Author: Tadevosian Garnik

POISON IN ARMENIAN BLOOD AND MAKING POLITICS THROUGH DINK’S DEATH
Sedat Laciner
Translated By Hasan Selim Ozertem (USAK)

Journal of Turkish Weekly
March 5 2007

Unfortunately, Turkish-Armenian relations are being controlled by the
discussions about Turks and Armenians who died nearly a century ago
instead of being related with the living people of the two societies.

In time, the past has become more important and Armenian issue has
been turned into an ‘Armenian Issue Industry’. Many people from the
Armenian Diaspora owe their reputation and authority to this problem
and gain income from the conflict between Turks and Armenians.

Armenia, which was established in 1991, unfortunately has contracted
this disease. Currently, no one can ask questions to Kocharyan about
the economy, democratization, the Karabakh issue or any other current
or vital Armenian problems, but ‘genocide’. Whenever he is in trouble,
Mr. Kocharyan always repeats the Armenian claims against Turkey; not
only when he is in the country but also when he is in abroad. Before
anybody to be able to ask questions about the Azeri territories
under Armenian occupation for more than a decade, he says that
"Turks massacred us in 1915 and now they may do the very same thing
again." When they ask about the democratization and the economic
growth of the country his answer is ready again "We are besieged by
the Turks that is why our country cannot develop."

Lately, the hottest issue among the radicals in Armenia and the
Armenian Diaspora is Hrant Dink’s murder. Dink was an Istanbul Armenian
and an intellectual. For several times, I had the opportunity to
meet him face to face and the ones who know the matter deeply will
admit how superficial it would be to relate Dink’s death with the
Armenian issue. This is a job of the gangs, who call themselves
‘deep state’ and are against the democratization and the EU process
in Turkey. Besides, most of the victims of the assassinations are of
the Turkish origin. As a matter of fact that Dink is the only Armenian
victim in political murders in the Republican history.

Another regrettable dimension is that those, who Hrant Dink had fought
against all of his life, is trying to make politics through Dink’s
death. The some of the radicals in Armenian diaspora try to abuse
his death to deepen the Turkish-Armenian problem although Dink made
all possible efforts to close both peoples when he was alive.

The Diaspora blamed Dink of being a betrayer and a servant of Turkey.

In 2004, on the last week of November an international meeting was
held in Marseille, in France. In this meeting, the tension increased
between Turkey’s Armenians and the radicals of the Armenian Diaspora.

Being humiliated by the Armenian Diaspora, Etyen Mahcupyan and Hrant
Dink blamed the radicals in the Diaspora of making politics through
the corpses and not wanting a resolution in Armenian issue. Mahcupyan
and Dink advocated that Turkey’s EU membership would be a key factor
for the resolution of the Armenian issue and they claimed that the
Diaspora had not changed and was afraid of any step that would be
taken by Turkey.[1] Mahcupyan summarizes the meeting as follows:

"I said that "You are resisting against Turkey trying to become a
member of the EU; which means that in fact, you are resisting against
the Armenian genocide to be recognized." They got angry. I continued
as "You would be relieved if no Armenians had left in Turkey since it
would only be your voice to be heard. You still prefer to make politics
through the corpse. However, the politics should be made through the
live people." And I added that "The Armenians in Turkey are aware of
everything." Up to now, it was impossible to hear the voice of Turkey’s
Armenians in international meetings. Due to this fact, it was being
perceived that there was a monolithic, a total Armenian opinion. In
this meeting, the rigid and sick attitude of the Armenian Diaspora
was revealed once again. Since the resistance of the Diaspora on
Turkey’s membership to the EU not only contradicts with the interests
of Armenia but also against the interests of Armenians in Turkey."[2]

Dink, being one of Turkish Armenians and the chief editor of the AGOS
weekly newspaper, attended to the meeting and blamed the Armenian
Diaspora of failing to change[3];

"Change is something that draws everyone behind it and becomes
determinative. In fact, this is the most important blessing of the
humankind. The ones, who say that some people cannot change – which
Diaspora claims that Turkey has not change – are in a big mistake.

However, the world and Turkey is changing and the Diaspora should
participate in this and support Turkey’s change and democratization
process. Today, the Diaspora should ask itself what is the meaning
of the carried on campaigns against Turkey’s EU membership by the
Armenian Diaspora in Europe, particularly by the Diaspora in France.

Because this membership process definitely changes Turkey and if
the "Armenian Genocide" problem to be resolved, this would be in
the framework of this process. Accordingly, blocking this process,
in a way means blocking the resolution and preventing Turkish people
to question their history and to see the truths. The Diaspora should
primarily think about the future of the Armenian world. And the future
of this world is closely related with the security and the future
of Armenia. The aimed objective should particularly be this and the
Diaspora should reorganize all of its demands in this context. Thus,
nowadays it is the common sense that the Diaspora needs the most."

His criticisms on Diaspora do not stop here. Mr. Dink stated that
the Diaspora had built the Armenian identity on Turkish hostility and
he defined this situation as "the poison in the Armenian blood". In
accordance with Dink’s opinion, Armenians by building their identity
on Turkish opposition was only poisoning themselves and neglecting
the most important parts of the Armenian identity. He was insisting
that Armenian identity should have been built on Armenia and the
Turkish hostility "should be replaced with the noble ties that
would be established with Armenia". In fact, he promoted the whole
relations with Armenia only for the possibility of evolution of a
new approach. While being accused as a betrayer Dink took the risk
of being not-wanted-man not only in Turkey but also among Armenians.

Dink was accusing the Diaspora of "making politics through the corpse"
in Marseille Conference. Unfortunately, the Diaspora insists on this
habit and now they are making politics through the Dink’s corpse.

By the way, it should be noted that the ‘Armenian Issue Industry’
on the Armenian side creates a similar industry here in Turkey and
this would result in the problems to become permanent and never to
be resolved.

5 March 2007

[email protected]

———————— ————————————————– ——

[1] Sefa Kaplan, ‘Rahatýz Diye Uzulmeyin’, (Do Not Be Disturbed Because
We are in Comfort), Hurriyet, 30 Kasým 2004; ‘Diasporaya Saðduyu
Daveti’, (Common Sense Call for the Diaspora), Agos, 26 Kasým 2004.

[2] Sefa Kaplan, ‘Rahatýz Diye Uzulmeyin’ (Do Not Be Disturbed Because
We are in Comfort), Hurriyet, 30 Kasým 2004.

[3] ‘Diasporaya Saðduyu Daveti’ (Common Sense Call for the Diaspora)
, Agos, 26 Kasým 2004.

–Boundary_(ID_6uQuKmh9V4V3BrtzlnQ54g)–

GURGEN ARSENIAN: "ULP CARRIES OUT 80% OF ITS 2003 PRE-ELECTORAL PROMISES"

YEREVAN, MARCH 2, NOYAN TAPAN. The United Labour Party will place the
order with the RA Central Electoral Commission (CEC) for nomimation at
the coming parliamentary elections by the proportional electoral
system on March 2. Party Chairman and parliamentary faction head
Gurgen Arsenian stated about it at the briefing held on the same
day. In his words, more than 8 dozens of candidates are in general
involved in the ULP proportional list. G.Arsenian heads the
list. Besides him, ULP faction member Grigor Ghonjeyan, State
Conservatory Rector Sergey Sarajian, faction Secretary Hripsime
Avetikian, Deputy Minister of Social Security Tamara Gevorgian,
faction member, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Social,
Health Care and Nature Protection Issues Mnatsakan Petrosian, one of
Army of Inedependence founders Smbat Aghayan, Chairman of the RA
Chamber of Advocates Qualification Committee Yenok Azarian, head of
the "Medecins Sans Frontiers" (Doctors without Borders)
Armenian-Belgian organization Anahit Hovhannisian, "Yerkrapah
Kamavorakan Miutiun" (land defender volunteer union) board member
Samvel Hovsepian ("Admiral Samo") are also in the first ten. As
G.Arsenian stated, the party, according to its inner decision and
principle of formation of the NA by the 100% proportional list, will
participate in the elections by exclusively proportional electoral
system. But, this decision does not prohibit that the party members,
in the case of wish, are nominated by the majoritarian electoral
system on the civil initiative. G.Arsenian mentioned that according
to the party estimations, the ULP "existence at the future parliament
will surpass the volume by which it is today presented at the
parliament." Responding the Noyan Tapan correspondent’s question,
G.Arsenian stated that the ULP carried out 80% of its 2003
pre-electoral promises and base programs. The party envisages to
implement "the most serious programs" during the next 5 years. Among
them the ULP Chairman especially attached importance to standing
challenges on the sphere of demography as well as working out of state
programs directed to encouraging young families and birthrate.

Arka News Agency, Armenia
March 2 2007

ARMENIAN PREMIER, EU SPECIAL REP DISCUSS DOMESTIC, FOREIGN POLICY
ISSUES

YEREVAN, March 2. /ARKA/. Armenian Premier Andranik Margaryan held a
meeting with EU Special Representative in the South Caucasus Peter
Semneby.
The Press and Public Relations Department, RA Government, reports
that the sides discussed issues of Armenia’s cooperation with the
European Union (EU), upcoming elections, Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process , as well as Armenia’s relations with its neighbors and
regional cooperation. Pointing out the importance of the Armenia-EU
program of action for Armenia’s further integration into the European
structures, Premier Margaryan assured the EU Representative of the RA
Government’s willingness to make efforts to implement it.
Margaryan pointed out the importance of Semneby’s visit for further
implementation of the EU New Neighborhood Policy, which envisages the
enlargement of the economic component, considering the fact that the
EU is one of Armenia’s largest trade partners.
The sides were of the unanimous opinion that, since the Armenia-EU
program of action has been adopted, the upcoming parliamentary
elections will be of decisive importance for further democratic
reforms and Armenia’s cooperation with the EU.
The sides pointed out that the elections in conformity with
international standards are of importance not only for Armenia, but
also for the entire South Caucasus as part of the New Neighborhood
Policy.
Margaryan pointed out the importance of the political will of both
the authorities and the opposition, which will allow the political
force that gets a vote of confidence to implement its programs. "The
country’s authorities have this will, realizing its necessity for the
people and the state to ensure stable democratic development,"
Margaryan said.
The RA premier also expressed his concern over the project of
construction of the Kars-Akhalkalai-Baku railway, which is to bypass
Armenia, pointed out that proper regional cooperation is only
possible with the involvement of all the countries of the region. He
pointed out the importance of the EU’s role in encouraging regional
cooperation and welcomed the EU’s position that does not encourage
the implementation of regional projects that do not involve one
country or another, particularly Armenia.
In his turn, Semneby confirmed that the EU continues making every
effort toward the re-opening of the Armenian-Turkish border and
ensuring of participation of all the countries in the regional
projects implemented in the South Caucasus, which is an all-important
priority of the New Neighborhood policy.
Welcoming Armenia’s efforts toward European integration, Semneby
expressed hope that combined efforts will facilitate the
implementation of the Armenia-EU program of action, including that at
the level of regional cooperation. P.T. -0–

§±§§Ñ§Ó§&# xE0; §£§í§Ò§à&# xA7;§Ñ, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
March 3 2007

America to Strictly Control Election Process in Armenia
03.03.2007

US Ambassador to Armenia informed that falsification of elections may
undermine social and political fundaments in Armenia.
Holding of upcoming parliamentary elections in transparent and just
conditions is not only political obligation of Armenia, it is also
international legal obligation enshrined in ¡°European convention on
Human Rights¡±. US Charg¨¦ d’Affaires to Armenia Anthony Godfrey,
made such statement.
Diplomat, while making speech in the course of international workshop
on ¡°Falsification of elections, international standards and court
problems¡±, stressed that upcoming elections to be held in Armenia in
May, will be very important for the image of this state at
international area and its future political development. Godfrey
informed participants of workshops, attended by experts from America,
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, that leadership of Armenia promised
international organizations to make efforts to hold democratic
elections and Armenia should keep the promise. He stressed that
Washington is especially interested in holding transparent elections,
and from this point of view he supports cooperation with Armenian
government.
Diplomat said that American side intends to organize number of events
in Yerevan and USA, workshops and conferences before election
process. He brought to the notice of participants of the event that
in near future first group of Armenian representatives – central
election commission members and legal authorities – will be sent to
Washington for training. Moreover, accordingly to foreign diplomat
Washington intends to strictly control elections.
It should be pointed out that intention of USA to control process of
parliamentary elections in Armenia became known last year, from words
of US officials visiting Yerevan. Washington doesn¡¯t deny that
parliamentary elections in Armenia are evaluated as primary stage of
presidential elections to be held in spring 2008. At the same time
referring to US officials we may conclude that with the purpose of
replacing Armenian government by the one which will be more loyal
towards West, this time Washington will be active.
In October last year, US permanent representative to OSCE,
Ambassador, Julie Finley, attracted general attention to her
statement containing call to make pressure on government of the
country in order to provide transparency of elections. It is
interesting that that time J. Finley didn¡¯t answer questions of
journalists concerning possibility of holding free and just elections
in Armenia. Moreover, American diplomat stressed that she is not
quite content with her visit to Armenia.
Thus, despite wish of American side, President, Robert Kocharyan,
didn¡¯t receive American diplomat. Officials from Yerevan informed
that it is connected with Kocharyan¡¯s heavy work schedule. However,
US diplomat didn¡¯t even hide her indignation.
Today on the eve of elections in Armenia assumptions of number of
Armenian and American observers concerning possibility of change of
government have became more actual. It is known that Kocharyan will
have to leave presidency in March 2008, as term of his office will be
terminated by that time. Thus, west circles especially USA are
interested in election of Serge Sarkisyan, who doesn¡¯t represent
ruling party, who would take interests in integration in
Euro-Atlantic area. All the mentioned is determined by position of
west concerning the fact that present government of Armenia is
inclined to Russia most of all, and all its actions, allegedly
directed to establish favorable relations with west countries, are of
formal nature.
Accordingly to observers, discontent of USA by present government of
Armenia can also be explained by Armenian¡¯s estrangement from
constructive policy in solving Nagorni Garabagh problem. At the same
time opposition observers of Armenia inform that for this reason USA
often criticize government of the said country.
We should remind that some times ago OSCE American co-chair, M.
Bryza, informed about backwardness of Azerbaijan and Armenia
regarding democratic development. He informed that President, George
Bush, supports undertaking of Azerbaijani leadership in the field of
democracy and economic development. However, it is not easy to assure
that America will really make pressure on Armenia in connection with
Nagorni Garabagh problem.
Thus, now we can say that to protect its interests in Armenia, USA
won¡¯t be satisfied with democratic calls only, they will make real
steps.
By the way, recently US diplomatic representative to Armenia declared
that falsification of upcoming elections in Armenia may seriously
undermine ¡°social and political fundaments¡± of the state.

A. ABRAMIAN: "WE MUST PROMOTE INTERESTS OF ARMENIAN STATE"

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.03.2007 14:03 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ It will be difficult for Armenians to effectively
resist Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s undermining actions in the
international arena without energetic, purposeful, everyday
organization of activities of the Armenian State, all Armenian
parties and leading public organizations, WAC President and Chairman
of the Union of Armenians in Russia Ara Abramian stated in the
interview to "Azg" daily. He said, Turkey and Azerbaijan do not
spare means to blacken Armenia’s image and block solution of Armenian
problems. Abramian noted, at the same time they do not even stop in
front of slander and frank falsification of history.

"During past years relatively more negative information about Armenia
and Armenians, about goals of Armenian State occur than we used
to see before. It can be accounted for the fact that still we are
dealing with promotion of Armenia’s positive image very separately
and not offensively, focusing all efforts on lobby actions of European
structures, in Washington and Moscow," he stressed.

He also noted, that this year the WAC will found its branches in the
U.S.A. and Brussels. "In these two key centers of world policy it is
necessary to establish reliable contacts. We must promote interests of
the Armenian State and realize pan-Armenian problems connected with
the Armenian Genocide and solution of the Nagorno Karabakh problem,"
Ara Abramian said.

RA PARLIAMENT VICE-SPEAKER: POLICY OF CONCESSIONS PRODUCED NO RESULT

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
March 1 2007

Armenia’s policy of concessions produced no result, and it is
necessary to resort to stronger measures to guarantee Stepanakert’s
participation in the Nagorno-Karabakh talks, RA Parliament vice
Speaker, ARF Dashnaktsutyun Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisian told
journalists February 28.

In his words, clinging to such position, the Armenian party tried
to show its tolerance, however, it resulted in putting pressure on
Armenia. "Such conflicts exist in some countries on the post Soviet
territory, however, they hold direct negotiations with the conflicting
side, in part, Georgia hold negotiations with the leadership of
Abkhazia and the South Ossetia, Moldavia with Transdnestr, while
Azerbaijan refuses to negotiate with the NKR", vice Speaker noted,
adding the Azeri authorities’ stance is conditioned by the fact that
they have no intention to fulfill agreements reached I the course of
the talks. In this connection Hovhannisian stated the talks should
be brought to another plane, when Baku reaches official agreements
with the NKR leadership, IA REGNUM reports.

ACCORDING TO SOME RUMOURS, ARTUR AGHABEKIAN’S CANDIDATURE TO BE PUT FORWARD AT NKR PRESIDENT’S ELECTIONS

Noyan Tapan
Feb 28 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28, NOYAN TAPAN. Lieutenant General Artur Aghabekian,
the former RA Deputy Minister of Defence (born in Karabakh) will be the
main pretender for the president’s post at the president’s elections
to take place in the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. According to the
"Aravot" (morning) daily, such an agreement was reached at the February
26 meeting of RA President Robert Kocharian and ARF Bureau members.

To recap, R.Kocharian signed A.Aghabekian’s appeal on resignation
from the post of the Deputy Minister of Defence on February 23. The
former Deputy Minister expressed intention to participate with the
ARF proportional list in the RA National Assembly elections to take
place on May 12.

ARMEN RUSTAMIAN: SUMGAYIT WAS CONTINUATION OF 1915

Noyan Tapan
Feb 28 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28, NOYAN TAPAN. A commemoration procession towards
the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex of Armenian Genocide victims
took place on February 28 on the initiative of ARFD Nikol Aghbalian
student union. The procession was dedicated to the 19th anniversary
of massacres of Armenians in Azerbaijani city of Sumgayit.

Over 200 young people, political, public figures, deputies,
intellectuals took part in the procession. They laid wreaths to the
memorial to the Armenian martyrs who perished in Sumgayit.

ARFD Armenian Supreme Body representative Armen Rustamian said in
his speech that the civilized world should recognize the Sumgayit
massacres. "The barbarities committed 19 years ago were the result
of Azerbaijan’s hostile policy towards Armenians. This was the
continuation of the Genocide committed in 1915," he emphasized.

Writer, publicist Zori Balayan, in his turn, declared that the Armenian
people should not only remember its victims, but also should continue
to demand restoration of justice. "Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian policy
fits into the logic of chauvinism and extremism," he said.

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Feb 23 2007

NEXT SITTING OF COMMISSION FOR DELIMITATION AND DEMARKATION OF
ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN BORDER TO BE HELD IN TBILISI IN JUNE

YEREVAN. February 22. /ARKA/. The next sitting of the
Armenian-Georgian commission for delimitation and demarcation of the
state border will be held in Tbilisi in June 2007. The press service
of the Armenian foreign ministry reported, the agreement was reached
at the meeting of the commission’s chairs and deputy foreign
ministers of Armenia and Georgia in Tbilisi on Tuesday.
During the discussions, the parties reached an agreement regarding
some sections of the Armenian-Georgian border. Armenian Deputy
Foreign Minister Gegham Garibjanyan also met with Georgian Foreign
Minister Gela Bezhuashvili, and presented him the process of the
border delimitation. They discussed other issues of mutual interest
as well.
The work on delimitation of the Armenian-Georgian border has been
under way since 1995. The overall length of the border totals 224 km.
To date, based on the commission’s work, agreement is reached
regarding 110 km of the border. R.O. -0

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Feb 23 2007

Lawmakers readying for US trip to lobby

Parliamentarians from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK
Party) and the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) are to
travel soon to the United States to convince US congressmen not to
pass a draft resolution recognizing Armenian claims of genocide at
the hands of the late Ottoman Empire.
Three separate delegations will visit Washington in late February and
in March to seek support against the resolution, expected to be
debated at the House of Representatives in April.
The Democratic-controlled Congress is widely expected to back the
draft, even though the White House is opposed to it, wary over the
impact on relations with Turkey, a key Muslim ally and a NATO member.
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül said after a visit to Washington this
month that passing the draft would "poison" ties and "spoil
everything" between the two countries.
In October 2000, a similar draft was pulled from the House floor
following intervention by then president Bill Clinton.