Author: Hunanian Jack

PanARMENIAN.Net

Serbia warns of a set of retaliatory measures
26.12.2007 12:42 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Serbia plans to adopt a set of
retaliatory measures against Western states if they
recognize Kosovo’s independence, including the
possibility of severing diplomatic ties with the
United States and EU countries, officials said.
Belgrade also said it rejects the idea of an EU
mission in Kosovo until the breakaway province’s
status is resolved.

On Wednesday, the parliament will debate a
strongly-worded resolution proposed by the government
that will bind Serbian officials never to accept
Kosovo’s independence.

Ethnic Albanians in Kosovo have pledged to proclaim
independence early next year, and the U.S. and several
EU states have indicated they would recognize it.
Serbia, backed by Russia, insists that Kosovo, a
province of 2 million people that is 90 percent ethnic
Albanian, should remain part of its territory.

The European Union agreed earlier this month to send a
1,800-member mission to Kosovo to replace the current
system in the province, which has been run by the U.N.
and NATO since the 1999 war between Serbs and
separatist ethnic Albanians.

But the Serbian government resolution, which will
almost certainly be adopted by the
nationalist-dominated parliament, said that the EU
mission would not be welcome before Kosovo’s final
status is determined at the UN Security Council, where
Russia could veto any decision not favorable to
Belgrade.

"The sending of the proposed EU mission … would be
an act which jeopardizes the sovereignty, territorial
integrity and the constitution of the Republic of
Serbia," the resolution says. The document says that
Serbia must "reconsider" diplomatic ties with Western
countries that recognize Kosovo’s statehood. It adds
that because of NATO’s alleged support for Kosovo’s
independence, Serbia must remain outside the Western
military alliance.

The resolution, apparently drafted by Serbia’s
conservative Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, also
said that the planned signing of a pre-membership
trade and aid deal with the EU in January "must be in
the function of preserving the country’s sovereignty
and territorial integrity." `Deployment of
peacekeepers in Kosovo will result in formation of a
puppet state on the Serbian land,’ he said.

Kostunica’s ruling party has earlier demanded that the
signing of the so-called Stabilization and Association
Agreement with the EU be conditioned with the bloc
agreeing that Kosovo is Serbia’s integral part, the AP
reports.

Five political forces of Armenia stated their support for Vazgen
Manukian’s candidature

December 27, 2007

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Five political parties stated today their support
for Vazgen Manukian’s candidature for the upcoming presidential
elections of February 19 of 2008 in Armenia.

Besides the National-Democratic Union, headed by Vazgen Manukian, he is
also supported by the National-Democrats Bloc, the National-Democratic
Union, the `Constitutional Right’ Union and the `National State’ party.

Vazgen Manukian stated that in case the society is consolidated, the
year of 2008 may become an important stage in for changing the inner
situation of the country. `Only the consolidation of the society can
overcome the influence of administrative and financial resource’, he
stated. According to him, `the present path of non-constructive abuse
of authority is disastrous for Armenia’.

NDU Leader stated that in reality there are no two poles of the
pre-election campaign, headed by the Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian and
the first President Levon Ter-Petrosian. Vazgen Manukian believes that
the media overestimate the potential of the Ex-President, who will
hardly enter the second round of the elections.

Leader of NDU stressed that if there is a second round, the present
authorities will face great difficulties, since in this case the
chances of the opposition will increase considerably. Vazgen Manukian
stated that he counts on entering the second round, `since my ideas are
concordant with the strivings of the people’.

Panorama.am

16:11 26/12/2007

HALF BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN MINING INDUSTRY

The year 2007 is one of the successful years with its
indicator of 13.6 percent economic growth. The two
digit growth reported in the course of recent seven
year testifies that the reforms are effective and we
have stable and dynamically developing economy. I am
sure that we have real chances of two digit economic
growth in the coming 4-5 years. This was said by
President Robert Kocharyan while he described the
passing economic year during his traditional meeting
with more than 60 representatives of the business
community at the close of the year.

`The state budget is completely performed although we
increased it by 38 billion drams in the course of the
year. Even that surplassed budget is over-performed.
This enabled the state to fully meet its commitments
and solve very serious social issues,’ the head of the
country said.

In the words of the president, the capital
expenditures have gone up directed particularly to
infrastructure – road construction and water supply
system. There are serious chances to raise the old age
pensions and allowances.

Kocharyan said everything possible will be done so
that the citizens have the chance to improve their
housing and life conditions. The president mentioned
that the business community has its contribution to
all the success stories. He pinpointed to the relation
of partnership between the business community and the
government.

Speaking about next year expectations, the president
mentioned that the bank and information technologies
are going to develop. He also said developments are
expected in the mining industry. In the words of
Kocharyan, more than half billion dollars of
investment is expected in the mining industry in the
coming next years.

President press services report that Kocharyan also
spoke about the issue of monopolies saying they speak
about economic entities with dominant position. He
said the fact that new economic entities do not enter
into their field may be explained by psychological
factors, also saying consistent work must be done to
overcome that.

Kocharyan also spoke about the presidential elections.
He assured that everything will be done so that the
political developments have no negative impact on the
field of economy, saying such experience was observed.

Source: Panorama.am

Untitled DocumentUntitled DocumentPRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

DECEMBER 27, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate
of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
extends his prayers and best wishes to you
for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL BE AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL
This Sunday, December 30, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over
the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City.

VICAR WILL BE IN CONNECTICUT
Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and
deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen’s Church in New Britain, Connecticut.

VICAR WILL ATTEND INTERFAITH BREAKFAST
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy and
ecumenical officer in the United States for the Catholicosate of Cilicia,
will attend an interfaith breakfast hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the
New York Public Library in Manhattan, on Monday, December 31.

PRELACY RELEASES NEW MUSIC CD
The Prelacy has issued a new music CD. Entitled Yerkabsag
(wreath of songs) and dedicated to the genocide martyrs, the original was
recorded in Armenia on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, under the direction of the well-known Armenian American
musicologist Krikor Pidedjian directing the Chamber Choir of Yerevan and the
Alan Hovhaness Chamber Orchestra. The CD, which includes fifteen beautifully
executed selections, is available at the Prelacy Bookstore for $15.00, plus
shipping and handling. Contact the bookstore for orders and information
212-689-7810. To listen to one of the selections click here.

BLESSING OF MURON IN 2008
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) next
year on June 7, 2008. The Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy
Spirit, is traditionally blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can
consecrate the oil which is then distributed to the various dioceses for
distribution to the parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs,
flowers, and oils which are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some
of the old Muron, creating an unbroken chain with the past.
The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of
pilgrims from various parts of the world. More details will be forthcoming.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING IN AUGUST 2008
An International Gathering of Youth is being organized by the
Holy See of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and
older, to attend this gathering which will include a one-week pilgrimage to
Der Zor. Details will follow.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, December 27, are: Wisdom 9:13-10:2;
Isaiah 28:16-19; 2 Peter 1:12-19; Timothy 4:1-8; John 21:15-22.
Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things,
though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come
to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your
memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus
Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my
departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. For we did not
follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For
he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed
to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my beloved, with whom
I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we
were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more
fully confirmed. (2 Peter 1:12-10).
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click here.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click here.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click here.
This is the final entry in Crossroads for the Year of the
Armenian Language. Next week is the first issue of the 2008 Crossroads and
the Year of Christian Education.
"Hence, the Armenian language is so vital for the Armenian people and its
safe preservation is so imperative; so too is its constant and correct
usage. Woe unto us when we keep a distance from the Armenian language. Woe
unto us when we keep the Armenian language distant from our persons, our
homes, our institutions, our life. Without the Armenian language, our life
will become emptied of Armenian values, traditions, and the genuine Armenian
identity. During the course of our history, we opened up to others, we
respected others but we refused to be like others, sticking to our faith,
identity and language. Let us not forget that, besides our faith and
homeland, our language also preserved us; the Armenian language strengthened
our existence; it shaped our identity. Again, the Armenian language, today
and always, is the mighty shield of our national struggle, the bond of our
unity, the stamp of our identity."
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Great House of Cilicia

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL
Today, December 27, the Armenian Church commemorate the Holy
Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter has always been described as the first of the
Apostles in all of the New Testament accounts. He was a member of the inner
circle with James and John. He is mentioned more than any other disciple; he
was at Jesus’ side at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jarius’ daughter,
and the Agony of the Garden of Gethsemane. He is considered to be the leader
of the apostles and the First Bishop of Rome.
St. Paul, the great traveler, was converted from Judaism on the
road to Damascus. He became the great missionary of Christianity and his
interest and affection for the churches he established have given us
fourteen canonical Epistles. His letters show him to be a profound religious
thinker, who played a significant role in the rapid spread of Christianity.

HOLY APOSTLES JAMES AND JOHN
On Saturday, December 29, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Holy Apostles James and John (Mark 10:35-41), called "Sons of Thunder" by
Jesus because of their excitable and quick-natured character. James was a
Galilean fisherman who was called along with his brother John to be one of
the twelve apostles. They, together with Peter, formed the inner core among
the twelve. James is sometimes referred to as "James the Greater" to
differentiate from the other James. He was the first of the apostles to be
martyred, by order of King Herod Agrippa I, to please the opponents of
Christianity (Acts 12:1-1). He is the patron saint of Spain and according to
tradition his body was brought from Jerusalem to Spain to Santiago de
Compostela, which remains to this day a popular destination for pilgrims.
John, known as the "beloved disciple," is the author of the
fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, which
he wrote while exiled on the island of Patmos. It was to John that Jesus
>From the cross entrusted the care of his mother. Paul names John and James
along with Peter as the pillars of the church (Gal. 2:9).

FAST OF THE NATIVITY; SIXTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, December 30, is the sixth, and final, Sunday of
Advent. Saturday, December 29, is the Eve (Barekendan) of the Fast of the
Nativity. There are ten week-long fasts that precede major feasts in the
Armenian Church. All of the Fasts are observed for five days, Monday to
Friday, except for the Fast of the Nativity which lasts six days (December
30 to January 4).

AT THE BOOKSTORE..
Here are some newly arrived books at the bookstore for your
consideration:
Aram Learns Armenian, Workbook 1: the Alphabet, developed by
Francois Petizian. This Workbook is meant to help children recognize the
Armenian alphabet, learn to print the upper and lower case letters, and
learn the pronunciation of the letters. This workbook will have an internet
site (ready in February 2008) where purchasers of this workbook will have
access to an online version of the book to hear and practice correct
pronunciation, as well as supplement pages and activities like printable
flash cards. The price of this workbook is $25, plus shipping and handling.

Forgotten Bread: First Generation Armenian American Writers, edited by David
Kherdian. An anthology of works by seventeen well-known Armenian American
writers. Each writer’s work is introduced with an essay by a contemporary
Armenian American writer. The editor, David Kherdian, is a noted writer of
poetry and prose with more than 60 books published. $29.95, plus shipping
and handling. To order these books or for information contact the
Bookstore by email at [email protected] or by telephone at
212-689-7810. Please visit the Prelacy web page ()
for a complete list of book.

A NEW YEAR
Tuesday, January 1, is the first day of the Near Year of 2008.
For many centuries the Armenians celebrated the beginning of the New Year on
the first day of the month of Navassard (August 11 in the current calendar).
It was in the 18th century that the Armenians (by decree of Catholicos
Simeon Erevantsi) accepted January 1 as the start of the New Year. The New
Year is a time of joy, happiness, and festivities. Traditionally Armenians
exchange gifts on New Year’s Day, rather than Christmas. It is a time to
celebrate the renewal of life and prosperity, to put aside anger and
grudges, and renew friendships through mutual visitations. Lavish tables,
including a variety of dried fruits and nuts, are part of the commemorative
traditions.

MEDITATION FOR THE NEW YEAR
The first thought that goes through my mind as we begin to usher
in a New Year is that I take a little time to look back on the previous 365
days and contemplate in my mind and thoughts what I could possibly change
for the better in the year 2008. Of course, there are so many things that
come to mind, but the most important one is that I will do everything
humanly possible to be more faithful and thankful to God.
As we are all well aware, actions speak louder than words, and
it is difficult to recognize the truth about ourselves about our faithful
practice of Christianity. Perhaps the best gift we can give to ourselves
this Christmas and in the New Year is more time to practice and nurture our
faith and perhaps our lives will be less stressful and more fulfilling
This past week while driving I saw this message in front of a local Baptist
Church,
"Pray with us during Christmas and New Years and avoid the rush." We can
avoid the rush all year round by realizing that Christianity is neither a
convenience, nor a product for the consumer. It is a belief in God who came
to us in the person of Jesus Christ to dwell among us and save us from our
sins. St. Paul wrote, Let all proclaim to the glory of the Father, Jesus
Christ is Lord.
Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley
North Andover, Massachusetts

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 31-New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, and ARF Dro Gomideh, The Sheraton Meadowlands, E. Rutherford,
New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950.

February 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, Annual Membership Meeting. Snow date: February 24.

February 24-Annual Membership meeting, St. Gregory Church (North Andover,
Massachusetts).

March 2-Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City,
featuring Aleksandr Nazaryan on viola and Karen Tchougourian on piano.

June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Details will follow.

June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For
more information click here.

July 19-"A Hye Summer Night 3," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts.
Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details
401-434-4467.

August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.

October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit
Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER: WE ARE DOING OUR BEST FOR THE CONSENSUS BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA IN THE SETTLEMENT OF THE CONFLICT

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 24 2007

The recognition of the independence of Kosovo will not be automatic
solution to the issue on defining status of unrecognized republics,
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Denisov told a press conference
in Moscow today. He stressed necessity of approaching to the solution
of every conflict individually.

"We note the precedent in possible recognition of Kosovo’s
independence, but we abide by international laws and concrete
positions of parties to any given conflict. Anyway, we do not expect
any automatic reaction. After independence of Kosovo is recognized,
we will not have any legal argument for convincing unrecognized
states. And it will cause new tensions in international relations
and Russia is against of it," he said.

Deputy Minister said that Russia will do its best for the settlement
of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

"Russia does its best for the consensus between Azerbaijan and
Armenia in the settlement of the conflict. The settlement of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict depends on the consensus of the sides. There is no
and will not be easy decision in this situation. It is impossible to
force anybody to adopt decision with force. This decision will not be
carried out even if possible. Unsettled conflicts in CIS region impede
cooperation. For example: "large events" are not held in Azerbaijan
and Armenia because of the conflict," he said.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

December 24, 2007

ACNIS Bids Farewell to 2007 With the Release of A New Yearbook

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
today publicly presented its annual trilingual almanac, this year entitled
"Armenia: The Imperative for A New Strategy." The event brought together the
yearbook’s participating authors, editorial staff, foreign embassy and
mission personnel, political scientists, policy specialists, foremost
scholars, and media representatives.

Held in the official reception hall at ACNIS headquarters, the program was
opened by Karapet Kalenchian, the Center’s director of administration. "This
new oeuvre is the product of an incessant creative exploration, by ACNIS
staff and associating analysts, of numerous key issues concerning, prospects
awaiting, and challenges facing Armenia today and tomorrow," he said.

The next speaker, ACNIS research coordinator Syuzanna Barseghian, emphasized
the shared qualities of and the organic connection among the articles in the
almanac. "Though the research studies offered in the yearbook do not provide
a panacea, they do suggest new conceptual approaches and alternative
thinking that are indispensable in order to tackle the geopolitical issues
which have a bearing on Armenia," she noted. Barseghian then presented the
contents of the almanac.

The 232-page compendium starts with an introduction by ACNIS founder Raffi
K. Hovannisian in which he touches upon several matters of utmost
importance. The introduction is followed by an article series devoted to
current regional developments and actual socioeconomic topics. In their
monographs, leading economists Tatoul Manasserian and Zoya Tadevosian,
Center’s senior analyst Hovsep Khurshudian, Yerevan State University
lecturer Aram Harutiunian, political analysts Davit Petrosian and Tatul
Hakobian, and Syuzanna Barseghian look into the ongoing regional processes
and propose avenues for resolving conflicts and domestic matters. The
scholarly analyses and policy recommendations relate specifically to the
settlement of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict; the Kars-Akhalkalak
railroad construction project and potential regional developments; Armenia’s
foreign policy and its relations with neighbors; the economic peculiarities
of Armenia; the socioeconomic consequences of a "strengthening" Armenian
currency, the dram, and the political suppositions with respect to a
"weakening" dollar; and the demographic situation in Armenia. As
long-established tradition, the anthology ends with a complete list of ACNIS’s
strategic partners.

Words of appreciation were also delivered, and assessments offered, by
member of parliament Stepan Safarian and many others. It was underscored
that the main feature of the new yearbook is the variety of important themes
it examines, the contemporary issues it raises, and the unique way of in
which it presents these concerns to the reader. The almanac’s participating
authors Tatoul Manasserian, Davit Petrosian, and Aram Harutiunian then
briefly introduced the primary ideological benchmarks of their scholarly
articles published in the compilation and also informed of their future
projects. The invited guests yet again underlined the true merits of the
yearbook and wished greater creative heights to its associating partners.

The editorial staff of "Armenia: The Imperative for A New Strategy"
comprises the ACNIS team of editor-in-chief Gevorg Lalayan; graphic designer
Vahagn Vardanian; and contributors Karapet Kalenchian, Syuzanna Barseghian,
and Sayat Kuyumcuyan.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2007, the Center focuses
primarily on civic education, democratic development, conflict resolution,
and applied research on critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the
state and the nation.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax
(37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected]; or visit

ULTIME DESAVEU POUR CHRISTOPH BLOCHER: LA NORME ANTIRACISTE NE SERA PAS REVISEE

Le Temps, Suisse
22 decembre 2007

ECHEC. Le Conseil federal refuse une proposition tendant a definir
plus limitativement le delit de revisionnisme.

Il n’y aura pas de revision de la norme penale contre le racisme. Le
Conseil federal a enterre vendredi l’une des propositions les plus
contestees lancees par Christoph Blocher durant les quatre ans qu’il
aura passes au gouvernement.

Redefinir le revisionnisme

Profitant de l’ultime seance du Conseil federal a laquelle il
participait, le ministre non reelu a reclame a ses collègues un mandat
en faveur de son departement pour poursuivre le reexamen de la norme
penale contre le racisme.

L’objectif etait de mettre en consultation des propositions visant a
restreindre la portee du delit de revisionnisme, l’une des infractions
reprimees par la norme contre le racisme.

Genocide des Armeniens

C’est non. Le Conseil federal "ne voit pas de necessite d’intervenir",
a indique un communique laconique du Departement federal de justice
et police (DFJP) diffuse vendredi en fin de journee.

Christoph Blocher, qui a quitte Berne vendredi sous les acclamations
de quelques partisans venus le soutenir, a donc bien ete desavoue
sur ce point sensible, confirme Livio Zanolari, le responsable de
l’information du DFJP.

Le conseiller federal UDC proposait de definir plus restrictivement les
crimes contre l’humanite dont la negation peut entraîner des poursuites
penales. Conformement a l’une des variantes examinees par un groupe de
travail de l’Office federal de la justice, explique Livio Zanolari,
seuls auraient pu desormais etre pris en consideration "l’Holocauste
ou un autre genocide constate par un tribunal international reconnu
par la Suisse ou un autre crime contre l’humanite constate par un
tribunal international reconnu par la Suisse".

Cette nouvelle definition aurait exclu que la negation du genocide
des Armeniens puisse tomber en l’etat sous le coup de la loi, alors
que le Tribunal federal vient pour la première fois de confirmer
l’application de la norme antiraciste a la contestation de ce crime
(LT du 20.12.2007)

Le souvenir d’Ankara

En refusant de suivre les propositions de Christoph Blocher, le
gouvernement a clos l’un des chapitres les mouvementes du passage
de l’UDC zurichois au Conseil federal. C’est a Ankara, en octobre
2006, a propos precisement de la question du genocide des Armeniens,
que Christoph Blocher avait laisse exploser sa detestation de la
repression du negationnisme.

Meme s’il n’a jamais evoque la suppression pure et simple de la norme
antiraciste, il avait ete suspecte de vouloir affaiblir l’ensemble
de la lutte contre le racisme a des fins douteuses.

Des reactions stereotypees

Son parti n’a, il est vrai, jamais donne dans la dentelle sur
ce sujet. Les positions defendues au meme moment par de nombreux
intellectuels francais hostiles a une loi votee par l’Assemblee
nationale pour reprimer la negation du genocide des Armeniens tendaient
neanmoins a montrer que le problème etait plus digne de discussion
que ce que laissaient entendre, en Suisse, des reactions stereotypees.

–Boundary_(ID_f0ft4/Ur7tlQZW7phPLm gA)–

Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Dec 22 2007

Turkish politician to appeal to European court against Swiss
"genocide" ruling

Istanbul, 22 December: Dogu Perincek, leader of Workers’ Party (IP),
said he would apply to European Court of Justice regarding the
ratification of the verdicts of Lausanne Court of First Instance and
Regional Court of Appeal by the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland
on Saturday [22 December].

Holding a press conference at his party’s HQs in Istanbul, Perincek
said the Swiss FSC had seriously violated freedom of thought and
scientific freedom.

Perincek said the verdict of FSC rested on the political decisions of
EU acknowledging the "Armenian genocide lie".

"This is a politically-motivated verdict. The Swiss administration
and Swiss judges are becoming a tool for US plot of separating Turkey
under the Greater Middle East Project. This is a shame for
Switzerland," noted Perincek.

Perincek, who indicated they would not surrender to this decision,
wowed to mobilize the Turkish citizens living in Europe to stand to
this verdict.

Perincek said he would apply to the ECJ about the verdict.

"I will put a 90kg pile of Armenian documents – proving that the
allegations of an Armenian genocide is an international lie – on the
bench of the ECJ," said Perincek.

IP leader Perincek was prosecuted for breaching the Swiss law on
"denying" Armenian allegations of genocide because of the remarks he
made during a conference in the Winterthur city of Switzerland in
2005, saying that Armenian allegations of genocide were an
"imperialist lie".

CEC PROVIDES EXPLANATIONS TO SEVERAL INQUIRIES

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, NOYAN TAPAN. Explanations were provided to a
number of inquiries and applications at the December 21 sitting of the
RA Central Electoral Commission (CEC). Particularly, the CEC provided
explanations to the chairman of the "Supreme Council Deputy Club" NGO
Ruben Torosian, who claimed that there are discrepancies between a
number of articles of the Electoral Code and he had applied to the CEC
for explanation. Commenting on the questions of R. Torosian, the CEC
chairman said that "the applicant does not see the difference between
the notions "a citizen proposed as presidential candidate" and "a
presidential candidate".

In connection with another question of R. Torosian, Garegin Azarian
pointed out that it has been stated repeatedly that the list signed by
voters may not be made public. "It does not mean that the applying side
may not see these lists in case of submitting an application about
recount or in case of the issue’s examination in court. However, it is
not allowed to make excerpts from these lists, photocopy them, put them
up on the wall, etc".

The CEC rejected the proposals made by the CEC member from "Orinats
Yerkir" party Sona Sargsian regarding making amendments in the order of
using TV time for pre-election campaign of presidential candidates. In
particular, it was proposed to establish the interval from 7:30 p.m. to
11 p.m. as TV time for campaign. The CEC chairman commented that under
the Constitution, no one can interfere in the independence of
activities of the mass media.

RUSSIAN GIANT ‘IMPLEMENTING’ DIAMOND DEAL WITH ARMENIA
By Hovannes Shoghikian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Dec 21 2007

Russia’s state-owned diamond monopoly said on Friday that it has
started implementing a recent agreement with the Armenian agreement
which should shore up Armenia’s declining diamond-processing industry.

Under the agreement signed in Yerevan in August, the ALROSA giant
undertook to resume supplies of Russian rough diamonds to Armenian
companies. Those supplies fell sharply in 2004 and ceased altogether
in 2006, contributing to an ongoing downturn in a sector that was
once a key driving force of Armenia’s economic growth.

The ALROSA chairman, Sergey Vybornov, said 22 Armenian diamond-cutting
firms applied to his company following the August deal but only
four of them were chosen to receive Russian precious stones. They
have already been supplied with $1 million worth of uncut diamonds,
he told reporters in Yerevan.

According to Vybornov’s deputy, Sergey Ulin, ALROSA, which mines
diamonds in eastern Siberia, plans to carry out at least $28 million
worth of such deliveries in the course of next year and could raise
their volume in 2009. He said the Russian giant, which accounts for
one fifth of global rough diamond sales, sees "optimistic grounds
for developing cooperation" with Armenia.

Underscoring the importance of that cooperation, both President Robert
Kocharian and Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian received the visiting
ALROSA executives on Friday.

Minister for Trade and Economic Development Nerses Yeritsian said
after the talks the Armenian government will do its best to facilitate
ALROSA operations in the country. Yeritsian said the government is
also holding "active discussions" with the Russian company on the
possibility of expanding their presence into other sectors of the
Armenian economy. He gave no details.

Vybornov said in that ALROSA is negotiating with the authorities in
Yerevan over the possible of an unnamed Armenian mining enterprise.

It was not clear if he referred to the Indian-owned Ararat Gold
Recovery Company, which develops the bulk of the country’s gold
reserves.

According to government statistics, Armenian plants manufactured 25
billion drams ($82 million) worth of gem diamonds in the first half
of this year, down by 48 percent from the same period last year.

Armenia’s total diamond output dropped by over 17 percent to 93
billion drams in 2006, continuing the production slump that began in
2004. Refined diamonds have since ceased to be the country’s single
largest export and now account for just 1 percent of its gross
industrial production.

Government officials and analysts blame the sector’s decline on
a combination of internal and external factors, including falling
global demand for precious stones and the dramatic appreciation of
the Armenian dram.