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.

EC PRESIDENT BARROSO: “I’M CONCERNED ABOUT TURKEY NOT MEETING ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER ANKARA PROTOCOL”
Turkish Press
Nov 20 2006
In remarks published over the weekend, European Commission President
Jose Manuel Barroso said that Turkey ‘s not implementing its
obligations coming from the Ankara Protocol would affect all membership
negotiations. Speaking to German daily Tagesspiegel, Barroso said,
“I am concerned about developments,” adding, ” Turkey hasn’t yet
fulfilled its commitments emanating from the Ankara Protocol. The
European Union requested this last year. If Turkey doesn’t fulfill its
commitments, all membership negotiations would be affected.” In related
news, French daily Le Figaro claimed that there was a conspiracy
against Turkey ‘s EU membership. Writing on “Who’s against Turkey
‘s EU membership?” question Writer Alexandre Adler argued that Turkey
‘s real enemies lie among the fundamentalist Christians inclined to
racism, not Armenians, Greek Cypriots or Greeks.

RUSSIAN VICE-SPEAKER: RUSSIA SHOULD NOT CARE FOR OTHERS. WE SHOULD DEFEND OUR INTERESTS
Author: R. Aghayev
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Nov 20 2006
Vladimir Jirinovskiy, Vice-Speaker of the Russian Duma, distinguishing
with his own peculiar visage of many international processes, commented
on gas problems that Georgia and Armenia face, in the interview with
TREND SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT in Moscow
– Vladimir Wolfovich, Georgia has stated that starting from the next
year, they refuse to buy Russian gas at the price of $230 per 1.000
cubic meters. How could you comment it?
– Very nice, let them not buy anything – neither gas, nor anything
else from us until the day when they dismantle their museum of
occupation. I am for Russia suspending all ties with Georgia. We do
need any relations with this country. Let them head for Turkey, EU,
US, and exist the way they like. And we shall wait and see how they
begin spitting all over. They are not a country yet. They are just
supported and provided by other states. And everything comes from it.
Let us see, for example, yesterday they showed how they made a
poor-quality home brew wine. This is present Georgia.
– How do you think, could Georgia prohibit using its territory as a
transit for Russian gas, to Armenia, in particular, if the conflict
expands? How will Russia help Armenia in this case?
– Sure, they may do it. Let Armenians themselves think what to do.
Let them turn to their atomic power plant, and construct another power
block somewhere not far from Yerevan. That is their care. Why should
we care for and think about it?! Let every country itself care for
itself. And we shall advocate and defend Russian state interests.
And as to Georgia, it is a hazard, ballast, and abscess on our foot
in the Caucasus. Therefore, the faster they will go away from us,
the better it will be for us
– How do you think, when Russia will acknowledge the independence of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia?
– Russia might acknowledge it whenever it likes.
– And when it might happen?
– That will not happen in the near future. We should wait and see
how Kosovo is being handled, so we are not approached with the fact
that we destroy other states. Let them acknowledge Kosovo, and then
we shall do the same with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS TO VISIT ARMENIA TODAY
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 20 2006
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Yuri Merzlyakov, Matthew Bryza, Bernard
Fasie and special representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Anjey
Kasprzyk will visit Armenia today, Russian Foreign Ministry work
group on Nagorno Garabagh told the APA.
Later the co-chairs are expected to visit Azerbaijan.
In the meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers Elmar
Mammadyarov and Vardan Oskanyan held in Brussels an agreement
was reached on the meeting of the Presidents of two countries. The
meeting is planned to be held in Minsk within CIS presidents’ summit
on November 28.

ARMENIAN IM STAFF DEPARTMENT CHIEF VISITED BAKU
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 20 2006
Armenian delegation participated in the 4th meeting of CIS member
states’ Interior Ministries Staff Department chiefs in Baku on November
16-17, APA reports quoting to IM sources. IM Press Service affirmed
the information.
Press Service officer Ehsan Zahidov told the APA that the
representatives from CIS member states, as well as from Armenia will
participate in the event. The Armenian IM Staff Department chief
participated in the meeting.
The development of cooperation among Interior Ministries, the problems
of struggle against organized crimes and international terrorism were
discussed in two-day meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress