political dialogue despite
accusations against it,” the statement reads.
The coalition highlighted the problems that it offered to discuss
during the dialogue with the opposition: achieving a consensus on the
key points of constitutional reforms; achieving a consensus on changes
to the Electoral Code; elaborating ways to involve the opposition in
the fight against corruption and fulfilling commitments to the Council
of Europe according to the schedule.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/15/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Coalition Joint Statement Calls on Opposition to Enter Into Dialogue 2) Oskanian Criticizes US position on latest Yerevan events 3) Putin Confident Armenia Able to Maintain Stability 4) TARC Disbands Saying Goals Accomplished 5) Library Established in Memory of Catholicos Karekin I 6) Mikaelian Faces Venus Williams 1) Coalition Joint Statement Calls on Opposition to Enter Into Dialogue YEREVAN (Yerkir)Armenia's parliamentary coalition again called on opposition parties to enter into dialogue with them. The Republican Party of Armenia, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and the "Orinats Yerkir" party also pointed out in their joint statement that they had frequently forewarned the opposition about the dangers of outright confrontation. The further escalation of already-high tensions eventually led on Tuesday to the forcible dispersion by police of an opposition rally in the center of the city, and the temporary detention of several leading opposition activists and scores of demonstrators. The coalition statement, issued at a press conference, was read by the head of the ARF's bloc in Parliament Levon Mkrtchian, who enumerated key issues around which cooperation between the opposition and the authorities could aid in Armenia's development. Discussing the Tuesday events, the head of the Republican Party parliamentary bloc Galust Sahakian, said, "If illegal operations were carried out that are criminally punishable, the subsequent investigation will, in the light of objective evidence, reveal the circumstances." He was responding to reporters' questions citing opposition statements that it is possible to speak about dialogue only after those responsible for the events that transpired on April 13 have been punished. Regarding the resumption of opposition rallies, Sahakian said that the opposition can both hold rallies and enter into dialogue. The full text of the joint statement by the coalition parties follows. The intolerant and extreme posture current in the political realmthe approach of setting a priori unacceptable preconditions for dialogueheightened tension and consequently resulted in open confrontation. The accepted way and civilized means of resolving the fundamental problems of the country, intended to secure the prospect of jointly and effectively resolving the vital issues of concern to the people, were supplanted by the shortsighted modus operandi of continuous confrontationwhich presents a serious danger to society and causes rifts in the people. The parties constituting the political coalition, through their formal statements and offers of dialogue, have repeatedly warned of the undesirable consequences of such developments. The unfortunate clash of April 12-13 and the incidents that followed it, once again prove that it is society as a whole that reaps the destructive consequences of confrontation and clashes. The modus operandi of ruling out dialogue would further diminish [1] the influence of political forces in resolving the problematic situation as well as [2] the likelihood of finding political solutions, thereby relegating the process to the legal arena, where only the letter and spirit of the law operate. Based on the conviction that there is no alternative to dialogue and that dialogue should never be rendered obsolete, the political coalition, rising above the accusations leveled against it, once again proposes and puts forth those issues, the resolution of which together with the opposition could ensure real progress in the country and the deepening of democratic reforms, without splitting society into winners and losers: 1. Defining the parameters of adopting key constitutional amendments through consensus 2. Defining the parameters of adopting, through consensus, amendments to the Election Code fully in line with international standards 3. Formulating the ways in which the opposition can actively participate in the anti- corruption campaign 4. The implementation, through a clear timetable, of obligations assumed before the Council of Europe The political coalition is willing to examine, during the dialogue, the possibility of including on the agenda, at the opposition's suggestion, other fundamental issues that confront our country. Arriving at an agreement would bring about a new state of affairs in the country and create the potential to resolve the problems that have accumulated. With this proposal, the political coalition invites the political forces representing the opposition to beginat any time, in the National Assemblythe political process of dialogue. Republican Party of Armenia Armenian Revolutionary Federation Orinats Yerkir Party 2) Oskanian Criticizes US position on latest Yerevan events YEREVAN (Armenpress/Interfax)--Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian cautioned against making superficial judgments on the internal political situation in Armenia, saying that the country's stability is deeply rooted. "The events we witness today have been created artificially and will soon be overcome," he told a roundtable session in Yerevan on Wednesday. He criticized the US Department of State's report addressing the latest developments in Yerevan, as an "attempt to make a balanced statement." "The United States has forgotten to condemn the opposition's calls for a coup in the republic. If not for this failure, I myself would have signed off on the US Department of State's report. At the same time, it is these opposition calls that can be viewed as the underlying reason for what has been happening in Armenia over the past few days," said Oskanian. Tensions continued on Thursday between Armenia's authorities and opposition, which is demanding that President Robert Kocharian resign. Earlier, the opposition started to boycott parliamentary sessions, calling for a vote of confidence in the authorities, and staged a series of rallies. On the night of April 13, police broke up an opposition rally outside the presidential residence, and banned all unauthorized large-scale assemblies in Yerevan. Oskanian blamed "both the opposition and the republic's authorities for what has happened." "We have already reached a certain level of the country's democratic development, but the biggest challenge--to make democratic processes in Armenia irreversible--still lies ahead. And, we need the opposition's constructive assistance to succeed in this task," the foreign minister said, expressing hope that "Armenia will manage to prove to the international community that the political situation in the republic is still stable." The official representative of the US Department of State Richard Boucher, said on April 13 that "the United States is concerned about the current political situation in Armenia, particularly the sharp escalation in confrontation between the government and the opposition." He also noted that "physical assaults, raids on political party offices, and widespread arrests and detentions of opposition activists by the police do not contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to political dialogue." 3) Putin Confident Armenia Able to Maintain Stability MOSCOW (Interfax)--Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian President Robert Kocharian discussed pressing bilateral issues during a Wednesday telephone conversation, reported the Kremlin press service. Kocharian briefed Putin on recent internal political tensions in Armenia and latest developments. Putin expressed confidence that Armenia's leadership would use its existing potential of democratic reforms to maintain stability, law, and order. The two presidents also discussed various levels Russia-US relations. 4) TARC Disbands Saying Goals Accomplished PLANS "TURKISH-ARMENIAN RAPPROCHEMENT AND RECONCILIATION" CONFERENCE, AS WELL AS TURKISH ARMENIAN CONSULTATIVE GROUP [Excerpts] YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) said on Wednesday that it has achieved its main objectives and is disbanding. The announcement came after a three-day meeting in Moscow between three Turkish and four Armenian members of TARC. "TARC is announcing that its work as a commission is ending," they said in a statement obtained by RFE/RL. "TARC's term was to be one year, but the course of events required a longer period to accomplish our goals. "We feel that advances in civil society contacts are now permanent and will only grow in time. We also feel that beyond our recommendations, official relations can now best be continued and advanced independent of the TARC structure." The commission, which was set up in July 2001 with close US State Department involvement, finished its work by approving a set of "recommendations" to the governments of Turkey and Armenia on how to improve their strained relations. Their content was not disclosed. "The recommendations have a better chance of being implemented if they are presented privately," one commission source told RFE/RL. He said it will be up to the two governments to decide whether they should be made public. TARC is likely to have reaffirmed its strong support for the unconditional reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border sealed by Ankara eleven years ago out of solidarity with Turkic-speaking Azerbaijan. It is unclear whether TARC recommendations address the 1915 genocide of Armenians by the Ottoman Government. TARC also announced plans to hold a big conference on "Turkish-Armenian rapprochement and reconciliation" this fall. "In addition, we intend to support a Turkish Armenian consultative group which would meet at least annually to exchange views, review progress, and recommend actions to promote improved relations," the statement said. TARC has faced strong criticism from groups in Armenia and especially the Diaspora for hampering the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. 5) Library Established in Memory of Catholicos Karekin I RESEDA--The Los Angeles Kessab Educational Association held two functions earlier this month, to celebrate the memory of Catholicos Karekin I, and to honor Archbishop Ardavazt Terterian. The official opening of the Library in memory of Catholicos Karekin I took place on April 4. The library has been established on the second floor of the Association's center. The chairman of the Kessab Educational Association executive Katchig Titizian, its chairwoman Zvart Apelian, and Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered remarks at the event. Archbishop Adavazt Terterian of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon was the quest of honor at an April 7 reception. Consul General Gagik Kirakosian was among the distinguished guests present to honor Archbishop Terterian. Keynote speaker Haigaz Terterian noted the Archbishop's many accomplishments, including his meticulous study of the Armenian language. Both events were held under the auspices of Prelate Mardirossian. 6) Mikaelian Faces Venus Williams Tennis player Marie-Gayanay Mikaelian beat Virginia Ruano Pascual 7-6, 6-3 in the second round of the Family Circle Cup 2004. Mikaelian will face Venus Williams these evening, who defeated her second-round rival Samantha Reeves 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. The Family Circle Cup taking place in Charleston, South Carolina April 10-18, is one of the oldest all-women's Tier 1 events in the world. With 14 of the Top 20 players in the world, this year's tournament will feature one of the best draws this event has ever seen. 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) 2004 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.

Rights Group Calls for Investigation into Harsh Treatment of Armenian
Protesters
Melanie Sully
Vienna
Voice of America.
14 Apr 2004, 15:48 UTC

The International Helsinki Federation, a human rights body that
advises the United Nations, said harsh treatment of anti-government
protesters in Armenia is a violation of political and human rights and
that international experts should investigate the abuses.
The Vienna-based International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights
(IHF) accused authorities in Armenia of using violence against
demonstrators, and called for the end of what it says is the
authoritarian rule of President Robert Kocharian.
Demonstrations against the Kocharian government have occurred almost
daily since the beginning of the month.
The IHF says police used water cannons to break up a rally Tuesday
near the presidential palace in the capital, Yerevan.
President Kocharian insisted the measures were necessary to combat
political extremists who he said were threatening the constitutional
order.
However, IHF Director Aaron Rhodes says the oppression is likely to
lead to more confrontation and instability. “What they [the
authorities] are doing by disallowing these demonstrations, they are
really perpetuating disorder,” he said. “There are many reports of
police brutality, and including brutality to journalists and a number
of people have been beaten in the context of these demonstrations and
have wound up in hospital.”
Mr. Rhodes added that some journalists had their cameras smashed and
cell phones were disconnected. He also said that copies of a Russian
daily newspaper covering the demonstrations were stopped at the border
and that some television stations were unable to transmit for a time.
Police were reported to have raided opposition offices, smashing
computers and detaining activists.
Mr. Rhodes called for an independent investigation into such incidents
with experts from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE), of which Armenia is a member. The OSCE has criticized
recent Armenian presidential and parliamentary elections, saying they
were flawed.
The State Department has said it is concerned over the sharp
escalation in confrontation between the government and its opponents
in the Caucasus republic, once part of the Soviet Union.

A1 Plus | 21:48:15 | 14-04-2004 | Politics |
OMBUDSMAN COMMENTING ON THE POLITICAL EVENTS
Human rights protector Larisa Alaverdyan held a press conference today. She
announced that law machinery didn’t always act within the law. Mrs
Alaverdyan also said that meetings, rallies and marches can’t be illegal
since they are within Constitution.
Ombudsman avoided strict comment saying the methods the law-enforcement
bodies resorted to on April 13 were not always equivalent, they could be
gentler.
Mrs. Alaverdyan is still trying to find information from Office of
Prosecutor and Police and her office employees actively work to protect the
rights of those arrested.

A1 Plus | 21:29:57 | 14-04-2004 | Politics |
MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE
On Friday at 6:00 PM a meeting will take place in Freedom Square. MP
Shavarsh Kocharyan who was arrested at April 12 night and released, has
today announced that “Justice” Bloc held sitting and made a decision.
He said that both Opposition and people didn’t give up and would reach their
purpose.

PARLIAMENT FAILED TO RESUME WORK
YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS: Armenian parliament failed to
convene today a regular session for the second running day after its
Monday sitting was disrupted by the lack of quorum with members of the
majority of deputies representing the three governing parties refusing
to attend it, citing the escalating standoff with the opposition.
The three members of the coalition-the Republican Party, the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) and the Orinats
Yerkir Party had explained the move by their desire to avoid
artificial tensions and stave off possible clashes between their
supporters and the opposition crowd, that approached the presidential
palace and parliament building. Only 15 lawmakers turned up for
today’s session.

Azeri paper speculates on replacement of envoy to Georgia
Azadliq, Baku
13 Apr 04
Text of Information Department’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper
Azadliq on 13 April headlined “Ilham Aliyev has sent his university
mate to Georgia” and subheaded “Witnesses of old regimes are being
‘disposed of'”
The Azerbaijani ambassador to Georgia, Hacan Haciyev, has been
recalled and replaced by Ramiz Ayvaz oglu Hasanov.
Hasanov, 43, was born in Georgia. He studied at Moscow’s State
Institute of International Relations together with Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev. His father, Ayvaz Hasanov, used to command a
lot of respect among ethnic Azeris in Georgia and was a deputy
agriculture minister of Georgia.
According to people who know the new ambassador, his appointment to
Georgia is like an “honorable exile” for he could aspire to become a
minister considering his contacts with Aliyev and other factors.
According to some circles, Haciyev’s recall may have to do with the
new Georgian leadership’s irk at dubious cooperation between the
regimes of Heydar Aliyev and Eduard Shevardnadze the former
Azerbaijani and Georgian presidents . Haciyev was, to put it mildly,
too well informed about the forms of this cooperation. The recent
seizure of the smuggled oil on the Georgia-Armenia border is part of
such “cooperation”.
The incumbent Azerbaijani leadership reckons that there are too many
differences between Georgia under Shevardnadze and under the
incumbent, and that hence it should rid itself of all people who
served such “cooperation”.
Prior to this appointment, Hasanov was deputy chairman of the
joint-stock company Azarkontrakt.

ASSOCIATION PR OF ARMENIA ORGANIZES ROUNDTABLE “TECHNOLOGIES OF VICTORY”
YEREVAN, APRIL 12. ARMINFO. The Association PR of Armenia (APRA)
organizes a Roundtable “Technologies of Victory” in Yerevan on April
20. APRA told ARMINFO that the decision on holding such a meeting is
connected with the fact that yet in May, 2003, the Cassation Court of
Armenia put an end to the trial of “Teleplus” and “ArmenTel.” The
trial initiated by APRA lasted for 10 months. According to APRA
specialists, the given case is the most tangible in the issue of human
rights restoration and that the advertisement by “Teleplus” and
“ArmenTel” was recognized careless, which is a juridical argument
important for trial.