Category: News

Agence France Presse
30 novembre 2004 mardi 4:57 PM GMT
Rixe à Valence: l’UDF dénonce “une agression inacceptable”
PARIS 30 nov 2004
Le groupe UDF à l’Assemblée a “dénoncé avec force” mardi “l’agression
inacceptable” dont ont été victimes des jeunes d’origine arménienne
samedi à Valence (Drôme) de la part de jeunes d’origine turque et a
demandé “des sanctions”.
Dans un communiqué rédigé au nom de son groupe, le député de la Loire
François Rochebloine a demandé “au ministre de l’Intérieur et au
ministre de la Justice de prendre toutes les dispositions nécessaires
pour que les auteurs de ces actes soient sanctionnés et ne puissent
être renouvelés dans le futur”.
“La liberté d’informer et de manifester doit être préservée”, a-t-il
ajouté.
Samedi à Valence, une rixe avait opposé des Français d’origine
arménienne à des Français d’origine turque. Les premiers, qui
militent contre une entrée de la Turquie dans l’Union européenne,
distribuaient sur la voie publique des tracts sur le génocide
arménien en 1915 par l’Etat turc.
Selon la police, cette rixe a fait quatre blessés légers et n’a donné
lieu à aucune interpellation.
M. Rochebloine a souligné que cette “agression” de jeunes militants
d’asociations arméniennes était intervenue quelques jours avant le
sommet européen du 17 décembre consacré à la question de l’entrée de
la Turquie dans l’UE.
L’UDF est opposée à une adhésion d’Ankara à l’UE.

Le Monde, France
mercredi 1 Décembre 2004
Sur le dossier turc, Ari Vatanen double ses amis de l’UMP
A 8 heures par e-mail, recevez la Check-list, votre quotidien du
matin. Abonnez-vous au Monde.fr
Bruxelles de notre bureau européen
Les eurodéputés de l’UMP étaient fous de rage, mardi 30 novembre, à
l’issue d’un vote du Parlement européen sur la Turquie. Alors qu’ils
sont contre l’adhésion de ce pays à l’Union, et que Jacques Toubon
négocie depuis des mois avec les Allemands de la CDU le soutien de
ces derniers à la solution d’un “partenariat privilégié”, ils ont
exprimé un point de vue radicalement opposé, en commission des
affaires étrangères, en laissant Ari Vatanen parler et voter en leur
nom.
Le champion automobile finlandais, investi par l’UMP comme second de
liste dans le Grand Sud-Est aux élections européennes, a toujours été
favorable à l’intégration de ce pays musulman dans l’UE. Il considère
qu’elle “empêchera des conflits de civilisations” et qu’elle rendra
possible “la paix mondiale”. “J’ai voté selon ma conscience”, a-t-il
affirmé à l’issue du scrutin. Les Français de l’UMP ont pourtant tout
fait pour dissuader M. Vatanen de voter. Margie Sudre, la présidente
de la délégation, l’a prié de ne pas assister à la réunion de la
commission des affaires étrangères, dont il est titulaire. Elle lui a
demandé de laisser sa place à sa suppléante, Nicole Fontaine,
ancienne présidente du Parlement européen, qui aurait alors eu le
droit de voter. M. Vatanen a refusé.
Mme Sudre lui a alors demandé de tenir compte, “au moins, des
positions du président de la République”, Jacques Chirac, et de
“s’abstenir sur l’ensemble du texte”. En vain. Mardi midi, Françoise
Grossetête, ancienne chef de file de la liste UMP du Grand Sud-Est, a
envoyé un de ses assistants dans un restaurant où M. Vatanen
mangeait, lui rappeler “à qui il – devait – son investiture”, et lui
réclamer une certaine loyauté.
La délégation française de l’UMP devait se réunir mercredi 1er
décembre pour discuter d'”éventuelles sanctions” à l’encontre de M.
Vatanen. Celui-ci restait serein : “J’ai voté un amendement de M.
Toubon qui demande que la Turquie reconnaisse le génocide arménien
!”, précisait-il. “Sur le reste, comment pourrait-on me sanctionner,
alors que j’ai `uvré à la paix mondiale ?”, demandait-il.
Rafaële Rivais

ARMENIAN “ARION” THEATER PARTICIPATES IN FESTIVAL OF DAMASCUS DRAMATIC ART
DAMASCUS, November 30 (Noyan Tapan). The 12th festival of Damascus
dramatic art was held in Syria on November 21-30. The Armenian “Arion”
theater after Edgar Elbakian participated in the festival with the
“Final Waltz” play of Fridrich Dyurenmat. RA People’s Artist Vladimir
Msrian, RA prominent artists Anna and Armen Elbakians were involved
into the theatrical troupe.
According to the press service of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
simultaneously with the performances given within tbe framework of the
festival the theatrical troupe also gave performances for the Armenian
Communities of Damascus and Aleppo upon the initiative of the RA
Embassy in Syria.
A press conference of actors was held on November 26 with
participation of representatives of mass media, as well as theatrical
theorists, who highly estimated the performance of the Armenian
theatrical troup.

IRAN IS INTERESTED IN THE 5TH BLOCK OF HRAZDAN HEAT STATION
A1+
01-12-2004
Robert Kocharyan has today received the delegation headed by
Habibollah Bitaraf, Iranian Energy Minister. The delegation is in
Armenia in connection with launching construction of the Armenian
sector of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline and signing a contract.
Iranian delegation head informed that erection of the Iranian sector
of the gas pipeline will start during coming 2,5 months.
Iranian side keeps focus on hydroelectric power stations, cooperation
with Armenia in the sphere of generating alternative energy. It is
also interested in the 5th block of Hrazdan Heat Station.
During the meeting the parts referred to the issues regarding
construction of Qajaran tunnel, import of fuel from Iran to Armenia
etc.

CONSTRUCTION OF ARMENIAN PART OF IRAN-ARMENIA GASPIPE LINE BEGINS
Azg/arm
2 Dec 04
On the Armenian bank of Arax River, not far from town of Agarak, the
construction of the Armenian part of Iran-Armenia pipeline began on
November 30. Armen Movsisian, RA Energy Minister, emphasized the
importance of the gas pipeline for Armenia.
The gas pipeline stretches for 142 km. The first document on its
construction was signed 12 years ago. The construction in the Iranian
side began several months ago. The Armenian part of the pipeline is
constructed by “Sanir” Iranian company.
The officials visiting the ceremony emphasized in their speeches the
contribution made by the leaders of both countries to the
implementation ofsuch an important program. The agreement on the
construction of the gas pipeline was signed on May 13, 2004, in
Yerevan. The agreement on financing the project was signed in the
course of Iranian President Khatami’s visit to Armenia.
Habibollah Bitaraf, Iranian Energy Minister, said in his speech that
according to the agreement, the Iranian Export and Development Bank
allocated a credit for the construction of the Armenian part of the
gas pipeline. The credit amounts to $30 million. Bitaraf said that
Armenia will pay back with electricity for the Iranian gas.
“By implementing this project we develop Armenian-Iranian relations
one more step further. Much efforts were made, many negotiations were
held between Armenia and Iran to achieve the construction of the gas
pipeline,” Bitaraf said.
RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian stated that “this day of 2004
will remain in history”. According to him, the gas pipeline has not
only economic and energetic importance for Armenia and Iran but will
also “make definite changes in the region”.
“This project is implemented through political and economic
sufferings,” Margarian said and reminded, “in the years of hardship
for Armenia Iran stretches out its hand to help us”. When we say a
friendly country, we mean the friendship, indeed, the prime minister
stated.
RA Prime Minister expressed hope that “in 2005or in 2006 we will again
gather here to open the construction of two hydro power plants on the
banks of Arax. “Today we open the second Armenia-Iran electricity
line in Shinuhayr village, and we are hopeful that the third line will
be opened, as well,” Margarian said.
The officials were hopeful that the construction of the gas pipeline
would be completed according to the schedule, i.e. by the end of
2006. According to the agreement, Iran should provide 36 billion
sq. meter of gas to Armenia in the course of 20 years. Prime Minster
Margarian said that besides economic and regional importance, the
construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will open new job positions
for Meghri and Syunik region’s residents. “This is a region that is
the back of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh,” Margarian said.
Alireza Haghighian, Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, stated that the
construction of the gas pipeline will contribute not only to the
development of Armenia’ s economy but also to the regional stability.
By Tatoul Hakobian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

JACQUES CHIRAC TO SIGN DECREE ON AWARDING ARTUR BAGHDASARIAN “LEGION OF
HONOUR”
Azg/arm
2 Dec 04
On November 28, Unification for Nation Party led by Jacques Chirac
held a congress. Mher Shahgeldian, head of National Security, Home
Affairs and Defense Committee at RA National Assembly, representative
of Orinats Yerkir Party, participated in the congress as a guest from
Armenia. Over 40 thousand delegates from 60 countries participated in
the congress. Mher Shahgeldian met with many of them, as well.
Central democratic forces were represented at the congress. According
to Mher Shahgeldian, Orinats Yerkir attracted great attention as a
party bearing European values.
Representatives of Armenian National Movement were also invited to the
congress. David Shahnazarian represented the party in Paris.
There have been practical arrangements on Orinats Yerkir’s mutual
visits and activities made at the congress, as well as on the future
visit European Foundations’ representatives to Yerevan. They are aimed
to support legislatively our parliament. Jacques Chirac didn’t
participate in the congress. France’s first lady and the Prime
Minister were present at the congress.
Mher Shahgeldian’s visit to France was important for another reason,
too. He returned with the news that Jacques Chirac has already signed
the decree on awarding Artur Baghdasarian “Legion of Honor”.
In response to the question put by Azg Daily what services Artur
Baghdasarian was awarded such a high rank medal for and whether the
political figures of other countries were awarded the medal, Mher
Shahgeldian said: “The medal is given for strengthening the
French-Armenian relations and for his contribution to spreading the
European values. There are political figures of other European
countries that were given this medal, but they are not many.”

ACYO GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTES TO SUPPORT YOUTH IN ENGLAND, AND CONDEMN GENOCIDE
IN SUDAN
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, December 1 (Noyan Tapan). The 56th annual General
Assembly of the Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO) held on
Thanksgiving weekend was a smashing success, the Press Office of the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America
reported. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese, presided over the gathering of more than 90 delegates
from parishes throughout California and Arizona.
The ACYO Central Council lead the General Assembly through topics
ranging from reports of last year’s activities to the formation of the
first ACYO chapter in Europe and the current Genocide being committed
in the Darfur Region of the Sudan. Uniquely inspiring was the
unanimous vote to accept a resolution condemning the aforementioned
Genocide and calling on the nations of the world to do the same.
His Eminence made time to meet individually with each delegation of
the 20 chapters, to give them the opportunity to discuss their
feelings regarding the Church.
“The presence of the youth in the life of the church reflects the
continuity and the stronger presence of Christ’s Church. I was
overjoyed to see the youth engaged and committed to the mission of the
Church. Their fervor during the 56th General Assembly was inspiring,
and a true expression of the power our youth can have when they are
united in Christ’s name”, exclaimed Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
Saturday was the election of a new Central council. This council
pledged to continue the previous Council’s initiatives, which include
the strengthening the existing ACYO chapters, establishing new
chapters in the growing Mission parishes throughout the Western
Diocese, and working to make the ACYO a relevant and effective
organization in the life of Armenian Youth. In addition, they will
continue to promote the missions of the ACYO: the Christian Youth
Mission to Armenia, the Brighter Future for Armenia scholarship
program, and the Armenian Alliance for Aid.
A festive banquet took place Saturday night with the attendance of
over 300 youth.

HRANT MARGARIAN PRESENTS NEW COLLECTION IN NEW YORK
NEW YORK, December 1 (Noyan Tapan). The presentation of the new
collection of American-Armenian playwright and poet Hrant Margarian
was recently held at the hall of the Armenian Center in New York. It
was held upon the initiative of Hamazgayin.
According to the “Marmara” daily newspaper of Istanbul, Arevik
Gabrielian, Haroutiun Msyrlian, specialist in literature Vehanush
Tekian and employee of “Marmara” Zarmine Poghosian spoke about the
book during the presentation.
Hrant Margarian writes both in Armenian and English.

CHAIRMAN OF TURKEY’S PARLIAMENT REGRETS FOR “TRAGEDY OF THE BEGINNING
OF THE CENTURY” BUT CONSIDERS INADMISSIBLE ITS “SPECULATION”
YEREVAN, December 1 (Noyan Tapan). The members of RA NA delegation who
participated in the 24th plenary session of Parliamentary Assembly of
Black Sea Economic Cooperation held on November 23-25 in Antalia had a
meeting with journalists on December 1. 2 of 4 members of Armenian
delegation hadn’t left for Antalia for valid reasons.
Mekhak Mkhitarian (Orinats Yerkir) and Vladimir Badalian (National
Deputy MP group) who participated in the session told the journalists
that about 20 issues were included into the agenda. In particular,
issues regarding simplification of border admission of people and
goods, economic results and perspectives, preservation of regional
stability and security, role of the parliament in struggle against
corruption, preservation of cultural heritage were discussed. The
2005 budget of the organization was also approved. The number of 11
member-states of the organizations increased by 1, Serbia also became
a member of the organization. The Ukraine assumed the chairmanship of
PA for the next 6 months. The next plenary session will be held in
July 2005 in Kiev.
It was also mentioned that Vladimir Badalian was elected Deputy
Chairman of one of 3 standing commissions of PA, commission on
cultural and social issues. The MP drew special attention to the sad
condition of 916 Armenian historic-cultural monuments in Turkey’s
territory, especially to the sad condition of Ani and proposed that
they should be restored jointly with Armenia. But, according to him,
the proposal was ignored.
The Parliamentary Assembly discussed and declined Georgia’s proposal
“to stop cooperation with the countries with separatist regimes”. The
proposal received 3 for and 3 against votes, 4 MPs abstained from
voting. Besides Armenia, RF and Turkey were also against the proposal.
The Armenian MPs were especially impressed by the meeting with Bulent
Arnj, Chairman of Turkey’s Parliament, and the “warm atmosphere.” The
perspectives of Armenian-Turkish relations, Turkey’s possible
membership in EU, issues of Nagorno Karabakh settlement were discussed
during the meeting lasting half an hour. In particular, the Turkish
high-ranking official called in question the efficiency of activity of
OSCE Minsk Group and expressed bewilderment in connection with the
fact that Armenia declined Turkey’s readiness of mediation in Karabakh
issue. He mentioned that the steps aimed at recognition of Armenian
Genocide and especially the activity of Turkish Armenians in this
issue hamper establishment of friendly relations between Armenia and
Turkey. Not using the “genocide” word Arnj said in private
conversation that he regrets for the tragedy of the beginning of the
century but considers inadmissible the speculation of the issue. The
Armenian MPs didn’t agree to Arnj’s viewpoint and, in particular,
expressed an opinion that Turkey should display equal approaches both
to the other countries of the region and to Armenia.

BAGRAT YESAYAN PRESENTS ACTIONS OF ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES DIRECTED AT
STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION TO ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES OF WESTERN NEW
YORK
November 30 (Noyan Tapan). On November 12-21, Adviser to RA President
Bagrat Yesayan visited the eastern states of the US at the invitation
of the Central Committee of Dashnaktsutyun of the US eastern region.
The purpose of the visit was to acquaint the Armenian communities of
the United States with the actions and measures undertaken by the
Armenian authorities for struggle against corruption, as well as the
tasks of the Diaspora in this context.
Bagrat Yesayan mentioned that Armenia has passed the certain way in
the formation of the legislative field. And all the prerequisites of
the free market for investments have already been established, and
even according to international organization, Armenia is considered as
a country with liberal economy. Bagrat Yesayan considers the step of
Armenia’s joining a number of international structures, such as GRECO,
as important.
In connection with the role of the Diaspora B. Yesayan mentioned that
living in the countries with the full-fledged democratic and civil
society, the compatriots in the Diaspora may greatly contribute to the
matter of the formation of the healthy public thought due to their
experience and personal example.
Taking occasion Bagrat Yesayan visited the Armenian Office in the UN,
where he spoke with Ambassador Armen Martirosian about the internal
problems of Armenia, as well as issues regarding Armenia within the
framework of the UN.
According to “Hayrenik” (“Motherland”) newspaper, the solemn
arrangement dedicated to the 114th anniversary of ARF was organized by
the Chicago Committee “Christopher” on November 20. And here Bagrat
Yesayan touched upon the issues regarding struggle against corruption
and answered the questions of participants of the arrangement.