Author: Kanayan Tamar

LA Times
July 16 2004
Third Defendant Guilty in Slaying of Teen
The 19-year-old is last to be tried in deadly fight outside Glendale
school.
By Arlene Martínez, Times Staff Writer
The last of three defendants was found guilty Thursday of aiding in
an attack that left a 17-year-old dead outside Hoover High School in
Glendale.
Rafael Gevorgyan, 19, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and
faces a maximum of 18 years in prison.
Gevorgyan, who was tried as an adult, has been in custody since his
arrest shortly after the May 5, 2000, fight that broke out between
small groups of Armenians and Latinos. Raul Aguirre, 17, was fatally
stabbed.
In the nonjury trial, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael
Johnson also found that Gevorgyan used a tire iron against Aguirre.
Karen Terteryan, 21, last week pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was
sentenced to 23 years and eight months for his role in the attack.
Anait Ano Msryan was sentenced to seven years in the California Youth
Authority after she pleaded guilty to attempted murder last year.
“It’s taken four years, but for all three justice [was served] and
more importantly for the victim’s family,” said Jane Robison,
spokeswoman for the Los Angeles district attorney’s office.
Gevorgyan’s attorney Andrew Flier said he was considering an appeal.

ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER DISCUSS A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES
MOSCOW, JULY 14, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian delegation, headed by
prime Minister Andranik Margarian that arrived in Moscow on July 12
afternoon on a two-day official visit, laid a wreath on July 13
morning at the Monument toUnknown Soldier, followed by a meeting of
Russian and Armenian prime ministers at the Russian Government. Later
members of Russian and Armenian delegations joined the bilateral
talks.
Prime Minister Andranik Margarian first extended his
congratulations to his Russian counterpart-Mikhail Fradkov, for the
invitation to visit Moscow. Noting that the talks between the two
countries’ delegations usually proceed in the atmosphere of
friendship, frankness and constructiveness, the head of the Armenian
government assured of Armenia government’s readiness to continue
development and strengthening of cooperation between the executive
bodies of the two countries . Andranik Margarian expressed hope that
the friendly relations between the prime ministers of the countries,
both on personal and official levels, will continue with Mikhail
Fradkov as well.
Armenian prime minister expressed his satisfaction over high level
Armenia-Russian cooperation in all areas. According to him, Russia
continues to remain Armenia’s biggest trade and economic partner,
which is promoted alsoby the work of the joint Russian-Armenian
intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation. Margarian
expressed hope that the appointment of a new Russian co-chair of the
commission and its regular meeting will promote coordination and quick
solution to all existing problems in bilateral cooperation.
During the talks the two sides discussed a wide variety of issues,
referring also to the pace of implementation of obligations, set by
the Assets for Debt agreement. Andranik Margarian noted that Armenia
is interested in rapid upgrading and resumption of operation of
enterprises handed over to Russia (to settle Armenia’s $96 million
debt), adding that Armenia is doing everythingto promote it. Russian
prime minister also assured that Russia is likewise interested in this
issue, noting that they are inclined towards a broad andlong-term
interaction in the industrial area through mutually profitable
investments and other means. Mikhail Fradkov informed about the
intention of appointing Russian transport minister Igor Levitin a new
Russian co-chairman in the intergovernmental commission for economic
cooperation. The sides expressed hope that a regular meeting of the
commission will be held before the end of the year.
Russian and Armenian prime ministers discussed also prospects for
deepening cooperation in the area of small and medium-sized
enterprises. Establishment of joint ventures, attraction of Russian
investments in Armenia’s food processing industry, increasing the
volume of agricultural products exportsand imports was mentioned as a
key condition for interaction in agriculture.
A special focus in the talks was on the issues on developing
cooperation in transport and communication. The two sides underscored
that currently there exist a range of unresolved questions, which
impede interaction developments between the sides. Particulalry,
Armenia’s involvement in North-South transport corridor, opening of a
railway ferry line Kavkaz-Poti, the necessity of reopening the
Abkhazia section of the railway were mentioned.
Andranik Margarian and Mikhail Fradkov also referred to one of
themajor directions in bilateral economic cooperation-energy sector
and interaction in gas industry. Armenian prime minister proposed to
discuss possibilities of participation of Russian companies in the
implementation of Armenian gas projects. They also spoke about the
future operation of the fifth unit of Hrazdan Power Plant in Armenia.
Speaking about education and science cooperation, the sides noted,
particulalry the necessity of establishing close cooperation between
the two countries in fundamental and applied researches, information
technologies and establishment of cultural and research centers. The
talks also dwelt on establishing closer contacts between
administrative units of Russia and Armenia, development of cooperation
in military-political, military-technical and other areas.
Noting that current years was rich in bilateral cooperation
eventsand high-level meetings, Russian prime minister noted that the
recent visits to Russia by Armenian president and foreign minister,
followed by the visit byprime minister were also its proof, adding
that the dialogue between the two countries was filled with new
content. He spoke with satisfaction about theincreasing trade volumes,
noting at the same time that having in mind available potential it is
not yet sufficient. Mikhail Fradkov expressed hope that thevisit by
Andranik Margarian will give a new impetus to further development of
Russian-Armenian economic cooperation.
At the close of the meeting Armenian prime minister thanked his
counterpart for constructive and effective dialogue, expressing hope
that the meeting will become an important move towards deepening
Russian-Armenian economic cooperation, inviting Mikhail Fradkov to pay
a visit to Armenia at a suitable time.
Before the end of the talks Armenian education and science minister
and his Russian counterpart signed an agreement on cooperation in
education. Then prime ministers held a joint news conference, during
which Andranik Margarian first thanked his counterpart for the
invitation and the warm welcome. Assessing highly the progress in
cooperation between Russian and Armenian governments, he expressed
confidence that it will continue with the same pace, basing on
centuries-long friendship between Russians and Armenians and the two
countries’ strategic interaction. Margarian also mentioned with
satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the two countries
in all areas, saying that Russia continues to remain Armenia’s main
trade and economic partner.
He said the talks encompassed a wide scope of issues and several
agreements were reached for further development of cooperation. He
added that he and Russian prime minister agreed to hold frequent
meetings, to have more active contacts which will help efficient
solution to issues demanding constant attention. The Armenian prime
minister also spoke about Nagorno Karabagh conflict regulation,
economic and other issues.
Then an official dinner was given in the honor of the Armenian
prime minister by Russian prime minister Fradkov. Armenian prime
minister also attended the Armenia pavilion at the Pan-Russian
Exhibition Center. The Armenian side proposed that an agreement on
long-term lease of the pavilion be signed, asits operation has
increased the trade turnover between the countries by $3 million.
Today Andranik Margarian is scheduled to meet with the chairman
ofRussian state Duma (parliament) Sergey Mironov.

Armenia displeased with OSCE’s new decision-making rules – MP
Arminfo
12 Jul 04
YEREVAN
The refusal of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to adopt decisions on
the basis of a consensus can lead to the diktat of super powers in
this organization, which does not correspond to Armenia’s interests,
the head of the Armenian delegation in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
and deputy speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, Vaan Ovanesyan,
told a news conference today.
He said that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is gradually losing its
role in peace processes. “The main mission of the OSCE is to ensure
security, which now occupies a secondary place in the activities of
this organization. This organization has started to deal with issues
which, in principle, are not in the sphere of its activities,” the
deputy speaker stated.
Vaan Ovanesyan said that such organizations as the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe [PACE] or the Parliamentary Assembly
of NATO are already claiming the role of the OSCE Parliamentary
Assembly. “Naturally, high-ranking officials of the OSCE Parliamentary
Assembly, who receive high salaries, are doing everything possible to
speed up the role of this organization in international
processes. This is the reason for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s
proposal to give up decision-making on the basis of a consensus,” the
head of the Armenian delegation stated.
Vaan Ovanesyan also stressed that if the new rules of the OSCE
Parliamentary Assembly are unacceptable to Armenia, the republic will
have the right to suspend its membership of this organization.

Armenian journalists on fact-finding visit to border area
Noyan Tapan news agency
6 Jul 04

Yerevan, 6 July: About 70 representatives of the Armenian media have
paid a one-day visit to the border region where the 3rd army corps of
the Armenian armed forces is deployed.
The press service of the Armenian Defence Ministry told a Noyan Tapan
correspondent that the reason for visiting the border section in
Tavush District was a truce violation by the Azerbaijani side. Two
cases of that have also been registered in the area of a pump station
close to the village of Berkaber of Idzhevan Region [northeast
Armenia], where two Armenian servicemen were killed in the enemy fire.
After these incidents there were rumours about the growth of tension
between the Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces along the contact
line. To refute that, the administration of the Defence Ministry
organized this visit.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
July 6 2004
EU COMMISSIONER YANESH POTOCHNIK ARRIVED IN BAKU
[July 06, 2004, 22:53:44]
The EU commissioner on enlargement issues Yanesh Potochnik has
arrived in Azerbaijan, 6 July.
In the frame of his visit, the guest will meet Prime Minister of
Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade, Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament Murtuz
Alaskarov, foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov, as well as
representatives of political parties.
Discussed are expected the issues of Azerbaijan’s integration to
Europe, the priorities of Europe New Neighborhood Policy, ways of
settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict and
others.
Mr. Yanesh Potochnik is also to visit the children house in Saray
settlement of Absheron district.

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
July 1, 2004
FOR COOPERATION
By the invitation of State University of Vladimir, Russian
Federation, and the local Armenian community the delegation of
Artsakh State University headed by rector Hamlet Grigorian left for
Vladimir. The aim of the visit, as Hamlet Grigorian mentioned, is to
try to establish cooperation between the two universities and
exchange experience. “I think cooperation between the universities of
different countries and exchange of experience will only help to
raise the quality of education and develop,” said H. Grigorian.
LAURA GRIGORIAN

Kurd Issue Likely to Fuel Chaos in Future Iraq
Amir Taheri, Arab News
Arab News
June 22 2004
With the end of the 14-month occupation, Iraq is likely to be faced,
once again, with some of the problems it has had ever since it was
put on the map as a nation-state in 1921.
The most complex of these concerns the Kurds whose leaders are playing
a game of bluff and counter bluff in the hope of exacting maximum
advantage in a period of uncertainty.
Both Massoud Barzani and Jalal Talabani, the two most prominent leaders
of the Iraqi Kurds, have dropped hints that they might decide to
“part ways” if their demand for a Kurdish veto on some key national
decisions is not included in the new constitution.
This may or may not be a bluff. But the threat of Kurdish secession
has already met with two different reactions from Iraq’s non-Kurdish
leadership elite.
Some Iraqi Arab leaders are horrified at the thought of the Kurdish
problem dominating the nation’s agenda once again. They are prepared
to do all they reasonably can to satisfy Kurdish demands within a
multi-ethnic pluralist system.
Others, however, manifest some frustration against the Kurds.
“The Kurds have been the source of all our national miseries from
the start,” says one Iraqi Arab leader on condition of anonymity. “We
became involved in several wars because of them. We also had to submit
to dictators because we believed they would prevent the Kurds from
secession. But now that Iraq is free why should we return to the
failed policies of the past just to keep the Kurds under our flag?”
Many Iraqis, and some policy-makers in Washington, see the Kurdish
secession as the worst case scenario for the newly-liberated nation.
Barzani and Talabani, arguably the most experienced politicians in
Iraq today, know this and try to exploit such fears.
A closer look at the reality of the situation, however, would show that
there is little chance for a breakaway Kurdish state in northern Iraq.
There are several reasons for this. To start with Iraqi Kurds do not
constitute a single ethnic entity let alone a “nation” in the accepted
sense of the term.
Iraqi Kurds speak two different, though mutually intelligible,
languages, each of which is divided into several sub-dialects, with
distinct literally and cultural traditions.
Iraqi Kurds are also divided into half a dozen religious communities,
including a number of heterodox creeds.
Some of the people generally labelled “Kurdish” are, in fact
ethnic Lurs and Elamites with their distinct languages, cultures
and histories. At the same time the predominantly Kurdish area is
also home to some non-Kurdish communities, including ethnic Arabs,
Turcomans, Assyrians and Armenians.
To make matters more complicated, at least a third of Iraqi Kurds live
outside the area that might one day become an independent Kurdish
state. (There are more than a million Kurds in greater Baghdad,
for example.) The creation of a breakaway Kurdish state in Iraq
could trigger a process of ethnic cleansing, population exchanges,
and displacements that could plunge the whole region into years
of conflict.
A Kurdish mini-state in northeastern Iraq might not even be viable.
It would be landlocked and will have few natural resources.
Almost all of Iraq’s major oil fields fall outside the area under
discussion. Also, the area’s water resources would be vulnerable to
manipulation from Turkey and Iran where the principal rivers originate.
But what about a greater Kurdistan, encompassing all who describe
themselves as Kurds? After all there are millions of people who,
despite the objective diversity of their languages, histories, and
ways of life, feel themselves to be Kurds.
Such a state, including Kurds in Syria, Turkey, Iran, Armenia and
Azerbaijan as well as Iraq, would have a population of 30 million
in an area the size of France. To create this greater Kurdistan one
would have to reorganize a good part of the Middle East and re-draw
the borders of six states, including the two largest in the region:
Turkey and Iran. Even then the greater Kurdistan would still be a
weak landlocked state with few natural resources, and surrounded by
powers that, if not hostile, would not go out of their ways to help
it get along.
Such a greater Kurdistan would face numerous internal problems also.
To start with it will have to decide which of the four alphabets in
use for writing the various Kurdish languages should be adopted as
the national one.
If the view of the majority is to prevail the alphabet chosen should be
Turkish because almost half of all Kurds live in Turkey. At the same
time, however, the bulk of Kurdish historic, literary, political,
religious and other significant texts are written in the Persian
alphabet, itself an expanded version of the Arabic. And where would
be the capital of the greater Kurdistan?
If history, myth and, to some extent, the number of inhabitants,
are the yardsticks the Iranian cities of Sanandaj and Mahabad would
be strong candidates. And, yet, the city with the largest number
of Kurdish inhabitants is Istanbul, Turkey’s cultural and business
capital which is home to more than 1.6 million ethnic Kurds.
In a greater Kurdistan the intellectual elite would come from Iran and
the business elite from Turkey. Would they then allow Iraqi Kurds to
provide the political elite? That is hardly likely. What is certain,
however, is that in a greater Kurdistan Barzani and Talabani, now big
fish in the smaller Iraqi pond, could end up as small fish in a much
bigger pond.
All that means that Barzani and Talabani have no interest, personal
or otherwise, to provoke the disintegration of Iraq only to end up
as local player in a bigger Kurdish state. Nor do a majority of Iraqi
Kurds have an interest in leaving Iraq now that it has, for the first
time, a real opportunity to build a state in which Kurds can enjoy
full autonomy plus a leading position in national power structures.
The experience of the 3.5 million Iraqi Kurds who have lived a life
of full autonomy thanks to US-led protection since 1991 is a mixed
one. The area was divided into two halves, one led by Barzani the other
by Talabani, showing that even limited unity was hard to achieve in a
corner of Iraq let alone throughout the vast region where the Kurds
live. The two mini-states respectively led by Barzani and Talabani
developed a complex pattern of shifting alliances in which, at times,
one allied itself with Saddam Hussein against the other. The two
mini-states even became involved in numerous battles, including a
full-scale war.
Like pan-Arabism and its promise of unity, Kurdish unification is
easy to talk about but hard to implement even on a small scale.
Barzani and Talabani should stop bluffing about “walking away”. Other
Iraqis, meanwhile, should realize that a shrunken Iraq, that is to
say minus its Kurds, would be a vulnerable mini-state in a dangerous
neighborhood.
The preservation of Iraq’s unity is in the interests of both Kurds
and Arabs. It is also in the best interest of regional peace.
At the start of the 21st century, the Kurds cannot pursue their
legitimate aspirations through the prism of 19th century romantic
nationalism which has mothered so many wars and tragedies all over
the world.
The Kurds, wherever they live, must be able to speak their languages,
develop their culture, practice their religions and generally run
their own affairs as they deem fit. These are inalienable human rights,
and the newly-liberated Iraq may be the only place, at least for the
time being, where the Kurds can exercise those rights.
In other words this is not the time for the Kurds to think of leaving
Iraq nor for other Iraqis to deny the legitimate rights of their
Kurdish brethren.
;section=0&article=47218&d=23&m=6&y=2004

Creativity Required: Surname Spellings & Variations
geneaology.about.com
June 22 2004
When we think of tracing our family tree, we often envision following
our surname back thousands of years to the first bearer of the name.
In our neat and tidy dream, each successive generation bears the same
surname – spelled exactly the same way in each and every record –
until we reach the dawn of man.
The dream comes to an end, however, when confronted with the
cold hard facts of genealogy research. For the majority of human
existence surnames were not even used. According to legends, China
first initiated the custom of using surnames during the reign of
Emperor Fu Xi (2852BC), but their use didn’t begin in the European
world until about the eleventh century, with some patronymic surnames
in Scandinavia bestowed as late as the nineteenth century. Surnames,
for the most part, evolved during the past eight hundred years to help
distinguish one person from another as the world’s population grew.
The acquisition of surnames has been influenced by many factors,
including social class, naming practices and patterns, and even
unusual events.
Even tracing your ancestors back to the point where they first
acquired surnames can be a challenge as surname spelling and
pronunciation has evolved over centuries, making it unlikely that
your present surname is the same as the original surname bestowed
on your distant ancestor. You may have a slight spelling variation
of the original name, an anglicized version, or even a completely
different surname. This may have occurred for such reasons as:
Illiteracy – the further back you go in your research, the more
you will find cases of ancestors who couldn’t read and write. Many
didn’t even know how their own names were spelled, only how to
pronounce them. Therefore, when they gave their names to clerks,
census enumerators, clergymen, or other officials, that person wrote
the name the way that it sounded to him. Even if they did have the
spelling memorized, the person recording the information may not have
asked. Example: the German HEYER has become HYER, HIER, HIRE, HIRES,
HIERS, etc.
Simplification – Immigrants, upon arrival in a new country, often
found that their name was difficult for others to spell or pronounce.
Therefore, they often simplified the spelling or altered their names
to relate them more closely to the language and pronunciations of
their new country. Example: the German ALBRECHT becomes ALBRIGHT,
or the Swedish JONSSON becomes JOHNSON
Necessity – Those from countries with alphabets other than Latin had
to transliterate them, producing many variations on the same name.
Example: the Ukranian surname ZHADKOWSKYI became ZADKOWSKI
Mispronunciation – Letters within a surname were often confused due to
verbal miscommunication or heavy accents. Example: depending upon the
accents of both the person speaking the name and the person writing
it down, KROEBER could become GROVER or CROWER
Desire to Fit In – Many foreigners changed their names in some way to
assimilate into their new country and culture. The most usual change
of surname was to translate the meaning of their surname into the
new language. Example: the Irish BREHONY became JUDGE
Desire to Break with the Past – Immigration was sometimes prompted in
one way or another by a desire to break with or escape the past. For
some immigrants this included ridding themselves of anything, including
their name, which reminded them of an unhappy life in the old country.
Example: Mexicans fleeing to America to escape the revolution
Dislike of Surname – People forced by governments to adopt surnames
which were not a part of their culture or were not of their choosing
would often shed themselves of such names at the first opportunity.
Example: Armenians forced by the Turkish government to give up their
traditional surnames and adopt new “Turkish” surnames would revert back
to their original surnames, or some variation, upon emigration/escape
from Turkey
Fear of Discrimination – Surname changes and modifications can
sometimes be attributed to a desire to conceal nationality or
religious orientation in fear of reprisal or discrimination. This
motive constantly appears among the Jews, who often faced
anti-Semitism. Example: the Jewish surname COHEN changed to COHN/KAHN
or WOLFSHEIMER shortened to WOLF

Gul: We Must Take Strength From Our Common Heritage Which Offers A
Rational And Humanistic Understanding Of The World
Anadolu Agency:
6/14/2004
ISTANBUL – Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah
Gul said on Monday, “as the Islamic countries, we must take strength
from our common heritage which offers a rational and humanistic
understanding of the world.”
Speaking at the 31st session of Islamic Conference of Foreign
Ministers in Istanbul, Gul said, “we meet again at a very crucial
time. The Arab-Israeli conflict with the question of Palestine at
its core is bleeding hopes away. Iraq has yet to show a genuine sign
towards stability. Africa`s problems remain to be solved. Terrorism is
expanding its scope and intensifying in ferocity. Sense of security
is fast diminishing. The continuing political, social and economic
deprivation is bringing greater instability. Those preaching clash of
civilizations are winning more attentive ears. Prejudices, fanaticism
and discrimination are everywhere. And, insecurity is now threatening
a global economic downturn.”
“We, as the Islamic countries, are affected by all these issues
directly. Therefore, we need to rise to the challenge. This is not
a matter of choice; it is a mission dictated by our common heritage
and our deep sense of history. Our task may be difficult. However,
we must not fall to desperation. We must take strength from our common
heritage which offers a rational and humanistic understanding of the
world. This quality of Islamic culture and tradition has produced
remarkable achievements in the past. But it is not enough to content
ourselves with the old times. Our present challenge is to work for
similar achievements today and in the future,” he said.
Gul noted, “it is gratifying to see that many fellow OIC members feel
the need for improved quality of political and social standards.
Even within the past one year, we have witnessed individual and
collective efforts towards this end.”
“There has been an increasing interest both in the West and the
East in Turkey`s experience in harmonizing contemporary values with
the traditional identity. Indeed, human rights, gender equality and
realization of universal standards including the European political
criteria by a Muslim society has been welcomed by all,” he stressed.
Gul listed common values as, “the sovereign nations that make up
the OIC are determined to further the political, economic, social
and cultural progress of their societies; equality and freedom
of their citizens is their cherished principle; transparency and
accountability are guiding principles of good governance; broadening
the representative nature and democratic practices of government is
a constant objective; providing contemporary education to all its
citizens is an essential function of the government; and sustainable
economic and social development should be pursued vigorously and
efforts should be deployed in reducing poverty.”
He enumerated collective efforts as, “the OIC members should assist
each other in their efforts for progress and reform; the OIC,
as an institution, should devise ways and means for supporting the
reforms in a collective framework; also for the purpose of shouldering
these tasks, the OIC needs to make a determined effort to adapt its
secretariat to the growing demands of today.”
“The OIC should develop and increase institutional relations with
other regional organizations such as the Arab League, the Economic
Cooperation Organization, the D-8, the Gulf Cooperation Council,
the African Union, the ASEAN, the European Union (EU), the Council
of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe,
and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, for the purpose
of fostering intra and inter-regional cooperation and for drawing
expertise and resources for the OIC members` national projects. These
institutional relations should also help strengthen global harmony
and attract meaningful interest in the settlement of the regional
disputes,” he said.
Gul added, “I also look forward to the convening of the second OIC-EU
joint forum in Istanbul next October. This meeting will take place at
a time when the need for cooperation and mutual understanding becomes
more important than ever.”
GUL: IT IS TIME FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ENGAGE IN DIRECT
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAS CONTACTS WITH TURKISH CYPRIOTS
Gul said, “the United Nations Settlement Plan was overwhelmingly
rejected by the Greek Cypriot side on April 24, 2004, while the
Turkish Cypriots approved it with a clear majority. This vote has
fundamentally changed the circumstances in Cyprus. The international
organizations and many countries expressed regret over the Greek
Cypriot attitude. They all welcomed the Turkish Cypriots` determination
for the settlement.”
“OIC Secretary General Dr. Belkeziz reported that the international
community, and the Muslim countries in particular, should work
together to address the plight of the Turkish Cypriots by supporting
them materially and politically. Also, the first ever official visit
of the OIC Secretary General on May 28, 2004 to the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus was most timely and meaningful. I commend this
action of solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots,” he stressed.
Gul noted, “The United Nations Secretary-General, in his recent report,
calls on all states to cooperate both bilaterally and in international
bodies to eliminate restrictions and barriers that have the effect
of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development.”
“Now it is high time for the international community to give full
backing to the Turkish Cypriots by engaging in direct economic,
commercial, social and cultural contacts with them. The EU and the
United States have already taken some steps with a view to putting
an end to the isolation of Turkish Cypriots,” he emphasized.
Gul added, “our current meeting is an opportunity for this organization
and the Islamic World to extend full support to Turkish Cypriot Muslim
brothers, so as to put an end to their isolation.”
GUL: IRAQ REMAINS INSECURE AND VOLATILE
Gul said, “Iraq now has an interim government that will assume
sovereignty by the end of this month. We wish this government to be
successful. We wish they prove to serve the collective interests of
the Iraqi people in their entirety. We wish they remain conscious
that the source of legitimacy of this interim government ultimately
lies with the people.”
“I commend Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, the Special Advisor of the United
Nations Secretary General, is helping move forward the transition in
Iraq. I hope the United Nations will be able to play its independent
and effective role in assisting the Iraqis in institution-building
and election preparation in the months ahead,” he said.
Gul stressed, “Iraq meanwhile remains insecure and volatile. Violence
and terror in Iraq need to be dealt with. This is essential for the
transformation and the rebuilding of the country. The international
community should support the Iraqi people in this process. It is a
moral obligation for us. It is also an investment for regional peace
and stability. In this respect, we welcome the unanimously adopted
UN Security Council resolution 1546.”
“The neighboring countries of Iraq have supported this country`s
free and peaceful future since the onset of the Iraqi crisis. This
continuing joint initiative is a great asset for the integrity and
the stability of Iraq,” he said.
Gul added, “the OIC has a meaningful role to play in Iraq.
Furthermore, UN Security Council Resolution 1546 calls upon
international and regional organizations to contribute to Iraq`s
stability. Therefore, we should elaborate on ways on how to assist
the political process as well as the humanitarian needs in Iraq.
Turkey, during its Chairmanship of the ICFM, will pay particular
attention to this point.”
GUL: I BELIEVE FULL SUPPORT WILL BE EXPENDED TO IHSANOGLU
Gul said, “Ihsanoglu has long been a household name for our
organization as the successful director general of IRCICA. I do not
need to repeat here what we all already know about this professional,
academic and administrative credentials. I am confident that the will
have more to offer as the Secretary-General of the Organization.”
“My government has an increasing interest in revitalizing the OIC
and its Secretariat. The OIC needs to continue to move forward as an
institution. We want to contribute to this in every possible way we
can. It is in this spirit that my Government has decided to nominate
a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the OIC,” he noted.
Gul said, “Turkey will do its utmost over the next year as the Chairman
of the ICFM to rise up to the challenges facing the Organization. We
are confident that we can count on your full support.”
“The question of Palestine has become even more acute over
the past year. Violence claimed many more innocent lives. The
destruction brought by the policies of Israel deprived thousands
of more Palestinians of even minimum requirements for living. The
Palestinian Authority remains mainly incapacitated. Turkey has
all along stated that the employment of terror, suicide missions,
targeted assassinations and deliberate destruction can bring no good
to any party either now or in the longer run. I would like to draw
the attention of the international community once more to the urgency
of the solution of this problem which, coupled with the situation in
Iraq, continues to undermine global peace and harmony,” Gul noted.
Abdullah Gul stressed that, “in this regard, I commend the initiative
taken by Malaysia, the OIC Summit Chairman. The Special Ministerial
meeting held last April has led to a well-organized diplomatic
activity. The OIC Ministerial delegation, including Turkey, has thus
far met three of the four Quartet partners. Our message to the sponsors
of the road-map has been clear. The OIC will actively stand behind
genuine movement towards settlement, and the OIC will be watchful of
all concerned parties.”
He said, “inspired also by the Arab Peace Initiative, based on the
wise ideas of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the OIC can
oversee the process to achieve the two-state solution between Israel
and Palestine. We can do the same for Israel`s peace with Syria and
Lebanon, based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. This
can be achieved through the OIC mechanisms already available. Thus,
the OIC, from its political and moral high ground, can offer full
normalization and cooperation in the region.”
-AFRICA-
Gul said, “Africa needs our particular attention. The longstanding
problems of economic development, health and famine continue to
undermine the nations of this continent. Regional conflicts make their
challenges even more difficult. The need to support sustainable
development and social progress in Africa is an international
responsibility of which we need to take our share.”
-AFGHANISTAN-
“Concerning Afghanistan, we are pleased that the Bonn process is
being implemented successfully despite difficulties. Adoption of the
new constitution is an important step towards the establishment of a
new political structure in Afghanistan. With the upcoming elections
in September, a new chapter will be opened. To maintain the pace
of this progress, Afghanistan needs the continued commitment of
the international community. Turkey will continue its support to
Afghanistan,” Gul noted.
-JAMMU AND KASHMIR-
Foreign Minister Gul said “we remained concerned by the ongoing
situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Its people have already suffered
greatly. This question undermines the stability of the whole region.
We look forward to a peaceful solution to this question through
dialogue, on the basis of international legitimacy. The human rights
of the Kahsmiri people should be fully respected and their will
honored as mandated by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The recent moves made by both Pakistan and India and the process of
“composite dialogue” have increased our hopes. We commend Pakistan
for its continued efforts to sustain this dialogue. We wish to see
these efforts will be crowned with success this time.”
-AZERI-ARMENIAN CONFLICT-
Gul stressed that the Azeri-Armenian conflict still stands as
one of the principle obstacles to regional stability, prosperity
and cooperation in Southern Caucasia. The time has come to find a
peaceful solution to this conflict within the territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan. The Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories
has to be brought to an end. This is in the interest of the regional
countries as well as the international community. Turkey is ready to
play its role in settling this issue.
“International terrorism is widening its reach and increasing in
ferocity. It continues to claim lives and hopes around the world.
Terrorism has not religion, ethnicity or culture. It is an affront
to the humanity. Therefore, it must be fought back resolutely,”
he pointed out
-MUSLIM MINORITY-
“For many years, the OIC has been monitoring the conditions of the
Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace. This minority has vested
rights based on bilateral agreements and international instruments.
However, they are not yet able to enjoy these basic minority rights
to the full extend. The OIC therefore needs to continue to follow
the Turkish Muslim minority`s plight closely. I hope my Government`s
improving relations and dialogue with Greece will also contribute to
the betterment of this minority`s conditions,” Gul stated.
-ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OF OIC-
“The economic and commercial activities of the OIC constitute one
of the main pillars of our cooperation. The Standing Committee for
Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), chaired by the President
of Turkey, has been a highly effective instrument in this respect. And
this year marks the 20th anniversary of its inception. A special
meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade will be organized to mark
this and to evaluate the perspectives of further economic-commercial
cooperation among us,” Gul said.
Gul emphasized, “this year, we are also pleased to see the Framework
Agreement for the Trade Preferential System among the Member Countries
of the OIC coming into force. This is indeed a landmark. The Trade
Negotiating Committee formed under this agreement has also held its
first meeting recently in Turkey.”
“In this respect, I would also like to express my Government`s
continued support for the activities of the two successful subsidiary
organs of the OIC hosted by Turkey, namely IRCICA and SESRTCIC,”
he noted.
Gul said, “I tried to address a number of major issues for our
organization. Many more vital matters constitute part of our agenda.
Dealing with these requires year-round dedication and hard work. That
is where the role of the Secretariat becomes crucial.

WORLD BANK TO REVIEW AND APPROVE NEW LOAN PROGRAM FOR ARMENIA
ArmenPress
June 10 2004
YEREVAN, JUNE 10, ARMENPRESS: The World Bank Board of Directors
is set to review and approve today a four year loan program for
assisting Armenia. WB Resident Representative Rodger Robinson is
to represent Armenia at the meeting. Armenian finance and economy
minister Vartan Khachatrian said earlier that the government expects
to receive around $200 million from World Bank in the four years to
come for implementation of strategic projects.
Vigen Sarkisian, a spokesman for World Bank Yerevan office, said
three additional projects, related to health, social security and
dam reinforcement, worth $30 million, will be also submitted to the
Board of Directors’ consideration.
World Bank has made available a total of $788 million to Armenia
for implementation of 33 projects since 1992, when Armenia joined
this organization.