Author: Kajoyan Gevork

TURKISH AUTHOR’S NOBEL A VICTORY FOR FREE SPEECH
Arizona Daily Star
Oct 15 2006
Awarding Turkish author Orhan Pamuk the 2006 Nobel Prize in literature
means a $1.4 million prize from the Swedish Academy. It also is an
international statement about free expression.
Pamuk writes about “Turkey’s rich history through modern eyes,”
according to Friday’s Wall Street Journal.
Pamuk’s award comes nine months after the Turkish government
dropped charges alleging that Pamuk insulted the country, the Journal
reported. Pamuk’s charges were not unlike the “insulting Turkishness”
charges against University of Arizona assistant professor and writer
Elif Shafak. She was acquitted last month.
Pamuk’s charges stemmed from comments made to a Swiss newspaper that
criticized Turkey for its treatment of the Kurds and its unwillingness
to address the killing of Armenians during World War I.
The charges were dropped in January.
In our nation, which values freedom of speech and expression and
transparency in government, charging a writer for speaking his mind
is outrageous.
We appreciate Pamuk’s perspective: “My life is a testimony to the
fact that civilizations can combine gracefully and harmoniously if
you have a desire to do so,” he told the Journal when responding to
a question about the role of Muslim writers.
Turkey is celebrating: No one from Turkey has ever received a Nobel
Prize before.
We hope that from the celebrations, Pamuk’s attitude of harmony and
tolerance for free expression percolates in Turkey.
In the meantime, we’re saying “thank you” for the First Amendment:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom
of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Federation of Armenian organisations in the Netherlands (FAON)
Address: Weesperstreet 91, The Hague, The Netherlands
Telephone: +31704490209
Contact: M. Hakhverdian
Website:
E-mail: [email protected]
Press Release

ARMENIAN FEDERATION WELCOMES FRENCH LAW
The Hague – The Federation of Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands
(FAON) is glad that the French National Assembly in large majority has
adopted a bill, which makes denial of the Armenian Genocide a crime. Denying
the holocaust has been a crime in France since 1990.

The Federation believes that with such a provision a dam is raised against
denial propaganda of the Turkish government, which is painful for the
Armenians.

Also in the Netherlands such denial material is spread, on internet sites,
in writings and also in the public debate. For victims and their surviving
descendants it is cause for problems each time. On basis of the
discrimination prohibition in the Criminal Code such remarks are in
principle already a crime. It would be a major improvement if the Dutch
legislation would make it explicitly clear that public expressions, where
genocides are systematically denied with the intention to hurt or
discriminate people, will be impossible in The Netherlands. The Federation
hopes, therefore, that the initiative bill submitted by Mrs.
Huizinga-Heringa, Member of Parliament of Christian Union faction, which
foresees the punishment of the genocide denial, will be adopted by the House
of Representatives.

The Federation emphasises for sake of completeness that this Dutch bill is
not directed to the denial in itself, as it is suggested sometimes in the
media, but to the offending or discriminating aspects of genocide denials.
Such denials stand in any case never in itself, but have always link with
discriminating or heinously treat of populations. We must not tolerate such
expressions in The Netherlands.

Armenians Protest Turkish Peacekeepers In Lebanon
October 13, 2006 10:45 a.m. EST
Joseph S. Mayton – All Headline News Middle East Correspondent Beirut,
Lebanon (AHN) – Thousands of Lebanese of Armenian descent demonstrated
against Turkish involvement in the revamped United Nations
peacekeeping force in the country on Thursday. The rally was held at
Martyr’s Square in downtown Beirut.
“We, the Armenian community, are against the deployment of Turkish
troops in South Lebanon, because of their history as a violent state,”
Hagop Havatian, a spokesman for the ARFTashnak Party, said at the
protest.
“Last week we sent letters to every member of the Lebanese parliament
asking them to reconsider the issue. We also sent a letter to
[U.N. Secretary General] Kofi Annan but until now, there has been no
reply,” Havatian continued. Armenians argue that up to 1.5 million of
their ancestors were killed in orchestrated killings by Ottoman Turks
during the first World War. Most historians say this was genocide.
“We will continue our refusal in democratic ways,” Havatian
added. “This act ignores one of the biggest groups in Lebanon. We feel
hurt and feel humiliated and hope the Lebanese government will
reconsider this issue and our feelings,” he said.

ARMENIA BREAKS DOWN UNDER SERBIAN PRESSURE
by Damir Jovanovic
JadranSport.org, Serbia and Montenegro
Oct 12 2006
Serbs bag another three points as Armenia suffers a 3:0 defeat
in Belgrade
Serbia has won their second international duel this October by
defeating Armenia 3:0 on Wednesday and earned the right to remain at
the top place of the Euro 08 qualifying Group A. The Serbian national
team now has ten points from four games and stands first, leaving
Finland in the chase with eight while Belgium & Portugal have seven.
The scorers for Serbia in this match were Dejan Stankovic, Danko
Lazovic and “of course” Nikola Zigic.

STATEMENT BY ALIYEV TO THE ROMANIAN DELEGATION
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Oct 12 2006
Dear Mr. President,
Dear members of the Romanian delegation,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Official visit of the President of Romania Mr. Traian Besescu to
Azerbaijan is very important step in mutual relations. Our countries
successfully cooperate. Romania became the second state, which has
recognized independence of Azerbaijan, and after restoration of our
state independence, we constantly feel support of Romania. And today
we see this support and we wish to express to the President of Romania,
the Romanian government our deep gratitude.
Our relations are multilateral. Now, we have intensive political
dialogue. I should note that for the last of one and a half year we
have had many meetings with Mr. Besescu. Today’s is the fourth. It
testifies that we have close enough contacts, we constantly
have consultations, wide exchange of vies. And today we had very
sincere, open negotiations, both at the meeting in private, and with
participation of delegations. Discussed were numerous questions
– bilateral relations, economic, political links, integration of
Azerbaijan to Euro-Atlantic structures and support by Romania of this
policy, large energy projects, successful oil strategy of Azerbaijan
and principles of the further cooperation. All these questions were
in the center of attention. On all these questions, we had wide
exchange of opinions, and we had no disagreements. It is the pleasant
phenomenon; it once again testifies that mutual relations are carried
out in wide format. These relations are multilateral, cover various
spheres and, certainly, create fine ground for all-around development
of our relations.
Besides, discussed were the processes ongoing in region, situation
in region, issues of strengthening safety measures. Our region
possesses huge opportunities, greater prospects. The role and
growing opportunities of Azerbaijan in cause of updating of transport
infrastructure, opening of new transport corridors, deliveries of
energy carriers to the world and European markets, strengthening of
power safety of the Europe, certainly, bring region to very important
point.
If to consider, that joint activity of regions of the Black and
Caspian seas are realities of today, then, strengthening of stability,
strengthening of security measures in region very much interest and
disturb us. These ideas have sounded at the Black Sea forum taken place
in Romania, Bucharest. Tendencies of cooperation observed in our region
set basis of regional interaction in a wide format. There is no doubt
that importance of joint efforts of Romania and Azerbaijan in this
cause is obvious. Considering all this, I wish to tell once again, that
all we are interested in establishment of peace and safety in region.
The Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict is the source of
the basic threat in region. This conflict can lead to infringement of
stability in region, and it is a huge obstacle in a way of regional
cooperation. The position of Azerbaijan remains constant: Nagorno
Karabakh is the Azerbaijan land both form historical, and legal points
of view. We demand execution of four Resolutions of the United Nations
Organization on this question and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian
occupational forces from the our lands that the people ousted form
their native lands as a result of ethnic cleaning pursued by Armenian
politicians against Azerbaijanis, could return to their homes. That
the consequences of policy of ethnic cleaning have been eliminated,
and the question has found its solution on the basis of norms and
principles of international law.
Azerbaijan recognizes territorial integrity of all countries and,
certainly, demands recognition of its territorial integrity. I can
tell that the world, except for Armenia, recognizes territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has entered the United Nations
Organization together with Nagonro Karabakh. Therefore, the question
can find solution exclusively in a legal plane, and our position
remains constant. For safety of Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh,
various measures can be taken. We already spoke, I wish to repeat
it and today, that Nagorno Karabakh can be given the status of high
autonomy in structure of Azerbaijan. However, questions of annexation
of Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia, creation in territory of Azerbaijan of
the second Armenian state are not and will not be theme of discussion.
The position of Romania on the given question pleases, and
inspires us. The position of Romania has found reflection in
the Joint Declaration signed today. We are very grateful to the
Romanian government, the President of Romania for this position,
this approach. Such position should extend on all conflicts. All
conflicts can find solution as a result of a single approach, without
any exception.
If there will be any exception, his can lead to very bitter
conclusions. In the world, in Europe, in our region, there are similar
conflicts and if it will find solution on some principles but not
on the international law, the entire region will suffer from this. I
reiterate and consider that Azerbaijan’s position plays principle role
in settlement of the question, and our position is supported. We feel
this support and this support gradually grows.
I would hope that Azerbaijan joining the European Neighboring Policy,
in settlement of the conflict could benefit also from Europe’s
opportunities. We much want that along with the Minsk Group,
other organizations, too, stated their positions related to this
question, and took active part in this cause. We are very pleased
that on initiative of the GUAM countries, the question of “frozen
conflicts” was put on the agenda of the 61st session of the General
Assembly of the United Nations. The State of Romania has disclosed its
position in this question, has supported position of Azerbaijan and
GUAM countries. I repeat that all these are evidence to our sincere
relations, and current visit of the Romanian President to Azerbaijan
will strengthen our relations much more. We wish it, and we want it.
Romania is our close and friendly country. I am confident that our
relations will further widen, deepen and our peoples will become
closer. Thank you.

OTE DENIES ARMENTEL SELLING TO ARAB CONSORTIUM
PanARMENIAN.Net
11.10.2006 18:11 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ OTE Greek company made a statement refuting that the
outcomes of the tender on ArmenTel’s 90% of stocks have been summed
up. OTE said it will announce the winner and purchaser of ArmenTel via
press releases, Mediamax reported. To note, the other day some media
with a reference to informal sources spread information that Emirates
Telecommunications Corporation (ETISALAT)/Istithmar PJSC/Emergent
Telecom Ventures (ETV) assumed possession of ArmenTel.

OCSE MISSION HEAD: I WAS SURPRISED THAT NAGORNO GARABAGH DID NOT OBJECT AGAINST THE AZERBAIJANI EXPERTS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE MONITORING
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 10 2006
The OSCE mission to assess the arsons in occupied regions and boarders
with Armenia was in Khankendi today. Members of mission met with Masis
Mailyan, the Deputy Foreign Minister of so-called Nagorno Garabagh
Republic, APA Garabagh bureau reports.
OSCE Economic and Environment problems officer, the head of the
mission Bernard Snow appreciated the activity of experts representing
separatist regime.
“I was surprised that you did not object the participation of
Azerbaijani experts in the monitoring held in Nagorno Garabagh
regions. The aim of our mission is to get results based on the
consensus. Besides, we try to help to regulate the conflict. Our
experts will assess long term and short term influence of arsons to
the environment.

PAINTINGS OF ASTGHIK SAPRICH AT HUNE BRENNER GALLERY
By Petros Keshishian
AZG Armenian Daily
11/10/2006
The Year of Armenia in France that kicked off in September is
significant with diverse events. Such an event was the exhibition of
Astghik Saprich’s paintings at the Hune Brenner gallery in Paris.
Astghik is the niece of famous French-Armenian actress Alice
Saprich. Le Monde writes that Astghik is engaged in graphics, engraving
and painting.
The theme that Astghik has chosen is the Mount Ararat, more precisely
various outlines of the mount. She uses different techniques and
from average formats passes to small ones that resemble miniatures
and make the viewer to exert himself to see salience, golden spots
and other details.
The surface is carefully elaborated. Even the canvases painted with
Indian ink have beautiful contrast of light and shadow as though
bearing traces of sand and mote. The stone-like surfaces resemble
khachkars or motives from church bas-reliefs.

ARMENIAN-GERMAN BUSINESS-FORUM OPENED IN YEREVAN
ARMINFO News Agency
October 9, 2006 Monday
.ArmInfo. The volume of German investments to the Armenia’s
economy makes up $130 mln, RA deputy Minister for Trade and
Economic Development, Tigran Davtyan, said at the Armenian-German
business-Forum, opened today in Yerevan.
According to him, there are 61 enterprises in Armenia with
participation of the German capital. The biggest investor is the
German “Cronimet Mining” Company, which had acquired 60% of shares of
“Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Industrial Complex” CJSC in December,
2004. the deputy Minister noted the German investments are not
diversified and today’s business-Forum is called up to extend and
deepen the two countries’ cooperation. According to him, Armenia
pins great hopes on Germany since the latter is the biggest state of
Europe. Davtyan hopes the projects for creation of joint enterprises
and the Armenians production entry the German market will be discussed
during the Forum.
As the adviser for cooperation with CIS countries of the Ministry of
Economy and Technologies of Germany, Peter Lorenc, informed, a problem
of regional cooperation exists in Armenia, though the “problems with
neighbors will not be discussed” during the German delegation visit. He
noted that good bilateral relations are established between Armenia
and Germany.
Seventeen enterprises, including the German Investment and Development
Agency (DEG), Alcatel Deutschland Gmbh, AREVA Energietechnik, Siemenc
AG, ABB AG and others, represent the German delegation at the Forum.

LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES OF SAFAROV’S FAMILY TO VISIT HUNGARY LATE OCTOBER EARLY NOVEMBER
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 5 2006
Ramil Safarov sentenced for lifetime prison for murdering Armenian
officer Gurgen Margarian called the legal representative of his family
Ikram Shirinov, the lawyer told the APA.
He said Safarov feels good and prepares to the trial. Shirinov has sent
some documents and translated materials concerning the case to Safarov.
The lawyer will visit Hungary late October and for preparation to
Appeal Court .Within the visit the lawyers will meet with Safarov
and his Hungarian lawyer. Shirinov also stated that a contract was
signed with the Hungarian lawyer in Appeal Court “Necessary measures
are being taken together with Azerbaijan Prosecutor’s Office, Defense
and Foreign Ministries and Azerbaijan Embassy in Hungary for efficient
defense of Safarov in the Court of Appeal,” he said.
Shirinov also said that the trial date will be defined at the
beginning of next year. He stressed the necessity of careful approach
to the case.
“Non specialists should avoid of speaking about this case in media.
Unfortunately, it plays a great role in passing unfair decision in
the court,” he said.
Elmar Kerimov will defend Safarov’s family’s rights together with.