TREND, Azerbaijan
Oct 28 2006
Azeri Foreign Minister Met with Delegation of German Marshal
Foundation

Source: Trend
Author: S.Agayeva

28.10.2006

Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with the delegation of
German Marshal Foundation, Trendreports with reference to the
statement of the Azerbaijan Foreign Minister.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister informed the guests about the
situation in the region, interrelations with the neighboring
countries, Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the
ways of its settlement.
Mammadyarov answered to the questions of the guests regarding the
geo-policy of Azerbaijan, realization of global-economical projects,
religious situation, efforts of Azerbaijan to restore peace and
stability in the region.

The New Anatolian, Turkey
Oct 28 2006
Turkey set to bring dynamism to BSEC
Turkey is aiming at bringing a new dynamism to the organization of
the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), during its six-month term
presidency starting Wednesday.
BSEC Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Murat Sungar told The New
Anatolian that Turkey will carry out a more active policy during its
Term Presidency and as a sign of that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
is expected to participate in the upcoming 15th meeting of the
Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Moscow next week.
“International developments are making the Black Sea region much more
important for almost all countries. The region, which lies at the
crossroads of Europe and Asia has big economic potentials. Turkey,
which led efforts to establish the BSEC 15 years ago, now aims at
bringing a new momentum to the organization,” Sungar said.
According to Sungar, despite various interesting projects being
raised by BSEC members in the past, most of them haven’t been
realized. “One of the projects that will gain more importance in the
coming period will be the so-called ring-road project, which aims to
link the countries of the region,” Sungar said.
Turkey is also planning to host a major meeting of the BSEC next
June, which will bring the heads of states of the member countries to
Istanbul. The event will mark the 15th anniversary of the BSEC.
On June 25, 1992, the heads of state and governments of 11 countries
signed in Istanbul a summit declaration and the Bosphorus Statement
giving birth to the BSEC.
The organization came into existence as a unique and promising model
of multilateral political and economic initiative aimed at fostering
interaction and harmony among the member states, as well as to ensure
peace, stability and prosperity encouraging friendly and
good-neighborly relations in the region.
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova,
Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine are the founding members of the
BSEC. Serbia and Montenegro also later joined.
The United States and Israel are among the 13 observer states.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The New Anatolian, Turkey
Oct 28 2006
Linden: I don’t expect Cyprus crisis this year
Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) President Rene van
der Linden said on Friday that he does not expect a major crisis in
Turkey’s European Union process late this year over the Cyprus
problem.
“Turkey has the right to become a member of the EU, and it has to be.
It is important to maintain the EU perspective,” Linden was quoted as
saying by the Anatolia news agency during his press conference at
Istanbul’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. The PACE head underlined that it was
not only in Turkey’s but also Europe’s interest to continue the
reform process during the EU accession talks. Stressing that the EU
membership process is a long road, Van der Linden argued that not
only Turkey but also the EU’s mentality will change during that time.
Van der Linden also cited his displeasure on the resolution passed by
the France’s lower house of Parliament to make questioning Armenian
genocide claims a crime. “I’m against this resolution, and I hope
that the Senate will not pass it,” he said.
The PACE head also underlined that Armenian genocide claims should be
left to historians and should never become a condition in Turkey’s EU
process.
The EU and Van der Linden’s Council of Europe (CoE) are separate
institutions.

Cyprus Mail, Cyprus
Oct 28 2006
FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS
By a scribe called Haji Mike
ENTER-EXIT recent elections in DiKO mean the affable but overloud
Cleanthous lost the presidential race to relative newbie Karoyian.
Most disturbing was the last minute `scare mongering’ on the part of
some Cleanthous backers that Karoyian was in fact… Armenian! Playing
the dangerous `race’ card in this case backfired like an A-Bomb on an
acid trip.
Karoyian represents a new breed of politician in Cyprus, and whether
I agree with him or not, it is always good to see change, in whatever
shape or form it comes. Added to this. he is a far more eloquent and
fluent speaker than Cleanthous, who at times reminded us of a raging
bull in a fine china shop.
One thing I would point out though, maybe Karoyian could speak a
little slower – at times his over-enthusiasm sounds like he is trying
to rush things through – and that leaves an air of mistrust.
Reminds me of the first person who sold me an insurance policy in
Cyprus back in 1993. He raced through a five page contract in one
minute `zirt-zart-zourt’ and then just said `oh by the way you sign
here!’ I spent the next hour or so with him analysing the whole thing
paragraph by paragraph!!!
JOHN IS A LEGEND AGAIN sophomore music releases are the trickiest of
things – especially when your first CD sells so much and wins
grammys. John Legend’s new release `Once Again’ has the confidence
and style of anything by Marvin Gaye during his most creative heyday.
Even the cover has that retro vibe to it.
But this is by no mean a backward looking old soul meets neo-soul
effort. It is simply John Legend being his expected talented and
moving self, which makes him one of the best living songwriters of
our times. The first single is a classic case in point. `Save Room’
has this ethereal quality to it. Initially I felt it had this Jim
Morrisonesque baritone quality to it – even making me wonder whether
Legend was actually covering an old Doors tune! Then when he hits
that bridge – wow! More info on the `Ledge’ and the new CD @
CRYING TIME: Each Thursday we wait with bated breath on the latest
revelations from various neo-Mcarthyite MPs and the parliamentary
committee that is allegedly investigating the so-called facts on
UNOPS funding and the referendum.
This week there was a sort of numbed silence – which applies just as
equally to our President. The media were more concerned with car tax
decreases than hunting down so-called `traitors’.
The issue, however, as predicted last week in `sublime…’, has taken
on a new dimension, with UNFICYP Chief of Mission Michael Moller
stating that the witch-hunt was `poisoning the atmosphere’. As few
politicians are speaking publicly about the need for a real inquiry
into referendum funding, I’d like to bring to their attention an
insight by Yiangos Mikkelides, the wise commentator on life in the
Banananation from last Sunday’s Politis newspaper. As one of the
founding members of the `Yes’ platform, Mikkeliddes confessed that
`we had to beg to raise the £700 needed to pay the money for renting
the Conference Centre for our mass rally’. And I thought these people
had all the bucks!
In addition, the mythical `Nathan’ report, which is nowhere to be
found, and believe me I have for over two years been searching high
and low for a widely available copy, is actually a complete farce.
What certain MPs have in their hands and some journalists is
presumably a first draft by Nathan Associates, who for whatever
reasons never finished the report.
Its real title is `Final Report Cyprus Bi-Communal Development
Program Evaluation’ submitted by Development Associates. And if no
one believes me just go to
, it’s public information and downloadable for free. Nowhere in this
document are any names listed regarding funding – which leads one to
presume that the `evidence’ referred to as `The Nathan Report’ is
highly dubious as a valid official source.
It’s `puzzling’ how MPs in the Republic of Cyprus, and elements in
the press acquired such documents without, it seems, official
endorsement from UNOPS. Perhaps what we need is transparency all
round on this issue. Maybe an investigation of the investigative
process itself would reveal a few surprises.
In a week when phone tapping was endorsed by the government, in this
light, I admit I have some serious doubts if this will not be abused
for other purposes. Trust has been violated, starting with the
President himself, who, let’s face it started off this bad atmosphere
in the first place.

TREND, Azerbaijan
Oct 28 2006
No Grounds to Remove France from OSCE Minsk Group, French Ambassador
Assures

Source: Trend
Author: A.Ismayilova

28.10.2006

Trend’s exclusive interview with the Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan, Bernard due
Chaffout
Question: in the beginning of 2007 the Presidents of Azerbaijan and
France will pay mutual visits. What are your expectations from the
French President’s First Visit to Baku? What major issues will be
discussed during the visit?
Answer: For the time being it is too premature to speak about the
topics of mutual visits, which will be paid in January 2007, or more
probably in March. Taking into consideration that the heads of the
states themselves will select the topics for discussion, including
the actual issues of the world policy, it would be a bit incorrect to
answer this question on their behalf.
Nevertheless, I am sure that along with the bilateral
relationships, it will be very interesting for French President
Jacques Chirac to know President Ilham Aiyev’s ideas on the issues of
the world’s concern. Undoubtedly, the French President’s first visit
to Azerbaijan will give impetus to the bilateral cooperation and
friendship.
Question: France holds one of the leading positions in terms of
investments into Azerbaijan. Are you satisfied with the current
economic relationships between the two countries?
Answer: Indeed, economic relations between the two countries are on
an excellent level and in 2005 the turnover of goods reached EUR
500mln. There is still potential for further development of
relationships in some sphere, including food industry, production of
drinkable water, public services (automobile roads, parking, and
water), and electricity distribution network. French companies lead
worldwide and can share with Azerbaijan experience and knowledge.
Question: A French company, Total, came out with an initiative on the
construction of a new terminal in the Azerbaijani section of the
Caspian for the oil admission through the Baku-Ceyhan. Is the idea
still actual?
Answer: An idea by Total on the constriction of a new terminal in the
Azerbaijani section of the Caspian for the oil admission through the
Baku-Ceyhan is still actual.
Question: The adoption of a legislation penalizing for denial from
the so-called `Armenian genocide’ at the French Parliament caused
resonance worldwide, including Azerbaijan. They frequently sound
statements on the toughening of bilateral relationships, as well as
removal of France from the co-chairmanship at the OSCE Minsk Group.
What are your views on outlet from the situation?
Answer: The adoption of a legislation penalizing denial of the
`Armenian genocide’ at the French Parliament, does not mean that the
law will enact into law even today. The legislation should pass long
and by-stage procedure: first the Senate should include it into the
agenda, then the Senate is to adopt the law on identical text
(content), submitted by the Assembly.
Taking into consideration the friendly attitude of the Senate
Chairman, Christian Ponsle, towards Azerbaijan, I would doubt it. In
case there is any difference between the contents, which would be
voted at the National Assembly and the Senate, there will be hearings
to achieve a common text (content) and the law will have to get an
approval of the President, who can return the document to the
parliament for re-consideration. Unless the document passes the
barriers until April 2007, the proposal will be regarded as
inefficient. Moreover, the legislation will be considered at the
Constitution Board, which can regard the document as contradictory to
the principles of freedom of idea and speech specified by the
Constitution of France.
In any case it is not dealt with the government which comes out
against the law and considers the document to be inconsiderable and
inappropriate. It is dealt with the forwarding a proposal on the bill
at the parliament.
The government and the President are involved in the foreign policy
of France. The co-chairmanship of France at the OSCE Minsk Group is
not under disposal of the parliament, but the government, in
particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thus, there is no ground
to remove France from the composition of the Minsk Group, where for
many years it has taken neutral and objective position on the
peaceable resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. There is no
ground to discuss the co-chairmanship of France at the Minsk Group.
With respect to the bilateral relationships between two countries
I’d say that in this stage there is no ground to affect on the
approval of a bill at the National assembly on the first reading. The
Azerbaijani Minister for culture and Tourism has recently paid a very
successful visit to France on the occasion of the Azerbaijani Week,
held within the framework of the 60th anniversary of UNESCO. On the
other hand, we are establishing very fruitful and reliable
cooperation with the Ministry of Emergencies in the sphere of civil
defense.
Question: How could France, as a member of the European Union, assist
in Azerbaijan’s integration onto the region?
Answer: France as a member of the European Union can take an active
part in Azerbaijan’s further integration into the organization and is
prepared to do so, if Azerbaijan desires it. France can concretely
prepare Azerbaijan within specific cooperation frameworks in the
political, social and economic sectors, in the form of technical
assistance mission, training, exchange of experience and information
for upgrade of the state of Azerbaijan and bringing Baku closer to
the European experience, as well as future integration of the country
in to the European Union.
For instance, I guess France could be useful for Azerbaijan in
reforming the health system, upgrade of civil defense system,
management over crisis and natural calamities, organization of rules
for public tender markets, organization of public expenses training
of , high ranking state officers, protection of rights of women and
children, social protection system, etc. Thus, France’s experience
could bring real benefit in every sector of Azerbaijan

Zaman, Turkey
Oct 28 2006
PACE President Visits Turkish FM Abdullah Gul
By Zaman, Ankara
Friday, October 27, 2006
zaman.com
Rene van der Linden, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe (PACE), said he did not expect Turkey to have a
`train wreck’ in its EU accession process.
Noting that it was in the interest of both Turkey and Europe to
continue the reform process, Linden asked for Article 301 of the
Turkish Penal Code to be amended and said, `Everyone in Turkey should
be able to speak their mind freely.’
Van der Linden met with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
Thursday. At a press conference where he made clear statements about
the recent developments and strongly criticized the French parliament
for passing a controversial bill criminalizing even questioning an
Armenian genocide, Linden remarked that he did not believe that the
Upper House would approve the bill, further noting: `This bill is a
mistake because while what we need here is reconciliation, it sets a
bad example in regard to the freedom of expression. This is a back
step from the freedom of expression.’
Remarking that Ankara must continue the reform process for full
membership, the PACE president said the following as regards to the
train crash metaphor: `I prefer not to use the term `train crash,’
because we have lately seen that some politicians invent terms to
ostracize the process. This is not advantageous for either Turkey or
Europe. Both parties should adopt a balanced approach. Sometimes I
see that Turkey is very frustrated.’
Also criticizing the veto system of the European Union, van der
Linden said, `There is no football team or music group where any
member can stop the entire process alone,’ adding that such a system
served only to slow down the decision-making process.
Linden also referred to the news that there was no one to welcome him
at the Istanbul airport when he arrived but the security guards: `It
stemmed from a misunderstanding,’ he said.

Sabah, Turkey
Oct 28 2006
Pamuk is not invited for the October 29
The president Sezer invited many authors, artists and scientists to
the reception of October 29; however, he did not invite Orhan Pamuk.
The President Ahmet Necdet Sezer showed his sensitivity about the
author Orhan Pamuk with a Nobel Prize who said: “30 thousand Kurds
and 1 million Armenian people were killed” in the reception of
October 29. Sezer invited many authors, artists and scientists to the
reception of October 29; however, he did not invite Orhan Pamuk.

The South Caucasus in between Russian claims and Georgian pro-western policy
28.10.2006 15:15
Armen Manvelyan
“Radiolur”
This week the constantly sharpening relations between Russia and
Georgia turned into a real crisis. The scandal connected with the
arrest of Russian Officers accused of spying served as a reason for
`diplomatic war.’ In Georgia it was expressed with anti-Russian
statements, in response to which the Russian side undertook mass
deportation of Georgian nationals and withdrawal of Russian citizens
from Tbilisi. The situation has got so tense that the press is already
discussing the possibility of a military clash. In the current
situation Russia actually utilizes all its power to apply economic
sanctions against Georgia, while the latter is trying to get the
support of the US and European structures in the unequal struggle
against its Northern neighbor.
The tense situation is a serious blow not only for the conflicting
sides, but also for the region as a whole and Armenia, in
particular. Regional instability exerts not only political, but also
economic impact on us. It’s no secret that good relations with both
Russia and Georgia are of strategic importance for Armenia. We are
linked to the parties with political, military and regional questions,
and it is clear that we are probability one of the few countries, if
not the only one, to be interested in the improvement of relations
between the sides. Turning to the relations between the two countries
we can say that we observe the clash of Russian claims and pro-Western
policy of Georgia, that is to say that Russia is aspiring to resume
the status of its ever great power, while relying upon the `West will
save us’ principle Georgia refuses to launch a dialogue with its
northern neighbor. The whole danger of this kind of policy of official
Tbilisi is rooted in the fact that for coming to terms with Russia on
some important question, let’s say the gas issue, the West mat betray
the Georgian interests, as it was the case in the UN Security Council,
where the Russian side managed to have an anti-Georgian bill pass,
which ascribed the whole responsibility for the situation in Abkhazia
to official Tbilisi, and the activity of Russian peacekeepers was
considered effective. Russians managed to have the bill pass through
concessions to the US in the North Korean issue. The same refers to
the question of Georgia’s accession to NATO. The West, particularly
the United States, does not conceal its positive toward this
aspiration of Georgia; however, it simultaneously declares that NATO
will not send peacekeepers to the conflict zone. Besides, it is known
that the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia comprise serious
obstacles on Georgia’s way to the North-Atlantic Alliance. No matter
how mach Russia protests, it will not manage to prevent Georgia’s
entry into NATO, while Abkhazia and South Ossetia can permanently
block Georgia’s entry into this military block, since NATO will never
accept a country having two unsettled conflicts on its territory.
Nevertheless, it should be stated that unfortunately Armenia can do
little in a situation, where the sides do not wish to listen to each
other and speak the language of ultimatums. It is clear that both
Tbilisi and Moscow do not wish to allow any mediation for negotiating
with each other, but official Yerevan should apply every effort to
bring the parties to the bargaining table, refusing from unacceptable
statements against each other. At the same time the sides must realize
that for having influence over the South Caucasus, Russia needs to
have good relations with Georgia, while accomplishment of the Western
policy of Tbilisi is possible only after establishment friendly
relations with Moscow.

Serge Sargsyan received the newly appointed Ambassador of Sweden

ArmRadio.am
28.10.2006 11:35
October 27 Secretary of the Presidential Council on National Security,
RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan received the newly appointed
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden Hans Gunnar
Adén (seat in Stockholm).
During the meeting the parties spoke about Armenia’s place and role in
the geopolitical context. Emphasizing the role of the OSCE Minsk
Group, they turned to the current stage of settlement of the Karabakh
conflict. Reference was made to a number of security issues and the
cooperation with NATO in the framework of the Individual Partnership
Action Plan and the `Partnership for peace ‘ program.

Representative of France – “Miss Europe 2006”

ArmRadio.am
28.10.2006 15:02
The representative of France Alexandra Rosenfeld won in the `Miss
Europe 2006 ‘ beauty contest. The beauty of the European Continent was
awarded a prize of 100 thousand Euros and a crown of the `Chopard’
Company worth 350 thousand Euros. Alyona Avramenko of Ukraine was
recognized `Vice Miss Europe 2006.’
This year the contest was held in the `Ukraine’ national palace of
Kiev. Representatives of 33 countries, including `Miss Armenia 2006′
Marina Vardanyan, were participating the event.