Author: Jabejian Elizabeth

Armenian minister hails ties with Russia as stable

Interfax news agency, Moscow
10 Jan 05

YEREVAN

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan has said that relations with
Russia are stable.

“Our relations are very stable, without any upheavals,” he said in an
interview with Interfax.

“In this context, I can say that the entire range of relations with
Russia has improved last year,” Oskanyan said. “While earlier, the
political component of our relations and security cooperation
developed faster (than in other areas), last year also saw some
positive changes in cooperation in the economic sphere,” he said.

“The year 2004 was quite eventful, there were meetings between the
presidents of Russia and Armenia, and exchanges of visits at a fairly
high level,” he said.

“What happened in Georgia or Ukraine did not affect Armenian-Russian
relations in any way and will not affect them in the future,” he said.

Oskanyan praised the development of contacts with NATO. “In 2005,
Armenia will present its programme of individual cooperation with
NATO, on which it is working now,” he said. “It should add a new
quality to our relations with the alliance and should play an
important role in our general security system,” he said.

The minister spoke highly of Armenia’s cooperation with the United
States. “Armenia has been given the status of a country with regular
trade relations with the United States, giving it a chance to expand
trade and economic cooperation and make better use of the
possibilities given by membership of the World Trade Organization,” he
said.

Ukraine events to affect ex-Soviet countries soon – Azeri opposition leader

Yeni Musavat, Baku
28 Dec 04

The leader of Azerbaijan’s major opposition Musavat Party, Isa Qambar,
has said the effects of the Ukrainian events are already noticeable in
post-Soviet countries, including Azerbaijan. Qambar told the
opposition Yeni Musavat newspaper that Viktor Yushchenko’s victory in
Ukraine has boosted the activity of democratic forces in post-Soviet
countries, which worries authoritarian regimes. Qambar added that the
effects of the Ukrainian elections will grow day by day and yield
positive results. The following is an excerpt from Konul Samilqizi’s
report by Azerbaijani newspaper Yeni Musavat on 28 December headlined
“The Ukrainian events are already yielding results” and subheaded “Isa
Qambar: ‘This process is going on slowly in Azerbaijan, but one can
already notice it'”. Subheadings have been inserted editorially:

The Ukrainian democrats have won the re-run of the second round of the
presidential elections. As a matter of fact, it would be more correct
to view this as a confirmation of the 31 October and 21 November
victories, which an attempt was made to steal, rather than a new
victory. Because Viktor Yushchenko, leader of the Our Ukraine election
bloc, had clearly won both the first round and the first run of the
second round. But it took him up to two months to confirm his victory,
which became possible after a serious struggle.

The Azerbaijani democrats were among those delighted by this
victory. And the Our Azerbaijan bloc was double happy, because it was
the Our Ukraine bloc, an ally of the Our Azerbaijan bloc, and Viktor
Yushchenko who won the elections. We asked Isa Qambar, leader of the
Our Azerbaijan bloc and Musavat Party, to comment on this important
event.

“Two months not a waste of time”

[Correspondent] It would not be that right to assess the results of
the 26 December re-run of the second round of the elections as a
victory. Because your ally had won the elections far before that. So
we think that this is more a confirmation of the victory rather than a
new victory. How would you comment on this?

[Qambar] You are absolutely right. In fact, Yushchenko was elected
president on 31 October. This victory was confirmed during the
following two months. But these two months cannot be viewed as a waste
of time. On the contrary, it was a very important period. First,
Yushchenko became Ukrainian leader – a more trusted person than a
merely elected president. This trust will enable him to solve
Ukraine’s problems, make strong decisions about the country’s
development and carry out the necessary reforms.

Second, the Ukrainian people proved in these two months that they are
able to meet the requirements of the 21st century and that they can
have their own place in the modern world. And this will help Ukraine
integrate into the European Union and NATO. In principle, these two
months proved once again that even the most ruthless authoritarian
police regimes can turn into a democracy peacefully and one can come
to power in those countries by free and fair elections. On the one
hand, people have to be resolute and selfless to achieve this. On the
other, the international community has to take a fundamental position
and demonstrate loyalty to its own values and ideas. And this was the
case. From this point of view, these two months should be valued
highly.

[Correspondent] This process was particularly important for you, as
the Ukrainian democrats – your allies – emerged victorious. How do you
feel about it?

[Qambar] Of course, the success of people we know, our friends and
very honourable people, cannot but delight us. For us, it is good news
that the leader of the Our Ukraine bloc, which is an ally of the Our
Azerbaijan bloc, came to power in an important country like Ukraine. I
believe that this will help further improve relations between the
democratic forces of Ukraine and Azerbaijan, as well as relations
between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, which are strategic partners.

[Correspondent] How are the democrats, who are in power in Ukraine now
and in opposition in Azerbaijan, going to establish relations? What is
the aim of the agreement signed between the Our Ukraine and Our
Azerbaijan blocs? How will this document work at this moment?

[Qambar] I see no need to fuss about this issue. Of course, we will
continue our meetings and talks. We will also discuss how to continue
our cooperation under these circumstances. But relations between our
peoples and states are more important for us. We think that relations
between these peoples and states should develop no matter who is in
power in Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Effects already noticeable

[Correspondent] As the Ukrainian democrats have confirmed their
victory, I will put this question explicitly: What specific effects
can the victory of democracy in Ukraine have on post-Soviet countries,
including Azerbaijan?

[Qambar] Time will show what kind of direct effects these processes
will have. But in general, they proved once again that passage to
democracy is theoretically possible at this stage.

Second, the plan of some circles in Moscow to establish an alliance
with the surrounding countries based on authoritarian rule has
failed. Ukraine was the most important part of this plan. One can
unequivocally regard this plan as a fiasco since it failed in
Ukraine. And this will have positive effects. The Ukrainian events
have started affecting Azerbaijan and all post-Soviet countries. The
fact that democratic forces have become more resourceful, anxiety
within the authoritarian regimes and the fact that the peoples of
these countries have begun looking at the issue through a different
prism are the results of this direct impact. This impact will grow day
by day and yield results.

[Correspondent] Is the Ukrainian process the only factor that
supplements the resolve of the democratic forces in Azerbaijan and
other post-Soviet countries or are there any specific reports about
this? The talk is about the West’s fundamental decision to turn
Azerbaijan into a democracy. There have been reports that the USA has
decided to turn Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus and Moldova into
democracies.

[Qambar] One should consider the events in a broader context. It would
not be right to take the events out of context. And the Ukrainian
events are a very important reflection of this broader context.

First, Azerbaijani society is gradually recovering from the damage
inflicted by the rigged 2003 presidential elections and repression
against the people. Society is trying to look to the future with hope
again. Positive trends are obvious. Although this process is going on
slowly, one can already notice it. The most difficult year is
over. On the other hand, international processes and the fact that the
international community has begun reconsidering these issues are also
obvious.

I believe that the failure of the Ilham Aliyev project on the one
hand, his failure to conduct reforms in Azerbaijan over the past year,
and on the other, the fact that it has been proved that democratic
changes are possible when the international community is united have
led to changes in the approach of the international community to these
issues. And this is quite obvious. All these factors affect these
issues and will also continue to affect them in the future.

[Passage omitted: Qambar says the main tasks facing Azerbaijan’s
democratic forces will be making changes to the election code,
changing the principles of forming election commissions and helping
boost the people’s trust in democracy]

Le Monde, France
31 décembre 2004

Le Bosphore, frontière de l’Europe
HORIZONS DÉBATS

par Roland J.-L. Breton

ON pourrait beaucoup écrire sur les limites proprement géographiques,
assez théoriques, de l’Europe, ou sur ses frontières réelles du passé
historique, antique ou moderne. Ou encore sur l’extension de la
civilisation européenne et de sa signification et de son empreinte
profonde dans les esprits. Mais la question aujourd’hui n’est pas là.
Elle est de savoir avec précision où doit s’arrêter raisonnablement
l’Union européenne de demain.

Constantinople-Byzance-Istanbul a certes toujours été en Europe et
l’Anatolie en Asie mineure. Comme les Turcs, venus du coeur de
l’Asie, devenus européens par leur empire, ont pu aussi s’affirmer
tels par leurs légitimes aspirations modernistes, laïques,
démocratiques et, maintenant, diplomatiques.

Nous pourrions certes accepter les Turcs comme nation européenne,
quelle que soit leur religion, puisque nous avons tous la volonté
d’appartenir à une société laïque. Comme nous accueillons déjà
pleinement plus de trois millions de citoyens turcs, travailleurs
migrants, résidents ou naturalisés, avec leurs enfants. Il n’y a là
aucune difficulté touchant les individus ou les communautés au sein
de l’Union européenne.

Le seul problème reste celui du territoire. Car ce n’est pas à nous
Européens de décider où, au-delà du Bosphore, une frontière devrait
éventuellement passer à travers l’Asie mineure. Nous ne pouvons, dans
l’état du droit international, qu’accepter ou refuser celle de la
République turque actuelle. Or cette limite, depuis 1920, tranche à
travers l’Arménie et le Kurdistan.

Et si nous avons aussi accueilli comme des frères les Arméniens
échappant au génocide et les Kurdes, de citoyenneté turque ou non,
venus travailler, nous ne pouvons envisager d’intégrer dans l’Europe
une part, pas plus que la totalité de leurs pays respectifs.

Pourquoi la frontière de l’Europe inclurait-elle Kars en excluant
Erevan, Diyarbakir et non Kirkouk ? Et demain, si les Kurdes, avec
leur langue, recevaient enfin tous les droits démocratiques de la
Turquie, pourquoi après-demain ne demanderaient-ils pas à inclure
aussi dans l’UE leurs territoires de Syrie, d’Irak ou d’Iran ?
Passant le Bosphore et l’Asie mineure, jusqu’où demanderait-on à
étendre l’Europe ?

L’Europe a la sagesse de ne plus rêver de s’étendre au monde à
travers les continents. Les Européens, qui ont eu tant de mal à
dépasser leurs conflits internes comme à renoncer à dominer les
autres, ne peuvent maintenant donner qu’une seule leçon : celle de
montrer le chemin de l’unité. Mais sur chaque continent et dans
l’entente des civilisations. Surtout pas dans l’expansion indéfinie
d’un prétendu modèle à travers les mers et les détroits.

NOTES: Roland J.-L. breton est professeur émérite de géographie à
l’université Paris-VIII.

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Occupied Cyprus
Dec 31 2004

Revised National Security Policy Document classifies Greece as
Turkey´s partner

At a time when the violations of Greece’s airspace by Turkish
warplanes has become a routine practice, the casus belli decision by
the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) if Greece exercises its
rights deriving from the international law is not revoked, Turkey’s
occupation of Cyprus and the violation of the human rights of EU
citizens is going on unhindered, the revised National Security
Document classifies Greece as a partner.
A commentary in HURRIYET, the full text of which follows, outlines
the views expressed in the National Security Document, under
formulation, for which certain Turkish military units have not yet
expressed opinion and from which it seems that Turkey’s perception of
neighbourly relations is based Ottoman criteria.

The commentary by Sukru Kucuksahin under the title: “Al-Qa’ida and
Shahab-3, rather than Greece, constitute threats”, is published in
HURRIYET on 27.12.04.

“The work related to the rewriting the National Security Policy
Document (MGSB) will be completed in one or two months.

Despite the fact that the Foreign Ministry and certain military units
have not yet expressed their views, efforts have already begun to
draw up the framework of the new document.

Looking at this framework, it is possible to see that this time major
changes will be realized in the document that was accepted during the
meeting of the National Security Council in 1997 and that underwent
certain changes in 2001.

Despite the fact that no one has any doubts that separatist and
reactionary activities will continue to top the list of domestic
threats, “idealist mafia” primarily and certain old chapters will be
totally removed.

The demand to intensify the struggle against the mafia, in turn, will
maintain its place.

Subtitle: Greece Is becoming Turkey’s partner

In the MGSB the most important changes will be realized in the
perception of foreign threats.

Greece has stopped topping the list of foreign threats for the first
time in the 82-year history of the document and it has moved toward
the bottom of the list.

Turkey, which is making progress en route to the EU, cannot continue
to view a country that will become its partner after 10 years as a
threat. This runs counter to seriousness of the state.

Therefore, the term “the possibility of clashes exists” that had been
used in the past also becomes history, but attention is drawn to the
fact that certain problems still remain on the agenda.

In relation to Greece the previous document had noted that Syria “may
take place by the side of Greece in case of possible clashes with the
latter.” In the new document, however, Syria is moved toward the end
of the list.

In the new document the relations with the neighboring countries are
removed outside the scope of the phrase “the former assessments
should be maintained as they are” — a phrase that was included in
the previous document. Furthermore, the new document calls for
developing Turkey’s economic relations with its neighbors and
encourages good neighborly relations.

Subtitle: The Shahab-3 may hit Istanbul

Despite the fact that compared with the past, Turkey has improved its
relations with its neighbors, the new MGSB will differ from the
previous documents where Turkey’s relations with a certain
neighboring country are concerned.

Despite the fact that the relations with Iran seem to be warm, there
is a serious crisis in the relations between the two countries. It is
seen that Turkey has serious concerns regarding Iran’s missile power
and nuclear capacity.

The fact that the Shahab-3 missiles that have recently been tested by
Iran are capable of hitting Istanbul, places this country at the top
of the list of foreign threats.

There is a second issue that is viewed as equally dangerous and that
is Iraq and, in this regard, international terrorism.

Al-Qa’ida is viewed as synonymous to international terrorism.

The terrorist actions undertaken by the organization in question
against the synagogues, the British Consulate, and the HSBC building
in Istanbul as well as the recent massacres conducted against Turkish
citizens and security officials in Iraq are noted down.

These actions undertaken by Al-Qa’ida against Turkey are perceived as
the organization’s efforts to alienate Turkey from Europe and to
create internal confusion.

Subtitle: All institutions constitute the guarantee of the regime

It is possible to list some of the important points in the document
as follows:

— Turkey does not have an important problem with Armenia. Rather,
the problem stems from the Armenian diaspora. This is why attention
is drawn to the diaspora which also seems to distress Armenia.

— The fact that the border with Armenia is closed stems from
Armenia’s Azerbaijani policy, rather than the relations between
Armenia and Turkey.

— Full membership in the EU continues to be Turkey’s goal, albeit
cautiously.

— The relations with the Turkic world should be further enhanced. It
is greatly beneficial to resolve the problems that have recently
emerged with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

— Economic cooperation with Russia in particular and the relations
with this country in general should be further developed.

Left-wing terrorism will take place at the bottom of the list in the
new document, which puts emphasis on safeguarding economic stability
and strengthening social peace.

It is not clear whether or not the sects will be included in the
document that will recall that it is the duty of all the state units
to safeguard the regime.

It seems that this problem stems from the fact that an answer has not
yet been found to the question on “whether or not the Community
Houses are places of worship or culture clubs.”

Individual sites of Armenian writers

By Hovhannes Yeranian

Yerkir/arm
24 Dec 04

Literature, unlike other branches of art, has a natural obstacle on
the international market, which is the language. To address this
issue, the Armenian Union of Writers has initiated creation of a web
site at the funding of Eurasia foundation.

The president of the Union, Levon Ananian says: `We have good modern
literature, but it needs to be translated to get to the international
public.’ The site construction for the union and its 387 members will
be accomplished by May of 2005. The works of each author will be
installed in Armenian, Russian and English.

Recently, the cultural department of the Iranian Embassy sponsored
publication of a selection of creative biographies of 60 Armenian
writers, which is now spread in Iran.

Ananian also mentioned that a number of prose and poetry works are
being translated into English, sponsored by the Armenian General
Benevolent Union.

In addition, the Germans are willing to sponsor translation of modern
Armenian literature into German. Let us hope that these projects will
be a success.

Interfax
Dec 27 2004

Baku may talk with Nagorno-Karabakh if Armenia withdraws – official

Baku. (Interfax-Azerbaijan) – Baku is prepared to enter into dialog
with the leadership of the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-
Karabakh on condition that Armenia withdraws from negotiations.

“In principle, this [dialog between Baku and Nagorno-Karabakh] could
be possible, but in this case the Armenian leadership must officially
declare its withdrawal from the conflict and the further non-
interference in it,” spokesman for the Azerbaijani presidential
office Novruz Mamedov told journalists on Friday.

In this case, Baku would negotiate with Nagorno-Karabakh as an
integral part of Azerbaijan, he said.

Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh in the 1990s after a
bloody conflict with Armenia.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
12/23/2004
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OUR NEXT ISSUE
Due to the holiday schedule, our next posting will appear on Monday, December
27

1) Russia Ready to Serve ‘Only as Guarantor’ in MKR Resolution
2) Community Raises $65,000 for Washington Hai Tahd Activities
3) Turkey, Syria Sign Free Trade Agreement
4) Additional Pension to Genocide Survivors
5) Ninth Graders Give the Gift of Sight for Christmas
6) Former ARS Sponsored Student Gives the ARS a Boost
7) An ARS Perspective: Creating Community Dialogue in Studio City
8) OPINION: Good News for a Change
9) Special Christmas and New Year’s Eve Programs on Horizon 24 Hour Armenian
Television

1) Russia Ready to Serve ‘Only as Guarantor’ in MKR Resolution

MOSCOW (RIA Novosti)–Russia is ready to mediate the Karabagh conflict
settlement process and serve only as a guarantor, Russian President Vladimir
Putin told a news conference in Moscow on Thursday.
“We have formulated our approach; we are ready to act as an intermediary
and a
guarantor of the agreements possible between the parties to the
conflict–Armenia and Azerbaijan,” the president told a news conference.
“We do not want to become a long-term unfavorable partner for [either] one of
the parties. We are unwilling to assume responsibility for that,” he said,
stressing that the two sides have to reach agreement on their own.
Pointing to Russia’s presence in the Caucasus for centuries, he said “We have
our own interests in the South Caucasus. These interests should be assured
but,
of course, they also have to go with the interests of other nations, including
Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.”
According to the president, Russia has been pursuing proactive policies in
the
region.

2) Community Raises $65,000 for Washington Hai Tahd Activities

WASHINGTON, DC–On December 3, heeding the call of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF), the Armenian community of Washington, DC expressed its
support for ARF’s pan-Armenian activities by collecting $65,000 at a
fundraising reception at the home of Gourgen and Margaret Assaturian.
Along with many ARF supporters and benefactors, Armenia’s Ambassador to
the US
Dr. Arman Kirakossian, and Mrs. Kirakossian, ARF Bureau members Vicken
Hovsepian and Garo Armenian, and representatives of the ARF Central Committee
attended the reception.
The evening commenced with a welcoming by Gourgen Assaturian, who thanked the
guests’ enthusiastic response to attend the fundraising function, and
encouraging the ARF in its continuous struggle for the world-wide recognition
of the Armenian Case.
He was followed by Armenian, who spoke of the many challenges Armenians face
and the necessity to unite in facing those challenges; he also stressed the
importance of turning the scattered communities of the diaspora into an
effective political force, dedicated to the strengthening of Armenian national
statehood.
As the main speaker of the day, Hovsepian expressed his appreciation for the
moral and financial commitment of the Washington community to the work of the
ARF and their zeal to make their success possible. Hovsepian comprehensively
presented the voluminous work of the ARF in both Armenia and the diaspora,
stressing that these advancements would be impossible to even conceive without
the dependable contribution of supporters devoted to the mission of ARF.

3) Turkey, Syria Sign Free Trade Agreement

DAMASCUS (Reuters)–Turkey and Syria signed a free trade agreement on
Wednesday
and discussed how to keep Iraq united and stable despite the violence sweeping
their neighbor.
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan flew to Damascus on a two-day visit
aimed at cementing improved ties between the two countries which nearly
went to
war in 1998 over Turkish charges that Syria was harboring Turkish Kurdish
guerrillas.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a landmark visit to Turkey in
January to
bury the hatchet after years of tension over the rebels and disputes over land
and water resources.
This visit comes days after the European Union’s historic decision last week
to start accession talks with Turkey. Syria is also seeking closer ties with
the EU.
“This visit shows how far our trade, economic, and political ties have
developed since President Assad’s historic trip,” Erdogan told reporters in
Damascus.
Erdogan signed a free trade zone agreement with Syrian Prime Minister Naji
al-Otari and discussed possible Turkish investments in Syria and joint
agriculture projects.
“The economic and trade ties between our two countries would from now on be
governed by the agreements that we have signed,” Erdogan said.
He said the deal would allow investments by Turkish firms in Syria, currently
at $150 million, to increase rapidly.
Otari said Syria was looking for capital to develop its mainly
state-controlled economy. “Our goal at this stage is comprehensive
development,” he said.
Syrian Information Minister Mahdi Dakhl-Allah said the agreement was expected
to double the size of bilateral trade which currently stands at around $1
billion annually.
He said better trade ties with Syria would open up the Arab markets for
Turkey. “Syria is Turkey’s gate to the Arab world.”

UNITY OF IRAQ

Erdogan and Otari said they also discussed Iraq.
Otari was quoted by the official Syrian news agency SANA as saying during the
meeting that the US-led war in Iraq failed to bring peace and stability to the
region and freedom and democracy to Iraqis.
The Turkish prime minister also held talks with Assad, which most likely
touched on Iraq, where elections are scheduled for Jan. 30 despite an upsurge
of violence.
Syria and Turkey, both with restless Kurdish minorities, are worried about
any
possible break up of Iraq and fear the establishment of a separate Kurdish
state in northern Iraq.
Dakhl-Allah said both Turkey and Syria wanted to see a stable Iraq and agreed
its unity must be preserved.
Before his visit to Damascus, Erdogan called President George W. Bush and
urged him to act against Kurdish separatists operating from northern Iraq,
Turkish officials said.
Ankara, one of Washington’s key regional allies, is uneasy with the US-led
occupation of Iraq and refused to allow US forces to invade from Turkish soil
in 2003.
Syria, which opposed the invasion, is under intense pressure from the United
States for allegedly allowing foreign fighters to cross its border into
Iraq to
join the insurgency there.
Erdogan, who was accompanied by several ministers and dozens of Turkish
businessmen, would attend a meeting of Syrian and Turkish businessmen in
Damascus on Wednesday evening. He heads to Aleppo in northern Syria on
Thursday
before returning home.

4) Additional Pension to Genocide Survivors

YEREVAN (A1plus)–In commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
genocide, the Armenian Government has decided to provide a monthly supplement
of 5,000 dram, in addition to regular monthly pensions, to survivors who were
born in Western Armenia and other territories of Ottoman Turkey before 1915.
The payments will begin on January 1, 2005.

5) Ninth Graders Give the Gift of Sight for Christmas

Homeroom Class Sponsors Village of Margahovit for Eye Screenings

NEWPORT BEACH”The spirit of Christmas is in giving, not receiving,” says
Miriam Samoniantz, a teacher at Mesrobian Armenian School in Pico Rivera,
California.
She infused the Christmas spirit in her ninth-grade students by encouraging
them to participate in the Armenian EyeCare Project’s (AECP) Adopt-A-Village
Program. “It really is a wonderful feeling to give unselfishly.”
Samoniantz learned about the Adopt-A-Village Program from her parents, Choren
and Flora Manukian, who are patients of AECP President Roger Ohanesian. The
Manukians told their daughter about the AECP’s program to help provide eye
care
to the thousands of Armenian people in the regions who cannot afford care.
From March through November each year, the AECP’s state of the art Mobile Eye
Hospital follows a scheduled route throughout the country, providing eye care
at no cost to vulnerable patients. The AECP doctors, nurses, and staff screen
adults and children for eye disease and provide a complete eye examination
with
treatment, including surgery, when required. The most frequently performed
surgery on the MEH is for cataracts.
During the winter months, when weather prevents the MEH from traveling
throughout the Marzes, it visits local nursing homes and orphanages. Since
June of 2003, the start of the AECP’s seven-year initiative “Bringing Sight to
Armenian Eyes,” the Mobile Eye Hospital has visited seven regions of Armenia,
screened close to 40,000 people and performed approximately 2,500 surgeries
and
laser procedures.
The Adopt-A-Village program invites donors to sponsor the screening and
treatment of residents of a specific region or village in Armenia. The
cost of
adopting a village ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars,
depending on the population. Donors can choose a village that has special
meaning to them, orlike Miriam Samoniantz and her classthey can select a
village in an area that will soon be visited by the MEH so that they can help
people with an immediate need.
“When I heard about AECP’s Adopt-A-Village Program, that’s all I needed. I
thought that this is something that my ninth grade homeroom can do,” says
Samoniantz. “The AECP is truly a wonderful organization. The doctors donate
their time to help people. The idea that so many people could be helped by
such
a small amount was appealing.”
Samoniantz asked the seven boys and seven girls in her homeroom class: “How
would you like to give the gift of eyesight to a village? It would be truly
wonderful and unselfish of you.”
The 14-year-olds embraced the project, which began in October and ended in
mid-December. They decided to adopt Margahovit because the AECP’s Mobile Eye
Hospital will visit the village early in 2005.
Samoniantz, who has taught at Mesrobian Armenian School for 30 years, thought
the project would be especially meaningful if the class started a Margahovit
piggybank. Each day the students emptied their pocket change into the bank.
Soon, the students went right to the piggybank first, emptied their pockets
and
purses, and then greeted their teacher. In 2½ months, the students raised $535
to adopt Margahovit.
“They were ecstatic. They were very pleased with themselves,” says
Samoniantz.
“The class realizes that they’re giving the gift of sight to their brothers
and
sisters in Armenia. It was done unselfishly and willingly. I’m really proud of
these kids.”
Samoniantz, who “definitely” plans to adopt another village with her students
next year, says that her ninth grade class hopes that their efforts will
motivate other schools and organizations to participate in the Adopt-A-Village
program.
Other AECP donors who have adopted a village include: Arch and Nelly Azizian,
San Leandro, California; Diane Der Bogozian, Virginia; Haig and Gaylynne
Der-Houssikian, Gainesville, Florida; Mr. and Mrs. Jirair Hovnanian, Mt.
Laurel, New Jersey; Dickie Hovsepian, San Francisco, California; Eileen
Barsamian Jennings, St. Petersburg, Florida; Dr. and Mrs. Onik Keshishian, Los
Angeles, California; Bizer Simonian, Worcester, Massachusetts; and Mr. Roger
Strauch and Dr. Julie Kulhajian, Piedmont, California.
To discuss a special adoption program for you or your family and for a
complete list of villages available for adoption, please contact the EyeCare
Project on their toll free number, 866-448-2327. To learn more about the AECP,
visit <;, or call
949-675-5767. To make a donation, call the AECP toll-free number,
1-866-GIV-AECP, donate online at mail a check to 518
South Bayfront, Newport Beach, CA 92662.

6) Former ARS Sponsored Student Gives the ARS a Boost

–“I will never be able to repay the ARS,” said Ajemian.

GLENDALE–The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western US Regional Executive
received an encouraging boost just in time for the holidays. An exciting
office
dedication at the ARS regional headquarters in Glendale, along with an elegant
luncheon, with over 400 members in attendance, marked a memorable end to a
great year.
As a former ARS sponsored student, Abraham Ajemian, with his wife Antaram,
returned the favor by sponsoring one of the ARS offices. Last May, as Mr. and
Mrs. Ajemian accompanied ARS members on a trip to ARS project sites in Armenia
and Karabagh, they were inspired to do more for the ARS, in addition to the
eight orphans they were already sponsoring through the ARS Sponsor-A-Child
program.
The ARS General Accountant/Controller of the Western Region, Jasik Jarahian,
arranged for the sponsorship of one of the offices located on the second floor
of the ARS Western Region headquarters building in Glendale. The generous
donation of $20,000 was officially made during a luncheon, with ARS Regional
Executive Vice-Chair, Sona Madarian, calling it “a day of celebration.”
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Executive, Madarian said, “There were,
there
are, and there will be those who believe in the ARS, because they appreciate
the ARS’ accomplishments. Our work speaks for itself.”
Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, along with parish priest of St.
Mary
Church in Glendale Rev. Ardag Demirjian, officiated the blessing of the newly
refurbished office on December 5.
As Vice Chair of the ARS Central Executive Hasmig Derderian, along with
Madarian, placed the ARS emblem and tri-color ribbons on the couple, the
sponsors cut the ribbon to the office. In attendance were ARF Central
Committee
representative Karo Khanjian, Chair of the Armenia Fund West Coast Board Maria
Mehranian, Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association’s Regional
Executive
representative Hrayr Shirikian, representatives of the Homenetmen Ararat
Chapter, as well as over 100 former sponsors, current and former members of
ARS
Regional Executives, and current members of ARS chapter executives.

7) An ARS Perspective: Creating Community Dialogue in Studio City

STUDIO CITY–Armenian Relief Society (ARS) chapters and other community
organizations continually contend with how to attract new members, how to
provide services to the community, and how to engage non-Armenian political
and
community organizations.
The simple, yet ideal solution for the local ARS chapters was to organize
community mixer at the Armenian Center in Studio City, so as to introduce
local, non-Armenian leaders to what goes on inside its walls.
Master of ceremonies the honorable Judge Greg Keosian invited representatives
of Armenian organizations to present information about their work for the
community, as well as guests to give their impressions of the event and how
they could benefit from the community.
Manig Sakayan of the Armenian National Committee introduced the role of the
various organizations that operate from the Armenian Center.
ARS Western region chair Angela Savoian explained that the ARS has been
serving those in need since 1910, empowering members as leaders of the
organization and the community, contributing to the education and well
being of
citizens with its five Social Services Centers, and a Child, Youth and Family
Guidance Center. Savoian’s presentation depicted scenes from the LA Marathon,
the ARS Armenian Festival, and new ARS members taking their oath. She
highlighted the work of the ARS “Meghri” Chapter, that operates from the
Armenian Center in Studio City. ARS services include a Social Services branch
office. The chapter also sponsors an after-school Armenian language program at
Erwin Elementary in Van Nuys.
Other speakers included the western region’s Armenian National Committee
chair
Raffi Hamparian, Jack McGrath of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce, and Alan
Dymond, Rafi Kuyumjian and Michael Klausman of the Studio City Neighborhood
Council. Klausman is also President of the CBS Studio Center.

8) OPINION: Good News for a Change

By Garen Yegparian

See, I’m not all doom and gloom. I’ve seen a few good things on the Armenian
scene this year.
One was the people of the Arapkir district of Yerevan getting organized to
stand up for their water rights as detailed by Apo Boghigian in some of his
Asbarez columns. The initiative demonstrated by that action is what will build
the country and develop a sense of accountability to the people by government.
Another example of initiative, reported in the March 17 Asbarez
(Armenian), is
that of the Krouzian-Zakarian-Vabouragan students. They conducted research and
sent a letter to effect the correction of a caption in one of their textbooks.
Which leads me to the hope I have for the Armenian Academy of Los Angeles.
This is an institution abirthing. Among all the good things it proposes to do,
it must inspire (not instill–that would be contradictory) its students to
take
the initiative, yet cooperatively. Too often initiative is translated as being
headstrong or doing things alone. I hope the students will come to recognize
the important role they are to play in our nation’s future, which necessarily
means bringing the rest of our community along in their initiatives.
The Academy is designed to fill a niche need. Some twenty years ago, I recall
Garo Armenian describing a vision of an institution much like the Academy. A
core group has been meeting intensely for the last handful of years,
discussing
and planning its launch. The target date is the next academic year, starting
with 9th grade and building annually to a full high school. The curriculum is
so rich, I want to go back to high school!
As with all novel efforts, this is no mean feat. To their credit, the
founders
are utilizing innovative approaches to achieve their goals. This approach, of
course, holds truest when it comes to financing. They’re succeeding in
engaging
our oft-tapped benefactors in a promising endeavor. In fact, a gala kickoff is
in the offing the first week of April, watch for details.
No elitist, hoity-toity, snooty bunch are these founders. They’re even
organizing focus groups to address core concerns from financial to curriculum.
Some of these have already occurred. Others are upcoming.
If the campaign is conducted with the same gravity and eye to public
relations
demonstrated in the introductory package distributed last spring, then the
greater Los Angeles community will be blessed with a major new and positive
institution.
As with any new project, this one too has its detractors and naysayers. The
only arguably valid concern I’ve encountered is its possible effect on our
current network of Armenian schools. Let me point out that the heyday of
Armenian school building in North America was the late ’70’s-early eighties.
Since then, our school “system” has been static. I see the Armenian Academy of
Los Angeles, once successful, as the initiator of a new period of growth for
the cornerstone institution of the diaspora- Armenian education and the
development of compatriotic bonds in childhood.
Let’s support this exciting effort. Check out the website
too–

Opinions expressed in this column are those of the author’s and not
necessarily those of Asbarez.

9) Special Christmas and New Year’s Eve Programs on Horizon 24 Hour Armenian
Television

GLENDALE–Horizon 24 Hour Armenian Television will broadcast a special holiday
program on Christmas day and New Year’s Eve. “The Eyes of Christmas,” an
annual
telecast taping that has become a Hollywood tradition, features some of
Hollywood’s top stars sharing their holiday memories, interwoven in a unique
holiday movie narrated especially for the blind through a new process called
TheatreVision.
Horizon’s New Year’s Eve special programming includes a two hour
year-in-review highlighting people and events that shaped the world of
Armenian-Americans in 2004. The special will also include an exclusive movie
premier produced by Yerkir Media, Yerevan’s most popular television station.
The movie, “Let’s Go & Return,” is a story of two young Armenian businessmen
who find themselves stuck in an old village on New Year’s Eve; though
apprehensive at the thought of spending the evening with villagers, they
nevertheless end-up encountering the unusual, to discover their rich cultural
heritage.
The third part of the special will feature a concert with famous Armenian
singers and entertainers from throughout world. The taping will take place
Sunday, December 26 at 7 p.m. at the Alex Theater in Glendale. Those
interested
in attending the taping may purchase their tickets at the box office or by
contacting (818) 415-0415.
Eyes of Christmas–airs Christmas Eve 12:30 a.m. and Christmas Day at 9:30
a.m.
The New Year’s Eve Special–airs 6 p.m. on Friday, December 31.

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and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and
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(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.

–Boundary_(ID_NVhjgRsx+Odc+xUeW2iANw)–

Francia planteará cuestión del “genocidio armenio” a Turquía

Agence France Presse — Spanish
20 Dic. 2004

PARIS Dic 20 — Francia hará “todas las preguntas” a Turquía antes
de su eventual adhesión a la Unión Europea, “incluyendo la del
genocidio armenio”, declaró el lunes a la radio RTL el canciller
francés Michel Barnier.

“Haremos todas las preguntas, incluyendo sobre el genocidio armenio,
con el deseo de obtener, antes de la adhesión, una respuesta de
Turquía”, declaró Barnier.

El canciller ya se refirió al “genocidio armenio” el martes pasado
ante la Asamblea Nacional. Pero antes había empleado en sus diversas
intervenciones el término de “tragedia”, que es utilizado a menudo
por las autoridades turcas para calificar esta cuestión.

“El presidente de la República expresa una visión, expresa dónde se
encuentra para él el interés de nuestro país, de nuestro continente”,
agregó Barnier, al comentar la posición de Jacques Chirac respecto
al ingreso de Turquía a la Unión Europea.

Chirac apoyó enérgicamente la semana pasada, durante el Consejo Europeo
de Bruselas, la apertura de negociaciones de adhesión con Turquía,
que fue fijada el 3 de octubre de 2005 por los 25 jefes de Estado y
de Gobierno.

–Boundary_(ID_y7E4IWuIb183KbOrdEGMZA)–

TURKEY’S EU ENTRY IS LITTERED WITH OBSTACLES
By LINDA S. HEARD

Gulf News, United Arab Emirates
December 21, 2004

Special to Gulf News

<!– Special to Gulf News Linda S. Heard: Turkey’s EU entry is
littered with obstacles –>Even as the Turkish people are rightly
celebrating their country’s first step on the road to EU accession,
their leaders know that there is many a slip not least the desire of
certain EU members to keep the union as a wealthy and elitist
Christian club.

Although negotiations with Turkey are due to begin in earnest during
October 2005, France and Austria are already touting the holding of
national referendums in the full knowledge that their respective
publics are largely against the Turkish bid.

Given that one member country can veto the entire process, Turkey’s
entrance could be thwarted almost from the get-go.

One of the future sticking points could be France’s insistence that
when talks begin proper, Turkey should acknowledge the mass killings
of Armenians from 1915 as a “tragedy”.

Armenians contend that some 1.5 million of their people were killed
or forcibly exiled during Ottoman rule under a policy of deliberate
genocide, while Turks maintain they fell victim to civil unrest.

Discriminatory

Whatever the truth, this requirement appears to be discriminatory on
France’s part some are referring to it as a red herring since Britain
wasn’t required to apologise for its flattening of the German city of
Dresden prior to its entry, France was not forced to apologise to
Algeria for its vicious occupation of that land, and Germany did not
have to come up with mea culpas to all and sundry over Nazi
brutalities.

Turkey’s reluctance to recognise the Republic of Cyprus could prove
to be a further stumbling block. Even as headlines in the Turkish
dailies Hurriyet and Yeni Safak were boasting, “We did it” and
lauding Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his coup at putting
Turkey on the first step of the EU rung, while side-stepping this
sticky issue, the Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos was
threatening to throw a spoke in the wheel.

“The Republic of Cyprus has the right not to consent to the start of
entry talks,” he said during a television address. In reality, Turkey
will eventually be forced into a de facto recognition of the Republic
of Cyprus as part of the customs union but says its negotiations with
the whole does not constitute its explicit recognition of a single
participant.

Even if Turkey successfully jumps the hurdles of public referendums
over its membership, its apology to Armenians and manages to mollify
Papadopoulos, the EU Commission has warned there are no guarantees of
Turkish entry. Indeed, it has announced it would recommend talks be
broken off “in the case of a serious and persistent breach of the
principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms -“.

The Commission has also recommended in a total departure from EU
regulations applying to current members that the free movement of
Turkish workers throughout the Union be curbed.

Turkey has made it clear that this is unacceptable, saying it will
refuse second-class status. There is no doubt that ageing and
shrinking European populations need a fresh injection of youthful
migratory workers, not least to cough up their pensions. The problem
many EU states have with Turkish workers is related to religious
demographics at a time when the French, for example, feel threatened
by their burgeoning Muslim population and the small percentage of
extremists within.

At the same time, Holland is coping with a wave of anti-Islamic
sentiment subsequent to the slaying of filmmaker Theo Van Gogh by a
youth who objected to his portrayal of Muslim women, while Austria is
beset by the rise of right-wing xenophobic political parties.

Germany already has its fair share of Turkish migrants, and complains
they are reluctant to assimilate while conveniently forgetting that
until 1974, its guest workers were forbidden from bringing in their
wives and children.

Until recently its half-million Turkish-born citizens along with 2.5
million Turkish workers within its borders were barely tolerated.

Indeed, former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt recently told a
newspaper that bringing millions of Turkish Gastarbeiter to Germany
was a mistake, adding, multiculturalism can only work under
authoritarian regimes.

Given the hostility experienced by Turks in Germany, there is little
wonder they have clung together and to their own culture.

The US president’s promises to back Turkey’s bid and to use his
leverage with his European pals has rubbed certain EU states up the
wrong way, including France.

Last June, Chirac lambasted George Bush for suggesting Turkey should
be given an accession date, saying his interference was comparable
with France telling the United States how to manage its own relations
with Mexico.

Permanent rift

Ian Bremmer, writing in the International Herald Tribune wonders why
Bush is so eager to see his Turkish ally ensconced in the bosom of
the EU. “Turkey’s inclusion in the EU causes real trouble for the
United States,” he writes, “because it makes a permanent rift between
Europe and the United States along the lines seen recently over Iraq
(when Turkey’s position was already closer to Paris and Berlin than
to Washington) much more likely”.

Bremmer further points out that “the addition of Turkey’s armed
forces makes a common EU defence more feasible which makes Nato less
necessary” and suggests Turkey’s current amicable relations with both
the US and Israel would likely cool.

There is no doubt that it is in Europe’s interests to draw Turkey,
which is geographically partly within the European continent, into
the fold.

If Turkey were to be rejected out of hand, it could be forced into an
even closer relationship with the United States or, alternatively, it
could throw in its diplomatic lot with Russia or, even, with its
neighbours Iran and Syria.

EU members should put aside their differences, quash their irrational
fears vis-a-vis the Turkish bid and extend its collective hand before
Turkey, tired of Europe’s endless procrastination and being
humiliatingly singled out, may choose to erect an iron fist.

10% GDP GROWTH REGISTERED IN ARMENIA IN JAN-NOV, 2004

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 20. ARMINFO. The highest GDP growth in Armenia
was registered in Jan-Nov, 2004 – 10.0%. ARMINFO was informed in
the press service of the National Statistical Service of Armenia,
according to preliminary data, in Nov as against Oct the economic
drop made up 22.2%. By the end of Nov 2004 the GDP totaled 1,672.1 bln
drams or ($3,109.5). The GDP index-deflator grew by 6.0%. In Jan-Nov
the AMD/USD exchange rate was 537.74 drams against one U.S. dollar.

In Jan-Nov of the current year the volume of industrial produce
totaled 473.9 bln drams or $881.4 mln (or 27.2% out of GDP – ARMINFO),
increasing by 1.6% as against the same period of last year, in Nov as
against Oct it increased by 1.1%. Electricity generation in Jan-Nov
increased by 8.6%, and in Nov as against Oct it increased by 16.5%,
totalling 5,341.5 mln kW/h.

In Jan-Nov of the current year the Gross agriculture produce increased
by 14.3% as against the same period of 2003, totaling 412.5 bln drams
or $767.1 mln and in Nov as against Oct it decreased by 41.5%. Volume
of construction increased by 9.1% in Nov as against Oct, and in
Jan-Nov it increased by 16.2%, reaching 229.3 bln drams or $426.5
mln. Retail trade turnover totaled 699.9 bln drams by the end of Nov,
increasing by 9.2% in Jan-Nov as against the same period of last year,
and in Nov as against Oct it increased by 2.5%.

By the end of Nov, 2004 foreign trade turnover totaled $1.9 bln
(1,001.6 bln drams), increasing by 4.5% as against the same period
of 2003, and in Nov as against Oct it decreased by 6.3%. In its
structure the exports increased by 3.2% in Jan-Nov as against the
same period of 2003, and in Nov as against Oct it increased by 14%
totalling $645.9 mln. The imports totaled $1,219.3 mln, increasing
by 5.3% during the first eleven months of the current year, and in
Nov as against Oct it increased by 16.2%. Negative trade balance was
$573.4 mln by the end of Nov.