Author: Maghakian Mike

Aravot, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
THE OPPOSITIONISTS AND TIGRAN TOROSIAN ARE ENTHUSIASTIC
CC decision about disparity of “Electoral Code” to the Constitution
will face the opposition and parliamentary majority to an interesting
situation. It becomes clear that there is a lot of thing to do on
“EC” project, and the majority will have to work with the opposition,
and the opposition perhaps will think about not to sign for the joint
project. Yesterday we asked NA chairman Tigran Torosian about his
opinion about CC decision. Tigran Torosian tried to insert and
explanation. “CC wasn’t discussing disparity of “EC” project of
amendments to the Constitution, but the current “EC”‘s, and more, the
judges have been included in the commissions after amendments in
2005. Some media today. But it isn’t so. Unfortunately, there is a
disparity in the current Constitution. One of the articles says that
the electoral commissions are state bodies but another article says
that the electoral commission mustn’t submit to state bodies or be
influenced by them. After constitutional amendments the formulation
about involvement of our judges in other activities is righter in our
Constitution than it was in the amendments adopted in 1995.
I think the CC decision is right and it must be fulfilled.” Certain
solutions aren’t known yet but there are a lot of solutions in T.
Torosian opinion and they will speak about a certain solution after
“EC” project discussion. We noticed that opposition groups and
independent parliamentarians, those who have turned to the CC for
that purpose are rather enthusiastic and think that this is a
victory. T. Torosian said that he was also enthusiastic; “I think
Constitutional amendments affirm day by day that they include very
important items, which lead to essential changes in our life. It
becomes obvious today that we deal with a new demonstration; the
opposition’s opportunity to turn to the CC and have success there. I
think the opposition must feel sorry for its inadequate attitude to
the constitutional amendments”. We reminded that Shavarsh Kocharian’s
‘EC” draft is also put into circulation in the NA where there is no
omission which exists in the joint project and whether it is possible
the parliament will review that draft. NA chairman said that the
parliament assumed very serious attitude to all drafts. The proposal
about involvement of judges into commissions was made and adopted in
2005. T. Torosian said on this occasion: “I myself have no
participation in the discussions of those amendments and when I saw
that the process of those amendments is turned into show, I said
about it the head of OSCE Yerevan office and the secretary of the
commission of Venice, still in 2005.
It’s interesting that both the opposition parliamentarians and
representatives of the majority are going to make proposals about the
amendments. The author of the initiative and the member of “Justice”
group Shavarsh Kocharian told us that the constitutional amendments
become operating and he is enthusiastic. In Shavarsh Kocharian
opinion, CC displayed a juridical approach and proved that the
Constitutional amendments were justified. He also said that all “EC”
items which refer to the involvement of judges, won’t act any more;
“This is a proper time to reach to the balanced commissions, and its
mechanisms exist in the “EC” draft.
It is possible to separate those mechanisms and to produce as
amendment, coming from CC decision. I hope this time the opposition
groups will unify,”- Shavarsh Kocharian said
Margaret Yesayan

THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO HOAGLAND
Lragir, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
The U.S. Embassy to Armenia does not know when the new U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia Richard Hoagland will arrive in Armenia. U.S. Charge
d’Affaires Anthony Godfrey, whom Matthew Bryza describes as an
excellent diplomat, stated November 8 that the question on the timing
of arrival of Hoagland should be asked to the Senate.
Anthony Godfrey only stated that other candidates besides Hoagland
are not considered. The Charge d’Affaires also said that two months
without an ambassador does not affect the quality of the work of the
embassy because a significant team works at the embassy and a person
does not decide everything.

MINISTER OF SO-CALLED NAGORNO GARABAGH REPUBLIC RECEIVED IN GREECE OFFICIALLY
Azeri Press Agency
Nov 9 2006
The Foreign Minister of so-called Nagorno Garabagh Republic Georgi
Petrosyan visited Greece to participate in the ceremony held on the
occasion of 10th anniversary recognition of Armenian Genocide by
Greek Parliament, APA reports quoting to Regnum agency.
Greece Parliament vie-speaker Georgios Surlas received him together
with Vaan Ovannisian, the deputy chairman of Armenian parliament.
They thanked Greek Parliament for recognition of Armenian genocide
happened in1996. Surlas stressed that Ottoman Empire pursued policy on
ethnic cleansing of Armenians and Greeks. The sides also touched on the
Nagorno Garabagh problem and expand of Armenian-Greece relations. The
chief of Foreign Ministry Press and Information Policy Department
Tahir Taghizadeh said that Azerbaijani embassy will investigate the
case and appropriate measures will be taken.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email [email protected]
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
November 8, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
HASTERT’S FALL PAVES WAY FOR PELOSI SPEAKERSHIP
— ANCA Endorsed Candidates Win Big in Senate and House Elections
WASHINGTON, DC – The Democratic takeover of the House of
Representatives yesterday ended Speaker Hastert’s Congressional
reign, opening the door to the Speakership of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-
CA), a twenty year supporter of Armenian American issues, including
Armenian Genocide recognition, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
Rep. Pelosi issued a statement last week pledging support for
Armenian Genocide legislation during the 110th Congress.
With the Senate majority too close to call, the victory of New
Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), returns him to the Senate,
where he has distinguished himself by blocking the appointment of
Armenian Genocide denier Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia.
“We are tremendously proud of the vital and energetic role that
Armenian Americans played this election season – a watershed
transition of Congressional power that holds great meaning for our
community’s legislative agenda,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. “On the House side, we certainly welcome the fall from
power of Dennis Hastert – who, as Speaker, prevented a bipartisan
majority of his colleagues from voting for U.S. recognition of the
Armenian Genocide – and his expected replacement by Nancy Pelosi,
who has a strong record in support of Armenian American issues. On
the Senate side, even as we await the final outcome, we are very
gratified by the victory in New Jersey of Senator Bob Menendez –
our top electoral priority this election season. Inspired by his
principled stand against the Hoagland nomination, Armenian
Americans throughout the Garden State – led by the ANC of New
Jersey – truly came through for the Menendez campaign, delivering
volunteers, campaign contributions, and, most importantly, tens of
thousands of votes in support of his electoral victory,” added
Hamparian.
ANCA endorsed candidates won overwhelmingly in the House, with 184
of 198 endorsed candidates securing decisive wins and three races
still too close to call. Of the 159 members of the Congressional
Armenian Caucus, 140 members won re-election, including
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). Amongst those who lost their re-election
bid was Armenian American Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY), who,
with the support of ANC-NY, battled in one of the tightest races in
the country. Armenian American Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) won
her reelection bid with 71% of the vote.
In the Senate, 13 of 15 ANCA endorsed candidates won their election
bids, with the Virginia Senate race featuring Sen. George Allen (R-
VA) and Democrat Jim Webb still too close to call. Winners
included Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor John Ensign (R-
NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and House members Ben Cardin and
Sherrod Brown who won Senate seats in Maryland and Ohio,
respectively. Pennsylvania Senator, Rick Santorum (R-PA), lead
cosponsor of the Caucasus Railroad Bypass bill, lost his Senate
reelection bid to Democrat Ed Casey. Perennial opponent of Armenian
American concerns, West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd won his re-
election bid as well.

MORE MONEY RELEASED TO CULTURE
Panorama.am
17:08 07/11/06
Some 62.4 million drams more money will be released from the state
budget to culture in 2007 as compared to 2006 recording 12.4% rise and
totaling 9 billion 770 million drams, Pavel Safaryan, deputy minister
of finance and economy said. Similar to other sectors, rise in salary
is expected in 2007 making up 36.3 thousand drams in average salary
against 30 thousand this year.
Big sums will be allocated to 16 libraries and National Library
totaling 177 million drams. Money will also be released to Garni,
Zvartnots museums which will have night illumination. Some 945 million
drams will be allocated to reconstruction and another 715 million to
recovery of cultural monuments.

ONE OF LEADERS OF “ONE JAVAKHK” VAHAGN CHAKHALYAN DISPROVES ALL ACCUSATIONS AGAINST HIM
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Nov 6 2006
YEREVAN. November 6. /ARKA/. “All the accusations against me do
not correspond to the reality,” one of the leaders of “One Javakhk”
democratic alliance Vahagn Chakhalyan reported at a press conference
Thursday. “The accusations against me are false,” he said.
Chakhalyan pointed out that he has not violated the current Armenian
legislation. However, he has a hard time explaining what induced the
country’s authorities to take him into custody.
Chakhalyan was released from custody on October 31, 2006. Previously,
on October 2006, three Armenian MPs Tatul Manaseryan, Grigor Harutunyan
and Hmayak Hovhannisyan submitted a petition to the court of appeal
for criminal cases for changing the measures against Chakhalyan. They
vouched for Chakhalyan that he will not hide himself from investigating
agencies and impede the prejudicial proceeding.
On October 13, the investigating agency of Armenia brought an
accusation against Vahagn Chakhalyan for crossing the frontier of the
Republic of Armenia without proper documents and permission.

ARMENIAN DM SAYS DEFENSE BUDGET ENOUGH TO ENSURE HIGH COMBAT READINESS
Armenpress
Nov 06 2006
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenian defense minister Serzh
Sarkisian said today the amount of defense spending envisaged by next
year’s government budget is quite sufficient to keep an effective army.
Speaking to journalists after parliament hearings on 2007 budget the
minister said Armenia’s military budget for next year will soar by
35 percent. He said from now on Armenia’s military budget will make
3.65 percent of the country’s GDP. “Therefore the stronger Armenian
economy is the bigger the defense spending will be,’ he said.
The minister said nearly half of this budget will be used to pay army
officers. Next year the average wage of a military officer will grow
to 165,000 drams (approximately $450). The minister commented also
on Azerbaijan’s plans to increase its military spending for next year
up to $1 billion, saying a wise and thrifty use of the budget is more
important than its volume.
The draft 2007 budget calls for 100.4 billion drams (about $300
million) in military spending.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
MEDIA ADVISORY
October 31, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]
RE: Journey for Humanity Activists to End March in Washington, DC
Washington, DC – A group of Armenian-American activists who are walking
3,000 miles cross-country to raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide
and other crimes against humanity, will conclude their march this week
in Washington, DC.
The Journey for Humanity walk began four months ago in Los Angeles, CA
with the support of the Armenian Assembly of America. Since then, the
marchers have crossed a dozen states and held rallies in several major
cities to promote the mission of the Journey, honor the victims and
survivors of all genocidal acts and advance the cause of genocide
prevention.
In Washington, the Armenian Student Network of George Washington
University and others will host a discussion on genocide in today’s
world featuring the Journey for Humanity team and Sam Bell and Mark
Hanis of the Genocide Intervention Network. The event will be held on
Sunday, November 5 at 3:00 pm at the Marvin Center, Continental Ballroom
at George Washington University. Representatives the Save Darfur
coalition, the American Islamic Congress, Citizens for Global Solutions
and the Genocide Intervention Network will also be on hand. All are
welcome. For more information, please contact Karinne’ Hovnanian at
[email protected].
To learn more about Journey for Humanity, visit their Web site at
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2006-095

SUPPORT FOR EU SHRINKS, REACTION GROWS
Zaman, Turkey
Oct 31 2006
Remarks made by EU authorities on delicate issues such Cyprus and
Turkey’s human rights record have negatively affected Turkish public
opinion regarding accession to the European Union.
Drawing attention to this negative impact, Chairman of the Turkish
Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) Rifat Hisarciklioglu
noted that polls indicated public support for EU membership has faded
significantly, dropping dramatically to below 50 percent.
However, he also asserted that this sharp decline in support for the
EU in Turkey should not bother the union.
Hisarciklioglu recalled that the EU’s consistent double standards have
created this situation and said: “We occasionally hear comments from
EU officials referring to Turkey’s unwillingness and unassertiveness
in introducing further reforms. However, it should be noted that the
EU has been suffering from a reluctance to fulfill its obligations
and commitments on lifting the isolation of Turkish Cyprus, as well
as their double standards in relation to freedom of expression,
terrorism and the groundless genocide allegations.”
TOBB held a meeting entitled “The European Union Accession Process,
Chambers of Commerce and Industry: Case Studies-Projects” at the TOBB
Economy and Technology University.
In the opening speech, Hisarciklioglu assessed the progress report the
EU Commission will release next week. Voicing Turkey’s expectation
that the report would be based on solid and technical evaluations,
Hisarciklioglu further stated: “The progress report will give a new
direction to the accession negotiations. I hope the evaluations and
the comments in the report will help us eliminate our shortcomings
and encourage our technical work.”
The EU Commission will assess Turkey’s performance with regard
to membership negotiations held this year. The Cyprus issue and
the opening of ports to Greek Cypriots have reportedly deadlocked
negotiations between the parties.
However, according to Turkey’s State Minister and Chief Negotiator
Ali Babacan, Turkey’s troubles with the EU stem from the individual
stances of certain EU member states, not from its relations with the
EU Commission.
Babacan said: “We have confidence in ourselves. There is no problem
in Ankara or Brussels. The problem is in the European capitals. Some
countries are just not ready for Turkey’s membership in the EU;
they have their own unique internal problems.”
He noted that the negotiations would have been completed in 3-4
years if it were a technical process only and added that political
developments would determine the pace of the process and without
public support, the process could not be concluded successfully.
‘Historical compromise only possible with debate’
Stressing that certain developments within the EU have negatively
affected Turkish public opinion, Babacan cited as an example the
adoption of the draft bill by the French parliament that would make
denial of an Armenian genocide a criminal offense.
French businessmen also reacted to the bill that was passed on the
eve of elections in the country. Pierre Simon, Chair of the Paris
Chamber of Commerce, and president of Eurochambres, an umbrella
organization for European chambers of commerce, noted that a compromise
on historical issues should be sought through discussion and debate
rather than legal means.
According to Simon, who criticized the draft bill, situations like
this show how important businessmen are in the conduct of bilateral
relations between countries.
Simon said, “I believe that compromise on historical issues can only be
achieved through open and democratic debates, and not through enacting
laws,” and also called on the business world to guide politicians
down the right path.
He further said: “Trade means peace. As businessmen from the two
countries, we should continue our efforts to enhance economic
relations.”
Simon also added that the importance of dialogue, trust and cooperation
became clearer in periods marked by political discussions and
controversies.

TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN UNVEIL MISLEADING INFORMATION
Panorama.am
15:08 30/10/06
Gagik Yeganyan, head of migration and refugees department of Armenia,
said Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah
Giul have again told a lie. The minister reportedly announced a year
ago that there are 40,000 Armenians in Turkey.
Concurrently, Turkey said she will deport 70,000 Armenians, illegally
working in Turkey, in case France adopts a law punishing denial of
the Armenian genocide.
Yeganyan made a little survey to correct the number of Armenians
working in Turkey. In his words, if Giul’s words were correct that
40,000 could not be added by another 30,000 in one year.
Yeganyan beleives there are not more than 10,000 citizens in Armenia
working in Turkey which is far from Erdogan’s stated 70,000.
Similarly, Azerbaijan earlier reported they have 600,000 refugees
and this number gradually reached 1 million.