Author: Vasilian Manouk

RETHINKING TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS POST GAZA CRISIS (2)
By Christopher Vasillopulos

Today’s Zaman
Jan 21 2009
Turkey

What does Gaza have to do with all this? First, the Israeli massacre
of Palestinian civilians has made it clear to Turks, as it has long
been understood by Greeks, that Israel, at least since 1967, wants
to drive Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.

Within Israel the only serious dispute is what the borders of Greater
Israel should be. It should be remembered that Israel is the only
nation-state that refuses to declare what its borders are. Statements
regarding a two-state solution cannot be taken seriously under any
conditions that Israel has been willing to discuss. Unless pre-1967
borders are seen as the only realistic basis of a viable Palestinian
state, all other issues are meaningless propaganda. One recalls Adolf
Hitler’s repeated protestations of peace, as he changed one fact on the
ground after another, while requiring impossible-to-accept conditions
from his rivals. Secondly, the image that Israel tries to sell to
the world is believed by no one. Israel is the only nuclear power in
the region. It has the best equipped military. It is supplemented,
not just supported, by the US, militarily and economically. Third,
Turkey is beginning to realize that almost no matter what it does,
it cannot depend on the Jewish or Israeli lobbies to carry Turkish
views to Washington. When the Justice and Development Party (AK Party)
refused to allow US forces to use Turkey as a base for the invasion of
Iraq, both lobbies launched attacks on Turkey as a bad NATO ally and
as a tool of Iran. It was made clear to Turkey that if it wishes have
the support of these lobbies, it will have to condone every American
or Israeli initiative in the region, regardless of what the Turkish
people want or what Turkish interests might be.

Supposing all the above is true, what is the connection with
Greek-Turkish relations? Let it be said that we do not believe that
Turkey needs any other power or group to make its case in Washington
or elsewhere. Turkey is blessed with an expert, professional foreign
policy elite. At the same time, Turkey has tended to believe that
intermediaries with Washington could help deliver its messages. Hence
its reliance on the powerful Jewish and Israeli lobbies. Our suggestion
is, why not use the Greek lobby to the same effect? Although nowhere
nearly as powerful as the Jewish and Israeli lobbies, the Greek lobby
comes without the baggage of the Semitic lobbies. Greeks are not
slaughtering anyone. Greeks are not committing war crimes. Greeks
are not oppressing anyone. Greeks are not the perpetrators of
multi-billion dollar financial frauds. Greeks are part of the EU and
adhere to the European Charter of Human Rights. The Greeks, along with
Greek-Americans, have effective connections in the State Department
and in Congress.

Moreover, the use of the Greek lobby by the Turks would send many
welcome signals regarding stability in the Balkans and the Middle East,
economic development and openings to the Arab world. All of these
possibilities would be welcomed by the world and should be welcomed
by Americans, except for neocons or others under the control of the
Jewish and Israeli lobbies. Although extreme nationalists in Greece
and Turkey, along with reactionary diaspora populations, would be
horrified by closer relations between Greece and Turkey, none would
regret less dependence upon Israelis and their accomplices in the
US. The only justification of close ties with Israel has been their
influence in Washington. We believe that argument loses force every
day, with every Israeli atrocity, with every Israeli rocket and tank
and with every duplicitous statement from Israeli and Jewish spokesmen.

On the other hand, closer relations between Turks and Greeks can
call upon hundreds of years of cultural interpenetration and common
interests with respect to Europe, the US, the Middle East and Central
Asia. We have discussed the obstacles to the pursuit of closer ties
between Greeks and Turks. They are real. Yet with each day they become
more of the past.

How many Turks, whose population is the youngest of any European
nation, remember the Ottoman Empire? For how many Greeks is Ottoman
rule more than a story told by grandmothers? Would Mustafa Kemal
Ataturk or Eleftherios Venizelos allow grandmothers’ tales to determine
foreign policy? Of course, suspicions remain. Are they so powerful
as to make all confidence building projects impossible? Turkey and
Greece are NATO allies. Surely, as alliance partners, they could
engage in mutual security exercises in a multitude of ways. Does not
each nation have similar interests in controlling human trafficking,
drug smuggling, piracy and terrorism? Does not each nation have
energy needs that could be enhanced by a positive approach to the
oil-producing nations in the Middle East and Central Asia? What can
the Israeli or Jewish lobby do to match these common interests?

Let us discuss some thorny issues by asking questions. Would closer
Greek-Turkish relations help the Turks deal with the Armenian genocide
issue? Would closer relations help with Turkey’s bid to join the
EU? Would closer relations give the Palestinians more powerful support
in their struggle for independence, and thereby provide Greeks and
Turks better relations with the Arab and Muslim worlds? Would closer
relations lower the noise level of diaspora populations? Would closer
relations provide a more powerful front when dealing with the US? Would
closer relations help reconcile the Cyprus dispute?

We believe the answer to all these questions is "Yes." While it
would be foolish to expect immediate solutions to decades-old, or
even centuries-old, problems, change does occur. Who in 1945 could
have reasonably expected France and Germany to become the driving
force of European unity? Who in 1989 expected the Soviet Union to
implode? Who expected in 1919 that Ataturk would found the modern
Turkish state? Who expected the Greeks to run a superb Olympics? All
worthwhile projects take time and effort. This is what our grandmothers
told us, when they were being sensible and not ideological. In the
meantime, a unified, cross-cultural, bilingual and bi-religious
voice in the Eastern Mediterranean might have equally unanticipated
positive effects. Certainly, such a voice unequivocally condemning the
oppression of Palestinians is sorely needed. Surely there is something
to be said for that, as both Christianity and Islam proclaim their
inheritance from the Hebrew Bible: "Let Justice flow down like waters."

[*] Christopher Vasillopulos, Ph.D., is a professor of international
relations at Eastern Connecticut State University. Sema Emiroglu,
M.A., is a New York-based diplomatic correspondent.

[**] Editor’s note: In the first half of this article, published
yesterday, the authors expressed hope that the Gaza crisis would
encourage a rethinking of Turkish-Greek relations, emphasizing the
similarity in the strong Greek and Turkish reactions to the Israeli
assault on the people of Gaza and asserting that the similarity is not
based solely on mutual sympathy for the plight of the Palestinian
people. Despite the persistence of problem issues like Cyprus,
similarities in the role of spirituality and morality in society and
politics — presumably the basis for the strong public and official
condemnation of Israel’s actions in both societies — as well as
their tempering by secularism in both states, are compelling reasons
to give Turkish-Greek relations across the board another look, the
authors argued.

RAFFI HOVANISIAN IS NOT LEAVING FOR STRASBOURG

A1+
[08:15 pm] 21 January, 2009

The full delegation of the Republic of Armenia to the PACE winter
session hasn’t been determined. Yet, it is already known that Heritage
Faction member Raffi Hovanisian has withdrawn from the delegation.

Mr. Hovanisian finds it pointless participating in the
PACE winter session as Armenia hasn’t met the structure’s
recommendations. Heritage’s press secretary says Raffi Hovannisyan
will give a press conference after the PACE session.

NEW SIZE OF PENSIONS AND GRANTS OPERATES FROM JANUARY1ST
Zarine Mayilyan

Azat Artsakh Daily
21 Jan 09
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]

According to the chief of department of social insurance and pension
maintenance of NKR Ministry of Social Maintenance Vahram Arakelyan,
from January 1st changes have occurred in two basic indexes applied
at calculation of the sizes of pensions. First, the size of the basic
pension from January 1st of 2009 has defined about 8 thousand drams
(instead of 6800 drams), the second – one year cost of the insurance
experience, which from January 1st has established 450 drams (instead
of 395 drams). Taking into account these initial indexes, from January
1st calculation of civil pensions is made. The size of social pension
(those who have not at least five years’ experience) will compile
10 thousand 600 drams- instead of 9000 drams. The average insurance
pension (the work experience – five and more years) will increase
by 14,9 %. So, if the size of middle aged pensions for persons with
the experience of 25 years was 14 thousand 200 drams, from January
1st it will compile 16 thousand 200 drams. With the experience of
work of more than 25 years the pension will be 31 thousand 400drams –
instead of 27 thousand 500 drams. THE SIZES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO
SEPARATE CATEGORIES OF CITIZENS ARE RAISED From January 1st the sizes
of the monthly financial assistance which is given out to separate
categories of citizens for payment of utilities (an electricity,
gas etc.) and for using of transport are raised. The average sizes
of such assistance have increased by 20 %. In particular, families
of victims and invalid servicemen instead of the monthly financial
assistance of 7700 drams will receive 9100 drams. The invalids of
the Great Patriotic War, persons equal to them, and also members of
families of victims in the Great Patriotic War instead of 5700 drams
will receive 6800 drams. The size of the grant of invalids of the
first and second groups will receive 7200 drams instead of 6000 drams.
In connection with growth of the minimum salary (30 thousand drams) the
sizes of maternity and birth benefits have been also increased: this
sum now will compile 138 thousand drams instead of 115 thousand drams.

>From January 1st veterans of the Great Patriotic War will receive 20
000 drams instead of 10 thousnad, and the persons having an honourable
national rank – 40 thousand drams, instead of 25 thousand drams. THE
NEW ORDER OF NKR PRESIDENT From January 1st by the order of the NKR
President a life monthly financial compensation is appointed to all
individual pensioners of republican and local value – taking into
account their exclusive merits before the native land. The rate of
commission will compile 20 thousand drams. V.Arakelyan has noticed
also, that in 2009 at the expense of means of the state budget work
on installation of phones in apartments of separate categories of
citizens will be continued. Take advantage of such right have veterans
of the Great Patriotic War, families of killed azatamartiks, invalids
of the first and second groups, children-invalids till 18 years,
and also children who have remained without parental guardianship.

Paste Magazine, GA
Jan 17 2009

Atom Egoyan’s Chloe goes commercial with Moore, Neeson

By Sean Gandert on January 14, 2009 1:53 PM |
photo by Alliance Atlantis, Canwest News Service

As much as we love his films, few English-language directors seem
quite as anti-commercial as Atom Egoyan. But Studiocanal seems to
think that he may find an audience this time out, because it’s fully
funding his next picture. Perhaps it’s because this is coming through
fellow Canadian Ivan Reitman and his Montecito Picture Company label;
those Canadians do like to stick together.

Egoyan may also have found funding because the picture sounds far more
bankable than most of his works. Said to be a "smart, sexy thriller,"
Chloe will star Julianne Moore as a doctor who tests her husband’s
(Liam Neeson) fidelity by hiring an escort to seduce him. "It’s a
really intelligent script," Egoyan told the Vancouver Sun Victoria
Times Colonist (thanks for the correction, Michael!). "It’s incredible
because the prostitute comes back with these amazing erotic stories
about a man his wife thought she knew. She gets addicted to them and
they enter into a complicated relationship."

Liam Neeson’s involvement is said to have been instrumental in getting
the film funded, and also led to Moore’s interest. Jason Reitman,
director of Juno, is executive producer for the film, which will begin
shooting on Feb. 9 in Toronto. Meanwhile, his most recent film,
Adoration, should finally make its way into theaters this May.

1/atom-egoyans-chloe-is-going-commercial-with-juli an.html

IS IT CLEARER?

A1+
[09:15 pm] 15 January, 2009

Serzh Sargsyan received today Co-reporters of the PACE Monitoring
Committee John Prescott and George Colombie. During the meeting the
issues discussed were the fulfillment of the requirements of the PACE
resolutions 1609 and 1620.

According to the press release, Serzh Sargsyan expressed gratitude to
the co-reporters for their visit to Armenia before the PACE plenary
session and underscored that the further deepening of democracy is
in the interest of Armenia and highly valued the role of the Council
of Europe. Serzh Sargsyan reaffirmed the resoluteness of the Armenian
authorities to implement the propositions stated in the resolutions.

Secretary of the National Security Council Arthur Baghdasaryan told
the co-reporters that there has been much progress in the fulfillment
of resolutions 1609 and 1620. Baghdasaryan went on to say that
Armenia has undertaken reforms and plans to implement them and the
application of sanctions against Armenia during the PACE January
session may hold the country back from making those reforms. Thus,
the Armenian administration expects a balanced position from the PACE,
particularly proposals and deadlines for reforms.

Let us remind that the PACE had given Armenia until January 2009 to
meet the requirements stated in the resolutions during its session
back in June of last year.

EVENT ON GEOSTRATEGIC LOCATION OF AZERBAIJAN BETWEEN EAST AND WEST HELD IN BERLIN

Today.Az
50135.html
Jan 15 2009
Azerbaijan

An event on "The South Caucasus at the junction of East and West
considering actual conflicts" was held in Berlin.

Day.Az reports with reference to the Azerbaijani embassy to Germany
that the event was held through joint efforts of the Berlin provincial
parliament, United Nations Association and the Azerbaijani embassy
to Germany.

The event was mainly devoted to the geostrategic location of
Azerbaijan. The conference was chaired by parliament deputy Andreas
Kochler. Another deputy of the Berlin provincial parliament Oliver
Friderick made a welcoming speech.

The main report was delivered by Azerbaijani ambassador to Germany
Parviz Shahbazov who spoke of the favorable geostrategic location,
history of the region and existing conflicts. The ambassador,
especially focusing on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, informed the
events participants about history of conflicts and spoke of aspects
of the occupational policy of Armenia.

NEW U.S. ADMINISTRATION MAJORITY STANDS FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

PanARMENIAN.Net
14.01.2009 17:26 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Majority of the U.S. 111th Congress members stand
for recognition of the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman
Empire in 1915, Armenian National Committee of America Communications
Director Elizabeth Chouljian told PanARMENIAN.Net.

"April 24, 1915, signified the beginning of a systematic attempt
by the Ottoman regime to deport and exterminate Armenians from the
Anatolian Peninsula. Over the next 8 years, 1 1/2 million Armenian
people were murdered by minions of the Ottoman Empire. Those who were
spared were driven from their homes. It is for those victims, and it
is for all oppressed peoples today, those who have died and those who
survived, that we take time to reflect on the Armenian genocide and
its implications for all of us today," said CIA Director-designate
Leon Panetta.

Interior Secretary-designate Ken Salazar, Labor Secretary-designate
Hilda Solis and Transportation Secretary-designate Ray LaHood are
among Cosponsors of Armenian Genocide Resolution H.Res.106.

In addition to Administration officials, the U.S. Congress is today
led by among the most energetic and vocal advocates of American
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

"A grave injustice was committed and the fact that our nation is not
officially recognizing these crimes as genocide is a disappointment,"
said Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

"It truly saddens me that after 93 years, the U.S. has failed to
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide for what it was," said Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid.

"Genocide is a very powerful word, and should be reserved for only the
most horrific examples of mass killing motivated by a desire to destroy
an entire people. Without a doubt, this term is appropriate to describe
the unimaginable atrocities suffered by the Armenian people from 1915
to 1918," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman.

"Acknowledging when genocide has occurred is not simply a theoretical
or legal exercise. It is key to preventing genocide from happening
again. That’s why, in my view, we must change U.S. policy to reflect
the true nature of the tragic events that were perpetrated against
the Armenians by calling them what they were: genocide," said Senate
Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry.

ARMENIAN DEPUTY: "AZERBAIJANI AUTHORITIES WANT TO SEE ARMENIANS TERMINATED"

Today.Az
s/politics/50095.html
Jan 14 2009
Azerbaijan

The positive outcome of talks on the resolution of the Karabakh
conflict might be reached only by the striving of Armenian and Turkish
communities for reconciliation, considers Vardan Khachatryan, deputy
of the National Assembly of Armenia from Heritage oppositional faction.

"Expectations from the possible resolution of the Karabakh conflict
are insignificant as the current talks are kept confidential", said
Khachatryan at a press conference Tuesday.

He noted that today the negotiation process is far from the
reconciliation of the two communities for both Turkish and Armenian
publics are not aware of the negotiation process and are not ready
for mutual concessions.

Khachatryan voiced opinion of the heritage party that Azerbaijani
party committed a genocide against Armenians.

The most important, considers the deputy, that Azerbaijan started
military actions against a part of its citizens and was defeated.

According to him, the Heritage party does not consider it acceptable
to speak of any claims of Azerbaijan regarding the lands and population
of Karabakh.

He is confident that there is no place for compromise for Azerbaijani
powers want to see Armenians terminated.

"If we want to live and they want to see us terminated, reconciliation
is impossible. Azerbaijan must reject its position of demanding
impossible for getting maximal once and forever", noted Khachatryan.

PRESS RELEASE
Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures
Columbia University
602 Kent Hall
New York, NY 10027
Contact: Nanor Kenderian
(212) 851-4002
E-mail: [email protected]

Columbia University’s Department of Middle East and Asian Languages
and Cultures presents

PHILOLOGY AND CATASTROPHE

An evening with MARC NICHANIAN and respondent GIL ANIDJAR

on the questions at the heart of his latest book, Entre l?art et le
témoignage: le roman de la Catastrophe forthcoming in English as
Writers of Disaster: The Novel of the Catastrophe.

Thursday – January 22, 2009.
6:30 ? 8:00 p.m.
Maison Française – Buell Hall, East Gallery
Columbia University
See the following link for directions:
/directions.htm

Admission is free and open to the public.

Contact Nanor Kenderian at [email protected] with queries.

Co-sponsored with the Institute of Religion, Culture and Public Life
and the Maison Française.

Marc Nichanian is an independent scholar and author of La Perversion
historiographique: une réflexion arménienne (2006) forthcoming in
English translation and with an afterword by Gil Anidjar (Columbia
University Press), Writers of Disaster: The National Revolution (2002)
and Le Deuil de la philologie (2007).

Gil Anidjar is Associate Professor in the Departments of Religion and
Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures and author of Semites:
Race, Religion, Literature (2008), The Jew, the Arab: A History of the
Enemy (2003), and ?Our Place in al-Andalus:? Kabbalah, Philosophy,
Literature in Arab Jewish Letters (2002).

GRIGOR HAROUTIUNIAN: TRIAL ON "CASE OF SEVEN" PROVES THAT ARMENIA COMPLETELY LACKS JUDICIAL POWER

Noyan Tapan

Jan 13, 2009

YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, NOYAN TAPAN. According to Grigor Haroutiunian,
a Board member of the People’s Party of Armenia (PPA), the Armenian
authorities do not have sufficient materials and evidence on the
"case of the seven," therefore they have turned the trial into a
theater. In his interview to Noyan Tapan correspondent G. Haroutiunian
said that defendants’ not standing up is not a grounded reason for
periodically delaying the court sitting. He reminded that dozens
of arrested activists on the March 1 case also refused to stand up
when the judge entered the court hall, but the trials went on and
the judges pronounced the judgement.

G. Haroutiunian added that nevertheless the delay of the trial on the
"case of the seven" is not beneficial for the authorities. "Now, when
PACE has named these people political prisoners, our authorities
should prove that there are no political prisoners and people
persecuted for their political views in Armenia," he said. However,
according to G. Haroutiunian, instead of proving that there are no
political prisoners in Armenia the trial on the "case of the seven"
is evidence that Armenia completely lacks the third, judicial power.