Author: Jidarian Alex

TURKEY’S E.U. MEMBERSHIP DISCUSSED IN NEW YORK

Turkish Press
April 6 2007

-ILKIN: "TURKEY MUST BE MADE AN EU MEMBER WHEN IT COMPLETES ITS
HOMEWORK"

NEW YORK – "Turkey must be made an EU member when it completes its
homework. Yet if it does not enter the EU, Turkey will remain as a
democratic and secular country," said Baki Ilkin, Turkish Permanent
Representative to the United Nations, on Wednesday.

A panel discussion titled "Is Turkey or the EU at a turning point?"

and co-sponsored by the New York University, Turkey`s Permanent
Representation in the UN and Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen
Association (TUSIAD) took place in New York yesterday.

Among the topics discussed at the panel discussion were Turkey`s EU
membership and its consequences, Europe`s and the EU`s "Christian
identity" and whether or not the EU is ready for Turkish membership.

"Turkey has always looked at the West since the Ottoman Empire era.

The Turkish Republic, founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, gave high
attention to westernization, modernization and secularism," told
Baki Ilkin.

"Turkey has always been a part of Europe. It would be impossible to
talk about European history without including the Ottoman Empire. The
concept of secularism has been dominant in Turkey for the past 85
years. Regardless of whether Turkey becomes an EU member or not,
secularism will continue to lead Turkey as an important principle,"
remarked Ilkin.

"It is natural to expect EU to accept Turkey, a secular nation,
to membership. Turkey is a role model as a democracy in which Islam
and secularism live side by side," indicated Ilkin. "Nevertheless,
Turkey has never attempted to impose a similar system in any country."

"In the event that Turkey does not become an EU member, it will
continue its progress, stability and secular democracy," reiterated
Ilkin.

Baki Ilkin noted that "the EU must accept Turkey once Turkey completes
its homework. If Turkey is left out, this would be sad for the EU. The
EU will be left in a position as an entity that rejected a Muslim but
secular nation, Turkey. Rejection of Turkey`s bid to join the EU will
cause disappointment in the minds of millions of Turks."

In reference to a question on Turkish workers who may flood into
EU countries, Ilkin responded that similar concerns were brought up
before Portugal, Spain and Poland became EU members. "Workers from
these three countries later returned back to their homelands. Even
if Turkey becomes an EU member, there will be temporary restrictions
on the free movement of labor," underlined Ilkin.

In regard to a question on Cyprus, Ilkin mentioned that this issue
is not a matter between Turkey and Greek Cypriots. "This is an issue
that must be resolved between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots
by a compromise. The Greek Cypriots for many years tried to portray
the Turkish Cypriots as an obstacle in finding a solution. However,
the referendum in 2004 and its results showed that the Greek Cypriots
are the party that refused a solution in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots,
nonetheless, were made a member of the EU," said Ilkin.

"EU countries must convince the Greek Cypriots to establish an
agreement with the Turkish side in Cyprus," underscored Ilkin.

Asked about Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, Ilkin commented
that "in the recent past, Turkey went through some important
legal reforms. No one has been punished in cases where prosecutors
based their arguments on Article 301. We are in favor of freedom of
expression. However, this principle must apply in all countries. If
the Turks can not freely express their ideas, as in the case of
the so-called Armenian genocide, can we talk about a freedom of
expression?"

Reminded about certain comments that Turkish support to the EU dropped,
Ilkin stated that "it is not merely Turkey`s responsibility to awaken
support for the EU. It is the duty of both Turkey and EU to help
maintain public support for the EU in Turkey."

In regard to a question on "privileged partnership", Ilkin said that
"no Turkish government will accept 2nd class treatment in the EU."

-TUSIAD REPRESENTATIVE-

Meanwhile, TUSIAD`s Brussels Representative Bahadir Kaleagasi indicated
that "Turkey`s membership in the EU will bring many political and
economic advantages to the union. Many EU leaders support Turkey`s
bid to join the union."

According to Kaleagasi, the customs union between Turkey and the
EU functions very well. "Turkish companies successfully compete in
Europe. Conditions in Turkey will be much better when it actually
becomes an EU member," noted Kaleagasi.

Kaleagasi stressed that "French President Jacques Chirac`s recent
comments that the EU needs Turkey in order to be a global player
are correct".

-EU COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE-

On the other hand, Fernando M. Valenzuela, Head of EU Commission
Delegation to UN, remarked that "Turkey`s membership process will
be difficult and long. The EU is at a turning point on Turkey`s
application to EU."

"Certain circles in Europe express concern on Turkey`s membership
due to its huge size, economic status, and cultural and religious
differences. Yet these characteristics may be used to EU`s advantage,"
told Valenzuela.

"Turkey`s Muslim population should not constitute a problem in EU.

Some said that Spain`s culture is also different. Yet Spain has been
an EU member since 1986," indicated Valenzuela.

Valenzuela added that "Turkey`s different religion should not be used
against its membership."

-OTHER PANELISTS-

Taking the floor at the panel discussion, historian Tony Judt remarked
that "it would be a great mistake if the EU does not let Turkey in
as a full member. Not letting in Turkey would make the EU a loser in
the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia."

Steven Cook of the Foreign Relations Council underlined that "Turkey`s
membership in the EU will have an impact on the Muslim world. Turkey`s
membership in the EU will play a vital role in relations between the
West and the Muslim worlds. Any rejection of Turkey`s application will
cause problems in relations between the West and Islamic worlds. If
Turkey is not made a member of the EU, this would only fuel claims of
a clash of civilizations. The EU leaders must make the right decisions
(in favor of Turkey`s EU memebership)".

4 SPORTSMEN REPRESENT ARMENIA IN EUROPE JUDO CHAMPIONSHIP

Noyan Tapan
Apr 05 2007

BELGRADE, APRIL 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The Europe Judo Championship will
start in Belgrade on April 5. 4 sportsmen, Anush Hakobian (52 kg,
Nor Hachen), Hovhannes Davtian (60 kg, Gyumri), Armen Nazarian (66 kg,
Hrazdan) and Armen Ispirian (81 kg, Yerevan), represent Armenia. Main
trainer of the team Gagik Aghamalian accompanied them to the place
of competition. The championship will finish on April 8.

CONFERENCE ON ACHIEVEMENTS OF MEDICAL GENETICS HELD IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
Apr 05 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 5, NOYAN TAPAN. On the initiative of Yerevan’s Center of
Medical Genetics and Primary Health Care, the conference "Achievements
of Medical Genetics and Diagnostics of Molecular Diseases" started
on April 4. It is held by leading experts of the Scientific Center
of Medical Genetics of the Russian National Academy of Sciences.

Director of the center Tamara Sargsian said that medical genetics
is one of the most advanced branches of medical science. According
to her, various hereditary diseases are diagnosed thanks to
modern molecular-biological technologies used at the Center of
Medical Genetics and Primary Health Care, which was founded in
1999. Particularly, the center conducts research on genetic causes of
periodic peritonitis, cystic fibrosis, some forms of mental deficiency,
and male sterility. Besides, screeing programs are implemented to
calculate frequency of genetic diseases, as well as early prenatal
diagnosis is made.

About 25 thousand people undergo examination at the center annually.

EU COMMISSIONER WELCOMES ARMENIA’S EFFORTS IN FRAMEWORK OF NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.04.2007 14:28 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On April 4 Armenian ex-Defense Minister and newly
appointed Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan met with EU Commissioner for
Foreign Relations and Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner in
Brussels, the Press Office of RA Defense Ministry reports. At the
meeting Benita Ferrero-Waldner highly appreciated Armenia’s efforts
in the framework of European Neighborhood Policy. The sides stressed
the importance of conducting parliamentarian elections in Armenia
in accordance to European standards. Serzh Sargsyan and Benita
Ferrero-Waldner underlined that the European Neighborhood Policy
and NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan are parallel factors in
strengthening democracy, establishment of civil society in Armenia.

ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON MAYOR OF GYUMRI MAY HAVE A POLITICAL CHARACTER: REPRESENTATIVE OF ARMENIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Arminfo
2007-04-03 17:16:00

Member of the Armenian National Movement party’s Board, Aram Manoukyan,
said at a press-conference, Tuesday, that yesterday’s assassination
attempt on Vardan Ghoukassyan, Mayor of Gyumri and a member of the
Republican Party’s Board, may have a political character as the
attempt was preceded by a session of the RPA Council, where Serzh
Sargsyan, Chairman of the RPA Council and Armenian Defense Minister,
was nominated for prime minister.

At the same time, A.Manoukyan admitted that the crime may have a common
character. He appealed to the Armenian intellectuals to rebel against
the crime ruling in the country, and added that the organizers of
the crime are President Robert Kocharyan and Defense Minister Serzh
Sargsyan. A.Manoukyan also noted that Serzh Sargsyan’s nomination
for prime minister will have a negative impact on the RPA’s image.

To note, being attacked Monday evening, Mayor of Gyumri V.Ghoukassyan
was taken to the Yerevan St.Grigor Lusavorich hospital and operated
on. At the moment his condition is qualified as steadily grave. Three
of his bodyguards died of injuries, and Vice Mayor Gagik Manoukyan is
also in the resuscitation department of the hospital. The criminals
were in a Jeep car without state numbers. The investigation is
underway.

ASSAULT AGAINST GYUMRI MAYOR

ArmRadio.am
03.04.2007 10:28

Between 10 and 11 p.m. last night, unknown people shot at the car
of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan on his way back from Yerevan to
Gyumri. Vardan Ghukasyan was in a "Mercedes" car with the driver. He
was accompanied by another car with bodyguards. The driver and two
bodyguards were shot dead. Vardan Ghukasyan and his Deputy Gagik
Manukyan were wounded and taken to St. Grigor Lusavorich hospital. A
few minutes ago "Radiolur" was told from the hospital that the
Mayr’s condition is stable. According to our correspondent in Gyumri,
6 people are injured.

Vardan Ghukasyan was returning to Gyumri after the extraordinary
sitting of the Republican Party of Armenia. Last night RA Defense
Minister Serge Sargsyan also visited the hospital.

U.S. not going to attack Iran, American diplomat says
PanARMENIAN.Net
02.04.2007 12:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The U.S. is not going to attack Iran, said Jonathan
Henick, PR Officer U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, when commenting on the
increased activities of the American armed forces in the Persian Gulf
as a preparation for overland and air operation against Iran. Henick
said information on alleged attack on Iran is false. The U.S. supports
peaceful resolution of the conflict, he underscored.

IN WORDS OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY REPRESENTATIVE, WOMEN MUST SUBJECT
POLITICAL PROCESSES TO QUALITATIVE CHANGES

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. Women in Armenia must strive for
accepting posts both in legislative and in executive power to correct
faults of work of man politicians. Heghine Bisharian, the Deputy
Chairwoman of the "Orinats Yerkir" (Country of Law) party (OYP),
nominated as a deputy’s candidate at district electoral commission
No11 (Shengavit-Erebuni) by the majoritarian electoral system,
expressed such an opinion at the April 2 debate. In her words, today
women meet obstacles during their political activity just for the
reason that they are representatives of the fair sex. For example, in
H. Bisharian’s words, corresponding bodies of the community of
Shengavit first of all for that reason do not allow to fasten her
pre-electoral posters in places envisaged for them, and then for the
reason that she is a representative of an opposing party.

Another participant of the debate, Karine Hakobian, a member of the
Democratic Party of Armenia (DPA), former Deputy Minister of Labour
and Social Issues, at present occupying the third horizontal of the
DPA proportional electoral list, mentioned that women must subject the
political processes to a qualitative change. In her words, though
women really have much to do in the political sphere, but their
striving for creating political biography must not be an end in
itself. In K. Hakobian’s words, if women enter the parliament in the
way as the men do, that’s, owing to falsifications, nothing will
change to better.

ON OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THEATER, PROMINENT FIGURES OF
ARMENIAN HISTRIONIC ART ARE AWARDED "ARTAVAZD" PRIZES

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. "Artavazd" annual prizes defined by the
Union of Theater Figures were already for the 7th time given to
prominent figures of the Armenian histrionic art on March 30, the
International Day of Theater.

In the words of Lilit Arzumanian, the Chairwoman of the theatric
"Artavazd" annual awarding committee, theater critic, they attempted
to estimate the placed orders as objectively as it is possible: every
order was discussed in details and impartially. In her words, orders
placed from theaters of the marzes were not chosen because of their
not corresponding to the awarding standards: "they were very poor."

Lilit Arzumanian is sure that today, in the consequence of universal
mess of values, similar false companies and structures wants to take
the place of the theater. In her words, in this case the theater must
not only more strengthen but also play its part of creater of true
values.

According to the awarding committee’s decision, the "Artavazd" big
prize, a small statue, was awarded to prominent figure of the Armenian
histrionic art, actress Galya Novents, for honourable and faultless
service to the national art. The "I Zen" ("Up In Arms") performance
(producer Ara Yernjakian) of the Yerevan Chamber Theater was awarded
the same prize in the "Best Performance" nomination.

Armen Marutian and Satenik Hakhnazarian were awarded "Artavazd"
memorial medals in the "Best Man’s and Woman’s Role" nominations.

Davit Minasian from the Yerevan Hamazgayin Theater for staging of the
"Shan Aghjik" (Dog’s Daughter) performance, Grigor Khachatrian from
the Hr. Ghaplanian Dramatic Theater and Zaruhi Antonian from the
Hovh. Tumanian Puppet Theater got the "Artavazd" memory medal
correspondingly in the "Best Producer," "Best Young Actor," "Best
Young Actress" nominations.

AZERI MINISTER OUTLINES NATIONAL SECURITY PRIORITIES

Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
28 Mar 07

[Presenter] The National Security Ministry today marked its 88th
anniversary. In this connection, the ministry’s leadership and staff
visited national leader Heydar Aliyev’s grave in the Alley of Honour
and the Martyrs’ Avenue.

[Passage omitted: more on the visit]

Minister Eldar Mahmudov spoke about national security priorities.

[Correspondent over video of Mahmudov addressing a sitting of ministry
officials] There is no obstacle to Azerbaijan in meeting its strategic
objectives.

If there are such obstacles, they are eliminated. The country’s
regional policy potential is being developed. This means that ensuring
the country’s security also helps preserve Azerbaijan’s status as
regional leader.

[Passage omitted: minor details]

[Mahmudov] Armenia is still posing a threat to our country’s security.

Armenian special services have not dismissed their intentions
of creating new separatist hotbeds in Azerbaijan. The Armenian
community of Georgia does not conceal its openly aggressive
attitude towards oil and gas pipelines [Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
oil pipeline and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline] and a
[Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku] railway of regional importance. On
the other hand, hotbeds of tension in the Caucasus in general affect
the security situation in our country.

[Correspondent] Increasing tension over Iran’s nuclear programme,
the deterioration of the situation in conflict areas in Middle East,
as well as the obvious transformation of conflicts into clashes
between religions, requires special sensitivity. The National Security
Ministry’s work is aimed at thoroughly studying the mentioned factors
and identifying appropriate measures in view of the situation in
the region.

[Mahmudov] Discovering and preventing plans and intentions of enemies
and economic rivals, as well as intelligence, sabotage and terrorist
work have been identified as a priority.

[Correspondent] Despite problems with logistics and lack of
staff encountered in the sphere of intelligence in previous years,
significant progress has been achieved in the work of the service. The
counterintelligence service has improved its work in discovering,
preventing and uncovering of intelligence, sabotage and terrorist
work of foreign special services. The minister recalls –

[Mahmudov] As an example, I can cite investigations and trials of
uncovered agents of foreign intelligence services in Azerbaijan
recently. At the same time, the attempts of foreign special services
and international terrorist organizations to commit sabotage in
Azerbaijan using different covers, including religion, should always
be focus of attention.

[Passage omitted: general remarks by the correspondent]