Author: Nahapetian Zhanna

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| 16:09:57 | 14-10-2005 | Economy |
CUSTOM’S OFFICE AVOIDING SCANDAL
Today advocate of the «Royal-Armenia» LTD Gevorg Minasyan rendered a press
conference about the October 11 arrest of the Company head Gagik Hakobyan
and deputy head Aram Ghazaryan `for the violations of customs rules’.
According to the advocate, the evidence of the ex-supplier of the company
American `Federal Investment Group’ about the forgery of invoice served as
ground for the arrest. Gevorg Minasyan considers the evidence false as
according to him the ex-supplier is simply angry for losing his market where
he could sell a thousand tons of coffee.
`We did we have to forge it if anyway we were to pay the tax according to
previously fixed prices?’, Gevorg Minasyan wonders.
But the true reason for the arrest, according to the advocate, is the court
session fixed for October 17. The Economic Court was to continue to hear the
case of `Royal Armenia’. Let us remind you that the company demanded `to
announce the tax the Customs Office fixed for the 14 types of goods imported
invalid and to return the sum of about 1 billion 500 million AMD’.
If the court upheld the claim, according to the advocate, the Custom’s
Office would be disgraced. And the arrest, according to Mr. Minasyan, is a
good reason to offer to join the two cases `thus saving the Office of
disgrace’.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
October 14, 2005
CATHOLICOS ARAM I IN CALIFORNIA;
WILL ARRIVE ON EAST COAST NEXT WEEK
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, is
continuing his tour of California where large and enthusiastic crowds are
greeting him. Yesterday evening he was welcomed by the congregation of
Forty Martyrs Armenian Church in Santa Ana.
Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, joined the entourage in Canada and went on
to California with the Catholicos. On Monday and Tuesday, October 10 and 11,
Archbishop Oshagan was in Chicago where he represented the Catholicosate of
Cilicia at the World Council of Churches (WCC) annual meeting.
Amidst the various welcoming events and 75th anniversary celebrations of
the Seminary, His Holiness will participate in a number of other important
events. Today, Friday, October 14, he will lecture at the World Affairs
Council in Los Angeles, under the general topic of “Christianity in the
Context of the Present Day Middle East.” On Saturday, October 15, he will
participate in a symposium organized by the Western Prelacy, USC Institute
of Armenian Studies and USC Center for Religious and Civic Culture. The
theme of the symposium is “Christian Response to Violence.”
On Sunday, October 16, the Catholicos will officiate at the consecration
of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena.
Wednesday evening, October 19, His Holiness will arrive in New York to
begin his visit to the Eastern Prelacy.
HRASHAPAR SERVICE AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL
Next Thursday evening, October 20, His Holiness will be officially
welcomed at a Hrashapar Service followed by Achahampouyr and reception, at
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, at 7:30 pm.
For details of His Holiness’ visit to the Eastern Prelacy click here,
PRELATE AND VICAR WILL BE IN MICHIGAN THIS WEEKEND
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, and V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar, will be in Dearborn, Michigan this weekend.
The Prelate will officiate at the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church,
Dearborn, and attend the anniversary celebration that follows.
The Vicar will lecture on Armenian culture on the occasion of the 1600th
anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet, Saturday evening, in
the church hall. For information contact the church, 313-336-6200.
CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES
IN SYNOD OF BISHOPS IN THE VATICAN
The eleventh Synod of Bishops of the Catholic Church convened October 2
and will continue to October 23. Participating in the Synod are 250 Catholic
Bishops and 12 representatives from the Oriental Orthodox, Orthodox,
Anglican and Evangelical Churches. Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical
Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, is participating on behalf of the
Catholicosate.
DATEV YOUTH PROGRAM IN MIDWEST
The acclaimed St. Gregory of Datev Summer Religious Institute is
reaching out and for the first time has organized a “Mini Datev” program,
which will take place at the Techny Towers Conference Center in Techny,
Illinois, November 11 to 13.
Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the
program for youth ages 13 to 18 will be conducted by V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar General, and Deacon Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC.
For more information and registration contact the AREC office at
212-689-7810 or by email at [email protected], or contact Dr. Arsen
Mekaelian at 847-309-0408.
SUNDAY SCHOOL IN MICHIGAN RAISES
$1,155 FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
The St. Sarkis Sunday School (Dearborn, Michigan) has raised $1,155 for
hurricane relief for the American Red Cross. The students had a Red Cross
donation basket during registration and raised $340. Later they held a
spaghetti dinner after church on October 2 and were able to realize $815.
The donated money was sent to the American Red Cross. Congratulations to the
Sunday school students and their teachers.
A PHILADELPHIA STORY
We have this story from Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory
Church in Philadelphia.
Der Hayr received an e-mail from an eight-year-old (who wishes to remain
anonymous) asking if he could collect money for Hurricane Katrina’s victims.
With Der Nerses positive answer, the child went on to collect $217 in a
short period of time for hurricane relief.
Congratulations to this altruistic youngster.
ST. SARKIS LECTURE ON SUNDAY
A reminder that this Sunday, October 16, Dr. Dennis Papazian will
lecture at St. Sarkis Church (Douglaston, New York). Dr. Papazian’s topic is
“Yeghishe and the Real Story Behind the Vartanantz War.” The lecture is
scheduled for 1:30 pm, following Divine Liturgy. St. Sarkis Church is
located at 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, NY.
For information contact Dr. Arthur H. Kubikian, 718-786-3842.
BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY
The Infancy Narratives of Jesus-a five-session course on the birth
stories of Jesus as presented in the Gospels according to Matthew (1-2) and
Luke (1-2) will take place at the Prelacy on the first and third Mondays of
the month starting November 7, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. The sessions will be
conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). For further information contact the AREC office at
212-689-7810 or [email protected].
HOLY EVANGELISTS: MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE AND JOHN
This Saturday, October 15, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy
Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the authors of the four gospels.
Matthew is considered to be the patron of the mission of the Church. The
Gospel attributed to him closes with this command by Jesus to his disciples
and followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, and the
eternal words, And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world.”
Mark is considered to have had significant influence on the advancement
of Christianity. Although the Gospel according to Mark is a narrative of the
life of Jesus, theologians consider it to be a virtual handbook of
discipleship. The dominant message is that being a Christian is not only
believing in Jesus Christ. More importantly, it is living according to the
example set by Jesus.
Luke is the author of the third gospel and the book of Acts. He is
considered to be the patron of physicians and artists. The Gospel according
to Luke is greatly concerned with Jesus as “the healer of a broken world.”
Luke is also noted for his concern for the poor, the marginalized, women,
and social outcasts. His Gospel does not end with the Resurrection, but
rather continues with Pentecost and the eternal presence of Christ in the
world.
John, often called the “Beloved Disciple,” is the author of the fourth
gospel and the book of Revelation. Jesus entrusted his mother to John’s care
on the day of the Crucifixion. Perhaps the most famous verse in his gospel
is, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever
believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” (John 3:16).
ST. JOSEPH REMEMBERED ON OCTOBER 17
On Monday, October 17, the Armenian Church commemorates the life of St.
Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. He was a carpenter by profession, and a
descendant of King David. The last reference to him in the Bible is Luke
2:48-51.
BOOKS BY CATHOLICOS ARAM I
As we prepare to welcome His Holiness Aram I next week to the Eastern
Prelacy, we remind our readers that the Prelacy Bookstore has copies of many
of the books written by His Holiness, such as: The Challenge to be a Church
in a Changing World; In Search of Ecumenical Vision; Conciliar Fellowship: A
Common Goal; The Armenian Church Beyond the 1700th Anniversary; The
Christian Witness at the Crossroads in the Middle East; Orthodox
Perspectives on Mission; With the People (Armenian); Nation, Church and
Fatherland (Armenian); Journey to Restoration (Armenian).
Contact the Prelacy Bookstore, 212-689-7810 or
[email protected], for details.
IN CONCLUSION. . .
CROSSROADS is one day late this week, being sent out on Friday rather
than the customary Thursday. During the next two weeks, during the time of
His Holiness’s visit to the Eastern Prelacy, we will transmit additional
issues of Crossroads as needed to provide up-to-date information.
Calendar of Events
October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon. For
further information click here,
October 21-St. Stephen’s Elementary Day School PTO (Watertown), “Food & Wine
Festival,” 7 p.m. at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
November 4, 5, 6-Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, NJ. For information, 201-943-2950.
November 4 & 5-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, annual bazaar
at the Armenian Cultural & Educational Center.
November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.
November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes, Techny Towers
Conference Center, Techny, Illinois, for junior and senior high school
students. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For
information and registration contact AREC, 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY
10016, 212-689-7810.
December 4-St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Granite
City, Illinois, will celebrate its 51st anniversary, with the presence of H.
E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.
December 31-New Years Eve dinner-dance, Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) and ARF Dro
Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton. Information: 201-943-2950 or 201-945-0011.
February 26-Musical Armenia 2006 concert, 2 p.m., at Carnegie Hall’s Weil
Recital Hall, New York City. Featuring Duo Maesteso (California) and Zulal
(New York). Watch for details.
March 5-Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) 2006 membership meeting.
March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers’ Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Visit our website at

ROBERT KOCHARIAN DISCUSSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
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| 22:14:20 | 13-10-2005 | Official |
Today Robert Kocharian held a working meeting with members of the
council of political coalition to discuss matters referring to
constitutional amendments.
As result it was decided to from a council for coordination the
preparatory works on the constitutional referendum. The council
will consist of representatives of political coalition and political
forces speaking out for the amendments. The work of the council will
be coordinated by chairman of the NA commission on defense, national
security and home affairs Mher Shahgeldyan.
The first sitting of the coordinating council will be held on October
18 at 5 p.m.

SAAKASHVILI: AZERBAIJAN, TURKEY IMPORTANT PARTNERS FOR GEORGIA
Journal of Turkish Weekly
Oct 13 2005
TBILISI – Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said Wednesday
at a ceremony marking the opening of the Georgian section of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline that Azerbaijan and Turkey were
important partners for Georgia. Saakashvili welcomed his Azerbaijani
and Turkish counterparts at the ceremony in Tblisi.
“We are glad that Azerbaijan is developing very well,” the Georgian
leader said. “It is becoming a rich country with a developed
infrastructure and economy.”
He said Georgia was ready to provide whatever support Azerbaijan
needed.
He also said Turkey had always supported Georgia in hard times and
remained a close partner. “We are one region with a common economy,”
he said.
Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia have good relations in almost all areas
including defence and economic integration. All three countries see
the NATO, the European Union and the United States as important actors
in security and stability of the region.
Dr. Nilgun Gulcan from Ankara-based ISRO said “Turkey-Georgia and
Azerbaijan-Georgia relations are simply perfect. The missing part of
the regional integration is Armenia. However we cannot blame Georgia or
Turkey for that.” According to Dr. Gulcan Armenia has thorny relations
with almost all neigbouring countries except Iran. “Armenia prefers
Russia and Iran in the region. Armenia also has problematic relations
with the EU, US and Israel. The Armenian Diaspora in Europe and US
has secured the Armenian interests till now. However the Armenian
policies contradict with the Western interests. So this balance of
power cannot last any more” Gulcan added.
The only Russian military base in the region is in Armenia. Armenia
does not recognise Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s national borders and
the Armenian separatism in Georgia causes doubts in Tblisi about
Yerevan’s policies.

AXA SETTLES SUIT BROUGHT BY HEIRS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Forbes
Oct 13 2005
LOS ANGELES (AFX) – The heirs of victims of the 1915 Turkish massacre
of Armenians have agreed to settle a class action lawsuit against
French insurer Axa for 17 mln usd, lawyers said yesterday.
The lawsuit, filed in a California court, accused Axa of failing to
pay death benefits for the insurance policies purchased by Armenians
living in the Ottoman Empire prior to the genocide in which up to
1.5 million people were killed.
‘This is an example where dead men can’t speak but they can file
lawsuits,’ said Vartkes Yeghiayan. ‘It writes another chapter about
persistence and hope. The resolution of the case helps the healing
process.’
Under the terms of the deal, announced in Los Angeles, Axa will donate
at least 3 mln usd to various French-based Armenian charities and
another 11 mln usd towards a fund designed to pay out policyholders
of Axa units that did business in the now defunct Turkish-run Ottoman
Empire.
‘Certain of these policyholders and beneficiaries were among the
1.5 million Armenians who perished and were unable to obtain their
insurance proceeds in the ensuing chaos,’ lawyers for the victims’
descendants said in a statement.
The Axa settlement follows a similar agreement with New York Life
Insurance Company in early 2004 under which it agreed to pay 20
mln usd.
‘The AXA and New York Life settlements are important building blocks
not only toward seeking financial recovery for the losses resulting
from the Armenian Genocide but also in our ultimate goal, which is
for Turkey and the US to officially acknowledge the genocide,’ said
US celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos.
Geragos, who has represented stars including Michael Jackson and
Winona Ryder, is of Armenian descent.
‘These cases are historical because they are the only cases ever
brought on behalf of genocide survivors,’ he said.
No comment was immediately available from Axa.
The settlement, subject to court approval, will be administered
in France, which was one of the first countries to recognise the
Armenian genocide.
Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their kinsmen died in orchestrated
killings during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.
But the Turkish government strenuously denies this, saying that
300,000 Armenians and as many Turks were killed in a civil war when
the Armenians, backed by Russia, rose up against the Ottoman Empire.

BERKTAY: THERE ARE FORCES IN TURKEY WHICH ARE AGAINST EU MEMBERSHIP
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 11 2005
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. There are retired
generals, extreme nationalist parties and mass media in Turkey which
are against the country’s membership to the European Union. Halil
Berktay, Professor of the History Department of the Sabanci University,
who was a participant of the NATO “Rose Roth” seminar which took
place in Yerevan, stated about this during an interview to journalists.
According to the Turk Professor, such people are too glad when
European officials speak against Turkey’s membership to the EU. “They
hope that the European Union may make a great political mistake and
demand that Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide becomes a
direct precondition for negotiations,” Berktay mentioned. According
to him, this will give an opportunity to reaction forces to say that
Europe changes rulls of the game and present such demandes to Turkey
which weren’t presented to any other country placed an order with
membership to the Union. As a result, according to Halil Berktay,
Turkey will be isolated, and an opportunity will be created for a
revenge of natioanlist forces.
“I don’t know what the final diplomatic solution of the Armenian cause
will be but it’s an important index for development of democracy for
Turkey,” the Turk historian stated. According to him, the Armenian
cause in reality is a radically Turkish cause. “The main issue is that
the Turkish society examins this issue without any outer pressure or
inner censorship,” Berktay mentioned. According to him, the Armenian
cause will just disappear in conditions of a complete democracy and
freedom in discussion of the issue in Turkey.
According to Berktay, there are very powerful inner forces in Turkey
which strike for democracy for the country really change into an
open society. Those forces particularly demand a complete freedom in
studying the Armenian cause. Mentioning that many steps have already
been taken in his country on the way to democracy, Berktay expressed
a hope that this process will be irreversible.
In his speech at the NATO seminar on the theme “Security in South
Caucasus,” Halil Berktay stated that events taken place in Ottaman
Turkey in 1915 may be qualified only as a genocide. The Turk
Profeesor, which is famous for his veiwpoint on the Armenian cause
which differs from the Government’s position, was the main organizer
of the conference on the Armenian cause held in Istanbul in September.

RESIDENTS OF BUZAND STREET APPEALED TO RUSSIAN EMBASSY
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| 15:55:51 | 11-10-2005 | Politics |
The victims of state needs (those evicted from the Northern Avenue,
the Aram and Buzand Streets) gathered today at the Russian Embassy
in Yerevan. Over 50 people demanded explanation how Mayor of Moscow
Yuri Luzhkov has obtained several buildings in Pushkin street “without
asking their permission”.
“Do the government and President Putin know how much Mayor Luzhkov paid
for a square meter?” chairman of the committee for protection of the
Northern Avenue Vachagan Hakobyan said. Committee representative Sedrak
Baghdasaryan found out that Ches-Tor Moscow organization is going to
construct 6 buildings in Pushkin street. He produced documents, which
say that Ches-Tor is registered at the address of Rublev road, where
the company belonging to Luzhkov’s wife Yelena Baturina is situated.
Moreover, the residents also produced document saying that 81% stocks
of GRIAR Armenian organization, registered in the state register
November 21, 2003, also belongs to Ches-Tor. Sedrak Baghdasaryan
informed that in early 2004 GRIAR’s debt to the government made 3
million 343 thousand AMD.
However, despite the debt the government has granted 8 thousand square
meters to the organization to the realization of its project.
To note, the embassy guards forbade an operator of Shant TV Company
to shoot the embassy building and the demonstrators.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
October 10, 2005
His Holiness Karekin II Sends Condolences to Pakistan and India
On October 9, 2005, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, sent letters of condolence to the leaders of
Pakistan and India following the great earthquake which struck the region of
Kashmir on Saturday.
Addressing his letters to President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan and Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh of India, the Pontiff of All Armenians expressed his
sorrow and pain for the tragic loss of life, countless casualties and
immense property damage inflicted on their countries.
In the letters, His Holiness extends the consolation and solidarity of the
Armenian Church and people, and expresses his sincere and heartfelt wish
that the tragedy-afflicted peoples of Pakistan and India quickly triumph
over the tribulations and difficulties they are facing. His Holiness also
appeals for Divine solace to comfort the hearts of all those who have
suffered devastating losses from this tragedy.

ITALIAN GEORGIAN ECONOMIC PROGRAM LEADS TO CONCRETE SUCCESS
By Anna Arzanova
The Messenger, Georgia
Oct 10 2005
Italian and American business organizations are optimistic about new
partnerships in Georgia.
With the success of the second Georgian-Italian business forum last
week behind them, the forces behind the Italian-Georgian Economic
Partnership Program (IGEPP) are geared to generate even more business
and business partnerships for entrepreneurs in both countries.
On Thursday, October 6, the Italian Embassy in Georgia and the American
Chamber of Commerce held a joint press conference to announce that
the IGEPP has successfully ended the first stage of the project and
is pleased with its progress to date.
The Italian Ambassador to Georgia, Fabrizio Romano, said that the IGEPP
project was the driving force behind the Georgian-Italian forum that
was held on October 4. “This project was one of the initiatives of
the Italian government that had a very important function: to learn
the prospects of development possibilities,” said Romano.
The aim of this project was to reveal which enterprises in Georgia,
with their activities and current structure, are more compatible with
Italian enterprises, as well as to promote industrial cooperation
and trade between Georgia and Italy as part of a larger vision that
identifies Georgia’s strategic location between businesses in the
Caucasus and Central Asia.
IGEPP, which will be technically completed in July 2006, is promoted
by the Union of Industrialists of the Province Caserta, in partnership
with its member company EXEN S.p.A., the American Chamber of Commerce
in Georgia and the Georgian Businessmen Federation.
As a result of the information gathered so far, they have identified
and prepared profiles of over 100 Georgian companies all over Georgia.
Filippo Tiburtini, the senior expert of this project, said that the
most concrete and important result of this project to date is the
database of enterprises that “we created ourselves.” According to him,
about 150 of the enterprises were discovered, most of which represent
different spheres of business.
“This is strategic information to learn what opportunities [are
available] and directions for possible cooperation with Italian
companies. This gives us a serious [foundation] to move to another
stage and take other serious steps forward,” said Tiburtini.
He noted that within the framework of this project, the second stage is
also very important, since a group of Italian businessmen will arrive
in Georgia in the mid October. “These events, particularly the stages
of the projects, are being developed very specifically. The second
important event will be a visit of the Georgian industrialists to Italy
in November who will become acquainted with how the industrial system
in Italy is working. This is a rather progressive project,” he added.
Within the project, several Georgian professionals from partner
organizations have been trained to identify and promote cooperation
between Italian and Georgian businesses. To better facilitate
communication between the two countries, the project’s working group
has recently held information seminars in Tbilisi-as well as in
regions of Georgia, including Gori, Kakheti and Kutaisi. The group
also plans to travel to Adjara in the near future.
Technical Manager of the project Antonio Limatola thinks that this
initiative will bring positive results and develop well. “I think
that I also will start activity in this region. I am going to supply
Caserta Industrialist Union, mayor of the town and the head of the
region with all the necessary information so they can be initiators
for the development of this project,” he stated.
According to Amy Denman, the Executive Director of the American
Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, the first stage of the IGEPP was
very successful. “Probably three of our members have begun to
create partnerships with Italian companies. I think often many of
these forums are a lot of talk. This forum-and building up to this
forum-was interesting because I have seen concrete partnerships
formed,” she stated.
According to her, even if one partnership is formed, the project
will be successful, and she is sure that there will be more than one
partnership in Georgia. “Measured in terms of new business, it is a
big success,” Denman noted.
She added that while the actual impact of the program on Georgia’s
economy will depend on investors in Georgia, she believes there is
the potential that it will be good for the business community. “I
do want to say that any time we see potential manufacturing direct
investment we are very happy. If anyone does want to come to Georgia
for manufacturing purposes we consider this as a very big success,”
Denman stated on October 6.
The IGEPP plans to expand to Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to
familiarize local entrepreneurs with the project mission and goals.
They plan to hold a seminar in the capital cities of each republic
before taking the project to Italy where it will be completed in May
2006. The IGEPP was launched in November 2004.

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
[Turkey’s aspiration to be “European but different” must not include
continued Armenian Genocide denial]
Turkey and the European Union
Now make Turkey’s case
Oct 6th 2005
>From The Economist print edition
On being European and different
AFTER two days and a night of unseemly horse-trading between Turks,
Austrians and other Europeans, Britain’s foreign secretary, Jack Straw,
made bold claims for the deal he brokered this week. The start of entry
talks between the European Union and Turkey, he said, marked an
“historic day for Europe and the whole of the international community”.
His bleary-eyed triumphalism may yet prove premature. But the reverse of
what he said is certainly true. It would have been an historic disaster
if, 42 years after promising the Turks the possibility of entry, and ten
months after giving a definite date for talks to begin, the Union had
slammed the door in Turkey’s face. That outcome would have been
dreadful, both in its direct consequences and because of the
opportunities lost.
Among the short-term results, Turkey’s impressive but still fragile
programme of economic and political reform could have slowed or worse.
Those Turks-starting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister-who
have invested in a European future would have been left horribly
exposed. Worse, Muslims in Turkey and elsewhere would have concluded
that Europeans bore a grudge against them because of their faith alone.
This would have encouraged all those, from Osama bin Laden to the
western world’s religious far-right, who long for a clash between Islam
and the historically Christian world.
It is also true that a chance now exists to achieve something vastly
desirable. All sides will benefit hugely if what is best in Europe,
including its tolerant, liberal-democratic tradition, can finally come
together with what is best in Turkey-including the dynamism of a
demographically young nation that makes Europe’s heartland seem sluggish
by comparison.
But reaching that goal will require hard work and political courage. It
will also need a prudent openness to the possibility that somewhere in
the process, one or other party (and it could well be the Turkish side)
will conclude that the price is too high. That would be disappointing
but not necessarily terrible-as long as the EU expects of Turkey only
the same as it would of any other applicant.
In Turkey, people’s enthusiasm for a European future has already waned
in the face of the “rudeness” of potential partners such as France and
Austria. How can it be, many Turks ask, that people in those countries
do not see the obvious benefits of having them as members? If the Turks
are to find their way to Europe, they will need to grow thicker skins.
For European politicians, the queasiness of many citizens about
embracing another large, impoverished country is a hard, irreducible
fact. In several European countries, far-right parties are doing well by
playing on fears of Muslim immigration. The response of the EU’s leaders
to these realities may yet be statesmanlike, or opportunistic. But it is
politics, not technicalities, that will finally decide Turkey’s fate.
And the politics will be tough. All the arguments against incorporating
the Turks seem obvious and, to some politicians, tempting. The case for
keeping the doors open has to be reasoned through more carefully. The
onus is on politicians to convince voters that making western Europe a
sort of up-market gated community would be worse than useless: it would
not protect existing job-holders, or keep desperate labour migrants out,
or stem Europe’s relative decline in the world economy. If politicians
are responsible, they will also point out that trying to toughen the
rules unreasonably for Turkey will not make that country go away, or
reduce its importance, or slow the pace at which it is changing: it will
simply increase the chances that Turkey will evolve in an unhappy
direction, towards Muslim fundamentalism or militaristic nationalism.
The right sort of scepticism
At the same time, politicians should accept that one ground for
Turco-scepticism is, in its own terms, perfectly sound. To the delight
of some and the dismay of others, Turkey’s presence will make it harder
for any country or axis to play a dominant role in Europe. With 15% of
the total population, the Turks will hardly take over the Union
themselves; but their membership will deny preponderance to others.
So France’s ex-president, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, is right to say
that an EU including Turkey will be a looser grouping than some people
desire. The Turks may well wreck things for any state or pair of states
which still hope the EU as a whole will act as a mouthpiece for their
own political, or geopolitical, ideas; or that the Union will turn into
a super-state with one or two of its current members in charge.
But in fact, those dreams have been dashed already, and it was not the
Turks, or even the party-pooping Brits, who destroyed them. Among the
many messages delivered by French and Dutch voters when they rejected
the Euro-constitution, one was certainly this: that there are still some
fundamental questions-such as how to mix efficiency with fairness, or
tolerance with responsibility-that cannot be settled by pan-European
edict alone. And many would rather see a somewhat looser EU than have
choices they abhor imposed on them from above.
So as politicians consider the arguments in favour of embracing Turkey,
they might try this one: the Turks’ aspiration to be “European but
different” may yet give heart to people in other parts of the EU who are
willing to participate in the Union, and abide by commonly-agreed rules,
but not to sacrifice their own nations’ distinctiveness. Such people are
quite numerous, and Europe is the stronger for it.