Author: Kamalian Hagop

Iran, Armenia Sign Seven MoUs

Fars News Agency, Iran
July 6 2006

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iran and Armenia signed up seven Memoranda
of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of energy, economic and
industrial infrastructures, legal and cultural heritage cooperation
here Wednesday evening.

The MoUs were signed by officials in the presence of President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad and his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian.

For one document, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and his
Armenian counterpart Vartan Oskanian signed an MoU concerning Iran’s
development aids in the field of industrial and economic infrastructure
for Armenia.

In another MoU, Energy Minister Parviz Fattah and Armen Movsisyan
signed a cooperation agreement in the field of energy.

The two countries agreed in another document to cooperate in the
field of legal issues.

Iran’s Justice Minister Jamal Karimi-rad and Armenian Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian inked an agreement about extraditing criminals.

Dissemination of information in the field of cultural heritage was
another MoU signed up by officials from Iran’s Cultural Heritage
Organization and Armenian Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs.

Also agreement about financing electricity power line project was
signed.

In the last MoU, the two countries agreed on the implementing program
of the third electricity power line between Iran and Armenia.

ERDOGAN: WE WILL NOT TAKE ANY STEP UNLESS ISOLATION OF N CYPRUS IS LIFTED

Anatolian Times, Turkey
July 5 2006

PARIS – "Turkey will not take any step about opening of its ports and
airports to Greek Cypriot traffic unless isolation of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is lifted," said Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday.

In an interview with the French La Tribune daily, Erdogan said, "no
one can request us to take steps continuously while the other parties
do nothing. Although Turkish Cypriots supported the United Nations`
peace plan, they were punished. On the other hand, Greek Cypriots
who rejected the plan were awarded with EU membership. It is not fair."

"The only address of a likely solution on the island is the United
Nations. Also, embargoes imposed on the TRNC in the areas of economy,
trade, transportation, tourism and even in sports should be lifted
as soon as possible," he emphasized.

Upon a question about comments that Turkey`s reform process had slowed
down in the last 2-3 years, Erdogan told the La Tribune, "I do not
agree with such comments. We have been trying to do everything in
our power to fulfil our commitments."

When asked whether enactment of the proposal which envisages to
punish individuals who deny the so-called Armenian genocide would
prevent the French nuclear energy group Areva from participating in
tenders in Turkey, Erdogan said, "Turkey negotiates this issue with
everyone. France is not the only one in the competition for nuclear
energy tenders."

ARMENIA TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONFERENCE ON HIV/AIDS ISSUES

ArmRadio.am
04.07.2006 11:31

August 29-30 a conference on issues of availability of measures for
HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care will be held in Tbilisi. The
conference will be attended by specialists from Armenia, Georgia
and Azerbaijan. Head of HIV/AIDS program of the WHO Armenia Office
Gayane Ghukasyan told "Armenpress" that representatives of the three
countries will report on the measures of prevention undertaken and
the progress achieved.

WHO specialists will present how to undertake effective preventive
measures with small expenses. German experts will present their
experience.

At the end of the conference a national plan of HIV/AIDS prevention
will be elaborated for every country.

AZERBAIJANI DAYS TO BE HELD IN CANADA – PICKET IN FRONT OF ARMENIAN EMBASSY
Author: S.Ilhamgizi

TREND, Azerbaijan
July 3 2006

Azerbaijani days will be held in Canada in September, a representative
of the Canada-Azerbaijan alliance, an Azerbaijani composer residing
in Toronto, Adil Bagirov told Trend.

The event will be organized jointly with the Azerbaijani embassy in
Canada and the State Committee on work with Azerbaijanis residing
abroad.

In accordance with the program of the event, the Azerbaijani days
will be organized in Montreal (3 days), in Toronto (3 days) and Ottawa
(1 day).

Babirov announced earlier the Canada-Azerbaijan alliance held a picket
in front of the Armenian embassy in Ottawa.

UPDATE: MOSCOW KNIFE ATTACK ON 2 ARMENIANS RE-QUALIFIED AS RACE-HATE

RIA Novosti, Russia
July 3 2006

MOSCOW, July 3 (RIA Novosti) – Moscow prosecutors said Monday that
the stabbing of two ethnic Armenians in the Russian capital on July
1 must be re-qualified as race-hate attack rather than hooliganism.

A representative of the Moscow prosecutor’s office said earlier Monday
that the Saturday afternoon attack on the two men, aged 23 and 26,
was "a result of a conflict with a group of 17- and 18-year-olds."

An investigation was launched into hooliganism, a charge often brought
against suspects in assaults and similar incidents.

"The Moscow prosecutor’s office has instructed prosecutors of
Moscow subway to re-qualify the charges," said Sergei Marchenko,
a representative of Moscow prosecutor’s office.

Police said they had taken a resident of central Russia into custody
in connection with the assault. "The detained 24-year-old resident
of Lipetsk is suspected of attacking two Armenians," a spokesman said.

"The suspect was on the wanted list already."

The spokesman said police was checking another group of people
suspected of involvement in the attack.

"Investigators know their names and other details," he said.

This is another attack in a series of race-hate crimes that have
recently rocked the country.

The city of Voronezh in central Russia has seen at least seven
apparently racially motivated killings of non-white foreigners over
the past six years, including the murder of a Peruvian student last
October.

St. Petersburg has been suffering from negative publicity over alleged
neo-Nazi attacks and murders, including the killing of a student from
Senegal in April and the stabbing of a nine-year-old girl of mixed
Russian-African origin in early 2006.

In an effort to combat these extremist and xenophobic trends, Russia
set up a nationwide public movement, Our Russia, in late June. The
movement comprises politicians, entrepreneurs, figures from the arts
world and human rights activists, who will work closely with all of
Russia’s religious and cultural communities.

On June 20, Russia’s Supreme Court quashed the guilty verdict given
to a man convicted of a knife-wielding attack on a Moscow synagogue
that left nine people injured and sent his case for retrial. A lower
court had sentenced Alexander Koptsev to a 13-year prison term for
attempted murder but cleared him of instigating racial hatred.

«A STRANGE SLAP IN THE FACE OF ARMENIA»
Anna Israelian

Aravot.am
28 June 06

The former Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia about the NK
conflict settlement.

After the unprecedented step of the OSCE Minsk group American
cochairman Mathew Brayza, which declassified some details of the
negotiations, we turned to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Armenia Vahan Papazian for interpretation. We got the same answer,
which we had already heard as the answer to our request for interview
after Robert Kocharian and Ilham Aliev meeting in Bucharest. That is,
he won’t say anything new besides what he has already said in his
interview given to our newspaper in 2000 and he insists on his
remarks. Vahan Papazian said in 2000 that it was impossible in
principle to get better results than we could conceivably have in
1997. «I’m not sure that nowadays political leadership is
sincerely anxious for the settlement of this conflict. Certainly,
they can declare that they do their best, look, we negotiate, discuss
versions and when we come to a conclusion, we’ll produce it to the
political powers and public and will hold a referendum necessarily
etc. But there isn’t any certain agreement, and they can negotiate for
many years.’ A comparison was published in «Aravot» 6
years ago, which showed how Robert Kocharian’s and Levon
Ter-Petrosian’s approaches round the NK conflict settlement had become
too close. Vahan Papazian also noticed that similarity; « And
it is natural. In general, I mark the end of 1997 and beginning of
1998 as a greatest nonsense in the political life of our country. For
not being understood wrong, I must stress that it was irreversible
nonsense. We missed the opportunity of settling the NK conflict by
dignified peace. Even the common diplomat knows that we must go for
concessions from the strong position. Our positions were stronger in
1997. It seems to me that if there is a political settlement, Armenia,
in particularly Karabakh, won’t have decisive vote any more. The word
«If» in this affirmation is very essential».

Another Former Minister of Armenia Alexander Arzumanian spoke about
Mathew Brayza’s interview in the «Pastark» club
mentioning that he saw «nothing strange’ in declassification of
proposals. In his opinion, the meaning of Brayza’ s interview is;
«that we have already proposed and the presidents of the
countries must be brave to explain this to their people. And they try
to involve the public into dispute, which is indeed a natural
process. If you remember, Levon Ter-Petrosian’s proposal of dispute
led to the changeover of political powers in time. Now a proposal of
dispute is made again».

To the «Azatutiun» b/s question whether Robert Kocharian
would be invited to Washington Mathew Brayza answered; «There
is no reason for Robert Kocharian not to visit Washington. I hope that
we can see in Armenia the same positive steps of democratic reforms as
we see in Azerbaijan». Alexander Arzumanian mentioned on this
occasion; «It is strange when the official of middle section
allows himself to tell Armenia; go and reach to the level of
Azerbaijan then we’ll invite your president. It is a strange slap. I
have spoken for many times, that there isn’t democracy in Armenia, but
saying democracy, I have never mean to be compared with Azerbaijan or
Belarus’.

Speaking on Brayza’s detections to the RA MFA replies, the former
Foreign Minister has said that it simply showed the weakness of our
Foreign Ministry. The MFA wanted by that declaration to remove doubts
but it deepened them, showing that they negotiate today about
territories of the NK security zone, about withdrawal of military
forces from all territories. `What does Karabakh get? To hold a
referendum? That people have already made their decision. This
authority has come to power just for that reason, to settle the
problems of the NK conflict and re-annexation with Armenia. Please,
settle it’, – Alexander Arzumanian recorded the failure of `triumphal’
and `no piece of land’ policy.

TURKISH LAWYER SEEKS CHARGES AGAINST ARMENIAN RELIGIOUS LEADER

AP Worldstream
Jun 29, 2006

A nationalist lawyer said Thursday that he has petitioned prosecutors
to bring an Armenian religious leader to trial for "insulting
Turkishness."

Karekin II, whose official title is Catholicos of All Armenians, made a
visit to the Greek Orthodox leader in Istanbul last week. While calling
for improved relations between the two countries, he repeated Armenia’s
long-held view that the Turks committed genocide against Armenians.

"We can find positive solutions to the problems between us through
working side by side," he said. "The genocide, however, is one of
the issues standing between us."

Turkey vehemently denies that the killing of Armenians by Ottoman
Turks around the time of World War I was genocide, and several cases
have been brought against those who say otherwise. The cases have
been opened under a law making it a crime to "insult Turkishness."

Lawyer Kemal Kerincsiz, who previously led a legal campaign against
novelist Orhan Pamuk, asked an Istanbul prosecutor to bring charges
against Karekin.

It was not clear if prosecutor would act against Karekin, who returned
to Armenia on Wednesday.

Pamuk went on trial after he said in a magazine interview that Turks
had killed 1 million Armenians, but the charges were later dropped.

Armenians say that as many as 1.5 million of their ancestors were
killing in an organized genocidal campaign by Ottoman Turks, and have
pushed for recognition of the killings as genocide around the world.

ZVARTNOTS AIRPORT RESUMES 24-HOUR FLIGHTS HANDLING

Armenpress
Jun 30 2006

YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS: Armenia’s main Zvartnots airport resumes
from July 1 the 24 hour handling of flights that was reduced to late
evening and early morning hours since April 29 to allow a major repair
of its runway.

Gevorg Abrahamian, head of the airport’s press office, said the
3,850 meter-long runway underwent a complete repair concurrently with
replacement of its outdated infrastructure.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 29, 2006

Official English Transcript of the Press Conference by His Holiness
Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians At the
Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople

Kumkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
25 June 2006

The moderator of the press conference was Ms. Luiz Bakar, spokesman for the
Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople. His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob
Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople introduced His Holiness.

His Beatitude Mesrob Mutafian: Welcome, dear friends. His Holiness has
allocated one half hour from his itinerary for today to be with you. He is
here on a pontifical visit upon the joint invitation of the Greek Patriarch
and the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. He will be with us until June
27. Prior to his visit, a number of strange news stories appeared in
various media and news outlets, which caused us amazement. The articles had
stated that the Armenian community and the Patriarchate were anxious with
this visit; however there was no such unease in the community. Up until
this point, the visit has been progressing as planned. The first two days
of the visit, the Catholicos was the guest of the Greek Patriarch, according
to their itinerary; thereafter we visited Armenian churches and the sites
and museums of Istanbul together. Since our time is limited, I request that
there be no repetitions of questions. You may now ask any questions which
you desire.

Question: Your Holiness, you are here as the guest of the Greek Patriarch.
He is making efforts directed at bringing the two Churches closer. What is
your opinion on this and what will be the steps you implement?

His Holiness Karekin II: We are visiting Constantinople upon the invitation
of the Armenian Patriarch and the Greek Ecumenical Patriarch. We have come
on a pontifical visit to the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople and a
fraternal visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As part of our visit (with
the Ecumenical Patriarch), there were meetings between the clergy of our
Churches, where we discussed the theological and dogmatic issues about which
there has been ongoing dialogue for quite a long time; meetings have
occurred and will continue to take place. The purpose of our visit to the
Ecumenical Patriarch was the reinforcement and strengthening of the
brotherly ties between our sister Churches, as well as the continuation of
the existing collaboration between our Churches with a new spirit and new
warmth.

Question: During your meeting with the Governor of Istanbul, you stated
that you are pleased with the regular (airline) flights between Yerevan and
Istanbul, however similar steps must continue. What do mean by `steps’?

His Holiness Karekin II: We expressed our satisfaction that
Yerevan-Istanbul flights occur regularly. As you are aware, our country –
the Republic of Armenia – is inclined to improve relations with Turkey, and
we are certain that as a result (of those improved relations) we will find
solutions. We shall be able to concurrently search for and find solutions
to the issues that exist in the relationship between our two peoples, one
example being the issue of the Genocide, of which you are aware.

Question: As you just mentioned, the issue of the Genocide exists between
Turkey and Armenia. We, meaning the opinion of Turkish society, are not
limited by the Armenians of Armenia. We see three groups of Armenians:
Diaspora, Armenians of Turkey, and Armenia. What are your thoughts? During
these deliberations, whom must Turkey consider? And the Armenians, whom do
they consider – the Turkish government or…? As you know, this issue is
being discussed in certain Turkish intellectual circles. In different
universities, specifically the University of Bilgi, this issue has been
discussed during different symposia where the Armenian Patriarch Mutafian
was also present. Taking the aforementioned into consideration, I want to
ask two questions: Who must represent the Turkish and Armenian sides and
what steps must be taken? And the second question, how do you evaluate the
atmosphere of democratic debate in Turkey?

His Holiness Karekin II: We are one people; dispersed throughout the
world. However, we are a people that have statehood. And naturally, the
Republic of Turkey can discuss these issues and find solutions with the
Republic of Armenia. For 90 years, the issue of the Genocide has been
researched by the academics of the world, and manifold volumes have been
written. For our people, the Genocide is not a matter for research – it is
a reality of fact that happened, which must be recognized. That
(recognition) is naturally the desired option, but a negative position can
also be taken on this issue.

If academic conferences in Turkey are intended to present the actuality of
the Genocide to Turkish society, then it shall be possible to welcome them.
If they are politically motivated, to further the position of denial,
naturally that won’t have a positive influence on resolving this issue. We
are satisfied to see that in the life of Turkish society, within
democratization processes, people are speaking and reflecting on the issue
of the Genocide during the First World War to a certain extent.

Question: During his meeting with the governor of Istanbul, the Catholicos
stated, `A certain amount of progress is noticeable in Turkish society. If
necessary steps are taken, everything can be much better.’ These words were
translated by (Armenian Patriarch) Mutafian. What is lacking in the life of
Turkish society and what did you have in mind?

His Holiness Karekin II: During our conversation with the governor, we have
said that we are pleased, that in the life of ethnic and religious
minorities, as it relates to the Armenian Apostolic Church and the
Ecumenical Patriarchate, some concerns are receiving their positive
solutions. We can see that for many decades, it was impossible to renovate
the (headquarters of the) Patriarchate, and today we see it restored.
Permission has been granted, and churches are being repaired. However, we
noted that there are a certain number of other concerns, the resolution of
which would benefit the greater strengthening of community life. For
example, among these issues are property rights and organizational matters
for educational activities.

Question: The Catholicos stated that the two states must discuss the issue
of the Genocide. However in recent times, discussions were held in Turkey
when two Armenians of Turkey participated, among them Hrant Dink. The law
which was being debated in France, whereby the deniers of the Genocide would
be held criminally liable, was opposed by nine Turkish intellectuals who
sent a letter to France. They asserted that expressing a viewpoint about
the Genocide must not have consequences. This is one example of the fact
that Turkey and Armenia are not alone in debating this issue, and that there
are other states, which make decisions in their parliaments about the
Genocide. In this regard, the issue assumed an international character.
What is your opinion? Is it correct for other states to be drawn into this
matter?

His Holiness Karekin II: Genocide against any nation is not limited to the
life or borders of one people. Genocide does not recognize ethnicity.
Genocide envelopes all of mankind. And for that reason, when similar
actions are being committed in any corner of the world, states and nations
raise their voices in condemnation, to prevent similar incidents in the life
of mankind. Only in this manner will it be possible to keep mankind free
from similar tragedies.

Regarding the first part of the question, that should only Turkey and
Armenia be concerned with this issue, we wish to further clarify that the
Armenian people have statehood. But the issue concerns all Armenians.
Armenians dispersed throughout the world. Every single individual
Armenian. However the body that represents the rights of the nation, and
guarantees those rights, obviously, is the state.

Question: The Catholicos says that the issue of the Genocide for Armenian
society is not one that needs research, rather it is reality. Does this
position not obstruct the resolution of this issue, perhaps, since the
Turkish side continues to deny the Genocide? In other words, is it not
possible to study the Genocide?

His Holiness Karekin II: Obviously, if Turkey denies (the Genocide), it is
impossible to resolve this issue. If the facts are present, then what’s the
point in discussing the necessity to debate the facts? There must be the
will to record, confirm and accept the facts.

Question: What do you propose as a way of resolving this issue?

His Holiness Karekin II: We believe that as many states and countries have
done, Turkey also has the capability to conduct the corresponding studies,
and add its name to that list of many countries, by recognizing the Armenian
Genocide. Armenia has never held similar deliberations with any of the
other countries who have recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide.
Because the facts exist, they can be studied, and based upon those facts, a
decision and position can be made. This cannot be or be proposed to be an
issue which necessitates discussions.

Question: You say that to keep humanity free from the repetition of similar
sorrows, that they must be studied and accepted. But have you ever made a
statement regarding the events taking place in Iraq, which is very close to
both Turkey and Armenia? As you are aware, the intervention of the United
States of America is present there. What do you think about this, and what
are you doing about it?

His Holiness Karekin II: We as a Church, express our voice of indignation
on every occasion when a hand is raised against the greatest treasure of
God’s creation – human life.

Question: You visited the seminary on the Island of Halki. What are you
thoughts, since that seminary is not operating at present?

His Holiness Karekin II: I am pleased with the process of democratization
which is taking place today in the Republic of Turkey. And I am certain
that in time, all those issues will find their positive solutions.

Question: Did you like Istanbul?

His Holiness Karekin II: We have not had the opportunity to see Istanbul.
But in these past few days, we mentioned in our remarks that in Istanbul,
there are many valuable and beautiful buildings, churches, etc. However,
the most valuable, the most beautiful for me is our people, our community,
for whom we are conducting our Pontifical Visit. Having this as our primary
concern, naturally, we have allocated all of our time for the strengthening
of the spiritual life of our people and to the work of reinforcing their
faith. Nevertheless, I am certain that another opportunity will be created,
and we shall be able to have the necessary amount of time to see the sights
of Istanbul. For example, yesterday, we were able to visit the Dolmabahçe
palace museum and the Hagia Sophia, which greatly impressed us.

Question: There is a report that you desired to pray when at the Hagia
Sophia, but were prohibited from doing so.

His Holiness Karekin II: We are not aware of any such occurrence.

Question: From the first day of your visit, there have been protest
demonstrations. What do you think about this?

His Holiness Karekin II: The protest demonstrations in no way affected
neither our mood nor our mission. We would prefer that there be no place
for similar demonstrations in the relationship between our two peoples. We
are destined to live side by side as neighbors, and therefore it is
necessary to cultivate, educate and nurture appropriate relationships
between neighboring peoples. I am convinced that in my next trip, we won’t
see similar demonstrations or expressions. And even if there are protests
such as these, we must understand that we still have work to do, both of us
together, to exclude similar occurrences.

Question: During the Eurovision competition, Turkey gave 10 points to
Armenia. How do you evaluate this fact?

His Holiness Karekin II: We see nothing negative in this.

Question: Is this perhaps a step forward on the part of Turkey?

His Holiness Karekin II: Of course, it is a step, which must be positively
assessed. God willing, that this positive course leads us to the resolution
of the fundamental issue.

Question: Although your visit was not `official’ in nature, you were
received by the governor of Istanbul. An occurrence such has this has not
happened since 1961. What do you think about this? Do you asses this as a
positive step? Were there any other similar offers? If yes, then for what
reason did they not occur?

His Holiness Karekin II: We recognize our meeting with the governor as a
display of his appreciation for the Armenian community, and their important
contributions and service to the life of Turkish society. We have not had
nor do we have any objections to meeting with any state official, whether
the suggestion is made by our community or by any other entity. There was
the concept, at one time, to organize a meeting with the religious leader of
Turkey, but it became unfeasible to bring it to fruition. The reasons being
that the congestion of our itinerary for this trip did not provide the
opportunity.

We express our thanks for this meeting and for such an open discussion. We
wish you all the best.

BAKU AND YEREVAN HAVE REACHED AGREEMENT ON KARABAKH REFERENDUM

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS General Newswire
June 27, 2006 Tuesday 7:07 PM MSK

The issue of the status of Nagorno- Karabakh ought to be solved by a
referendum, and this has already been agreed on between the presidents
of Armenia and Azerbaijan, a statement issued by the Armenian Foreign
Ministry on Tuesday reads.

"The issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh must be resolved by the
people of Nagorno-Karabakh by way of referendum and the differences in
the negotiations have nothing to do with the issue of the referendum,
because this issue has already been agreed on by the presidents,"
the statement says.

"The disagreements concern priorities in dealing with the aftermath
of the armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh," the statement explains.

"The co-chairmen are saying for the first time that the issue of
the status of Nagorno-Karabakh has to be resolved by the people of
Nagorno-Karabakh through a referendum."

"Armenia holds the view that, on the whole, the principles offered
by the co-chairmen of the Minsk OSCE group from Russia, France and
the U.S. are a serious basis for the continuation of talks and we are
ready, on this basis, to have talks with Azerbaijan. Armenia also holds
the view that Azerbaijan’s indecision concerning these elements is
a serious obstacle in achieving progress in talks, and that if such
a policy was to continue Armenia will insist on Azerbaijan having
direct talks with Nagorno-Karabakh."

In addition, the Foreign Ministry stated, "No matter the size of
the military budget of Azerbaijan, it will never be able to make the
people of Nagorno-Karabakh give up their right to freedom and self-
determination."