Author: Nadirian Emma

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT RECEIVES MUSLIM COUNTRIES’ AMBASSADORS TO AZERBAIJAN ON FORTHCOMING RAMADAN HOLIDAY

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 1 2007

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev today received Muslim countries’
extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors to Azerbaijan on
forthcoming Ramadan holiday, President’s press service told the APA.

The head of the state congratulated the ambassadors on Ramadan holiday
and asked them to convey his congratulations to the heads of the
states they represent.

Azerbaijani President saying that Azerbaijan has active relations
with Islamic countries stated that these relations are successful in
the framework of international organizations. Azerbaijan is an active
member of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and it always
focuses this direction in its foreign policy.

The head of the state spoke about Islamic solidarity and expressed
his confidence that friendship and fraternity relations between Muslim
countries and Azerbaijan will be strengthened in future.

Saudi Arabian extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to
Azerbaijan, Ali Hasan Ahmad Jaffar expressed his gratitude to
Azerbaijani President on the behalf of the ambassadors.

Egyptian extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Azerbaijan
Yusif Ahmad Ibrahim al-Shargavi read joint statement on the behalf
of the ambassadors.

Egyptian Embassy in Azerbaijan told the APA, ambassador congratulated
Azerbaijani President and nation on Ramadan holiday and expressed his
gratitude for receiving. Diplomat saying that Azerbaijan is political,
economic and cultural center in Caucasus region spoke about the
economic reforms carried out in the country, successful development
in oil and non-oil sector, maintenance of internal stability and
security in the country.

"Muslim countries support solution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict in the
framework of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, due to international
law norms," he said.

PKK NOT TO GIVE UP FIGHT IN TURKEY
By H. Chaqrian

AZG Armenian Daily
02/10/2007

In January – September 2007 191 members of PKK were killied in Turkey,
142 werer detained, 84 were handed to law enforcement institutions of
Turkey. Otherwise, 417 PKK members were neutralized. This information
is taken from CNN-Turk. The nutralization of PKK members, nevertheless,
did not bring forward reduction of impacts between PKK and the forces
of Turkey.

Moreover, Turkey’s negotiations with the USA and the Turkish-Iraqi
agreement on fighting terrorism serve to the escalation of the
struggle.

The negotiations are merely amplifying the difficulties between
Turkey and America, and the Ankara-Baghdad agreement provokes strong
opposition of the de-facto independent Kurdistan, North Iraq. And
the opposition in North Iraq is greatly inspired by the September
27 Resolution of the US Senate, according to which three different
federal regions are to be established in Iraq.

The aforementioned facts are closely attached to one another. It
is quite sensible that on the meeting of Turkish Foreign Minister
Ali Babacan and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice the issue of
neutralization of PKK members was one of the essential topics. The US
Secretary of State said during the meeting that the PKK terrorism must
be eradicated not only the territory of Iraq, but the entire globe.

On the same day the Senate supports the idea of creating separate
federalm regions in Iraq. On September 28 the Inner Affairs Minister
Of Turkey Besir Atalay signs an agreement of anti-terrorism cooperation
with his Iraqi counterpart, Javad Bolanee.

In despite of Turkey’s demands, the Iraqi side was fiercely opposing
the idea of persecuting the terrorists, which would give Turkey a
cue to start military operations in Iraq.

On October 1 the Vice-President of the parliament of the Kurdistan
region of North Iraq, Kemal Kerkouk, condemned Minister Bolanee,
stating that a minister cannot sign such an agreement without the
consent of the Government and the Senate. Eh declared that the Iraqi
authorities shall never suffer the invasion of foreign forces in
Kurdistan.

It is insensible to think that in these circumstances PKK will give
up the fight. In order to prevent it, the Turkish authorities need to
create pre-conditions for the solution of the Kurdish question. One
of the most important pre-conditions is the involvement of PKK in
the political life.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH DELEGATION PARTICIPATES
IN THE ENTRHOWMENT OF THE NEW PATRIARCH OF ROMANIA

Having received a personal invitation to attend the enthronement ceremony of
Romania’s newly elected Patriarch, Archbishop Daniel, Catholicos Aram I sent
an official delegation formed of Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian and V. Rev.
Shahe Panossian to participate in the ceremony.

Archbishop Daniel has been a personal friend of His Holiness Aram I for over
thirty years. He has been a member of the Central Committee of the World
Council of Churches (WCC), which was moderated by His Holiness Aram I for
about two decades. On this occasion, the Catholicos sent a special
congratulatory letter to the new Patriarch and a Pontifical souvenir with
the delegation.

After the ceremony, the delegation members congratulated the new Patriarch
on behalf of His Holiness Aram I, wishing to His Holiness Daniel a
successful tenure as the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church. On this
occasion, they reaffirmed the close and brotherly cooperation for many years
now between the Pontifical Holy See of the Armenian Church, the
Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Orthodox Church of Romania.

##
Photo here:
tos/Photos42.htm#2
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

MIDDLE EAST STATES MOST UNSAFE FOR ARMENIAN DIASPORA

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.10.2007 13:54 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian community is a part of Lebanon. It’s
engaged in the public and political life of this country, RA Ambassador
to Lebanon Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan told a news conference in Yerevan.

"Armenian media’s covering of events taking place in the Middle East
doesn’t meet Armenia’s interests.

Instead of furnishing unprejudiced information, some Armenian media are
copying the western cliches describing the conflicting groupings in
Lebanon as terrorists and fundamentalists. This is incomprehensible,
since these "terrorists" have seats in the parliament and control
the army and a part of Lebanon’s territory," Amd. Ter-Ghevondyan said.

"The Middle East states are the most unsafe for the Armenian
Diaspora. "The situation in region is very tensed. That is why we
should be extremely cautious to prevent mass outflows of Armenians,"
he said.

For his part, Shahan Kankhadaryan, the editor-in-chief of Beirut-based
Azdak newspaper, said the Armenian community in Lebanon feels safe
enough at the moment.

"Some leave for the United States and Canada, but they are mostly
young people, who doesn’t have the possibility to get education and
job," he said.

The Armenian community of Lebanon counts 100 thousand people. Several
Armenians were slightly injured in a blast that killed Antoine Ghanem
recently.

Panorama.am

16:53 28/09/2007

DAVIT HARUTUNYAN: `ONLY YOUNG PEOPLE CAN OVERCOME RIGID POLITICAL
STEREOTYPES’

Yerevan School of Political Training (YSPT) of the Council of Europe
(CoE) ceremonially opened academic year 2007-08 in Hotel `Metropol’
today. Davit Harutunyan, chairman of interim committee of state and
legal affairs at the National Assembly, said in his welcome speech: `I
really believe in European values: human rights, freedom of speech,
rule of law and others. It is only the youth that can overcome the
rigid political stereotypes. It is them who can bring a new political
culture and open new forums for political debate.’ Harutunyan said the
society is waiting young political figures from YSPT with new
mentality, skilled in political debate and living with the present and
the future. Peter Semneby, EU special representative in South
Caucasus and Boyana Urumova, special representative of the Secretary
General of CoE in Armenia, were present at the ceremony. YSPT is
established under the sponsorship of Council of Europe in 2005.

Source: Panorama.am

demaz.org, Azerbaijan
Sept 29 2007

`Zerkalo’: Azerbaijan – One of the Most Corrupted Countries of the World
29.09.2007

Such is the view of respective international organization
International organization Transparency International put Azerbaijan
on 150th place in the world on corruption level. Such are results of
annual report of this organization on corruption level in the world
countries made public very recently (`Turan’). Level of bribery,
degree of involvement of state officials in business, availability of
independent justice system and legislation on prevention of money
laundering, transparency of government and degree of controlling it
by civil society were taken into consideration while defining the
corruption level.
Rates are based on data of polls held amongst businessmen and
experts’ evaluation. Published report points to evident
interconnection between corruption level and poverty level. Countries
where corruption is widely spread can’t be rich, and vice versa.
`Corruption takes huge amount of money needed for education, health
care and infrastructure’, declared head of organization, Huguette
Labelle.
Report says that only countries involved with corruption can fight
and win corruption. Best medicines from this disease are democracy,
independent justice, mass media freedom, fight against tribalism
engrained in the cultures of many countries. However rich and
prosperous countries also have many things to work on. Their
corporations spoil leaders and representatives of corrupted states
with bribes, and financial institutes, specially offshore ones, allow
leaders and officials to hide money taken from people.
Amongst 180 countries Armenia took 99th place and in comparison with
previous year corruption level in this country hasn’t changed
remaining on 3.0 level accordingly to 10-point system. In Georgia
situation improved it took 79th place with 3.4 points against 2.8 of
2006. As for Azerbaijan situation has worsened, going down from 2.4
to 2.1.
Azerbaijan has gone down from 130 of 2006 to 150, along with
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus. Turkey took 64 place,
Russia – 143. Of former USSR countries Baltic states enjoy the best
positions. Denmark is considered as the most non-corrupted country,
and the most corrupted one is Somali.

GIOVANNI BUQUICCHIO: "AZERBAIJANI PARLIAMENT SHOULD ADOPT CHANGES TO THE ELECTORAL CODE BY THE YEAR END"

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 27 2007

"It is possible to think of making changes to the Azerbaijani
Constitution sometime"

Secretary of the Venice Commission Directorate General I (Legal
Affairs) Council of Europe Giovanni Buquicchio’s interview to APA

– Which amendments have been made to the Azerbaijani legislation as
a result of the cooperation with the Venice commission?

– We started cooperation in 1996 with Azerbaijan and our first activity
concerning Azerbaijan was the establishment of Constitutional Court
in 1998. We gave our recommendation to the draft law submitted by the
Azerbaijani government on the establishment of the court. Aftermath
we were appealed to give references on the Constitution of Nakhchivan
AR. We played a role in the foundation of Ombudsman Institute in
Azerbaijan in 2001. As you know Ombudsman is a very important body in
protecting human rights. Moreover, some examinations were implemented
so that Constitutional Court could accept the complaints individually
and, hence we made Constitutional Court somewhat more powerful. Not
once we showed our attitude to the human rights and fundamental
minorities, government-parliament relations, laws ensuring the
political parties’ activity within the framework of our cooperation. We
started to work on the New Electoral Code of Azerbaijan in 2000 with
the request of the Azerbaijani side.

We have been reviewing the paperwork since 2005 to conform it to the
European standards. Works are underway. We have started to revise
draft law on "Freedom of Assembly" recently. These two laws play a
very important role before the 2008 presidential elections. I really
want these elections to be up to all international standards and be
recognized by international community. Two significant elements should
be around to hold such elections: first off, a firm legislative basis
and second off political will. I want the 2008 presidential elections
to become a model both for the region and Europe. Azerbaijan and its
citizens should be interested in it.

– You stress the importance of "political will’ despite being
a lawyer…

– I am an optimist man ad can not but hope for the best. It is
impossible to think that Azerbaijan is not able to hold normal
elections. The time will come when Azerbaijan will also hold
transparent elections like European countries. I hope that it will
happen in 2008. Actually Azerbaijan is a little bit late in this
matter and the council of Europe and PACE denounced the elections in
Azerbaijan after its accession to the Council of Europe. It is high
time to show political will in order to hold transparent elections.

The government should put forth political will to eliminate
falsification in the elections and the electors in their turn should
demonstrate political culture. Because the falsifications are made not
only by the officials but also by the electors sometimes. These two
elements should be taken into consideration. You should demonstrate
to the whole Europe you are able to hold transparent elections proudly.

– On what laws does Venice Commission intend to negotiate with
Azerbaijan except for Electoral Code and "Freedom of Assembly"? These
two laws are very important for now. Law on "Freedom of Assembly"
should be perfect to run pre-election campaign.

– The law was adopted in 1999. Azerbaijani government decided just
to improve it. Some relevant activities have already been carried out.

We received a draft law from Azerbaijani government to review several
days ago. We hope that new text will entail our recommendations
submitted during our June meeting and presented to the parliament
by the year end. Speaking of our further activity, I can say that
we are ready to work together. We are ready to cooperate with any
country including Azerbaijan. We do not decide or propose to make
changes to any law. If Azerbaijan puts forth any proposal we will
be glad to cooperate within the framework of our authority. It is
possible to think of the changes to the Constitution sometime.

– What articles of the Constitution could be changed?

– I think it would be expedient to strengthen parliament’s role
in the legislative sphere. Moreover, it would be better to improve
balance among three branches of the power. As for the court system,
our observations in Azerbaijan as well as in other European countries
show that it is essential to ensure the real independence of court
authorities.

– Did Azerbaijan undertake any commitments when joined the Venice
Commission?

– No country undertakes commitments when joins the Venice Commission.

We are not responsible for monitoring, we are responsible for talks.

Monitoring and observations are up to the PACE and Ministers’
Committee. Case if any country appeals to us to help them to make
their legislative system better we just give advice or proposals.

PACE and CE Ministers’ Committee can also appeal to us with request.

Azerbaijan undertook some commitments when joined these
organizations. And these bodies appeal to us to control how these
countries respect commitments though checking any law’s compliance
with needed standards.

– You mean Venice Commission can impact through the mentioned bodies?

– Azerbaijan undertook some commitments when joined the Council of
Europe, PACE can ask us the necessity of the adoption of some law
coming from the commitment. We in our turn after reviewing the law
let the PACE know if the paperwork meets international standards
or not. The PACE can take some measures if the law does not meet
these standards.

– What will be the results of talks to be held between Venice
Commission and Azerbaijan in November? Are you satisfied with the
negotiations?

– We need to achieve results till the presidential elections, it
would be better if they are achieved before 6 months. I would better
if some results are achieved before. I regard that Parliament will
adopt amendments in Election Code till the year end or at least till
the beginning of the next year. It does not only concern election
legislation, but law on Freedom of assembly. These two laws complete
each other. These laws can be efficient for holding elections well.

We are satisfied with the period for solving these issues at present.

Two roundtables will be held in Baku on November 7-9. One of them
is related with the Central Election Commission and composition of
election commissions, the other solution of the conflicts arising from
the results of elections. All the interested political forces of the
country will participate in the meetings to be held in Baku. We will
complete our work till late November so that Parliament can look
through new draft in December. As to your second question, I can
say that we are satisfied with the talks. Two issues remain unsolved
yet-formation of composition of election commissions and electoral
complins and appeals. The other issues were amended and agreed, and
these amendments are satisfactory. There are political aspects in
the issue concerning election commissions. We should find solution
which will be adopted by all political forces, as well as electors.

Solution of the election disputes is also important. These disputes
should be solved soon and clearly. For example, if candidate or elector
complains to election commissions after elections, these complaints
should be considered soon.

– Can talks between Azerbaijan and Venice Commission become intensified
due to presidential elections?

– We had good relations with our Azerbaijani counterparts. If there are
other proposals, we are ready to continue our work. The organization
of two roundtables in Baku shows intensification of the talks. The
meeting on "freedom of assembly" will be organized in November. Venice
Commission is due to adopt to adopt a opinion regarding this law after
this meeting on December 15. Parliament should adopt this law later on.

– Will Venice Commission observe presidential elections in Azerbaijan?

– Venice Commission does not observe elections, this issue concerns
authority of other bodies. But we can assist Central Election
Commission. For example, we can send our experts to CEC before and
before elections. We have carried out such experience in several
countries.

– When do you plan to visit Azerbaijan?

– The sooner the visit takes place, the better it is. I love this
country very much. Conference on Constitutional Court had to be held
in Baku in November and I had to participate in that conference. To
my regret, the conference was rescheduled to next year. Azerbaijan
Constitutional Court will mark 10th annual next year and therefore I
will visit Azerbaijan next year. I will probably visit the region and
I will visit Armenia for attending the conference conducted by Armenian
Constitutional Court next week. I will visit Georgia early in November
and participate in conference organized by Constitutional Court.

IMPOSSIBLE TO PROGRESS BY DESTROYING

Hayots Ashkharh Daily, Armenia
Sept 27 2007

It came clear yesterday that leader of National Democratic Party
Shavarsh Kocharyan is disappointed of the speech delivered by the
first President, on September 21.

"If there were some people who had little expectations, these
expectations vanished after this speech. Because the essence of the
speech was clear. What was proposed, besides the criticism that has
always been heard?

First: something that was anticipated – to cede Karabakh. It seems that
he didn’t touch upon this topic but he did mean that. He spoke about
having open borders with the neighbors. He also said that Azerbaijan
would never agree to mutual concessions. Consequently the concession
must be unilateral.

Second: the aim is to destroy the system. You will never progress
by destroying. To cede Karabakh and to destroy is not a program,"
leader of the National Democratic Party said.

Group not ready to sever ADL ties

By Ian B. Murphy/Staff Writer
GateHouse News Service
New! Thu Sep 27, 2007, 06:37 AM EDT

Lexington –

The No Place For Hate committee still exists in Lexington. But it was
clear Monday that a passionate and strong-willed Armenian-American
community also exists in Lexington, and to them anything short of a
full severance of ties between the town’s No Place For Hate committee
and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is unacceptable.

That community showed up in force at the Selectmen’s Meeting Room in
Town Hall this week, so much so that Chairman Jeanne Krieger had to
call the meeting to order and then quickly adjourn to move the
gathering to Cary Memorial Hall in order to accommodate the crowd of
more than 130.

There, both Armenian-American and Jewish residents spoke out against
the ADL’s ambiguous position on the Armenian genocide at the hands of
the Ottoman Turks in 1915. They pointed out that according to the
ADL’s own guidelines, genocide denial is the final stage of genocide
and that it is the highest form of hate-speech. Each speaker came back
to the same theme: the ADL was a hypocritical organization that had
lost its moral authority to back any program that seeks to promote
diversity and squelch hate.

"Real tolerance is only possible when you don’t discriminate," said
Nairi Kachatourian, an Armenian-American senior at Lexington High
School. "The ADL does."

Jill Smilow, the chair of the No Place For Hate committee, gave a
statement from the group’s steering committee saying it was not ready
to recommend cutting ties to the ADL.

"While the Lexington No Place for Hate Steering Committee members
recognize the Armenian Genocide of the early 20th century as one of
the world’s greatest atrocities, the steering committee is not yet
prepared to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen regarding
severance from ADL and wishes to have further dialogue, discussion,
and gather more information on this extremely important matter for our
community before doing so," she said.

Smilow pointed to the many good works No Place for Hate had done in
the past, as well as its close affiliation with the New England
regional ADL, which has publicly recognized the Armenian genocide.
Smilow is a member of the regional ADL board of directors.

The Armenian-Americans were not concerned with No Place For Hate’s
record. Most speakers acknowledged that the group had done excellent
work in town, and that the group was important. They said No Place For
Hate’s past deeds did not exonerate the ADL from denying the genocide,
and many residents proposed that a new committee with the same mission
be formed in town without the financial or moral support from the ADL.

"Clearly there is something worth preserving because of the work they
have done," said Noubar Afeyan, a resident of Sunset Ridge. "The real
urgency of it is to take steps to make the program as uncompromised as
it can be and it has always been, especially with its mission [of
removing hate in the community]. It’s not urgent because Armenian
Americans think it’s urgent; it’s urgent because it’s important to
return to the uncompromised status of this very important program."

Afeyan told the selectmen that both parties had a responsibility to
act. Armenian Americans feel a responsibility because if they don’t
speak out about what happened to their relatives, 1.5 million
Armenians will have died for nothing. The Board of Selectman had to
act because any program in town sponsored by a group that denied the
genocide alienates an ethnic group of residents, Afeyan said.

"To be dependent financially, morally, or informationally (sic) on an
organization that is compromised is wrong," said Afeyan.

Jack Porter, the treasurer of the International Association of
Genocide Scholars and Newton resident, urged the selectmen to take a
position on the matter before the ADL’s November meeting, where he
said the organization could be torn apart from within.

"In November, the ADL meets with its national executives," said
Porter. "If they don’t change their position on the Armenian genocide,
one of two things will happen. Either (ADL national director Abraham)
Foxman will have to retire, or the ADL will be torn apart. It’s an
existential moment for the ADL. It’s do or die. Either it moves
forward, or it goes under, and then the good work will just crumble
away."

Smilow’s husband, Howard Brick, who is also a member of the regional
ADL board of directors, advised the selectmen to remember that part of
the issue involved a bill in the U.S. Congress recognizing the
genocide, and not to confuse this local issue with the geopolitical
tangles involved with the resolution.

The selectmen took in all of the comments of the evening, but did not
offer their own comments as the item was not on their agenda.

"I believe that we have an obligation to listen to the Armenian
community, but I also want NPFH to have an opportunity to discuss how
they are going to formulate themselves to continue to serve
Lexington," said chairman Jeanne Krieger.

The selectmen have not yet set a date to hold their own discussion
about the issue.

"[Not discussing the issue isn’t] an attempt to duck anything," said
Selectman Hank Manz. "It’s not an attempt to marginalize the issue. It
is an attempt to handle it correctly. We did not want to have to
demand a speaker’s list. Obviously this is a huge issue."

To learn more about HR 106, "An affirmation of the United States’
Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution," contact Rep. Edward
Markey at 5 High St., Suite 101, Medford MA 02155 or call
617-722-1432. The full text of HR 106 is available at

No Place for hate’s position

The following statement was made to Lexington’s Board of Selectmen by
Jill Smilow, chairman of the Lexington No Place for Hate Steering
Committee.

The members of Lexington’s No Place for Hate Steering Committee met
last Friday with Armenian-American residents of our town who presented
their request that the town disassociate from the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL), thus ending the No Place for Hate Program in Lexington.

A lengthy discussion among everyone present followed their presentation.

While the Lexington No Place for Hate Steering Committee members
recognize the Armenian Genocide of the early 20th century as one of
the world’s greatest atrocities, the steering committee is not yet
prepared to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen regarding
severance from ADL and wishes to have further dialogue, discussion,
and gather more information on this extremely important matter for our
community before doing so.

Source: 055597

SARDAR JALALOGLU: ADP WILL RUN FOR THE ELECTIONS IRRESPECTIVE OF OTHER PARTIES’, ESPECIALLY AZADLIQ ALLIANCE’S POSITION

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2007

"Azerbaijan Democratic Party passed a decision on running for the
forthcoming presidential elections. ADP will participate in the
elections irrespective of the position of other parties, especially
of Azadliq alliance," chairman of Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP)
Sardar Jalaloglu told APA.

He said that the party’s new course is constructive opposition and
considers that constructivism should reveal itself not only in the
opposition’s attitude towards opposition, but towards the authorities
as well.

"We consider that the opposition should run for presidential elections
with a single candidate. We will do our best for this.

Otherwise, we will run for the elections in the form of a bloc. The
parties close to ADP will unite and will have its candidate. If it
fails, we will run for the elections with our candidate," he said.

Sardar Jalaloglu said ADP officials consider that constructive
opposition should not only envisage brawling and fighting with the
authorities in the streets, but also cooperating with them.

"All international organizations call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to
cooperate concerning Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Mutual relations,
but not confrontation and brawl should be established between the
authorities and the opposition. This is neither my, nor anyone else’s
invention. This is characteristic of the whole world, in most cases
the authorities and opposition parties have set up a coalition, and
managed to make some changes in the society. Our main aim is to bring
the relations in Azerbaijan to a new stage and change the political
situation. That’s why we have determined our course properly. As ADP
is an independent party, it pursues an independent line," he said.