Author: Nahapetian Boris

Turkish Daily News
January 30, 2007
NGOs are meeting in Ankara over 301
ewsid=3D65063

After Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to propose how to amend the
controversial Article 301in the Turkish penal code, NGOs are expected
to gather in Ankara this week. The Ankara Bar Association called the
meeting and invited only professional organizations. The NGOs will
discuss an amendment to or the abolishment ofArticle 301, which has
been widely criticized for limiting freedom of speech. The state, on
the other hand, seems to be headed toward amending the article, but
not before May.

The assassination of Hrant Dink re-ignited discussions about Article
301 in Turkey because many claim that the law, under which Dink was
convicted, perpetuated the nationalist sentiment behind his
murder. The Bar Association, the Confederation of Turkish Labor
Unions, the Union of Notary, the Turkish Public Workers’ Labor Union,
the Civil Servants Trade Union, the Turkish Union of Engineers and
Architect Chambers, the Turkish Doctors Union, the Confederation of
Public Sector Trade Unions, the Turkish Union of Chambers and
Commodities Exchanges and the Turkish Penal Code Association are
meeting this week to discuss `amendments or abolition’ of Article 301.

Erdogan announced last week that the government is ready to discuss
a proposal if NGOs reach a consensus. These words have led NGOs
searching for a platform. The President of the Bar Association,
Ozdemir Ozakman, is hosting the meeting. Ozakman told the Turkish
Daily News on Monday, `We are looking to have the same model as the
civilized countries have. We had to be cold-blooded in this
process. It is not only 301 but all the regulations we have. The
government is creating populism by blaming the NGOs. They are taking
the risk. (The government) is passing the ball but they should
not. This is the political responsibility of government. And we will
send the ball back.’ Ozakman said that this meeting will take place
in Ankara and most probably it will take place on Friday. He mentioned
that he did not invite the other democratic NGOs because the other
platforms had not been successful in reaching a consensus before. He
mentioned that they will discuss all the proposals as well as
preserving Article 301. He also said the meetings of the Labor (Emek)
Platform and the Group for Dialog that took place last year did not
reach a consensus among themselves even. Confederation of
Revolutionary Workers’ Unions (DÄ°SK) and the Conservative Labor
Confederation wanted the lawto be completely abolished while the
others were in favor of it. Ozakman announced that after the meeting
they would establish a committee to meet with Justice Minister Cemil
Ã=87içek and Prime Minister Erdogan.

The President of the Doctors’ Union, Gençay, Gürsoy, said they are
looking for a platform to have a consensus over NGOs. He said, `After
the meeting in Ankara we may have a second meeting in Istanbul.’ He
was supportiveof Ozakman’s initiative.

President of the Economical Development Foundation Davut Okçu is also
optimistic about the NGO meeting in Ankara. He said, `11 NGOs reached
a consensus last year and the result is to change the law according to
the European Convention on Human Rights and according to legislation
of the European Court of Justice. The law should be clear and should
not lead to any more interpretation.

‘ He also criticized the government for asking the NGOs to make the
law. ` The legislation is the responsibility of the government,’ he
said.

Defining citizenship:

The main discussion on 301 is about defining Turkish
citizenship. After the Supreme Court of Appeals decision about Kurdish
identity, the discussion on 301 changed. An ambassador from the
Turkish Foreign Ministry said, `to change the word `Turkish Nation’
has become meaningless. The need is for a constitutional citizenship
definition.’

Government wants amendment:

The secretary general of the European Union proposed some amendments
last year by taking the views of the Interior Ministry, Justice
Ministry and military. But the government refused to make any
amendment at that time. Ithas been learned that the secretary general
of the European Union will not generate any proposal until the
government requests it. An adviser to the government told the TDN that
the government is not ready for an abolishment and even an amendment
on the law can be difficult for the Cabinet to handle before the
presidential elections.

© 2005 Dogan Daily News Inc.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 30 2007

Kars governor-general: Opening borders with Armenia not being
discussed

[ 30 Jan. 2007 16:02 ]

The visit of a group of media chiefs to Kars continues, APA
correspondent reports. The media chiefs were received by Kars
governor-general Mehmet Ufuj Erden yesterday.

Erden said he is satisfied with the visit of media chiefs to Kars.
The governor-general noted that Kars attaches importance to the
relations with Azerbaijan. He noted Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki-Kars
railway will not only influence on the relations between the
countries but also on the development of Kars. Erden stressed the
importance of opening of transport roads for expanding trade and
economic relations. The governor-general answered APA’s questions
about opening direct flight Baku-Kars-Baku and said that this
proposal is efficient.
`Kars airport is ready to receive the planes from Baku. Azerbaijan
Air Ways should only make a decision on it,’ he said.
Touching upon the problem of opening of borders with Armenia Erden
said it is not discussed.
`Turkey and Azerbaijan cooperate in all spheres, as well as in
foreign policy. According to the agreement reached between Foreign
Ministries of the two countries, Akyaka checkpoint between Armenia
and Kars was closed in 1993. The opening of the borders is
implemented on the decision made be the state. As there is no such
decision at present, this agreement is efficient,’ he said.
The governor-general noted that Kars is one of the regions underwent
genocide by Armenia at the beginning of the century and there are a
number of mass cemeteries there.
`These cemeteries prove Turkish genocide by Armenia. Archeological
group found out that 545 Turks were killed savagely and buried in the
cemetery in the village of Subatan,’ he said.
A group of Azerbaijani media chiefs met with the head of Kars
municipality Naif Alibayoglu after visiting Heydar Aliyev’s monument
in Kars. The visit schedule includes meeting with Azerbaijani consul
general to Kars, getting acquainted with the building where famous
Kars treaty was signed and visiting the monument erected in the
memory of 90 000 soldiers killed in Sarigamish. /APA/

Regnum, Russia
Jan 29 2007

Armenia will hamper construction of Kars-Baku railway by political
means

Armenia has been always guided by economic effectiveness of projects
and it categorically opposes political projects that look like
economic ones only on the first sight, which is in particular true
about the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku railway, Armenian president’s
spokesman Viktor Sogomonyan announced at a news conference on January
29.

According to him, official Yerevan categorically opposes construction
of the railway and it will use negotiations at different levels as a
lever of influence. `The fact that the United States refused to
finance the construction is a result of the official Yerevan’s
steps,’ Viktor Sogomonyan noted adding that the Armenian side at
various meetings raises the issue of the railway, which Turkey,
Georgia and Azerbaijan want to construct bypassing Armenia.

Earlier, on January 24, US Charge d’Affairs in Armenia Anthony
Godfrey announced that the USA found important and promoted regional
cooperation processes in South Caucasus, as they are basic guarantee
of stability in the region. He reminded that the USA refused to
finance the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku project, saying at that if
`the participant countries intend to implement the project without
expecting financial help from the USA, we cannot prohibit it.’

The Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku project envisages construction of
the 98 km long Kars-Akhalkalaki railway, 68 of which come across the
Turkish territory, 30 km via the Georgian territory, and
reconstruction of the Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi section. Construction works
in Turkey are estimated $422 mln, with the infrastructure – $600 mln.
Azerbaijan expressed readiness to finance its share of the project
worth $200 mln and will give $200 mln to Georgia as credit with
annual rate of 1%. The loan will be repaid in 25 years.

The project is supported by Turkey and Azerbaijan, as it is aimed at
connecting the two countries bypassing Armenia. At present time, the
railroad between them runs through the Armenian territory, however it
is blocked by the Turkish side. The project received no support from
the European Union or the United States. The Armenian community in
Georgia speaks against this new railroad, as it will once and for all
estrange Armenia from normal communication with countries in the
region and the world. The US administration prohibited American
companies from participating in financing the project.

January 26, 2007

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Website: <;

EPISCOPAL HOLY MASS AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH AND BLESSING OF THE RENOVATED
CHURCH

On Sunday, January 28, Episcopal Holy Mass will be offered at Forty Martyrs
Church in Orange County on the occasion of the completion of renovations at
the church. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will conduct
Mass and the blessing of the church, and deliver his sermon.
Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian will
assist at the altar, along with parish pastor Rev. Fr. Hrant Yeretzian.
Following Mass, a reception will take place at `Gugasian’ hall
hosted by the parish Ladies Auxiliary.

PRELATE TO ATTEND THE BANQUET OF

THE A.R.S. REGIONAL EXECUTIVE

The Armenian Relief Society Regional Executive has organized its first
annual banquet, to take place on the evening of Sunday, January 28.
The reception, which begins at 6:00 p.m., will take place at
Castaway Restaurant in Burbank. The Prelate will attend the event and convey
his blessings to the organization.

MEETINGS OF PRELACY YOUTH, ECUMENICAL, AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX SUNDAY SCHOOLS
COMMITTEES

On the evening of Monday, January 22nd, the Central Board of the
ACYA held its regular meeting during which members prepared an itinerary of
educational events to take place this year. The committee also chose the
theme `Revive your Faith’ for this year’s events. The first of these
educational programs is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, at Holy Cross
Cathedral in Montebello, from 5-7 p.m.

* On Monday, January 29th, the Ecumenical committee will hold its
regular meeting at the temporary Prelacy offices in Encino. The meeting is
scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be led by Prelacy Christian
Education Department Directors.

* The Oriental Orthodox Sunday Schools Committee will hold their
regular meeting on Saturday, January 27, at St. Ephraim Syriac Orthodox
Cathedral in Burbank. Items on the agenda include discussing plans for
future joint events between the Oriental Orthodox Churches. By the
ordinance of the Prelate, Christian Education Co-Director Very Rev. Fr.
Muron Aznikian will attend the meeting.

HOLY MASS AND MADAGHORHNEK ON THE FEAST OF

ST. SARKIS AND THE NAME DAY OF ST. SARKIS CHURCH

According to our church calendar, February 3rd is the Feast of St.
Sarkis.
The evening of Sunday, January 28, marks the start of the Fast of the
Catechumens. On Wednesday, January 31st, morning services will take place
at all Prelacy churches as well as the blessing of water.
On Saturday, February 3rd, on the occasion of the Feast of St.
Sarkis, evening services will be offered at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
On Sunday, February 4th, on the occasion of the name day of St.
Sarkis Church, Archbishop Mardirossian, Prelate, will conduct Holy Mass,
deliver the sermon, and preside over madaghorhnek at St. Sarkis.

Whittier Daily News, CA
Pasadena Star-News, CA
Jan 26 2007

Turkey reminded of genocide issue

HRANT Dink paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth. Last
Friday, the newspaper editor was shot to death outside his office in
Istanbul, Turkey.

The 17-year-old Turk who is under arrest for the murder told police,
in his initial interrogation, that he had read some of Dink’s
writings on the Internet, and that he was angered by them: "These
things bothered me. I decided to kill him. … I would do it again
today. I am not sorry."

Dink’s crime: The Armenian journalist wrote about the genocide waged
against Armenians by the Turkish government 80 years ago. Around 1.5
million men, women and children perished in that carnage, some from
malnutrition, others from the brutal conditions of forced marches.
Many were simply shot or hanged.

And the present-day Turkish government continues to deny that it
happened.

The U.S. government for decades has abetted that lie by refusing to
recognize that genocide took place. Both are wrong, and both should
change their policies accordingly.

Dink was no stranger to repression. He was convicted in 2005 of
insulting Turkishness – a crime in Turkey – for speaking publicly
about the genocide. Family and friends said he had been receiving
threats ever since his trial.

Turkish intransigence over the matter of calling the genocide what it
was continues to puzzle. The current government is not the one that
organized and implemented the killings. To be sure, the episode is a
serious blight on Turkey’s past. But consider the example of Germany,
where far greater crimes – in sheer number of victims – were
committed against Jews and others during the Holocaust.

The Germans have worked assiduously, as individuals and through their
government, to make amends for those crimes. They acknowledged them,
and have paid huge sums of money to the survivors. In addition, they
have memorialized the Holocaust, helping to ensure that its lessons
are not forgotten.

Turkey wishes to join the European Union, but faces enormous
opposition from powerful members of that group, especially France,
over its refusal to come to terms with its own history. Yet the
denial persists.

But perhaps not forever. Though still small in number, some Turks are
calling openly for acknowledgment and the beginning of redemption.

And when police took Ogun Samast, the suspected killer, to the scene
of the murder, a small crowd of onlookers shouted at the suspect,
"We’re all Hrants. We’re all Armenians!" according to the Anatolia
news agency.

Let’s hope that attitude spreads.

The Fresno Bee

ARMENIAN CHESS PLAYER WINS 6 POINTS OUT OF 10 GAMES

Panorama.am
20:13 25/01/2007

Levon Aronyan, an Armenian chess player, collected 6 points at Veik
and Zee chess championship. He played a drawn game with Dutch Liuk
van Velli. Indian chess player Anand won over the Ukrainian Sergei
Kariakin. Bulgarian Veselin Topalov has a leading position.

Source: Panorama.am

Panorama.am

18:59 23/01/2007

ARYANS UNION URGES DEFENSE MINISTER TO SET SEFILYAN
AND MALKHASYAN FREE

Today Armen Avetisyan, leader of the Armenian Aryans
Union, disseminated a letter addressed to Defense
Minister Serzh Sargsyan.
The letter says, ~SWe congratulate you on the occasion
of 15th anniversary of the Armenian army and in
relation to the anniversary ask to mediate to
respective bodies to set Jirayr Sefilyan and Vardan
Malkhasyan, devotees of Arstakh freedom fight, free.~T

Source: Panorama.am

Panorama.am

19:02 23/01/2007

RAT RUN CONTINUES – NOW FROM DASHNAKTSUTIUN

Michael Vardanyan, member of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation (Dashnakcutiun) and son of
Hrant Vardanyan, chairman of Grand Holding, has
changed the decision to run on proportional list of
Dashnakcutiun for the elections. He shifted to the
majority list from Armenian Republican Party (HHK).

Earlier reports in the press say Vardanyan is going to
combat elections at community center 40 (Noyemeberyan
region). Our attempts to interview him gave no result.
At Vardanyan’s assignment, Panorama.am interviewed
Vahram Brutyan, advertisement department head of Grand
Tobacco. "This issue is under consideration now.
Community center 40 is under question. The media must
have heard somewhere about it and provides the
information as fact," Brutyan said. Asked why
Vardanyan decided to nominate himself on majority list
and not proportional list of Dashnakcutiun, Brutyan
said, "You will see that cooperation with
Dashnakcutiun will continue. Many representatives of
Grand Holding will be included in the proportional
list of Dashnakcutiun. This is not a final decision.
However, Vardanyan will run only on majority list,"
Brutyan said.

Our sources say that in fall Defense Minister Serzh
Sargsyan was accompanied by Michael Vardanyan to
Noyemeberyan and urged 40 community heads to elect son
Vardanyan on majority list promising that Vardanyan
family will make investment in the region.

In fact, Serzh Sargsyan sponsors the entry of Michael
Vardanyan into the new parliament and it is not a
surprise that he will appear in HHK list. "Naturally,
Noyemeberyan is a borderline area and is important for
the defense minister," Brutyan said.

Source: Panorama.am

PRESS RELEASE
~U"Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund
~UGovernmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
~UContact: Anush Babayan
~UTel: 3741 52 09 40
~UFax: 3741 52 37 95
~UE-mail: [email protected]
~UWeb:

24.01.07

The Diaspora Armenian Philanthropist Sarkis Acopian Passed Away

The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund informs with regret that a few days
ago in New-York, at the age of 80 died Sarkis Acopian, the great
diaspora Armenian benefactor, the faithful and devoted friend of
Himnadram. He would always respond most enthusiastically to the
developings taking place in the homeland. He donated 1 mln. USD to
the Telethon-2004 which was directed to the construction of the
North-South Highway, and during the Telethon-2006 he expressed
willingness to donate 250 000 USD for the reconstruction and
development project in the Hadrut Region in Nagoro Karabagh.

Philanthropy, social and professional activities have been the most
important part of Sarkis Acopian’s biography. Born to Armenian
parents in Tabriz (Iran), he moved to the United States in 1945,
served in the Army, specialized in mechanical engineer and founded
his own company "Acopian Technical Co."

Sarkis Acopian’ s name is associated with power supply electronic
equipment known and sold worlwide, the first solar radio, Acopian
Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg, the Guide documenting Birds of
Armenia, etc.

In 2000, Sarkis Acopian donated $1 million to the National World War
II Memorial in Washington, D.C. and appeared to be the single largest
donor to the memorial.

Meanwhile, according to Acopian’s close friends, charity was never a
public deed for him and almost always he chose not to disclose the
amount of his gifts.

Sarkis Acopian’s funeral took place on January 19, in New-York.

The Hayastan Fund Executive Board presents its sincerer condolences
to the benefactor’s family and the nearest.

ARMENIAN IT SECTOR’S DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES SPECIAL CONDITIONS

YEREVAN, JANUARY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. In 2007, the Union of Information
Technology Enterprises of Armenia (UITE) will continue its work on
creation of special conditions for the sector’s development. The
union’s executive director Karen Vardanian told NT correspondent
about it.

According to him, legislative amendments to ensure such conditions are
needed in Armenia in order to develop a knowledge-based economy. The
executive director also attached importance to the use of tax
privileges for companies making investments in the IT education and
research spheres.

In the words of Karen Vardanian, the problems of using the IT sector’s
product and of the absence of telecommunication infrastructures exist
in marzes. The UITE takes the view that they should develop at the
expense of the state budget and in general the process of the IT
sector’s development should be managed by the appropriate authorized
state body.

K. Vardanian added that in 2007 the UITE plans to work out a set of
business ethics rules of the Union and to assist with creation of
new technoparks in Armenia.

In 2006, the volume of IT sector’s production made about 80 million
USD, exceeding by 30% the index of the previous year. About 85%
of the sector’s production is exported.