Category: News

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472 USA
(617) 926-TREE (8733)
Contact: Jason Sohigian
PRESS RELEASE
October 17, 2004
ATP INAUGURATES OHANIAN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER IN KARIN
KARIN, Armenia–Armenia Tree Project (ATP) inaugurated its Michael and
Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center in the village of Karin on
October 12. The establishment of this ATP educational center is the result
of a generous donation from Mrs. Virginia Ohanian of Belmont, MA, in memory
of her husband, the late Michael Ohanian.
ATP established its nursery in Karin in 1996, and as part of an expansion of
its programs, ATP has added environmental and forestry education to its
mission. Immediately after Mrs. Ohanian learned about this program, this
educational center was proposed and established on the nursery site. Mrs.
Ohanian was present at the inauguration, along with a number of ATP’s
diasporan supporters traveling with the Armenian Assembly of America
Trustees’ Delegation to Armenia.
Opening the program, ATP Country Director Susan Yacubian Klein explained
that the UNHCR played the primary role in the establishment of the refugee
village of Karin, but that its residents had little employment
opportunities. As a result of the opening of the ATP nursery in the village,
a number of them were able to work and provide income for their families.
`The Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center provides
much-needed jobs, but it also fills a need for hands-on agricultural
training,’ stated Ms. Yacubian Klein, adding that already over 130 students
have been taught at the center from the Agricultural Academy and the local
school in Karin.
She explained that the nursery staff assists students in practical work in
the fields, and that students also attend lectures by the staff and invited
experts. `Thanks to Ginny Ohanian, we are able to provide this outreach to
the people in Armenia,’ she emphasized.
Executive Director Jeffrey Masarjian added that in addition to the nurseries
in Karin, Aygut, and elsewhere, ATP is planning to plant one million trees
per year beginning in 2006. He also introduced Yerevan office Deputy
Director Mher Sadoyan, Watertown office Deputy Director Jason Sohigian,
Nursery Director Samvel Ghandilyan, and CTP Director Anahit Gharibyan to the
more than 60 guests on the Armenian Assembly visit.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Ghandilyan thanked Mrs. Ohanian, her family, and
other ATP supporters on behalf of the staff and the residents of Karin, for
the establishment of the educational center.
After the introductions, Mrs. Ohanian recounted her husband Michael’s
long-time relationship with Stephen Mugar, the father of ATP founder Carolyn
Mugar. She also reiterated her firm support for Ms. Mugar and the work of
ATP, recalling an earlier visit to the Karin nursery when the seedlings and
fruit trees were at the very early stage of growth.
After a ceremonial tree planting by Mrs. Ohanian and her family and a ribbon
cutting for the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center,
Mrs. Ohanian expressed her feeling of honor and privilege for this gift.
Later, guests were able to meet with ATP staff and tour the nursery,
followed by a luncheon.
During the event, the Mayor of Karin expressed his gratitude toward ATP for
choosing the village as the site for one of its nurseries. `I would like to
thank ATP for keeping people in our village,’ stated Mayor Haykaz
Ter-Gulanyan. `We are doing our best to help the nursery, and we will do
anything we can to expand it and create more jobs for local people.’
`What you are doing is an honor for the village and our country, and thanks
to ATP, Armenia is even more green than it was before you began working
here,’ concluded the Mayor of Karin.
For additional information about this event or other ATP programs, please
contact Jason Sohigian at [email protected] or visit

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
10/20/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Armenian Political Parties Issue Joint Statement on Presidential Elections 2) Unprecedented European Armenian Convention Ends, Issues Declaration 3) European Greens Support Turkish EU Bid 4) Western Prelacy Board of Regents for Prelacy Armenian School Appointed 5) Armenian, Georgian Presidents to Meet in Georgia 6) Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian in Italy 1) Armenian Political Parties Issue Joint Statement on Presidential Elections On October 19, The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Armenian Democratic-Liberal Party, and the Social-Democratic Hunchak Party issued the following appeal to the Armenian community in the United States to cast their vote for Presidential candidate John Kerry: An Appeal to American-Armenians The US presidential elections will take place on November 2. The two main candidates, President George W. Bush and US Senator John Kerry, are waging a vigorous campaign for the people's votes. So far, according to observers, the ratings of the two candidates are extremely close; each vote will, therefore, carry significance. On November 2, the American people will have their decisive say--including American-Armenians, who will go to the polls conscious of their civic duty. Accordingly, we appeal to our people to vote for Senator John Kerry, because he has espoused pro-Armenian positions on issues that American-Armenians consider vital. As a Senator, John Kerry has been constant in adopting positions in favor of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, increases in US aid to Armenia, and a just resolution to the Mountainous Karabagh problem. Moreover, he has always had an open-door policy toward American-Armenians and has been responsive to our needs and requests. John Kerry's efforts within the Senate are proof positive of his pro-Armenian and pro-Armenia policies. Under the current circumstances, American-Armenians will play a crucial role in the upcoming presidential elections, because every vote counts. On November 2, let us go to the polls, en masse, to cast our votes in favor of Senator John Kerry. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committees of the Western and Eastern United States Armenian Democratic-Liberal Party Regional Executives of the Western and Eastern United States Social-Democratic Hunchak Party 2) Unprecedented European Armenian Convention Ends, Issues Declaration BRUSSELS--The first Convention of European Armenians closed on Tuesday with the adoption of a final declaration affirming its support for fundamental European values, the need for the increased promotion of Armenian identity within Europe, further integration of Armenia into the European family of nations, and strong opposition to Turkey's candidacy for membership in the European Union. The more than two hundred and fifty delegates to the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) Convention unanimously affirmed these points. The declaration will be sent to the twenty-five member states of the European Union. Tuesday's program opened with a panel on The challenges of the enlargement process, moderated by Phillipe Kalfayan, the Deputy Secretary General of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH). In a sweeping introduction to this topic, Kalfayan touched on the security, religious, and cultural dimensions to Turkey's candidacy, as well as the impact of internal Turkish policy on its relations with European institutions. The first speaker, noted historian and the Rector of the Catholic University of Louvain, Prof. Bernard Coulie, alluding to the reservoir of historical understanding of Armenia's longstanding relations with Europe, discussed the prospects for Armenia and Armenian diaspora drawing closer to the European Union. He noted with certainty that Armenia--as a member or close neighbor, will either be in or on the border with the European Union. The Armenian community of Europe, he explained, will become a vital catalyst in bringing Armenia and Europe closer together. The second speaker, Chairman of the Armenian Liberal Democratic (Ramgavar) Party Jean Varoujan Sirapian, point by point spelled out why Turkey's acceptance into the European Union would contradict the spirit of the Union's founding, and would ultimately undermine the interests and values of the vital institution. He sharply criticized recent reports pointing out Turkey's many failures, nonetheless still recommending opening talks on membership. He announced the publication of a report by the Chobanian Institute that makes the case against Turkey's acceptance into the EU. The next speaker, the Vice-President of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament Harlem Desir, stressed the that though Turkey must be held accountable for meeting EU criteria, once these have been met, Turkey could, nevertheless, rightfully be considered for membership. He stressed his efforts and the work of his Party in pressing Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide and noted his regret that the EU did not formally set Armenian genocide recognition as a precondition for membership. Turkey must do what Germany and France have done, Desir stressed, and come to terms with their history. The EU, he noted, should use Turkey's interest in membership as leverage to secure continued reforms. In a spirited and compelling presentation, the next speaker, Frank Biancheri, analyzed the practical prospects for Turkey's acceptance into the EU. Biancheri, the Chairman of the think tank TIESweb, argued that for a myriad of domestic and international reasons, Turkey's membership is highly unrealistic during the next twenty years. "The fact is," he said, "that the forces against Turkey's membership have set forth arguments that have resonance across Europe, while pro-Turkey elements have been limited to parts of ruling European elite. Given the likelihood of referendums on Turkey's acceptance, the chances for approval are very low." He argued, instead, for a Privileged Partnership relationship as a realistic alternative. The final speaker on the panel, Charles Papazian, representing the Western Europe branch of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, argued that acceptance into the EU would run counter to European values and public opinion across the continent. He outlined the basis for this opposition, on issues ranging from genocide denial, blockades, human rights, treatment of minorities, the continued occupation of Cyprus, and the role of religion in Turkish society. He stressed the growing gap on this issue between governing European elites and the broad cross section of popular opinion. In closing, he discussed ARF's advocacy and grassroots efforts in Brussels and throughout Europe in opposing Turkey's membership to culminate in a demonstration outside of the European Commission building on December 17. The especially spirited question and answer period, which lasted nearly two hours, raised issues on the lowering of EU standards for Turkey, the role of public opinion on Turkey's candidacy, and the sincerity of pronouncements by elements of Turkey's governing elite concerning the EU. Charles Tannock, MEP, (Christian Democrat, UK), criticized the moral double standard being applied to Turkey, and warned of the large costs of taking Turkey into the Union and stressed that serious attention should be devoted to the issues of fundamental cultural differences, and the role of Islam in Turkey. He predicted that the top-driven agenda of getting Turkey into the EU will come to a halt as national referendums are held on this issue. Following the question and answer session, Hilda Tchoboian, the Chairperson of the EAFJD, read the Declaration of the Convention, which was approved unanimously by acclamation. In his closing remarks, ARF Bureau member and the Chairman of the Armenian National Committee international coordinating body Garo Armenian, praised this historic beginning and noted the progress made by Europe's Armenian community in emerging as a political force on the European stage. He stressed the success of the EAFJD in developing a Europe-wide consensus, and organizing focused and effective advocacy in the key European capitals. He closed his comments by noting for all in attendance that the real work for Europe's increasingly vibrant Armenian community lies ahead. Following the formal program, Hilda Tchoboian and EAFJD Executive Director Laurent Leylekian held a press conference for the several dozen print and broadcast journalists at the Convention. 3) European Greens Support Turkish EU Bid (AFP/DW)--During a three-day parliamentary group meeting in Istanbul, Europe's Greens have come out in support for Turkey's EU bid and criticized proposed national referendums on its membership. Europe's Greens, once Turkey's most vocal critics and now the staunchest supporters of its EU membership, began a three-day parliamentary group meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday by airing strong criticism against any plans to hold national referendums on whether Ankara should join the bloc. "We are against holding referendums in one country about another country," Greens group president Daniel Cohn-Bendit said. "There are seven million Turks living in Europe, so the real question in the referendum will be, 'Do you like Turks--do you like Muslims?'" He singled out President Jacques Chirac, criticizing his proposal to amend the French constitution to allow referendums on future EU members as "foolish" and "ridiculous." "How can a democratic president, even Chirac, say what will happen 'in 10 years' time?" Cohn-Bendit asked at a press conference at the opening of the meeting. "Are they going to have referendums on the memberships of Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia? The French will go crazy," he said. "This is ridiculous. Don't waste our time with what will happen in 10 years." Cohn-Bendit was flanked at the press conference by co-chair Monica Frassoni of Italy, Dutchman Joost Logendijk, and Germany's Cem Özdemir, both of the EU-Turkey joint parliamentary committee. SPECIAL NEGOTIATIONS Cohn-Bendit urged Turkey to accept the fact that it is different from other candidate countries and that a special negotiating process is needed to allow it into the EU. A generally favorable European Commission report on Oct. 6 advises EU leaders to agree at a Dec. 17 summit in Brussels to launch membership talks with Turkey. "When you say, 'We want equal treatment,' you do not mean it," Cohn-Bendit said. "Turkey is not Malta, it is not Romania, it is not Bulgaria. It is a big country, it is a proud country, and its entry into the EU will be an important event." 'CRITICAL FRIENDS' He said the Greens had arrived in Turkey as "critical friends" in hopes that many issues that remain to be ironed out--the situation of the Kurds and other minorities, women's rights, the Armenian massacres--could be "openly discussed among friends." "We must have uncomfortable discussions on, for example, Cyprus and the role of the army," Frassoni said, adding: "The process of building a European democracy is not finished." The Greens support Turkey's EU membership, the Italian MEP said, but so does Italy's conservative Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi--"his reasons are not the same as ours," she added. "What is the Greens' message to Turkey?" asked Özdemir, who is of Turkish origin. "The message is that we are here and not somewhere else. If Turkey is today at another point than where it was several years ago, it is also because of civil society, not only because of politicians," he said. ISSUES ON CONTENTION Another message from the Greens to Turkey's politicians is "don't panic," Logendijk said. He added the Commission report contained elements Turkey and the Greens both disagree with, such as the open-ended nature of the talks and mention of permanent derogations concerning this country, such as barring its citizens from free circulation in Europe. "But," he said, "don't lose your focus; don't lose sight of the main point: [membership] negotiations should begin next year." The meeting of the joint Greens/European Free Alliance group next goes into a series of panel conferences covering aspects of Turkey-EU ties. Panelists include German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gül, Kurdish activist Leyla Zana, and Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk. 4) Western Prelacy Board of Regents for Prelacy Armenian School Appointed His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the Executive Council announced on October 18, appointments to the Board of Regents of Western Prelacy Armenian Schools. The Prelate and the Executive Council met with newly appointed members Dr. Roubina Peroomian, Dr. Armine Hacopian, Dr. Ida Karayan, Dr. Vartkes Tomassian, Avo Keshishian, Mher Der Ohanessian, Vahe Hovaguimian and Chris Keossian, JD, to discuss the affairs and plans for Prelacy schools. At the end of discussions, the Board of Regents held its first working session and formed its executive body: Dr. Roubina Peroomian, Chairperson; Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice-chairperson; Vahe Hovaguimian, Secretary; Avo Keshishian, Treasurer. 5) Armenian, Georgian Presidents to Meet in Georgia YEREVAN (Armenpress)--President Robert Kocharian will visit Georgia on October 22 for an official three-day visit. The welcoming ceremony will be held at Bagratashen village on the Armenian-Georgian border, after which Kocharian will meet with his counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili in the capital city Tbilisi. Kocharian's visit also includes meetings with parliament chairwoman Nino Burjanadze, prime minister Zurab Zhvania, as well as the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. He will conclude his trip by meeting with members of the local Armenian community. 6) Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian in Italy ROME (Armenpress)--Foreign Minister Oskanian arrived in Italy on October 18, to mark the third official visit of an Armenian Foreign Minister to Italy since 1998. In a meeting with his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini, the ministers discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues, taking into consideration the prospects of developing relations. They specifically addressed Armenia's economic development, and Italy's knowledge of small and medium enterprises, as well as the tourism industry. They also spoke of expanding cultural relations as well as those concerning health care, and education. In the course of their political discussions, they addressed Armenia's integration into Europe within the framework of EU's New Neighborhood Policy, as well as Armenia's and Italy's cooperation within international organizations. They also thoroughly covered urgent international policy issues, developments in the South Caucasus, the Mountainous Karabagh conflict, and Armenian-Turkish relations. Oskanian also visited The Vatican and met with Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican secretary for relations with states. In 1998, the two countries signed documents to encourage mutual protection of capital investments, and consultation between their foreign services. During his second visit to Italy in June 2002, Oskanian signed an inter-governmental treaty on taxation. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
for Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B – 1000 BRUSSELS
Tel. +32 (0)2 732 70 26
Tel. /Fax. +32 (0)2 732 70 27
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Talline Tachdjian
Tel. +32 (0)2 732 70 26
October 18th, 2004
FIRST EUROPEAN ARMENIAN CONVENTION ATTRACTS HUNDREDS
— FEATURES LEADING EUROPEAN UNION EXPERTS
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (18 October 2004) – In a landmark event that brought over
two hundred and fifty Armenian advocacy leaders from more than fifteen
European nations, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy
(EAFJD) today held the opening day of the first ever Convention of European
Armenians in the European Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium.
The Convention, which is taking place at a critical time for the more than
two million Armenians living in the European Union, provided a forum for
scholarly discussion, rigorous debate, and consensus-building on the role of
Armenian culture and identify within the Europe, the implications of
Turkey’s candidacy for the European Union, and the expansion of the EU’s
“neighbourhood” to include the countries of the Caucasus. Today’s program,
which included the first two of the Convention’s sessions, featured
presentations by senior European policy-makers, intellectuals, and community
leaders. Each presentation, which was simultaneously translated in the
French, English, and Armenian, was followed by a question and answer
session. The day’s events ended with a reception in the European Parliament
building.
WELCOMING REMARKS
The Convention opened with remarks from Francis Wurtz, (MEP -European United
Left), the Chairman of the European Parliament host committee for this
program. His remarks were followed by Ruben Shugarian, the Deputy Foreign
Minister of the Republic of Armenia, whose responsibilities include Armenian
diplomacy toward Europe and the Western Hemisphere. A welcoming speech was
made by EAFJD Chairperson Hilda Tchoboian, who followed her remarks by
inviting Toros Sagherian, the Chairman of the Forum of Armenian Associations
of Europe, to offer his thoughts to those in attendance. Messages of
support were read from the H.H. Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians,
H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House Cilicia, and His Beatitude Nerses
Bedros, XIXth Patriach of Armenians Catholics.
ARMENIAN CULTURE ET IDENTY IN EUROPE
The first session covered the issue of “Armenian Culture and Identity in
Europe,” a topic of pressing concern to community leaders committed to
seeing the Armenian contribution to Europe fully recognized and appreciated.
The four member panel was chaired by Alexis Govciyan, the Chairman of
“Europe de la Memoire.” The discussion started with a presentation, titled
“The European Linguistic Policy: Commission’s Planning 2004-2006,” by
Jacques Delmoly, the Head of the Language Policy Unit in the European
Commission’s Directorate General. He stressed the importance the Commission
places on promoting a favourable climate for the learning of languages based
on a policy of linguistic diversity in an environment of integration. He
spent considerable time, both in his presentation and during questions and
answers, explaining the role of the Armenian language – which he cited as an
official European minority language – within this system of language
education.
Delmoly’s official perspective on Armenian language education was followed
by Haroutioun Kurkjian, an Athens-based author of Armenian language text
books. After reviewing the context in which the Armenian community has
evolved within Europe, Kurkjian, in his presentation on “The Armenian
Culture and the European Union,” stressed the need for the European Union to
create a favourable environment for multiculturalism, one that is conducive
for the development of Armenian language and culture. He noted his
dissatisfaction with the failure of schools and the media to sufficiently
propagate the Armenian language, and called for the European Armenian
community to undertake the gradual “cultural rearming” of the Armenian
diaspora.
The third speaker on the first panel was Prof. Mihran Dabag, the Director of
the Institute of Diasporas and Genocide at Bochum University in Germany.
His comments, titled “The Armenian Experience in the Context of European
Policies of Remembrance,” examined European attitudes and policies dealing
with the Armenian Genocide and other aspects of Armenian history within the
context of traditional and modern European models of remembrance. He noted
that Europe’s remembrance has not normally been understood as including the
Armenian Genocide, despite the fact that this crime falls well within the
European experience on a number of fronts. The Armenian Genocide should be
recognized as part of European history, he argued, not simply as an element
of the Turkish-Armenian relationship. Prof. Dabag cited the new Turkish
Penal Code, which criminalizes discussion of the Armenian Genocide, as a
prime example of Turkey’s refusal to come to terms with this matter.
Europe, he said, needs to provide a political answer to the political issue
of Turkey’s genocide of the Armenian nation. Moving beyond the Genocide
issue, he stressed that the Armenian community must make concerted efforts
to create a framework that will ensure that Armenian literature is accepted
by Europeans as part of their own tradition.
The final speaker in the first panel was Jules Mardirossian, Chairman of the
Armenian Studies, Information and Documentation Center in France. The
comments by this long-time intellectual and community leader, were on the
theme of “New Identities, Political Challenges and the Issue of Transfer of
Culture.” In his presentation, Mardirossian explored the transformation of
individual and collective identity and values of Armenians in Europe.
Starting with a theoretical discussion of the nature of identity, he then
described the reality of the post-modern, traditional, and transitional
models of Armenian community identity today. Mardirossian ended his
sweeping review of the identity challenges and opportunities facing the
Armenians of Europe with the insight that culture without politics cannot
survive, while politics without culture is sterile.
Questions for the first panel included requests for additional insights into
how to secure EU funding for Armenian language education, the potential loss
of the Melkonian School as a center of Diasporan education, and the broader
neglect of identity building outside of Armenia. A spirited exchange on
these issues lasted an hour, and was only adjourned to make time for the
group to break for lunch.
EU-ARMENIA RELATIONS
The second session, chaired by EAFJD Executive Director Laurent Leylekian,
moved the focus of discussion from Armenian identity within the Europe to
the EU’s relations with Armenia. This topic began with insights from
Marie-Anne Isler-Beguin, MEP, the Chairwoman of the EU-South Caucasus
delegation. As the point person in the European Parliament on engagement
with Armenia and its Caucasus neighbours, Isler-Beguin began by noting the
EU’s concern about the Armenian Cause, and stressing her appreciation of the
fact that the concerns raised by Armenians about Turkey’s candidacy are
founded in fact. While noting that the EU should use its leverage over
Turkey’s entry to bring an end to the blockade of Armenia, she added that
she believed that, in time, Turkey would accept its past and mutual
interests would prevail over mutual hostility. On the topic of EU-Armenia
relations, Isler-Begiun stated that European institutions would welcome
progress by the Caucasus countries toward the EU family. She specifically
expressed encouragement about Armenia’s acceptance into the EU’s new
neighbourhood program, the values that the EU and Armenia share, and the
prospect for continued cooperation between Europe and Armenia on specific
projects.
The second speaker, Vicken Tchitetchian, serves as Armenia’s Ambassador to
the European Union. He provided an in-depth review of the current status
and future prospects for expanded EU-Armenia relations. He pointed out that
European integration was not being imposed from the outside, but rather
sought by the Armenian government, which is moving this process forward in a
realistic and practical manner. Amb. Tchitetchian stressed that Armenia has
made progress in its key areas of reform, despite the fact that its
neighbour to the West has sought, using the last closed border in Europe, to
hinder its progress at every turn.
Also presenting as part of the second panel was Vahan Zanoyan, the CEO of
the Petroleum Finance Corporation and a world-renowned expert on
international energy issues. Zanoyan reviewed the history and current
status of the Baku-Tiblisi-Ceyhan pipeline and its implications for Armenia.
He focused on two pressing challenges for backers of the pipeline, namely
financing, which has largely been resolved via multilateral agencies, and
the sufficiency of oil throughput for the line’s viability, which remains an
open question. He then spent considerable time offering his insights on the
geopolitics of the pipeline and its impact on Armenia and the region.
Richard Tibbels, the Armenian Desk Officer of the European Commission’s
Directorate General, offered a presentation on “EU-Armenia relations:
Challenges and Opportunities.” Tibbels, who works on a daily basis with the
Armenian government, stressed that Armenia has made considerable progress
across a number of reform areas – including alignment with European legal
standards, membership in the World Trade Organization, and in its poverty
reduction efforts. He also pointed out areas for improvement, including the
conduct of the 2003 presidential elections, respect for human rights, and
the need to address income disparity and corruption as the economy grows
stronger. The neighbourhood program is not a gateway to prospective EU
membership, but nor does it, he explained, in any way close the door to
future participation in the European Union. Tibbels closed by noting the
critical role that Europe’s Armenian community plays in bringing the EU and
Armenia closer together.
The next presentation began with an announcement by Amb. Tchitetchian that
the speaker – Demetrio Volcic – had been awarded the “Mkhitar Gosh” award in
recognition of his support for the rule of law and the virtue of justice.
Volcic, a former member of the European Parliament, noted that the EU has
adopted a new pattern of thinking about areas on its borders. The EU, he
said, can no longer afford to ignore the Caucasus region, and should devote
increasing attention to Turkey’s policies toward Armenia.
Volcic was followed by Armand Sarian, a noted economist from France, who
spoke on the topic of “Economic Relations between Armenia and the EU.”
Sarian began by noting the economic importance of this relationship, on
issues ranging from investment to foreign aid. He stressed the progress
Armenia has made on economic issues, despite its lack of resources, the near
total orientation of its economy to Soviet markets, the 1988 earthquake, and
the ongoing Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades. He underscored the need to
continue Armenia’s growth, to foster the conditions for peace, and to make
Armenia increasingly attractive to outside investors.
The final speaker of the day was Prof. Otto Luchterhandt, who teaches
International Law at the University of Hamburg. In his remarks, he outlined
a compelling historical and legal case for Nagorno Karabagh’s right to
self-determination. In addition, he sharply criticized the EU’s
inconsistency in identifying serious shortcoming in Turkey’s willingness to
meet clear European standards, while still recommending that Turkey begin
talks toward eventual membership. He stated his strong opposition to any
actions by the EU that position it as a neutral party in the matter of the
Armenian Genocide. The proper role for the EU, he argued, is in the morally
correct position of pressing Turkey to come to terms with this crime.
During the discussion period after this presentation, Deputy Foreign
Minister Shugarian repeated a point he had made several weeks earlier that
Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide represents a security issue
for the Republic of Armenia. Other topics raised in questions included
whether the EU was fully using its leverage to press Turkey to meet
international norms domestically and in its conduct with neighbouring
states. Other issues for discussion included Armenia’s economic integration
with Europe and the need for a differentiated EU approach to the Caucasus
countries based on the merits of their respective progress in economic and
political reforms.
Additional news about the second day of the Convention will be forthcoming.
The EAFJD represents more than 300 Armenian organizations in Europe.

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
for Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B – 1000 BRUSSELS
Tel. +32 (0)2 732 70 26
Tel. /Fax. +32 (0)2 732 70 27
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Talline Tachdjian
Tel. +32 (0)2 732 70 26
October 19th, 2004
FIRST EUROPEAN ARMENIAN CONVENTION ISSUES DECLARATION AFFIRMING ITS
VALUES, VIEWS, AND ADVOCACY AGENDA
BRUSSELS. BELGIUM (October 19th, 2004) – The first Convention of
European Armenians, convened at the European Parliament, closed today
with the adoption of a final declaration affirming its support for
fundamental European values, the need for the increased promotion of
Armenian identity within Europe, the further integration of Armenia into
the European family of nations, and strong opposition to
Turkey’s candidacy for membership in the European Union.
These points were agreed to by acclamation by the more than two hundred
and fifty delegates to the European Armenian Federation for Justice and
Democracy (EAFJD) Convention, the first of its kind on the European
continent. The declaration will be sent to the twenty-five member
states of the European Union.
The challenges of the EU enlargement process
Today’s progam opened with a panel on `The challenges of
the EU enlargement process,’ moderated by Phillipe Kalfayan, the
Deputy Secretary General of the International Federation of Human Rights
(FIDH). In a sweeping introduction to this topic, Kalfayan touched on
the security, religious and cultural dimensions to Turkey’s
candidacy for membership in the European Union, as well as the impact of
internal Turkish policy on its relations with European institutions.
The first speaker was Prof. Bernard Coulie, a noted historian and the
Rector of the Catholic University of Louvain. Drawing on a reservoir of
historical understanding of Armenia’s longstanding relations
with Europe, Prof. Coulie discussed the prospects for Armenia –
and, with it, the Armenian Diaspora, – drawing closer to the
European Union. He noted with certainty that Armenia will either be in
or on the border with the European Union, as a member or close neighbor.
The Armenian communtiy of Europe, he explained, will play an
increasingly vital catalyst role in bringing Armenia and Europe closer
together.
The second speaker of the day was Jean Varoujan Sirapian, the Chairman
of the Armenian Liberal Democratic (Ramgavar) Party in France. He
spelled out, in a point by point analysis, why Turkey’s
acceptance into the European Union would contradict the spirit of the
Union’s founding and, ultimately, undermine the interests and
values of this vital institution. He sharply criticized the recent
reports issued by the European Commission about Turkey which point out
its many failures, but nonetheless still recommended opening talks on
membership. He announced the publication of a report by the Chobanian
Institute that makes the case against Turkey’s acceptance into
the EU.
The next speaker, Harlem Desir, was the Vice-President of the Socialist
Group in the European Parliament. He stressed the twin points that
Turkey must be held accountable for meeting the EU criteria, but that,
once these points have been met, Turkey could rightfully be considered
for membership. He stressed his efforts and the work of his Party in
pressing Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide and noted his regret
that the EU did not formally set Armenian Genocide recognition as a
precondition for membership. Desir made the point that Turkey must do
what Germany and France have done, namely come to terms with their
history. Doing so will not be a setback for Turkey, but rather a
victory for truth. The EU, he noted, should use Turkey’s
interest in membership as leverage to secure continued reforms.
In a spirited and compelling presentation, the next speaker, Frank
Biancheri, analyzed the practical prospects for Turkey’s
acceptance into the EU. Biancheri, the Chairman of the think tank
TIESweb, argued that – for a myriad of domestic and
international reasons – Turkey’s membership was highly
unrealistic during the next twenty years. The fact is, he said, that
the forces against Turkey’s membership have set forth arguments
that have resonance across Europe, while pro-Turkey elements have been
limited to parts of ruling European elites. Given the likelihood of
referendums on Turkey’s acceptance, the chances for approval are
very low. He argued, instead, for a Priviledged Partnership
relationship as a realistic alternative.
The final speaker on the panel was Charles Papazian, representing the
Western Europe branch of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. His
remarks on Turkey’s EU candidacy argued that its acceptance
would run counter to European values and public opinion across the
continent. He outlined the basis for this opposition, on issues ranging
from genocide denial, blockades, human rights, treatment of minorities,
the continued occupation of Cyprus, and the role of religion in Turkish
society. He stressed the growing gap on this issue between governing
European elites and the broad cross section of popular opinion. He
closed by discussing the ARF’s advocacy and grassroots efforts
in Brussels and throughout Europe in opposing Turkey’s
membership, culmintating in a December 17th demonstration outside of the
European Commission building.
The question and answer period was especially spirited and lasted nearly
two hours. Among the issues raised were the lowering of EU standards
for Turkey, the role of public opinion on Turkey’s candidacy,
and the sincerity of pronouncements by members of Turkey’s
governing elites concerning the EU. During this discussion, remarks
were offered by Charles Tannock, MEP (Christian Democrat, UK), who
criticized the moral double standard being applied to Turkey. He warned
of the large costs of bringing Turkey into the Union and stressed that
serious attention should be devoted to the issues of fundamental
cultural differences, and the role of Islam in Turkey. He predicted
that the top-driven agenda of getting Turkey in the EU will come to a
halt as national referendums are held on this issue.
Declaration
Following the question and answer session, Hilda Tchoboian, the
Chairperson of the EAFJD, read the Charter of the Convention of
European-Armenians and the Declaration of the Convention, which were
approved unanimously by acclamation. Her comments were followed by
closing remarks by Garo Armenian, member of the ARF Bureau and the
Chairman of the Armenian National Committee international coordinating
body. In his comments, Armenian praised this historic beginning and
noted the progress made by Europe’s Armenian community in
emerging as a political force on the European stage. He stressed the
success of the EAFJD in developing a Europe-wide consensus, and
organizing focused and effective advocacy in the key European capitals.
He closed his comments by noting for all in attendance that the real
work for Europe’s increasingly vibrant Armenian community lies
ahead.
Press Conference
Following the formal program, Hilda Tchoboian and EAFJD Executive
Director Laurent Leylekian held a press conference for the several dozen
print and broadcast journalists at the Convention.
######
Enclosures:
– Charter of the Convention of European-Armenians (in Armenian)
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“HUMANE” OSSETIANS AND “INHUMAN” GEORGIANS
Why Armenian Embassy to Russia Keeps Silent
Azg/am
21 Oct 2004
Eduard Kokoyti, President of unacknowledged South Ossetia, turned to
be interested in the fate of dozens of Armenian hostages of Ergneti
settlementon the Georgian-Ossetian border. Regnum news agency informs
that the latter met the Armenians.
Boris Chichoyev, representative of South Ossetia on the issue of
Russian-Ossetian confrontation, and Marat Kulahmedov,
commander-in-chief ofpeacekeeping forces, also visited the
Armenians. South Ossetia, Ossetia’s official newspaper, defined
Georgia’s actions as “inhuman” in an article titled “Armenian
Hostages”. The newspaper informs that local Ossetians help the
Armenians, supply them with food and water, send doctors to them and
offer lodges for night.
There is no reason to disbelieve. We witnessed Georgians helping
Armenians at the Kazbegi settlement of Russian-Georgian border few
weeks ago. But it’s a pity that Georgians and Ossetians alike
try to use Armenians’ adversity to settle their own political
problems.
Russia also has its own calculations. After having closed the Upper
Lars border crossing, Russian frontier guards send Armenians to
illegal checkpoint of Lower Zamarag-Tskhinvali-Ergneti knowing
beforehand that they will not be allowed to cross it. One may presume
that Russia wants to discredit Georgian authorities and throw
obstacles on the way of Yerevan-Tbilisi relations.
It’s hard to understand why Russia considers Tbilisi-Kazbegi-Upper
Lars-Vladikavkaz route that is controlled by Tbilisi (only Vladikavkaz
is under Russia’s control) to be dangerous. Is there any terrorist who
uses checkpoints to pass a border? If terrorists really pass to Russia
through Georgian-Russian checkpoints then why can’t they use South
Ossetia for the same purpose?
There are other questions as well. For instance, why do Armenian
embassy to Russia, consulates in Sochi and Rostov-on-Don keep silent?
Why don’t they visit Armenian citizens and try to support them? They
certainly cannot open the closed border but they can at least try to
keep back Armenians from going to South Ossetia and becoming “victims”
of Russian, Georgian and South Ossetian policy.
Armenians have been using the Georgian route to reach Russia for 14
years before border closure. They were often robbed on their way. The
Armenian press often wrote about the anarchy in South Ossetia, Georgia
and North Ossetia (Russia). I witnessed many incidents when buses with
Armenian citizens werestopped and passengers were robbed. It’s useless
to pretend humane and manipulate with Armenian-Ossetian,
Armenian-Georgian and Armenia-Russian “friendship”.
Armenia should make all possible efforts to hold Armenians back from
entering South Ossetia as long as Russian-Georgian border is
closed. Otherwise the number of Armenian “captives” will increase. If
Armenian state is unable totake out its citizens of Ergneti then it
should turn to the international organizations such as the Red Cross,
which has experience of dealing with such problems.
By Tatoul Hakobian

RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND CYPRUS HAVE BIG POTENTIAL
Cyprus Bridge for Armenia’s Integration to Europe
Azg/am
21 Oct 2004
Demetris Christofias, chairman of the House of Representatives of
Cyprus, paid an official visit to Yerevan on the invitation of Artur
Baghdasarian, chairman of RA National Assembly, on October 18-20. On
October 19, Artur Baghdasarian and Demetris Cristofias signed a
memorandum at RA parliament. Both sides assessed the meeting effective
from the viewpoint of developing the relations and strategic
cooperation. Baghdasarian believes that the relations between Armenia
and Cyprus have entered a new stage after the mutual visits of the
parliamentary delegations of the states. Today Armenia and Cyprus are
political partners that have no contradictions in any sphere and in
all the spheres they have big potential for cooperation. It was
envisaged to deepen cooperation in political, economic, cultural,
educational spheres.
Today, the Republic of Cyprus undertakes the role of a bridge between
the EU and the Republic of Armenia, Christofias assured. He finds the
cooperation of both countries in the international structures a
priority line, emphasizing the support Armenia renders to Cyprus in
CE, at the same time. Cyprus will support us also within the framework
of “Enlarged Europe: New Neighbors” program. As for Turkey’s
membership to EU, Greek statesman said that the policy of Cyprus
concerning this issue remained unchanged, as Turkey is an occupant
country and had occupied the 32% of Cyprus’ territory. Besides, for
becoming an EU member, Turkey has many problems to solve, including
the human rights and the basic freedom issues. Turkey should recognize
the Republic of Cyprus. Christofias said that these issues will be put
before Turkey till December, if this country wants to become the
member of EU. According to the personal opinionof Christofias, to
reach this aim, Turkey should recognize the Genocide of the Armenians
in 1915 as well.
Christofias believes that the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict
can be reached in peaceful way only, taking into account the interests
of RA and other countries of the region. He also thinks that the
settlement of Nagorno Karabakh issue will greatly weaken Turkey’s
influence in the international developments.
Emphasizing the importance of the cooperation between Armenia and
Cyprus, Christofias assured that the Cyprus authorities spare no
efforts to preserve Melkonian Educational Institute, as that is a
center for the Armenian community in Cyprus and an integral part of
the country’s culture.
Besides all the other factors, Christofias feels himself as in his own
motherland, also for the reason that Armenia is the only country where
the word “Cyprus” is pronounced in the same way as in Greek.
By Nana Petrosian

British parliament delegation arrives in Nagornyy Karabakh – Armenian agency
Mediamax news agency
20 Oct 04
YEREVAN
A delegation of the British parliament headed by a member of the House
of Commons, Gordon Marsden, arrived on a one-day fact-finding visit to
the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic (NKR) today.
Today, the British parliamentarians will be received by NKR President
Arkadiy Gukasyan and National Assembly Chairman Oleg Yesayan,
Mediamax’s correspondent reports from Stepanakert Xankandi .
The British delegation is also scheduled to meet representatives of
Nagornyy Karabakh NGOs.

Azeri paper urges authorities to respond to British MP’s Karabakh visit
Yeni Musavat, Baku
20 Oct 04
Text of Qasqay report by Azerbaijani newspaper Yeni Musavat on 20
October headlined “English finger”
The love of the deputy speaker of the British House of Lords, Baroness
Caroline Cox, for Armenia is not new to anyone. When Baroness Caroline
Cox feels bored in Blighty, she heads for Stepanakert to admire the
fog-shrouded mountains of Susa Shusha . And it never occurred to the
Azerbaijani authorities over so many years to pull the plug on such
visits or say to the British authorities “Hands off Karabakh!”. It is
clear why they can’t prevent the visits – because Cox goes to Karabakh
via Armenia. But if the Azerbaijani authorities cannot throw a woman
out of Karabakh, let alone the Armenians, what is there left to talk
about?
The Aliyevs’ family of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev business
relations with the English are known. It is no secret that BP, which
serves the interests of this country, has staked on Ilham Aliyev. But
if they are friends, they should be able to listen to each other. The
authorities, for instance, carefully observe their commitments to BP.
However, in addition to the fact that Cox is strengthening relations
with the Karabakh separatists, the number of people who have jumped on
her bandwagon is also rising. According to reports, this time Cox was
accompanied by four other members of parliament on her trip to
Karabakh.
Last week the Azerbaijani foreign minister said a list of foreign
companies working in Karabakh was being compiled. To be more exact,
this transpired after his “sweet accent” was translated in our Azeri
reference to the fact that he does not speak good Azeri . Of course,
it is understandable that these companies are too big, that they are
hiding in the Karabakh mountains and that there is no way the
authorities can cope with them. But how about saying a few words to a
group of pro-Armenian Britons at the British embassy in Baku? They the
Azerbaijani authorities almost deported the Norwegian ambassador from
the country after he refused to remain tight-lipped about the October
post-election violence last year. Or is it too difficult a task for
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, who is fluent in English, to send
a note to the embassy?
Let’s wait and see what Mammadyarov says. Of course, if we understand
what he says.

Top Iranian energy official warns Europe of dangers of low gas prices
IRNA web site, Tehran
20 Oct 04
Brussels, 20 October: The current high oil prices resulting partly
form insufficient supplies should signal a warning to gas consumers,
particularly in the European Union, warned Nezhad-Hoseynian, deputy
minister for international relations in Iran’s Oil Ministry.
Speaking at an international energy conference in Brussels Wednesday
20 October , he noted that in the past few years low oil prices
hampered investment in production projects which resulted in the
current undesirable situation.
“The same scenario can happen to natural gas, given the current low
gas sales prices,” said Nezhad-Hoseynian.
“Energy transit in Eurasia: challenges and perspectives” is the theme
of the 2-day conference which started on Tuesday.
The conference, organized by the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) has
brought together representatives of governments, businesses and
academic community from Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East to
discuss the existing legal framework for energy transit and future
perspectives for ensuring unimpeded flows of energy.
The Brussels-based ECT was formed in early 1990s to help maintain
energy security in Europe. It has been signed or acceded to by
fifty-one states.
Nezhad-Hoseynian stated that gas pricing mechanisms have always been a
controversial issue between suppliers and customers.
He said Iran has the potential to export natural gas both to the EU
markets and the emerging markets with huge demands such as India,
Pakistan, China and even Japan.
“Iran the biggest natural gas producer and consumer in the Middle
East, with the second largest proven natural gas and oil reserves, is
emerging as a major supplier of natural gas to the world,” he said.
Nezhad-Hoseynian said Iran has plans to increase oil production
capacity from the present 4.2m b/d to around 6m b/d in 2015 in order
to maintain its current share in OPEC’s production.
The Islamic Republic also has plans to increase its gas production
capacity from 130bn cm/y to 300bn cm/y in the next ten years and to
400bn cm/y in the next 20 years.
Iran is planning to invest some 100 billion dollars in oil and gas by
the year 2015. During the past seven years, Iran has invested more
than 46 billion dollars in this sector, 65 per cent of which have come
from foreign investors.
He noted that Iran is exporting gas to Turkey and very soon the
Islamic Republic will start exports to Armenia and Naxcivan and the
UAE.

Armenia’s GDP 10-per-cent up in nine months of 2004
Mediamax news agency
20 Oct 04
YEREVAN
Armenia’s GDP growth in January-September 2004 amounted to 10.2 per
cent compared to the same period last year.
The GDP totalled 1,242.6bn drams 2.4bn dollars during the said period,
Mediamax was told at the National Statistics Service of Armenia today.
Industrial output totalled 377,635m drams 0.73bn dollars in Armenia in
January-September 2004, which is 1.6 per cent more compared to the
same period last year.