Author: Jidarian Alex

ArmenPress
Dec 13 2004

COUNCIL OF EUROPE COMMISSION CALLS FOR BALANCED RELATIONS AMONG POWER
BRANCHES IN AMENDED ARMENIAN CONSTITUTION

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS: The Council of Europe Venice
Commission has welcomed two options of major constitutional changes
drafted by the ruling coalition and the United Labor Party
parliamentary factions, which together with a third package of
amendments, designed by a parliament member Arshak Sadoyan, were sent
to it for examination and assessment.
An interim resolution adopted by the Venice Commission during
December 3-4 session described the two packages as a step forward
that could promote Armenia’s more effective fulfillment of a range of
commitments which it assumed when joining Europe’s biggest human
rights organizations.
However, the resolution said more drastic changes should be
carried out to ensure more balanced relations among power branches.
The resolution said also that the package of constitutional changes,
presented by Arshak Sadoyan, failed to address a string of key
issues, such as protection of human rights and basic freedoms.
The resolution of the Venice Commission emphasizes a wide
involvement of all strata of the public in the process of the
Constitutional improvements.
Speaking to reporters today Arshak Sadoyan said that all political
forces concerned with the nation’s future should combine their
efforts to build such a system of power that would be welcomed by the
authorities and the public at large. He said this could be achieved
by consensus cooperation.

Zaman Online, Turkey
Dec 13 2004

Erdogan Revives Ataturk Diplomacy

ABDULHAMIT BILICI

For months, Zaman’s foreign news desk has been working hard to
prepare a special supplement ‘Why Turkey?’ for Turkish-EU relations
before European Council’s critical 16-17 December summit. One of the
topics, which I asked for a through analysis, was an evaluation of
Turkey’s membership process in terms of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s
principles. Because according to some nationalist-leftist circles,
Turkey’s EU membership is tantamount to a betrayal of Ataturk, hence,
those who are shouldering this project, most especially the Justice
and Development Party (AKP) government, are on a wrong path. To some
however, the EU is nothing more than a modern expression of
“contemporary civilization” as it was envisaged and encoraged by
Ataturk.

As a matter of fact, we requested an article from Professor Toktamis
Ates, who we believed would deal with the subject delicately.
However, because of the late delivery of the article and a
translation delay, this article by Professor Ates could not be
included in the supplement’s hard copy version; nonetheless, Turkish
readers can still read this article in our print copy in Turkey, and
our international readers can read it in the “Why Turkey?” section
that will be published on

The alliance between anti-EU Kemalist line, which is on the opposing
side because of its attitude against Westernization and the
nationalist-leftist-Islamist section, presents an interesting
picture. However, let’s leave the analysis of this picture for
another article and deal with the issue of whether huge support of
the Turkish society and state for the EU membership is a betrayal to
the legacy of Ataturk’s world vision and to the notion of his foreign
policy.

To clear that picture, first we should focus on the basic approaches
that constitute his vision on Turkish foreign policy. Whenever
Ataturk and foreign policy are mentioned, without the slightest
doubt, his principle of “Peace at home, peace in the world” comes to
mind. Whereas another factor, as influential as this principle in
Ataturk’s foreign policy, was pragmatism. The Lausanne Treaty, which
was almost sanctified by his ideological followers, was an outcome of
that pragmatism. In fact, if the issue was left to Ataturk’s idealist
contemporaries, Lausanne would never have been adopted and even a war
with the Great Britain, the superpower of the time, might have been
waged over the Mosul (Musul) conflict. “Friendship with the Soviets,”
which even today leads some groups to refer to Ataturk as “comrade,”
was also a reflection of his pragmatism.

However, the issue of including Hatay in Turkey’s borders and that of
strengthening hegemony over the Straits through the Montreux Treaty
also indicate how bold he could be when the occasion arose. Maybe for
an Ottoman soldier who witnessed the fall of a 600-year-old plane
tree, his only ideology was the country’s independence and unity.
That’s why his pragmatism stemmed from his meticulousness on this
issue rather than on not having principles.

Another significant foreign policy approach of Ataturk was his effort
to develop cooperation with Turkey’s neighbors. Perhaps, the Balkan
and the Sadabad Pacts were the most concrete examples of this policy.

Today, anyone who analyzes Erdogan’s foreign policy with an objective
view would acknowledge that there is no betrayal of Ataturk, on the
contrary, it is a multisided renewal of his forgotten heritage that
is being realized. Today, while Turkey is experiencing its golden
years with the neighbors, except Armenia, its predominance in the
world is increasing rapidly each day. Let’s look at the historic
events that have materialized within this year alone:

For the first time since the creation of the Syrian state, our
southern neighbor, a president from this country, Bashar al-Assad,
paid an official visit to Turkey. The last NATO Summit in which over
50 states attended, was hosted by Turkey. Despite the rejection of
the [Iraq] motion, President of the United States George W. Bush
visited Ankara in the summer as the leader of world’s only
superpower. For the first time ever, a Russian president (Vladimir
Putin) paid an official visit to Turkey. Again for the first time,
Turkey earned the status of secretary-general in a top caliber
organization like Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Do not listen to those who are trying to collect political benefits
from tragic operations taking place in Fallujah by putting the blame
on Erdogan government, Turkey’s policy on the Iraq crisis and the
Palestinian cause, that it has been following from the very
beginning, is of such quality that even makes most of the Arabs
envious. While reforms accomplished on the EU issue and peace
initiative pursued over Cyprus have taken Turkey to a strong position
for the first time, it has sent Europe into a state of limbo, not
really knowing what to do.

When you read Professor Toktamis Ates’ article, you will see that he
also emphasizes that if Ataturk were alive today, he would have
worked hard for the EU membership though he would have acted
meticulously on the transfer of sovereignty rights.

In my opinion, viewing the success achieved as betrayal because of
ideological obsessions can only be explained through psychological
factors. There is no need to be pessimistic: I have no doubt that the
accession could have a great contribution to Turkey, to the EU and to
the world in general. However, Turkey is already one of the shining
stars in the region. As a result, let the EU leaders think whether
they will benefit from Turkey’s illumination or not.

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF CANADA
3401 Olivar-Asselin
Montréal, Québec
H4J 1L5
Tél. (514) 334-1299 Fax (514) 334-6853

PRESS RELEASE
13 December 2004

Contacts: Shant Karabajak 514-334-1299
Roupen Kouyoumdjian 514-336-7095
Aris Babikian 416-497-8972

The ANCC Deeply Concerned Over Increasing Violence Against Armenians in Iraq

MONTRÉAL – Fueled by a recent destruction of an Armenian Catholic
church and a Chaldean Catholic bishop’s residence on December 07 2004,
the Armenian National Committee of Canada is deeply concerned over an
increasing climate of anarchism in Iraqi cities. From the beginning of
the contested occupation of Iraq, Christians in general including
Armenians have been targeted by terrorist groups and a considerable
number have fallen victim. As reported by various news agencies over 6
Armenian churches and institutions have been violated of their spiritual
sanctity and parishioners have fallen victim to these agressions.

The Armenian National Committee of Canada considers these acts against
human and spiritual values intolerable and asks the authorities to take
measures for the security of the centuries old Armenian minority of
Iraq.

Dr. Girair Basmadjian, president of the ANCC was quoted as saying; “Some
of the oldest Christian monuments of the Middle-East have been attacked
and damaged if not destroyed. These acts remind us of a not so distant
past, filled with unspeakable horrors that we most certainly would not
like to see repeated. I call upon all concerned authorities to stop this
disaster from escalating to outright religious conflict.”

-30-

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:

PRESS RELEASE

9 December 2004

Foreign Minister Oskanian’s participation at EAPC Ministerial and his
meetings in Brussels

As a continuation of the meeting in Sofia, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia
and Azerbaijan met in the morning on December 9 with the participation of
co-chairmen of the Minsk Group of the OSCE.

Ministers Oskanian and Mamediarov exchanged their views on issues regarding
the current stage of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement process. As a result of
the meeting, both parties agree to continue the “Prague format”
negotiations.

On the same day Minister Oskanian met with Ambassador Talvitie, Special
Representative of the EU on the South Caucasus. They discussed issues of
cooperation between the EU and Armenia with respect to the New Neighborhood
policy, and they also discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Afterwards Minister Oskanian met with Robert F. Simmons, NATO’s Secretary
General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Parties
discussed NATO-Armenia relations, focusing on the Individual Partnership
Plan.

Minister Oskanian also participated in NATO EAPC’s regular meeting of
Foreign Ministers.

Ex-ruling party blames authorities for Armenia’s “critical situation”

Arminfo
9 Dec 04

YEREVAN

Armenia and Nagornyy Karabakh are in a critical situation today, the
24th session of the former ruling Armenian Pan-National Movement
[APNM] said in a resolution passed today.

Over the last few years, not only has Armenia lost its previous status
of an “island of democracy” in the South Caucasus, it is also
mentioned in international organizations and documents only in
connection with such notions as “occupied territories”, “ethnic
cleansing” and others which threaten Armenia with international
sanctions, the resolution said.

There is already talk about setting up a UN group to gather facts and
issue a legal decision on Armenia. The objective seems to lie in
resolving the issue of Armenia in line with the Yugoslav scenario.

Armenia is facing the threat of a hopeless war and meaningless
losses. The entire responsibility for all the aforesaid lies with the
incumbent administration, with the forces that comprise the
administration and with the opposition that carries the same ideology
and “feeds on it”, the authors of the document believe.

In their view, the way out of this pernicious situation is to topple
the incumbent regime in Armenia and establish a legitimate government
that would be political in essence [as reported] and would be capable
of making radical decisions; to restore constitutional order; to
return to a healthy society and ensure democracy. The APNM intends to
politically oppose the tricks of the incumbent regime and its
anti-national and anti-democratic steps which lead to the death of
Armenia and Nagornyy Karabakh.

Therefore, the APNM will continue to cooperate with all the
ideologically like-minded political organizations to return the
country to its natural development and security by legitimate means,
says the resolution.

SERGEY BABURIN: “HEYDAR ALIYEV IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FIGURES IN XX CENTURY”
[December 09, 2004, 13:25:15]

AzerTag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Dec 9 2004

In connection with anniversary of the date of death of the national
leader of Azerbaijan people, politician of world scale Heydar Aliyev,
with whose name are connected many historical events of the recent
past, the vice-speaker of the State Duma of Federal Assembly of the
Russian Federation Sergey Baburin has expressed deep condolences to
the Azerbaijan people.

Speaking to correspondent of AzerTAj, Sergey Baburin has told:
“I am grateful to destiny that it has brought me face to face with
Heydar Aliyev during the period when he was the President of the
Azerbaijan Republic. Our meetings in Baku and Moscow, discussion of
the problems connected to situation on the Caucasus, in the world,
situation with the Nagorny Karabakh conflict, have left a trace in my
memory, I have remembered him as the person, not simply living long
and interesting life, but also as one of the wisest politicians of XX
century. I could be familiar with many heads of the states of the world
– presidents, prime ministers … But I can tell unequivocally that from
all my familiar, including the Russian politicians, the wiser person,
than Heydar Aliyev, I did not meet. It was the person who really knew
problems of people and really understood what is necessary to do for
their solution. Responses about him of his colleagues and those who
have faced him were similar, and they even more convinced me of the
opinion that Heydar Aliyev, is, indeed, one of the most significant
political figures in XX century.

In spite of the fact that we were people of different generation and
age, we had close stand in the attitude to life, to values of life,
such as human dignity, civic position, respect for will of people
and its interests. We met both in Russia and in Azerbaijan, and he
was always very affable and benevolent, hospitable, when I came
to Baku. We could with him frankly, and even at times, arguing,
discuss problems.

Certainly, all are grateful to him that there was normal attitude to
the Russian and Russian-speaking inhabitants of Azerbaijan, many of
which due to this have returned to Azerbaijan, to their Motherland.
And it is very important for strengthening these relations and
henceforth. I hope, that the course for brotherhood of Azerbaijan
and Russia which has been announced by Heydar Aliyev, will remain
constant and further. The wisdom shown by Heydar Aliyev, should be
kept after he has physically left us”.

–Boundary_(ID_3ENPp4wuRVTTEYJCOskXuQ)–

COMMODITY PRODUCTION IN SYUNIK UP 4.1 PERCENT

ArmenPress
Dec 7 2004

KAPAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS: Authorities in the southern province
of Syunik said commodity production there grew 4.1 percent in the
first nine months of this year against the same period last year,
which, in terms of money, made around 58 billion Armenian drams. Like
previous years, the biggest contribution, around 90 percent, was made
by the province’s mining industry.

The share of electricity production in the reported period of time
was 5.5 percent. Overall 1.3 billion kilowatt/hours electricity was
generated there in nine months which was 1.2 percent less than during
the same time span last year. The province accounts in general for
25 percent of electricity production and 66 percent of electricity
generated by hydro power stations. Along with this the industrial
capacity of dozens of local enterprises remains idle.

According to another news from the region, the overall number
of employed people as of October 1, 2004 was 50,000, by 1,000
more than last year. The number of unemployed, according to local
employment centers, was 13,000. Almost half of them were in Kapan,
the administrative capital of the province, the lowest rate of
unemployment, 3 percent, was in Meghri.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer

Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

OUTLINES BEFORE AN INTERNATIONAL

CONFERNECE THE CHALLENGES FACING

ECUMENISM IN 21st CENTURY

ANTELIAS, LEBANON – The implications to the ecumenical movement of
tremendous changes taking place in the world have prompted the World Council
of Churches to initiate a common process of reflection. The first meeting of
this process aimed at redefinition of ecumenical vision and reconfiguration
of ecumenical structures was convened at the Armenian Catholicosate in
Antelias, Lebanon, from 17-21 November 2003. As part of the same process the
WCC organized an international conference in Geneva, from 13 November to 3
December 2004, with the participation of representatives from Vatican,
member churches of the Council, the ecumenical partners and organizations.

As Moderator of the Central Committee of the WCC, His Holiness Aram I in his
keynote address described the process as “ecumenism in transformation”. He
said: “The ecumenical movement is called to renew and redefine its nature,
its goals and vision through a self-critical approach and in response to the
global changes and challenges. If this is not done, the ecumenical movement
may soon find itself stalemated”. Catholicos Aram outlined the challenges
facing the ecumenical movement in seven points: a balanced approach to
“movement” and “institution”; is the “oneness” of the ecumenical movement in
jeopardy? fellowship-oriented ecumenism facing challenges; broadening the
ecumenical partnership is a must; towards people’s ecumenism: strategy and
vision; a responsive and prophetic ecumenical vision; “being church”: a
central ecumenical issue.

As conclusion to his lecture, His Holiness Aram I posed a critical question:
“What kind of church do we want to have for 21st century: a church that
lives within its established walls, self-contained and self-content, or a
church engaged in the daily struggle of its people, in critical and creative
interaction with the society, and bold enough to face the challenges of new
times? Then His Holiness went on to say: “These developments call the
churches and the actors in the ecumenical movement to reconsider the
ecclesiological and missiological perceptions that have defined the churches
‘ doctrinal positions and their attitudes towards each other and towards the
society at large. In fact, new ways of “being church” will help us to
discover new ways of working together ecumenically, and vice versa. The
ecumenical movement must constantly grapple with these issues and assist the
churches in their struggle of “being church” in a new context”.

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

Resolutions of 8th Convention of ARF Armenia Organization

Yerkir/arm
3 Dec 04

Javakhk

After thoroughly examining the Javakhk issue, the Supreme Convention
concludes:

– As a result of discrimination policy of the Georgian authorities,
the Armenian population of Javakhk has appeared in a difficult social,
economic situation, which has spurred emigration.

– Having no autonomy, the indigenous Armenians are deprived of the
chance to manage their cultural, economic and social life.

– The policy of Armenia in regards to Javakhk economic, social and
national life is not on proper level.

Taking into consideration the difficult situation in Javakhk, the
attention of the Armenian government should be more often called to
that issues and encourage a dialogue with the Georgian authorities on
this issue. Issuing from the above-mentioned, the congress decided
to suggest the Armenian government creation of a structure that will
deal with the Javakhk issues.

Artsakh

Issuing from the possible developments in the Artsakh issue, the ARF
Supreme Congress once again asserts its position expressed during the
29th general Congress. ARF denounces any compromise that may endanger
the security of Nagorno-Karabagh. The international recognition of
Karabagh must contribute to its reunion with the homeland.

Given the denying position of Azerbaijan, Karabagh must be the
negotiator in the talks and Armenia must guarantee its security.

ARF will continue to promote social, economic and national development
of Karabagh, as well as establishment of democratic institutes there.

Armenia-Diaspora

Armenia-Diaspora relations must be raised to the modern level of
development. In this respect, the government will be suggested to
create a structure to address this relationship taking over for the
foreign affairs ministry.

Armenian apostolic church, sects

Taking into consideration the arguments between the centers of the
Armenian church, ARF will promote a dialogue and a settlement of
disagreements within the church.

There must be a fight against the sects which undermine not only
the church but the overall national security. The adherence of the
sectsâ~@~Y activities to the legal procedures must be overseen on
governmental level.

Foreign affairs

The Congress expresses anxiety over regional security in terms of
possible developments and assigns the newly elected Supreme Body to
pay attention to the following branches of interrelations:

– Armenia-NATO – Armenia-European Union – Russia-Iran – Turkey-EU
possible developments – International recognition of Genocide

Taking into consideration the intentions of the Defense Ministry of
Armenia to join the international military coalition in Iraq with
Armenian troops, the Congress suggests to:

a) Be guided by UN Security Council and other international
organizations’ procedures, where Armenia holds a membership.

b) Since this issue regards the Armenian Diaspora in the Middle East,
the Armenian government must prioritize the security of the Armenian
communities.

–Boundary_(ID_6WXf1UkJEocSVoObAoPkAw)–

300 HECTARES OF VINEYARDS AND 800 HECTARES OF ORCHARDS TO BE RESTORED
IN ARMENIA WITH SUPPORT OF WORLD BANK

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). The World Bank allocated 1.2 mln
SDR to the Armenian farms with the purpose of alleviation of the
consequences of frosts during the recent two years. 954,000 vine
saplings were donated to 7,000 farms and 6 regions by these funds. 300
hectares of vineyards will be restored owing to them. According to
Levon Aghamian, Director of the “Support to Agricultural Reforms”,
200,000 saplings of peachy and apricot trees, 50,000 plum and apple
saplings will be given to 7,000 farms and 7 regions of Armenia in
2005. 800 hectares of orchards will be restored owing to them.

L. Aghamian also reported that in 2000-2004, fertilizers of 1.3 mln
dollars were donated to about 70,000 farms for alleviation of the
consequences of frosts.