Author: Vorskanian Yeghisabet

The U.S.’ Designs On Anatolia
BY UMIT ZILELI
Cumhuriyet (Ankara)
4/7/2005
Strange and perilous things are happening both in Turkey and in
the world. The steep and unstoppable rise in oil prices is shaking
budgetary balances. The fall of the US dollar frightens not only
developing countries, but also leading economic powers such as Europe.
What we should ask is, who benefits from this situation? Nezih Erverdi
of Ankara University gives clear and striking answers to this question
in his essay ‘Analysis of Turkey and the Rest of the World.’ Below
is a short summary of his ideas:
The US has two main principles in its national security policy. The
first is, no nation (besides itself) or alliance of nations should
be allowed to become a global power. And the second principle is,
in order to achieve this goal, the US will use any means, including
military intervention.
The US also has three main objectives concerning Turkey, which are
founding a ‘Greater Israel,’ ‘Greater Armenia,’ and ‘Greater Kurdistan’
on our lands.
Washington has long been trying to block Europe’s path. It has
depreciated the dollar in order to cut the European Union’s exports.
Moreover, it has increased oil prices, which has dealt a heavy blow
to the economies of oil-dependent countries.
The motive behind the invasion of Afghanistan was getting a post
close to China, and the US base in Kyrgyzstan serves similar
purposes. Erverdi notes that in order to survive, the EU must turn
to Turkey, which stands closer to oil-rich regions such as Central
Asia and the Middle East. The Europeans however, foolishly think that
it would serve their interests better to support a ‘Kurdish state’
in the region than admit Turkey into the Union.
You may disagree with any of the above claims, but just ask yourself
why the Orthodox Fener patriarch now more than ever wants to be
ecumenical. Also consider why the Armenian ‘genocide’ claims have
won so much support all of a sudden. And by the way, why have EU
delegations begun to visit Diyarbakir so frequently?

Bullet-riddled body of child casts shadow over Turkey’s EU aspirations
By Meriel Beattie in Kiziltepe, Turkey
The Independent
06 April 2005
With his small face, framed by the broad white Peter Pan collar
worn by schoolchildren throughout Turkey, Ugur Kaymaz looks even
younger than 12. His wide, dark eyes stare out of a black-and-white
photograph, sellotaped to the windscreen of his father’s truck where
the pair died in a hail of gunfire last November. The truck hasn’t
moved since, parked by the roadside in Kiziltepe, a rundown town on
the troubled road to Iraq and Syria. The caption under the photograph
reads: “People won’t forget you.”
With Turkey bent on joining the European Union, the bloody conflict
with its Kurdish minority is one that Ankara would like forgotten. But
there has been a resurgence in fighting. This week the army said that
it had killed nine “Kurdish rebels” in five days of clashes.
With Brussels watching, the bullet-riddled body of a child is
proving hard to explain. Four policemen are on trial accused of the
extra-judicial killing of Ugur and his father and then planting a
large rifle in the boy’s small hands.
The handling of the Kaymaz killings has become a test case, at home and
abroad, for Ankara’s willingness to rein in its feared security forces,
particularly in the embattled Kurdish villages of the south-east.
“Even though the laws are changing, the people who are supposed to
implement those laws in daily life are still working in the same old
way,” said Huseyin Cangir, the head of the Human Rights Association
and the Kaymaz family lawyer. “Turkey is trying to be a law-based
state. But what we still have is a police state.”
The government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan has scrapped the death penalty,
abolished the notorious state security courts and cut the time allowed
for detention without trial.
Kiziltepe’s mainly Kurdish residents have been traumatised after years
of armed conflict. The Kaymaz family had to leave their own village
because of the fighting. Ugur’s father, Ahmet, had been detained
at least twice on suspicion of supporting the militants. He had no
proven links to the PKK.
With unemployment high, Ahmet, like many men here, made his money
transporting oil between northern Iraq and the Turkish refineries.
On the evening her son and husband died, Makbule said it was already
dark and she was putting out the plates for dinner. Ahmet, who was
getting ready for another oil run, needed to carry his duvet and
other things for the trip over to the truck – and Ugur went with him
to help. Then she heard noises.
“When I looked for a second from our gate, I could see Ugur,” she
says. “I recognised his white trousers. Policemen were forcing him
down, pushing him to the ground.
“When we heard the gunfire, I took all the children and went to our
neighbour’s. And then after a while a lady, the state prosecutor,
came in and said “My condolences,” but I didn’t understand what was
going on. They didn’t say then that they’d killed Ahmet and Ugur. We
couldn’t believe that they had died. One of them was a truck driver,
the other a schoolboy. Why would they do that?”
The official versions of what happened are quite different. The police
say they were acting on a tip-off that a PKK attack would be launched
from the Kaymaz house on a passing military convoy. Initially the
shootings were described as a “clash” in which the police claimed they
returned fire after father and son started shooting. That version was
later changed to say that they were killed after ignoring an order
to stop.
Immediately after the incident, the provincial governor Temel Kocaklar
denounced Ahmet and Ugur Kaymaz as “terrorists”.
In the past that would have been the end of it. Then Ahmet Tekin
intervened. A teacher at Ugur’s school, he was asked by police to
identify the two bodies.
Remarkably in a community which has learnt to keep its mouth shut,
Mr Tekin has talked openly of the policemen’s initial disbelief when
he told them Ugur’s name and age – a reaction interpreted by the
family’s lawyers to suggest they had actually come for someone else.
More significantly, it is Mr Tekin – one of the few people to see the
weapon lying next to Ugur’s body – who has repeatedly emphasised the
absurdity of the idea that he could have carried such a large gun.
Then something unprecedented happened – in a country where abuse of the
Kurdish minority is overlooked – the public got interested. Photos of
Ugur soon appeared in the papers, incensing public opinion. Journalists
seized on autopsy reports that nine of the bullets in Ugur’s back
had been fired from just 50cm. A parliamentary commission criticised
the security forces. The Prime Minister weighed in, criticising the
governor’s description of the child as a terrorist. Four of the police
involved were suspended. A date was set for a trial.
That momentum may now be fading. By the time the trial opened, all four
policemen had been reinstated and reassigned to other districts. The
Kaymaz family lawyers claim that the public prosecutor has watered
down the case.
Ahmet’s brother Resat, said: “If you don’t make people here feel
secure, what will these children do when they grow up? They go to
the cities and become pickpockets. Or they join the PKK.”

Minister says Armenia to cooperate with NATO without detriment to Russian ties
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
6 Ap
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan today received a
delegation led by Lithuanian National Defence Minister Gediminas
Kirkilas. The prime minister noted that Defence Minister Kirkilas
started his official visit to the region from Armenia and stressed
the importance of cooperation with Armenia, which has rich ancient
history and culture both in the military and other spheres.
The sides stressed the importance of boosting cooperation in the
South Caucasus region and ensuring security and peace in the region.
The sides also talked about Armenian-Turkish relations.
The Lithuanian minister today visited the Armenian genocide memorial
to pay tribute to the genocide victims and laid flowers at the
memorial. The Lithuanian minister said in Tsitsernakaberd that
although his country has not yet recognized the Armenian genocide,
being a politician, he condemns this crime and hopes that such crimes
will never be committed in the European Union.
At a joint press conference with Armenian Defence Minister Serzh
Sarkisyan on the same day, Lithuanian National Defence Minister
Gediminas Kirkilas told journalists that Lithuania would continue to
render assistance to the South Caucasus countries in their accession
to the European Union and talked about his country’s achievements
after it became a NATO member in 2004.
Kirkilas said that his country was ready to take part in peacekeeping
operations together with Armenia, which can enhance our country’s
international image.
[Kirkilas speaking in Russian with Armenian voice-over] I think that
our relations with Armenia are developing quite well. We signed an
agreement today which will ensure its continuity. Lithuania, being
a NATO member, welcomes Armenia’s attempts to develop relations with
NATO and the EU countries. I believe that participation in different
peacekeeping operations is the right decision for your country.
[Sarkisyan] We will undoubtedly develop our relations with NATO,
but this will not be at the expense of our cooperation with the
Collective Security Treaty Organization countries. We will develop our
relations with the EU countries and the USA, but not to the detriment
of Armenian-Russian relations.

ARMENIAN DELEGATION TO ATTEND POPE’S FUNERAL
   YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian delegation headed by
prime minister Andranik Margarian will leave for Vatican on April 7
to attend the funeral of the deceased Pope John Paul II. The Armenian
delegation will include Armenian ambassador to Italy Ruben Shugarian,
ambassador to France and Vatican Eduard Nalbandian, deputy foreign
minister Armen Bayburdian and Catholicos Karekin II.
   John Paul II was the first head of the Roman Catholic Church to
set foot on Armenian soil . He spent three days in Armenia in late
September 2001 that coincided with official celebrations of Armenia’s
conversion to Christianity in 301 A.D. John Paul II visited o the
genocide memorial in Yerevan to pay respects to the victims of 1915
massacres of Armenians in Turkey.
   In a joint communique with Karekin II issued in the Vatican in
November 2000 the Pope had described the 1915 tragedy a genocide. He
confirmed this by another joint statement in Yerevan during his
visit.
–Boundary_(ID_s7o7LugOnskoINRCZAJeuA)–

Yahoo News (press release)
Press Release Source: The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
Pope John Paul II Papal & Polish Heritage Room Captures Spirit and
Personality of the Pope
Monday April 4, 11:32 am ET
NORWALK, Conn., April 4 /PRNewswire/ — The Pope John Paul II Cultural
Center in Washington, D.C. contains more than 50,000 square feet of museum
and exhibit space, but one of the most beloved areas of the impressive
building is the one room that concentrates on Pope John Paul II.
The Papal & Polish Heritage Room is the only area in the Cultural Center
exclusively dedicated to the life of Pope John Paul II. “The Pope did not
want the building to be a monument to him,” said Msgr. William A. Kerr,
Cultural Center director, “but he did allow this one room to be focused on
him and his papacy.”
As you enter the room you see Pope John Paul II’s papal crest etched in
glass on the doorway. A special place for reflection and study of the Holy
Father, the Papal & Polish Heritage Room features personal items and papal
gifts as well as photographs of the Pope.
The Cultural Center possesses a collection of approximately 2,300 objects
related to Pope John Paul II, more than half of which are photographs. The
artwork, personal memorabilia, photographs and other artifacts show various
aspects of his life, mostly during his papacy. The items capture the
charisma and humanity of the Holy Father as the Vicar of Christ and
spiritual leader of the world.
Among the items currently on display are a red cape worn by Pope John Paul
II in the 1990s; a cassock he wore throughout the 1980s; a pair of Alpine
Skis the Pope used during the late 1980s; and a pair of his Cordovan leather
shoes.
Also included is a replica of the Holy Father’s famed Papal Staff. The
silver staff was designed and cast by artist Lello Scorzelli, the maker of
the original piece. It is one of very few replicas of the one Pope John Paul
II carried throughout his papacy.
Some of the items and gifts on display from people and leaders throughout
the world include:
— A wooden sculpture of the Last Supper from Palestinian leader Yasser
Arafat.
— A gold cross from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia of the
Armenians. The cross contains a piece of bone from a martyr who
perished in the Syrian desert in 1915, a victim of the Armenian
genocide.
— A gilt chalice, a gift from Pope John Paul II. The chalice was
presented on the occasion of the grand opening of the Pope John Paul II
Cultural Center to Cardinal Adam Maida, archbishop of Detroit and
president of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, by Cardinal Edmund
Szoka, papal delegate and Latore and president of the Pontifical
Commission for Vatican City State.
— The Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Pope John Paul II in January
2001. The medal, the most distinguished civilian award that the
Congress of the United States can bestow, bears an image of the Pope on
one side and the symbolic bald eagle on the other.
Source: The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA PRESIDENT SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO VATICAN SECRETARY OF
STATE IN CONNECTION WITH DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. RA President Robert Kocharian sent a
message of condolence to Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo
Sodano in connection with the death of Pope John Paul II. The message,
sent to Noyan Tapan from the President’s Press Office, says: “Your
Holiness, today the Armenian people along with the whole Christian
world grieve over the death of Pope John Paul II, who was greatly
respected and loved by the empire humanity. Good pleasing mission and
complete devotion of Pontiff Pope John Paul II benefiting spreading
of worldwide values, establishment of solidarity among peoples,
strengthening of human rights and freedoms as well as democracy will
remain in the history for ever. The blessed memory of Pontiff Pope
John Paul II will always remain alive in our hearts. We shall never
forget the Pontiff’s blessings, great respect and cordiality towards
our people which was best performed during the historic visit of
John Paul II to Armenia, as well as our last meeting at the Vatican
in January this year. Please, Your Holiness, receive once more,
our sencere condolence.”

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT EXPRESSES HIS CONDOLENCE TO SUPREME PRIESTHOOD OF
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN CONNECTION WITH DEATH OF ROMAN POPE JOHN
PAUL II
YEREVAN, APRIL 4, ARMINFO. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
expressed his condolence to the Supreme Priesthood of the Roman
Catholic Church in connection with the death of Roman Pope John Paul
II. It should be noted that John Paul II died in Vatican on April
3 morning.
The presidential message addressed to the State Secretary of Vatican
Angelo Sodano says that today the Armenian people together with
the whole Christian world mourn over the death of His Holiness
Roman Pope John Paul II, who has gained the sympathy and respect of
humanity. His virtuous pontificate and devotion to contribution to
spreading of all human values, establishing peace between peoples,
strengthening democracy, human rights and freedoms will remain in
the history forever. The blessed memory of Pope John Paul II will
forever remain in the hearts of the Armenian people. “We shall never
forget the blessing of His Holiness, the respect and warm attitude
to our people, which was best of all displayed during the historical
visit to Armenia and our last meeting in Vatican in January of the
current year. Please, accept our sincere condolences once more,”
says the message of President Robert Kocharyan.

ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI POSITIONS DIFFER IN DETAILS, RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT SAYS
BAKU, APRIL 1, ARMENPRESS: In an interview to an Azerbaijani news
agency APA, the Russian cochairman of the OSCE Minsk group, Yury
Merzlyakov, said the group, comprising also representatives of France
and USA, has developed several components of the Karabagh conflict
regulation, which he said were discussed at recent talks. He said in
general none of the sides has any drastic objections, but there are
essential differences in respect to some details.”We are working with
the sides to encourage them to narrow these differences. The sides
themselves have to agree on a mutually acceptable peace formula,
without which we are not able to make any progress,” he said.
Merzlyakov also spoke in favor of Nagorno Karabagh’s involvement in
the talks “at a certain point,” as some details cannot be resolved
without it. Concerning participation of the Azeri community of
Karabagh in the talks hesaid their position is represented by the
official Baku.
The Russian diplomat said he was concerned about frequent
breachesof ceasefire in the line of contact. He said both sides must
be wise enough toavoid it. Merzlyakov also said he pins great hopes
on Kocharian-Aliyev meeting in Moscow on the fringes of events there
to mark the end of World War II on May 9.
Merzlyakov also said the next meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani
foreign ministers will take place in London most likely in mid
April. He explained the change of the venue of their meetings from
Prague to London by direct flights form Yerevan and London to the
British capital.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkish Press
March 30 2005
NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey – US relations are baseless
exaggerations

ISTANBUL – Turkish National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General
Yigit Alpogan said on Wednesday, “statements about escalation of a
crisis in Turkey-the United States relations are baseless
exaggerations.“
Turkish-American Business Council hosted a luncheon to mark the 20th
anniversary of its foundation.
Speaking at the luncheon, Alpogan said that both Turkey and the
United States had the necessary potential, determination and will to
further improve their bilateral relations.
“Various and rapid developments happen in our world every day as a
result of the globalization process. Those developments affect
everyone. Therefore, we expect Turkey and the United States to
further improve their relations by protecting common values and
interests,“ he said.
Referring to recent comments of both Turkish and American circles
about the bilateral relations, Alpogan said, “such statements are
considered normal in democracies. In fact, they can guide our efforts
to develop our relations. However, everyone should act with
common-sense as making such statements, and refrain from exaggerated
evaluations that could lead inappropriate impressions in public
opinions. Therefore, Turkish and American officials, representatives
of public and private sectors, think-tank organizations and
non-governmental organizations should take all necessary measures
against attempts to damage the relations, and defend common
interests.“
“Statements about escalation of a crisis in Turkey-the United States
relations are baseless exaggerations. However, it is a fact that
multi-dimensional structure of Turkey-the United States relations
should be renewed. Turkey-the United States relations are sound
enough not to be damaged with such statements,“ he said.
Referring to the allegations of so-called Armenian genocide, Alpogan
said, “the United States should not make any concession about these
allegations on the 90th anniversary of the relocation. We do not
expect the U.S. administration to shed green light to such baseless
allegations aiming to defame Turkish nation.“
“Our bilateral relations with the United States have further
diversified under the light of international developments in the last
15 years. Our countries share the same concerns against many regional
problems. They have been cooperating to consolidate peace, stability
and security in a vast area from Caucasus to the Balkans, from the
Middle East to Central Asia. Therefore, Turkey and the United States
need each other. Turkey and the United States are two countries
expending efforts to develop democracy in the region. The Broader
Middle East and North Africa Initiative serves this target. Turkey is
ready to fulfil its responsibilities in this process with the aim of
contributing to peace and stability,“ he said.
Alpogan kept on saying, “Turkey and the United States have also been
cooperating in fight against terrorism and in prevention of
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The September 11th
events have strengthened our cooperation in fight against
international terrorism and organized crimes.“
Referring to commercial relations between the two countries, Alpogan
said, “the trade volume, which was 4,66 billion U.S. dollars in
1996, increased to 9,49 billion U.S. dollars in 2004.“
Referring to recent developments in northern Iraq and Kirkuk, Alpogan
said, “we conveyed our concerns to the U.S. administration. Turkey
and the United States should develop their cooperation in Iraq. U.S.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice affirmed the importance they
attributed to the territorial integrity of Iraq.“
Alpogan added that the United States should continue extending stable
and sound support to Turkey`s European Union membership process.

PanArmenian News
March 28 2005
DIGITECH 2005 EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED IN ARMENIA
28.03.2005 03:04
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Digitech 2005 exhibition organized by Enterprise
Incubator Foundation of Union of Information Technologies Enterprises
will be staged in Yerevan September 30-October 2. As the initiators
told PanARMENIAN.Net, simultaneously with the exhibition a forum
entitled `Information and Communication Technologies in Business’
will be held. Besides computer equipment, various ways of
implementing information and communication technologies – for family,
society and business – will be presented. The exhibition aims at
presenting the activities of the IT enterprises in Armenia, providing
of up-to-date technologies in the IT sphere as well as presenting
Armenia at the international market. The forum purposes the object of
creating business atmosphere between IT entrepreneurs and consumers.
Various contests on Internet search, programming and E-content will
be organized. To note, the exhibition will be the first one to be
held in Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress