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04/22/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Country with a Conscience, Canada Passes Armenian Genocide Legislation 2) Sen. Kerry Calls for International Recognition of Armenian Genocide 3) European Armenian Federation Hails Canada 4) Turkey Chides Canada over Armenia Genocide Vote 1) Country with a Conscience, Canada Overwhelmingly Passes Armenian Genocide Legislation OTTAWA (Combined Sources)--The Canadian Parliament on Wednesday ignored long-standing government policy and angered Turkey by formally declaring that Ottoman Turks committed genocide against Armenians in 1915. The non-partisan vote was 153 for and 68 against. When the result of the vote was announced, the House of Commons chamber, packed with Armenians from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and other Canadian cities, burst in applause, shouting “bravo.” Tears of joy could be seen in the eyes of many Armenians. Motion M-380, which reads: “That this House acknowledges the Armenian genocide of 1915 and condemns this act as a crime against humanity,” was moved by MP Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral and was seconded by MPs Sarkis Assadourian, Jason Kenney, and Alexa McDonough. Voting, which began at 6:15 PM, lasted 30 minutes. The governing Liberal leadership paved the way for this vote by allowing a “free vote,” meaning that individual members are allowed to vote their conscience, without any pressure or negative repercussions from their respective party leaderships. Although Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham used every means available to him to defeat the Motion, he was unable to change the historic outcome. In the vote, several leading members of the Liberal Party, including parliamentary secretaries, voted in favor; however, no full cabinet minister voted against. Aris Babikian, of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, pointed out that several key cabinet ministers, including Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and even Prime Minister Paul Martin, were absent for the vote. “It’s a terrible double standard for Paul Martin to force his ministers to vote against it and not even show up himself,” said Tory foreign affairs critic Stockwell Day. “That is a hypocritical double standard.” At a celebration party after Tuesday’s vote, Babikian said he owed this victory to his grandfather who “lost six brothers and sisters in the genocide” and “saw his own six-year-old sister burned to death." On February 21, the Parliament held its first reading of Bill M-380, which included an hour of debate on the measure. Among those speaking in favor of the Resolution during the first reading were Derek Lee, Eleni Bakopnaos, Francine Lalonde, Stockwell Day, and the Hon. Lorne Nystrom. The second reading of M-380, to recognize the Armenian Genocide, took place on April 20. During the one-hour debate, only one member of the House spoke against the motion. The other seven speakers were favored of the motion. In the last two days, the Turkish Embassy and its public relations firms had launched a concerted campaign against the adoption of the bill. A delegation from the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) was on hand to counter the Turkish Embassy’s campaign of falsification and distortion of the historical facts. An ANCC team has been in the nation’s capital for the past several weeks representing the community’s views on this matter. The passing of this resolution was the culmination of a 25 year process which encompassed similar resolutions being passed by city councils, provinces, and the Canadian Senate (July 13, 2002). Dr. Girair Basmadjian, president of the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), was elated by the result of the vote. “As an Armenian, I was moved and felt grateful for the respect that was shown by the Canadian Parliament to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. As a Canadian, I am proud that the House of Commons adopted this historic motion.” “This is a victory for truth and justice.” stated Dr. Basmadjian. “Implicated in this course of action for over two decades, the ANCC has constituted the driving force behind the process towards the adoption of this motion,” commented Basmadjian. “The accomplishment of this task was made possible through the mobilization, as well as the implication of our grass roots members who made sure that all Members of Parliament were aware of the importance of this issue for our community.” The ANCC was actively involved in promoting the passing of the motion. For the last six months, the ANCC worked very closely with parliamentarians and foreign affairs critics of all the political parties represented in the House. ANC of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian also lauded Canada’s lawmakers. "The Canadian Parliament, in rejecting intense Turkish government pressure, took an important step in further isolating Turkey for its shameful, international campaign of genocide denial." The ANCC mailed a specially-prepared brief to all members of the House. The ANCC also mobilized the Canadian-Armenian community to counter the Turkish Government’s propaganda campaign through e-mails, postcards and telephone calls to parliamentarians. Canada, a NATO ally, now joins a long list of nations including France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and Russia which have recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. 2) Sen. Kerry Calls for International Recognition of Armenian Genocide DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL OUTLINES STRONG HISTORY OF SUPPORT FOR ARMENIAN AMERICAN CONCERNS IN APRIL 24TH STATEMENT SENATOR'S RECORD ON ARMENIAN ISSUES DETAILED ON WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--Democratic Presidential hopeful, Sen. John Kerry, called for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide today, in a statement issued to Armenian Americans marking the 89th anniversary of that crime against humanity. An outspoken advocate of US recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Senator Kerry stated, "I join Armenian Americans and Armenians worldwide in mourning the victims of the Armenian Genocide and I call on governments and people everywhere to formally recognize this tragedy. Only by learning from this dark period of history and working to prevent future genocides can we truly honor the memories of those Armenians who suffered so unjustly." Earlier this week, Senator Kerry joined 22 of his Senate colleagues calling on President Bush to "refer to the mass slaughter of Armenians as genocide in your commemorative statement." He was amongst the earliest cosponsors of the Genocide resolution (S.Res.164), which marks the 15th anniversary of the US implementation of the Genocide Convention. "With this most recent statement honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide, Sen. Kerry builds on his two decade long record of support for proper US recognition of this crime against humanity," stated Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) "This election season, we look forward to ensuring that our community is fully aware of the Senator's record on the Armenian Genocide and all issues of concern to Armenian American voters." In the statement, Sen. Kerry outlined his longstanding support for a broad range of Armenian American concerns. "In 1992, I authored an amendment to the Freedom Support Act making US aid to Azerbaijan conditional on it taking steps to end its blockades against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. I supported the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act in 1996, which prohibits US assistance to any country that restricts the delivery of US humanitarian aid to another country. In 2003, I cosponsored legislation to extend "permanent normal trade relations" (PNTR) to Armenia. This January, I joined Senators Barbara Boxer, George Allen, Paul Sarbanes, Russ Feingold, and Jon Corzine in asking the President to urge Turkey to lift its embargo of Armenia." Senator Kerry's complete record on Armenian American concerns is posted on the Armenians For Kerry website-- The website includes previous statements by the Senator and provides ways for Armenian American supporters to become active in the Kerry campaign through donations or other volunteer efforts. The complete text of Sen. Kerry's statement follows. Statement by Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry In Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide: "April 24th marks the 89th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. Between 1915 and 1923 the rulers of the old Ottoman Empire killed or deported over 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children in a systematic policy of ethnic extermination." "I thank Armenian Americans for their persistence in the struggle to gain international recognition of this atrocity. By keeping the memory of this tragedy alive, Armenian Americans remind us all of our collective responsibility to insure that such horrors are not repeated. "I am proud of my work with the Armenian American community to gain broader recognition of the Armenian Genocide, including fighting alongside Senator Robert Dole in 1990 for designation of April 24 as a national day of remembrance for this tragedy." "I have been an unwavering supporter of many other important Armenian issues. In 1992, I authored an amendment to the Freedom Support Act making US aid to Azerbaijan conditional on it taking steps to end its blockades against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. I supported the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act in 1996 which prohibits US assistance to any country that restricts the delivery of US humanitarian aid to another country. In 2003, I cosponsored legislation to extend "permanent normal trade relations" (PNTR) to Armenia. This January, I joined Senators Barbara Boxer, George Allen, Paul Sarbanes, Russ Feingold, and Jon Corzine in asking the President to urge Turkey to lift its embargo of Armenia." "I join Armenian Americans and Armenians worldwide in mourning the victims of the Armenian Genocide and I call on governments and people everywhere to formally recognize this tragedy. Only by learning from this dark period of history and working to prevent future genocides can we truly honor the memories of those Armenians who suffered so unjustly." 3) European Armenian Federation Hails Canada BRUSSELS--The European Armenian Federation applauded Canada’s passage of Armenian Genocide legislation on Wednesday, congratulating those organizations and individuals who doggedly pursued official recognition, as well as parliament members who backed the motion, ensuring its passage by a vote of 153 to 58. "In restoring truth, Canada also restores justice and paves the only possible way to a frank and fair reconciliation. That's why we ask the European Union to demand without delay Turkey to acknowledge and to give reparation for the Armenian Genocide before examining its application for membership," said the director of the European Armenian Federation Laurent Leylekian. 4) Turkey Chides Canada over Armenia Genocide Vote ANKARA (Reuters)--Turkey on Thursday condemned the Canadian parliament's decision to recognize the 1915 killing of Armenians by Ottoman forces as genocide and warned of damage to bilateral ties. "We strongly condemn the approval by Canada's Federal Parliament of this decision which follows (the pressure of) marginal groups despite our objections," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "This decision will benefit neither Canadian Armenians nor Armenia. Responsibility for all the negative consequences of this decision belongs to the Canadian politicians," it added. The ministry did not say what these consequences might be, but Fazli Corman, the Turkish embassy councilor in Ottawa, earlier cited the example of Canadian companies seeking to sign contracts in Turkey. Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham said the motion would not alter Ottawa's official policy, that while the events of 1915 were a tragedy, they did not constitute genocide. Canada's embassy in Ankara issued a statement calling for reconciliation between Turks and Armenians. It also urged their governments to deal with the issue of the alleged genocide and to work for greater stability in their "volatile region." Turkey's Foreign Ministry accused "narrow-minded Canadian politicians" of fomenting ethnic and religious hatred between "people of different ethnic backgrounds who live in peace." Earlier this week, Turkey also criticized a reference to the alleged genocide on an Armenian monument unveiled in Poland. The word "slandered" the Turkish nation, the Foreign Ministry said, and hurt Turkey's historically warm ties with Poland. Parliaments in Russia, France and Switzerland, have also adopted motions describing the events of 1915 as genocide. Turkey froze official visits to France and temporarily blocked French firms from entering lucrative defense contracts in 2001 after the French parliament backed the Armenian case. France is home to Europe's biggest Armenian Diaspora. The US Congress dropped a similar resolution in 2000 after the White House warned it would harm US security interests in the Middle East. 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.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2004
CONTACT: David Zenian
E-mail: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY PRAISES KERRY STATEMENT
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America Thursday praised
Democratic presidential candidate Senator John Kerry (D-MA) for his
statement of support on the occasion of the 89th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide.
Kerry, a long time supporter of Armenian issues, in a statement said, “By
keeping the memory of this tragedy alive, the Armenian Americans remind us
all of our collective responsibility to insure that such horrors are not
repeated.”
The statement came two days after a group of 20 Armenian-American activists,
led by Assembly Massachusetts State Chair Herman Purutyan and Regional Chair
LuAnn Ohanian, met with senior members of Kerry’s staff during the
Assembly’s National Conference which was held in Washington April 18-21.
“Senator Kerry has always been an ardent supporter and a true friend of the
Armenian community and we appreciate his solid commitment on issues of great
importance to Armenian-Americans,” said Assembly Board of Trustees President
Carolyn Mugar. “We will never forget all that he has done and continues to
do as a leading advocate for our cause.”
Following is the text of Senator Kerry’s statement:
“April 24th marks the 89th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian
Genocide. Between 1915 and 1923 the rulers of the old Ottoman Empire killed
or deported over 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children in a
systematic policy of ethnic extermination.
“I thank Armenian Americans for their persistence in the struggle to gain
international recognition of this atrocity. By keeping the memory of this
tragedy alive, Armenian Americans remind us all of our collective
responsibility to insure that such horrors are not repeated. I am proud of
my work with the Armenian American community to gain broader recognition of
the Armenian Genocide, including fighting alongside Senator Robert Dole in
1990 for designation of April 24 as a national day of remembrance for this
tragedy.
“I have been an unwavering supporter of many other important Armenian
issues. In 1992 I authored an amendment to the Freedom Support Act making
U.S. aid to Azerbaijan conditional on it taking steps to end its blockades
against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. I supported the Humanitarian Aid
Corridor Act in 1996 which prohibits U.S. assistance to any country that
restricts the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to another country. In 2003
I cosponsored legislation to extend “permanent normal trade relations”
(PNTR) to Armenia. And this January, I joined Senators Barbara Boxer,
George Allen, Paul Sarbanes, Russ Feingold and Jon Corzine in asking the
President to urge Turkey to lift its embargo of Armenia.
“I join Armenian Americans and Armenians worldwide in mourning the victims
of the Armenian Genocide and I call on governments and people everywhere to
formally recognize this tragedy. Only by learning from this dark period of
history and working to prevent future genocides can we truly honor the
memories of those Armenians who suffered so unjustly.”
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
NR#2004-044

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] Website;
Communiqué
His Holiness commends Canadian Parliamentarians for Genocide Recognition
On Thursday April 22nd, 2004 the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All A
rmenians His Holiness Karekin II, sent a letter to the Members of the Houseof
Commons and in particular to Mr. Sakis Assadourian for his tireless effortsin
successful passing of M-380 during the Parliament Session the day before.
The Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, who headed the Diocesan faithful and attended the parliamentary
session, communicated by telephone and informed His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of
All Armenians that the Canadian Parliament recognized the Armenian genocide
and condemned it as a crime against humanity.
Attached is the letter of His Holiness.
April 22,2004
The Honorable Peter Miliken, M.P.
Speaker
House of Commons
Ottawa, Canada
Dear Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Commons,
We offer glory and thank to Almighty God, having learned from the
Primate of the Armenians of Canada His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galsdanian,
that on Wednesday, April 21,2004 , the Armenian Genocide was
officially recognized by the Parliament of the great country of
Canada. We are grateful that following the brutal years of 1915
through 1923 the Armenian people found shelter and acceptance in the
blessed county in Canada, as in many other countries throughout the
world. The children of the first genocide of the twentieth century not
only survived in their new homes, but they thrived, becoming
contributing, loyaland worth citizens.
However, as we approach the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
in 2005,the important issue of genocide remains before the whole of
mankind, Genocide can never be solution to the religious, social and
political conflicts of our times. The way to prevent genocide is to
recognize it. The only way to find justice for its victims, both
living and dead, is to condemn it. Genocide is not a crime against one
nation, but rather it id against man and God. It isthe gravest crime
against humanity. God’s primary grace is the gift we offer to God. All
should be made aware that any action directed against the life of man,
shall be condemned from its inception. Human suffering can be stopped,
through the actions of brave men and women such as you, which help
justice to prevail.
We highly appreciate and value your consideration of this issue and
readiness to champion its resonance to greater awareness. The humane
and caring act encourages all in this troubled and turbulent world who
have been victims of man’s inhumanity towards man.
On behalf of the worldwide Armenian Church and People, We as
Catholicos of All Armenians, commend the Parliament of Canada for
their recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. From the
spiritual center of our nation, The Mother See Of Holy Etchmiadzin, We
offer Our prayers up to God in heaven, asking for His bountiful
blessings and His ever provident care to be with the people of Canada
and all of Mankind.
With Blessings,
Karekin II
Catholicos of All Armenians

“Lawn Display Commemorates Armenian Genocide”
CSUN Daily Sundial
Thursday, April 23, 2004
By Ani Asatryan
Contributing Writer
More than 500 red carnations and two piles of bloody bones have been
placed on display in the middle of the Oviatt Lawn this week as part
of an event organized by the Alpha Omega Alpha Armenian sorority to
commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
`We wanted to promote awareness in the CSUN community regarding
thetragic events that took place in 1915, which has been continually
denied by the Turkish government,’ said Armine Asatryan, director of
cultural affairs forthe sorority.
The flowers scattered across the quad each represent approximately
2,700 men, women and children who were massacred by the Ottoman Empire
during World War I.
The bones, one pile slightly smaller than the other, symbolically
represent two mountains in Armenia’s history: Mount Ararat and Mount
Masis.
`The mountains have been twin pillars of hope and strength for the
Armenian people all throughout history,’ said Sylvia Barsegian,
treasurer for the sorority. `Even though the Ottoman Empire tried to
exterminate us, those mountains, just a few feet from our border,
still stand, just like the Armenian people still exist and will
continue to exist.’
The display has been attracting the attention of people passing by who
can’t help but notice the pile of bloody bones in the middle of
campus.
`When I first saw it I got goose bumps,’ said Jerry Avetisyan, junior
business major. `I’m not very involved in the Armenian community or
educated about the history. Being an Armenian myself, … if there’s
one thing every Armenian knows about, it’s the Genocide, and this pile
of bones actually puts that history into reality and you really get a
sense of what happened.’
Others didn’t react the same way toward the display and thought it was
improper.
`Some people are disturbed by it because they think it’s too harsh;
imagine the suffering of the people who had to go through it,’ said
Christina Malyan, vice president of the sorority. `If you find it
disturbing, you canalways walk away, but 1.5 million Armenians
couldn’t and the generations to follow can’ t walk away from their
history.’
Jon Pinnere, graduate senator for Associated Students, was impressed
with the display and said he was delighted to see the organization was
getting the word out.
`When I first saw it, I thought there was a funeral going on and then
I read the signs and realized it was for the Armenian Genocide,’ said
Pinnere. `I think something like this is very effective.’
`We wanted to do something to catch someone’s attention, something
unusual to entice a person to stop and look at it,’ said
Asatryan. `CMen, women and children were massacred without any
mercy and we wanted to honor their memory with our display and show
the world we have not forgotten and we never will.’
News of the display quickly spread among the Armenian community, which
reacted with support and encouragement for the organization.
`The most important thing is that students are taking a stance on this
very important issue, because students are the ones that affect social
and political change,’ said Ardashes Kassakhian, Armenian National
Committee government relations director for the Western region. `This
generation didn’t suffer the Genocide or its aftereffects and
it’s very encouraging to see them carrying the torch of justice.’
The Turkish government actively continues to deny the Armenian
Genocide. According to the Web site , Turkey
blames wartime traditions on the death of so many Armenians.
Levon Marashlian, a history professor at Glendale Community College,
believes there are two reasons why the genocide is being denied.
One of the reasons for denial is based on human nature. According to
Marashlian, it is human nature to deny faults because the Turkish
government knows they did something wrong and they are embarrassed by
it.
Another reason for the denial is the consequences Turkey will face if
it admits to the genocide.
`Admitting guilt is harmful to their national image, and Turkey is
afraid that admittance will lead to consequences and to justice,’ said
Marashlian. `It’ s like getting a speeding ticket. There are
consequences: you have to pay a fine, attend traffic school and your
insurance might go up.’
The AOA sorority is a fairly new organization on campus, having been
officially recognized as a club since November 2003.
`Our main goal with anything we do on campus is to educate the
CSUNcommunity about the Armenian culture and Armenian causes,’ said
Angineh Abed,president of the sorority. `We work toward the
advancement of our culture notonly within ourselves but with other
cultures as well.’
In its short time of existence the sorority has hosted and
participated in a series of community events, including toy drives for
Northridge Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, a `Feed
the Homeless’ program, and a college fair.
At the display, Abed stood silent for a moment and then sighed deeply
as she rearranged a carnation that had fallen to the ground.
`We put a lot of hard work into this project, and our main goal wasto
educate the CSUN community about the first genocide of the twentieth
century,’ said Abed. `It needs to be recognized and it still hasn’t
and even if just one person learns something new from this and knows
about our history, then we’re one step closer to justice.’

LA PRESSE (Montréal)
Le mercredi 21 avril 2004
Ottawa reconnaît l’existence du génocide arménien
Presse Canadienne
Ottawa
Le Canada est devenu mercredi l’un des rares pays à reconnaître
officiellement l’existence du génocide des Arméniens en Turquie pendant
la Première Guerre mondiale. Les députés ont voté par 153 voix contre 68
en faveur de cette reconnaissance officielle.
Les libéraux avaient été enjoints de voter contre la motion pour ne pas
choquer davantage le gouvernement turc, qui n’a jamais admis son rôle
dans le massacre de 1,5 million d’Arméniens, en 1915.
Toutefois, les députés libéraux d’arrière-banc ont voté massivement en
faveur de la motion présentée par le Bloc québécois, après un débat à
huis clos chargé d’émotion. Tous les membres du cabinet de Paul Martin
ont voté contre.
Quant au premier ministre, il n’était pas présent pour le vote et c’est
au ministre des Affaires étrangères Bill Graham qu’est revenu la tâche
de défendre la position gouvernementale.
La Turquie avait déjà fait savoir avant le vote que l’adoption de la
motion pourrait avoir des répercussions sur les relations économiques
entre les deux pays. Pour sa part, M. Graham a déclaré que le Canada
voulait maintenir les meilleures relations possibles avec le
gouvernement d’Ankara.
«La Turquie est une alliée importante de l’OTAN dans cette région et son
gouvernement musulman est modéré», a-t-il dit.
«Notre position en matière de relations étrangères est de promouvoir une
vision d’avenir. Nous préférerions que nos amis arméniens et nos amis
turcs collaborent et ne retournent pas en arrière.»
La Turquie n’a jamais reconnu l’existence du génocide arménien.
L’histoire officielle est que les désordres civils survenus à l’époque
ont coûté la vie à 600 000 Arméniens et 2,5 millions de musulmans.
Plus d’une vingtaine de pays ainsi que les Nations unies ont reconnu
jusqu’ici la véracité historique du génocide arménien.
Les députés d’opposition, incluant le chef conservateur Stephen Harper,
ont voté en faveur de la motion.
Parmi les députés d’arrière-banc libéraux qui ont voté en faveur de la
motion, on note plusieurs anciens ministres, dont Martin Cauchon,
Stéphane Dion, Lyle Vanclief, Lawrence MacAulay et Herb Dhaliwal.

Radio Canada
22 Avril 2004
Les Communes reconnaissent le génocide arménien
La Chambre des communes a adopté, mercredi, un texte reconnaissant
que la Turquie avait commis un génocide contre les Arméniens en 1915,
et elle a condamné cet acte comme étant un crime contre l’humanité.
Une vaste majorité de députés de la Chambre (153 contre 68), dont de
nombreux libéraux, ont voté en faveur de cette motion, déposée par
une députée bloquiste, malgré l’avis défavorable du ministre des
Affaires étrangères, Bill Graham.
M. Graham souhaitait éviter de froisser le gouvernement turc, qui n’a
jamais admis son rôle dans le massacre de 1,5 million d’Arméniens.
La Turquie a déjà fait savoir avant le vote aux Communes que
l’adoption de la motion pourrait avoir des répercussions sur les
relations économiques entre les deux pays.
.
Bill Graham
.
Pour sa part, le ministre Graham a déclaré que le Canada voulait
maintenir les meilleures relations possibles avec Ankara.
Il a souligné que la Turquie était un partenaire important au sein de
l’OTAN et que la politique étrangere du Canada encourage actuellement
le rapprochement entre l’Arménie et la Turquie.
Il a dit espérer que la Turquie comprendrait que ce sont les députés
qui s’expriment inidividuellement sur une question de conscience.
Parmi les députés libéraux qui ont voté en faveur de la motion, on
note plusieurs anciens ministres, dont Martin Cauchon, Stéphane Dion,
Lyle Vanclief, Lawrence MacAulay et Herb Dhaliwal.
Plus d’une vingtaine de pays ainsi que les Nations unies ont reconnu
jusqu’ici le génocide arménien.
En 1996, la Chambre des communes a reconnu la tragédie qui a frappé
les Arméniens à la chute de l’Empire ottoman. Elle a cependant refusé
d’évoquer un génocide.

A1 Plus | 15:11:46 | 22-04-2004 | Politics |
ASHOT MANUCHARYAN BEATEN
Ashot Manucharyan was taken to hospital. He was beaten at “Grand Holding”
side street in Tumanyan Street.
Witnesses tell those beating were skin-head young men. We phoned Manucharyan
‘s house and found his family members don’t yet know the accident.
At 3:00 PM data, Manucharyan is in Rehabilitation Department. His face and
chin were operated on. Doctor informs he has recovered consciousness.
Neither the representatives of defense organizations nor Media were allowed
to meet him.

Sony-led group in talks to buy MGM for $5bn
By Peter Thal Larsen in New York
FT
April 22 2004 0:20

A group led by Sony, the Japanese electronics giant, is in talks to
buy Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in a deal that would value the famed Hollywood
studio at around $5bn.
Sony and two private equity firms, Providence Equity Partners and
Texas Pacific Group, have been examining MGM’s books with a view to
making an offer, people close to the situation said. However a deal –
if one is finalised – is believed to be several weeks away.
The talks represent the latest instalment in the long-running drama of
MGM’s future. It boasts a film library stocked with classics such as
Annie Hall and The Pink Panther but has increasingly become an anomaly
in an industry dominated by integrated media conglomerates.
Kirk Kerkorian, the billionaire investor who controls 75 per cent of
MGM, has in recent years explored a variety of options including a
sale to another studio or a merger with a media rival.
A few years ago he held talks with Sony about a possible deal which
fell apart on a disagreement about price. Last year, an MGM-led
consortium – which included Providence – was one of the losing bidders
in the auction of Vivendi’s US media assets, including Universal
Studios. The deal now under discussion would see Sony and its partners
make an offer for MGM valuing the company’s equity and debt around
$5bn.
Although MGM is debt-free, its management has drawn up a plan to pay
investors a special dividend of about $8 per share.
Any deal with Sony would not be finalised until after the dividend –
which is expected to cost the company around $1.9bn – had been
distributed. MGM shares closed up $2.10 at $19.75. MGM, Sony,
Providence and Texas Pacific all declined to comment.
A deal would allow Sony to merge its film library with MGM’s,
generating big cost savings and giving it more clout in negotiations
with cable operators and DVD retailers.
Bringing in private equity investors would enable Sony, which has
generally been cautious about acquisitions, to spread the cost of the
purchase.
News of the talks may spur other media groups such as Time Warner to
consider a possible offer for MGM, people familiar with the matter
said.
But industry observers warned that MGM executives were notorious for
talking about possible deals without completing them.
“They open up their books every year and say: come buy us,” one
Hollywood insider said. “It’s a rite of spring.” Indeed, Mr Kerkorian
has owned the studio on three separate occasions in the past 35 years.
Although MGM retains its famous logo of a roaring lion, it has faded
since its heyday in the 1930s and 1940s, when Louis B. Mayer made it
Hollywood’s largest studio, producing hits such as Gone with the Wind
and the Wizard of Oz.
In recent years chief executive Alex Yemenidjian has concentrated on
developing cash flow from MGM’s library while limiting its investment
in new movies, aside from proven blockbusters such as the James Bond
films.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Radio Canada
April 22 2004
Motion sur le génocide arménien: la Turquie en colère
La Turquie fustige les parlementaires canadiens, à la suite de
l’adoption d’une motion du Bloc Québécois reconnaissant que la
Turquie avait commis un génocide contre les Arméniens en 1915.
«Nous condamnons vivement le fait que le Parlement fédéral canadien,
en dépit de toutes nos démarches, n’ait servi l’intérêt que de
groupes marginaux», souligne un communiqué du ministère turc des
Affaires étrangères.
Le document indique que les autorités turques ont expliqué à
plusieurs reprises aux autorités canadiennes, les ennuis que devrait
provoquer une telle décision, à leurs yeux erronée.
Dans ce cas, la Turquie pourrait faire usage de rétorsions à
l’encontre du Canada avec lequel elle entretient traditionnellement
de bonnes relations.
Mercredi, une vaste majorité de députés de la Chambre (153 contre
68), dont de nombreux libéraux, ont voté en faveur de cette motion,
déposée par une députée bloquiste, malgré l’avis défavorable du
ministre des Affaires étrangères, Bill Graham. M. Graham souhaitait
éviter de froisser le gouvernement turc, qui n’a jamais admis son
rôle dans le massacre de 1,5 million d’Arméniens.
.
Bill Graham
.
Pour sa part, le ministre Graham a déclaré que le Canada voulait
maintenir les meilleures relations possibles avec Ankara.
Il a souligné que la Turquie était un partenaire important au sein de
l’OTAN et que la politique étrangère du Canada encourage actuellement
le rapprochement entre l’Arménie et la Turquie.
Il a dit espérer que la Turquie comprendrait que ce sont les députés
qui s’expriment inidividuellement sur une question de conscience.
Parmi les députés libéraux qui ont voté en faveur de la motion, on
note plusieurs anciens ministres, dont Martin Cauchon, Stéphane Dion,
Lyle Vanclief, Lawrence MacAulay et Herb Dhaliwal.
Plus d’une vingtaine de pays ainsi que les Nations unies ont reconnu
jusqu’ici le génocide arménien.
En 1996, la Chambre des communes a reconnu la tragédie qui a frappé
les Arméniens à la chute de l’Empire ottoman. Elle a cependant refusé
d’évoquer un génocide.

April 21, 2004 (7:15 p.m. EDT) No. 60
CANADA REITERATES ITS FIRM POSITION ON THE ARMENIAN TRAGEDY
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following
statement concerning the adoption of a private member’s motion by the
House of Commons following a debate on the Armenian tragedy of 1915:
“The Government of Canada’s position on this issue, as stated on June
10, 1999, in the House of Commons, has not changed. We agree with the
members of the House that the events of 1915 to 1923 were tragic. Canada
has condemned the atrocities committed against hundreds of thousands of
Armenians, including massive deportations and massacres. In so doing,
the Canadian government has continued to urge the Armenian and Turkish
communities to seek reconciliation and peace and to look to the future
to contribute to prosperity and stability in an impoverished and
volatile region. The Canadian government also believes that the issue is
essentially for the Armenian and Turkish governments and experts to
resolve.
“Canada has had friendly and cooperative relations with Turkey and
Armenia for many years. The Canadian government is committed to make
these relationships even stronger in the future.”
Debates and votes on private member’s business in the House of Commons
are an integral part of the Canadian democratic process, but private
member’s motions are not binding on the Government of Canada.
– 30 –
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874