Author: Maghakian Mike

Turkish entry would be end of old EU
By Paul Taylor
Dawn, Pakistan
Dec 7 2004
BRUSSELS: Where does Europe end and should the European Union go
on expanding indefinitely? That is one key argument of opponents
of Turkey’s bid to win agreement next week to open European Union
membership talks.
While Turkey’s supporters see an opportunity to extend the EU’s mantle
of stability and prosperity to a dynamic Muslim democracy and Nato
ally, adversaries fear the 25-nation grouping will over-extend itself
and choke on such a giant morsel.
They see a precedent that will change the EU from a close-knit
community into an unwieldy “regional United Nations” sprawling into
central Asia and North Africa. If the EU says “yes” to Turkey, how
could it say “no” to Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and eventually
Russia and Morocco, the critics ask.
“Turkey is an Asian country with a small bridgehead in Europe, with
the elite looking to Europe … but the vast majority rooted in Asia,”
former EU farm chief Franz Fischler said in a letter to his colleagues
this year.
The EU would be unable to sustain its two main spending policies,
agricultural support and regional development aid, even if Turkish
membership were phased in over a decade, and it would open “a geo
strategic Pandora’s box”, the Austrian warned.
The man who drafted the EU constitution, former French President
Valery Giscard d’Estaing, was even more blunt. Turkey was not
geographically or culturally European, and its accession would be
“the end of the European Union”, Giscard told the French daily Le
Monde in November 2002.
Furthermore, those pushing Turkish membership most strongly were the
enemies of European integration, Giscard asserted – a reference to
Britain and the United States. Rising French political star Nicolas
Sarkozy, leader of the ruling UMP party, last month rejected Turkish
entry and said the indefinite expansion of the EU was “an American
vision”.
DIFFERENT EUROPE: Turkish accession in a decade or so would certainly
create a very different EU, shifting the balance of power still
further away from its original Franco-German axis – hence French alarm.
By the time it joined, Turkey would be the most populous nation
in the EU, overtaking Germany’s 80 million. That would give it the
most voting power under the largely population-based voting system
established by the constitution, and the biggest block of seats in
the European Parliament.
The EU would no longer be able to afford to subsidise farmers and poor
regions on the current scale. To some critics, notably in France,
that would reduce it to a vast free trade area with little or no
redistribution of wealth.
Countries such as Britain and Sweden make little secret of their
delight at such a prospect. Turkey’s supporters argue that the EU is
already evolving with the admission of 10 mainly poor east European
countries this year, and its farm and regional policies will have to
change anyway due to world trade talks and budget constraints.
They also argue that the accession of a country with a surplus of
eager young workers could boost Europe’s dwindling, ageing workforce
and help defuse a looming pensions crisis.
But European Commission economists say an influx of Turkish labour,
likely to be long delayed by transition arrangements, would do little
to ease the pensions shortfall.
Then there is the cultural argument – a euphemism for religion in
some eyes, or for a history of enmity in others. Dutch former EU
commissioner Frits Bolkestein articulated an often unspoken fear of
Europe being overrun by Islam.
In a speech in September, he suggested that Ankara’s accesion would
reverse the 1683 defeat of the Turks at the gates of Vienna, which
marked the limit of the westward expansion of the Ottoman empire
in Europe.
Jean-Louis Bour langes, a centre-right French member of the European
Parliament and leading European federalist, said the EU’s extension
into eastern Europe was a natural reunification with “the kidnapped
east”. But admitting Turkey would be quite different.
“(Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip) Erdogan says the EU should be
a crossroads of civilizations. We consider it is the home of a
civilization. European identity shouldn’t be a department store,”
Bourlanges said.

Statement calling for Iraq vote delay signed by 68 political, tribal groups
Quds Press news agency, London
6 Dec 04
Text of statement issued 5 December by 68 Iraqi entities urging
postponement of general elections; published by Quds Press web
news agency
Baghdad, 6 December: Following is a joint statement issued by 68
Iraqi political parties, political movements and tribal groupings
proclaiming a united stand in calling for the postponement of the
Iraqi elections scheduled to be held on 30 January 2005.
Text of the statement: In the name of God, the most Merciful, the most
Compassionate. With God’s blessings, the political forces and entities
included in the attached list and registered at the Independent
[Higher] Election Commission [in Iraq] (IEC) [English acronym as
published] met in the Babil Hotel in Baghdad on 5 December 2004,
corresponding to 23 Shawwal 1425 AH, and agreed on the following.
1. All the conferees continue to believe that there are certain
objective and strong reasons that necessitate the postponement of the
elections from their scheduled date of 30 January 2005 for a period
of not less or about six months.
2. The conferees fully realize that there are no guarantees that
the security and political situations will be better on the proposed
alternate date. However, they agree that real action can be taken
in various fields that would provide a better environment to hold
the elections are a later date, while working to bring about the
participation of forces that reject the electoral process and calm
the situation in the hot areas.
3. The desire of the conferees to postpone the elections stems from
purely nationalist considerations pertaining to the interests of all
the various political, ethnic and religious currents of the Iraqi
people or their future. The conferees strongly denounce the local
and foreign media outlets that have portrayed our desire as a wish
to realize the interests of one sect over another. The presence
of the various sects in this conference attests to this fact. The
conferees call on the Iraqi brethren that are not convinced of the
usefulness of our call to sit at the negotiating table in order to
hold consultations and discussions on the proposed topic.
4. The conferees appeal to all the neighbouring countries not to
meddle in Iraq’s affairs and not to exploit the state of division
that unfortunately took place due to a dispute on the date of the
elections. The conferees call on the neighbouring countries to leave
this matter for the Iraqis to decide upon freely.
5. The conferees decided to send urgent letters to the US
Administration and its allies, the Iraqi government, the secretary
general of the United Nations, the secretary general of the Arab
League, the secretariat of the Muslim Conference Organization, the
secretariat of the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council
to convince them of the usefulness of the proposed postponement and to
urge them to exert pressure to postpone the elections to a later date.
6. The conferees pledge commitment to what has been agreed upon. They
pledge to educate the people on the informational level and in all
aspects in the usefulness of the call to postpone the elections.
7. A non-postponement would mean the potential holding of the elections
under bad circumstances that may prevent many Iraqis from freely
and safely reaching the ballot boxes. Thus, the lack of general and
comprehensive participation would mean the emergence of a council
that would not enjoy full participation and would thus lack legitimacy.
8. The conferees have agreed to present a number of political
projects to be adopted as an alternative to the elections during the
postponement period.
9. The conferees agreed to form a follow-up committee consisting of
representatives from the political parties and movements.
The Signatories: 68 political parties and movements and tribal
groupings, as follows:
1. The Iraqi Islamic Party.
2. The Reconciliation and Liberation Bloc.
3. The Iraqi National Movement.
4. The Grouping for Iraq.
5. The Arab Socialist Movement.
6. Prince Ahmad Taha Ahmad Yasin Mahmud.
7. The Islamic Kurdistani Union.
8. The Unity Party.
9. The National Salvation Party.
10. The National Front for the Unity of Iraq.
11. The Al-Ummah Party.
12. The Iraqi National Grouping.
13. The Arab Democratic Front.
14. The Iraqi National Liberation Movement.
15. The Democratic Iraqi Current.
16. The Joint Action Front.
17. The Iraqi National Coalition.
18. The Tribes of Al Bu-Sultan.
19. The Turkoman Nationality in Iraq.
20. The Independent National Front.
21. The National Front for the Tribes of Iraq.
22. The National Front of Independents.
23. The Iraqi National Bloc.
24. The Democratic Centre.
25. The General Secretariat of United Iraq.
26. The Armenian Democratic Grouping.
27. The National Forum of the Sons of Iraq.
28. The Iraqi People Grouping.
29. The Al-Fudul Party of the Tribes.
30. The Tribes of Iraq Coalition.
31. The Council of the Al-Jubur Tribe.
32. The Iraqi Elections Organization.
33. The institutions of civic society.
34. The General Federation of Labour Unions.
35. The National Liberation Movement.
36. The Leadership of the Tribes of Iraq Rally.
37. The esteemed council members and elders of the Al-Harbah tribe.
38. The council of the tribal shaykhs of
Al-Ubaydi/Al-Shuhada/Al-Shamma’iyah.
39. The esteemed council members and tribal shaykhs of Sab-al-Bur.
40. The Union of Honourables (Al-Fallujah).
41. The Central Council of the shaykhs and elders of the Al-Zahra
Tribes.
42. The Constitutional Movement for the Monarchial Coalition.
43. The United Council of shaykhs and elders of Iraq’s Tribes
(Al-Sha’b).
44. The League of the Al-Ahwar Tribes.
45. The Al-Mandani Al-Sa’ibah sect.
46. The Central Council of Elders of Iraqi and Arab Tribes.
47. The General Federation of Farmers and Peasants.
48. The League of the Medical Staff in the Al-Tib [Medical] City.
49. The Youth Freedom Organization.
50. The Diyala Federation of Teachers in Diyala.
51. The National Union of Iraqi Students.
52. The National Council of Iraq’s Tribes.
53. The Society of Iraqi Parliamentarians.
54. The Democratic Popular Front.
55. The Bara’im al-Iraq Organization.
56. The National Alliance of Political Forces.
57. The Islamic Union for Sufism.
58. The Society of Independent Women (Mosul).
59. The Council of the Arab Tribes Coalition (Mosul).
60. The Federation of Farmers, Diyala Branch.
61. The Union of Teachers in Mandali.
62. The Shams al-Duha Society.
63. The Welfare Society of the retired.
64. The Central United Alliance of the Tribes of Iraq.
65. The Al-Sadah al-Ulwiyyah Society in Iraq.
66. The League of Turkoman Tribes (The Independent Democratic
Grouping).
67. The General Federation of Iraqi Women.
68. The Union for Iraq.

SERGE SARGSIAN HAILS NEW IDEAS REGARDING ARMENIAN-IRANIAN COOPERATION
IN SPHERE OF ECONOMY
YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). The problems of regional security,
the process of the settlement of the Karabakh problem were discussed
during the December 3 meeting of RA Minister of Defense Serge
Sargsian, Secretary of the RA National Security Council, with
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Armenia Ali
Reza Haqiqian. The issue of the upcoming visit of the Minister to Iran
was also touched upon. Ambassador Haqiqian expressed readiness in
connection with the organization of Persian language classes at the
Military Institute after Vazgen Sargsian. Minister Sargsian hailed
this proposal and expressed an opinion that this will be the second
center of profound study of Persian in Armenia after the Yerevan State
University. According to Colonel Seiran Shahsuvarian, the Spokesman of
the RA Ministry of Defense, the sides also touched upon issues
regarding the serious progress in Armenian-Iranian economic
cooperation observed during the recent period, the construction of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline that started on November 30, in particular,
the construction of the new two-way electricity transmission line
between Iran and Armenia. “Armenia’s stability and economic
development are quite important for Iran,” mentioned Ambassador
Haqiqian. “The new ideas of Armenian-Iranian cooperation in the sphere
of economy were born during the recent official meetings, in particular,
regarding the construction of Iran-Armenia railroad, delivery of oil
products from Iran to Armenia,” he added. Serge Sargsian hailed these
approaches, called them brilliant and mentioned that if the
realization of these ideas is possible, they will be of great
importance for Armenia. Touching upon the individual programs of
partnership with NATO, the RA Minister of Defense once again stressed
that no issue of membership in NATO is on Armenia’s foreign policy
agenda.

ARKA News Agency
Dec 2 2004
Nagorno Karabakh should not become subject to speculations
Azerbaijan in panics as seriously looses on diplomatic scene
Because of crash on Rostelecom line Armenia deprived of Internet
access
*********************************************************************
NAGORNO KARABAKH SHOULD NOT BECOME SUBJECT TO SPECULATIONS
YEREVAN, December 2. /ARKA/. Nagorno Karabakh should not become
subject to speculations, RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian stated
today in the inteview to Public Television of Armenia. According to
him, opposition tries to use the topic of Nagorno Karabakh conflict
for achievement of their political goals.
Mentioning statements of Armenian opposition members that authorities
of the country delay the adoption of decision on Karabakh conflict on
purpose, Oskanian said that `the problem will be delayed just as long
as the settlement won’t come from the interests of Armenian people.
We will not cease controlled territories, without corrections in the
issue on self-determination of Nagorno Karabakh’. Oskanian called to
opposition to join efforts in the issue of Karabakh settlement.
Karabakh conflict started in 1988 when Nagorno Karabakh predominantly
populated with Armenians stated about its independence from
Azerbaijan. Military actions ceased after Armenia and Azerbaijan
signed armistice on May 12 1994. The cease-fire regime has been
observed up to date. L.D. -0–
*********************************************************************
AZERBAIJAN IN PANICS AS SERIOUSLY LOOSES ON DIPLOMATIC SCENE
YEREVAN, December 2. /ARKA/. Azerbaijan is in panics as it seriously
looses on the diplomatic scene, as Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanian said in his interview to Public TV of Armenia. In his words,
today Azerbaijan became quite aggressive. `This aggressiveness is
explained by our success achieved during the last 5-6 years. New
Azerbaijani authorities visit different institutions and they do not
know what institution to include in the settlement of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict. Meanwhile many of these states are not aware of
the essence of the conflict and with the support of these countries
Baku is attempting to depart the attention from the issue essence’,
he added. In his words, the previous Azerbaijani President Heydar
Aliyev would not have made obstacles for Georgian cargo thru
Azerbaijani territory by supposing that part of them can go to
Armenia. `Detention of the cargo on the Georgian border, application
to the UN – all these are steps dictated by desperate state’, he
added. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
BECAUSE OF CRASH ON ROSTELECOM LINE ARMENIA DEPRIVED OF INTERNET
ACCESS
YEREVAN, December 2. /ARKA/. Since 3 p.m. the majority of Armenian
providers were deprived of Internet communication. As CEO of Arminco
provider company Andranik Alexanyan told, the reason of this was
crash on Rostelecom’s line. In his words, it is difficult to forecast
when Armenia will be able to re-connect to the world wide web. `We
have no idea what the reason of the crash and when it will be
repaired, however we can assure that our lines work uninterruptedly’,
he added. T.M. -0–

CONSTRUCTION OF ARMENIAN PART OF IRAN-ARMENIA GASPIPE LINE BEGINS
Azg/arm
2 Dec 04
On the Armenian bank of Arax River, not far from town of Agarak, the
construction of the Armenian part of Iran-Armenia pipeline began on
November 30. Armen Movsisian, RA Energy Minister, emphasized the
importance of the gas pipeline for Armenia.
The gas pipeline stretches for 142 km. The first document on its
construction was signed 12 years ago. The construction in the Iranian
side began several months ago. The Armenian part of the pipeline is
constructed by “Sanir” Iranian company.
The officials visiting the ceremony emphasized in their speeches the
contribution made by the leaders of both countries to the
implementation ofsuch an important program. The agreement on the
construction of the gas pipeline was signed on May 13, 2004, in
Yerevan. The agreement on financing the project was signed in the
course of Iranian President Khatami’s visit to Armenia.
Habibollah Bitaraf, Iranian Energy Minister, said in his speech that
according to the agreement, the Iranian Export and Development Bank
allocated a credit for the construction of the Armenian part of the
gas pipeline. The credit amounts to $30 million. Bitaraf said that
Armenia will pay back with electricity for the Iranian gas.
“By implementing this project we develop Armenian-Iranian relations
one more step further. Much efforts were made, many negotiations were
held between Armenia and Iran to achieve the construction of the gas
pipeline,” Bitaraf said.
RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian stated that “this day of 2004
will remain in history”. According to him, the gas pipeline has not
only economic and energetic importance for Armenia and Iran but will
also “make definite changes in the region”.
“This project is implemented through political and economic
sufferings,” Margarian said and reminded, “in the years of hardship
for Armenia Iran stretches out its hand to help us”. When we say a
friendly country, we mean the friendship, indeed, the prime minister
stated.
RA Prime Minister expressed hope that “in 2005or in 2006 we will again
gather here to open the construction of two hydro power plants on the
banks of Arax. “Today we open the second Armenia-Iran electricity
line in Shinuhayr village, and we are hopeful that the third line will
be opened, as well,” Margarian said.
The officials were hopeful that the construction of the gas pipeline
would be completed according to the schedule, i.e. by the end of
2006. According to the agreement, Iran should provide 36 billion
sq. meter of gas to Armenia in the course of 20 years. Prime Minster
Margarian said that besides economic and regional importance, the
construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will open new job positions
for Meghri and Syunik region’s residents. “This is a region that is
the back of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh,” Margarian said.
Alireza Haghighian, Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, stated that the
construction of the gas pipeline will contribute not only to the
development of Armenia’ s economy but also to the regional stability.
By Tatoul Hakobian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Press Release
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research
395 Concord Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: 617-489-1610
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact: Marc A. Mamigonian
ILLUSTRATED LECTURE ON HISTORIC MAPS OF ARMENIA AT NAASR
Armenia appears on various maps dating back to the first known
cartographic document, a clay tablet depicting the world as it was
known to the Babylonians. The ups and downs of Armenian history can be
charted on countless maps created over the last 2,500 years. Rouben
Galichian of London, England, has brought together in one volume,
Historic Maps of Armenia: The Cartographic Heritage, some 100 maps,
many extremely rare.
In an illustrated lecture and book signing on Thursday, December 2, at
8:00 p.m., at the Center and Headquarters of the National Association
for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), 395 Concord Ave., Belmont,
Mass, Galichian will give the book its North American launch and share
insights into the book’s creation and what it reveals about Armenian
history.
Decades of Collecting Rare Maps
Some thirty years ago, Rouben Galichian started collecting maps and
studying literature on general cartography, and especially about the
cartography of the region of Armenia. Several years ago he decided to
collate his own studies and the available multitude of maps of Armenia
in worldwide sources and create Historic Maps of Armenia. The maps are
not only often visually striking works of art in their own right but
also of vital historical interest.
Turkish and Azeri academicians have claimed that the Armenians are
only relative newcomers to the area known as Historic Armenia. Turkish
historians deliver lectures about the ancient culture of Turkey, with
no mention of Armenia or Armenians, whose lands they occupied after
the tenth and eleventh centuries. Some Azeri “historians” also claim
that the Armenians of the Caucasus area inhabit the land that has
always been that of the “Caucasian Albanians,” from whom the Azeris
claim descent. Using various geographic and cartographic resources,
Galichian will present and discuss maps that demonstrate the contrary.
Historic Maps of Armenia: The Cartographic Heritage will be on sale in
the NAASR bookstore and available for signing by the author.
Admission to the event is free (donations appreciated). The NAASR
bookstore will open at 7:30 p.m. The NAASR Center and Headquarters is
located opposite the First Armenian Church and next to the U.S. Post
Office. Ample parking is available around the building and in adjacent
areas.

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 29, 2004, Monday
AZERBAIJAN REMAINS THE KEY TERRITORY FOR TRANSIT OF DRUGS FROM
AFGHANISTAN, THE INTERIOR MINISTER STATES
Measures aimed at prevention of phenomena which may disturb stability
are being successfully conducted in Azerbaijan, Interior Minister
Ramil Usubov said taking the floor on Security in the South Caucasus
seminar of the NATO parliamentary assembly. In his words, the law
enforcement agencies are taking joint measures to combat
international terror, organized crime and separatism.
According to Usubov, over the past decade above 25,000 pieces of
firearms have been confiscated, while 33,000 people have been brought
to trial for committing 14,000 crimes.
The minister announced success of combating drug trafficking but
admitted that only 10% of drugs are detained. He mentioned three
routes of delivering drugs: Afghanistan – Turkmenistan – Caspian Sea
– Azerbaijan – Georgia – Turkey; Afghanistan – Iran – occupied
territories of Azerbaijan (Nagorny Karabakh)- Armenia – Georgia –
Europe; Afghanistan – Iran – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Turkey – Europe.
The minister also said that over past several years the National
Security Ministry of Azerbaijan detained some 30 persons involved in
various Islamic terrorist groups; ascertained and deported to Russia
14 persons involved in terrorist attacks in the North Caucasus;
closed 6 branches of humanitarian organizations, involved in
financing terrorists and deported 43 agents of them from Azerbaijan.
Usubov said that jointly with separatists of Nagorny Karabakh the
Armenian special services have held 32 terrorist attacks in
Azerbaijan.
The Interior Ministry of Azerbaijan is concerned for cooperation with
NATO in the sphere of security and implementation of joint programs,
the minister noted.
Source: Turan news agency (Baku), November 25, 2004
Translated by Andrei Ryabochkin

RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTER FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN CIS
SIGNATORIES
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25. ARMINFO. Russian Defense Minister Sergey
Ivanov is for development of military cooperation between the CIS
signatory-states. The minister made this statement opening the session
of the CIS Defense Ministers Council, RIA “Novosti” reports.
The analysis of development of CIS cooperation testifies that
our states have faced the imperative of unification of efforts
for struggle against terrorism and protection of the international
community from this evil, Ivanov said. The session will pay a special
attention to long-term cooperation, in particular, to the Draft
Concept of CIS Military Cooperation till 2010, the Program of CIS
Military Cooperation till 2010 and a number of long-term documents,
he said. The direction of military cooperation should be developed,
which will allow the signatories to elaborate consistent decision,
taking into account the interests of each country, Sergey Ivanov
said. He added that modernization of national armed forces and their
adjusting to the modern demands must be in the focus of attention.
At the session of the CIS Defense Ministers Council Armenia is
represented by Secretary of the National Security Council of Armenia,
Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan.

Glendale News Press
LATimes.com
Nov 25 2004
A parking lot of books
SOUTHEAST GLENDALE – With each box carried into the parking structure
across the street from the Glendale Central Library, the library’s
collection of Armenian- language books grew. And grew. And grew
some more.
Movers delivered about 12,500 Armenian-language books to the library
on Wednesday, a collection so large that the books are being stored in
the parking structure instead of the library. The collection, donated
by the now-defunct American Armenian International College, quadruples
the library’s current collection of Armenian- language materials.
The large collection will take some time to sort through. Library
officials expect some books to enter circulation within six months.
City officials value the collection at about $500,000.

Mark Thatcher’s Trial in S. Africa Delayed
By ELLIOTT SYLVESTER
The Associated Press
11/25/04 03:54 EST
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) – A South African court on Thursday
postponed Sir Mark Thatcher’s trial for allegedly helping finance a
foiled coup attempt in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea until April 8 for
further investigation.
Thatcher, the 51-year-old son of former British Prime Minister Margaret
Thatcher, appeared smiling and relaxed during the brief hearing. He
was not asked to plead.
Magistrate Awie Kotze granted the delay at the request of
prosecutors. He also extended Thatcher’s bail conditions, which require
that he remain in the Cape Town area and report daily to police.
Thatcher, who has lived in South Africa since 1995, was arrested at
his suburban Cape Town home on August 25 and charged with violating
this country’s anti-mercenary laws.
He also faces charges in Equatorial Guinea, where 19 other defendants
are already on trial in connection with an alleged plot earlier this
year to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled
Africa’s third-largest oil producer for the past 25 years. Officials
there have said they will seek Thatcher’s extradition from South
Africa.
On Wednesday, the Cape High Court ruled Thatcher must answer questions
under oath sent by Equatorial Guinea.
Thatcher’s lawyer, Alan Bruce-Brand, said Thursday the legal team had
not yet decided whether to appeal. Earlier, he told The Associated
Press that his client would most likely answer the questions before
a magistrate on Friday.
Equatorial Guinea alleges Thatcher and other, mainly British financiers
worked with the tiny country’s opposition figures, scores of African
mercenaries and six Armenian pilots in a takeover attempt foiled in
March. Thatcher maintains he played no part in the alleged conspiracy.
Simon Mann, a former British special forces commander accused of
masterminding the plot, was arrested and convicted with 67 accused
accomplices in Zimbabwe on weapons and other minor charges. Three
others later pleaded guilty to violating South Africa’s Foreign
Military Assistance Act as part of a plea bargain under which
they agreed to give evidence in court against other alleged coup
participants.