Author: Zakarian Garnik

TURKISH CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF TO HAVE TALKS IN US

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Feb 10 2007

Turkey’s military chief of staff, Gen. Yaþar Buyukanýt, is headed to
the United States on Sunday for official talks on bilateral military
issues.

The talks will most likely revolve around a few key issues, including
PKK terrorism, the Middle East and the Armenian genocide resolution
pending in the US legislature.

Gen. Buyukanýt will be in Washington, D.C., as an official guest
of US Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
and will meet US Vice President Dick Cheney on Feb. 14.

While in the American capital, Buyukanýt will also meet with US
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and former Ambassador to Turkey
Eric Edelman and US Army Chief of Staff |Gen. Peter Schoomaker.

–Boundary_(ID_lRxYqhBYh6v9qQC2i2PPXQ )–

NEW WEBSITE

Azat Artsakh Daily – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
08-02-2007

From January 1 the _ ()
website was set up. Its creators Armen Rakedjyan and Samvel Vahanyan
say the website was set up to tell about our country and help it
develop. The website will give our compatriots living abroad
information about the economy, the existing problems to help them
decide to make investments fostering development of NKR. `

We want to fill in the information gap. A number of Armenians live
abroad, who want to make investments but have no idea about the
economy of Karabakh.

Though the website was set up since new year, there is already
positive reaction from the Armenians living abroad,’ Samvel Vahanyan
says. According to Vahanyan, the website has a special forum where the
ads of different companies are placed to make products made in Artsakh
known abroad. Samvel Vahanyan says 10 percent of the income of Artsakh
Forum will be spent on charity. The website is available in French,
but soon the English, Russian and Armenian versions will be available
too.

DIANA DANIELIAN.
08-02-2007

PAKISTAN FULLY SUPPORTS AZERBAIJAN’S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY: PM

Associated Press of Pakistan, Pakistan
Feb 7 2007

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that
Pakistan fully supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and favours
an early resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh issue. The Prime Minister
was talking to the First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Yagub
Eyyugov who called on him at the Prime Minister House this afternoon
along with Yavar Jamalov, Minister for Defence Industry, Professor
Dr. Ali Abbasov, Minister for Communication and IT, Professor Dr. Misir
Mardanov, Minister for Education, Khalaf Khalafov, Deputy Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Eynullah Madath, Ambassador of Azerbaijan
to Pakistan.

The Azerbaijan delegation participated in the Joint Ministerial
Commission meeting that concluded in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to its
ties with Azerbaijan which are historic and rooted in a common faith,
shared values and perceptions.

Pakistan, he said, is keen to strengthen its ties with Azerbaijan in
all fields including energy, IT, telecom, defence, security, science
and technology, education trade and investment.

Eyyubov said that Azerbaijan greatly values its relations with Pakistan
and highly appreciates Pakistan’s support on the Nagorno Karabakh
issue. He said Azerbaijan supports Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.

The Prime Minister apprised the visiting dignitary of the ongoing
process of composite dialogue with India.

He said that Kashmir is the core issue between the two countries and
Pakistan is keen to settle it peacefully in keeping with the wishes
and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

He said that durable and permanent peace between the two countries can
change the destiny of the people of south Asia. The Prime Minister
appreciated the consistent and principled support extended by
Azerbaijan to Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute.

Giving an overview of the country’s economy the Prime Minister said
Pakistan is keen to attract foreign capital and investment and provides
a level playing field to both Pakistani and foreign investors.

As a result of the economic reform agenda based on privatization,
deregulation and liberalization the size of the economy and per
capita income has doubled in the last seven years, he said, adding
that Foreign Direct Investment which did not go beyond $300 million
per year in the past is expected to cross $5 billion in the current
financial year.

The two sides agreed on the need to promote interfaith harmony through
a process of dialogue among the adherents of different faiths. This
is the only way to bridge the growing religious divide, the Prime
Minister said.

He said Pakistan admires the impressive economic gains achieved by
Azerbaijan especially the development of its energy resources and
laying of oil and gas pipelines between Azerbaijan and Turkey.

He said that Pakistan is also planning to set up a gas pipeline with
Iran and India as its energy requirements are growing exponentially by
10 to 12 per cent per year. He said that energy security is critical
for sustained economic growth and development.

The Prime Minister also apprised the visiting dignitary of President
Musharraf’s initiative to resolve the Palestine issue. The new
initiative has been well received and supported by all the countries
recently visited by the President, he said.

Eyyugov said that it is heartening to see the economic turnaround
achieved by Pakistan under President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime
Minister Shaukat Aziz, who are the true friends of Azerbaijan. He
said that the Joint Ministerial Commission’s meeting will go a long
way in promoting economic relations between the two countries.

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Amanullah Khan Jadoon,
Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Commander (Retd) Khalil-ur-Rehman,
Minister of State for Economic Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, and
senior officials also attended the meeting.

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Feb 2 2007

Turkey hit by scandalous aftershocks from Dink murder

The police launched a probe and the government vowed not to tolerate
gangs within security organizations after Turkish media published
scandalous images showing members of security forces posing for
pictures with the alleged murderer of Turkish-Armenian journalist
Hrant Dink after his arrest.

Video footage of 17-year-old Ogün Samast, the suspected murderer of
Dink, posing in front of a Turkish flag and holding another flag next
to security officials sent shockwaves across Turkey when it was first
broadcast on private Turkish television, TGRT, on Thursday night.
The Turkish press was outraged yesterday, describing the footage as
scandalous and saying it was as appalling as the murder of Dink on
Jan. 19. Dink was gunned down outside his office in broad daylight,
and Samast reportedly told the police that he killed Dink because he
had said "Turkish blood is dirty."
Samast was seen in the video holding out a Turkish flag and posing
with officers, some of them in uniform. Behind Samast was a poster
with another Turkish flag carrying the words of Mustafa Kemal
Atatürk, the revered founder of modern Turkey: "The nation’s land is
sacred. It cannot be left to fate." A voice in the video can be heard
asking if the quote on the poster can be arranged above the suspect’s
head. Someone also tells Samast to fix his hair.
Blasting the episode, daily Sabah said in its headline: "Shoulder to
shoulder with the triggerman: suspected killer Samast was given the
hero treatment. "A kiss on the forehead is the only thing the
murderer was not given," growled daily Radikal. "This is the picture
of the mindset that killed Dink."
`We are in an effort to prevent such formations and attempts to set
up gangs in violation of the supremacy of law,’ Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdoðan said in response to questions over the footage. But
when reminded of growing calls for resignation of senior officials,
including Interior Minister Abdülkadir Aksu over the way the murder
case has been handled, Erdoðan was cautious, saying such concepts
should not be watered down.

The police launched a probe after the leaking of the footage. "The
pictures were shown on television in the evening and inspectors will
clarify who took the pictures and why. We in the police will do
everything necessary," police spokesman Ýsmail Çalýþkan told a weekly
news conference. "Whoever is responsible will be given the
appropriate punishment."
The episode comes amid heightened debates over "deep state," the code
for shadowy ultranationalist elements in the security forces, ready,
if need be, to act outside the law. Authorities have been accused of
failing to act on warnings that ultranationalists planned to murder
Dink. Last week, the Interior Ministry dismissed the police chief and
governor of Trabzon and sent prosecutors to investigate whether local
authorities were at fault.
The Dink murder case also raised possibilities that the police and
the Gendarmerie Command, attached to the General Staff, could be at
odds over the case.
Earlier in the day, the gendarmerie released a statement, denying
reports the footage was shot at one of their offices in Samsun, the
city where Samast was arrested after a nationwide manhunt. It said
the footage was shot in a police station cafeteria and angrily blamed
its leakage to the media as a "purposeful act."
"The military police personnel seen in the images were personnel
assigned to hand over the suspect to the police," the gendarmerie
statement said. Some of the security personnel were wearing
gendarmerie uniforms while others were in police uniforms.
Asked whether there was tension between the gendarmerie and the
police, Erdoðan said there could be "ill-intentioned people who do
not respect this country’s values" in every organization and added
that it was important to get the state organizations of such
elements.
"It needs to be emphasized that no one should be engaged in efforts
to pit our institutions against each other," he told reporters in
Ýstanbul. Erdoðan has already acknowledged that the "deep state" has
operated in Turkey since Ottoman times and said Turkey has paid a
heavy price for not dismantling it.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Feb 1 2007

Armenians violated ceasefire 16 times within January

[ 01 Feb. 2007 14:47 ]

The positions of the Azerbaijani Army and the settlements on the
frontline were fired by Armenian Armed Forces 16 times in different
directions within January, according to the results of the monthly
monitoring held by the APA basing on information confirmed by the
Defense Ministry.

The violation of ceasefire was mostly observed in Aghdam. The
ceasefire was violated by Armenians 7 times in the direction of
Aghdam, 4 times in Fuzuli. The other where the ceasefire was violated
are Terter, Gazakh, Goranboy and Jabrail.
As a result of ceasefire violations, one serviceman of Azerbaijani
Armed Forces, Ensign Shahin Aliyev (Fuzuli region) died within this
period. There were no wounded soldiers last month. /APA/

UNITED LABOR PARTY OF ARMENIA ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESULTS OF
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS TO BE "NEARLY INDISPUTABLE"

Yerevan, January 31. ArmInfo. The United Labor party of Armenia
assumes the responsibility for 2007 Parliamentary elections in Armenia
to be held with "nearly indisputable" results, leader of ULB, Gourgen
Arsenyan, said in an interview to "Kentron" TV Company.

According to him, several constituents are necessary for the normal
course of elections. In particular, the legislative basis of elections
is of great importance. Amendments are introduced in the Electoral
Code, due to which some of its provisions nearly approached the
provisions of RA Criminal Code. It means that the falsifications at
elections will quickly fall under a criminal liability that is a
strong control lever, G. Arsenyan said. "If the opposition, the power
and the Central Election Committee relieve them of responsibility for
conducting of elections, putting the blame on each other, the United
Labor party assumes this responsibility, being neither a political
force nor having a majority in the executive and legislative power",
G. Arsenyan said.

Vartan Oskanian: The document on the bargaining table contents Armenia

ArmRadio.am
31.01.2007 11:23

`The document on the settlement of the Karabakh conflict put on the
bargaining table contents Armenia,’ Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian declared in Hague. `The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have
proposed a document which we consider logical. If we resolve the issue
in compliance with the document, we shall get a solution that will not
counter our national interests. That means we shall have safeguarded
the self-determination of Artsakhi people, their security, as well as
the unimpeded link between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. These three
points are provided for in the document,’ said the Foreign
Minister. Vartan Oskanian added that Azerbaijan continues its military
rhetoric, which exerts negative influence on the atmosphere. `In any
case it does not frighten us at all, does not divert from the path we
have chosen. Our Army, the 15th anniversary of which we celebrated
with luxury, is rather strong, self-confident and well prepared. Our
official stances are firm, and we do not thing at least during the
coming ten years Azerbaijan will dare to undertake any infringement
against Armenia or NKR,’ the Foreign Minister underlined.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 30 2007

Azerbaijan and France sign 9 protocols

[ 30 Jan. 2007 20:54 ]

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev began his visit to France by
laying a wreath on the grave of Unknown Soldier today, APA European
bureau reports. Then the President visited Paris Mayor’s Office.

The head of the state was welcomed by Mayor of Paris Bertran Delanoe.
The Mayor of Paris said he is pleased to welcome Azerbaijani
President and is satisfied with the development of the relations
between the two countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke
about economic development of Azerbaijan, great economic projects of
the region and Nagorno Karabakh problem.
After the meeting with the mayor a reception was given in honour of
the Azerbaijani President.
Later the delegation led by Azerbaijani President met with the Prime
Minister of France Dominique de Villepin. It was noted the
cooperation between Azerbaijan and France is developing and the
documents to be signed will play a great role in the further
cooperation.
Later 9 documents were signed between Azerbaijan and France. They
are:

– `Agreement on mutual assistance and cooperation in the sphere of
civil defence and defence’ between Azerbaijan and French governments
– Memorandum on cooperation between Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism
Ministry and French Culture and Communication Ministry
– Protocol on cooperation in the sphere of museum between Azerbaijani
Culture and Tourism Ministry and French Culture and Communication
Ministry
– Memorandum on cooperation between National Libraries of both
countries
– Agreement on cooperation in the sphere of crediting between
Azerbaijani and French governments
– Understanding memorandum between Azerbaijan State Committee of
Family, Women and Children’s issues and French Ministry of Labour and
Social Equality
– Agreement on scientific cooperation between Azerbaijan National
Academy of Sciences and French Scientific Investigations Center
– Agreement on clearing the territories around Baku from waste
between Azerbaijani Economic Development Ministry and French
organization Svint
– Agreement on buying four planes between Azerbaijan Air Lines and
French company

Later Azerbaijani President met with the President of the French
Senate Christian Ponsele. Azerbaijani President is also expected to
meet with the President of French National Assembly Jean-Louis Debre,
French Foreign Minister Phillip Dust-Blazi, French Defence Minister
Michele Alliot-Marie, Minister of Agriculture and Fishing Dominique
Bussereau, Minister Delegate for Veterans’ Affairs Hamlaoui Mekachera
today.
The president is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar
Mammadyarov, Emergencies Minister Kemaleddin Heydarov, Minister of
Economic Development Heydar Babayev and other members of the
government and businessmen. /APA/

The New Anatolian, Turkey
Jan 27 2007

Ankara slams Armenian proposal to open ties without preconditions

The New Anatolian / Ankara
27 January 2007

Both the Turkish Foreign Ministry and Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan
late Thursday slammed Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Arman
Karakosian’s proposal to begin relations with Turkey without
preconditions.

While the Foreign Ministry dismissed the offer as "including nothing
new," Erdogan urged Yerevan to act in a "genuine" manner.

The ministry said that Armenia has been making various statements
from time to time and that the latest doesn’t lead to any new
opening.

Stressing that Turkey maintains its willingness to develop ties based
on mutual trust and respect with all neighbors, the ministry added
however that the development and strengthening of bilateral and
regional cooperation can’t only depend on Turkey’s steps, but can
only be realized through the will and positive steps of all concerned
sides. "In relation to our country’s will to further develop dialogue
with Armenia, Turkey has taken constructive and concrete steps," the
statement continued. "The Turkish suggestion to set up a joint
commission of Armenian and Turkish historians to study the events of
1915 (Armenian genocide claims) is an example of the country’s will."

Similarly Premier Erdogan, in his response to the Armenian deputy
foreign minister’s proposal to establish relations without
preconditions, stated that Armenia should first give a response to
the Turkish suggestion to set up a joint commission to study the
disputed events. "They haven’t responded to my suggestion. These
statements don’t show good will. Therefore I don’t find their manner
genuine," Erdogan added.

Erdogan made the remarks during his meeting with European Union
members states’ ambassadors in Ankara late Thursday, in response to
German Ambassador Eckart Cuntz saying, "History might open some
windows of opportunity. Could (Hrant) Dink’s murder lead to positive
events in Turkish-Armenian relations and in Article 301 (of the
Turkish Penal Code)?"

In the closed-door session of the meeting, sources quoted Erdogan as
replying to Ambassador Cuntz’ remarks as saying, "There is no
relation between Article 301 and Dink’s murder. The murder is a
criminal act committed by a young man."

Ankara has urged Yerevan to abandon the Armenian genocide claims, to
give up claims of domination over Turkish territory (which were
stated in Armenia’s independence manifesto in 1991), to withdraw from
the Nagorno-Karabakh region without preconditions and to give
permission for the opening of a corridor between Azerbaijan and
Nakhchivan in order to establish diplomatic relations with the
country.

Amnesty International USA
Jan 20 2007

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE

January 19, 2007

Amnesty International Condemns Murder of Hrant Dink

(Washington, DC) — Amnesty International deplores the murder today
of the prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. The
organization believes that he was targeted because of his work as a
journalist who championed freedom of expression.

"This horrifying assassination silences one of Turkey’s bravest human
rights defenders," said Maureen Greenwood-Basken, Amnesty
International USA (AIUSA) Advocacy Director for Europe and Central
Asia. "Writers put their lives on the line when they cover human
rights violations, as the cases of Russian journalist Anna
Politkovskaya, and now Hrant Dink, brutally illustrate.

"But legitimate debate about ideas must be protected. The Turkish
government must redouble its efforts to protect human rights
defenders and open its political climate to a range of views. Recent
legal reforms have brought many areas of Turkish law in line with
international human rights standards, but existing limitations on
free speech such as Article 301 must be repealed.

"The U.S. government, as one of Turkey’s closest allies, should push
for a full and transparent investigation into Dink’s murder."

AIUSA is a longstanding advocate of freedom of speech in Turkey and
around the world. In an online action in October 2006, AIUSA
activists sent thousands of messages urging repeal of Article 301.

Dink, editor of the newspaper Agos and contributor to the influential
daily Zaman, was reportedly shot three times today in Istanbul
outside the Agos offices. He was 53. Dink was a passionate promoter
of the universality of human rights who appeared on different
platforms with human rights activists, journalists and intellectuals
across the political spectrum. Best known for his willingness to
debate openly and critically issues of Armenian identity and official
versions of history in Turkey relating to the massacres of Armenians
in 1915, Dink also wrote widely on issues of democratization and
human rights.

"In Turkey there are still a number of harsh laws which endorse the
suppression of freedom of speech," said Nicola Duckworth, Europe and
Central Asia Programme Director at Amnesty International. "These
laws, coupled with the persisting official statements by senior
government, state and military officials condemning critical debate
and dissenting opinion, create an atmosphere in which violent attacks
can take place."

Last year, Dink was prosecuted for the third time on charges of
"denigrating Turkishness" under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal
Code. Amnesty International called for the repeal of that law and
condemned his prosecution as part of a pattern of judicial harassment
against him for peacefully expressing his dissenting opinion. Dink
had already been given a six-month suspended prison sentence in July
2006 following an October 2005 conviction on charges of "denigrating
Turkishness."

Amnesty International calls on the Turkish authorities to condemn all
forms of intolerance, to uphold the rights of all citizens of the
Turkish Republic and to investigate Dink?s murder thoroughly and
impartially, to make the findings of the investigation public and to
bring suspected perpetrators to justice in accordance with
international fair trial standards.

For further information about Amnesty International’s concerns
regarding Article 301 please see Turkey: Article 301: How the law on
"denigrating Turkishness" is an insult to free expression.