Author: Jalatian Sonya

ARMENIANS OF ISTANBUL ARE THE HOSTAGES OF THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
06.06.2007 GMT+04:00

Archbishop Mutafian gives publicity to Turkish official viewpoint
regarding the issue of the Armenian Genocide, and doesn’t forget to
mention about "the Armenian armed revolt against the government".

Since January, 2007 as the Resolution N 106 about the Armenian
Genocide was passed in the US Congress, different opinions about the
Patriarch of Constantinople Mesrop Mutafian (Mesrop II), speaking
against the above mentioned Resolution, have started to appear in
Turkish press. The Patriarch’s viewpoint, which gave rise to severe
criticism both in Diaspora and Armenia, is quite explicable; Mesrop
II wants to maintain the fragile but peaceful relations both with
Turkish authorities and with the country’s population.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to the Constitution Armenians, Greeks and
Jews are considered to be the only national minorities in Turkey. And
if the Turkish Government is more loyal towards the Jews, based on
the fact that Israel is in friendly relations with Ankara, it is not
at all loyal and moreover carries out rather harsh policy towards the
Armenians and Greeks. The spiritual leader of the community should
by all means be a citizen of Turkey. The truth is that he is elected
by the community itself, yet the candidacy must be confirmed by the
government first.

In fact the Armenian and Greek Patriarchs are functionaries, called to
perform their duties and not to permit any announcements contradicting
the policy carried out by the Turkish Government. In fact the Patriarch
and the Armenian Community of Istanbul have become the hostages of
the Turkish Government and this is why the announcement shattering
every Armenian in any part of the world should be regarded from a
different point of view.

Recently official meetings of the Members of the US Congress
Delegation with Turkey’s initiative have been held in Ankara, after
which the Congressmen headed to Istanbul, where they visited the
Armenian Patriarchate in Constantinople. During the meeting of the
Congressmen with Mesrop Mutafian issues concerning Resolution on the
Armenian Genocide, Hrant Dink’s murder, as well as the murders of the
Catholic Priest Santoro in Trabzon and three evangelical believers
in Malatya were discussed. "Lraber" quotes the Patriarch’s words,
"Based upon both the intergovernmental relations of Turkey and Armenia
and the relations of the local Armenians with the Turkish Nation, we
are not positively disposed towards the Resolution about the Armenian
Genocide submitted to the US Congress. But at the same time we cannot
deny the tragic events of the past. The history will never forgive
the Ittihad ve Teraki’s (Unity and Progress) act aimed at not only
the punishment of the Armenian armed revolt against the government,
but also all the Armenians living in Turkey. 1,5 million people of
Armenian origin were killed in the Syrian deserts.

Today there are 70.000 Armenians living in our country. The Armenians
who adopted Islam to avoid deportation shouldn’t be forgotten
either. Since they continue speaking Armenian, they remain faithful
to the Armenian Culture, and regardless their religion we consider
them one of us. And we never consider the Armenian Diaspora being
an object of dispute. We are Armenians from Turkey and together with
our Muslim neighbors we try to maintain healthy social and commercial
relations. The time to develop the politics of tomorrow has come. The
Republic of Armenia boarders on Turkey, and since it is out of question
to change the border lines between the two countries, it is of great
benefit to the Armenians of Turkey for two neighboring countries to
be in better relations with each other. What we have in common with
the Turkish Republic is of political character, with Armenia we are
connected with religious and cultural ties. We, the Armenians of
Turkey, want nothing but peace".

In fact the Archbishop Mutafian gave publicity to Turkish official
viewpoint regarding the issue of the Armenian Genocide, and didn’t
forget to mention about "the Armenian armed revolt against the
government".

One should really have some very serious reasons to fear for his
life and the future of the Armenian Community in Istanbul to call
the heroic defense of Van and Sasun an "armed revolt against the
government". Another truth is that it is always easier to judge. Yet
the thousands of the Armenian priests, who didn’t leave their posts
and had their share of sufferings shouldn’t be left unmentioned. By
the way in Istanbul there had already been a Patriarch, Maghakia
Ormanyan who carried out prudent and constructive politics, which
aroused frustration among the Armenian intellectuals and political
parties. In July 1908 the participants of the mass demonstration in
Constantinople broke into the Patriarch’s residence and deposed him.

ARSHAK SADOYAN: NEW MPs WILL NOT HAVE POSSIBILITY OF EVEN SPEAKING, AS ALL ISSUES ARE SOLVED IN RPA "KITCHEN"

Noyan Tapan
Jun 06 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 6, NOYAN TAPAN. The changes made in the staff
of the current parliament cannot be named a political change
of generations. Deputy of National Assemblies of all previous
convocations, Chairman of Union of National Democrats Party Arshak
Sadoyan and political scientist Aghasi Yenokian expressed such opinion
at the June 6 meeting with journalists.

In A. Yenokian’s words, for the purpose of self-reproduction
the authorities once more falsified the elections. As a result,
opposition’s staff in the parliament changed, Bargavach Hayastan
artificially created by the President appeared and the main actors
from power camp remained in the parliament as before.

According to A. Yenokian’s observation, a great number of deputies
have appeared in the parliament and persons having been deputies
for a long time have been left out of the parliament. In particular,
for the first time no member of Karabakh committee is included in the
parliament. In political scientist’s opinion, under Robert Kocharian
no elections have been ever held in the parliament and the parliament
has been formed according to Soviet traditions, by proportions from
above. According to this, less political figures and more oligarches
or representatives of crime have appeared in the current parliament
as compared with the previous one. As A. Yenokian affirmed, in spite
of the amended Constitution, the new parliament cannot introduce
freshness to political life.

In A. Sadoyan’s words, this parliament is much worse than the previous
one, as today all issues are decided not at NA, but in the kitchen
of RPA. Under these conditions the parliament’s role has abruptly
reduced and the new deputies even will not have a possibility of
speaking. In Sadoyan’s words, the opposition has its share of guilt
in it, as after the boycott of 2004 the power forces understood that
they can do without the opposition.

For the purpose of solving the problem of change of generations in the
political sphere A. Sadoyan is going to create a school of exchange of
political experience and he invites to take part in it representatives
of youth wings irrespective of their party belonging. He called the
youth for taking the chance for being involved in active politics
saying that politics is not only an interesting, but also a profitable
business. Sadoyan himself, in his words, will continue his political
activity he started as early as in the 70-s of the previous century.

ARMENIAN PATRIARCH MESROB II PLANS TO MEET WITH CHIEF OF TURKISH MILITARY

ArmRadio.am
06.06.2007 14:51

The leader of the Armenian Orthodox community in Turkey, Patriarch
Mesrob II, has said that the initial societal support shown in the
wake of journalist Hrant Dink’s murder has lessened as a result of
nationalist pressure, and that the figures behind the murder of Dink
in Istanbul are still being protected.

Mesrob II noted in his comments, which were published on the German
magazine Der Spiegel’s website, that he planned to meet soon with
the leader of the Turkish military, General Yasar Buyukanit, on
this matter.

Notably, Mesrob II also used his comments to express support for the
current AKP administration, asserting that the AKP demonstrated a more
tolerant attitude towards religious minorities than the opposition CHP.

FRANCE NOT TO HINDER EU-TURKEY NEGOTIATIONS
By Petros Keshishian

AZG Armenian Daily
31/05/2007

French president Nikolas Sarkozy sent a secret messenger to
Ankara. According to "Figarot," the messenger is to contribute to the
solution of the disputes on the negotiations for Turkey’s membership
to EU.

Sarkozy doesn’t intend to put a veto on three new issues of the June
26 negotiations. In coming December, Sarkozy will put forward the
issue of Europe’s borders at the CE Summit, instead. He is going to
suggest shaping of a working group that will elaborate the principles
of the neighbourhood policy.

SECOND SECTION OF IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE TO BE BUILT IN 2008 – AGENCY

Arminfo
30 May 07

Yerevan, 30 May: HayRusgazard closed-type joint-stock company plans
to invest 33bn drams (93m dollars) in the construction of the second
section of the Iran-Armenia [gas] pipeline in 2007. In all, the company
plans to invest 52bn drams (150m dollars) for the implementation of
the project.

The chairman of the board and CEO of HayRusgazard, Karen Karapetyan,
has visited the construction area of the Kajaran-Ararat [section of
the] pipeline together with experts.

The press service of HayRusgazard reported that the construction of
the 40 km Meghri-Kajaran section, as well as the 197.4 km section
of the pipeline with a diameter of 720mm in the direction of
Kajaran-Sisian-Jermuk-Ararat, will allow to raise the capacity of
the system of gas transport. It will also provide the entry of the
Iranian natural gas to Armenia in agreed volumes.

[Passage omitted: technical and contractual details]

Karapetyan said that the work on this section of the gas pipeline,
stretching about 200 km, is planned to be done in 2007-08. In 2007,
150 km of pipes will be bought, and 85 km of the pipeline will be
constructed. He said that all the three shareholders of the company
have the right to take part in the additional emission of shares with
their proposals and partial participation.

[Passage omitted: background details]

LEVON ARONIAN PLAYS DRAW SECOND GAME AGAINST MAGNUS CARLSEN

ARMENPRESS
May 29 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 29, ARMENPRESS; Armenian chess star Levon Aronian played
draw his second game against Norway’s Magnus Carlsen with the white
pieces.

They are playing in Russia’s Kalmykia, the venue of a knock-out format
that sees 16 players in fray, out of which four will qualify for the
prestigious World Championships to be held in Mexico later this year.

In the first round Aronian took a full point form the young Norwegian
They will play four games more and the winner will meet with either
Michael Adams of UK or Alexei Shirov of Spain.

AID AGENCY WILL NOT SUPPORT RAILROAD BYPASS

ArmRadio.am
30.05.2007 09:59

The Armenian Assembly of America commends Congressman Brad Sherman
(D-CA) for securing an assurance from the Oversees Private Investment
Corporation (OPIC) that the agency would not support a proposed
railroad linking Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan while bypassing
Armenia. OPIC helps US businesses invest overseas.

"It is important that OPIC not repeat the mistake of
the Baku-Tiblisi-Cheyan pipeline," Sherman said in a press
statement. "Taxpayer funds should not go for projects that deliberately
seek to isolate a friend of the United States, and I appreciate the
commitment not to get involved in the railroad project."

The proposed railway, estimated to cost upwards of $600 million,
excludes Armenia from economic and regional transportation
corridors. Armenian government officials have repeatedly said that
a new costly railway is unnecessary given that a railroad linking
Armenia, Georgia and Turkey already exists.

Last June, the House Financial Services Committee unanimously approved
a provision sponsored by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), along
with Sherman and Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), prohibiting the Export-Import
Bank from supporting the rail link project. That provision was adopted
and is now a law.

"The Assembly thanks Congressman Sherman for his leadership on this
issue," said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "The proposed project,
sponsored by the Turkish and Azeri governments, runs counter to US
policy goals which seek to foster regional cooperation and economic
integration, and includes open borders and transport and communication
corridors. OPIC’s assurance helps ensure that the US will not be
party to the flawed policies of Armenia’s neighbors."

LEVON ARONYAN LOST TO MAGNUS KARLSEN

ArmRadio.am
30.05.2007 11:44

Armenian Grand Master Levon Aronyan lost to Magnus Karlsen of Norway
in the third round of the tournament of World Champion challengers
underway in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmikia.

The score is 1.5:1.5 after three rounds.

In the fourth tour Levon Aronyan will play with white figures.

MEETING OF ISRAYEL HAKOBKOKHIAN WHO STOPS HUNGER-STRIKE AND PRIME MINISTER OF ARMENIA SERGE SARGSIAN DOES NOT TAKE PLACE YET

Noyan Tapan
May 30 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 30, NOYAN TAPAN. The meeting between Israyel Hakobkokhian,
a deputy’s candidate stopped the hunger-strike in protest against the
electoral violations taken place during the elections at electoral
district No11, world boxing champion and RA Prime Minister Serge
Sargsian did not take place yet, because of the latter’s being
busy. Noyan Tapan was informed about it by I. Hakpbkokhian.

To recap, I. Hakobkokhian started a termless hunger-strike at the
building of the RA Central Electoral Commission on May 16 and stopped
it in 5 days, on May 21, after Prime Minister S. Sargsian’s visiting
him and persuading to stop the hunger-strike and meet when he gets
well, to discuss his demands.

"If a person loves his country, he must respect, estimate heads of his
country. The Prime Minister came up to me, proposed that I have a rest,
then we meet, speak about my demands. I did not refuse his proposal,"
I. Hakobkokhian explained.

He emphasized that he expects from the meeting with the Prime
Minister "a true conversation, human mutual understanding." "It is
not important for me who is my head, the important one is how he
heads. The important slogan for me is not "For You, Armenia" but "For
You, Armenians" as if foreigners live in Armenia, I do not need such
a country. I suppose that based on the slogan "For You, Armenians"
I will speak with the Prime Minister and have approximate notion if
the promises given by him during the pre-electoral campaign will be
kept," the former hunger-striker presented in details.

He added that if his meeting with the Prime Minister will not give
the expected results, he will use another way of struggle, besides
the hunger-strike.

I. Hakobkokhian avoided mentioning especially which way of struggle
he will use. I shall not reveal that secret yet for my opponents do
not prepare against it, and are surprised with my next step how they
were surprised with this step," I. Hakobkokhian mentioned.

Responding the question if one may suppose that the next step of the
struggle will be directed against the Prime Minister, I. Hakobkokhian
said that the next step of the struggle will be directed "against the
country heads who proposed to choose them, promising that they can head
the country so well. It is not limited only by the Prime Minister."

In I. Hakobkokhian’s words, the goal of his termless hunger-strike was
to prove the heads of Armenia that "the people are not sheep: there
are people who are ready to take such steps in the name of truth,
in the name of their self-respect."

DEVEDJIAN DIT NE PAS SOUHAITER ENTRER AU GOUVERNEMENT

Agence France Presse
27 mai 2007 dimanche 8:17 PM GMT

Le secretaire general delegue de l’UMP, Patrick Devedjian, a affirme
dimanche ne pas souhaiter entrer au gouvernement, jugeant qu’etre
ministre serait incompatible avec ses responsabilites actuelles.

"Non, je ne le souhaite pas pour dire les choses clairement, puisque
j’ai des responsabilites qui me prennent beaucoup (…) Cela ne me
paraît pas compatible avec les responsabilites que j’ai maintenant",
a-t-il declare sur France 3, selon la transcription, fournie par la
chaîne, de ses propos a l’emission France Europe Express.

Le president de la Republique Nicolas Sarkozy a indique a plusieurs
reprises qu’il nommerait des secretaires d’Etat après les elections
legislatives.

Le 14 mai, M. Devedjian, un proche du chef de l’Etat a qui l’on pretait
l’ambition de devenir ministre de la Justice du gouvernement Fillon,
s’etait dit ironiquement "pour aller très loin dans l’ouverture,
très loin, y compris jusqu’aux sarkozystes".

En 2002, alors qu’il revait deja de la Justice, il avait ete nomme
ministre delegue aux libertes locales. Il etait ensuite devenu ministre
delegue a l’Industrie.

Patrick Devedjian a, au cours de la meme emission, evoque la
reforme en cours des statuts de l’UMP, indiquant que cette refonte
se concretiserait après les legislatives et que le parti n’aurait
"plus de president".

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, charge par Nicolas Sarkozy d’une mission sur
la future gouvernance de l’UMP, avait propose vendredi une direction
collegiale de six ou neuf membres.

–Boundary_(ID_eTj+hP+vYFCJfilFZfSp1A)–