Author: Jilavian Emma

TURKISH PRESIDENT TO STAGE HISTORIC VISIT TO ARMENIA

Agence France Presse
Sept 3 2008

ANKARA (AFP) — President Abdullah Gul will on Saturday become
the first Turkish head of state to visit Armenia, his office said,
fuelling hopes of easing almost a century of hostility over massacres
by Turkish Ottoman empire forces.

Gul will go to Yerevan to attend a football match between the two
countries, which do not have diplomatic relations and have spent
decades at loggerheads over Armenia’s attempts to get the massacres
classified as "genocide."

Armenia’s President Serge Sarkisian invited Gul last month to attend
the qualifying match for the 2010 World Cup finals. Turkish diplomats
and security officials have been in Yerevan this week making final
preparations.

"A visit around this match can create a new climate of friendship
in the region," the Turkish presidency said in a statement posted on
its website. "It’s with this in mind that the president has accepted
the invitation.

"This match could lift the obstacles blocking the coming together
of two peoples who share a common history and can create a new
foundation," it said.

The Turkish presidency said it hoped the visit means "an opportunity
for a better mutual understanding."

The trip, which comes amid heightened tensions in the Caucasus region
following the conflict last month between Georgia and Russia, will
only last a few hours, a Turkish diplomatic source said.

Sarkisian earlier welcomed a Turkish proposal for a new forum in
the volatile Caucasus region after meeting a senior Turkish envoy to
prepare the visit.

"Armenia has always welcomed and welcomes all efforts directed at
the strengthening of confidence, stability and security, and at
deepening cooperation in the region," Sarkisian said in a statement
after meeting Gul’s special envoy Unal Cevikoz.

He added that Cevikoz’s visit "raises the possibility of talks to
settle mutual relations" between the two countries.

Turkey has refused to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia
since it became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. The key
reason is Yerevan’s campaign for the deaths of Armenian civilians in
1915-1917 to be classified as genocide.

Armenia says up to 1.5 million people were killed in orchestrated
massacres during World War I as the Ottoman Empire fell apart before
being dismantled in 1920.

Turkey rejects the genocide label and argues that 250,000-500,000
Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife as Armenians
fought for independence in eastern Anatolia and sided with invading
Russian troops.

About 20 countries have recognised the events as genocide. The European
parliament recognised the "genocide" in 1987 and France in 2001 became
the first major European nation to publicly recognise the Armenian
genocide but did not explicity blame the Turks.

In 2005, Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan took a tentative
first step towards resolving the thorny genocide issue by mooting
that a joint commission of historians launch an investigation and
publish their conclusions.

The proposal was rejected by Yerevan.

A Turkish diplomatic source said Gul’s visit would last only a few
hours and expectations that he would announce his agreement were not
welcomed by opposition deputies and nationalist militants in Turkey.

"I would have preferred to go to Baku for a match and not to Yerevan,"
said opposition chief Deniz Baykal, referring to Turkey’s traditionally
warm ties with Azerbaijan.

In 1993, Ankara closed its border with Armenia over Nagorny
Karabakh, an Armenian-majority region in Azerbaijan which proclaimed
independence.

Backed by Armenia, ethnic Armenian forces took control of the
mountainous territory during a war in the early 1990s that left nearly
30,000 dead and sparked an exodus of around one million.

NALBANDIAN, CEVIKOZ DISCUSS DETAILS OF GUL’S VISIT TO YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
03.09.2008 12:31 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met
Wednesday with Turkish President’s Envoy Unal Cevikoz, who arrived
in Yerevan to discuss the details of Abdullah Gul’s forthcoming visit
to Armenia, the RA MFA press office reported.

Nalbandian and Cevikoz also referred to Turkey-initiated Caucasus
Stability and Cooperation Platform and exchanged views on a number
of regional and international issues.

"Armenia welcomes efforts for cementing stability, security and
cooperation in the region. Our country stands for establishment of
neighborly relations throughout the Caucasus," the Armenian Minister
said.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN TO MESSAGE FOR OPENING CEREMONIES OF ATF’S 75th ANNUAL OLYMPICS

Noyan Tapan

Se p 1, 2008

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan is traveling to Detroit, where on
Saturday evening he will attend the 75th anniversary celebration
of the Armenian Youth Federation. Early afternoon on Sunday he will
offer the invocation and message for the opening ceremonies of the
AYF’s 75th annual Olympics.

RUSSIAN OWNED MADNEULI PLANS NEW INVESTMENTS IN GEORGIA
Levan Lomtadze

The FINANCIAL
Sept 1 2008
Georgia

The FINANCIAL — The Russian-Georgian war was a big test for the
companies operating in Georgia. Some of them started thinking about
whether or not it would be profitable to stay in the Georgian market,
but this was not the case for Russian giant – mining company Madneuli,
the winner of the most influential award in Georgia, Golden Brand 2007.

"Madneuli is committed to continue business activities
in Georgia. Additionally, we are planning to open a new pit in
Sakdrisi soon. Recently the company opened the Balichi pit and we are
conducting research in one of our potential pits in Racha, and soon
another research is coming to the Adjara region," Nikoloz Avaliani,
Marketing Department of Madneuli, told The FINANCIAL.

"We have information that foreign investors are going to raise
investments in the country, especially long-term investments,"
said Avaliani.

One of the prior activities of Madneuli is the implementation of social
projects. In 2007-2008 the amount for charity funds and sponsorship
of Madneuli will exceed USD 3 million.

In this difficult situation when there are tens of thousands of
refugees who need help, Madneuli was one of the first companies that
contributed a huge amount in order to help the displaced people from
the conflict zones.

"In the days of war we visited almost all the hospitals in
Georgia. Quartzite with Madneuli bought medicines, food, water and
beds for the refugees and injured people. Also it should be noted
that we are planning to donate much more to the cause in the near
future. I think the total amount contributed will exceed GEL 1
million," Avaliani noted.

Madneuli is going to actively continue operating in Georgia and
further more they are going to put more effort into searching for
new resources.

Despite the war Madneuli didn’t halt its production process. The
working schedule was not changed because of the conflict. Madneuli
uses railway to transport products to the seaport Poti, from where
it goes to different countries.

According to the Marketing Department of the company the war did not
have an effect on sales because it coincided with time intervals when
production is collected and packed for transportation.

"Now as we know the railway is functioning properly and Madneuli is
running continuous production process," claimed Avaliani.

The company also guaranteed the safety of its workers.

"The Madneuli factory is far away from the conflict zone. It should
be mentioned that all workers of Madneuli are insured and well
equipped. During the war special security measures were fulfilled,"
said Avaliani.

It seems as though there were minimal or no losses at Madneuli during
the conflict. "As our production was not interrupted the losses are
minimal or perhaps even zero, but it is still too early for exact
calculations."

According to the company the partners of Madneuli actively paid
attention to statements made by European leaders and US officials. As
these statements were in support of Georgia, foreign partners do not
see reason to worry in the long-term. Furthermore as EBRD and other
financial institutions released their readiness to raise financial
injections in Georgia this was signal to all of the partners that
business conditions in the country are rather good.

In the first quarter of 2008 the company sold a record USD 50 million
worth of production. After this data Madneuli became #1 exporter of
the country. In 2005, 2006 and 2007 the net incomes of the company
were USD 18,063,968 million, USD 47,745,547 million and USD 15,159,565
million respectively.

The company was established in 1975 in the Bolnisi region,
Georgia. Madneuli contributes more than 10% of Georgian
exports. Madneuli is operating in gold and copper markets. Over 65%
of the company revenues come from sales of copper. Madneuli’s primary
focus is on copper because of the experience with and the prospects
for this metal. The company exports to France, the UK, Germany,
and Austria.

The major shareholder of Madneuli is Russian resources holding company
Geopromining. In Georgia Geopromining owns Madneuli and Quartzite.

According to Armenian newspaper Hetq online Madneuli is a sister
affiliate of the Prominvest Corporation whose principal owners are
Sergei Generalov and Siman Poverenkin.

Along with Madneuli Russian capital including the banking sector,
energy, oil, mobile communications, plants, air companies – have all
felt at comfort in Georgia up till now. During the conflict, which
is widely expected to be resolved, VTB , Beeline, Telasi and LUKOIL
worked normally and did not come under attack by the local population.

The only non-functioning body with Russian capital is the Azoti plant,
though the reason has nothing to do with war as the plant is undergoing
renovation works.

Georgian-Russian company Energy Invest acquired Azot in 2005 for USD
20 million.

Energy Invest, which owns fertilizer company Azoti, located in Rustavi,
35 km from Tbilisi , told The FINANCIAL the only reason why the Azoti
plant has stopped now is because of the renovation works being carried
out there.

"Georgia will not attempt to re-nationalize assets owned by Russian
companies such as UES, Vimpelcom or VTB following its conflict with
Russia," the Georgian Deputy Prime Minister Giorgi Baramidze told
mergermarket, according to the Financial Times.

Economic expert Soso Tsiskarishvili said that the Georgian government
should be able to think ahead carefully before making decisions. Today
in Russia there is no big Georgian business capital, but there’s a
huge physical capital which is in danger. The Georgian government
can’t risk the lives of these people.

In order to adequately react to Russia’s actions, every vague
transaction that was made with Russian companies should be
overlooked. There are many questions regarding the legal aspects of
the contracts with which economically strategic units were sold.

Vakhtang Khmaladze, the well known Georgian expert, believes that when
economically strategic units in Georgia were being sold to Russian
companies the legal rights of the Georgian and Russian companies
weren’t equal. "According to Georgian legislation those foreign
companies whose main shareholder is the government of another country,
have the right for acquisition. While in Russia the legislation forbids
acquisitions by these kinds of companies because of political threats."

Today the Georgian government is less likely to start nationalization
of property belonging to Russian corporations, Khmaladze says. "A more
realistic solution would be to use Georgian legislation. There are a
number of Russian corporations whose main shareholder is the Russian
government and own strategically important units in Georgia. The
law should oblige them to sell their property to other non-Russian
companies. The price at which the companies will be sold must be a
competitive price, which will be beneficial for the Russian side too."

VTB BANK (ARMENIA) PRESENTS COMPUTER CLASSROOM TO STUDENTS OF RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY’S SCHOOL IN YEREVAN

ARKA
Sep 1, 2008

YEREVAN, September 1. /ARKA/. VTB Bank (Armenia) has presented a
computer classroom to first- to fourth-year students of Yerevan
secondary school #21 affiliated to Russian Defense Ministry.

On Monday, Valery Ovsyannikov, director general of the bank, speaking
at the classroom presentation, said the room is equipped with the
most modern computers. He said this is neither first nor last action
of the bank.

"We are not speaking about any particular budget, but when it becomes
necessary, we’ll be ready to provide support as par of our charity
and sponsorship", Ovsyannikov said.

He congratulated all the participants of the ceremony on the Day of
Knowledge and wish success in the new academic year.

Vladiimir Seryogin, adviser at Russian Embassy in Yerevan, stressed
the importance of computers and wished students luck.

The classroom equipment is comprised of 13 personal INTEL computers,
liquid-crystal monitors and other devices such as UPS, printers
and earphones.

The secondary school #21 was opened by Russian Defense Ministry in
Yerevan on September 1, 1994. The school was opened for children of
the military serving in the Russian troops deployed in Armenia. Now
402 students attend the school. There are two schools for Russian
servicemen in Armenia – one in Yerevan and the second in Gyumri.

VTB Bank (Armenia), formerly Armenian Savings Bank, joined VTB Group
in April 2004. VTB Bank holds 100% of stocks of VTB Bank (Armenia).

Authorized capital of VTB Bank (Armenia) is AMD 13.78 billion and
own capital 21.88 billion.

VTB Bank (Armenia) is among thee largest banks of the country on the
main indicators and the biggest asset-owner among banks in Armenia.

Fitch Ratings international rating agency gave "B" short-term and
"BB+" long-term issuer ratings to the bank in July. The agency also
gave long-term rating "stable" to the bank. ($1 – AMD 303.33).

Panorama.am

15:20 30/08/2008

The Rise of Prices for Clothes, Shoes and Petrol

Recent statistics show that in August there has been a rise of prices
in general market up to 0.4%. According to National statistics
service, the rise of prices especially strokes clothes, shoes,
stationery, petrol and electronics.

Moreover, the prices of washing powder, jewelry, remedies, cosmetics,
fabric and furniture also rised up to 0.1-0.3%.

In August as compared to July, all the drivers had to pay more for
petrol and diesel (nearly 0.5-1.0%): the statistics of petrol prices
for the last year is really amazing as compared to that of 2008. Now
the petrol is for 23.2% more expensive than in August 2007.

In 9 cities of the country the reserch shows that there has been a
general rise in prices for about 0.1-1.0% (the peak of price rise was
revealed in Echmiadzin).

The general market of Yerevan also became victim of price rise up to
0.4%.

Source: Panorama.am

LEADERS OF ARMENIAN PUBLIC TV AND TURKISH TRT CHANNEL SIGNED COOPERATION MEMORANDUM

arminfo
2008-08-27 12:32:00

ArmInfo. Leaders of Armenian Public TV and Turkish TRT channel have
signed Cooperation Memorandum.

As Armenian Public TV reported, the memorandum was signed by
Chairman of the council of Armenian Public TV Aleksan Harutyunyan
and Director General of Turkish TRT TV channel Ibragim Shakhin.It
supposes organization of TV and radio programmes about Armenia and
Turkey, experience exchange between the countries which are members of
European Translators’ Union. Secretary General of TRT Ali Kemoglu-Oglu
said at the meeting with Armenia delegation that broadcasting of
the first radio programme in Turkey was organized by Armenians of
Constantinople in 1907 and Turkey still remembers the fact.

MONITORING TO BE HELD ON AZERBAIJANI-ARMENIAN BORDER REGIONS

Trend News Agency
Aug 26 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 26 August / Trend News corr. K.Zarbaliyeva
/ A monitoring will be held by the personal representative of
Chairman-in-office of OSCE in the border regions located near the
Barda-Agdam region on 27 August.

A source from Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that from the
Azerbaijani side the monitoring would be held by Pieter Ki and Antal
Herdich, Personal Representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

>From the Armenian side the monitoring would be held by Irji Aberli
and Vladimir Chountulov.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began
in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since
1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In
1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which
time the active hostilities ended.

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia, France, and the US)
are currently holding peaceful negotiations to regulate the conflict.

Press Release 365 (press release), FL
Aug 20 2008

Middle East Angry Over New Book on Islam

Aug 20, 2008
"Turkish news agencies have attacked the author as being a Christian
Extremist."

AKRON, OHIO — Markus Aurelius’ explosive new book, "Bleeding for
Allah: Why Islam will Conquer the Free World, What Americans Need to
Know" has Muslims from Turkey to Saudi Arabia blistering with
rage. The new book, which took more than four years to research and
write, scrutinizes Islam from its very birth. The Koran, the holy book
of more than one billion people worldwide, is systematically analyzed
by the author to reveal the true nature of its message. "Bleeding for
Allah" goes the full distance in detailing the uncomfortable and
painful truth of that message.

Turkish news agencies have attacked the author as being a "Christian
extremist" (Ankara News) and of "promoting culture wars" (Jurnalturk).
Dozens of websites in Turkey, Syria and Saudi Arabia have condemned
the work as nothing more than propaganda of the Bush administration.
The Turks appear particularly sensitive to Aurelius’ gruesome account
of the Turkish propagated Armenian Genocide. The Turkish news outlets
reiterate that Islam is only a religion of peace.

Although touted as a peaceful religion and Islamic terrorists
dismissed as misguided fanatics, it is clear that the very words of
Allah, as voiced through the Archangel Gabriel to the Prophet
Muhammad, are anything but peaceful. Markus Aurelius’ breakthrough
work, in clear and concise fashion, gives countless examples of
Koranic verse that readily demonstrates its militancy and
violence. While Aurelius is quite sensitive to the influence of
cultural bias on interpretation, he finds it extremely difficult to
dismiss the troubling tenor of so many of the Koran’s verses, such as:

-Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your
friends.– Koran, 5:51

-Prophet, make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and deal
sternly with them. — Koran, 66:9

-When the sacred months are over, slay the idolaters wherever you find
them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for
them. –Koran 9:5

In an effort to further reduce cultural bias but still illustrate the
militancy of Islam, "Bleeding for Allah" includes a unique comparative
analysis of specific words between the New Testament and the
Koran. For example, the words "punishment" and "torture" appear 600
percent more in the Koran while the word "love" appears 500 percent
less.

Additionally, Aurelius carefully examines the Prophet Muhammad’s life,
including the gruesome details of his ruthless rise to power in the
early seventh century. "The shrewd Prophet creatively found divine
words of support from Allah for his banditry and mass murder,"
Aurelius writes. "Sadly, more than one billion people believe those
words today."

Americans are woefully in the dark regarding the Koran, but few have
taken the time to read it. The author challenges the American public
to examine the Koran and draw their own conclusions.

###

Keywords: Islam,Muslims,Muhammad,terrorists,Turkey,Saudi
Ara bia,genocide, Religion » General

n/new-islam-book-middle-east-threatens-america-271 2.htm

CAUCASIAN ALLIANCE

Sabah
Aug 21 2008
Turkey

After Russia and Georgia, Azerbaijan has also agreed with the PM
Erdogan’s suggestion for establishing a Caucasian Platform.

The Prime Minister Erdogan has started a diplomatic solution after
the war between Russia and Georgia and met with the Azerbaijani
president Aliyev. Erdogan got his support on Caucasian Cooperation
and Stability Platform.

Baku in favor of Caucasian pact, too

Erdogan held a visit to Baku and got the support of Azerbaijan for
Caucasian Stability and Cooperation Forum.

The Prime Minister Erdogan started his efforts for diplomatic
solutions after the war between Russia and Georgia and met Azerbaijani
president Ä°lham Aliyev within the scope of these efforts. Erdogan got
support from Azerbaijan for the Caucasian Stability and Cooperation
Platform. Erdogan stated that the recent conflicts in the region
has made the security climate in the Southern Caucasia very fragile
and added: "Turkey believes that everyone should use their energy to
remove the animosities between the peoples of the region."

–Boundary_(ID_o8PLrkXXyIOyFyTdFwDO dw)–