Category: News

Protocol reforming the European Court of Human Rights open for signature by
member states
Strasbourg, 13.05.2004 – The Ministers for Foreign Affairs and
Representatives of 17 member states (*) of the Council of Europe, present in
Strasbourg on the occasion of the 114th Session of the Organisation’s
Committee of Ministers, today signed Protocol No. 14 to the European
Convention on Human Rights.
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Walter Schwimmer, welcomed
the adoption yesterday of the Protocol (see our press release 237b04 of
12.05.2004). He expressed his satisfaction that such an important number of
countries had signed the text despite the very short period since its
adoption. The new Protocol amends the Convention in order to maintain and
reinforce the effectiveness of the Court of Human Rights.
(*) 17 signatory states: Armenia, Croatia, Estonia, Denmark, France,
Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland.
Further information available at:
Le Protocole réformant la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme ouvert à la
signature des Etats membres
Strasbourg, 13.05.2004 – Les Ministres des Affaires étrangères et les
représentants de 17 Etats (*) membres du Conseil de l’Europe, réunis à
Strasbourg à l’occasion de la 114ème session du Comité des Ministres de
l’Organisation, ont signé aujourd’hui le Protocole n° 14 à la Convention
européenne des droits de l’homme.
Le Secrétaire Général du Conseil de l’Europe, Walter Schwimmer, a exprimé sa
satisfaction après l’adoption hier du Protocole 14 (voir notre communiqué
237b04 du 12.05.2004) et s’est félicité du fait que, malgré le très court
délai qui a suivi son adoption, un nombre si important de pays aient déjà pu
le signer. Le nouveau Protocole modifie la Convention afin de maintenir et
renforcer l’efficacité de la Cour des droits de l’homme.
(*) 17 Etats signataires: Arménie, Croatie, Estonie, Danemark, France,
Géorgie, Grèce, Islande, Irlande, Italie, Lettonie, Luxembourg, Pays-Bas,
Norvège, Roumanie, Slovénie, Suisse.
Plus d’informations disponibles sur:
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1
Press Release
Council of Europe Spokesperson and Press Division
Ref: 238b04
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
[email protected]
internet:
To receive our press releases by e-mail, contact :
[email protected]
A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to
promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops common
responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 45 member states.

OSCE IS NOT INDIFFERENT
A1 Plus | 21:32:48 | 12-05-2004 | Politics |
The Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin,
today welcomed the resumption of contacts between the authorities
and the opposition in Armenia.
“I encourage both sides to engage in a meaningful and genuine
dialogue in order to resolve, within the constitutional framework,
the continuing difficulties,” Ambassador Pryakhin said.
He said the participating States of the 55-nation OSCE were following
political developments in Armenia closely: “Dialogue is the best
means to achieve a common understanding, settle differences and
promote political stability.”
Vladimir Pryakhin called on the Armenian authorities to review the
cases of all those detained during recent demonstrations.
He also urged the authorities to continue their efforts to reform
the Administrative Code in order to eliminate the practice of
administrative detentions.
“This practice is incompatible with European human rights standards,”
he said.
The Head of the OSCE Office noted that other international
organizations were also very concerned about this practice, as
reflected in a Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Resolution
of 28 April.

TURKEY SHOULD ALLEVIATE BURDEN OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, EP MEMBER CONSIDERS
12.05.2004 15:16
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey should recognize the Armenian Genocide
and alleviate the burden at last, European Parliament rapporteur
for the South Caucasus Per Gahrton stated in Yerevan at the
conference on the subject of “Enlarged Europe – New Neighbors:
Armenia’s expectations”. In his words, this year the EU confirmed
its commitment and again urged Turkey to recognize the Armenian
Genocide. It is naive of Ankara to deny the Genocide as the Istanbul
courts at their time sentenced to death the Turkish politicians, who
had organized the genocide of Armenians, EP member said. “Where would
today’s Germany find itself if hadn’t acknowledged the Holocaust? Not
in European structures anyway”, Per Gahrton noted. At the same time
the parliamentarian spoke for Turkey’s admission to EU, what, in
his words, will contribute to the settlement of regional problems,
the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border, in part.

Troops Dispatched to Tsalka
Civil Georgia, Georgia
May 12 2004
100-strong unit of Interior Troops were dispatched on May 11 to
Georgia’s southern multi-ethnic district of Tsalka.
The move follows clashes between the local ethnic Armenians and
Georgians on May 9. Several people were reportedly injured.
Ethnic Armenians comprise 57% of population of Tsalka district in
Kvemo Kartli region with population around 20,000, according to the
Georgian department of statistics.
4,500 ethnic Greeks, 2,500 ethnic Georgians, up to 2,000 Azerbaijanis
also live in the Tsalka district.
Local officials describe clashes between ethnic Georgians and
Armenians, which have been reported sporadically for several years,
as “a communal violence.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 12 2004
PACE RAPPORTEUR SATISFIED WITH REFORMS IN AZERBAIJAN
[May 12, 2004, 16:07:33]
Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on
political prisoners Malcolm Bruce met the delegation of Azerbaijan
Parliament at PACE on 11 May.
Noting that this visit is of great significance, the head of
the Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation at PACE, chairman of the
international relations and inter-parliamentary links standing
committee Samad Seyidov said that on 10 May, the people of Azerbaijan
marked the 81st anniversary of the national leader of Azerbaijan
Heydar Aliyev, who is the only personality in the national history
that made known Azerbaijan in Europe and provided its integration to
the international community.
On the occasion of birthday of the national leader, President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a Decree on pardoning. The Decree
shows the policy of humanism of the Azerbaijani state. Recently,
President of Azerbaijan made a large speech in the Council of Europe,
underlining that Azerbaijan positively regards the European and
world values. Human rights in Azerbaijan are protected at highest
level. We are pleased that you watch these processes in Azerbaijan
and highly assess.
According to Samad Seyidov, the amnesty Decrees are not directly
connected to the Council of Europe. These Decrees show how the
Azerbaijani state adheres the principles of democracy, human rights
protection and civil society building.
You are the PACE Rapporteur on political prisoners. We know you as
unbiased man and consider that the hardest problem of Azerbaijan – the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict is at your attention. You
are aware of Azerbaijan’s position. We hope, you will tell in your
report on the positive steps Azerbaijan makes in the field of human
rights protection, democratic state building and this will be evidence
to peace intention of Azerbaijan.
Expressing his gratitude for provided information and warm reception,
Mr. Malcolm Bruce said we are having very constructive dialogue with
the Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation at PACE. This dialogue is
important for both sides.
I have been in Azerbaijan six months ago. In the passed period, great
changes took place. Statement of the Azerbaijan President at PACE
made a deep impression on us. The President makes real steps and we
welcome them. We know that solution of the problem needs long time.
And continuation of the processes in similar direction pleases us and
makes us optimists. Last Decree on amnesty of Azerbaijan President
will give a new impetus to the Azerbaijan-COE relations.
At the meeting, also was held exchange of views on a number of issues
of mutual interest.

Anti-Mines Training Will Be Launched Saving Azeri Lives
Baku Today
May 12 2004
About 40,000 secondary school students will be trained in anti-mine
precautions in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Education Ministry, Azerbaijani Anti-mines agency and
UNICEF have agreed to launch an educative project for schoolchildren
of bordering with the Armenian occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
The project has been allocated for the students from Agdam, Fizuli
and Khanlar regions.
The project would aim at raising mines awareness among youngsters to
preventing their lives from becoming mine targeted.
Anti-mines agency’s direcor Nazim Ismayilov said, the statistics of
the past years has shown that 16 per cent of those killed in mine
explosions were children aged 14.
Roughly 500 specialists will train the students
The project is worth $ 70,000.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/12/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Uncompromising Opposition Stance Hinders Success of Upcoming Dialogue 2) Just a Scuffle 3) ARF Meets with Iranian Ambassador 4) Turkey Must Shed Its Genocide Burden Says EU’s Gharton 5) ARS Seminar in Bulgaria 1) Uncompromising Opposition Stance Hinders Success of Upcoming Dialogue YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Armenia’s government coalition partners put forth a four-point agenda for its upcoming dialogue with the opposition. The three political parties of the coalition suggested that the two sides try to reach an agreement on reforming Armenia’s constitution; formulating election legislation to fully correspond to international criteria; working out models for active participation of opposition in the fight against corruption; and cooperate in complying with recent resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). In a joint statement, the parliamentary leaders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Orinats Yerkir, and Republican parties said these issues must be at the heart of the dialogue strongly encouraged by the PACE and the United States. The opposition Artarutyun (Justice) bloc and the National Unity Party (AMK) have called for discussions on “ways of overcoming the political crisis in Armenia resulting from the 2003 elections,” which they believe were rigged by the authorities. The coalition leaders said they will agree to include the issue on the agenda of the talks if the word “crisis” is changed to “situation.” The first official negotiations are scheduled for Thursday. Regardless of the outcome of the talks, however, opposition leaders said their rallies in Yerevan would resume on Friday, and would continue to campaign for Kocharian’s resignation The uncompromising stance led one of the top coalition figures, deputy parliament speaker Tigran Torosian, to seriously question the opposition’s commitment to the dialogue. “I don’t think the negotiations will last too long, and I am not particularly optimistic about their results,” Torosian said. 2) Just a Scuffle TBILISI (Combined Sources)--Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said that the skirmish between ethnic Georgians and Armenians of the Tsalka region on May 9 is not an ethnic conflict, and should not be over dramatized. "Let’s not make the situation tragic. It’s not an ethnic conflict, rather a fight between Georgians and Armenians. But we won’t tolerate disorder and we don’t intend to be drawn into provocation,” he told journalists on Tuesday. He noted that while Georgia’s enemies have retreated since the quelling of the recent Ajarian upheaval, “some enemies of Georgia” seek to involve the country in a new conflict. “We won’t allow anyone to blackmail us and will respond appropriately to such tactics.” Stressing that Georgia’s neighbors are peaceful, he said that both the Presidents of Armenia and Ukraine applauded the peaceful settlement of the Ajaria conflict. Though officials from the Armenian Embassy in Georgia have not issued a statement on the incident, they did indicate the issue lies within the jurisdiction of Georgian internal affairs, excluding Armenia’s active involvement in the matter. A statement was to be released late Wednesday. Georgians living in the Tsalka region meanwhile rallied in front of the State Chancellery in Tbilisi on Tuesday, demanding to meet with President Saakashvili to discuss disarmament of the Armenian population in Tsalka. The rally participants said that almost all the Armenian families keep firearms. There is a pending threat that the frequent conflicts in the Kveda Kartli region may turn into the armed clashes. Notably, what began as an argument among soccer fans at the Tsalka stadium on May 9 grew into a brawl, with scores reported injured. After the incident, the Georgian government deployed regional police and interior forces. 3) ARF Meets with Iranian Ambassador YEREVAN (Yerkir)--The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau’s Vahan Hovhannisian, Supreme Body’s representative Armen Rustamian, and member Levon Mkrtchian, met with the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mohammad Farhad Koleini on Wednesday at the Simon Vratsian Center in Yerevan. They discussed Armenian-Iranian relations, Armenia’s political developments, and regional issues. Addressing the recent political tensions in Armenia, Koleini praised the ARF for its efforts to resolve the matter politically with its calls for negotiations. The sides confirmed that Armenian-Iranian relations are a key in strengthening the stability of the region. 4) Turkey Must Shed Its Genocide Burden Says EU’s Gharton YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Speaking at a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, European Parliament (EP) member Per Gharton said that Turkey must take responsibility for the 1915 Armenian Genocide. "Turkey should get rid of that burden. This year, the European Union reaffirmed its decision recognizing the Genocide, and calls on Turkey to do the same," Gharton said during the roundtable “Wider Europe: New Neighborhood: What are Armenia's Expectations?" He said that it is senseless for Turkey to deny the Genocide, pointing to the decision of Istanbul courts immediately after the Genocide to sentence to death the perpetrators and Turkish officials responsible. “Where would Germany be now hadn't it admitted the Holocaust against the Jews,” he asked. He stressed that though Turkey “improves,” it fails to meet EU’s demands “to recognize the Armenian Genocide and to cease its blockade against Armenia to become an EU member.” He said that the EU will not accept a state with local or regional conflicts. “Cyprus was a bad precedent and we won’t make the same mistake again,” Gharton said. He said that while Armenia is Europeanized politically and is a member of the Council of Europe, it must still tackle issues tied to democracy, the environment, and settlement of confrontations. Also attending the conference was National Assembly Vice-speaker Tigran Torosian, who noted that Armenian authorities are determined to integrate into Europe. “Armenia has no alternative," he stated. 5) ARS Seminar in Bulgaria Representatives of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) European chapters will gather in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, May 21-22, for a Seminar on Voluntary Organizations in the 21st Century. Organized by the ARS Central Executive, the seminar will address modernity and the Armenian women, as well broader topics on Armenia and the Diaspora. Lectures include, Status of Armenian Organizations in a Newly Emerging Europe by Hilda Choboyan, Non-Governmental Organizations by Helen Merdjanian, and Javakhk by Garine Hovhanessian. 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.

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;
The Schedule of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian
We hereby present to Clergy and faithful of the Armenian Church of Canada the
schedule of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian for the month of May
May 9, Sunday Laval Holy Cross Church
AGBU Montreal, Mother’s Day celebration
May 11-14, Toronto, Holy Trinity Armenian Church
May 12-13, Wednesday Thursday
60th Anniversary of the establishment of Canadian Council of Churches. The
Primate will participate in the Opening Ceremony, Faith and Witness Commission’s
session celebration’s service.
May 15, Saturday Montreal Diocese, Honoring the Babayan Foundation and the
Benefactors of the Diocese.
May 16, Sunday Montreal St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
May 18, Tuesday Toronto
Meeting with Archbishop Terrence Finley of the Anglican Church in Toronto
May 19, Wednesday Diocesan Camp committee meeting
May 20, Thursday The Assumption of our Lord -“Hampartsoum”- St Gregory the
Illuminator Cathedral.
22 May-June 3 Vancouver
May 25, Meeting with the Mayor of Vancouver
May 27, Thursday Clergy Conference
28-30 21st Diocesan Annual Assembly
June 2 “Louys” Armenian Choir concert in Vancouver with the participation of
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra organized by Diocesan Can-Armenian Association
for the Performing Arts Vancouver’s Chapter
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian’s meeting with His Eminence Jean Claude Cardinal
Turcotte
On May 3, 2004 His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian
Church Canadian Diocese made a courtesy visit to the leader of Roman Catholic
Church of Montreal His Eminence Jean Claude Cardinal Turcotte. The meeting
was held at the Roman Catholic Archdiocesan Headquarters in Montreal.
Accompanying the Primate were representatives of Montreal Armenian Community Me. Vartan
Dellekian, Mr. Jack Seraydarian, Mr. Viken Darakjian as well as Very Rev Fr
Ararat Kaltakjian, Vicar General and Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the
Primate.
His Eminence Bishop Galstanian thanked Cardinal Turcotte for sending his
personal representative to participate in Martyrs’ Prayer and Ecumenical Service
ceremony that was held on the 23rd of April 2004.
Discussions were focused on the relationship between Roman Catholic
Archdiocese of Montreal and Armenian Church Canadian Diocese, perspectives on future
Ecumenical Relations in Greater Montreal area as well as the role and the
mission of Christian Churches in Canadian society. The two leaders agreed upon
supporting interchurch and interfaith activities so that the presence and unity of
Christians would be visible and fruitful.
Annual Meeting of Children’s Fund for Armenia, Montreal Chapter
The Annual meeting of Children’s Fund for Armenia Montreal Chapter took place
in the Diocesan headquarters, 615 Stuart, during which the report of the
Director and the activities of the last year were the focus of discussions.
Very Rev Fr Ararat Kaltakjian, Vicar General and Director of Armenia Projects
presented the annual Report of Activities which highly appreciated by the
members of CFFA executive and the sponsors. The Diocese of the Armenian Church of
Canada sponsors around 1000 (one thousand) Armenian orphans in motherland,
Armenia. Currently the Director of this project is Very Reverend Father Ararat
Kaltakjian. Following the meeting a new executive was elected.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat galstanian, President
Very Rev Father Ararat kaltakjian, Director
Mr. Garbis Aposhian, Chairman
Ms Varsenik Nazoyan, Vice Chairman
Mrs. Anahid Demirodgen, Secretary
Ms Hasmig Keropian, Vice Secretary
Mrs. Imasdouhi Nigoghossian, Treasurer
Ms Karmen Mousakhanian, Accountant
Ms Hilda Tursucuyan, Advisor
Mrs. Veron Surmenian, Public Relation
Celebration of Holy Badarak in Windsor
On Saturday, May 1, 2004 Bishop Bagrat Galstanian accompanied by Rev Fr
Hayrig Hovhannissian visited Holy Resurrection Armenia Church of Windsor, Ontario.
Members of the Parish Council welcomed His Eminence Bishop Galstanian and
Reverend Father Hayrig Hovhannissian. During a cordial meeting with parish council
members and representatives of Windsor Armenian Community, Bishop Galstanian
presented his perspectives to reorganize the social and spiritual life of the
Armenian community of Windsor.
The next day, May 2, 2004 His Eminence Bishop Galstanian celebrated Divine
Liturgy. Parish Council members and faithful attended the Divine Liturgy. On
this occasion, the Message of Commendation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenian, addressed to Mr. Herman Khentirian and
his family members was delivered.
Following the Divine Liturgy a reception in honor of Bishop Galstanian was
held.
Reception in honor of the members of Children’s Choir
On Tuesday May 5, 2004 His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian hosted a
reception in honor of the members of the Children’s Choir of St Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Cathedral. The children of the Choir and their parents as well as
members of the executive committee and Rev Fr Vazgen Boyajyan, Pastor of St
Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral were present.
Rev Fr Vazgen Boyajyan thanked Bishop Galstanian for the initiative. His
Emnence Bishop Galstanian, Primate expressed his joy on the occasion of the
establishment of the Children’s Choir and promised to fully support this mission in
every way possible.
Divan of the Diocese

Armenian Leader Kocharyan Passes on NATO Summit
Zaman, Turkey
May 11 2004
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan reportedly will not participate
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, which will
be held in Istanbul in late June. In his statement to the Russian
Itar-Tass news agency, Armenian Presidential Press Secretary Ashot
Kocharyan said that the decision of President Kocharyan could be
explained by ‘the current situation of the relations between Armenia
and Turkey’.
Kocharyan stressed that there has not been any further development
in the Armenia-Turkey relationship.
“I want to emphasize that Armenia is ready to develop its relations
with Turkey without putting forward any pre-conditions,” said the Press
Secretary. Kocharyan then added that Foreign Affairs Minister Vardan
Oskanyan would represent Armenia at the NATO summit. He finished by
saying that the relations between Armenia and NATO would continue
around the concept of Partnership for Peace.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT DECLINES INVITATION TO NATO SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
Radikal, Turkey
May 11 2004
Armenian officials announced yesterday that President Robert Kocharian
had declined to attend next month’s NATO summit in Istanbul. According
to a statement from the Armenian president’s office, the decision
was made to protest a lack of progress in relations between Ankara
and Yerevan. Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan is expected
to go in Kocharian’s stead. The statement also underlined that
Yerevan remains ready to cooperate with Ankara to improve bilateral
relations. /Radikal-Star/