PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS CALL ON GOVT TO RECOGNIZE GENOCIDE OF THE CHERKESS PEOPLE
Interfax, Russia
Nov 20 2006
KRASNODAR. Nov 20 (Interfax) – Representatives of six public
organizations in Adygeya, Karachayevo-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria
have signed an address to the Russian federal government, urging it
to recognize genocide of the Cherkess people in the 18th and 19th
centuries.
“We ask the government to recognize moves by Tsarist Russia from
the middle of the 18th century to the beginning of Word War I
as genocide. The Cherkess people suffered great deprivations and
hardships, Zaur Dzeukozhev, deputy head of the Adyg republican public
movement the Cherkess Congress told Interfax on Monday.
“We are ready to discuss this question, hence our address to the
president. Also, we have appealed to the European Parliament because
it recognized the genocide of the Armenians,” Dzeukozhev said.
Historians have “sufficient materials in their archives, including
eye-witness reports and documents, to prove the genocide,” he said.

LEADER OF RUSSIAN ARMENIANS CLAIMS HATE CRIMES IN RUSSIA AFFECT ARMENIANS LESS THAN OTHER MINORITIES
By Ruzanna Stepanian
Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Nov 20 2006
A Moscow-based Armenian tycoon argues that racially motivated attacks
in Russia affect Armenians to a lesser degree than representatives
of other non-Slavic ethnic minorities.
Addressing the concerns over the recent killings of two ethnic
Armenians in Murmansk and near Moscow, Ara Abrahamian, the president of
the Union of Armenians of Russia (UAR), told Armenian intellectuals at
the Writers’ Union in Yerevan on Monday that one shouldn’t think that
only Armenians become victims of ethnic violence and get killed. On
the opposite, he said, statistics shows that representatives of other
ethnic groups, for example Azerbaijanis, are killed more frequently
in Russia.
“One killed Armenian is already too many. But Russia is a big
country. Armenians are killed not only because they are Armenians,
but they are killed because of their ‘wrong color of hair’. There is
no deliberate murder of Armenians,” Abrahamian said, adding that much
fewer Armenians than Azerbaijanis or Georgians or representatives of
other [non-Slavic] ethnic groups are murdered in Russia.
According to Abrahamian, indeed there are some problems in Russia’s
law-enforcement bodies when they try to soften the motives of crimes,
besides corresponding work is not being done in public circles
to prevent such cases. But, he said, it doesn’t mean that Russian
authorities encourage such crimes.
The killings of two ethnic Armenians in the last couple of weeks
sparked a fresh outcry in Armenia. Scores of young people in Yerevan
signed a petition last Friday addressed to Armenia’s foreign minister
protesting Yerevan’s inaction and lack of policies on what they believe
to be crimes committed against Armenians in Russia on ethnic grounds.
Chairman of the UAR Murmansk regional community, businessman Artur
Harutiunian was killed next to his house on November 16. Earlier,
on November 11, an Armenian teenage boy, Narek Kocharian, was stabbed
to death on a railway near Moscow.
Galust Sahakian, who heads the parliamentary faction of the ruling
Republican Party of Armenia, told Armenian media on November 17 that
it is time the Armenian government took “serious steps” in response
to the ongoing wave of killings of Armenians in Russia.
Heghine Bisharian of the opposition Orinats Yerkir party argued that
the Armenian authorities are partly to blame for the wave of killings
as they have not created favorable economic conditions in Armenia
that would persuade Armenians who emigrated to Russia in search of
livelihood to return.
“It was, indeed, a great loss for us,” Abrahamian said when asked
about the murder of the leader of the Armenian community of Murmansk.
“He [Harutiunian] had been doing a lot to organize Armenians, had
close ties with Armenia. Investigation is underway and it is in the
center of our attention,” Abrahamian said, adding that it is yet very
early to express any opinion as “investigators should be allowed to
do their work.”
Abrahamian said, however, that Harutiunian’s murder was not connected
with his being Armenia. He said he was a businessman and is likely
to have become a victim of “clashing interests.”
Abrahamian complained that they do not get Armenia’s assistance in
preventing such cases. Meanwhile, he said, when a citizen of Armenia
is killed in Russia, Armenia must protest it vigorously.
Abrahamian also said that Armenia must clearly express its policy
towards Georgia in view of the Russian-Georgian tensions.
Russian-Georgian relations must not affect Armenia and if they do,
then in Abrahamian’s opinion Georgia must be criticized.
“Georgia should notify in advance. In case of a blockade it must give
us a way, a corridor,” Abrahamian said.
Speaking about the upcoming elections in Armenia, the leader of
Russian Armenians said he is going to participate in the elections
but within the framework of the law. Commenting on what it means,
Abrahamian said that more than 500,000 citizens of Armenia who are
members of the Union of Armenians of Russia live in the Russian
Federation today. And so the Union must participate in the electoral
processes and express its opinion.
Currently, the organization led by Abrahamian studies the political
field in Armenia, what party presents what program and what political
views they have. In January 2007 the Union of Armenians of Russia
is going to announce what political force it will support in the
upcoming elections.

COMMANDERS’ CONTEST AND REVIEW HELD IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Nov 20 2006
A few days ago a contest and review of the Motor Rifle and Tank
brigades’ Commanders was held in a training military unit within the
frames of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Armed Forces’ training plan.
For five days the Commanders showed their skills of using fighting
equipment and improved field training.
The measures of the kind are systematically held in the Armed Forces
with the participation of various group’s Commanders.
The Army command noted skillful combination of theoretical and
practical knowledge. The best commanders were awarded with the Defense
Minister’s gratitude and certificates of merit, the NKR MFA Press
Center reports.

DEVELOPMENT OF BILATERAL CO-OPERATION DISCUSSED IN MEETING OF AZERI AND UAE PRESIDENTS
Author: E.Huseynov
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Nov 20 2006
The development of the bilateral co-operation was discussed on 20
November in Abu Dhabi at the meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan,
Ilham Aliyev and United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed
Al Nahayn.
Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the development of
co-operation in various areas. It was stated that signing documents
and holding a business forum during Aliyev’s visit to the UAE will
further expand relations between the two countries. Is was agreed that
after the visit, they would fully benefit from the existing potential
for the development of relations, including economic relations.
The Presidents discussed co-operation within the international
organizations, the process of resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and regional questions. In addition, on
20 November, Aliyev met with the member of the Executive Council of
the Dubai Emirate, Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahayn. They spoke of the
successful co-operation of the two countries in various areas. Aliyev
gave an interview to the State media of Abu Dhabi and met with large
business organizations.

RV INVESTMENT TO LEAD EXPEDITION TO GOLD DEPOSITS IN OCCUPIED AZERI LANDS
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 20 2006
RV Investment plans to organize an expedition to the gold deposits
in the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia, Company President
Reza Vaziri told APA.
“We, as an international company, tried to learn firsthand situation
by going there through Azerbaijan. But, Armenians fired on us. We will
try to learn firsthand situation within the contract signed with the
government of Azerbaijan on development of gold deposits,” he said.
Vaziri also said that his appeals to the UNO, USA, Canada, UK and
Armenia demanding stop of the illegal development of the gold deposits
which RV Investment has the right to develop have remained unanswered.
“We will appeal to the US Department of State soon,” he said.
Vaziri added that they have concrete documents to bring to court the
companies illegally tapping gold in the deposits.
“We have photos which are taken every two or three weeks. We will
settle the problem in the international court after collecting all
necessary documents.” he said.

NKR DEFENSE MINISTER: “WE HAVE MADE OUR BORDERS IMPREGNABLE”
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Nov 20 2006
The fall call-up to the army started in the Nagorno-Karabakh. The NKR
Defense Minister Lt. General Seyran Ohanian addressed the conscripts’
relatives in the course of a meeting held at an army unit.
“It’s a memorable day, as the NKR Defense Army’s ranks are being
reinforced. I am sure the recruits will fulfill their civil duty
before the Motherland with honor. Today we have an army capable
of fighting, which protects our country, our nation’s creative
work, thus leading to the country’s prosperity. To serve in such a
country is any soldier’s sacred duty. Our boys go to protect their
Motherland’s borders with the soldiers that do not concede to the
developed countries’ servicemen by the level of their combat training.
Having provided our borders with up-to-date engineering devices,
we’ll make them impregnable”, the NKR Defense Minister noted, the
NKR MFA Press Centre reports.

U. S. ARMENIAN COMMUNITY READY TO PROMOTE NKR DEVELOPMENT
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Nov 20 2006
“There is no Armenia without Artsakh, and there is no Artsakh without
Armenia. We should do our best to ensure Artsakh’s development”, the
Armenian Diaspora’s representatives repeatedly stated at a reception
in honor of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) President Arkady
Ghoukassian held last Saturday evening in Santa Anna (CA).
According to the information DE FACTO received at the Main Department
of Information under the NKR President, Arkady Ghoukassian had thanked
his American compatriots for their long-time support to Artsakh’s
social, economic, cultural and spiritual development. The President
underscored Nagorno-Karabakh’s achievements would be impossible without
the Armenian Diaspora’s aid. The meeting’s participants expressed their
readiness to go on rendering assistance to the NKR via implementing
various development projects in the Republic. The interlocutors
stressed the importance of the Diaspora’s active participation
in the TV marathon to be held in the U. S. November 23. The
marathon is targeted at fund raising for the Nagorno-Karabakh’s
further development, in part, Hadrut region’s construction. Famous
philanthropists Costi and Marian Shirvanian, Ralph and Savy Tufenkian,
Hakop and Mina Shirvanian, Vartkes and Mary Najarian, Vahe and
Veronique Karapetian, Roger and Ellen Ohannisian, Hakop Baghdasarian
and others were present at the reception. RÀ Consul General in Los
Angeles Armen Liloyan also participated in the event.
In the course of Arkady Ghoukassian’s meeting with the U. S. Armenian
Diaspora’s influential representatives Dr. Arthur Mesropian, Albert
Boyajian and Harry Turpanjian the interlocutors considered the
perspectives of the Nagorno-Karabakh’s all-sided development. The
NKR President also met with the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA)
leadership and activists in Los Angeles. The interlocutors discussed
the issues referring to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement,
the NKR regional security, social and economic development and further
democratization.
The NKR President Arkady Ghoukassian will hold a number of other
meetings within the frames of the TV marathon’s preparation.
–Boundary_(ID_UmO3FXaogIrQ/o85B22YT A)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BRITISH MEPS LAUNCH FORMAL ATTACK AGAINST FRENCH GENOCIDE LAW
ABHaber, Brussels
EU-Turkey News Network
Nov 20 2006
3 British MEPs Michael Cashman (Labour), Richard Howitt (Labour)
and Andrew Duff (Liberal Democrat) have joined forces to launch an
official attack against the French National Assembly’s recent adoption
of an amendment to a law which seeks to criminalise denial of the
‘Armenian genocide of 1915’.
The MEPs have tabled a written declaration (80/2006) in which they note
their concerns regarding the content and context of the French law.
Speaking about the reasons for launching this initiative Michael
Cashman said:
“It seems clear to me that this law has been drawn up simply for
reasons of political expediency and it will be exploited by those
who oppose Turkish entry into the EU in an attempt to stall accession
negotiations.
This is a dangerous political tactic and an unwelcome addition to
the serious issue of reaching agreement on EU enlargement” continued
Michael.
“Our goal must be to help not hinder EU Turkey relations and this is
why I’d encourage all MEPs to sign our written declaration”.
concluded Michael
Richard Howitt MEP added:
“Turkey obviously has a long way to go before being ready to become
a member of the EU. What politicians should be doing is encouraging
Turkey to modernise, adapt and reform – not attempting to change the
rules by throwing more obstacles in Turkey’s path.
When the EU has rightly been calling on Turkey to drop their Article
301 which restricts free speech, this action by the French National
Assembly reeks of the worst kind of hypocrisy and provocation. That
is why I co-signed this written declaration” continued Richard.
For his part Andrew Duff MEP said:
“This law contradicts the universal fundamental right to freedom of
expression, a key value for all EU Member States and a value which,
ironically, stems from the principles of the French Enlightenment”.
Such actions by a Member State government do nothing to assist on-going
negotiations between the EU and Turkey nor do they improve relations
between Turkey and Armenia.
It is for these reasons that I felt co-signing this written declaration
was the best way for me as an MEP to express my feelings on this
important European issue”.
The British MEPs are hoping the written declaration will gain
signatures from a significant number of MEPs and provide a clear
signal that not all of Europe, or even all of France, agree with the
French Parliament’s position on this issue.
“I’d encourage all those who agree with our assessment of this
important issue to contact their MEPs and ask them to sign our written
declaration”. concluded Michael
WRITTEN DECLARATION
pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure
by Michael Cashman, Andrew Duff and Richard Howitt
on the French National Assembly’s adoption of a law criminalising
denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’
Lapse date: 23.2.2007
0080/2006
Written declaration on the French National Assembly’s adoption of a
law criminalising denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the law adopted on 12 October 2006 by the French
National Assembly known as ‘reconnaissance du genocide armenien
de 1915’,
– having regard to the Council’s approval on 3 October 2005 of a
framework for negotiations with Turkey on its accession to the EU,
– having regard to its resolution of 27 September 2006 on the progress
of the Turkish accession negotiations,
– having regard to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human
Rights,
– having regard to Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights
of the European Union,
– having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the European Parliament does not believe that recognition
by Turkey of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’ should be a precondition
for EU membership,
1. Deplores the French National Assembly’s decision to adopt a draft
law criminalising denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’;
2. Believes that such a law would contradict the universal fundamental
right to freedom of expression, which stems from the principles of
the French Enlightenment;
3. Fears that this action is entirely unhelpful to those in Turkey
who are campaigning to ensure full respect for the freedom of opinion
and expression, precisely at a time when the EU should be deepening
its links with Turkey and encouraging more open and honest dialogue;
4. Does not find that this initiative is designed to improve relations
between Turkey and Armenia;
5. Regrets that this law would set a dangerous precedent by
criminalising the denial of an event that has not been officially
recognised by all of the principal parties involved;
6. Calls on the French Senate to reject the draft law;
7. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with
the names of the signatories, to the European Council, the European
Commission, the French National Assembly and the French Government.

DOVLET BAKHCHALI: JDP FOREIGN POLICY DOES NOT EVEN CONSIDER THE OCCUPATION OF AZERBAIJANI TERRITORIES BY ARMENIANS
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 20 2006
Congress VIII of Nationalist Movement Party (NMP) was held in Ataturk
Sport hall on November 19, APA Turkey bureau reports.
Dovlet Bakhchali, the leader of the party accused Justice and
Development Party (JDP) in presence of local and foreign mass media.
He accused JDP of being under the influence of globalization and not
being devoted to the significant values of the country and said that
this policy constitutes danger for the unity and equality of Turkey.
Bakhchali stressed that the only policy against the globalization is
to unite around the party and preserve the structure of the country.
Criticizing Rajab Tayyip Erdogan government’s fight policy of against
the terror, NMP leader touched upon the issues of foreign policy.
“Foreign policy of JDP does not even consider the occupation of
Azerbaijani territories by Armenians and tragic drama of one million of
refugees. Instead of it, the government looks for the ways of dialog
with Armenian leaders. At present, Armenia tries to lift embargo,
to open the borders and to make Turkey to recognize the genocide by
the support of West,” he said.
The leader also said that they will win in the next elections and
move lifer Abdulla Ojalan, the leader of PKK to the F jail. Dovlet
Bakhchali said that their party is open for the displaced “bozgurds”
and invited all of them to join NMP.
After the leaders’ speeches, the authoritative bodies of the party made
their reports. Dovlet Bakhchali was elected to the post again getting
1127 votes of 1183 representatives. Umit Ozdag was removed from the
party with the decision of the court because of illegal membership.
Nearly 30 000 men watched the congress of the party. Jemil Hassanli
who was invited from Azerbaijan to participate in the congress told
the APA that he was pleased with the congress.
“Bakhchali’s speech was excellent. I am sure that the party got more
powerful after the congress,” he said.
Hassanli also said he is sure the party will get most of the votes
in the elections.

ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES DIVISION BEGAN MILITARY TRAININGS IN OCCUPIED AZERI TERRITORIES
Author: Sh.Jaliloglu
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Nov 20 2006
The division of the Armenian Armed Forces began large-scale military
training in the occupied territories of Agdam district of Azerbaijan
from 16:20, Trend reports. The training is mainly held in the Uzundere
village. Explosions can be heard in the territories where the Armenian
Armed Forces hold training. Observation of the training was deterred
by cloudy weather.