Author: Virabian Jhanna

SCANDAL BETWEEN FRANCE AND TURKEY EXPANDS

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.11.2006 16:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul announced on late
Thursday that France hasn’t been officially invited to a defense
industry fair over the French Parliament’s passage of an Armenian bill
last month, introducing punishments to those who question genocide
claims. Gonul stated that Ankara gave a notice to French companies,
instead of invitations, and added, "The French defense minister is
a valuable government member. But he has not been formally invited
here. We sent invitations to other countries."

In related news, the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry canceled
the invitation of the a French music company to perform a remembrance
ceremony for Turkish poet and Sufi mystic Mevlana Rumi, reports The
New Anatolian.

ABDULLAH GUL: ARMENIANS’ GENOCIDE ALLEGATION WILL BE THE MOST SEROUS PROBLEM IN FORTHCOMING 10 YEARS
By Hakob Chakrian

AZG Armenian Daily
17/11/2006

On November 14, the Budget Department of the Turkish parliament
discussed the Foreign Ministry’s budget. In his parliament speech
Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul touched upon the Armenian
Genocide saying: "Genocide claims and the resultant threat of worsening
relations with the third states will be the most serious problem for
us in forthcoming ten years."

Turkish foreign minister pointed out that his ministry is working
jointly with Turkish and foreign lawyers on rebuffing the genocide
claims, Milliet newspaper writes. "We will take all necessary measures
up to taking the issue to the international court. Besides Armenia,
Ankara has also turned to third countries with a request to set up
a joint commission of historians," Gul said.

Deputy of the oppositional People’s Republican Party, Shakryu Elekdag,
welcomed Gul saying: "He is the first foreign minister who speaks
about taking the Armenian allegations to the international court. His
approach should be raised to the level of state policy and to inform
the world about our readiness to go to court.

Turkey has to declare that it is ready to accept any definition of the
1915 event if it will stem out from the clauses of the UN Convention
on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Based on
this definition, the issue should be handed over to an international
court. The Armenians will reject this, but our readiness in moral and
legal sense will greatly limit speculation of the genocide against
Turkey."

Elekdag, who is also a former ambassador and is deeply into the
Armenian issues, added: "In case of transferring the issue to court,
Armenians will have to prove by facts that they were exterminated
for merely being Armenians. They have no such evidence, whereas
Turkey has documents proving that the deportation was carried out
for self-defense reasons.

Armenians will fail to get the genocide confirmation at the
International Arbitral Court. Turkey and Armenia will appoint 3
arbiters each that will be headed by an independent foreign judge. Let
the commission decide whether the events of 1915 coincide with the
UN’s definition of genocide."

DASHNAKTSUTYUN FAILED TO SOLVE CHAKHALYAN’S MYSTERY

Lragir, Armenia
Nov 16 2006

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation was strangely silent about the
passions after the local elections in Javakheti, which culminated in
the arrest of Vahagn Chakhalyan in Armenia. It was strange because
this political party claims to be the advocate of the preservation of
the Armenian nation and the Hay Dat. Meanwhile, when Dashnaktsutyun
failed to react to the recent events, it made think that the silence
of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun is highly doubtful and even part of a plot.

On November 16 we asked Kiro Manoyan in charge of Hay Dat and political
issues of the ARF Bureau to answer why the ARF was silent.

He stated that the ARF did not react to Chakhalyan’s arrest and the
reason was that they considered this arrest as mysterious. "The person
who was awarded by the prime minister several months or one or two
years ago was arrested in Armenia, and returned to Javakheti as a
hero. The truth is not clear, therefore we did not want to express
a standpoint," says Kiro Manoyan.

And were you willing to solve the mystery, we asked the representative
of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun. He assured that they had tried but it was
very difficult to find out anything, and they learned very little. "If
the accusation was real, the accusation that they crossed the border
is to be criticized, and they could stop and get the seal. But I
don’t think that he was a refugee, if the accusation is true because
I know that many people cross the border every day and this is the
first time they demand a seal. If there are other purposes, these
are not clear," says Kiro Manoyan. His personal opinion on all this
is that Vahagn Chakhalyan returned to Javakheti as a hero.

ARMENIA PLANS TO MAINTAIN SMALL IRAQ PRESENCE

Agence France Presse — English
November 15, 2006 Wednesday 11:21 PM GMT

Armenia intends to extend the stay of its tiny contingent of 46
peacekeeping personnel serving under the US-led coalition in Iraq, the
country’s defense minister said Wednesday following a trip to Baghdad.

"We have appealed to the national assembly of Armenia with a request to
extend the term of our contingent in Iraq, and we hope that parliament
will give its assent," Serzh Sarkisian told journalists at Yerevan’s
airport.

"We can’t just be consumers of security, we need to take part in the
process," he said.

During his trip Sarkisian met Iraq’s defense minister Abdul Qadr and
the leadership of coalition forces and discussed the security of the
country’s 20,000 strong Armenian Diaspora as well as the coalition’s
long-term plans, a spokesman for Armenia’s defense ministry said.

Armenia’s forces in Iraq include 30 drivers, 10 sappers, three doctors
and three officers.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

November 16, 2006

ARMENIAN CHURCH 2006:
YOUTH GATHERING WITH CATHOLICOS ARAM I
Make your reservations and travel arrangements now as Armenian Church
2006: Your Church. Your Future. Engage, approaches. This event promises to
be an unprecedented assembly of young adults ages 18 to 35 with His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The two-day gathering is
scheduled to take place Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, in
Dearborn, Michigan.
The Program Committee has supplemented the schedule with exciting events
that will add energy and power to the weekend. A pre-gathering discussion
regarding the Armenian Church today will prelude the program on Saturday.
This forum will give the attendees a chance to grapple with issues of
concern related to the church. Hayr Meghrig Parikian of Toronto, Canada,
will lead a contemplative choir performance allowing the participants to
enjoy the talents of Armenian singers and the beauty of traditional Armenian
hymns. Other portions of the schedule will include live speakers, film,
music, and liturgy and will all be focused toward answering the questions:
Where have we come from? Where are we going? How far can we go?
Armenian Church 2006 will unofficially begin with a Hrashapar Service on
Friday, December 1, 7 pm at St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn, Michigan. The
main program will begin on Saturday, December 2, at 2 pm and conclude on
Sunday, December 3 at 2 pm. The two-day gathering will also feature a
concert by renowned Christian vocalist Salpi Keleshian. Armenian Church 2006
will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn. A special hotel rate of
$99 per night has been negotiated. A $40 registration fee will include
dinner on Saturday evening as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Details
about the program as well as a registration form are available at

REQUIEM SERVICE FOR ARCHBISHOP MESROB ASHJIAN
Requiem services in memory of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, former prelate
of the Eastern Prelacy, will take place on Sunday, December 3, at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr.
Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, will preside. Archbishop Ashjian
died three years ago on December 2, 2003.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
A reminder that the children’s concert featuring the popular children’s
entertainer, TALINE from California, is this Saturday, November 18 at
Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City. For information call
the Prelacy office 212-689-7810 or click
m.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND
50th ANNIVERSARY OF REV. FR. GORUN SHRIKIAN
The 50th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Gorun Shrikian will be
commemorated this Sunday, November 19, at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan. The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, will preside over the Divine
Liturgy and the luncheon that will follow in honor of Der Gorun. The
celebration is being sponsored by St. Sarkis Church and the Armenian
Community Center.
Der Gorun has served the Eastern Prelacy beginning in 1959 until his
retirement in 1997. During his ministry he served two parishes: St. Gregory
Church in Granite City, Illinois, from 1959 to 1964, and St. Sarkis Church
in Dearborn, Michigan from 1964 until his retirement in 1997.
Der Gorun received his PhD from Concordia Seminary in 1977, after
presenting and successfully defending his dissertation, "Armenians under the
Ottoman Empire and American Missions’ Influence in their Intellectual and
Social Renaissance."

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF REV. FR. MOUSHEGH DER KALOUSTIAN
TO BE CELEBRATED ON DECEMBER 17
On Sunday, December 17, the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Rev.
Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian will be commemorated at Terrace on the Park. Der
Moushegh will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in
New York, where he served as the priest for many years, prior to the
luncheon commemoration.
During this year, two other priests marked their 50th anniversary: Rev.
Fr. Torkom Hagopian, whose golden anniversary was celebrated by St. Stephen
Church in Watertown, Massachusetts in June and as mentioned above Rev. Fr.
Gorun Shrikian’s anniversary which will be celebrated this Sunday.
For reservations and/or information about the December 17th celebration
of Der Moushegh’s 50th anniversary, contact the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.

THE SPEAR OF CHRIST WILL BE FEATURED
ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL
"The Spear of Christ," a one-hour documentary will be shown on the
History Channel’s "Decoding the Past" series on Thursday, December 21, at 9
pm. (Please check your local listings). Filmed in four countries (including
Armenia), the program follows the legend of one of histories most powerful
relics on its 200-year journey. The spear that pierced the side of Christ
while he was on the cross is believed to hold miraculous powers. Four
artifacts exist which claim to be this holy spear: one in Vienna, one in
Poland, one in the Vatican, and one in Armenia. The program examines each in
an effort to determine which, if any, is the authentic Spear. The producer
of the show, Ken Winikur, said his trip to Armenia was central to the
success of the documentary. "Armenia is a beautiful country with a rich
history. The story of its Holy Lance is virtually unknown to an American
audience and we are excited to feature it in our program," he said.

ASIA-MIDDLE EAST INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
TAKES PLACE IN ANTELIAS
Religious leaders from Asia and the Middle East came together in
Antelias, Lebanon, on November 12 to 14, at the invitation of His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I. His Holiness provided the vision and guidance for this
meeting, which was convened so that religious leaders from these two regions
could get to know each other and begin to develop greater understanding of
each other’s religious traditions.
In a joint message the leaders said: "Bridges of faith can provide hope
and healing to wounded nations and pain-filled people, of which there are
too many in our world today. During the dialogue, we heard serious concerns
from both Asia and the Middle East regarding the world situation. We heard
of the need to recommit ourselves to the spiritual core of our religious
traditions so that people and societies may translate into daily life the
spiritual and moral values cherished by our traditions. We also heard of the
need for religion to provide us with the strength, vision and understanding
for reconciliation among individuals and communities based on truth and
justice. We heard of the need for an engaged spirituality, where the deeper
meaning of our traditions, moral teachings and values can be experienced.
And we heard of the need to foster a deep respect for the differences that
give us our distinctive identities, while recognizing the universal values
that bring us together as a human community."

THANKSGIVING DAY TELETHON
We remind our readers to watch and participate in the annual Thanksgiving
Day telethon which will benefit Armenia Fund USA’s great work in Armenia.
For complete schedule go to

PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 19, is the Paregentan of the Fast of Advent.
Counting backwards from January 6th, the beginning of Advent falls on
November 18th or the closest Sunday. Advent is a period of anticipation and
contrition in preparation for the great and joyous Feast of the Theophany
(Nativity and Baptism of Our Lord).

PRESENTATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
Tuesday, November 21, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of the
Presentation of the Holy Mother of God (Asdvadzadzin). According to
tradition, Anna, who was childless for years, prayed in earnest that God
grant her a child and promised she would dedicate the child to the holy
Temple. God granted her a girl, who she named Mary, and faithful to her
word, she presented her daughter to the Temple at the age of three. This is
the event celebrated on November 21. Mary remained in the house of God for
twelve years, until she was 15 years old, when she returned to her parents.
She was in her teens when the Archangel Gabriel, sent by God, told her that
she was blessed amongst women and would become the mother of the Son of God.
The Armenian Church celebrates eight feasts of the Holy Mother of God:
Her Nativity; Her Presentation to the Temple; The Annunciation; The
Conception of Mary; The Purification; The Assumption; The Discovery of her
Belt; The Discovery of the Box.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 17 & 18-Annual Bazaar, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts.

November 17-St. Gregory Church. North Andover, Massachusetts, Monthly
Family Night and Thanksgiving Dinner, 6 pm.

November 18-Children’s Concert, "FALL COLORS", sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy at Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City, featuring
TALINE AND FRIENDS.

November 18-"Christian Spirituality and the Armenian Apostolic Church," a
lecture by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, at St. Sarkis Armenian Church,
Douglaston, New York.

November 19-Thanksgiving luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy, under the auspices
of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor. For information: 212-689-5880.

December 9-Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

December 2-3-Gathering of the Youth with Catholicos Aram I, Hyatt Regency,
Dearborn, Michigan. For details click here.

December 3-Requiem service in memory of His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian on the third anniversary of his passing, St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian will
preside.

December 10-52nd anniversary of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church,
Granite City, Illinois.

December 10-General Membership meeting and elections of auditing and
nominating committees, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.

December 10-Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Troy, New York, Archbishop
Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy.

December 13-Thanksgiving Luncheon with the local NYPD and Fire Fighters, St.
Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.

December 16-"A Celebration of Service" in honor of past chairmen and board
of trustees members. Under auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, St.
Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, 8 pm. For information and
reservations 718-224-2275.

December 16-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Men’s Club and
Ladies’ Guild Christmas Party and Dinner Dance, 7 pm, $40 per person.
Reservations a must. For information: 201-943-4056 (Kiledjian); 201-461-4283
(Mirakian).

December 17-50th anniversary celebration of the ordination of Archpriest Fr.
Moushegh Der Kaloustian, sponsored by the Prelacy Religious Council, at
Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York. Der Moushegh will celebrate
the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New
York City) on Sunday morning.

December 24-Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

December 31-New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey and ARF Dro Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton, New Jersey. Featuring
Arthur Apkarian and Armenia Band. For full information contact the church
office 201-943-2950.

December 31-New Year’s Eve Party, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston,
New York.

January 6-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
first Episcopal Badarak in Philadelphia by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.

January 6-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Christmas party and
special program for Saturday and Sunday school students.

January 28-Annual Membership Meeting, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, at 1 pm.

February 4-St. Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of the church
and requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York.

February 11-General Membership meeting and elections, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.

February 17-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Annual
Membership Meeting.

February 18-Poon Paregentan, Eve of Great Lent, International Cuisine Night,
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

Visit our website at

FIDH URGES EU NOT TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH ARMENIA

A1+
[06:30 pm] 14 November, 2006

On the occasion of the three Cooperation Councils between the European
Union (EU) and Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, to be held on 13 and 14
November 2006, and which should lead to the adoption of three Action
Plans with those countries, the International Federation for Human
Rights (FIDH) wishes to express various concerns about the situation
of human rights in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

FIDH also wishes to make recommendations aimed at improving that
situation. We hope that, within the framework of strengthened
bi-lateral relations, the EU will relay those recommendations.

FIDH published recently three notes on the human rights situation in
Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and stressed out the need of quick
and effective reactions of the authorities in order to improve the
human rights situation in those countries.

Despite the diversity of the situations in the region and the various
intensity of violations, FIDH is preoccupied by worrying trends within
the three countries and particularly by: the persistence of torture,
ill-treatments and excessive use of force by public authorities ; the
culture of impunity including for many serious human rights violations
and which is a main hurdle to the promotion and protection of human
rights ; the repression of human rights defenders, journalists,
political opponents, and the obstacles to the right to freedom of
assembly and to the freedom of the media.

Furthermore, FIDH regrets that NGOs have not been sufficiently
associated by the European Commission to the preparation of the
Action Plans and hopes that their views will be taken into account
in the framework of the follow-up of the Action Plan. NGOs should
be systematically consulted in the process of preparation of the
Commission’s regular report on the Action Plans’ implementation.

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA The
Republic of Armenia presents a contrasted picture as far as respect for
Human Rights is concerned. On paper, they are pretty much a model for
the South Caucasus region as they have ratified most of the European
Human Rights instruments and conducted major law reforms in conformity
with them.

However the following concerns are noticeable: although the country
showed exceptional growth over the last years, the economic and social
situation does not benefit equally to the whole population. The failed
transition from a soviet communist system to a liberal economy created
enormous disparity between an elite group of persons or clans, who,
on the one hand, monopolised the majority of the resources, and the
rest of the population on the other. Although the country witnesses
the emergence of a middle-class, it is still at the very bottom of
the social scale.

Furthermore, these new wealthy people, which are interrelated
with the spheres of political power, have instituted private armed
polices, thus subjecting the country and the citizens to tangible
threats and acts of violence, be they motivated by political or
economic reasons. In addition, the country witnesses a high level of
institutional corruption, endemic in the whole region.

Factual anti-democratic events are perceived as a growing and
threatening trend over rights and freedoms before crucial parliamentary
elections in 2007 and presidential election in 2008. A population
indifferent to internal politics, an ethnically homogeneous country,
a strong support from the Diaspora are all factors that ease the
ruling of the country but also enable abuses by the holders of
power. Political and economic powers enjoy impunity.

ARMENIAN LOBBY IN U.S. STEPS UP PRESSURE ON BUSH
By Cihan News Agency

Zaman, Turkey
Nov 13 2006

The Armenian lobby in the United States has urged the American
administration to withdraw Richard Hoagland, appointed Ambassador to
the Armenian capital Yerevan.

Hoagland’s appointment is not welcomed by the Armenian lobby because
of his denial of the so-called Armenian genocide.

After the Democrats swept away the Republicans in last week’s elections
to take the majority in the House of Representatives and Senate, the
Armenian lobby has stepped up pressure on the U.S. administration of
George W. Bush.

If the lobby succeeds in preventing Hoagland from being ambassador in
Yerevan, it would prove that Armenian lobby has the power and political
clout to influence the U.S. president, a diplomatic source said.

This is seen as a "rehearsal" step before new draft bills on the
genocide are brought onto Congress’s agenda.

Even if the Senate blocked Hoagland’s appointment, President Bush
could appoint the ambassador bypassing the Senate.

The Armenian lobby disapproved of Hoagland because he had not referred
to an Armenian genocide in a speech given to the Senate in the past.

AZERBAIJAN’S POLICY REGARDING FOREIGN POLICY PROPAGANDA SHOULD BE STEADY – AZERI EXPERT
Author: A.Ismaylova

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Nov 9 2006

The USA is the largest leading country in the world. What occurs in
USA reflects on other countries, the expert, Vafa Guluzade, stated
at an interview with Trend, commenting on the elections in the U.S.
Congress and leadership of the Party of Democrats, which is known
for its pro-Armenian position.

Guluzade stressed that during former times, good relations existed
between the U.S. democrats and Azerbaijan. The oil contracts were
signed and the destiny of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline was resolved
during this period.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts still remain as a key problem for
Azerbaijan. The present Speaker of the U.S. Congress, Nancy Pelosi,
demonstrates pro-Armenian attitude because she is represented by
the California State and the Armenians of this State have always
supported her. "I have repeatedly tried to explain to him that there
is no Armenian state. It is a part of Russia and it needs to once
again transform Azerbaijan into its colony. Armenia has always been
a tool to implement this plan," Guluzade said.

The expert considers that Pelosi is more inclined towards the Armenians
of Nagorno-Karabakh. But despite this, during the leadership of
Bill Clinton the U.S. Administration did not recognize the so-called
"Armenian genocide" and the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan
and USA were strong enough, Guluzade said.

The policy of Azerbaijan with regard to the foreign policy should
be steady, the expert stated. According to him, Azerbaijan should
be represented by the people who can talk to the politicians such
as Nancy Pelosi. According to Guluzade, it needs to create a Special
Center in the USA for its relations with the USA because the Embassy
cannot implement this function alone.

ANDRZEJ KASPRZYK: THE SITUATION AT THE CONTACT LINE IS MORE OR LESS QUIET

Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 8 2006

The recent situation at the contact line of the Armed Forces
of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh is somewhat quiet,
Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ambassador
Anrdzej Kasprzyk told the journalists. In the Ambassador’s words, the
initiative of the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia
and Azerbaijan Serge Sargsyan and Safar Abiev was dictated by the
aspiration to maintain and improve the situation, providing the
opportunity to the Ministers to discuss the issue of maintenance of
the cease-fire regime. As for the meetings of other representatives
of defense structures of the two countries, the Ambassador reminded
that meetings take place during almost all the monitorings of the
contact line.

LUEUR D’ESPOIR POUR UNE REFORME DE LA LOI SUR " L’INSULTE A L’IDENTITE NATIONALE "

Le Figaro, France
07 novembre 2006

A l’affût de tout progrès democratique en Turquie, Olli Rehn, le
commissaire europeen a l’Elargissement, s’est empresse de saluer les
declarations de Recep Tayyip Erdogan sur l’article 301 du Code penal.

" L’intention affichee par le premier ministre de mettre la loi sur la
liberte d’expression en conformite avec les critères europeens est la
bienvenue, a-t-il declare lundi. Elle montre que le premier ministre
s’engage personnellement en faveur de la liberte d’expression et de
l’adhesion a l’UE ". Dimanche, le chef du gouvernement a fait un pas en
avant vers un amendement du texte dans le collimateur de Bruxelles : "
Nous sommes prets a faire des propositions pour preciser l’article 301
si des problèmes se posent en raison de son flou. " Cette disposition
du Code penal turc qui reprime " l’insulte a l’identite nationale
turque " d’une peine pouvant aller jusqu’a trois ans de prison a ete
utilisee contre une cinquantaine d’intellectuels, dont Orhan Pamuk,
le prix Nobel de litterature 2006, la romancière Elif Shafak ou
Hrant Dink, le directeur du journal bilingue turco-armenien Agos . La
Commission europeenne reclame sans relâche son abrogation mais Ankara
a jusqu’a present fait la sourde oreille et le ministre de la Justice
Cemil Cicek s’est prononce a plusieurs reprises contre son abrogation.

Dans son rapport de suivi annuel attendu mercredi 8 novembre,
Bruxelles s’apprete a donner un carton rouge a la Turquie pour son
absence d’avancee sur la liberte d’expression. Trois jours avant sa
publication, la porte entrouverte par Recep Tayyip Erdogan permettra
peut-etre d’en adoucir les conclusions.

–Boundary_(ID_vTrADsVVzTzssSRfe1RoH w)–