Author: Kajoyan Gevork

TURKISH JOURNALIST DIES AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM JAIL

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 14, 2011 – 11:31 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Human rights activist, journalist and translator
Suzan Zengin, who was kept under arrest for nearly two years despite
her chronic health problems, died on October 12 due to her worsening
medical condition after she was released on June 14, Hurriyet Daily
News reported.

“We feel the deep agony of having lost Suzan Zengin. We send our
condolences to her family, acquaintances and her journalist friends,”
read a written statement issued by the Solidarity with Arrested
Journalists Platform (TGDP) following her death.

Zengin received proper treatment after she was released on June 14
this year, but she did not make it through a surgery because her
ailment was too advanced.

Zengin’s funeral ceremony will be held today in Istanbul’s Tuzla
Aydınlı Cemevi, the TGDP announced.

Zengin was arrested on Aug. 29, 2009 while working at the Worker Farmer
Journal and in the Umut Publishing House’s office in Istanbul’s Kartal
district. Claims that she was not receiving periodic treatment while
under arrest caused uproar among press organizations.

YERKIR: FORMER FRENCH MPS REMAINS TO BE BURIED IN ARMENIA, NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Tert.am
13:32 ~U 14.10.11

Henri Saby, a former member of the French Parliament and old friend
of the Armenian people, who died this June, willed to be buried in
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).

His ashes have been brought to Armenia. Part of the ashes will be
buried at the Yerevan pantheon on Oct. 19, with the other part to be
buried in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Not of Armenian descent, Henri Saby, carried out pro-Armenian
activities. It was due to his efforts that the European Parliament
discussed – and later approved – the Resolution on a political solution
to the Armenian question (the European Parliament Resolution of 18
June 1987 on a political solution to the Armenian Question).

Mr. Henri Saby greatly contributed to the adoption of various
resolutions defending the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s rights by the
European Parliament.

LE MOYNE HOSTS TALK ON GENDER AND THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Targeted News Service
October 12, 2011 Wednesday 11:30 PM EST

SYRACUSE, N.Y.

Le Moyne College issued the following news release:

Arlene Avakian will speak at Le Moyne College about “Gender and the
Armenian Genocide” on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. in the Reilley Room,
located in Reilly Hall.

Avakian’s grandmother, Elmas Tutuian, was a victim and survivor of the
1915-23 Turkish genocide of the Armenians. Avakian saw her storytelling
as a narrative/performance through which her grandmother constructed
herself as a survivor, healing herself through it from the trauma
of genocide. Avakian analyzes the story from a psychological and
textual perspective, addressing the interaction between the teller
and the hearer.

Avakian is professor emeritus and former chair of the department of
women, gender and sexuality studies at the University of Massachusetts
Amherst. She is the author of “Lion Woman’s Legacy: An Armenian
American Memoir,” editor of “Through the Kitchen Window: Women Explore
the Intimate Meanings of Food and Cooking” and co-editor of “African
American Woman and the Vote 1937-1965.” She holds a bachelor’s degree
from Columbia University and a master’s degree and doctorate from
the University of Massachusetts.

The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the
Center for Peace and Global Studies. For more information, call
(315) 445-4292.

FORMER GLENDALE MAYOR LARRY ZARIAN DIES AT 73

Burbank Leader , CA
Oct 13 2011

Former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian died today at Glendale Adventist
Medical Center, according to friends and former colleagues.

In 1983, Zarian became the first Armenian-American elected to the
Glendale City Council, where he served for 16 years. He also served as
a board member for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority and as a state transportation commissioner. His public
service was recognized by presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush,
and governors George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger,
according to the city.

The 73-year-old also hosted ~SThe Larry Zarian Forum,~T a talk show
on Thursday nights on Charter Cable.

~SHe was just dynamic in every facet of his life,~T said friend and
Councilman Ara Najarian. ~SHe was always happy, always energetic and
always fun to be around.~R

Zarian is survived by three sons, Vincent, Gregory and Lawrence;
a daughter-in-law; and two grandsons.

— Brittany Levine, Times Community News

,0,670224.story

BISHOPS MAKE PASTORAL VISIT TO IRAQ, REPORT ON STATE OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Targeted News Service
October 12, 2011 Wednesday 3:34 AM EST

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following news release:

Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, and Bishop George Murry,
SJ, of Youngstown, Ohio, made a pastoral visit to Baghdad, October
2-5, at the invitation of the bishops of Iraq. They stayed with the
apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, and visited churches,
convents, schools and hospitals in the city.

Bishop Kicanas and Bishop Murry are the chairman of the board of
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and secretary of the U.S. Conference
of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), respectively. They made the trip as
representatives of the USCCB and visited the four Christian communities
in Baghdad, the Chaldean, Latin, Armenian and Syrian Catholics.

“The Christians in Baghdad have suffered greatly; their faith has
been tested,” said Bishop Kicanas. “One of the most moving moments
in the visit was praying with Archbishop Athanase Matti Shaba Matoka,
archbishop emeritus of Baghdad, in the Syrian Catholic Church of Our
Lady of Deliverance where so many were killed in the bombings and
shootings that took place there on October 31 of last year.”

The bishops prayed at the tomb of the two priests killed in the siege
and viewed the damage done to the Church by four suicide bombers.

“Because of religious tensions, Christians in Iraq do not feel safe
in their churches or their homes,” said Bishop Murry. “Many have
emigrated to the north of the country or have left Iraq entirely,
which greatly concerns the bishops there. One Chaldean priest told
us the chilling story of his kidnapping and being held for ransom by
two different groups. Many people had similar stories to tell.”

The bishops also celebrated Mass with Bishop Shlemon Warduni and
the Chaldean Christian community of the Church of the Assumption,
as well as Archbishop Jean Benjamin Sleiman, O.C.D. and the Latin
Catholic community, and visited the small Armenian community served
by Archbishop Emmanuel Dabbaghian.

The bishops toured Caritas Iraq programs in Baghdad that serve
Christian and Muslims. These included a well-baby program, programs
integrating people with special needs, assistance for victims of
violence, assistance for displaced families, and peace building and
reconciliation programs.

“In every instance we were impressed by the great good being done by
the Caritas staff and volunteers,” said Bishop Murry. “Large numbers
of the poor have access to health care. Parents are assisted in caring
for their children, including those with disabilities. Women have
opportunities to learn how to cook, to sew and to use computers. There
are opportunities for dialogue in order for people of different faiths
to understand one another better. Volunteers are trained to use their
talents to assist others.”

“In discussions with the bishops of the region, with others who serve
the Church in Iraq and with Caritas staff as well as in visits around
the city, we saw and heard the challenges and aspirations of the
Christians in Iraq and of its other citizens,” said Bishop Kicanas.

“Instability and the fear of violence permeate the city. People pray
and long for peace. The sanctions, war, and occupation have taken
a heavy toll on the people. The terrible condition of the roads,
the concrete security walls around churches and buildings in the
city reflect the fractionalization of the community and the dire
situation that exists. So many have fled the country or are internally
displaced. Many live in desperate situations. Christians will remain
in Iraq only if there are opportunities to work, if greater stability
and peace can occur.”

Bishop Murry and Bishop Kicanas will inform the U.S. bishops, the
CRS Board, and the government of the United States on what they saw
and experienced.

“As the United States military moves to the planned withdrawal from
the city in the next months, it is critical that a plan be in place
for a peaceful transition and not one marred by more violence and
the killing of innocent people,” said Bishop Murry.

ARMENIAN DANCE TROUPE RAZ TO PERFORM SATURDAY

The Jordan Times, Jordan
October 13, 2011 Thursday

By Muath Freij AMMAN – The Armenian folk dance troupe RAZ will perform
at Al Hussein Cultural Centre in Ras Al Ain on Saturday, showcasing
their community’s heritage and culture. Formed in 2007 by the Armenian
Relief Society, RAZ was born out of young Armenians’ renewed interest
in this aspect of their heritage, the society’s chairwoman, Diana
Kuyoumjian, explained. She indicated that the society, which was
established in 1946 and carries out different charitable projects to
support underprivileged families, decided to form the troupe as a way
to preserve Armenian culture for the community’s younger generation.

“These young people are really dedicated and thrilled to learn their
art and music, so we decided to give them a chance to do so,” she
told The Jordan Times in a recent interview. The band comprises 47
members aged between seven and 20 years who will perform 16 dances
illustrating the community’s values, particularly traditional gender
roles, during Saturday’s concert, their trainer Lia Doumanian said.

“For example the sardarabad dance represents the pride of victory
while yeghekner manifests the softness of the Armenian women and
their tenderness,” she told The Jordan Times. The troupe members
will perform in traditional costumes and be accompanied by Armenian
instruments such as the duduk, a wind instrument made of apricot wood.

Seven-year-old Alex Yaghmourian, one of the troupe’s members, said
he took pride and pleasure in learning his community’s art. Hrag
Mouradian, an older member of the troupe, explained that his friends
from university like Armenian music and plan to attend Saturday’s
performance. “Performing our art in front of the audience is a way
to present our culture and heritage to them. I can’t wait to show
them real Armenian art,” the 19-year-old university student said.

TURKISH MINISTER OF DEFENSE: TURKEY STRONGLY SUPPORTS AZERBAIJAN IN NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT – INTERVIEW – EXCLUSIVE

APA, Azerbaijan
Oct 13 2011

Ismet Yilmaz: Strength of Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be the biggest
guarantor of the regional peace

Baku. Rashad Suleymanov – APA. APA’s interview with Turkey’s Minister
of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz

-Mr. Minister, we would like to know your opinion on the current
level and development of Turkey-Azerbaijan military relations.

-First of all I want to start with congratulation on the 20th
anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence. I am pleased to see that
Azerbaijan has done much in every sphere within the past 20 years.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have comprehensive military partnership based on
long years and mutual confidence. Our relations, which started after
Azerbaijan regained its independence, have developed with education,
training and other programs. We continue making efforts to unite our
power in the defense industry. We see that the relevant bodies of the
two countries have common demand and will. The cooperation between
our countries in the sphere of defense industry was established with
the agreements signed on August 11, 1992 and on June 10, 1996. I think
that “Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Assistance” signed
last year made a turning point in our military relations. Strength
of Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be the biggest guarantor of the
regional peace. As the Turkish proverb says: “If you want peace,
prepare for war”. The existence of the factors posing threat to the
stability in the South Caucasus, poses serious threat to Azerbaijan’s
independence and regional peace. Approximately 5 000 Azerbaijanis have
got military education in Turkey up to now. A lot of Azerbaijanis are
still studying at military schools in Turkey. We will continue making
efforts towards the development of the strategic relations that are
improving basing on the brotherly relations between the two countries.

-Azerbaijan is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence.

Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in all spheres, particularly in
the military sphere in the past 20 years. What has been achieved in
the military cooperation and defense industry? What do you see in
the future?

-I am glad that Azerbaijan has achieved much in all spheres, including
military in the past 20 years. Azerbaijan has got one of the strongest
armies in the region with increased opportunities and abilities. This
is a source of pride not only for the Azerbaijani people, but also
for the Turkish people.

On the other hand, partnership with Azerbaijan in defense industry is
developing. These relations are realized by the companies and state
organizations in accordance with the international agreements. The
mutual visits of a number of delegations in the area of defense
industry played an important role in the development of the relations.

The agreement signed on September 20, 2000, determined the legal
framework of the development of cooperation in the defense industry.

ASELSAN-Baku company, which was established in 1998, plays an
important role in meeting most technical requirements of Azerbaijani
Army. But I can say that our cooperation in defense industry is in
the initial stage. This cooperation must be enhanced. Great process
of development has been recently observed in the defense industry of
Turkey. The projects on communication systems, armoured vehicles,
missiles, national shipbuilding and production of helicopters must
be realized in line with the NATO standards.

-What issues will be on the agenda during your visit to Azerbaijan?

What new can Turkey offer to improve cooperation in defense industry?

-We look forward to comprehensive and long-lasting joint cooperation
with Azerbaijan. No doubt, the improvements in the defense
industries of Turkey and Azerbaijan will ensure the development
of our cooperation. In the light of the development in our defense
industry we are viewing the future much more differently. We have got
strong relations with Azerbaijan in all spheres. It is one of our most
important plans to improve these relations in the sphere of defense
industry, as well. Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the situation in the
region is one of the issues that will be discussed during the visit.

Nagorno Karabakh conflict caused the exile of hundred thousands
Azerbaijanis from their homes and the occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani
lands. This is a fact. This problem creates great obstacle to the
security, stability and development of the region. The settlement of
the conflict on the basis of international law and decisions of the
international organizations will ensure peace in the region. One
of the Turkey’s targets is a sustainable peace in the region and
confidence between the people. Turkey continues its active positions
on the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, renders every
diplomatic and political support to Azerbaijan in the international
organizations. Turkey supports Azerbaijan on Nagorno Karabakh conflict
with all opportunities. Our President and Prime Minister also stated
it during their visits. We closely watch the activity of the Minsk
Group. We hope that the activity of the co-chair countries – US,
France and Russia – will be accelerated in the near future. Attentive
watching the peace process and fixing the date is significant for
both Azerbaijan and Armenia because only the two parties can put an
end to this conflict.

-Turkey has recently realized great projects on unmanned flying
vehicles, “Atak”, “Milli tank”, “Milgem”. What are the targets of
Turkey’s defense industry towards Caucasus and Turkic republics?

-As you know, Turkey is the neighbor of the most unstable regions of
the world. Turkey is a country, which is in the center of the Middle
East, Balkans and of course the Caucasus with unstable situation,
which potential can influence the entire Eurasia. We see that
Azerbaijan is not so different. Though Azerbaijan is a strong state,
it has undergone the possible influence of instability in the South
Caucasus. So, it is important that our countries, located in the
environment with close conflict risks, have their defense industries.

Defense industry is a strategic sector. It is one of our major plans to
meet our military needs with the national sources. Turkey has launched
a number of national projects in this sphere. We have nationalized
communication and command-control systems. I can say that we have
reached a good level in the area of unmanned flying vehicles.

We see that the interest in this technology is increasing in the
world. On the other hand, the ships built by our national companies
within the framework of “Milgem” project are operating. Serious
achievements have been made in “Atak” helicopter project. The first
prototype of the helicopter started test flights in August. Of course,
it is important to use this achievement not only in our country,
but also in Azerbaijan and republics in the Central Asia. We do not
regard this issue only as commercial. The development of the defense
capacity of Azerbaijan and all brotherly states is very important
for our strategic unity.

-“Agreement on Strategic Cooperation and Mutual Assistance” between
Azerbaijan and Turkey was ratified early in 2011. The agreement
envisaging high-level cooperation prioritizes military issues,
particularly defense industry. How can Azerbaijan participate in
the abovementioned projects of Turkey within the framework of this
agreement?

– I would like to remind that Turkey was the first country which
recognized Azerbaijan’s independence declared on October 18, 1991. The
diplomatic relations were established with a protocol signed on
January 14, 1992. After that date we see sustainable development of
relations between the two countries in all spheres on the basis of
history and culture. The level of our relations reached the level of
strategic partnership as a result of this development. The “Agreement
on Strategic Cooperation and Mutual Assistance” is a very significant
agreement. Azerbaijan and Turkey contemplate to strengthen political,
defense, economic, commercial, cultural and other relations. Turkey
remains as Azerbaijan’s most significant ally in the region. I think
that this agreement is an important value in further development
of our alliance. We will continue our work towards meeting of
all requirements and desires of our countries during the military
cooperation with Azerbaijan.

– Azerbaijan’s ANAMA organization also attended tender of
mine-clearance on Turkey-Syria borders. According to some reports,
the work has started for establishment of humanitarian mine-clearance
center attached to the Turkish Defense Ministry like in Azerbaijan. We
would like you to inform us about this project. How do you assess
the interstate cooperation in mine-clearance sphere?

– The mine-clearance of all borders is a significant target
for Turkey. The mine-clearance operations have been started on
Turkey-Syria. Azerbaijani National Agency for Mine Actions (ANAMA)
also attended the tender. I would like to remind that Turkey joined
the mine-clearance operations in Saloglu region near Gandja, realized
within cooperation with NATO, as a leader country. The success of
ANAMA, which carried out and finished mine-clearing operations here,
are estimable. The finish of this project is an indicator of distance
overcame by Azerbaijan in the field of UXO/mine clearance. Turkey’s
national activities in the mine-clearance sphere are also continuing.

>>From the other side, we are ready for international cooperation in
this sphere.

– How does Ankara consider the issue on establishment of
Turkey-Azerbaijan or Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia military union in
the region? What role the establishment of such union can play in the
maintenance of stability in the region, at the same time in integration
of Azerbaijani and Georgian armed forces into the NATO standards?

– We target to develop our military and defense relations with
Azerbaijan. The education of Azerbaijani Armed Forces in accordance
with the NATO standards and weapon and maintenance are very important
for the region’s stability. Turkey supports Azerbaijan’s relations with
NATO and other Western organizations. We think that the Azerbaijan-NATO
cooperation within the Partnership for Peace is profitable, as well as
this cooperation is significant from the point of view of Azerbaijan’s
economical and political interests.

ARMENIA HAS NEW HEAD OF MISSION AT OSCE

news.am, Armenia
Oct 13 2011

YEREVAN. – Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree whereby,
in connection with assuming a new post, Arman Kirakosyan is discharged
from his duties as Armenia’s Deputy FM.

With other presidential decrees, Kirakosyan is appointed Armenia’s
Ambassador to Austria, combined with being appointed Armenia’s Head
of Mission, with residence in Vienna, at the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Presidential Press Office informed
Armenian News-NEWS.am.

ANCA WELCOMES NEW U.S. PRESSURE ON TURKEY TO RETURN STOLEN RELIGIOUS PROPERTIES

asbarez
Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Secretary Clinton offers written assurance to the ANCA that the
U.S. government is pressing the Turkish government to restore
confiscated properties

WASHINGTON-The Armenian National Committee of America has welcomed
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s first-ever public assertion that
the U.S. government is actively pressing the highest levels of the
Turkish government to restore confiscated properties to religious
communities.

Secretary Clinton’s acknowledgment of Washington’s pressure on Ankara
came in a written response to an August 15, 2011 ANCA letter in which
the organization’s national chairman, Ken Hachikian, shared with her
the Armenian American community’s objections to U.S. Ambassador to
Turkey Francis Ricciardone’s serious mischaracterization regarding
the number of Christian churches that escaped Ottoman and, later,
Republican Turkey’s campaigns of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and
cultural destruction.

Secretary Clinton, in her response, stated: “We continue to stress
the importance we attach to religious freedom in Turkey with
Turkish leaders. We also continue to raise our concerns regarding
the restoration of previously confiscated properties to religious
communities with Turkish authorities at the highest levels. In
this regard, we will be following closely the implementation of the
Government of Turkey’s August 27 decree to return all confiscated
immovable property belonging to 162 officially recognized non-Muslim
religious community foundations in Turkey.”

The letter from Secretary Clinton, coming less than two months
after the near-unanimous July 20th vote by the U.S. House Foreign
Affairs Committee calling on the State Department to pressure Turkey
to return stolen Christian churches, reflects the growing momentum
of the “return of churches” movement among Armenian Americans, other
Christian groups persecuted by Turkey, and, more broadly, by advocates
of religious freedom. The controversy over Ambassador Ricciardone’s
mistaken response, which was viewed widely as a bid to appease Ankara,
delayed his confirmation by the U.S. Senate until October 4.

In the ANCA’s response to Secretary Clinton’s letter, Hachikian noted
that: “We welcome your commitment to the restoration by Turkey of all
confiscated religious properties, and look forward to your leadership
in producing concrete results in support of our nation’s policy on this
matter. Your powerful words – stated in no uncertain terms – provide
reassurance that we, as Americans, are on the side of justice on this
issue of fundamental fairness and religious freedom.” He added that:
“The Armenian American community will stand in solidarity with you –
as will all concerned Americans – as you pursue this matter with the
Turkish government in the months to come. We respectfully ask you,
Madam Secretary, to stay firm in this diplomacy. We ask, as well,
that you appropriately dismiss superficial and token acts by the
Turkish government, including isolated restorations and conversions
of churches into museums, designed to distract attention from the
pressing need for Ankara’s acceptance of a comprehensive resolution
of the vast theft and destruction of religious properties.”

Hachikian also reviewed for Secretary Clinton the Armenian American
community’s profound disappointment over the legacy of U.S. complicity
in Turkey’s campaign to block a truthful and just resolution of the
Armenian Genocide, stating: “Our diplomatic record shows that American
leaders have repeatedly caved in to Turkish government pressure,
effectively allowing the most extremist and intolerant domestic
constituencies within Turkish society to dictate American policy on
the Armenian Genocide and other vital issues concerning justice,
religious freedom, and human rights. Our ill-advised appeasement
of such irrational and hateful views continues to undermine the
small, but growing, element of civil society within Turkey that has
shown tremendous courage in demanding that their government speak
truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and behave justly with the
Armenian people.”

The ANCA concluded its letter with its traditional request that
Secretary Clinton hold a meeting with the broad-based collective
leadership of the Armenian American community.

Visit the ANCA Web site for additional information on this subject.

FOR WHOM THE BELL “KILLS”
Hakob Badalyan

Lragir.am News

12:17:28 – 13/10/2011

One more conscript “committed suicide” in the Armenian Armed Forces.

The first thought that occurs to a person when hearing about the next
“suicide” in the army is how many more soldiers must be killed at
peace time for the leadership of the Armenian Army to interfere and
stop this tragic series, saving the lives of Armenian youths.

Either the leadership of the army, the Minister of Defense and the
Supreme Commander-in-Chief, must come up with radical reforms in the
army to change the situation, to increase the human value in the army
or they must resign. They do none. Moreover, we learn that instead
of resignation they receive medals. The more medals, the more cases
of murders and “suicides”.

Serzh Sargsyan and Seyran Ohanyan need to assume public responsibility
for the change of the situation in the army and to account for each
death to the society and the parents of the victims. There is an
atmosphere of total irresponsibility in the army which makes it urgent
for the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to assume public responsibility
for the life of each soldier.

Like each soldier swears to serve the homeland, the Commander-in-Chief
and the minister must assume responsibility for the life of each
soldier threatened in the army.

The situation reached such a level that the revelation of those
directly responsible for these deaths is not enough, and the top
management must be held responsible. Someone in the management of the
army fails to perform their duties. If the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
and the Minister are unable to point out to the one who fails and do
not dismiss them and have them prosecuted, they need to personally
assume responsibility for the life of each soldier.