Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan received IMF Permanent Representative
ArmRadio.am
26.07.2006 17:48
July 26 RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan received IMF Permanent
Representative to Armenia Nienke A. Oomes.
Congratulating the guest on appointment, Minister Oskanyan wished
success to Mrs. Oomes in her responsible mission.
The parties exchanged views on the successful cooperation between IMF
and Armenia. IMF Permanent Representative to Armenian James McHugh,
who is completing his mission in our country, highly assessed the
cooperation with the Government of Armenia, underlining that mist of
the joint programs have been successfully implemented.
At the guests’ request Minister Oskanyan concisely presented the
process of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

RA President signs new Laws
ArmRadio.am
26.07.2006 17:57
July 26 RA President Robert Kocharyan signed the Laws on implementing
amendments in RA Civil Trial code and RA Law on Insurance, President’s
Press Office informs.

Crew blamed for Armenian airbus crash in southern Russia
Centre TV, Moscow
26 Jul 06
Text of “Sobytiya” news report by Russian Centre TV on 26 July
The crash of the A-320 airbus over the Black Sea was caused by a crew
mistake, according to the results of an investigation by an interstate
aviation committee published today. The technical commission, which
included French experts, has established that while operating the
plane manually the crew failed to control the bank angle and height
in time while landing. The airbus fell, with control having been
lost. The commission determined that failure of the engine or other
systems of the plane had not been registered.
The A-320 airbus of the Armenian Armavia company crashed on 3 May
near Sochi. All 113 people aboard were killed.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Will Garry Kasparov return to big chess?
ArmRadio.am
26.07.2006 17:35
On the 22nd of August 13th World Chess Campion Garry Kasparov will
participate in the quick chess tournament dedicated to the 150th
anniversary of the ” Credit Suisse” bank of Zurich. According to the
Russian “Komersant” newspaper, Kasparov’s rivals will be outstanding
chess players Anatoli Karpov, Viktor Karchnoy and Yudith Palgar.
After winning in the Linares international tournament in March, 2005
the World Champion had declared he was leaving chess to concentrate
on a political career.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Highlights from Turkish Islamist press 26 Jul 06
BBC Monitoring
Yeni Safak
Under the headline, “Children Killed by Cluster Bombs,” Yeni Safak
publishes a front-page report which accuses Israel of “starting
to use cluster bombs against civilians and children” in Lebanon.
According to the report, the civilian death toll stands at 400 in
the Israeli bombardment.
In a 7,650-word article entitled “Will US Troops Be Deployed on
Anatolian Soil?” on page 4, Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul
claims that Israel’s attack on Lebanon was planned by the US and
Israeli administrations at a meeting in Colorado over 17-18 June,
adding that the purpose of the attack is to eliminate all sources of
resistance in the region against Israeli authority, enable the United
States to establish a military presence in Lebanon, and open a front
against Syria. Karagul claims Saudi Arabia’s, Egypt’s, Jordan’s and
Turkey’s support for the commitment of a NATO force to the region
indicates they have either “fallen into the trap” or are cooperating
with the US-Israeli plan because “the NATO force to be sent to the
region will not work for a ceasefire but fight for Israel and the
United States.” He also claims that it will not be long before the
same forces attempt to deploy an “international force” consisting of US
troops along the Turkish-Syrian border and in the Port of Iskenderun.
In a 650-word article entitled “What Sort of Order is This?” on
page 12, Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru blasts Condoleezza Rice for
announcing after her meeting with Olmert that “it is time for a new
Middle East” instead of taking Israel to task over the “destruction”
she “personally witnessed” in Lebanon or “at least requesting Israelis
to stop using disproportionate force.” He also asserts that “the new
Middle East Order” looks set to be established at the cost of the
blood and lives of the people of the region.
Vakit
Under the headline, “This is Treason,” Vakit publishes a front-page
report which criticizes the fact that “whereas Misons and Agops
who graduate from Jewish and Armenian schools in Turkey that offer a
religious-oriented education can enter university even when they score
poorly in the entrance exam, imam-hatip students have to surmount
obstacle after obstacle” before they can qualify for university
education.
In a 1.650-word article entitled “Sending Turkish Troops to Lebanon
by Hook or by Crook” on page 11, Vakit Editor-in-Chief Hasan Karakaya
argues that the plan to deploy a NATO force to Lebanon is not intended
to keep the peace in the region but to prevent Hezbollah from sending
missiles to Israel, adding that despite claims to the contrary, a NATO
force in Lebanon is certain to consist mostly of Turkish troops, “which
means” that “Israel’s security will be maintained by Turkish soldiers”
and that the Turkish army will find itself at odds not only with
Hezbollah but also with the Shi’is in Lebanon, and with Iran and Syria.
In a 1,200-word article entitled “What is it Time for?” on page 11,
Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak underlines the significance of
the fact that “black witch Rice” issued her statement calling for a
new Middle East on the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of
Lausanne. He claims that the current Middle East borders were not
drawn in accordance with the will of the people of this region and
that in protecting their respective borders, Middle East countries
are maintaining a map “imposed by international powers centres”
early in the twentieth century. Dilipak also explains why Turkey
should not send troops either to Iraq or to Lebanon.
Zaman
Under the headline, “Issue of Peace Force for Lebanon Turns into a
Riddle,” Zaman publishes a front-page report which asserts that it
still remains unknown when an international peacekeeping force will
be sent to Lebanon, who it will consist of, whether its targets will
include disarming Hezbollah, and what the role of NATO and the UN
will be.
In a 650-word article entitled “Search for Peace” on page 17, Zaman
columnist Mustafa Unal asserts that Ankara “justifiably” does not
look sympathetically on demands for its commitment of troops to an
international peace force in Lebanon because “deploying troops between
the Iran-supported Hezbollah and Israel, which regard the existence
of one another as casus belli, is not different from landing right
in the thick of the fire.”
In a 750-word article entitled “Beyond Israel” on page 17, Zaman
columnist Nihal B. Karaca argues that it is a mistake to look to
the United States to stop the Israeli “outrage” in Gaza and Lebanon
because it was people within the US administration who advised former
Israeli leaders to effect a “clean break” with the Mideast process and
called on Israel to “reoccupy PNA territory even if it should entail
a high price in blood.” A cartoon by Osman Turhan on page 17 depicts
a Western soldier with a smirk on his face directing a handgun to an
amazed Arab militiaman (or a terrorist, judging from his eye mask)
in the form of a hand puppet that the former has put on his right
hand – a possible sarcastic reference to what is presented as the
hypocritical quality of Western preparations to send an international
force to the Middle East in order to disarm Hezbollah.
Milli Gazete
Under the banner headline, “Let Parliament Convene Urgently,” Milli
Gazete publishes a front-page report which censures the fact that
Turkey, “the historical leader of the region,” is “not taking any steps
beyond engaging in telephone diplomacy, to stop the Israeli massacres
in Palestine and Lebanon.” According to the report, Felicity Party (SP)
leader Recai Kutan has called on Parliament to convene extraordinarily
to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East.
In a 700-word article entitled “Their War is on Islam” on page 11,
Milli Gazete columnist Abdulkadir Ozkan claims that in first going
to Lebanon rather than to Israel despite the fact that “the war
was not started Lebanon,” US State Secretary Rice revealed that the
purpose of her visit was not to mediate a “fair” agreement to stop the
hostilities but to “strengthen Israel’s hand.” He also draws attention
to the coincidence of Rice’s visit with press reports that the United
States is preparing to give some 100 bunker buster bombs to Israel and
asks whether this situation does not amount to “taunting the world.”
Bugun
In an 850-word article entitled “Sending Troops to Southern Lebanon?
Why not?” on page 10, Bugun columnist Cengiz Candar argues that Turkey
should “use the opportunity” provided by requests for its contribution
of troops to Lebanon to “raise its international profile,” adding that
for Turkey, maintaining a military presence in Lebanon would be much
more effective against the “PKK scourge” than dispatching troops to
northern Iraq.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Ruling party booklet on EU prefaces premier, lists Turkey’s “red lines”
Anatolia news agency
26 Jul 06
Ankara, 26 July: [Ruling] Justice and Development Party (AKP) Foreign
Relations Department prepared a booklet – “EU in 100 questions” –
aiming to introduce Turkey’s European Union (EU) adhesion process to
the society.
One hundred questions have been asked in the booklet as well as
the answers regarding the foundation of the EU, its history, motto,
decisions, consultative and jurisdictional bodies, enlargement process
and screening process as far as Turkey is concerned.
“Turkey’s unifying identity appears to be an important asset at a
time when efforts are underway to polarize the world in the axis of
civilizations and at a time when terrorism gradually became more
destructive and merciless,” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan wrote in the preface of the booklet.
Erdogan also reaffirmed that Turkey’s EU perspective was always
“full membership”.
In the booklet, Turkey’s red lines are listed such as:
-“Turkey cannot recognize Cyprus Greek Cypriot administration under
the name of Cyprus Republic. A political recognition is only possible
after a comprehensive and durable settlement.
-“Acknowledging ‘so-called Armenian genocide’ can never be a
pre-condition in the negotiation stage. No concessions will be made
from the Lausanne Treaty and (Turkey’s) territorial integrity.
-“It is out of question for Turkey to accept ‘Privileged Partnership
Status’ (offered by some European politicians). Screening process is
expected to be concluded at the end of this year.
“Agriculture and environment will be the two topics that will strain
most Turkey at the negotiation process,” it was also underscored at
the booklet.

IMF Permanent Representative James McHugh completing mission in Armenia
ArmRadio.am
26.07.2006 15:47
RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan received today Permanent
Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Armenia
James McHugh, who is completing his mission in our country. Information
and PR Department of the Government informs that the Prime Minister
positively assessed the cooperation between IMF and the Armenian
government during McHugh’s tenure in office, noting that the positive
outcomes of this cooperation for Armenia are apparent. According to
the Prime Minister, with joint efforts RA Government and IMF managed
to find solutions to a number of questions.
Mr. McHugh underlined that in the course of the last four years the
Government of Armenia managed to resolve a wide range of problems
and to register progress.
James McHugh introduced RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan to the
new IMF Representative to Armenia Mrs. Nienke A. Oomes, who has five
years of experience of working in the Fund.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the Government will continue
working equally successful with Mrs. Oomes and wished success to
Mr. McHugh in his future activity.

US diplomat says 2006 ideal year for resolving Karabakh conflict
ANS TV, Baku
25 Jul 06
Presenter] US ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse will visit the
populated areas bordering Armenia, Public Affairs Officer of the US
embassy Jonathan Henick has said. Henick commented on the fires set to
occupied Azerbaijani territories by the Armenians and the settlement
of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. He said that 2006 is an ideal year
for resolving the conflict.
[Correspondent over video of Henick] The USA will try to ensure that
the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict is completely solved by the end of this
year. Representative of the US embassy in Azerbaijan Henick believes
that it is impossible to solve the problem in 2007.
[Henick, speaking in Azerbaijani] Elections [presumably 2007 Armenian
parliamentary election] will be held next year and we all know that
it is very difficult to solve such problems during an election. We
still have six months left in 2006. We will continue our attempts to
solve this problem together with the two presidents [of Armenia an
Azerbaijan]. This simply does not depend on the [OSCE Minsk Group]
co-chairs. This is a mutual project.
[Passage omitted: reported details about Karabakh fires]
[Correspondent] The US diplomat also said that the US government will
reconsider the allocation of financial aid to Azerbaijan because of
increasing oil incomes. The US government will most probably reduce
humanitarian and increase military aid to Azerbaijan, end of quote.
Vaqif Hasanov, Sahla Abdinova, Rafiq Nagiyev, ANS.

Iran’s Jews steer clear of furor over Mideast battles
AP Worldstream; Jul 25, 2006
BRIAN MURPHY
Nothing in the office of Iran’s sole Jewish lawmaker calls attention
to his faith. No Star of David, no menorah nor any of the well-known
symbols of Judaism. But _ as in nearly every public building in Iran _
there’s a portrait of the Islamic Revolution’s patriarch, Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini.
Moris Motamed’s political headquarters highlight the well-practiced
survival skills of Iran’s remaining 25,000 Jews _ caught again in
a political no man’s land by the fighting between Israel and the
Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Any public expression of sympathy for Israel would invite a sharp
crackdown from authorities and hard-line Islamic groups.
“We are Iranians. We work for what’s best for Iran. The fighting,
fortunately, does not affect the Jewish community in Iran,” said
Motamed, who holds the single parliament seat reserved for Jews. Other
seats are set aside for the Christian Armenian and Assyrian minorities
and followers of Iran’s pre-Islamic Zoroastrian faith.
But Iran’s Jews have undeniable bonds with Israel _ most notably
Israel’s Iranian-born President Moshe Katsav. Thousands of Iranian
Jewish families have relatives in Israel and the historical links
between Persia and the Holy Land go back to antiquity and are
celebrated each year with the festival of Purim.
In January, the leader of Iran’s Jewish community, Haroun Yashayaei,
issued a rare challenge to Islamic authorities after President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad called the Holocaust a “myth.” He said Ahmadinejad was
questioning “one of the most obvious and saddening incidents in
human history.”
Israel, however, presents a red line no one is willing to cross. Iran’s
Jews have remain publicly silent as Iranian leaders have called for
Israel’s destruction, including Ahmadinejad’s call last year for
Israel to be “wiped off the map.”
Last week, Jews in the southern city of Shiraz held a pro-Hezbollah
rally that was covered by state-run television _ a sign that the march
was likely overseen by the Islamic regime to reinforce the idea of
national solidarity.
The Web site of the Tehran Jewish Community includes statements
opposing Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip and praising
uranium enrichment by Iranian scientists. The U.S. and many of its
allies _ including Israel _ believe Iran is using its nuclear reactor
project as a cover for a weapons program.
“For Iranians, there is a distinction in their mind between Zionism and
Judaism,” said Motamed. “This is a very important distinction for us.”
Iranian Jews face no restrictions on their religious practices,
but they must follow Islamic codes such as head scarves for women in
public. The same rules apply to the larger Christian and Zoroastrian
communities.
But the Jewish population in Iran continues to shrink from emigration
to Israel, the United States and elsewhere. Before the 1979 Islamic
Revolution, nearly 100,000 Jews lived in Iran, Motamed said.
Anti-Semitic acts are rare, but Jews often are the target of degrading
caricatures in the Iranian press. Tensions rose considerably in 2000
when 10 Iranian Jews were convicted of spying for Israel. An appeals
court later reduced the sentences under international pressure and
all the inmates were eventually freed.
Iran’s Persian ancestors, meanwhile, figure prominently in Jewish
lore and tradition.
Hebrew canons and the Old Testament recount the story of Persia’s
King Cyrus allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem from Babylon and
rebuild the temple nearly 2,600 years ago.
Iran also is the site of one of Judaism’s most important sites:
the shrine of Esther and Mordechai in the western city of Hamedan.
The Book of Esther tells the story of how she was raised by her
relative, the royal adviser Mordechai, and becomes a Persian queen. She
saves her fellow Jews from slaughter by persuading King Xerxes to
call off a plan to attack the
community on a date that would be decided by lot, or “pur.” The
change of
heart is marked each year by the festival of Purim.

Turkish Speaker protests to Dutch counterpart on draft Armenian genocide bill
Anatolia news agency
25 Jul 06
Ankara: 25 July: Turkish Speaker of parliament Bulent Arinc has
sent a letter to the Dutch House of Representatives Speaker Frans
Weisglas expressing his dismay on a draft law that, if accepted,
would make any rejection of the so-called Armenian genocide a crime
in the Netherlands.
Arinc’s letter pointed out that, if the Dutch House of Representatives
vote in favour of the draft, this would put barriers in front of those
willing to conduct historical research on and/or debate historical
events.
Bulent Arinc stressed that allegations of a so-called Armenian genocide
are sensitive issues for the Turkish people and government.
“All documents we possess prove that there has not been a genocide,”
noted Arinc. “What took place was a re-location and deportation of
a portion of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire in 1915 during
a time of war,” remarked Arinc.
According to Arinc, the draft law will also hurt Turkish-Dutch
relations.
“Turkey’s call to Armenia to jointly study historical documents has
not received a positive response. Although the Netherlands should
support Turkey’s call to Armenia, it is acting in a way that will
have a negative impact on bilateral relations,” expressed Arinc.