Author: Nadirian Emma

AZERI PRESIDENT SETS PRIORITIES FOR COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT

Azerbaijani TV Channel One,
Nov 29 2006

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has spoken out against politicizing
the situation surrounding the closure of the private ANS TV and radio
company. Speaking in an interview with Azerbaijani state television
on 29 November, he said that if all the demands of the National TV and
Radio Council are fulfilled, then ANS can continue broadcasting. Aliyev
added that he has always supported ANS, but no-one is allowed to
break the law. Touching on his meeting with Armenian President Robert
Kocharyan in Minsk, the president said that the Karabakh talks are
approaching the final stage and the future of the talks depended on
the presidents. The problem will be solved within the framework of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, he said.

Aliyev denied the reports that the authorities are trying to suppress
the opposition media and stressed that his priority task is to building
a free and democratic state. The following is an excerpt from Ilham
Aliyev’s interview with Azerbaijani TV on 29 November.

Subheadings have been inserted editorially:

[Correspondent] Mr President, you had a meeting with the Armenian
president in Minsk on the sidelines of the CIS summit. What is your
assessment of the outcome of the meeting?

Karabakh talks approaching final stage

[Aliyev] The Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagornyy Karabakh talks have been
going on within the framework of the Prague process for about three
years. Over this period, there have been enough meetings both at the
level of the presidents and the foreign ministers. Naturally, those
meetings discussed ways of solving the problem. There were different
stages and I can say that we are approaching the final stage of the
talks. Because, as you know, at the talks that have been going on
almost for three years, all issues were discussed and the positions
of the sides almost took shape. We have already reached a stage where
the future of the talks depends on our steps. From this point of view,
I assess the outcome of the meeting as normal on the whole.

As you know, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs recently visited Baku and
Yerevan. Azerbaijan consented to their proposal to conduct a meeting
[between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia]. As for the meeting,
on the whole, the talks were constructive and disputed issues were
discussed. They were almost in the centre of attention.

Because we recently managed to achieve solutions to a number of
issues, and problems that were not agreed previously have now been
agreed. However, there are issues on which we do not see eye-to-eye
and the two presidents had talks on those issues.

As for Azerbaijan’s position, I want to reiterate that our position
has not undergone any changes. Azerbaijan insists on the resolution
of the problem within the framework of our territorial integrity. The
four resolutions of the UN Security Council must be implemented,
the occupied Azerbaijani lands must be liberated from the occupying
forces and over 1m Azerbaijanis must return home.

I have to say that we are satisfied with the recent activities of
international organizations. Respected international organizations have
already clarified their position that the issue should be solved within
the framework of territorial integrity, which certainly reinforces
our position.

In general, every issue can be solved on the basis of international
law, norms and principles. No other issue can be resolved beyond these
framework and the setting of precedents might cause problems for other
countries. Therefore, I want to reiterate that Azerbaijan’s principal
position remains unchanged, i.e. Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity
must be restored. Nagornyy Karabakh must be granted the highest degree
of autonomy within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Foreign policy successful and flexible

[Correspondent] Mr President, you have paid several successful visits
to a number of foreign countries over the last two months. What is
your assessment of these visits?

[Aliyev] On the whole, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is flexible and
successful. I have to say that there have also been enough tours inside
the country over the last two months, especially in October, I toured
regions of the country more often. But in November, there were more
foreign trips and this is my fifth visit. I visited Brussels where
the European Union [EU] and NATO are headquartered. The visit was very
successful and very important results were achieved. As you know, we
have already started a broad five-year neighbourhood policy plan with
the EU. The programme envisages the continuation of both economic and
political reforms. I am confident that the process of democratization
will further accelerate once this programme is implemented.

We have been cooperating with NATO within the framework of the
Individual Partnership Action Plan [IPAP] and both sides are very
satisfied with this cooperation. On the whole, my visit to Brussels
was aimed at strengthening Azerbaijan’s integration into Euro-Atlantic
structures. This is our strategic line and it is being successfully
put into life and Azerbaijan’s positions are gradually strengthening
even more.

After this, I paid an official visit to Russia. This visit was also
important because Russia is our strategic partner and we are tied
together with both expanded political and economic relations. My
meeting with President Putin was also very significant for both
sides. I have to say that the visit and its outcome will serve the
further deepening of bilateral relations and I am sure that they will
have a positive impact on developments in the region.

[Passage omitted: Aliyev said his visits to Turkey and other states
were fruitful]

Reforms have to complete one another

[Correspondent] Mr President, some opposition forces recently made
claims regarding the media and made accusations. If possible, we’d
like to hear your views on these issues.

[Aliyev] You know, political developments in Azerbaijan have been
positive on the whole. Along with political reforms, we proceed with
economic reforms and I have repeatedly said and want to reiterate it
now that political reforms have to complete economic reforms. Both
processes have to be implemented in parallel. We already have a big
economic potential, we have created it. The political reforms, the
development of democracy in the country, freedom of speech and the
media, freedom of conscience, supremacy of the law – all these are
key issues for us.

The conduct of economic reforms for us is as important as the conduct
of political ones. Our economic achievements will have no future
and will be temporary without viable public control and a free
civil society in Azerbaijan. For this reason, the fundamental aim
of the recent reforms carried out in Azerbaijan is to maintain the
comprehensive development of the country in order for every citizen
of the country to enjoy freedom.

Country enjoys freedom of speech

Freedom of speech also exists in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has over 500
media outlets and they function freely. We are taking very serious
steps in this sphere. The securing of freedom of speech and the
media is our priority and I can say that Azerbaijan has achieved
great successes in this area. As you know, we have joined the New
Neighbourhood Policy with the EU. This Action Plan also envisages
continuing political reforms, i.e. this is our choice. If we did
not have plans on that score, nobody would compel us to accept those
agreements. This is our choice, our desire and our will. Therefore,
we should not politicize the situation around some media outlets. We
have to settle all issues legally.

The opposition media have been recently discussing the eviction of
Azadliq newspaper to another office. This technical issue is being
artificially politicized by the opposition and is being presented as
an attempt by the Azerbaijani authorities to stifle the opposition
press. On the contrary, we have provided Azadliq newspaper with proper
and perfect conditions. They will be accommodated at the Azarbaycan
publishing house where other media outlets are headquartered. This
issue should only be examined in the legal context. Azerbaijan enjoys
freedom of speech and the media and no-one should have doubts about
this. I am sure that these processes will be speed up even more because
our country is becoming modern and rich, and turning into a modern
state and it is impossible to restrict the media. It is impossible
to restrict the media in the globalizing world.

Private TV channel can reopen once shortcomings are eliminated

The situation surrounding ANS TV is a subject of discussion, of course,
and I consider that it is wrong to handle the matter from a political
point of view. At different times – before and after I was elected
president, I always supported the strengthening of freedom of speech
and made efforts, whenever necessary, to ensure the broadcasts of
the ANS TV channel. During hard periods facing the channel [changing
tack] – in any case, the channel’s management can confirm that I have
always been with them. I have done this and I consider that it is
necessary and very important to strengthen the free and independent
media in Azerbaijan.

However, having said this, every single issue has to be solved
legally. Everybody must obey the law. We are creating a law-governed
state in Azerbaijan. I urge all officials and office holders
to adhere to the law. Both ordinary people and the president,
a rank-and-file journalist and the director of a TV channel should
obey the law. Someone may like or dislike the law, but this is the
law, and societies and countries are governed by the law. Everybody
is equal before the law. No-one, including media and TV chiefs, can
be above the law. Sometimes, certain media outlets think that being
a pressman, a journalist or the owner of a media outlet gives them
certain privileges. This is not the case and everybody should be
equal. There are government agencies and the National TV and Radio
Council – they made well-founded remarks and the right proposals and
every media outlet should follow them. Therefore, I consider that
those issues can be solved in a businesslike atmosphere and with the
help of good will. If all remarks, warnings and demands are fulfilled,
then this channel can continue broadcasting.

Closure of media outlet nowadays impossible

You know, I want to reiterate that it is impossible to close or
restrict any media nowadays. We live in the Internet age. Why are we
providing every school in Azerbaijan with access to the Internet?!

Because our people, children and young men should be familiar with
developments in the world from the early ages. They should see
innovations, acquire and apply them.

I often visit regions of the country and remote villages. The remotest
villages have satellite dishes installed and there are not just a
few, but many of them, i.e. it is impossible to restrict any media
outlet. TV channels will soon be broadcast via mobile phones.

We have no aim or plans to restrict them. Simply, everyone should
obey the law and act within the framework of the law. Nobody will be
provided with privileged conditions. This is my principled stance and
I will adhere to this position. Every single issue should be solved
in line with the law. Given this, we shall have no problems. If
everybody understands this and adheres to the law, all other issues
will be tackled.

I want to reiterate that this is my vision and philosophy. I want
to see Azerbaijan a modern state. I want to see Azerbaijan rich,
economically strong, politically free, modern, open to the world,
ready for cooperation, able to protect its interests and possessing a
mighty army that is able to restore its territorial integrity. I will
do my best to accomplish all this. Nobody and nothing can prevent me
from doing this. Thank you.

FRIED: NATO EXPRESSED ATTITUDE TO "FROZEN CONFLICTS" FOR FIRST TIME

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.11.2006 16:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ US Assistant Secretary of State for European
Affairs Daniel Fried said that the Communique on the outcomes of
the NATO Summit in Riga for the first time reflects the Alliance
attitude to "frozen conflicts" in the territory of the former Soviet
Union. As Fried told journalists, "the Communique language includes
a phrase supporting territorial integrity of South Caucasian states
and Moldova." In his words, the NATO states this for the first time
and it is an important signal for these countries."

When commenting on President Bush statement in Riga in support of
Georgia’s bid for NATO accession, Fried underscored that the President
first of all meant that the doors of the Alliance should be open to all
those wishing. "The President insisted that Georgia should be given
a change to do what it has to do," the diplomat said, noting that
"Georgia has to do everything to be ready to NATO membership." "It
is not so much strengthening democratic institutions and economy,
but peaceful settlement of territorial disputes inside Georgia,"
he noted, reports Prime News.

BENEDICT XVI BETWEEN CONSTANTINOPLE AND ISTANBUL
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis

American Chronicle, CA
Nov 29 2006

When, within a few hours, the Pope will land in Istanbul, he will find
himself for a few days outside Time; the evenly balanced gravitation
of Istanbul and Constantinople will place the Pontiff at a uniquely
equidistant point between Turkey and Europe, Christianity and Islam,
and Orient and Occident. Few moments counted as much as this in the
World History.

Pontiff’s visit is the Terminus Post Quem

Conflicting interests and disastrous policies cultivated and pursued
for hundreds of years by all parts involved, in the past and the
present, have brought the world at the brink of the abyss. Few realize
how close the Mankind has reached to the point of collapse.

>>From ecological disasters caused because of the Industrial
revolution, the emergence of a besotted society of consumers, and the
repeated arms races of all sorts to cultural and educational alienation
of hundreds of millions of people, the Mankind deviated to the utmost
materialism, extreme oppression, and absolute disregard of the Other,
let alone the other’s sensitivities.

Suddenly, the world has become too small to accommodate an
ill-conceived European unification, an American presence in five
continents, two expansionist economies like those of China and
India that are based on extreme and at times inhuman exploitation
of masses without alleviating poverty and misery, plus unjustified
and unsolicited anti-Americanism that emanates from uncultured and
thuggish dictators like the Venezuelan clown, and last but not least,
the hysteria and the hatred directed by the pseudo-Islamic sheikhs
and their millions of followers against all the rest.

And all interconnected and interrelated to an extent that you almost
cannot mend this without deteriorating that. What to do, and where
to start?

Benedict XVI does not represent the Occident!

To some this statement may sound odd and erroneous, but brief thought
is enough to drive us to the conclusion that Benedict XVI does not
and by definition cannot represent the gay couples legalized in
Spain or the accepted adoption of children by them. Furthermore,
Benedict XVI does not represent abortion, pedophilia, and the
ceaselessly increasing consumption of drugs by Western youth. No
one can disagree on this; Benedict XVI and the Roman Catholic Church
do not represent the advanced materialism that invaded the Western
societies, taking all possible forms of existentialism of the Left,
Marxism, anarchism and/or nihilism. Even more so, Benedict XVI does
not represent secretive groups, plots and conspiracies, racism and
anti-Semitism, all the ideological contaminations that brought wars
and disaster to Europe and the world.

Benedict XVI represents, is the only Authority in the West to
represent, Justice, Equity, Humanism, dedication to Spiritual Concern,
and a certain Hope for many.

Benedict XVI represents Jesus, a person highly revered by Muslims,
and adored by Christians. There is no divergence between the Christian
and the Muslim sources about, and references to, Jesus as regards
his Foremost Authority in terms of Justice and Equity.

Representing Jesus’ Legacy – or at least part of it as Muslims
claim that too -, Benedict XVI can truly offer great service to the
confused Mankind of our times, by sticking to the most representative
Criterion for Jesus’ Concept of Justice; he must make it his, apply
it everywhere, and support the approach:

Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.

Representing this sentence, Luke, 20:23-25, bringing forth Justice
in the relations among states and nations, religions and ideologies,
Benedict XVI has a chance to be heard and accepted by a significant
number of Muslims, who know that the Right and the Just is not the
monopoly of those who pray – like the Pharisees of Jesus’ times –
five times per day, but forget to endure self-criticism and rejection
of egoism.

Benedict XVI to vigorously support Turkey’s adhesion to the European
Union

The Pontiff is a Head of State; and as such, he is able to understand
that Vatican’s policies are not situated at the miserable level of
parochial politicians like the former French Prime Minister Alain
Juppe and other lower and lewder fellows of the French Right.

The Pontiff cannot tolerate perverse political interests that would
jeopardize the entire relationship of Christianity with Islam. As
an institution, millennia long Vatican cannot be compared with, and
therefore cannot allow policies corresponding to those of, the French
Fifth Republic (est. 1958). The horizon of the universal Christian –
Muslim relations cannot be damaged at the hands of people like Angela
Merkel, Nicholas Sarkozy, and their likes. Looking at the centuries
ahead, Benedict XVI, although German of origin, cannot take into
consideration the current pocket interests of German employees and
workers.

What could all this miserable microcosm of the European politicians
say, when Benedict XVI stipulates that Ephesus, Smyrna and Thyateira
are as European as Stockholm and Dublin?

What would they answer to the Pontiff stating that Basil of Caesarea
is as European, although Cappadocian, as Mohyieldin Ibn Al Arabi
of Andalusia?

One sentence of the Pontiff can avert a most perilous blockage of the
Turkish candidature at the hands of the Southern Cypriot president
who is known for his long dated hatred of Catholic Christianity.

Benedict XVI to adamantly denounce colonial practices

The possibility to understand is one of the most significant privileges
of the human being. Certainly the Pope understands that the masses
gathered at the Aghia Sophia Museum two days ago do not hate him
personally; they reject the injustices and the crimes carried out by
the French and the British in Algeria, Greece, Egypt, Syria, Arabia
and Mesopotamia.

By denouncing practices that were never accepted by Vatican, the
Pontiff will demonstrate to hundreds of millions of Muslims that he
agrees with them in the Search of Justice, namely that he indirectly
condemns the murderous work of the colonials, and their illegal,
unjust, and ultimately antihuman interference in the lands of the
Ottoman Empire.

The Pontiff understands very well that the manipulation of Christian
populations of the Ottoman Empire by the French, the Russians, and the
British, who mercilessly and cynically abandoned these populations,
after they had first long incited them against their own country,
was a disreputable work for which the absolute condemnation is badly
and urgently needed.

France rather than Turkey stands accused for the murder of hundreds
of thousands of Armenians of Van and of Aramaeans of Julamerg (the
Kutshanus Patriarchate) and Tur Abdin. What does it mean except
dishonesty and duplicity that France is vociferous when it comes
to Armenians killed in WW I, but keeps silent about the parallel
extermination of hundreds of thousands of Aramaeans?

Either all will be denounced or we all will forget it all. The
cynical, unethical and disreputable attitude of thugs like the racist
Kotcharian tyrant of Armenia, and his French presidential friend,
must be castigated in Jesus language and terms.

Only then, the Muslims will be able to repent for their mistakes,
regret for the oppression of millions of Aramaeans and Copts at their
hands, be apologetic for their anti-Semitism, and finally, commonly
with the Roman Pontiff, and all those who seek Justice and Truth on
Earth, contribute to shaping a future faraway from the contamination
of the anticlerical French conspirators.

Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis

Orientalist, Assyriologist, Egyptologist, Iranologist, and
Islamologist, Historian, Political Scientist, Dr. Megalommatis, 49,
is the author of 12 books, dozens of scholarly articles, hundreds of
encyclopedia entries, and thousands of articles. He speaks, reads and
writes more than 15, modern and ancient, languages. He refuted Greek
nationalism, supported Martin Bernal’s Black Athena, and rejected the
Greco-Romano-centric version of History. He pleaded for the European
History by J. B. Duroselle, and defended the rights of the Turkish,
Pomak, Macedonian, Vlachian, Arvanitic, Latin Catholic, and Jewish
minorities of Greece, asking for the international recognition of
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Born Christian Orthodox,
he adhered to Islam when 36, devoted to ideas of Muhyieldin Ibn al
Arabi. Greek citizen of Turkish origin, Prof. Megalommatis studied
and/or worked in Turkey, Greece, France, England, Belgium, Germany,
Syria, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Egypt and Russia, and carried out research
trips throughout the Middle East, Northeastern Africa and Central
Asia. His career extended from Research & Education, Journalism,
Publications, Photography, and Translation to Website Development,
Human Rights Advocacy, Marketing, Sales & Brokerage. He traveled
in more than 80 countries in 5 continents. He defends the Right
of Aramaeans, Oromos, Berbers, and Beja to National Independence,
demands international recognition for Somaliland, and denounces
Islamic Terrorism.

les/viewArticle.asp?articleID=17231

AMBASSADOR SAYS US AGAINST GEORGIAN PARTNERSHIP WITH IRAN
By Keti Sikharulidze

The Messenger, Georgia
Nov 28 2006

Tefft says "long term" partnership with Iran "unacceptable"

Georgia’s interest in a long term relationship with Iran to receive
natural gas seems to be unacceptable for the United States.

Speaking with the Georgian weekly newspaper Kviris Palitra over
the weekend, US Ambassador John Tefft said that Georgia’s long term
relationship with Iran was a problem for the US.

Kviris Palitra quoted Mr. Tefft as saying "Last year, Georgia had no
choice after the explosion of the main gas pipeline to import gas from
Iran. It was an emergency situation and the United States understood
the situation, though Georgia’s long term partnership with Iran is
unacceptable for us."

Speaking with the paper, the US diplomat noted that the US’s position
was based on the UN Security Council resolution on Iran and the
latter’s nuclear enrichment program.

However, the Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli stated on Monday, he
sees no problem in signing a long term agreement with Iran.

"It is natural that we will have relations in the energy sector
with Iran, moreover, we will exchange our electricity with Iran,"
stated Noghaideli.

Tefft’s statement seems to contradict an earlier one by US Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs,
Matthew Bryza, who while visiting Georgia on November 17 noted that
while the US was pursuing their policy towards Iran, they did not
want Georgia or Armenia or any other country to be in a situation
where it does not have energy for the winter.

"If Georgia, under such pressure [to pay high gas prices to Russian
Gazprom], feels it has to look elsewhere for gas, looking first
and foremost to Azerbaijan as a supplier, we understand that. If
Azerbaijan is contracting the gas from a variety of suppliers be it
Russia, Iran or Azerbaijan it is a separate issue," stated Bryza.

However commenting on Bryza’s statement to Kviris Palitra, Tefft
claimed that Bryza’s statement was misinterpreted.

Tefft’s statement became one of the leading issues at the parliament
bureau session. One of the leaders of the opposition Democratic Front
faction, Zviad Dzidziguri, demanded a parliamentary hearing on this
issue, however, the bureau did not approve Dzidziguri’s request.

"We are in a very difficult situation. The president is against buying
gas from Gazprom for USD 230, and if our strategic partner [the US] is
against purchasing gas from Iran, what is the alternative? Shah Deniz
gas is hardly enough for Turkey and Azerbaijan," stated Dzidziguri.

Speaking with journalists, ruling party member Nika Gvaramia said
Georgia would consider everybody’s advice, though the decision will
be made solely by the Georgian government.

"The main task is to help our population get through the winter and
I think our government will succeed. I think our decisions will be
justified in political arena," said Gvaramia.

Meanwhile Gazprom announced they will increase the price to Europe
reports Russian newspaper Vedomosti. According to the paper, 1000
cubic metres of natural gas to Europe will cost USD 293 for 2007.

"Gazprom plans to export 157 billion cubic metres of natural gas to
Europe in the coming year, which is 20 percent more than in 2006,"
reports the paper.

Gazprom also increased the price of gas for Russian ally Belarus to
USD 200 per 1000 cubic metres.

NOVEMBER 20, 2006

INSIDE WALL STREET

Hovnanian May Get Its House In Order Fast

Hovnanian Enterprises (_HOV_ (javascript: void showTicker(‘HOV’)) ),
like other homebuilders, has suffered a big drop in orders. But it is
one stock that a few contrarians and daring bargain hunters are
betting on for a recovery sooner than the rest of the pack. Its stock
has crashed from 54 in January to 25 in August and has since edged up
to 28.35. The company posted a 34% drop in earnings for its latest
quarter, but it did not cut its estimates of $5 to $5.75 a share for
2006. The consensus for 2007 is $3.18. Has the shattered stock already
more than discounted the housing bust? "The upside potential
significantly exceeds the downside risk," says Bernie Schaeffer, CEO
of Schaeffer’s Investment Research, which has bought shares. He sees
the stock at 50 in a year. Ivan Feinseth of Matrix USA adds:
"Hovnanian is priced like it’s going out of business." Orders have
only slowed but haven’t stopped, says Feinseth, who rates the stock a
"strong buy."

Note: Unless otherwise noted, neither the sources cited in Inside Wall
Street nor their firms hold positions in the stocks under
discussion. Similarly, they have no investment banking or other
financial relationships with them.

By Gene G. Marcial

HEAD OF KHOJALI EXECUTIVE POWER AWAITS NO BENEFITS FOR AZERBAIJAN FROM ACTIVITIES OF OSCE MINSK GROUP
Author: A.Ismaylova

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Nov 23 2006

The action of the OSCE Minsk Group has been directed towards applying
pressure on Azerbaijan, and have, in particular, made every effort
to transfer the Azerbaijani territories to Armenia, the Head of
the Executive Power of Khojali District, Deputy of the Azerbaijani
Parliament, Elman Mammadov, stated, Trend reports.

He stated that all the occupied Azerbaijani territories have been
captured and transferred to Armenia by Russia and the former Soviet
Government. "The first Armenian state was created in the territory of
France, the second one in the historical territory of Azerbaijan, and
now they want to establish the third Armenian state in the occupied
Azerbaijani territories with the support from France. America also
wants to demonstrate itself as the supporter of justice. If America
does recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, why does it
annually allocate finances to the unrecognized state," Mammadov argued.

He mentioned in particular the periodical visits of the self-voted
Head of Nagorno-Karabakh to the USA, as well as the recent meeting
of the American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza with
Arkadi Kukasyan, leader of the Separatist Nagorno-Karabakh regime.

"Matthew Bryza takes in this question the same position held by
Kukasyan and Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. There is no point in
Azerbaijan waiting for action from the OSCE Minsk Group. The countries
represented in the Minsk Group do not correspond with the fight for
justice," Mammadov stated.

FRENCH ARMENIAN BILL DISSIDENT TO SETTLE IN TURKEY
By Ali Ihsan Aydin

Zaman, Turkey
Nov 22 2006

Politicians were not the only ones to react to the French bill that
would make denial of the alleged Armenian genocide punishable by law.

Historian Jean Michel Thibaux, who strongly opposed the draft, is
preparing to apply for Turkish citizenship and settle in the Turkish
city of Antalya. Thibaux, who is planning to move in 2007, will lecture
on history at Akdeniz University. The well-published historian is
currently studying the Turkish language. His admiration for Turkish
culture dates back many years. The French bill had the greatest impact
on his recent decision: "I’ve loved Turkey for such a long time,
and I was considering becoming Turkish. The draft accelerated that;
I was outraged." He offered an interesting analogy on the overall
situation of his country: "My country is going bankrupt; it’s going
straight to hell."

Thibaux describes Turkish culture as "one which resembles me, speaks
to me and amazes me…" Thibaux, who will arrive in Turkey to attend
the Seb-i Arus ceremonies in December in commemoration of great Muslim
thinker Mawlana, currently lives in a tiny yet lovely French town on
the Mediterranean coast. Speaking to Zaman, Thibaux made important
statements about his decision to live in Turkey, the draft on the
alleged Armenian genocide, and the overall situation in his country.

How did you decide to become a Turkish citizen? How did this idea
arise?

My idea to become a Turkish citizen dates way back. My father was
very fond of Turkey and naturally this love passed onto me. Since my
first visit to Turkey 25 years ago, the Turkish people and Turkish
culture have amazed me. This was an extraordinary sentiment that I
felt whenever I returned from Turkey to France. The idea of becoming
a naturalized Turk was fully materialized in 2000. At last, I chose
the soil that speaks to me, and resembles me.

So, it is not a reaction to the Armenian draft bill?

I have been fond of Turkey for a long time and I was already
considering becoming a Turkish citizen. The Armenian draft bill
accelerated the entire process. I was outraged! And I sent a letter
to Mehmet Dulger. The first bill recognizing the Armenian genocide
was outrageous. In reaction to this bill, I issued a historical
declaration, which I sent to the Turkish parliament as well. With
the adoption of the recent draft, I said, ‘I will become a Turk!’

Will you renounce your French citizenship?

It is impossible. Under the French Constitution, we do not have to
make such a choice. However, we are permitted to live in accordance
with the "other citizenship," that is to say, the Turkishness.

independent of French citizenship. My reaction is not with France,
but with French politicians. If there had been wiser men in the French
Assembly, the Armenian question would not even have been brought to
the agenda of the country.

Have you applied for Turkish citizenship? At what stage is the process?

My application for Turkish citizenship will materialize in the
weeks ahead. The Turkish authorities have all the information and
documents they need about me. On the other hand, I also sent a letter
of motivation to the interior minister. I was invited to Konya in
December. I suppose we will discuss the issue there. I started learning
Turkish with the aid of audio tapes and CDs. When I settle in Antalya,
I will hire a teacher. I hope I will be able to speak Turkish within
two or three months.

How did your friends and relatives react to this decision?

Contrary to what might be expected, pretty well. Nobody has strongly
protested. My family was excited. My son will also become a Turkish
citizen. The intellectuals I often debate with understood my
rationale. One prominent French friend will accompany me to Konya.

After my decision, those who are close to me adopted a different
stance toward Turkey.

After becoming a Turkish citizen, will you consider living in Turkey
as well?

I am considering living in Antalya from early 2007 on. Following
the media coverage of my situation, the rector of Akdeniz University
contacted me. He said they were considering giving me a chair in the
university, and that they would be honored if I accepted it. I am
an expert on antiquity. I have lectured extensively on this. I’ve
published three dictionaries. I intend to give antiquity lectures
in Antalya. As a resident of the Mediterranean, I would have a hard
time living in a city like Ankara. On the contrary, in many respects,
Antalya is similar to the place where I currently live.

What do you think about the denial bill? Will the draft be approved?

What are your remarks about the French attitude when it comes to its
own past? Sarkozy had said that ‘the sons would not apologize for
their fathers’ faults.’

For me, the draft bill has no value. Only 119 out of more than 500
deputies approved it. The draft does not represent the French nation.

I would like to recall that the person who put forward the draft is
the deputy of the predominantly Armenian Drome region. If I rely on my
own sources and President Chirac’s hidden will, I can say that this
proposal will not be ratified at the Senate. The worst case scenario
is the adoption of a bill with significant modifications so that it
will be impossible to implement. France should stay away from another
nation’s past. It should first look at its own past, and try to draw
conclusions. Sarkozy quoted from my statement, "We cannot hold the
sons responsible for what their fathers did." It is the historians’
job to shed light on the past.

First the suburbs, then university youth rioted. What is going on
in France?

France is having a serious identity crisis. Because it was unable to
adapt itself to the modern world, it is now incapable of resolving
the identity problems of the main constituents of the country. What
is more, the middle class is becoming poorer. The situation of the
laborers and small businesses is getting worse. I do not know how
we can deal with this collapse. France is avoiding its problems. We
are going bankrupt. It is the sin of our national arrogance and
self-conceit. We are still living with the victories of the past. In
the 1960s, France was the fifth-largest power in the world. Now it
ranks 19th. When will its fall toward hell end?

TURKEY SHOULD NOT HAMPER EU, IT CAN BE BYPASSED EVENTUALLY

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.11.2006 15:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The signing of the EU-Armenia Action Plan is a road
in two directions: from Europe to the Caucasus and from Caucasus to
Europe, analyst from US Richard Giragosian stated in Yerevan. In his
words, the Plan provides for economic reforms, as well as military
security. "The region should become a zone of military and energy
stability. In the future the Action Plan will spread on Morocco,
Jordan, Israel and Ukraine. From the geopolitical point of view, EU
involvement in South Caucasian countries is also a step from Turkey
towards Iran, as Turkey should not hamper EU enlargement. It can be
bypassed eventually," he noted. The EU is a competitor to the US,
but at the same time a counterbalance to Russia, he underscored.

As for the Action Plan itself, in the opinion of the American analyst,
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia differ much. "Georgia aspires to
Europe more actively, using the NATO to that end, Azerbaijan leans
towards Central Asia not only in energy, but also in the military
field. And only Armenia implements the Plan all alone, proceeding
from the barest necessity. The loneliness, along with too close
relations with Russia, is dangerous to Armenia. However, Yerevan,
not Brussels decides how the events will develop," Giragosian said.

"WHAT HAVE ARMED FORCES SUSPENDED WITH FRANCE?"
by Fikret Bila

Milliyet, Turkey
Nov 17 2006

Turkish paper details impact of freezing military ties with France

Ground Forces Commander General Ilker Basbug, after the French
parliament had passed a resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide,
announced that they had suspended military relations with that country.

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) thus took a clear stance immediately
following this decision by France.

Upon the orders of Chief of the General Staff General Yasar Buyukanit,
the TSK cancelled all of its military activities involving France. The
order was published within the TSK structure.

So what did the TSK suspend?

Plans halted

Turkey plans, on an annual basis, joint or mutual activities with
various countries, including France. The planning is done a year
in advance.

When France passed the Armenian genocide resolution, the remaining
activities of 2006 were cancelled upon orders of General Buyukanit.

The 2007 activities plan that was being drawn up was also halted.

What was cancelled?

Included among the activities that Turkey halted were bilateral
military studies of an academic nature. The programme of reciprocal
visits by military delegations was also frozen.

Also included among the important activities cancelled were joint
exercises. The exercises that the navies of the two countries were
going to conduct jointly in 2006 were cancelled, and the French naval
forces that were going to come for the exercises were told not to come.

Commander visit

It had been planned, on the basis of reciprocity, for Air Force
Commander General Faruk Comert to visit France in 2007. Following
the Armenian resolution, the commander’s visit was cancelled along
with the rest of the 2007 programme.

Yet another decision taken by the TSK against France was the halting
of bilateral activities by their military attaches. Turkey’s military
attache in France was ordered to take part in multilateral activities,
but not to participate in bilateral activities and contacts.

Likewise, it was decided that France’s military attache in Ankara
will be invited to multilateral activities, but will not be invited
to bilateral activities.

Return of decorations

In addition, the generals to whom France had given decorations returned
these decorations upon their own initiative.

Lieutenant General Hayri Guner, who was awarded France’s medal of
honour and who currently commands the corps at Gelibolu, returned
this decoration. Similarly, Sirnak Division Commander Major-General
Ahmet Yavuz also returned the French medal of honour.

Former General Staff Chief General Ismail Hakki Karadayi was also
among those returning this award.

Difficult to take part in bidding

France also seems to have lost the chance to take part in bidding on
contracts opened by the Defence Industry Undersecretariat in order
to meet the needs of the TSK.

In major purchase such as tank and helicopter contracts, it is now
virtually impossible for French companies to take part in the bidding.

Thus the military relations between Turkey and France have been frozen,
in the full sense of the word.

This decision taken by the military, and the reaction thus shown,
are seen as being of sufficient moment to be reflected in economic
relations in the civilian realm as well.

Thus, unless France prevents the resolution accepting the claim of the
Armenian genocide from becoming law and going into implementation,
and changes its stance on this topic, it is not expected that the
military relationship will return to normal.

TURKEY SUSPENDS MILITARY TIES WITH FRANCE OVER ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL
The Associated Press

International Herald Tribune, France
Nov 16 2006

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey has suspended military relations with France
in a dispute over whether the mass killings of Armenians in the last
century amounted to genocide, the land forces commander said Wednesday.

The move raises tensions with a key member of the European Union at a
time when Turkey’s negotiations to become a member of the 25-nation
bloc look increasingly troubled, with neither side willing to give
way on a dispute over divided Cyprus.

Gen. Ilker Basbug told reporters that military ties with France
were suspended after lawmakers in France’s lower house of parliament
approved a bill in October that would make it a crime to deny that
Turks committed genocide against Armenians. The bill would have to
be approved by the French Senate and president to become law.

"Relations with France in the military field have been suspended,"
the state-owned Anatolia news agency quoted Basbug as saying. Asked
whether there were any cancellations of military visits, Basbug said:
"There are no high-level visits between the two countries."

France’s Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry had no immediate
comment.

The Turkish general spoke at a reception in honor of the founding of
the breakaway republic in Turkish northern Cyprus.

In 1974, Turkish forces invaded the island to stop a coup by army
officers that aimed to unite Cyprus with Greece. Since then, Turkey
has propped up a government of ethnic Turks on the north of the island
that no other nation recognizes.

In 2004, the Greek-speaking side of Cyprus joined the EU, and the
conflict has threatened to derail Turkey’s hopes of also joining
the union.

Turkey has refused to extend its customs union to include Greek Cyprus,
despite EU warnings that failing to do so would risk the suspension of
membership talks. Turkey insists, however, that it will not open up
to Cyprus until an international embargo against Turks on the island
is lifted.

"If by the end of the year Turkey still does not recognize the 25
member states, notably including Cyprus, then it appears to me
necessary to rethink the timetable for the adhesion of Turkey,"
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said last week.

France and Turkey are both NATO members, and Turkey has been a buyer
of French-made weaponry. The two countries also have participated
in military exercises together, and have sent troops to serve in the
international peacekeeping force in Lebanon.

But the Turkish military also has blacklisted several French firms
in the past in similar disputes over the mass killings of Armenians.

Turkey views the French genocide bill as a hostile, and has said
the lawmakers’ vote has deeply harmed Turkish-French relations. A
Turkish consumer’s union has called for a boycott of French goods,
and Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog suggested a complete boycott of
French films and other media.

Turkey vehemently denies that it committed genocide against Armenians,
though many nations have classified the World War I-era killings
as such.

Turkey acknowledges that large numbers of Armenians died in mass
expulsions and fighting, but says the number of dead is exaggerated
and that most were killed in interethnic battles as the Ottoman
Empire collapsed.

Armenians and many nations say some 1.5 million Armenians were killed
in a genocidal campaign devised and executed by Turkish leaders.

The European Union and European media have criticized the French bill,
saying it is not in line with the principle of free expression and does
not promote dialogue with Turkey. The United States also criticized
the French bill, saying that it gets in the way of establishing a
Turkish-Armenian dialogue.

The Armenian issue is one of the most divisive and emotional in
Turkey. Those who classify the killings as genocide are often accused
of treason.