Author: Nalchajian Markos

PARLIAMENT SPEAKER RECEIVES NEW TURKMEN AMBASSADOR

ARMENPRESS
May 14, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS: Parliament Chairman Tigran Torosian
received today new Turkmen ambassador to Armenia, Shokhrat
Jumaev. According to the parliament press office, the ambassador
spoke about ongoing political and economic reforms in his country
saying that his country and the people of Turkmenistan are willing
to deepen relations with Armenia in all spheres.

The ambassador underscored the need for stepping up economic
interaction to raise them to the level of political ties. He also
spoke about the need of expansion of contacts between the parliaments
of Armenia and Turkmenistan. He said establishment of parliament
friendship groups will help achieve this.

The ambassador said he is ready to do his best during his tenure
in Armenia to help boost bilateral relations. He then thanked
Tigran Torosian for participation in the inauguration of Turkmen
president. The ambassador also recalled the contribution of Armenian
builders to rehabilitation of Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabad after
the destructive earthquake years ago.

He said the government heeds big attention to holding different tenders
and Armenian builders are welcome in Ashgabad. He also said 60 young
Turkmen students are majoring at Armenian universities.

Tigran Torosian expressed hope for his part that the ambassador’s
tenure in Armenia will be marked with strengthening of
inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary relationships.

He also said economic ties create new opportunities for expansion
of mutually beneficial cooperation. He too emphasized establishment
of inter-governmental economic cooperation commission. He said a
friendship group will be set up in parliament before the end of
spring session.

The parliament press office said the two men discussed a set of
other issues.

ANCA CHAIRMAN CRITICIZES BUSH’S FINAL APRIL 24TH STATEMENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
12.05.2008 16:25 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Chairman Ken Hachikian strongly criticized President George W. Bush’s
most recent April 24th statement as the final step of his betrayal
of his campaign promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide, and a
symbol of his Administration’s "morally bankrupt" eight-year policy
of complicity in Turkey’s lies and denials.

The letter also notes that the President, during his two terms in
office, has refused repeated requests by the leadership of the Armenian
American community to discuss the Armenian Genocide and other issues
of mutual concern. Earlier this year, on April 4th, Hachikian wrote
a separate letter to the Secretary of State outlining 13 specific
areas in which the Administration pursued policies at odds with the
views and values of America’s one and a half million citizens of
Armenian heritage.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 8 2008

Bernard Fassier: `The main issue is now when Azerbaijan and Armenian
presidents will consider the meeting necessary’ ` EXCLUSIVE

[ 08 May 2008 11:01 ]

`If there will be progresses toward the solution of Nagrono Karabakh
conflict, it can have positive impact on normalization of relations
between Turkey and Armenia’

Strasbourg. Fuad Gulubeyli -APA. OSCE Minsk Group French Co-Chair
Bernard Fassier’s interview to APA

-How do you evaluate the last meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian
foreign ministers?

-I am pleased that the meeting of foreign ministers took place. It was
very important meeting, because Armenian foreign minister is new. It
was important in terms of acquaintance of the ministers, on the other
hand it was important as the first meeting after the three-month
break. It was the first meeting after the co-chairs’ visit to the
region in January this year and presidential elections in Armenia. It
was important meeting for that reason as well.

-Was the next meeting of the co-chairs to the region discussed at the
meeting of the ministers?

-The visit of co-chairs was not the main cause of our meeting. We
aimed to review the negotiation process and to discuss the ways of
development of the negotiations after the acquaintance of the
ministers. As a result of the meeting both ministers assured
themselves and us in future development of the negotiations. This
process can develop within the next weeks or months. Revival of the
negotiations may create opportunities for the meeting of the
presidents one day. Of course, the meeting will take place if the
presidents consider it necessary. The ministers agreed to report to
the presidents about their meeting in detail. We should wait for the
opinions of the presidents. Visit of the co-chairs also depends on the
decision of the presidents about their meeting. After this decision we
have to organize their meeting more successfully. This process will be
realized within the co-chairs’ visit to region or the meeting between
the ministers. The main issue
is now when the presidents will consider the meeting necessary.

-Will the co-chairs prepare new proposals until the meeting of the
presidents?

-Submission of new proposals is not on the agenda at present. After
the Madrid meeting there are even written proposals on the table. Some
details of these proposals should be clarified. We should review how
the sides accept these proposals and what is necessary to change or to
amend. In other words, it demands to work on these proposals, but we
are not in that phase of the process now.

Meeting of familiarization of Presidents and Foreign Ministers is
important at present. We will determine direct of the issue after that
and will make clear open issues. We should work on amendments to the
proposals.
-Presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan this year. How will
it influence on the process of negotiations?

We can negotiate with Foreign Ministers of the two countries, if we
achieve to hold a meeting of Presidents. All these issues will be
productive for period after elections and pre-election.

-French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said at the meeting with his
Armenian counterpart that he did not understand why Turkey had closed
border with Armenia by now. Is it true that France does not know the
reason of it as a country participating in solution to Nagorno
Karabakh conflict? Turkey has announced that it is linked with
occupation of Azerbaijan’s lands by Armenia¦

I cannot say the position of France on Nagorno Karabakh conflict. This
conflict is not only important for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but all
regions. France considers Armenia and Azerbaijan as a friend
traditionally and its position on it is completely impartial. We have
bilateral relations with Azerbaijan. Former Azerbaijani President
Heydar Aliyev and current President Ilham Aliyev have personal
relations with French leadership. It would be development factor if
the borders were open not only between Turkey and Armenia, but between
Azerbaijan and Armenia. Nobody is interested in poverty and unlucky of
its neighbor. Closed borders do not impede air route of Armenians to
Turkey and their work in Turkey. It shows that relations between the
two countries have not disturbed completely. We hope peaceful solution
to the difficult problems between the two countries. Relations between
Turkey and Armenia will be normal; if there is progress in the
solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Normalization of relations
between Armenia and Turkey will have positive influence on Nagorno
Karabakh conflict. It is possible to achieve parallel solution to both
of issues.

FreshPlaza, Netherlands
May 8 2008

Produce Markets in Yerevan, Armenia

Located at the central railroad station in South of Yerevan were
trains arriving from all over Armenia and also from Georgia, Kayaran
is an important trading point. Trains are arriving in the early
morning and evening. Farmers are arriving with fresh produce stashed
in bags and boxes limited to the amount they can carry. Most farms in
Armenia are not larger than a few thousand square meters. During late
fall, winter and early spring, production comes from small mostly
plastic greenhouses. In this market the smaller retailers come here to
buy at all hours of day and night. When farmers are coming of the
train their produce is often sold directly to middle men. In other
cases farmers have secured, against a fee, places inside the covered
hall were the market is located. Others who arrive by small trucks and
cars are parked outside the building and are selling whatever produce
they have directly from their vehicles. Those who have not been able
to secure a sales spot inside set up shop on the pavement as near to
the market as possible. They will have to pay fees to the many
surveying policeman guarding the area.

Malatcia

The second market called Malatcia is located in the SW part of
Yerevan. In these markets there are also large trucks arriving from
Georgia and Iran with citrus, kiwis, peppers, onions and egg plants.

Tashir

The third market is a public market named Tashir. Its location is not
far from Kayaran. This market is also referred to as the Goum Market
because it was established as an official market during the Soviet
days. Goum is a Russian word and means universal market which we now
would call a hypermarket. Here there is a large covered area where
besides fruit and vegetables also other food is sold such as meat and
fish. Inside there are large displays of dried and candied fruits that
are local delicacies. In Tashir you will find also imports from other
countries than Iran and Georgia. Bananas and other tropical fruits are
often arriving here via Russia. Along the outside walls of the
building there is room for farmers and wholesalers that offer larger
quantities of fruit and vegetables.

l.asp?id=21502

Agence France Presse
May 7, 2008 Wednesday 1:26 PM GMT

Armenian Church head urges ‘genocide’ be denounced

VATICAN CITY, May 7 2008

The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Karekin II called on all
nations to condemn the 1915-1917 Armenian massacres as "genocide", at
a general audience with pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday.

"Today, we call on all nations to universally denounce the Armenian
genocide" so that "those in power judge which parties were
responsible," Karekin II told around 20,000 people gathered in
St. Peter’s Square.

More than 20 countries — including Belgium, Canada, Poland, Russia,
Switzerland and France — have officially recognised the massacre of
Armenians by Ottoman Turks committed between 1915 and 1917 as
genocide.

Benedict XVI’s predecessor, John Paul II, in 2000 condemned the
killings as genocide, provoking a protest from Turkey.

Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their kinsmen died in orchestrated
killings during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

Turkey says 300,000 Armenians and at least an equal number of Turks
were killed in civil strife when the Christian Armenians, backed by
Russia, rose up against the Ottomans.

In 2007, Turkey removed its ambassador from Washington after a US
congressional committee approved a resolution recognising the events
as genocide. The resolution was never passed.

Karekin II, also known as the catholicos of the Armenian Orthodox
church, was to attend a papal audience Friday.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Turk-Armenian Business Council not permitted to open
branch in Istanbul
08.05.2008 17:57 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A Turkish-Armenian business
organization is not permitted to open a branch in
Istanbul, in total contrast to the government’s
willingness to restart political dialogue with
Armenia.

While political leaders of both Turkey and Armenia
debate ways to "open dialogue," an effort by a
Brussels-based association of Turkish and Armenian
businessmen has been told that even an Istanbul office
for the nongovernmental organization is off the table.

The request began with Brussels-based Turkish-Armenian
Business Development Council’s request last year to
establish an office in Istanbul. But the request was
quietly rejected by the Interior Ministry in February,
the Turkish Daily News reports.

Kaan Soyak, co-chairman of the Council, confirmed that
four Turkish members of the organization including
himself applied last May to open the office supposed
to connect the Turkey-EU network in order to foster
business opportunities.

"We have received no response for nine months and in
February, the Istanbul Governor’s Office sent a letter
rejecting our request without any justification,"
Soyak said.

Until February, he continued, Turkish and Armenian
members of the Council had the impression that the
Interior Ministry would allow the opening of the
office because at round-table discussions in the
United States last November, Turkish diplomats
heralded the government’s plans to allow the office.
However, the letter from the Istanbul Governor’s
Office was in total contrast to expectations.

The government’s rejection comes right after calls for
dialogue with Armenia in the wake of the elections, a
development that raised hopes for the opening of a new
chapter in troubled relations.

The Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council is a
nongovernmental network of Turkish and Armenian
business leaders working since 1997 for the
restoration of normal relations between Turkey and
Armenia and for the reopening of their common border.

The two neighbors have had no diplomatic links after
Turkey took Azerbaijan’s side in the Karabakh war and
closed the border with Armenia. Ankara also opposes
demands for recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

CONFERENCE OF FORUM OF ARMENIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF EUROPE TO BE HELD ON
MAY 29-30 IN BRATISLAVA

BRATISLAVA, MAY 6, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. The conference of the
Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe will be held on May 29-30 in
the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava. It is dedicated to the 90th
anniversary of declaration of the First Republic of Armenia and to the
10th anniversary of creation the Forum of Armenian Associations of
Europe. Noyan Tapan correspondent was informed about it by Ashot
Grigorian, the Chairman of the Forum.

According to him, among conference’s goals are discussion of
Turkish-Azeri anti-Armenian lobbying that has become active and
measures undertaken against information war, bringing forward the issue
of recognition of Nagorno Karabakh Republic by European countries
parallel with the issue of recognition of Armenian Genocide, lobbying
and elaboration of general approaches over it in the issue of Nagorno
Karabakh settlement, supporting spreading of Armenian culture in
European countries, systematization of programs of preservation of the
Armenian nation in the Diaspora. In his words, the conference will also
pursue the goal of consolidating the huge potential of Armenian
businessmen acting in different countries of the world, creating and
strengthening business contacts among them, which will contribute to
strengthening of business possibilities of European Armenian
businessmen. It will also be a serious financial support aimed at
solution of national problems.

Creation of permanently acting four departments of the Forum of
Armenian Associations of Europe, legal, business, information, as well
as science-education-culture-sport, will be also among the goals of the
conference to be held in Bratislava.

According to A. Grigorian, it is planned that when discussing the legal
problems the conference participants will touch upon the current state
of recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its development, expediency
of raising the issue of Genocide in Hague Court, legal approaches aimed
at international recognition of the Genocide, legal bases of solution
of the Nagorno Karabakh problem, possibility of recognition of Artsakh
independence by European countries.

Systematization of European Armenian businessmen’s activity in Europe
for the purpose of involving businessmen from different countries in
joint activities, promotion of joint work of European Armenian and
Armenian businessmen, creation of a system of protection of mutual
interests, activization of investment activities done in Armenia by
coordination of cooperation between Diasporan Armenian and Armenian
businessmen and contribution to that cooperation by the Armenian
authorities will be discussed among the business problems of the
conference.

The issue of coordination of government programs of Armenian economic
development and potential of Diasporan Armenian businessmen for the
purpose of promotion of investments in the country, issues of
elaboration of joint investment programs with Armenia’s government and
assisting their implementation will be also discussed. It is envisaged
that during the conference an agreement will be reached to assist
European Armenian lobbyist structures from the joint activities gain,
to allocate some funds for the purpose of contributing to holding of
cultural and sports events in Armenian communities, to the
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and solution of the
Nagorno Karabakh problem.

The cultural, scientific, and educational problems’ discussion of the
conference of Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe will regard
systematization and support to periodic holding of cultural and sports
events in Armenian communities of the Diaspora, strengthening of ties
between Armenian and Diasporan cultural and educational centers,
organization of concerts and exhibitions of cultural figures invited
from Armenia, the goal of which will be to make Armenian culture
accessible for not only Armenian communities of Europe, but also for
Europeans.

The conference organizers intend to pay a special attention to problems
of education and preservation of the Armenian language making an
attempt to finance educational and scientific programs of Armenian
communities with the funds of the Forum of Armenian Associations of
Europe. Besides, tasks to support proper presentation of scientific
elaborations and inventions done by Armenian scientists at European
exhibitions and forums will be set. A task will be set to promote these
inventions and innovations having their contribution to the process of
scientific-technical development of both Armenia and the world.

According to the Chairman of the Forum of Armenian Associations of
Europe, the conference will also touch upon information problems,
including contribution to solution of issues of national significance
through joint and coordinated work of media, systematization of use of
forces of Armenian press in lobbyist issues of national importance. The
issues regarding systematization of information sphere will be
promotion of the issue of recognition of Armenian Genocide in the
world, right presentation of the problem of Nagorno Karabakh fair
settlement, contribution to establishment and strengthening of
Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora, Diaspora-Diaspora economic, cultural, and
other ties, RA statehood, establishment of democracy in Armenia and
strengthening of country’s international image, growth of economic
strengthening and international involvement, taking root of the idea of
Armenia as a Homeland for all Armenians in Armenia and Diaspora.
Contribution to free democratic Armenia’s becoming an ideological and
cultural center of all Armenians, to preservation and spreading of
Armenian cultural values, to creation of a general all-Armenian
information field, and to possibility of exchange of information will
be also considered as an information problem. A task will be set to
create a united information and cultural environment through modern
technologies, for Armenians living in different countries of the world
not feeling themselves isolated from Armenian cultural and public life
to have a possibility to take part in discussion and solution of
public, cultural, and social issues. Besides, a task will be set to
contribute to freedom of press and expression in Armenia, to
strengthening of confidence to media, as well as to development of
democratic institutions in Armenia and introduction of democratic
values, to the process of using the experience of Diasporan Armenians,
living in stable democratic states, in Armenia, to formation of an
atmosphere of information solidarity and joint work among Armenian
media of the world, to Armenian media’s pursuing norms of skill and
ethics meeting international standards irrespective of the place of
their activity.

It is envisaged that Chairman of the Forum of Armenian Associations of
Europe Ashot Grigorian and Adviser to UN Secretary General Arshaluys
Chgnavorian will make a speech at the opening of the conference. It is
also envisaged that the conference will make changes in the Forum’s
Regulations and programs, elections of Forum’s Board of Trustees will
be held. Forum’s Declaration will be adopted by the results of the
conference.

ARTSAKH’S ENVOY CALLS FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

KarabakhOpen
01-05-2008 10:22:57

Urges Greater U.S. Political and Economic Support to Artsakh

Washington, DC – NKR Representative to the United States Vardan
Barseghian spoke at the annual Armenian Genocide Observance on
Capitol Hill that also featured U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
(D-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Senator Bob Menendez
(D-NJ) and other members of Congress.

The event was organized by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,
co-chaired by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI),
in cooperation with the Armenian Embassy in Washington and leading
Armenian-American organizations. Armenian Ambassador Tatoul Markarian,
Prelate Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, and
Dr. Gregory Stanton, President of the International Association of
Genocide Scholars also spoke to the audience that included Armenian
Genocide survivors, human rights activists, and members of the
Armenian community.

In his remarks, Representative Barseghian called upon the United
States to recognize the Armenian Genocide saying that it would "send
a powerful warning signal to those who plan new ethnic cleansing
campaigns that the truth will prevail, that criminal actions will be
named for what they are and that the perpetrators will be condemned
and will bear responsibility."

Tying past crimes against humanity to today’s situation, Barseghian
said that the Nagorno Karabakh problem is a direct result of the
Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.

"Weakened by mass killings, deportations and widespread devastation
inflicted by the Ottoman Turks, Armenia was not able to hold on
to its historic province of Artsakh and eventually gave in to the
Soviet pressure to include it within administrative borders of Soviet
Azerbaijan. And the consequences of the Armenian Genocide, including
that particular decision by the Bolsheviks, continue affecting our
lives today, over 90 years later", the Artsakh representative said.

Stressing that the risk of genocide still exists, Barseghian said
that "Azerbaijan continues to threaten Nagorno Karabakh with a new
war because we insist on our right to live in freedom."

"Nagorno Karabakh will continue reinforcing its defense capabilities
to be up to the task, but we would like to see our friends on Capitol
Hill and those who want to see a stable and peaceful South Caucasus
to send a clear signal to Azerbaijan that a new war would not be
tolerated," he said.

On behalf of the NKR Government, Barseghian thanked Representatives
Pallone and Knollenberg and other congressional leaders for their
steadfast support on issues related to Artsakh’s security, freedom,
and economic development.

He urged greater U.S. political and economic support.

"We hope that the U.S. Congress will continue its leading role in
charting a new format for relations with Nagorno Karabakh that looks
beyond conflict resolution to collaboration on issues of security,
democracy and economic development."

Concluding his remarks said Barseghian said that leaders on Capitol
Hill acknowledge that in "parallel to our common efforts to make
this world genocide-free, we also need to deal with consequences
of past crimes and to support those who still struggle for freedom
and justice."

The full text of Rep. Barseghian’s remarks is provided below. You can
also view it online at:

ALL PEOPLE INJURED DURING MARCH 1 EVENTS DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITALS

Noyan Tapan
April 30, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 30, NOYAN TAPAN. No person injured during the March 1-1
events in Yerevan has remained in hospitals as of April 30. As Noyan
Tapan correspondent was informed by Haroutiun Kushkian, the RA Minister
of Health, citizen of U.S. Hovhannes Asatrian was discharged from
the Erebuni medical center the day before. He was taken to hospital
with fire-arms injuries in his behind and stomach. According to the
Minister, at present H. Asatrian’s condition is estimated as normal.

DINK’S MURDER TRIAL WILL BE OPENED TO THE MEDIA
Erol Onderoa~^Lu

BIA, Turkey
April 29 2008

In the next hearing on July 7 Dink’s murder suspect O.S. will be 18
and the trial open to the press. An informant-defendant, Ä°gci who
has refrained from testifying, will be assigned a lawyer to be heard
in the next hearing the judge decided.

The fifth hearing of the Armenian writer-journalist Hrant Dink murder
trial is concluded Monday. The court set the next hearing day for
July 7.

While the court decided to maintain the existing status of the arrested
defendants, it denied the request by the Dink’s lawyers to receive
a copy of the visual and audio records of the hearing. The court
agreed to hear more than 10 witnesses from Istanbul and Trabzon,
whose testimonies may help solve the murder, but four of them could
not be reached.

Since he did not have a lawyer, the court could not hear the testimony
of the gendarme informant CoÅ~_kun Ä°gci who, during his trial at the
2. Criminal Court of Peace in Trabzon, had stated that "I informed
the gendarmerie about Yasin Hayal’s murder plans." The court decided
that he be assigned a lawyer from the bar and heard in the next
hearing. Yasin Hayal is indicted with planning Hrant Dink’s murder
and conscripting gunman O.S. for killing the journalist.

Filing a criminal complaint against Hayal’s lawyer Following Hayal’s
lawyer Fuat Turgut’s derogatory remarks of "Yohannes Pamukyan,"
Dink’s lawyers filed a complaint, claiming that these remarks were
meant to target Orhan Pamuk, the Nobel winner Turkish writer, and the
Armenian society in a manner that comes under the crime of provoking
hatred and animosity among people, as defined by the article 216/2
of the penal code.

Dink’s lawyers also demanded that the access and the password to the
computer used in the prison where Hayal stayed after his bombing of
McDonalds in 2004. The lawyers are hoping to determine who visited
Hayal while he was in jail. Fethiye Cetin, one of the lawyers of
the Dink family, said that their demands were not met fully by
BayrampaÅ~_a prison where Hayal had stayed; they were still waiting
for a satisfactory reply.

In the afternoon, the defendants Ä°rfan Ozkan and Numan Å~^iÅ~_man
were questioned. When one of Dink’s lawyers Arzu Becerik asked Ozkan
whether it was true that everyone applauded O.S.’s reply that he
could do the murder during the meeting with a group from Istanbul,
he answered that it was true, but she needed to ask Umit (Oksuz)
who were present in this meeting.

Two police officers were heard about Hayal’s words "Tell Orhan Pamuk
to be smart," in one of his previous appearances. They affirmed that
he said these words.

Cetin made a statement at the end of the hearing Dink Family lawyer
Fethiye Cetin, in apublic statement she made for the media after the
conclusion of the hearing said they were expecting the Istanbul trial
combined with the trial in Trabzon, but "this we will know when we
receive the replies to the petitions we had given to the Ä°stanbul
and Trabzon public prosecutors," she concluded.

Reminded about the claims that the Trabzon Police Department destroyed
some of the evidences Cetin said: "There was already information about
this matter in the file kept in the Trabzon Police Department. We asked
again for this information. Eventually we received the statement that
only the information regarding Mustafa Ozturk, the provincial head
of Trabzon Alperen Ocakları, was destroyed. Regarding Erhan Tuncel,
we communicated our much comprehensive request to the Head of the
Intelligence Office of the Police Department. The reply from this
department would have been studied by the magistracy and presented
to the court, but no result has come from this yet."

The surveillance records and the other evidentiary documents that
will be received from the Trabzon Police Department and the Public
Prosecutor’s Office will help determine those people in the state
who may be related to the murder case. (GG)

–Boundary_(ID_vbCyMkCxpfE5mdoL5Jw7pA)–