TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO LEBANON: IRFAN ACAR ON TURKISH PARTICIPATION IN LEBANON PEACEKEEPING
Monday Morning, Lebanon
Sept 11 2006
Session of the Turkish Parliament
Voting for participation
The Turkish parliament last week voted after fierce debate at an
extraordinary session to authorize the government to send troops to
the UN force in Lebanon. A government motion to contribute troops
to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was backed by 340 of
the 533 lawmakers present in the 550-seat house, while 192 voted
against and one abstained. Under the motion, Turkey will send a
naval force to patrol the Eastern Mediterranean, deploy troops, help
train the Lebanese Army and support allied countries in naval and air
transport. The motion foresees a one-year deployment, but it is not
yet clear how many troops will be sent, nor when and where. Foreign
Minister Abdallah Gul has said the number of soldiers is not likely to
exceed 1,000. Details of the deployment were expected to become clearer
after talks between Turkish leaders and visiting UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan, who arrived in Ankara hours before the vote as part of
a regional tour to win support for the Lebanon mission.
The government argues that participation in UNIFIL is an historic
duty to contribute to regional stability, to help strengthen Ankara’s
influence in the Middle East and boost its bid to join the European
Union. “Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean is important for
Turkey. The conflict [in the region] may affect us tomorrow, if
not today”, Gul told the house. “Providing stability in the Eastern
Mediterranean is the duty not only of Italy and France, but also of
Turkey. We cannot remain indifferent. “Our decision is also compatible
with our argument that Turkey’s entry will turn the EU into a global
force”. The government says the mission has minimal risk since the
Turkish contingent will not be a combat force and will not be tasked
with disarming Hezballah.
The debate saw unsuccessful opposition attempts to block the motion
on procedural grounds and hostile exchanges between rival MPs.
Opposition MPs charged that the UN force would serve to protect only
Israel and advance American and Israeli interests in the Middle East.
Some warned the deployment would pitch Turkish soldiers against
fellow-Muslims.
Even though about 20 members of the ruling Justice and Development
Party were reported to be against the deployment, the motion was
easily adopted thanks to the party’s absolute parliamentary majority.
The government’s willingness to deploy troops has sparked strong public
opposition on grounds that Turkish soldiers could face hostile fire
or engage in fighting with Muslims.
In a bid to calm fears, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said
earlier that Ankara would withdraw its troops from Lebanon if they
were asked to disarm Hezballah.
In Lebanon, meanwhile, members of the country’s Armenian community
have expressed opposition to the presence of the Turkish contingent.
Turkey’s Ambassador Irfan Acar stressed in an interview his country’s
humanitarian contribution to the people of Lebanon’s devastated
regions and its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial
integrity of Lebanon.
What are the latest figures on Turkish humanitarian aid to Lebanon?
Turkey has been one of the biggest contributors of humanitarian aid
to Lebanon. Since the early days of hostilities, the Turkish state
and NGOs have been among the first to send humanitarian aid to the
Lebanese people. So far, more than 12 million dollars’ worth of aid
has been delivered to Lebanon, via two military and two civilians
ships, one military aircraft and over 100 trucks. This amounts to
more than 2,000 tons of food, medicine, clothing and blankets. Of
the 12 million dollars, one million is in state aid, four million
from the Red Crescent, and the rest from numerous NGOs.
Turkey has also provided medical aid to kidney patients, including
children. The Lebanese authorities, approached our relevant departments
with a request for hemodialysis equipment, as there had been an urgent
need for this treatment throughout Lebanon. We have delivered several
thousand units of hemodialysis material by two ships.
Would there be a possible contribution of Turkey to the reconstruction
efforts?
Turkey is prepared to help Lebanon in any way it can following the
recent events. As was the case with our humanitarian aid efforts,
Turkey is willing and ready to contribute to the reconstruction
efforts. Thus, we participated in the Stockholm conference and pledged
10 million dollars.
The extent of damage to the infrastructure of Lebanon, such as
residential units, roads, bridges and other facilities, is extensive.
Repair of these facilities will require billion of dollars, according
to the Lebanese authorities.
Already a number of Turkish NGOs following inquiries in Beirut and
South Lebanon, are working on certain projects aimed at repairing
facilities, establishing food distribution centers and other projects
in coordination with the relevant Lebanese institutions. Turkey will
continue to contribute to the reconstruction projects as much as it
can in cooperation with the Lebanese authorities.
The Lebanese government requested Turkey’s participation in UNIFIL.
What are the latest developments in this regard?
Turkey attaches great importance to the unity, territorial integrity
and independence of Lebanon. Preservation of peace and stability in
Lebanon and in our regions is of the utmost importance.
The Turkish government has taken a decision of principle to contribute
to UNIFIL. Subsequently, the Parliament approved the government’s
decision on September 5. Our relevant authorities are working on the
details of the Turkish contribution within the context of the decision
of Parliament.
UNIFIL is a force of multinational character. Many countries from
Europe, members of Organization of the Islamic Conference and others
throughout the world will take part in it.
Upon the request of the Lebanese government, Turkey, as a country of
the region, decided to take part in the force for the maintenance
of peace. It has always expressed its solidarity with Lebanon and
devoted all its efforts to contribute to the stability of Lebanon
and the well-being of its people, and it will continue to do so.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKEY FOREWARNED EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
By Selcuk Gultasli, Brussels
Zaman Online, Turkey
Sept 11 2006
Turkey communicated its views to the European Parliament before open
discussions over the report adopted by the European Parliament (EP)
Foreign Affairs Committee last week.
In the 22-page document, Turkish foreign ministry officials provided
a detailed response to criticisms set out in the report prepared by
Dutch Christian Democrat Camiel Eurlings.
The document, sent to EP members who supported Turkey in the Foreign
Affairs Committee’s session held on Sept. 4 as well as the Turkey
coordinators of political groups represented in the Parliament,
informs the parliamentarians about a number of issues.
Underlining that Turkey will not accept any alternative to full
membership, and that thorny political issues should not be brought
to the table during the membership negotiations between Turkey and
the E.U., the document stresses that in the case of any interruption
to negotiations, the E.U. too will suffer.
It further urges that such an unfavorable situation would be
unacceptable in terms of the global expectations from the E.U.
Referring to the 2006 and 2007 reform programs; it also states that
Turkey has been working on a number of unresolved and unreformed
political and economic issues.
The document also notes that Turkey will await the formation of a
case regarding Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code rather than
amending it.
Noting that the E.U. stance vis-a-vis the Cyprus issue is
“incomprehensible,” the document extensively covers the Cyprus and
Armenian issues as well as the Diyarbakir incidents.
The document underlines: Turkey is the second country that recognized
the independence of Armenia, and its trade volume with Armenia has
increased to $120 million.
Forty thousand Armenian citizens live and work in Turkey. Despite
those positive indicators, Armenia’s attitude is disappointing.
It has not yet responded to Turkey’s proposal to form a joint
commission of historians; the EP could encourage it to accept that
proposal. Turkey keeps its borders with Armenia closed because of the
Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh, and its failure to recognize
its border with Turkey.
The ongoing terror in Southeastern Turkey is a clear attempt by the
PKK to halt the reform process. The E.U. should immediately call on
the PKK to disarm, abandon terrorism, and dissolve itself.
Diyarbakir Gun TV, Diyarbakir Soz TV, and Urfa Medya FM have been
broadcasting in Kurdish since March 26. The time limitation on movies
and music shows was set for June 12.
The ninth reform package addressing the Law of Endowed Charities will
be discussed at the parliament soon after its inauguration.
The Turkish government is seeking ways consistent with the Constitution
and the secular educational system to resume education at Heybeliada
Priests School.
The relevant court has ruled on the Semdinli incident; because the
judiciary is dealing with it, no further comment should be made on
this matter.
Restrictions contained in articles 216, 277, 285, 288, 301, 305 and
318 of Turkish Penal Code are within the limits of the derogations
recognized under international law. The prosecutions made in connection
with those articles do not violate freedom of expression.
Similar provisions could be found in the penal codes of some E.U.
members. It should also be noted that most lawsuits filed based on
those articles have been dismissed by the relevant courts.
Any further compromise by Turkey regarding the Cyprus issue would
equal a reward for those who declined a viable resolution.

SPEAKER: BULLYING POWERS FRIGHTEN NATIONS BY PRESENTING AN UGLY IMAGE OF IRAN
Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Sept 11 2006
Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel said on Tuesday that the world
bullying powers constantly present an ugly and unreal image of Iran
and try to frighten other nations by raising unfair charges against
the Iranian nation.
A report released by Majlis Media Department said that the speaker
made the remark while speaking at the University of Armenia.
“The Iranian nation managed to rid itself of the hegemony of foreign
powers through a religious revolution launched by masses of people
without politically relying either on the West or on the East. Thus
through establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran a new and
independent path was selected,” he said.
“The propaganda against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program is the clear
sign of such animosity, which is associated with our nation’s will
to protect its cultural and political identity.
“Besides, Iran’s foreign policy based on friendly ties with other
countries and mutual respect in relations with world nations aiming
to further promote global peace, tranquility and welfare is another
cause for the enemies’ hostile approach,” he added.
He referred to the friendly ties between Iranians and Armenians and
compared such friendship to a tree with a deep historical root whose
trunk, branches and leaves are today manifested before our eyes in
solid grandeur.
“Several centuries before the advent of Islam, Armenians considered
Iran as a safe residence and religious difference of ideas have never
created any gap between Muslims and Armenians neither in pre-Islam
nor post-Islam eras.
“They have always lived a comfortable life in Iran and have protected
their rituals and churches. They have had friendly relationships and
close cooperation with their Iranian countrymen,” he added.
Turning to multifaceted bilateral relations, Haddad-Adel said that
Iran and Armenia cooperate in various political, cultural and economic
fields.
The speaker said that both sides are determined to expand mutual ties
by making optimum use of each other’s actual potentials and facilities.
He pointed to the life lived by Iranian and Armenian along with each
other in the course of history as the most superior and laudable
example of peaceful coexistence between followers of various religions
in the world.
Underlining that scientific and university interconnection is one
of the options of such relations, he stated, “Fortunately, given the
good potentials of Yerevan State University with a 90-year history,
both sides will benefit from exchange of university instructors,
students and scientific achievements.”
Putting the number of Iranian students at 2.5 million, he pointed to
Iran’s trend of growth in various scientific branches and declared
readiness for cooperation with Armenia in the sector.
“Iranology as well as Persian language and literature have long been
taught in Yerevan State University. Iranologists and professors of
Persian language attach great value to such an ancient tradition.
“Armenia is one of the most reputed hubs of Iranology in Caucasia
and Central Asia. After the disintegration of the ex-Soviet Union,
the trend continued more freely and even was strengthened,” he said.
The official said that the Armenians’ Interest in Persian language and
literature as well as their attraction to outstanding Iranian poets,
in particular Ferdowsi, is considered as one of the factors for the
spiritual bonds between the two sides.
“University instructors who are bound to promote science and knowledge
in their own countries, have a heavy burden on their shoulders,”
he said.
Haddad-Adel said that such a task is not restricted to advancement of
science and technology in the community rather keeping the nations
updated on the real developments of the world of today is more
significant.
“The facts which were once revealed, will not only result in the
vigilance of nations, but will make them realize the truth and revise
their false ideas formed under the impact of wrong propaganda of the
world tyrannical powers,” he concluded.
Haddad-Adel arrived in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, Monday on the
first leg of a two-nation visit to the region.
His official visit takes place in response to the invitation of his
Armenian counterpart.
The speaker is accompanied by a number of executive officials and
Majlis deputies.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARCHBISHOP OF TEHRAN: NO WORLD PEACE WITHOUT RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Payvand, Iran
Sept 11 2006
TEHRAN, Sept. 11 (Mehr News Agency) — Archbishop Sebu Sarkissian,
the spiritual leader of Armenian Orthodox Christians in Tehran, said
on Monday that dialogue is an absolute necessity of the modern world.
The main objective of all divine religions is to teach people to live
better lives, Sarkissian told the Mehr News Agency.
“Since the followers of all divine religions have a strong belief
in their religious values, it is essential to hold talks between the
followers of different religions and religious denominations.
“Religious negotiations are the most important kind of negotiations
in the modern world because mutual understanding and religious
tolerance will be established between religions when they actually
become familiar with each other,” he said.
Archbishop Sarkissian stated that the topic of discussion in dialogue
among religions depends on the interests of the participants in the
religious, social, political, or cultural spheres.
“Moral values are necessities of human life and religious dialogue
because these are the values that unite humans and help them understand
each other,” he added.
Religious dialogue has become essential in recent years because
world peace can never be established without mutual understanding,
Sarkissian said in conclusion.

BANGLADESH BLAMES ARMENIA`S AGGRESSION TOWARD AZERBAIJAN
Author: S. Aghayeva
TREND, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2006
Bangladesh condemns Armenian aggression toward Azerbaijan, and
advocates against Azerbaijan`s historic territories occupation,
Bangladesh`s Tourism Minister Mirza Fakhrul Ýslam Alamgir told
journalists today, Trend reports.
According to him, Bangladesh has always backed Azerbaijan in this
issue, and supported Azerbaijan`s position in all international
organizations. The Bangladesh`s Minister pointed out that he will
fully support corresponding items concerning this issue including
the resulting document of the Baku Conference of the Organization
for Islamic Conference (OIC) member-states` Tourism Ministers to be
adopted today.
“We have not backed any aggressive and terror policy against any
Islamic state”, stated the Minister.
–Boundary_(ID_esJDuvbMIF4+g01svT30pg)- –
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LEBANON HAS NO EXACT POSITION OVER KARABAKH SETTLEMENT
PanARMENIAN.Net
12.09.2006 12:56 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Lebanon has no exact position over settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, editor-in-chief of the Azdak, the
largest Armenian newspaper of Lebanon, Shahan Kandakharyan stated in an
interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. In his words, during a visit to Yerevan
Lebanese Parliament Chair Nabih Berri stated he supports the Nagorno
Karabakh people right for self-determination. NKR FM Georgy Petrosyan
was in Lebanon lately. He met with the President, Parliament Chair and
FM. “I remind that the Lebanese political leadership states on various
occasions that it supports the claims of the Armenian people, which
also refers to the Karabakh issue,” Shahan Kandakharyan underscored.

OSCE REPRESENTATIVES DID NOT MONITOR ARMENIANS’ FIRING SHELL DURING MONITORING OF CONTACT FRONT LINE
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2006
The contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops near the
Gapanli village of Azerbaijani region of Terter was monitored in
accordance with the mandate of personal representative of the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office today.
The monitors were Gunter Folk and Peter Ki, field assistants of
the personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office from
Azerbaijani side and Imre Palatinus and Jiri Aberle, field assistants
of the personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office from
the opposite side, internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan.
The Defense Ministry told the APA the monitoring passed without any
incidence. However, APA’s Garabagh bureau reports Armenians fired
incendiary shell to Gapanli village during the monitoring. The shell
stroke local resident’s house causing fire.
Though the field assistants were notified about this incident, the
OSCE representatives did not monitor it.

ILTIMAS MAMMADOV: ‘ARMENIAN TV CHANNELS INTERFERED IN AZERBAIJANI AIRSPACE IN SUMMER’
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2006
‘Armenian TV channels interfered in the airspace of Azerbaijan
in central and outlying regions in summer, Deputy Minister of
Communications and Information Technologies Iltimas Mammadov said,
APA reports.
He said Azerbaijan and Armenia has taken a commitment upon themselves
before the Regional Communications Union. By international norms
Armenia decreased the interference in Azeri airspace.

IRANIAN NATION WINNER IN N-CASE: HADDAD-ADEL
Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Sept 11 2006
The Iranian nation will emerge winner in the nuclear standoff,
visiting Iranian Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel said in Yerevan
on Monday.
Haddad-Adel, who arrived in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, Monday on
the first leg of a two-nation visit, met with staff of Iran’s embassy
in Armenia and their families. Following his visit to Armenia, he
will next pay a visit to Kyrgyzstan.
“If the bullying powers impose sanctions against Iran, our nation
will not yield to them and give up its rights,” he said.
He added that joy and hope have been created in Iran for the country’s
development in all fields, saying “Iran will achieve success in
economic areas day by day.”
The speaker said Iran took steps for its development and growth,
stressing the nation has an optimistic view of the future.
He noted that Iran had become self-sufficient in the production of
wheat and said the country is currently self-sufficient by 90 percent
in the production of agricultural goods.
The speaker stressed the importance of making use of the two countries’
potentials to further promote bilateral relations.
From: Baghdasarian

IRAN-ARMENIA RELATIONS EXAMPLE OF COOPERATION FOR STATES OF REGION
PanARMENIAN.Net
11.09.2006 19:19 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian National Assembly Speaker Tigran
Torosian met today with chairman of the Iranian Mejlis Gholam Ali
Haddad-Adel. The parties underscored that during 15 years of Armenia’s
independence the relations with Iran were not darkened by political
discrepancies. Tigran Torosian remarked that Iran was Armenia’s best
ally, especially during the years of blockade. He also pointed out
to cooperation in the energy sector and voiced hope that the problem
with Iran’s nuclear program will be settled via talks.
For his part, Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel noted that the relations with
Armenia can serve as an example of cooperation for the states of
the region. The interlocutors also referred to the settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The Mejlis Speaker underscored that Iran
stands for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and continuation of
talks between the leaders of two states.
During the visit Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel also met with RA NA
Vice-speaker Vahan Hovhannisian, representatives of permanent
commissions and deputy factions, reported the RA NA press office.