Author: Khoyetsian Rose

UN MEMORIAL ARMENIEN DEROBE

Le Figaro
16 octobre 2006

VOL. Un monument de bronze dedie aux rescapes du genocide armenien
a ete vole ce week-end a Chaville, a l’ouest de Paris. Ce vol
est intervenu peu après le vote par les deputes francais d’une
proposition de loi socialiste, penalisant toute negation du genocide
armenien. La sculpture de 300 kilos representant l’alphabet armenien a
ete dessoudee puis subtilisee. La police doit visionner aujour­d’hui
une video realisee par une camera de surveillance municipale sur les
lieux du delit.

–Boundary_(ID_oCFO8Pf/246e0+zo0WyvRw)–

WHAT ILLEGAL ARMENIAN WORKERS REMIND US
By Kadir Dikbas

Zaman, Turkey
Oct 14 2006

Wishing to protect the "genocide" lie with a law, France keeps
insisting on its hostile attitude. The bill was passed in the French
parliament yesterday. The next step is the Senate, and Turkey is now
discussing what should be done about the bill.

One of the suggestions put forward is to deport illegal Armenian
citizens, estimated to be 40,000-70,000, who are working in Turkey.

This issue, that had not been discussed very much previously, flared
up after the French parliament began discussing a bill to penalize
those who deny the events of 1915 as genocide.

It is hard to understand why the illegal immigration issue had been
disregarded until now, despite a systematic campaign to portray Turks
as perpetrators of the so-called Armenian genocide and France trying
to distort history through political means. Now we are rightly asking
why this issue of illegal employment has been overlooked when it is
extremely difficult for our citizens to find a job. However, there
are also some who think these poor workers should not be disturbed.

The truth is that Turkey is facing serious illegal labor problems.

The problem is not only limited to Armenians. Many people from
neighboring countries come to Turkey and work in all kinds of
businesses. Coming as tourists, workers from Eastern Europe, the
Middle East and some Asian countries usually work in small and
middle-size enterprises, particularly in construction, molding and
casting, leather, textiles, plastic, agriculture, shipping, loading
and unloading, cleaning, sales and the hotel industry.

Because they work illegally, they earn very low wages under difficult
conditions and may be exploited. Apart from these workers, other
illegal aliens are engaged in prostitution, smuggling and drugs.

Turkey began to import labor officially after 1960, but the country
first confronted the inflow of illegal labor on a large scale after the
disintegration of the USSR. Today, illegal immigration has reached
huge dimensions. These people come to Turkey as tourists with a
one-month or three-month visa but do not return to their respective
countries. Some renew their visas and continue business as usual.

Others enter Turkey illegally.

Nobody knows the exact number of illegal workers in Turkey but it
is estimated to be one million. The most noteworthy report on this
issue is the one prepared by the Turkish Labor and Social Security
Ministry, entitled "Informal Employment and Employment of Illegal
Foreign Workers." The following lines attract attention in the 2004
report: "As no clear data could be obtained on the number of illegal
foreign workers in our country, there is no official figure on the
anticipated extent of illegal foreign employment in Turkey.

Nonetheless, it is estimated that illegal foreign employment in Turkey
has reached very serious dimensions, and the numbers are clearly in
the hundreds of thousands." This figure is estimated to be between
500,000 and one million, according to the Confederation of Turkish
Trade Unions, the report said.

Even though the dimension and the damage caused by illegal foreign
employment cannot be fully determined, ordinary citizens living or
spending their holidays, particularly in Istanbul and tourist regions,
can clearly see the scope and negative effects of illegal labor.

We all know that unemployment is one of Turkey’s biggest problems
today. With 2.2 million people currently out of work, our unemployment
rate stands at 8.8 percent.

Illegal foreign workers employed for low salaries do not only increase
the number of unemployed Turkish citizens but also decrease revenue
for insurance premiums and taxes. Another dimension of the issue
is the transfer of income. We think many foreigners registered as
tourists bring foreign currency to the country but in fact it is just
the opposite. Even if we calculate on the basis that every illegal
worker transfers an average of $1,000 a year — at least — to his
country, the total amount is around $1 billion.

Even Northern Cyprus fines Turks working illegally in the country
and returns them to Turkey. Does Turkey, which should give priority
to its own unemployed citizens, have the luxury of disregarding a
million illegal foreign workers?

V.OSKANIAN: "THIS DECISION IS ALSO A NATURAL REACTION TO THE INTENSIVE, AGGRESSIVE AND OFFICIAL DENIALISM OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BY THE TURKISH STATE".

Panorama.am
13:53 16/10/06

Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vartan Oskanian
On the French National Assembly vote of October 12

Today’s approval of the bill by the French National Assembly is a
natural continuation of France’s principled and consistent defense
of human and historic rights and values.

This decision is also a natural reaction to the intensive, aggressive
and official denialism of the Armenian Genocide by the Turkish
state. They have undertaken a premeditated, planned assault on
the truth.

To adopt such a decision is the French Parliament’s sovereign right and
is understandable. What we don’t understand is the Turkish government’s
instigation of extremist public reactions, especially while Turkey
itself has a law that does exactly the same thing and punishes those
who even use the term genocide or venture to discuss those events.

Anatolia news agency, Ankara,
13 Oct 06

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER TO ADDRESS MPS ON FRANCE’S ARMENIA BILL ON
17 OCTOBER

Ankara, 13 October: "This is a big shame for France, and it has
betrayed its own values if it has any… [ellipsis as published] It
made this decision, violating all its principles," said Turkish
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc.

Regarding the resolution criminalizing denial of the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations adopted by the French parliament
yesterday, Arinc noted that Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
will brief the MPs on this matter on Tuesday (17 October). "We will
try to pass a resolution that criticizes the decision of the French
national assembly," he pointed out, calling on Turkish people to show
moderate reactions.

Today, Azerbaijan
Oct 13 2006

Azeri Councul in Kars held ceremonies on occasion of 85th anniversary
of Kars contract

14 October 2006 [00:18] – Today.Az

Several ceremonies were held on the occasion of 85th anniversary of
Kars Contract.

Azerbaijani Councul General to Kars Hasan Zeynalov said that they
laid a wreath on Kazim Garabekir Pasha’s monument who signed the
contract from Turkey side and visited the historical building where
Kars contract was signed, APA reports.

Councul General talked about the history of Kars Contract. He said
that the contract was signed by the presence of Turkey, Azerbaijani,
Russian, Georgian and Armenian representatives. The Russia-Turkey
borders were defined by this contract. Besides, Turkey got guarantee
right on Nakhchivan.

"The importance of the contract for us is the recognition of
Nakhchivan which was called Turkish Gate by Ataturk, The Gate of East
by Kazim Garabekir Pasha, as Azerbaijan territory by Armenia and
other countries."

URL:

ALIYEV: ENTIRE WORLD EXCEPT ARMENIA ACKNOWLEDGES AZERBAIJAN`S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

TREND, Azerbaijan
Oct 11 2006

"We are interested in restoration of peace and security in the
region. The Azerbaijani-Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the
most sensible and dangerous point. This conflict can be a significant
barrier for regional cooperation", Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev
stated during the today`s joint press-briefing devoted to the visit
of Romania`s President Traian Basesku to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

According to him, Azerbaijan can take all necessary measures to
guarantee security of the Armenians living there. "We are speaking that
Nagorno-Karabakh can be granted with a status of a higher autonomy but
only in within Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. But, a separation
of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan, as well as foundation of another
Armenian state on the territory of Azerbaijan, or Nagorno-Karabakh`s
joining Armenia cannot be a topic of negotiations "told the Azerbaijani
leader.

"Azerbaijan`s position remains unchanged. Nagorno-Karabakh is an
Azerbaijani land both from historic and legal viewpoints. We insist
that all the four UN resolutions will be fulfilled by the Armenian
party", pointed Mr. Aliyev.

"Azerbaijan acknowledges the territorial integrity of all the
states, and demands that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan
will be acknowledged as well. I dare say that the Entire World except
Armenia acknowledges Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. Azerbaijan
just with Nagorno-Karabakh, as its integral part was affiliated to
UN. Therefore, this issue can be settled only legally", stated the
Azerbaijani President.

NATO HOLDS UP TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF ALL COUNTRIES

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Oct 10 2006

Special representative of the Secretary General of NATO on Southern
Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons being on a visit in Azerbaijan
has held press conference in the Euro-Atlantic Center. 9 October.

Noting that annually he some times visits region, Robert Simmons,
has informed, that the basic purpose of his visit is fulfillment of
the "Plan of activity of individual partnership" between Azerbaijan
and NATO, preparation of the corresponding report in this direction.

The Special Representative has informed, that has been accepted by
President Ilham Aliyev, besides, has lead meetings in the Ministries of
Defense, foreign affairs and national security. At meetings, discussed
were relations between Azerbaijan and NATO, situation in region.

Informing about the "Plan of activity of individual partnership", R.
Simmons has expressed satisfaction with fulfillment of the plan and
has highly estimated the work done in this direction.

Clearing up the position of NATO concerning settlement of conflicts
on Southern Caucasus, the Special Representative has told, that
the North Atlantic Alliance supports territorial integrity of all
countries. Though the NATO does not accept direct participation in
the decision of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
it supports the negotiations conducted at intermediary of the OSCE
Minsk Group. We consider, Mr. Simons said, that the parties will
reach settlement of the conflict by peace talks.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Oct 6 2006

FM OF AZERBAIJAN SATISFIED WITH RESULTS OF TALKS IN MOSCOW
[October 06, 2006, 22:47:21]

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov has
commented for the Azerbaijan and Russian mass media on results of
negotiations on settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, held in Moscow with the head of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia of V. Oskanian with
participation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

According to Mr. Mammadyarov intensive negotiations took place in
Moscow, discussed a number of the ideas offered by co-chairmen in the
context of those problems, which have arisen during negotiating
process. ‘Basically, very constructive and productive exchange of
views on main principles of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict took place. During negotiations, was reached arrangement
that each party takes a pause till October 24 so that to analyze the
discussed ideas. It was decided to continue negotiations at level of
Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on October 24, 2006 in
Paris’, he has told.

E. Mammadyarov also has informed, that the format of meeting has
begun at presence of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, and further in the
individual order. Then, separately the individual meeting with
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov took place, and
then meetings with co-chairs were held. Special envoy of OSCE
Chairman-In-Office Andrzei Kaspshik also took part in negotiations.

Answering the question whether it is possible to settle the conflict
up to the end of 2006 as it is assumed with the countries of the big
eight, the Minister has noticed, that it is not necessary to be
fastened for any terms. For it is extremely serious and sensitive
question, but we shall try to move ahead in negotiating process. "The
main subject of negotiations is the question on main principles of
settlement, and offers of co-chairmen are based on already turned out
principles which many years are discussed, in the frame of Prague
process. Now, the part of a problem is connected with the status, a
part of problem – with full withdrawal of the Armenian armies. Our
problem is to find that fragile balance on the basis of which we
could move further. We have coordinated main principles of settlement
of the conflict, but there are two not coordinated principles on
which we work. Today, just these principles were discussed’, the
Minister has noted.

Estimating activity of Russia as the co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk
Group, the Minister has declared, that ‘the Russian party has all
opportunities to show, and it shows intensive enough interest that
there was a move during negotiations’. ‘We consider, that Russia is
our both political, and the economic partner, our neighbor. No doubt,
it should play one of key roles in the context of settlement. We see
that in the given direction, Russia has a desire to bring Azerbaijan
and Armenia to the common point that we could pass to the first stage
of settlement. Certainly, such conflict cannot be solved at the same
time, and it is necessary to solve it stage by stage. And the latest
element which will come in mutual relations between Azerbaijan and
Armenia, is the element of trust, having enormous value, and in this
context Russia could play a greater role’, has emphasized E.
Mammadyarov.

The head of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan also stated
that one of the problems the country faces is to lift Azerbaijan on
the level of the regional leader and it will create more
opportunities for peace settlement of the conflict. Currently, we try
that ceasefire was not broken, and simultaneously we work above the
conflict to solve it. It is important for both Azerbaijan and
Armenia, and for entire all region.

SWITZERLAND’S JUSTICE MINISTER VISITS TURKEY
Geri Don Gonder Yazýcý

Dunya online, Turkey
Oct 5 2006

Switzerland’s visiting Justice and Policy Minister Christoph Blocher
yesterday met with Justice Minister Cemil Cicek. Speaking to reporters
after their talks, Cicek pointed to the importance of international
cooperation against terrorism.

Stressing that terrorism was a crime against humanity, Cicek called
on all countries to do their best and make genuine efforts on the
matter. Cicek stated that terrorists were traveling to Europe after
committing crimes in Turkey and seeking shelter and in the process
violating democratic rights, adding that these demands for asylum
had no basis. "This fact should be well understood by Europeans,
and we expect them to act on that," said Cicek.

He also said that the so-called Armenian genocide issue was also
taken up during their talks. For his part, Blocher said that the law
in Switzerland penalizing people who question the Armenian genocide
was also giving them trouble, adding that the issue should be left
to historians.

–Boundary_(ID_rhrYwJ6xtlVGJS/So5xILw )–

M.F.A. EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER STATEMENTS OF CHIRAC IN ARMENIA

Turkish Press
Oct 4 2006

ANKARA – Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over statements
of French President Jacques Chirac who supported so-called Armenian
genocide during his visit to Armenia.

Foreign Ministry stated that it is not possible to accept Chirac’s
definition of the incidents (which occurred under World War I
conditions in 1915 and were interpreted differently by many respected
international historians) as "genocide".

"However, when several implementations during colonialism period
of France were brought onto agenda last year, President Chirac had
defended the view that historical incidents should be examined by
historians," noted the Ministry.

"Turkish people have rightfully reacted to Chirac who is making
groundless statements and giving an impression as if so-called Armenian
genocide is among Turkey’s EU criteria instead of supporting Turkey’s
proposal to Armenia to examine the allegations in a joint commission
of historians which we have not yet received a positive response,"
added the Ministry.