Author: Karapetian Hovik

Reporters without borders (press release), France
Oct 14 2006

Reporters Without Borders regrets adoption of law making it a crime
to deny Turkish genocide against Armenians

Reporters Without Borders can only regret the adoption by the French
National Assembly, on 12 October 2006, of a draft law making denial
of the Armenian genocide a crime. It will now be punishable by five
years in jail and 45,000 euros fine.

The law complements that of 19 January 2001 in which France publicly
recognised the 1915 Armenian genocide.

`There is obviously no question of going back on the recognition of
the Armenian genocide, but legislating on it will expose anyone
denying it to harsh judicial penalties set out by the 18 July 1881
law on press freedom (Article 24a). Memorial laws contribute to the
creation of an official historical truth. This practice is
incompatible with France’s fundamental values, starting with freedom
of expression,’ said the organisation.

`Not only is it absurd that free expression – however contestable and
that is not the question – should be submitted to a constraint which
is also an additional threat, but it seems to us that this legalistic
concept of history will be much more likely to stoke up antagonism
rather than promote debate.

`It is particularly symbolic that this vote should have been held on
the same day of the awarding of the Nobel Prize for literature to
Orhan Pamuk, who was himself taken to court by the Turkish
authorities for having raised the issue of this genocide,’ Reporters
Without Borders stressed.

Reporters Without Borders hopes that senators due to examine the law
at the second reading, will show less attention to forthcoming
elections and will have the wisdom to reject it. If not it could have
incalculable consequences for all historians and of course for press
freedom.

GrandPrix, NY
Oct 13 2006

The politics of Turkey and the F1 world

Mehmet Ali Talat, the man who caused the ongoing F1 Podium Crisis in
Turkey, has told the Associated Press that the FIA’s fine was "very
unfair, really very unfair and not acceptable". Talat said that he
was watching the race and was asked if he could hand over the
winner’s trophy. He was introduced as "the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus", an entity which the United Nations says
is "legally invalid".

"It was just a very innocent act," Talat said.

Others do not agree.

A spokesman for the government of Cyprus called the gesture an
"unacceptable and provocative theatrical performance organised by
Ankara" and said that the Turks had "deceived the FIA and tried to
exploit for political purposes a purely sporting event, through
provocative manoeuvres and absurd propaganda methods."

The FIA reacted by saying that "political neutrality is fundamental
to the FIA’s role as the governing body of international motor sport.
No compromise or violation of this neutrality is acceptable" but then
the FIA World Council decided to fine the Turks $5m rather than take
stronger action.

Talat’s remarks are unlikely to have much effect on the FIA
International Court of Appeal which must now decide whether the fine
is fair or not. If the Turks are allowed to get away with such a
provocative gesture, it is entirely possible that other nations will
decide to use Grands Prix as propaganda tools. If the fine is
confirmed the race may end up being threatened and that will have an
economic impact on the Formula One group. That is not a long-term
problem as there are plenty of other races that could step in,
although the Turkish track is a real challenge and it will be a shame
if it is lost.

The question is of key importance to the FIA as it will give a clear
sign as to whether the federation will allow its premier championship
to be used as a propaganda tool or whether it stands by its founding
principles and demands political neutrality at races.

While the FIA needs to consider the implications of its decisions
very carefully, Turkey itself needs to decide whether or not it
really wants to have a Grand Prix. The idea of the race was to
attract more tourists to the country. In addition to the immediate
financial gain, there is no question that the event was also about
giving Turkey a better international image which would, perhaps,
soften attitudes in Europe about Turkey’s desire to be a member of
the European Union.

Turkey has been trying to join Europe since 1959 but actual
negotiations did not begin until the end of last year. Europeans in
favour of the idea argue that Turkey’s vibrant economy and its move
to modernise is a big opportunity for Europe, that Turkey has been a
strong ally in NATO and that turning it into a stable secular
democracy would be a good example for Middle Eastern countries.

Those opposed to the idea argue that a big Muslim country – located
largely in Asia – has no place in Europe. The Turks have not helped
matters with their attitude to Cyprus, not to mention questions over
religious and ethnic discrimination and human rights. Public opinion
in Europe is largely against the idea with less than 40% of EU
citizens in favour. In order for the Turks to become part of Europe
all member states must agree. Several countries have already made it
clear that they would have referendums. France – up to now one of
Turkey’s biggest supporters – yesterday approved a bill which makes
it a crime to deny that Armenians were the victims of genocide
between 1915-1918 when it is claimed 1.5m Armenians were killed. Even
pro-Turkish French President Jacques Chirac says that Turkey must
recognise the Armenian genocide as a pre-condition of EU membership.
There is also a report due from the European Commission which is
expected to highlight the fact that Turkey is not doing enough in
terms of reform. Faced with Europe’s attitude, Turkish nationalists
have adopted a harder line in recent times and against this backdrop
the events on the podium in Istanbul are significant.

Ironically, if nationalism increases and the idea of EU membership
fades, there is less reason to have a Grand Prix.

AZG Armenian Daily #196, 14/10/2006

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RA GOVERNMENT HANDS MANAGEMENT OF HAYPOST TO DUTCH ING COMPANY

Andranik Manukian, RA Transport and Communication Minister, informed
at yesterday’s press conference that RA Government hasn’t received any
official application letter from OTE Greek Company. He said that they
have promised to submit the competition results next week. He added
that the purchase of "ArmenTel" cant’ take place without the consent
of RA Government.

Besides, he said that Ra Government handed the management of "HayPost"
to Dutch ING company. As for the fact of handing the management of
"HayPost" to "Converse Invest" company a year ago, Mr. Manukian said
that if needed this company can consider the government decision to
hand "HayPost" to Dutch ING company at the court. At the same time, he
added that within a year, "Converse Invest" made investments in the
company and will certainly get their share of profits.

By Ara Martirosian

A1+

DEPUTY ATTACKED THE JOURNALIST
[05:02 pm] 13 October, 2006

more images Today another incident took place in the Parliament; one
more deputy-businessman threatened a journalist.

Learning from his colleagues who was the journalist of newspaper
`Aravot’, NA Deputy Nahapet Gevorgyan from the Republic party (from
the electoral area N30) approached Anna Israyelyan and tried to «get
even with her» for an article about him the author of which was not
Anna Israyelyan. The article in question was the one published in
«Aravot» by journalist Naira Mamikonyan where his name had been
mentioned.

When Anna Israyelyan tried to find out if the deputy knew whom he was
talking to (i.e. she was not Naira Mamikonyan), Nahapet Gevorgyan
started to shout, «Shut up, or I’ll hit you», and tried to put his
words into execution. At that very moment secretary of «Justice»
faction Grigor Haroutyunyan took him away from the hall. But even
after that foul words could be heard from the corridor.

Presently, thanks to the efforts of leader of the United Labor party
faction Gourgen Arsenyan Nahapet Gevorgyan finally apologized to Anna
Israyelyan in the corridor.

Escambray, Cuba
Oct 13 2006

Charles Aznavour and Chucho Valdes to Record Together in Cuba

Charles Aznavour, a giant of French music, is in Havana recording an
album with the virtuoso Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdes. The
disc will have a romantic focus featuring the warm voice of Aznavour,
82, fused with the tropical rhythms of Cuba.

Aznavour arrived to Cuba on Sunday and is practicing 11 songs with
Valdes to prepare for recording, starting next week. The disc is
scheduled for release in February or March of 2007 and features an
instrumental piece, said Valdes in an interview with AFP.

"He [Aznavour] is an idol in Europe and Latin America. I was very
familiar with his music because I have always liked his work," said
the Cuban composer during a break in rehearsal.

Chucho Valdes arranged all the songs on the album that will be
recorded in Havana’s Abdala studio. A monster in his own right,
Valdes, with five Grammies under his belt, turned 65 last Monday.

During the interview, Valdes said the songs are about love and life.
"They are new songs, lovely, beautiful, that carry the hallmark of
Aznavour but with a Latin, Cuban touch.

"Being familiar with his repertoire, with his style, we have been
able to come together in a great way and the practices are turning
out beautifully."

Aznavour, the son of Armenian immigrants and whose real name is
Aznavourian, collaborated with another Cuban musician in 2002, Compay
Segundo (Francisco Repilado, d. July 13, 2003), with whom he recorded
the song Morir de amor (Dying from love) on the album Duets.

Aznavour was born in Paris on May 22, 1924. Edith Piaf, who called
him "the stupid genius," gave him his first big break when he
accompanied her on piano from 1946 to 1954. He has 740 songs in his
repertoire including 350 in French and 150 in English.

The songwriter-composer, who has also been an actor both on
television and the silver screen, is well known for English hits like
She, Dance in the Old Fashioned Way, and the French hits, Apres
l’amour, J’Ai Perdu la Tete, J’en Deduis Que Je t’Aime and Bon
Anniversaire.

"He’s a giant. It has been a great honor to be asked to participate
in this very original project. We have chosen rhythms from the Cuban
romantic genres and adopted them for him," said Chucho Valdes.

Aznavour came up with the idea to record with Valdes when he was in
France this year playing a concert with French composer-pianist
Michel Legrand.

Chucho Valdes said that the record will feature many different
converging rhythms: "The work is so special that it would be hard to
categorize it as a certain genre; there are new elements, rhythms
adopted that give the songs a new sonority."

"We can’t say that there are Cha cha chas, boleros, habaneras,
because the sound we are making has nothing to do with these rhythms;
instead, it is romantic music with a Cuban rhythm."

Chucho brings along his quartet for the musical accompaniment on the
record along with a horn and percussion section. "This is a very
original project […] Aznavour is enjoying it as much as we are."

Jesus (Chucho) Valdes is considered one of the best pianists in the
world and is a renowned orchestra director and composer of such
masterpieces as Mambo Influenciado and Misa Negra.

He is also one of the most transcendental figures in jazz and Cuban
music today and is putting the finishing touches on an album called
Chucho Sinfonico and another that he recorded along with
singer-songwriter Pablo Milanes. Both albums are scheduled for
release this December.

FRANCE-TURKEY ROW OVER ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

European Report
October 10, 2006

The National Assembly in Paris is scheduled to discuss on 11 October a
bill calling for five years in jail to anyone who denies the alleged
genocide of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire at the turn
of the 20th century. This controversial piece of legislation was
reintroduced after French President Jacques Chirac urged Turkey on
30 September in the capital of Armenia to recognise World War I-era
massacres of Armenians as genocide if it wants to join the European
Union. In response, the Turkish parliament’s Justice Commission will
debate this week proposals that foresee penalties for any denial of
the killings of Algerians under French colonial rule.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that ‘if the bill is
passed, French participation in major economic projects in Turkey,
including the planned construction of a nuclear plant for which the
tender process is expected to soon begin, will suffer’.

SOUTH CAUCASUS FACES SERIOUS CHALLENGES: REPUBLICAN PARTY

ARMINFO News Agency
October 11, 2006 Wednesday

"South Caucasian Region faces serious challenges coming from intentions
of Russia, USA and European Union, the main geopolitical players in
the region, to strengthen their influence", said Armen Ashotyan, MP of
the Republican Party included in the parliamentary ruling coalition,
at the press conference in ‘Pastark’ club today.

He said that the most acute problem for Armenia in the geopolitical
development of the region is tension of Georgian-Russian relations.

Cause of the tension is that the neighboring country (Georgia)
fulfils orders of third parties "Russia, by its force, can attempt
to take political revenge in Georgia like it was in Ukraine.

Anyway, if Georgia ever joins the NATO, Armenia will appear in the
middle of Georgian-Turkish-NATO alliance", said the MP. A. Ashotyan
said that communication, energy and state independence issues become
of priority for Armenia in that situation. He added that Russia will
try to stop gas supplies to Caucasus because after gas crisis in
Ukraine it has to take measures to demonstrate to European Community
the image of Ukraine as a secure exporter of energy carriers.

The MP said that Russia can put up gas prices for Georgia. Georgia
in its turn will increase prices of gas transit via its territory to
Armenia. "Georgia will start to receive gas supplies from Azerbaijan
in 2007. Armenia should speed up the construction of the Iran-Armenia
gas pipeline. This will be a key guarantee of Armenia’s independence
in the energy sphere", concluded A. Ashotyan.

Prime Minister: Threatening about Genocide is Alarming

Reformatorisch Dagblad (Dutch daily newspaper)
11 october 2006

From political editor

The Hague – According to Dutch Prime Minister Mr. Balkenende it is "very
worrisome" that people in and outside Turkey are being threatened or
prosecuted, if they recognise the Armenian Genocide.

The Prime Minister said so Tuesday answering VVD Member of Parliament van
Baalen in a parliamentary EU debate about ³the State of the Union². Van
Baalen wants that the Dutch government demands Turkey, that Dutch citizens
of Turkish origin, who speak out about the Genocide, get off free, "If that
will not be the case, we take a gloomy view of the negotiations with Turkey
in the next ten to fifteen years².

Answering the Christian Union Faction leader Rouvoet the Prime Minister
said, he is still bringing the Rouvoet Motion into practice. This Motion of
December 2004 called upon the government, to ³continuously and explicitly
raise the recognition of the Armenian Genocide". Turkey ³should be honest
about her past and come to terms with it², Balkenende argued.

The negotiations with Turkey for accession are a classical example of how it
should not be done, van der Staaij of SGP said. His colleague Rouvoet
wondered how it is possible that Turkey still can have the EU negotiations
so much her own way. To the opinion of the parliament the negotiation
negotiations have to stop if Turkey does not allow Cypriot ships and
airplanes.

The Minister said that countries that want to become a EU member, from now
on will have to meet all criteria. Only then a date can be set for the
actual accession. ³Not the moment should be crucial, but the quality and
endurance", said Bot. That way citizens will keep faith in de enlargement of
the EU.

OPPOSITION DEMANDS NEW ELECTIONS IN JAVAKHK

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 10 2006

AKHALKALAK, OCTOBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The "United
Javakhk" People’s Alliance" public organization addressed on October 9
with the help of mass media to President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili
with a proposal to state invalid elections of local self-government
bodies held in the region of Akhalkalak on October 5.

A-Info states about it.

Representatives of NGOs joined the opposing "Industry to Save Georgia"
party are sure that results of the elections were falsified in the
region of Akhalkalak.

Particularly by the proportional electoral system, in words of "United
Javakhk" representative Aghasi Surenian, votes of the "Industry to
Save Georgia" party were reduced from 70% to 30%.

STUDENTS’ CROSS-COUNTRY TREK PUTS FOCUS ON GENOCIDE
By Nicole Lee

Fort Wayne News Sentinel, IN
Oct 11 2006

On Tuesday, Hasmig Tatiossian, Vahe Abovian and Edward S. Majian walked
along U.S. 30 in Fort Wayne as part of their 3,000-mile trek to raise
awareness to the genocide in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

They belong to Journey for Humanity, an advocacy group comprising a
handful of college students from across the country.

Logging about 30 miles a day, the walkers have now trekked through
Warsaw, Columbia City and Fort Wayne.

The point of the walk, said Tatiossian, 23, a graduate student at
New York University, is to put the spotlight on what’s happening in
Darfur, and also to bring public attention to other genocides that
occurred in Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Nazi Germany.

"We see genocide as a problem that plagued the 20th century and
is starting to plague the 21st century," she said. "It’s been an
incredible experience."

The walk started in June at City Hall in Los Angeles and will culminate
in late October or early November in Washington, D.C.

Tatiossian said Journey for Humanity organizers are working with
legislators to make their case before Congress.

Since civil war erupted in Darfur in February 2003, more than
400,000 people have been killed and 2 million driven from their homes,
according to the Fort Wayne office of the Darfur Peace and Development
Organization.

The U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Sudan in 1997. Congress declared
the situation in Darfur a "genocide" in July 2004.

Courtesy photo >>From left, Hasmig Tatiossian, Vahe Abovian and Edward
S. Majian are among students walking across the U.S. to raise awareness
about the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

news/local/15731203.htm