Author: Tavakalian Edgar

Hürriyet, Turkey
Nov 15 2008

Wilson backs press freedom

ANKARA – The outgoing U.S. ambassador to Turkey said Friday that
freedom of press was very important for a democracy. Ross Wilson
hosted diplomacy correspondents at his residence before his departure
from Turkey early next week. He said he respected what journalists
were doing and urged them to continue performing their job.

"Freedom of press is very important for any democracy. You need to do
your job. Being a journalist is not easy, it’s not also easy in the
U.S., just keep doing it, remember the role you and free media plays
in any democratic society," he said.

Accreditations canceled His remarks came after the Prime Ministry
revoked the press accreditation of seven veteran journalists who had
covered the ministry, a practice that was deemed "censorship" by the
International Press Institute.

Wilson said freedom of press was an important power in all
democracies.

In his farewell speech, Wilson said it had been an honor to represent
the United States in Turkey, which he described as one of the most
important countries for his country in terms of bilateral ties.

The most challenging period during his tenure in Ankara was between
Sept. 2007 and April 2008, according to Wilson, when bilateral ties
strained over the Armenian genocide resolution passed by a
U.S. congressional committee, as well as the fight against the
outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK.

Wilson said confidence has been rebuilt between the two countries and
that the sharing of intelligence is crucial in the ongoing fight
against the PKK.

Fourth time in Turkey His successor James Jeffrey will come to Ankara
in early December, said Wilson, adding that Jeffrey, who speaks
Turkish, would be the first U.S. ambassador to serve in Turkey for the
fourth time.

The outgoing ambassador said he was most impressed by the hospitality
of the Turkish people and shared an anecdote in which a young local
approached him during his visit to Trabzon last April and asked if he
was Ross Wilson.

Wilson said he has not yet watched "Mustafa," a new documentary that
chronicles Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s life from
childhood to death. But he said he was planning to see the
much-discussed film.

PBS TO SCREEN "A FAMILY ERASED" DOCUMENTARY ABOUT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

PanARMENIAN.Net
15.11.2008 14:18 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A unique documentary about the Armenian genocide
will soon be released by PBS’ Frontline titled "A Family Erased",
George Kachadorian, the film director, told PanARMENIAN.Net.

"The film features my father and his sisters who recently made a
journey back to historic Armenia – now Eastern Turkey – in search
of the homes our family fled around the turn of the century. As
my family winds their way through mountain passes far, far off the
tourist track, they rely on hand drawn Armenian maps, handed down
through the generations, and the help of a Turkish speaking guide to
try and locate the streets and towns that have long since been renamed.

As international tensions flare over a new U.S. bill that would
formally acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, my father Jim and my aunts
Elaine, Marion and Georgiana embark on the adventure of a lifetime –
deep into the mountains of Eastern Anatolia on a search for their
grandparents’ homes at the epicenter of the 20th century’s first
genocide," Kachadorian said.

NEWS RELEASE
Armenian Professionals Network
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America
3325 No. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474, Fax: (818) 558-6333

Contact: Sylva Natalie Manoogian, Tel. (213) 974-5676 (cell)

APN/WESTERN DIOCESE, ARARAT-ESKIJIAN MUSEUM AND ARARAT HOME VALLEY
GUILD HONOR ARMENIAN VETERANS

In recognition of the selfless heroism of Armenian men and women who have
served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces, "A Historic
Tribute to Veterans" was held on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at 2 p.m., in
the Ararat Home’s Sheen (Goevkalayjian) Chapel, Mission Hills, CA. The
event was planned, organized, and presented by the Armenian Professionals
Network (APN), in collaboration with the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and the
Ararat Home of Los Angeles Valley Guild, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of North America. The following inspired and inspiring article was
written by 15-year-old Melanie Tatiossian, a sophomore at Calabasas High
School, who aspires to pursue a career in journalism. It is evident that she
is well on her way! SNM

"A Historic Tribute to Veterans" by Melanie Tatiossian

As I walked up the stairs leading to the Sheen Chapel, the only thought in
my mind was the chilly weather. I walked through the wooden doors, and
thought it was going to be another ordinary day. But little did I know it
would change my life forever. I decided to attend the event because my mom
needed me to assist her as part of the welcoming committee. All I kept
thinking was "What is a fifteen-year-old girl doing at a gathering of
eighty-year-olds?" But soon enough, I found out why God had sent me there.

As the event unfolded, everybody became a bit more eager. People in
attendance included Veterans and their families, City Council members,
Clergy, and prominent members of the community. Volunteers all had
designated jobs. Some were at the sign-in table, some were at the
registration table, some seated the guests, and some, including myself,
handed out programs. Standing in front of the Chapel, I got a glimpse of
every Veteran who attended. Most of them were casually dressed, but some of
them were in their military uniforms.

After everyone was escorted to their seats, the event began. The first
speaker, Mrs. Sylva Natalie Manoogian, presented a welcoming speech. She
also gave background about the Armenian Professionals Network (APN), which
was established at the Western Diocese in 2004. The Master of Ceremonies,
Mr. Guy Chookoorian, born on November 15, 1923, served in the U.S. Army Air
Corps, and in 1944 he was assigned to a bomber crew and flew 32 bombing
missions. As I heard his story, it gave me chills down my spine. I
thought, someone courageous enough to fight for their country should be
recognized as a national hero. Following his speech, a group of ROTC
students from Cleveland High School performed the Presentation of Colors,
led by Sergeant Sullivan. This was a very inspirational performance,
causing some of the guests to shed a tear.

Remembering the noble Veterans, the atmosphere became heavy-hearted. in
unison we all sang the Star Spangled Banner and Mer Hayrenik, the national
anthems of the United States and of the Republic of Armenia, which made me
realize something very important. We are all one. No matter what shape and
size, color or nationality, we are all a part of one race. The human race,
one unit, one family, one world.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Ms. Nancy Eskijian,the daughter of the
founder of the Eskijian Museum, delivered an invocation and a very inspiring
speech. Hearing her speak about her father, Luther Eskijian, and his great
accomplishments, I was very moved. Coming from Syria and rebuilding a life
in the United States was not an easy task. "We come in unity to honor [the
veterans]," stated Ms. Eskijian. "I have great respect and admiration for
each of you," she added. Next at the podium was native Californian, Nikki
Campbell-Smith. As an active member of WIMSA (Women in Military Service of
America), she spoke of how the military has altered her life. "In
Washington, DC, a city of monuments, WIMSA has added dignity [to our
community]," she proclaimed.

As my eyes looked over the crowd, I noticed how attentive each guest was to
the speakers. You could hear a pin drop in the Chapel. Everyone was giving
the speakers and the past Veterans the reverence one would give to a priest
at the altar. Even though reminiscing about war cannot be easy, the love,
compassion, and dedication in each Veteran’s eyes were evident. The
recognition that each Veteran received was grand but cannot be compared to
what they truly deserve. After hearing Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph
Ryland speak, the American Flag holds new meaning for me. Dressed like
George Washington, he spoke with passion about our American Flag, aka "Old
Glory", declaiming what the flag would say if it were human. His
personification of the flag’s speech was this: "[The Veterans’] blood is in
my red stripes. Their purity is reflected in my white stripes. Their souls
are represented by my stars, and their courage is embedded in my blue."

After the Lieutenant’s stirring monologue, Captain Leo Keligian spoke.
Starting in just the twelfth grade, Captain Keligian has been a part of the
Coast Guard, Navy Seals, and the United States Army. During World War II,
he participated in the war in the Pacific Theatre, and was active from the
South Pacific to Japan. After World War II concluded, he was sent to the
U.S. Army and promoted to Captain. He was on active duty during the Korean
War, and six years later during the Berlin Crisis. In 1983, he was
redeployed with only four hours’ notice. He did not return back home for
three long, exhausting years. Captain Keligian is one of the most
inspirational Veterans I have ever met. My eyes kept reverting back to his
olive green coat, which was decorated and adorned with many medals. But
what made him noteworthy were not the medals, but his humility.

Council members from the City of Los Angeles, Ms. Wendy Gruell and Mr.
Dennis Zine, and from the City of Burbank, Dr. David Gordon, presented
certificates to the event organizers. In an eloquent closing speech, the
President of APN, Mr. Arthur H. Zabounian, asked each Veteran to stand as
his or her name was called. The chapel was charged with pride and
patriotism. I found myself thinking about Veterans .ordinary people who
showed courage, loyalty, and commitment to this country when faced with
extraordinary circumstances. In retrospect, I’m glad I attended. "What’s
a fifteen year old girl doing at a gathering of 80 year olds?" Learning,
growing, and appreciating our parents and forebears for fighting for
freedom. God bless the USA!

FOR HERITAGE PARTY, LIKE FOR SERGE SARGSYAN, AGHDAM IS NOT OUR HOMELAND

Lragir.am
15:39:13 – 11/11/2008

The Heritage Party offered an interesting proposal on the settlement of
the Karabakh conflict. The spokesman for the party Hovsep Khurshudyan
and Member of Parliament Anahit Bakshiyan were hosted at the Hayatsk
press club on November 11. They proposed solving the problem of
territories through exchange because a lot of Armenian territories
are controlled by Azerbaijan.

In particular, the Heritage Party proposed exchanging Aghdam with
Shahumyan.

The representatives of the Heritage Party say they do not accept the
stance "not a patch of land" because they are aware that it will lead
the talks into a deadlock and will not enable solving the conflict.

The reporters asked the representatives of the Heritage Party
whether their proposal to exchange territories means the Heritage
Party endorses the government policy on non-reconstruction of the
liberated territories, when no infrastructures were created, and they
are not populated.

Hovsep Khurshudyan answered that it is right that Aghdam should be
exchanged with Shahumyan because according to the spokesman of the
Heritage Party, we need Shahumyan more. He did not speak about the
rest of the territories, noting that for the time being they speak
for exchanging Aghdam with Shahumyan.

Hovsep Khurshudyan was asked if the party which proposes exchanging
Aghdam with Shahumyan has estimated whether this exchange is favorable
for us in terms of strategic position, because the territories solve
the problem of security. Hovsep Khurshudyan said the strategic position
is important but there is also a humanitarian issue which should not be
overlooked. For instance, he said there are innumerable refugees from
Shahumyan who want to live in their homeland but have no possibility.

VARTAN OSKANIAN: MY RETURN TO POLITICS WILL DEPEND ON CIRCUMSTANCES IN TERMS OF FORM AND TIME

Noyan Tapan

Nov 10, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN. "My return to politics will depend
on circumstances in terms of form and time. At this moment I can say
nothing," the former foreign minister of Armenia, head of Civilitas
Foundation Vartan Oskanian said in his interview with Aravot daily. He
attached importance to the existence, first of all, of civil society
in the country, then – of a weighty political force in the political
field, which in the field of a moderate and constructive opposition.

Speaking about two axes of democracy, V. Oskanian pointed out conscious
civil society as one axis, saying that such civil society must feel
responsible for the country and the events taking place in it and put
forward its clear and bold demands to the authorities for the benefit
of the country’s stability and development. "It is absent today,
and the main activities of my foundation will be aimed at forming
and raising such consciousness in civil society," V. Oskanian stated.

According to him, the second axis of democracy is a moderate and
constructive opposition which is also absent. In the opinion of
V. Oskanian, the combination of these two axes may contribute to
democratization and efficient implementation of reforms.

LEADER OUTLINES AZERBAIJAN’S PLAN FOR KARABAKH SOLUTION IN TURKISH PARLIAMENT

ANS TV
Nov 6 2008
Azerbaijan

[Presenter] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev today delivered a
speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly as part of his visit
to Turkey. In his speech, the head of the state touched on ways
of resolving the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict and highly assessed
efforts of Turkey and Russia demonstrated recently with regard
to the resolution of the conflict. He noted that the work done,
particularly the recently signed Moscow declaration in the Russian
capital, increases hopes for the conflict resolution within the
framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

[Aliyev, addressing Turkish parliament] First of all, the declaration
calls for the resolution of the problem on the basis of international
legal norms. On the other hand, the stage-by-stage resolution of
the issue is confirmed. This reflects Azerbaijan’s position. We have
always said that the issue should be resolved stage-by-stage. First,
the occupied territories should be liberated from the occupying
forces, the Azerbaijani citizens should return to those lands,
once these happen, the future status of Nagornyy Karabakh can be
discussed. However, it is also clear that the future status should
be resolved as part of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. In brief,
the [current] non-resolution state of the conflict leads to the
growth of extra tension. However, at the same time, we think that the
steps taken and steps to be taken in years to come can lead to the
resolution of the issue. I want to say once again that Turkey’s very
serious approach to these issues makes us very glad and encourages
us. We approve and support Turkey’s position and I am convinced that
we will witness its new political steps.

[APA, Baku, in Azeri 00617 gmt 6 Nov 08 quoted Aliyev as saying that
the declaration also stressed the sides’ respect for international
law. Aliyev was quoted as saying that Azerbaijan attached great
importance to Turkey’s role in the conflict resolution]

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION: EU HR JAVIER SOLANA TODAY MET SERZH SARGSYAN, PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA

Girodivite
il-of-the-European-Union-EU,9452.html
Nov 6 2008
Italy

Javier SOLANA, European Union High Representative for the Common
Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), today met Mr. Serzh SARGSYAN,
President of Armenia.

The meeting provided a timely opportunity to discuss the latest
political developments in Armenia, and EU-Armenia relations. Regional
issues, in particular the recent rapprochement with Turkey and the
possibility for improving the relations between both countries,
were also discussed.

The High Representative welcomed the meeting in Moscow, a few days
ago, between the Presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on the
Nagorno-Karabakh issue and recalled that the EU remained committed
to the Minsk Group process.

He also underlined that EU prompt engagement to help solve the recent
crisis in the South Caucasus demonstrates the importance the European
Union attaches to the region.

CO-CHAIRS OF OSCE MINSK GROUP CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT TALKS PROSPECTS

armradio.am
07.11.2008 10:25

Last weekend’s Moscow meeting between the presidents of Russia,
Armenia and Azerbaijan gave the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group,
which deals with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, reason for cautious
optimism, the Co-Chairs told journalists.

Ambassador Yuri Merzlyakov of the Russian Federation, Ambassador
Bernard Fassier of France and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Matthew Bryza of the United States, along with Ambassador Andrzej
Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office
on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, talked to journalists after their
address to the OSCE Permanent Council.

"There are personal factors and objective factors in the region that
give us Co-Chairs a reason for some cautious optimism or realistic
optimism," said Bryza.

"Among the personal factors, the 2 November Moscow meeting between
Presidents Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Sarkisyan of Armenia confirmed
the constructive spirit of their first St Petersburg meeting last
June. This constructive spirit allowed them to sign the first ever
declaration on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process," Fassier said. The
discussions between Ankara and Yerevan were also among the positive
factors.

Among the objective factors, obviously, some elements changed since
the crisis in Georgia. The Co-Chairs said that Armenia felt the
fragile character of their lines of communication for imports and
exports through Georgia. Azerbaijan felt deeply the vulnerability of
the so-called energy corridor through Georgia.

Merzlyakov added: "This Moscow meeting, though prepared long in advance
in bilateral way, Russia-Armenia, Russia-Azerbaijan, nevertheless
is in the framework in the Minsk Group Co-Chair countries’ efforts
of mediation."

Kasprzyk noted that an estimated 25 people died this year on the
front lines of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and highlighted that
such incidents were detrimental to the peace process.

The Minsk Group Co-Chairs plan to visit the region in the weeks prior
to the OSCE Ministerial Council, scheduled in Helsinki on 4 and 5
December, to work with the parties to build on the recently-established
positive momentum and to try to find a mutually acceptable solution
to the last remaining differences between them.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO HELP ARMENIA COMBAT CORRUPTION

PanARMENIAN.Net
06.11.2008 14:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Currently in Brussels, Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan met European Commission Vice-President Jacques Barrot,
Responsible of Justice, Freedom and Security, to discuss the process
of reform in the legal system, readmission issues and simplification
of visa system, the RA leader’s press office reports.

President Sargsyan briefed on the republic’s progress and said that
public intolerance of corruption can help combat the evil.

For his part, Mr. Barrot voiced willingness to assist Armenia in
carrying out the essential reforms.

ARMENIAN NATIONAL SECURITY SERVICE [NSC] INITIATES CRIMINAL CASE ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION PUBLISHED IN MASS MEDIA ALLEGEDLY ABOUT PREPARING ATTEMPT AGAINST PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN

ArmInfo
2008-11-05 11:09:00

ArmInfo. Armenian National Security Service [NSC] has initiated a
criminal case on the basis of information published in mass media
allegedly about preparing attempt against President Serzh Sargsyan.

The relevant article was published in Haykakan Zhamanak daily and
signed by correspondent Lusine Barsegyan yesterday. The article says
that participant in the Karabakh war, the initiator of the newly
created "Sardarapat" organization, an Armenian from France Sargis
Hatspanyan said about an attempt being prepared against President Serzh
Sargsyan’s life. He also added materials which prove this were spread
in several copies in France, Javahkh, Armenia and Karabakh. Hatspanyan
got the information from his counterpart, which teaches in an academy
in one of the European countries.

There are several scenarios of the attempt, it may be a flight accident
during a foreign trip, Hatspanyan said. He also added that two forces
are interested in this attempt: the former president Robert Kocharyan,
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dasknaktiutyun and ‘Civilitas’
foundation headed by the former foreign minister Vardan Oskanyan;
the second force is not the "classical opposition" but those who
support the ideology ‘no inch of land to the enemy’.

Today’s Haykakan Zhamanak reported that yesterday the author of the
article was invited to National Security Service to give testimony. A
criminal case was initiated on the basis of the published article by
the clause 35-305 of Armenian Criminal Code (preparation of attempt
against the life of state official). Head of press-service of NSC
Artsvin Bagramyan proved the information about initiating the case.