Author: Nadirian Emma

HORRIFYING PHOTOS IN MOSCOW
By Ruben Hayrapetian in Moscow

AZG Armenian Daily
27/04/2006

Armenian and Russian intellectuals and renowned clergymen were
present at the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition at Halabian Hall
of the Ararat Park Hyatt hotel in Moscow dedicated to the Armenian
Genocide. The presentation of “Four Years Under the Crescent”, book by
Venezuelan writer Rafael de Nogales Mendes, also took place that very
day. The eyewitness of the Genocide tells about this great tragedy
with compassion.

His Holiness Ezras Nersisian, head of the Armenian diocese of New
Nakhijevan and Russia, made an impressive opening speech. After a
historic survey into Turkey’s past, he said that Turkey’s denial of
the Genocide demands great efforts from us to make the world aware. And
the exhibition is one of such steps.

“I am not Armenia, I have no Armenian blood,” Italian historian
Giovanni Guaitai said in excellent Russian, “but I try to be impartial
while examining the events of 1915. The idea that the Genocide is
an Armenian-Turkish issue is intolerable. No. It is an issue of the
civilized mankind.” He said he is currently working on a new book –
memories of an Arabian official who, being a Moslem, managed to remain
impartial to the extent of questioning Islamic morality. The opinions
of foreigners are more powerful, the Italian historian underscored.

Historian and political scientist Natalia Norochinskaya, chairman
of Foreign Relations Committee at the State Duma, made a pithy and
impressive speech.

Firstly she noted that she was brought up in a spirit of love to
the Armenian nation (her father was a historian and was in friendly
relations with many of his Armenian colleagues). Secondly, she used
the Armenian genocide to portrait the present-day Christian-Moslem
confrontation in Russia, which is not in favor of the former. While
talking with deputies of the European parliament or “liberal”
Western thinkers in general, one faces stiffened ideas and way of
thinking: they do not know history and do not want to know and tend
to fragmentize it. As a result we have injustice towards Christian
Serbs and establishment of another Moslem state in troubled Balkans.

Norochinskaya thinks that the West, taking advantage of Russia’s
weakness, implements the disastrous policy for the Christian world in
the South Caucasus. Thus, the lesson of the Armenian Genocide should
awaken the Western thought.

RUBEN SAFRASTYAN: THOSE WHO FALFISY HISTORY BOTHER EACH OTHER

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.04.2006 20:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ It’s hard to take Azerbaijan’s efforts for the
Armenian Genocide denial seriously, head of the department of Turkey
at the RA Academy of Sciences, Doctor Ruben Safrastyan stated in
an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. “As usual, those who falsify the
historical facts, more trouble each other then help and in this case
the fact of falsification become more obvious. Besides, one should
not forget how roughly the Azerbaijani propaganda machine works”
he remarked.

At that he said Azerbaijan would prefer to have Turkey only as the
mediator in the Karabakh problem settlement, since this state would
not spare effort to weaken the “Armenian factor” in the region.

“Fortunately, Turkey’s participation is impossible. I should also add
that assurance in “fraternal friendship” is exaggerated, since each
party has its owns interests. Simply their opinions coincide on the
“Armenian factor” in the region” he underscored.

DEPUTY MM SPEAKER MEETS WITH DELEGATION OF YOUTH DIVISION OF JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT PARTY OF TURKEY

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
April 25 2006

First deputy Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan) chairman Ziyafet
Asgarov met April 25 with the delegation of the Youth Division of
the Justice and Development Party of Turkey.

Ziyafet Asgarov touched upon rapid development of the Azerbaijan-Turkey
relations and pointed out the role of the Heads of States in elevating
the relations to the current level. He pointed to the great progress
achieved so far in Turkey-Azerbaijan relationship.

He said Turkey has always shown its loyalty to Azerbaijan towards
the matters of vital importance. According to Z. Asgarov, the joint
activity of fraternal countries in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum oil and gas pipeline projects will be fruitful.

Then, deputy MM speaker spoke of the interparliamentary relations, role
of youth in improving the laws, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and found a need to combine efforts against groundless
Armenian claims on the so-called “Armenian genocide”.

Z. Asgarov highly appreciated the visit of the youth delegation of
the Turkey’s ruling party and expressed confidence that such kind
of visits as well as cooperation between the youth of both countries
will contribute much to development of bilateral relations.

Hakan Tutuncu, head of the delegation of the youth division of the
Justice and Development Party of Turkey, said the delegation attaches
a particular importance to developing the relationship with the youth
division of the New Azerbaijan Party. He said the agreements reached
during the visit will create conditions for the relations to become
more purposeful.

Then, the meeting focused on the issues of mutual interest.

Today, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006

Tahir Tagizadeh: “Armenian FM’s statement shows commitment to
dialogue”

20 April 2006 [18:59] – Today.Az

Foreign Ministry’s reaction on Mr Oskanian’s statements.

The latest statements from Armenian Foreign Minister V.Oskanian are
constructive and show the commitment to the peaceful conversation
process, Trend reports quoting Tahir Tagizadeh, head of information
and press, Azeri Foreign Ministry.

“Armenia is ready to discuss all issues linked to overcoming the
consequences of war with Azerbaijan, should Baku recognize Karabakh’s
right to self-determination,” Mr Oskanian said on April.

And two days back he said the following: “In case Azerbaijan agrees
that Nagorno Karabakh’s people have the right for self-determination
that may be embodied not today, but in the future, Armenian side is
ready to discuss the most important war issues today – territories,
refugees and others.”

“This statement shows Armenians’ intention to actively participate
in peace conversations on resolution of Armenian-Azeri conflict,”
said Mr Tagizadeh.

“This statement is de facto the evidence of commitment to
stage-by-stage resolution. It is known that stage-by-stage process
stipulates Armenian forces withdrawal from grounds surrounding
Nagorno Karabakh. It also includes a mass of accompanying elements
like landmines clearing, communications recovery, return of IDPs
and ensuring their safety. And second issue is definition of Nagorno
Karabakh’s status.”

As to self-determination, Tagizadeh said, it is quite possible even
within the state. “This is the very highest autonomy status we are
talking about,” he concluded.

Mr Tagizadeh also shared an opinion on Oskanian’s statement regarding
Armenia’s joining Trans-Caspian gas pipeline and supposed conversations
with the USA.

“Armenia may not talk to the USA alone for a number of reasons. One of
them is that no regional project is executed without Azerbaijan either
as an exporter or a transit country. We may consider cooperation with
Armenia possible only upon completion of resolution and elimination
of its consequences,” Azeri official underlined.

URL:

RA PRESIDENT AND RF DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER DISCUSS ISSUES REGARDING ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH CAUCASUS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 19 2006

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. On April 19, RA President Robert
Kocharian received RF Deputy Foreign Minister Grigori Karasin
who is in Armenia on a regional visit. RF Deputy Foreign Minister
informed that he is in Yerevan for the purpose of holding a regional
consultation with Ambassadors of Russia in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan
and Turkey. As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA President’s Press
Service, the interlocutors discussed issues regarding Armenian-Russian
bilateral relations, developments in the South Caucasus, in particular,
issues concerning ways of settlement of existing conflicts, as well
as exchanged thoughts around a number of urgent international issues.

RA MINISTER OF TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION AND ROSTOV GOVERNOR OFFICIALLY OPEN DAYS OF ARMENIA IN REGION

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 19 2006

ROSTOV-ON-DON, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The
visit paid by the Armenian delegation headed by RA Minister of
Territorial Administration Hovik Abrahamian to the region of Rostov
continues. Hovik Abrahamian and RF Rostov Governor Vladimir Chub
opened on April 17 in solemn conditions the Days of Armenia in the
region of Rostov. The RA Minister of Territorial Administration
mentioned in his speech that holding of the Days of Armenia will
give new filling to development of the Armenian-Russian relations
in the humanitarian sphere as well as will give possibility to the
inhabitation of the region of Rostov to contact with the Armenian
culture closer. The concert of opening the Days of Armenia took place
in a warm atmosphere. High-ranking officials of the legislative and
executive authorities of the region of Rostov and representatives
of the Armenian community of the region were present at the
concert. Concerts took place on April 18, within the framework of
the Days of Armenia, in the city of Novocherkask and the settlement
of Chaltir populated by Armenians. As Noyan Tapan was informed by
the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information Department, signing
of a Statement is envisaged on April 19 between the sides in which
further directions of development of the commercial-economic and
humanitarian cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the RF
region of Rostov will be fixed.

INSCRIPTIONS NIANT LE GENOCIDE ARMENIEN SUR LE MEMORIAL DE LYON

Agence France Presse
18 avril 2006 mardi 8:41 AM GMT

Des inscriptions en francais et en turc niant le genocide armenien
de 1915 ont ete decouvertes sur des stèles du memorial qui lui est
dedie a Lyon, alors que ce monument doit etre inaugure lundi prochain,
a constate mardi un journaliste de l’AFP.

Des phrases telles que +Il n’y a pas eu de genocide+ ou encore
+Heureux celui qui est turc+, ont ete inscrites au feutre noir sur 5
des 26 stèles de ce monument dont la construction a fait l’objet d’une
manifestation hostile de la part de la communaute turque le 18 mars.

L’association pour le Memorial lyonnais du genocide armenien (MLGA)
a depose plainte après ces degradations. La loi du 29 janvier 2001
par laquelle la France a reconnu le genocide armenien ne prevoit
aucune sanction en cas de negationnisme.

Dans un communique, le Conseil de coordination des organisations
armeniennes de France (CCAF) a condamne ces actes et fait le lien
avec “des pratiques inaugurees par les groupuscules neo-nazis sur
les monuments dedies a la Shoah”.

“Le CCAF demande aux autorites politiques et judiciaires de reagir
avec la plus extreme fermete a ces actes qui, au-dela de la communaute
armenienne, portent atteinte a la Republique et aux droits fondamentaux
de tous les Francais, comme a leurs valeurs de memoire, de verite et
de justice”, poursuit-il.

Le Comite de defense de la cause armenienne (CDCA) a egalement exprime
“sa très vive indignation”, rappelant qu’une “stèle dediee au genocide
armenien avait ete profanee le 11 avril 2005 a Marseille”.

Le 24 avril, la communaute armenienne commemorera le 91e anniversaire
du genocide armenien par les Turcs en 1915, et des memoriaux seront
inaugures notamment a Lyon et a Marseille.

Le projet lyonnais est aussi conteste par une association de riverains
de la place où il a ete erige, appuyee par une elue locale UMP.

–Boundary_(ID_JPy6QMHuUU2l5Ju2bnW6vA)–

DEVAL PATRICK LINKED TO GROUP DENYING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Hub Politics, MA
April 19 2006

To rationalize his decision to attack Poland, Hitler rhetorically
asked, “Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the
Armenians?”

Sadly, not many, but there are some groups out there that in the
same way deny the Nazi Holocaust, deny the occurance of the Armenian
Genocide. Most prominent of these groups is the Turkish Government,
who hired the Washington lobbyist group, the Livingston Group, to
push that contention. A member of this lobbyist group happened to
co-host Deval Patrick’s big fundraiser in Washington last night.

While the explanation from the Patrick campaign seems plausible, and
the Livingston Group has a laundry list of clients likely representing
a large variety of viewpoints, the Armenian community may be hard
pressed to look past this.

—————–

A Washington lobbyist who works with a firm that is pushing the Turkish
government’s contention that the Armenian genocide never occurred
co-hosted a fund-raiser for gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick
last night, angering members of the Massachusetts Armenian-American
community.

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate’s link to the Livingston Group
raised red flags with Armenians, who despise the Turkish effort to
erase the heartbreaking chapter in their history. Experts estimate
1.5 million Armenians were killed between 1915 and the 1923.

“It upsets us,” said Stephen Dulgarian of Chelmsford, whose mother
survived the genocide but lost two children; one to a Turkish bayonet
and one to starvation. “He probably doesn’t know anything about the
Armenian genocide.”

Massachusetts has a large Armenian community, centered largely in
suburbs west of Boston.

Lobbyist Bernie Robinson, one of 39 Beltway bigs who hosted last
night’s fund-raiser, is a consultant to the Livingston Group, according
to the company Web site. He is a former chief of staff for Patrick
supporter U.S. Rep. James McGovern (D-Worcester) and a former Phillip
Morris executive.

Patrick spokeswoman Libby DeVecchi said Patrick was “comfortable”
with Robinson’s role, saying he was only an independent contractor
working “under the umbrella” of the Livingston Group. “He does not,
nor has he ever, worked with the government of Turkey,” she said.

“Deval does acknowledge the Armenian genocide and he’s saddened by
the event.”

Robinson, who donated $1,000 to Patrick over the past two years,
did not return a phone call.

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WILL WATER PRICE GO UP?

A1+
[04:25 pm] 18 April, 2006

The RA State Committee regulating public services got a claim for
water price increase by “Yerevan Water” LTD on April 6, 2006.

“Yerevan Water” offers to establish new water price; 172AMD per
1sq. water instead of the former 125AMD.

According to the preliminary data the Committee will view the issue
on April 28 and will approve of it according to the Consumers’
Association Chairman Armen Poghosyan.

OSKANIAN: “CO-CHAIRS HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH BOTH SIDES TO ORGANIZE THE PRESIDENTS MEETINGS”

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
April 18 2006

“OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen hold discussions with both sides to
organize meetings of presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Armenian
foreign minister Vardan Oskanian has told journalists.(APA)

According to him, it is too early to say anything about the date of
the next meetings of Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharyan. “Holding
of meetings between the presidents would be efficient then when
mediators’ visits to the region had positive results. If the situation
in Rambouillet talks is not changed, the next meetings between the
presidents will not be efficient.”