SERGE SARGSYAN, “IT WOULD BE WISE TO MAKE ALL THE DOCUMENTS PUBLIC”
A1+
[03:10 pm] 29 June, 2006
“Bryza had better make the documents adopted during the Qui West
negotiation and after it public instead of his own interpretation,”
Serge Sargsyan, RA Defense Minister told the journalists today while
commenting on OSCE Minsk group newly appointed American Co-Chair
Mettew Bryza’s “discoveries.”
“There is some misunderstanding here. The OSCE Minsk group
Co-Chairs call on the sides not to make the documents public to
avoid emotional outcome whereas they do the contrary themselves,”
noted Serge Sargsyan. He announced that the conflict settlement is
the two presidents’ priority and the Co-Chairs will accept whatever
the two presidents decided.
According to the Defense Minister the publication of the Karabakh
conflict negotiation details will not lead to the war relaunch. “I
don’t thing that the current situation can lead to any war. There
are no preconditions for war.”

STATEMENT BY THE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS
Lragir.am
29 June 06
TO THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL
Vienna, June 22, 2006
Mr. Chairmen,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In November last year the Minsk Group Co-Chairs reported to this
Council that the two sides in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were
poised to make a transition from negotiating to decision-making
and that a historic breakthrough in the settlement of the conflict
was possible in 2006. During the past seven months, we intensified
our mediation efforts and worked hard to achieve the agreement of
both sides on basic principles for a settlement. We visited Baku
and Yerevan three times together and several more times separately,
organized two meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
and Azerbaijan and two summits between Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev
– first in Rambouillet in February and then in Bucharest in early June.
For the first time since 1997, when the current format of the
Co-Chairmanship of the Minsk Group was established, a joint Mission
of Representatives of the Co-Chair countries at the Deputy Foreign
Minister level traveled to the region in May in order to make clear to
the presidents of both countries that 2006 is the necessary window of
opportunity for reaching an agreement on Nagrono-Karabakh. In fact,
the delegation of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoriy Karasin,
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, and high-ranking
French diplomat Pierre Morel – representing French Political Director
Stanislaus de Laboulaye – told the two Presidents that our three
countries expected them to take advantage of this opportunity by
reaching an agreement on core principles for a settlement at their
Bucharest summit in early June.
Our deputy ministers told the two Presidents that an agreement on basic
principles now, before the July G8 Summit in St. Petersburg,
would secure broad international support and a high level of
financial assistance for postconflict reconstruction and peacekeeping
activities. We stressed – as always – the belief of our nations and,
more widely, of the international community that the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict can be resolved in no other way than a peaceful one. Moreover,
we stressed that both leaders need to prepare their publics for peace
and not for war.
Mr. Chairman,
Our deputy ministers proposed to Presidents Aliyev and Kocharian a set
of core principles that we believe are fair, balanced, workable,
and that could pave the way for the two sides to draft a far-reaching
settlement agreement. We continue to believe in these principles, and
we urge the Presidents to embrace them as the basis for an agreement.
Unfortunately, the Presidents chose not to reach such an agreement
in Bucharest. As mediators in this process, we will not breach the
confidentiality of their sensitive diplomatic dialogue, as we continue
to hope that they will reach an agreement. At this juncture, though,
it is our responsibility to you, Mr. Chairman, to this Council that
has provided the funding for a very intensive series of negotiations,
to the international community, and – perhaps most importantly –
to the publics in Armenia and Azerbaijan, to acquaint you with the
basic principles that we have put on the table for the consideration
of the two Presidents.
We note that the principles the Co-Chair countries proposed to the two
Presidents were not developed in a vacuum, but follow on to nine years
of detailed proposals that have been advanced by our predecessors. Even
though those proposals were not accepted by the parties, that work
of our predecessors gave us important insights and foundations. Our
approach has been a modified one: we have not tried to solve all
aspects of the conflict in one phase. Instead, our principles seek
to achieve a major degree of progress but defer some very difficult
issues to the future and envision further negotiations. In sum, they
try to solve – in a practical, balanced way – what is immediately
solvable. These principles include the phased redeployment of Armenian
troops from Azerbaijani territories around Nagorno-Karabakh, with
special modalities for Kelbajar and Lachin districts. Demilitarization
of those territories would follow. A referendum or population vote
would be agreed, at an unspecified future date, to determine the
final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh. The sides would commit to
further negotiations to define the timing and modalities of such
a referendum or population vote. Certain interim arrangements for
Nagorno-Karabakh would allow for interaction with providers of
international assistance. An international peacekeeping force would
be deployed. A joint commission would be created to implement the
agreement. International financial assistance would be made available
for demining, reconstruction, and resettlement of internally displaced
persons in the formerly occupied territories and the war-affected
regions of Nagorno-Karabakh. The sides would renounce the use or
threat of use of force, and international and bilateral security
guarantees and assurances would be put in place.
We note with respect to the idea of a referendum or population
vote to determine the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh that
such a vote would be the product of a negotiated agreement between
the two sides. Suitable pre-conditions for such a vote would have
to be achieved so that the vote would take place in a non-coercive
environment in which well-informed citizens have had ample opportunity
to consider their positions after a vigorous debate in the public
arena.
Mr. Chairman,
This is what we have proposed to the two Presidents, but they failed to
agree. Nonetheless, we have heard both sides say repeatedly that
they have never before been so close to an agreement. It would be
a tragically wasted opportunity for the two Presidents to let this
window of opportunity close in 2006 without even the basic principles
in place for a future peace agreement for Nagorno-Karabakh. As you
know, election cycles are approaching, first in Armenia and then in
Azerbaijan during 2007-2008. We have seen before the negative effect
that national elections can have on negotiations, and we continue
to believe that now is the time for the two Presidents to summon the
political will to take a courageous step forward together toward peace.
Mr. Chairman,
As Co-Chairs, we have reached the limits of our creativity in the
identification, formulation, and finalization of these principles. We
do not believe additional alternatives advanced by the mediators
through additional meetings with the sides will produce a different
result. We hope that the Permanent Council will join us in urging
the parties to the conflict to reach an agreement as soon as possible
based on the core principles we have recommended. If the two sides are
unable to agree on those principles we have put forward, we believe it
is now contingent upon them to work together to reach an alternative
agreement that both find acceptable. We remain ready to assist. As
mediators, however, we cannot make the difficult decisions for the
parties. We think the parties would be well-served at this point by
allowing their publics to engage in a robust discussion of the many
viewpoints on these issues. We are confident that neither society wants
renewed conflict, and we urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan
to work with their publics and to work with each other to formulate an
agreement on core principles that both find acceptable. Ultimately, it
is the two sides that will be held accountable by their peoples and by
the international community if their actions lead to war and not peace.
Mr. Chairman,
We see no point right now in continuing the intensive shuttle diplomacy
we have engaged in over the past several months. We also see no point
in initiating further presidential meetings until the sides demonstrate
enough political will to overcome their remaining differences. Of
course, the Co-Chairs will remain available to both parties to serve
faithfully and impartially as mediators. Acting in complete unity among
the mediators, we have delivered a product reflecting our best efforts,
and we strongly believe that it is now time for the two Presidents to
take the initiative for achieving a breakthrough in the settlement
process. It is the only way to secure the positive results already
achieved through the last two years of negotiations, in order not to
restart them later from scratch. We will remain vigilant. We will
continue our analysis and close consultations among ourselves in
our unified and effective framework, in our continuing capacity as
Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, supported by Ambassador Kasprzyk and
his team. We will be ready to reengage if indeed the parties decide
to pursue the talks with the political will that has thus far been
lacking.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, we would like to express our sincere
gratitude to the Chairman in Office, Minister de Gucht, whose close
interest and constant attention to the issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh
settlement, including his introductory remarks before the last meeting
of two Presidents in Bucharest, have contributed greatly to our work
in the first half of 2006.

Ottoman Documentary Cancelled in US
By Zaman, Istanbul
Published: Wednesday, June 28, 2006
zaman.com
The History Channel, which broadcasts in a number of countries
worldwide, abruptly cancelled the scheduled showing of a documentary
on the Ottoman State. The documentary titled `Ottoman Empire: The War
Machine’ scheduled to be shown on June 22-23-24 was cancelled without
a prior notice or explanation. Turkish viewers, who tuned in the
program’s scheduled hour were astonished. Those who complained to the
network about the sudden cancellation were told: `The montage wasn’t
ready yet.’ Immediately following this statement, it was announced the
documentary would be shown on July 24. The DVD of the documentary was
on sale on the channel’s web site when the statement was made.
Internet sales of the DVD were later discontinued. After the
scheduled broadcast date of July 24 was announced online, it was
replaced by the notice: `We apologize, but the program scheduled for
this hour will not be shown’ The film documents the stages of the
Ottoman State from its rise to decline.

ARMENIAN, AZERI LEADERS ‘AGREED TO KARABAKH REFERENDUM’
By Emil Danielyan
Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
June 27 2006
The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan have accepted the idea of
enabling the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to decide their status in
a referendum but disagree on other, less significant issues, the
Armenian Foreign Ministry said late Monday.
The ministry also for the first time openly blamed Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliev for the collapse of his last peace talks with
his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian held in Bucharest on June
4-5. It warned that Yerevan could pull out of the negotiating process
if Baku refuses to sign up to a framework peace accord proposed by
the American, French and Russian mediators.
Key principles of that accord were revealed to RFE/RL by the new U.S.
co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Matthew Bryza, late last week.
Bryza confirmed that it calls for the holding of a referendum in
Karabakh after the liberation of Armenian-occupied territories in
Azerbaijan surrounding the disputed enclave.
Yerevan’s reaction to the move was negative, with President Robert
Kocharian saying through a spokesman that Bryza disclosed only a part
of the proposed peace deal and threatening to publicize it in full.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry appears to have done just that,
indicating in a written statement that the mediators also believe
Karabakh should retain an overland link with Armenia and remain under
Armenian control before the referendum. Still, the ministry was clearly
more positive about the U.S. official’s remarks. “The co-chairs have,
for the first time, affirmed that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh
shall determine their own future status through a referendum,” read
its statement.
“Those items over which the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan
continue to disagree do not include a referendum; that concept has
been agreed to by the presidents,” it said. “The area of disagreement
between the presidents has to do with the sequence in which the
consequences of the military conflict are removed.”
Aliev and Kocharian reportedly disagreed, among other things, on a
time frame for Armenian withdrawal from Kelbajar, one of the seven
occupied Azerbaijani districts sandwiched between Karabakh and Armenia,
during their previous meeting held at the Rambouillet castle outside
Paris in February.
“In an attempt to resolve this remaining area of disagreement, a
proposal was made by the co-chairs after Rambouillet. This proposal
was accepted by Armenia in Bucharest. Azerbaijan rejected it,” the
Foreign Ministry said without elaborating.
Aliev’s apparent acceptance of the referendum option, which sparked
unusually upbeat statements by the mediators late last year and early
this, is at odds with his repeated public statements ruling out any
possibility of Karabakh’s de jure secession from Azerbaijan. While
confirming the veracity of the peace deal outlined by Bryza,
Azerbaijani officials say they are only ready to grant Karabakh a
status of autonomy within Azerbaijan.
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov reiterated this on Tuesday. “This
could be an autonomy like [the Azerbaijani exclave of] Nakhichevan,
[the Russian autonomous republics of] Tatarstan and Bashkiria and
other entities,” he said, according to Day.az.
The Foreign Ministry in Yerevan made it clear, however, that
Karabakh’s return under Azerbaijani control is non-negotiable for
the Armenian side and said Baku must instead go along with the Minsk
Group plan. “Armenia finds that the basic principles, overall, on
the table today remain a serious basis for continuing negotiations,”
it said. “Armenia is prepared to continue on that basis to negotiate
with Azerbaijan; Armenia believes that Azerbaijan’s wavering on these
principles is a serious obstacle to progress in the negotiations. If
this policy continues, Armenia will insist that Azerbaijan conduct
direct negotiations with Nagorno-Karabakh.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Volunteer Corps
62 Hanrapetutian St. Apt 108
Yerevan, Armenia
Contact: Anoush Tatevossian
Tel: (374 10) 540037
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Volunteers’ Efforts Go Beyond Their Capabilities
YEREVAN, June 26, 2006. A protest three weeks ago in front of the Russian
Embassy in Yerevan marked Armenia’s first public condemnation of the growing
xenophobia in Russia towards the Armenian Diaspora and other immigrant
groups living there.
The June 5th protest, in response to an escalating number of crimes and
murders over the past 6 months, prompted President Robert Kocharian to step
up pressure on Moscow on Friday, June 16 to increase efforts to quell such
attacks and take preventative measures. The protest represented a theme
of growing frustration in Armenians within the Republic and worldwide
regarding the issue.
A theme of lesser notice at the protest, however, was the growing role of
the Armenian Diaspora’s volunteer efforts in their homeland. The Armenian
Volunteer Corps (AVC), an organization that brings Diasporans to Armenia to
volunteer throughout the country, was a main organizer of the event and
represented a majority of the protestors. Volunteers expressed their
disgust of the events in Russia by standing in line in front of the embassy
with anti-xenophobia signs and by giving interviews with the media.
Since January, the AVC has brought 22 volunteers to Armenia, many of them
young people coming to the country for the first time to assume various
roles including teaching English in villages, working with organizations in
Yerevan, and helping out at orphanages and with reforestation efforts.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to take Armenian language lessons and
travel to Armenia’s churches and historic sites through the Birthright
Armenia organization, which supports the volunteers with financial
assistance.
Past volunteers have come to Armenia from countries all around the world,
however the majority of them are from the US, Canada, and Western Europe.
Since the AVC’s founding in 2000, over 100 volunteers have given their
services to Armenia. “I’ve been able to lend my capabilities to different
organizations and people here, and in return I’ve gotten to know my homeland
like my own family,” said Nick Bazarian, a volunteer from Vermont who came
to Armenia in February after deciding to take a semester off from college.
For those who work with the volunteers, benefits go further than the amount
of work or service the volunteers accomplish. According to AVC’s director
Anoush Tatevossian, “Sometimes it’s the ideas they bring and the
interactions they have with people that ultimately have a greater impact on
the development of society. Their experiences outside of Armenia are shared
with people in day-to-day interactions and help people think outside the
box.”
The June 5th protest was one such example of this as the volunteers
organized themselves according to past protest experiences in the US and
Canada, forming a line in front of the embassy and equipping themselves with
signs and ready voices. The protesters then marched to the Armenian Foreign
ministry where they remained for 45 minutes. Civic actions such as this
protest have proved a success with the recent discussions between Kocharian
and the Kremlin.
Open protests of this kind in Armenia are generally rare, unattended, and
usually unorganized without sponsorship of the state. Protests are also
generally reactive rather than proactive, with people taking action after
the fact rather than before it happens, thus limiting the potential to
create influence. Noted protest organizer Arsen Kharatian, “These
volunteers come to Armenia with the intentions of physically helping their
homeland, but they end up influencing people and institutions in ways they
don’t always realize. They are a unique and positive resource for
Armenians.”

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 28, 2006
His Holiness Karekin II Completes Pontifical Visit to Istanbul
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
having completed his first Pontifical Visit to Istanbul, returned to the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in the early morning hours of June 28. The
seven-day visit included a two day fraternal visit to the Ecumenical
Patriarch, followed by five days with the Armenian community of Istanbul and
the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Although His Holiness’ flight arrived in Yerevan in the middle of the night,
waiting for him in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin at 4:00 AM, were
hundreds of faithful who had come to welcome him home. His Holiness’
procession was escorted into the Mother Cathedral under the singing of the
`Hrashapar’ hymn. Standing before the Holy Altar of Descent, the Catholicos
of All Armenians offered prayers of thanks to heaven and thereafter conveyed
the unforgettable and warm impressions from his pontifical visit to all
those present. His Holiness Karekin II joyfully reflected on the
enthusiastic reception he received from the Armenian community of Istanbul,
as expression of their love and devotion to the Holy Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness stated, `Glory and thanksgiving to God. We return from our
pontifical visit to our sons and daughters in Constantinople with a content
heart. Our soul was filled with joy to personally see and meet our faithful
children, their enthusiastic devoted faith, and their patriotic spirit. We
communed with 600 years of history and treasures of the Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople.’
The Pontiff of All Armenians stated with contentment that the Armenian
community of Istanbul, a community that lives, breathes and speaks Armenian,
is active today with a vibrant national life. The community has 39
churches, 17 Armenian schools and many institutions, the largest of which is
the Holy All-Savior National Hospital. His Holiness also fondly recalled
his meetings with Armenian intellectuals and youth of Istanbul.
As the visit of His Holiness was widely covered by the Armenian and Turkish
press and media in Turkey, His Holiness spoke of the press conference
convened in Istanbul on Sunday, June 25, following the Pontifical Divine
Liturgy, during which the Armenian Genocide was discussed. (The full text
of the press conference will be available tomorrow on the website of the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, ). In reply to the
concerns about the prospect that His Holiness’ statements on the Armenian
Genocide could negatively affect the attitude of the Turkish authorities
towards the Armenians of Turkey, the Catholicos stated, `We do not believe
that our thoughts and words can affect the attitude of the authorities
towards our Armenians in Istanbul, because we never expressed hatred or
enmity, we simply stated the reality and the truth. Taking into account the
process of democratization, which the Turkish authorities desire to achieve
in their country, we also do not believe that extremist nationalistic forces
will succeed in sowing hatred and enmity toward the Armenians or other
minorities living in Turkey.’
His Holiness continued, stating that as many countries have recognized the
Genocide of the Armenians, so too must Turkey recognize the Genocide, for
which there exists no need for deliberations.
Regarding the protests that had been organized in Istanbul during his visit,
noting that the Turkish authorities characterized them as the `actions of
extremist groups’, His Holiness emphasized that in no way did they diminish
his impressions from the trip. Due to the unprecedented security measures
which were implemented, they did not obstruct the activities of the
Pontifical Visit and generally remained unnoticed by the delegation.
Just before daybreak in Holy Etchmiadzin, as His Holiness concluded his
remarks, he once again expressed his appreciation to the Armenian Patriarch
of Constantinople and the faithful people of Istanbul for the warm
reception, and offered his prayers for the stability and vibrancy of the
Armenian Patriarchate. The Pontiff of All Armenians also warmly expressed
his thanks to all those present who had waited all night long to greet him
upon his return to Armenia.
From: Baghdasarian

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/28/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Oskanian Reveals More Details of OSCE Plan 2) Erdogan Reacts to Claims of Danish Parliamentarian 3) Oskanian Meets with Georgian Officials 4) Mutafyan Disagrees With Catholicos on Genocide Recognition 1) Oskanian Reveals More Details of OSCE Plan TBILISI (Armenpress, RFE/RL)Armenia's foreign minister Vartan Oskanian announced Wednesday during a press conference that OSCE Minsk Group US co-chairman Matthew Bryza's revelations last week of confidential provisions of a proposed Nagorno-Karabakh peace plan were incomplete and failed to present other important principles outlined by the plan, reported the Armenpress news agency. He stressed that the Armenian foreign ministry's statements reflect the true nature of the OSCE proposed plan. Security guarantees for the corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the need for a temporary status for Karabakh were two key principles that according to Oskanian should have been included in the interview Bryza gave to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "One of the key components of peaceful resolution should be guaranteeing the security of the corridor between Armenia and Karabakh. The second, until a referendum to decide the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, a temporary status should be determined for the region," said Oskanian in response to questions during a press conference with his Georgian counterpart Gela Bezhuashvili. The foreign minister added that for the first time, the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group determined that the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic shall be determined through a referendum of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. He added that the OSCE peace proposal is balanced and all encompassing, pledging Armenia's continuous willingness to negotiate with Azerbaijan within the framework of the outline proposals. "The Karabakh issue has its logical elements and we should allow for a natural progression of the process and not artificially accelerate it," said Oskanian in response to questions regarding a possible meeting between Armenian and Azeri leaders during the upcoming G8 Summit, reported Armenpress. In a joint statement that was circulated by the U.S. embassy in Yerevan on Wednesday, the Minsk Group's American, French and Russian co-chairs said their hitherto confidential peace plan envisages a self-determination referendum to be held in Karabakh after the liberation of Armenian-occupied territories in Azerbaijan, reported RFE/RL Wednesday. The statement was presented to the OSCE's decision-making Permanent Council in Vienna last Thursday and was not made public until being posted on the U.S. embassy website almost a week later. Washington's new top Karabakh negotiator, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, revealed details of the proposed peace plan to RFE/RL shortly after the Permanent Council meeting. "These principles include the phased redeployment of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories around Nagorno-Karabakh, with special modalities for Kelbajar and Lachin districts [separating Karabakh from Armenia proper]," said the co-chairs. "Demilitarization of those territories would follow. A referendum or population vote would be agreed, at an unspecified future date, to determine the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh." "An international peacekeeping force would be deployed," added the statement. "A joint commission would be agreed to implement the agreement. International financial assistance would be made available for demining, reconstruction, resettlement of internally displaced persons in the formerly occupied territories and the war-affected regions of Nagorno-Karabakh. The sides would renounce the use or threat of use of force, and international and bilateral security guarantees and assurances would be put in place." The mediators said the sides to the conflict would also have to work out practical modalities of the Karabakh referendum. "Suitable preconditions for such a vote would have to be achieved so that the vote would take place in a non-coercive environment in which well-informed citizens have had ample opportunity to consider their positions after a vigorous debate in the public arena." This peace formula seems largely acceptable to Armenia. Its Foreign Ministry argued that the mediating powers have thereby recognized the Karabakh Armenians' right to self-determination. The ministry said in its statement that Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharian have agreed to the proposed referendum but remain divided on other, unspecified issues. The Azerbaijani side initially responded positively to Bryza's disclosure of Minsk Group peace proposals. But in a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry in Baku chided the U.S. official for "taking them out of the general context of the proposed document." It also reiterated that Baku is only ready to grant Karabakh "the highest status of autonomy" and will never recognize its secession from Azerbaijan. The mediators, meanwhile, warned that failure by the two sides to cut a framework peace deal before the end of this year would close a rare "window of opportunity" to eliminate the principal source of instability in the South Caucasus. "We see no point right now in continuing intensive shuttle diplomacy we have engaged in over the past several months," they said. "We also see no point in initiating further presidential meetings until the sides demonstrate enough political will to overcome their remaining differences." Meanwhile in Baku, the Azeri Foreign Ministry of issued a statement Tuesday in response to what it termed continuing attempts by Armenia to distort the essence of the ongoing Karabakh peace talks, reported Armenpress and RFE/RL. The Azeri statement said that the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh could not be determined until the territories currently occupied by Armenian forces are liberated and the entire conflict zone demilitarized. The statement also affirms Baku's willingness to grant the NKR the highest degree of autonomy within Azerbaijan stipulated by the current Azeri constitution. 2) Erdogan Reacts to Claims of Danish Parliamentarian STRASBOURG (Combined sources)"You shouldn't confuse the concepts of insult and freedom of criticism," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan after claims of Danish radical left parliamentarian Rune Lund following the meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg. Lund claimed that under the freedom of expression he must have the right to say that "Turks committed genocide on Armenians, occupied Cyprus and outraged Kurds." Erdogan, in return, reacted strongly and said, "You should not fail to distinguish between the concepts of insult and freedom of criticism. The Danish parliamentarian claims that there is a Armenian genocide, but his statements must be based on scientific data." Enumerating freedom of expression and thought among indispensable common goals of humanity, Erdogan said, "All freedoms have a limit under international laws on human rights. You cannot have unlimited freedoms." On the other hand, Rene van der Linden, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), said that PACE extends full support to the Alliance of Civilizations Initiative launched by Turkey and Spain. In the session, Linden indicated that the aim of this initiative is to help people understand each other's cultures, and avoid fanaticism and extremism. 3) Oskanian Meets with Georgian Officials TBILISI (Armenpress)Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian arrived in Georgia June 27 on a two-day official visit. On the first day of his working visit, Oskanian met with his counterpart Gela Bezhuashvili. In their welcoming remarks, the two foreign ministers expressed their shared belief that Armenian-Georgian relations, based on solid historic ties, will continue to develop in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. The two ministers discussed bilateral issues in detail. They noted that the Armenian-Georgian bilateral agenda is a full one and their broad relationship is reflected in frequent hihg-level meetings and visits. Oskanian spoke about the economic and political importance of the operation of the Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway and its contribution to the growth of trade in the region, equally benefiting all countries. The Georgian foreign minister affirmed that Georgia is aware of its bridging role and responsibility in the region and will continue to work for more favorable transit conditions for Armenia. He explained that Georgia, too, is interested in ensuring diversified transport routes. On the topic of Javakhk, Oskanian stressed that the Armenian government stands prepared to work with the Georgian government to resolve the socio-economic problems facing the population. They addressed issues of border delimitation and confirmed that there exists the political will on both sides to resolve outstanding issues and reach a mutually acceptable solution. Oskanian briefed his colleague on the current state of the Nagorno Karabakh negotiations. In turn, Minister Bezhuashvili spoke about the negotiations surrounding Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Oskanian also met with Georgian parliament chairwoman Nino Burjanadze, who expressed hope that Oskanian's visit will boost bilateral ties between the two countries. Burjanadze said there exists a good legal framework that can support cooperation between the two countries. She also emphasized Armenia's clear-cut position in regard to Georgian-Armenian relations. "Armenia has stressed many times that it defends Georgia's territorial integrity, which is very important issue for us. Both Armenia and Georgia stress that conflicts must be solved exclusively through peaceful means and dialogue," Burjanadze said. "We are happy that the people in Javakhk have proved smarter that some people predicted and did not prevent the withdrawal of the Russian base from Akhalkalaki, realizing what is good for Georgia is good for every citizen, irrespective of their ethnic belonging," she commented. She also spoke about the Karabakh conflict, emphasizing Georgia's good relations with Yerevan and Baku, saying Georgia wants the conflict to be resolved peacefully. During his visit, Oskanian also visited the Armenian embassy in Tbilisi and will deliver a lecture at the Georgian Center for Strategic and International Studies before returning to Armenia. 4) Mutafyan Disagrees With Catholicos on Genocide Recognition ISTANBUL (Marmara)The Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan told reporters Wednesday that he did not agree with statements made by His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians regarding the need for the Turkish recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Mutafyan proposed that the "1915 issue" be addressed by historians and sociologists in order for the sides to "understand each other's sensitivities." During a pontifical visit to Istanbul, Catholicos Karekin II said the Genocide was not a debatable issue for Armenians and it is a fact that Turkey should recognize. The Turkish press reacted adversely to this statement, with one newspaperthe Hurriyetcharacterizing the Catholicos' visit as a protest demonstration. Mutafyan said that the Catholicos' statements were not unexpected and since his pontifical visit was being covered by the Armenian media and would be seen by the Diaspora communities, "the Catholicos spoke taking into consideration Diasporan sensitivities." All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

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PRESS RELEASE
ARMENPAC, The Armenian-American Political Action Committee
421 E. Airport Freeway, Suite 201
Irving, Texas 75220
Contact: Jason P. Capizzi, Esq.
Tel: (972) 635-5347
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: <; ARMENPAC ATTENDS EXCLUSIVE LUNCHEON WITH SENATOR NORM COLEMAN (R-MN) Irving, TX - ARMENPAC recently attended a private luncheon with Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) in support of his reelection campaign. ARMENPAC Co-Chair Edgar Hagopian and ARMENPAC Honorary Committeeman Gerard Cafesjian, among others, were co-hosts of this intimate affair at the Detroit Athletic Club in Michigan, which was attended by no more than thirty of Senator Coleman's closest supporters. "ARMENPAC is glad to support Senator Coleman, who has continually been supportive of Armenian-American issues throughout his career," said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Edgar Hagopian. Senator Norm Coleman has been a solid supporter of the Armenian-American community in Minnesota, which draws a vibrant and growing Armenian-American population centered in the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Four of Minnesota's eight delegates in the United States House of Representatives - Gil Gutknecht (R-1st), Mark Kennedy (R-6th), Colin Peterson (D-7th), and Betty McCollum (D-4th) - are members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Ever since being elected to the United States Senate in 2002, Senator Coleman has been a strong advocate of Armenian-American issues. During the 109th Congress, Senator Coleman has cosponsored S.2461, the South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2006, and S.Res.320, the Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and has joined as a signatory to various letters in support of Armenian-American issues. Senator Norm Coleman, who is in his first term in United States Senate, serves on the Committees on Foreign Relations; Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and, Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Senator Coleman also serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and is the Chair of its Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. In June 2005, Senator Coleman paid a visit to the Republic of Armenia to meet with high-ranking officials, including President Robert Kocharian and Foreign Affairs Minister Vartan Oskanian. "Senator Coleman has been a longtime supporter of Armenian-American issues, starting from his mayoral declaration of 1999 as Armenian Centennial Year in St. Paul, to his ongoing support of congressional initiatives ensuring that that the lessons of the Armenian Genocide will not be forgotten since joining the United States Senate in 2003," said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Hagopian. "We truly appreciate his friendship and commitment to Armenia, and the entire Armenian-American community." ARMENPAC is an independent, bipartisan political action committee with a nationwide membership. ARMENPAC raises awareness of, and advocates for, policies that help create peace, security and stability in the Caucasus region. ARMENPAC provides financial support to federal officeholders, candidates, political action committees and organizations that actively support issues of importance to Armenian-Americans. For more information and how to join ARMENPAC, please call (877) 286-1046 or visit our website. ### From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
June 28, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
SENATE PANEL PRESSES PROPOSED U.S. ENVOY FOR CLEAR
EXPLANATION OF U.S POLICY ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
— “I am not sure how we can continue to have Ambassadors
to Armenia who can be effective unless they give
recognition to the Genocide.” – Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
— Sen. Biden Against Senate Approval of New Ambassador until
State Department Responds to Questions on Amb. Evans Recall
WASHINGTON, DC – Senate Foreign Relations Committee members George
Allen (R-VA) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) bombarded U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia Designate Richard Hoagland with questions about official
U.S. complicity in Turkey’s campaign of Genocide denial,
questioning him, during his confirmation hearing, regarding his
ability to effectively represent the United States in Armenia
without properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
In the days leading up to today’s hearing, the Committee’s Ranking
Democrat, Joseph Biden (D-DE), in a strongly worded letter,
demanded that the Secretary of State answers questions concerning
the recall of the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans,
before he could support the confirmation of his replacement.
At the hearing, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), joined with Senators
Coleman and Allen in sharply criticizing the Administration’s
refusal to speak truthfully on the Armenian Genocide. Senator
Boxer, who was unable to attend the hearing, submitted written
questions to Amb. Hoagland.
The hearing was marked by repeated calls upon Amb. Hoagland to
clarify the State Department’s policy on the Armenian Genocide. If
approved, he will replace the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia,
John Marshall Evans, who – amid great controversy – has been
recalled over his truthful description of the Armenian Genocide in
February of 2005.
“We appreciate the leadership of Senators Allen, Coleman and
Sarbanes in pressing hard for a detailed explanation of the U.S.
policy on the Armenian Genocide – and commend Senator Biden for his
principled demand that the Senate receive clear answers on this
issue from the State Department before moving ahead with the
nomination of a new envoy to Yerevan,” said ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian. “We were deeply disappointed that, in response to these
legitimate inquiries, Ambassador-designate Hoagland – apparently at
the direction of his superiors in the State Department – limited
his responses to a series of unresponsive evasions and euphemisms
intended to obscure – not explain – the U.S. policy on the Armenian
Genocide.”
“We have said from the start – and believe even more firmly today –
that the U.S. Senate cannot, in good conscience, approve the
nomination of a new ambassador to Armenia until the circumstances
of the current envoy’s controversial firing – including a thorough
description of the U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide – are
fully, officially and openly explained to Congress and the American
people,” said Hachikian.
——————————-
Dodgin g the Armenian Genocide
——————————-
In his opening remarks, Senator Allen, who chaired the confirmation
hearing, made specific reference to the Bush Administration’s
decision to recall U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans
for referring to the deportation and death of 1.5 million Armenians
in 1915 as a clear instance of “genocide.” “Some have expressed
concern that Ambassador Evans has been relieved of his duties as a
result of references to the Armenian Genocide,” stated Sen. Allen.
“I do not know this to be true, but will say that many of my
colleagues and I refer to the tragic events of 1915 as genocide and
have strongly encouraged the President to do so as well. I hope
that in the future the Administration will recognize this terrible
event for what it was – genocide.”
The Virginia Senator – and potential 2008 Presidential candidate –
then went on to question Amb. Hoagland about the instructions he
has received about discussing the Armenian Genocide, as well as the
instructions he intends to issue to his Embassy staff on this
matter. In response, Amb. Hoagland stated that, “the President has
said, this is a tragedy for all humanity and one that the world
must never forget.” He went on to note that he had not received
“any kind of written instruction about this. I simply studied the
policy, I studied the background papers on the policy, I know the
policy and my responsibility is to support the president.”
Amb. Hoagland noted on a number of occasions during the hearing
that, as a Foreign Service officer who has dealt with the Caucasus,
he has visited the memorial to victims in Armenia in Yerevan, and
would do so again, should he be confirmed. He added, however, that
he was against “getting stuck in the past” and wanted to focus on
“living in the future.”
Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman noted that, “you can’t look to the
future if you deny your past.” Sen. Coleman was relentless but
respectful in his questioning, stating that, “the State Department
has put you in a difficult position. It is almost absurd for you
to sit here and you can’t utter the word ‘genocide.’ The
President’s statement that he utters every year is a description of
genocide. One of the things I was proud about the State Department
is when we talk about the Genocide in Sudan – it’s genocide what’s
happening in Darfur.”
Senator Coleman raised the 2000 statement by then Governor George
Bush that, “Armenians were subjected to a genocidal campaign that
defies comprehension,” asking Amb. Hoagland, “do you agree or
disagree with that statement.” Amb. Hoagland avoided directly
answering the question, noting instead: “I fully agree that events
occurred in 1915 and following were of historic proportion. As I
said, they were documented, they were horrifying. As we heard from
Senator Sarbanes earlier on – ‘hundreds of valleys devastated,’ ‘no
family untouched’. It was historic, it was a tragedy.”
When asked by Senator Coleman why he thought the State Department
barred the use of the term “Armenian Genocide,” Amb. Hoagland
dodged the question, stating: “I am very much encouraged by the
fact that there are senior officials in Yerevan and Ankara and
elsewhere who do like to bring closure to that period of history.
They are looking for new ways of doing it. There are talks of
commissions – the truth and reconciliation commission concept is
being explored in quiet conversations. If we could I would very
much like to meet with senior officials in Ankara and Baku because
I think that could be helpful – it would help me understand better
how to play a role of reconciliatory and a peacemaking role.”
In his comments, Senator Coleman stressed the theme that a U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia who does not recognize the Armenian Genocide
lacks credibility. He noted that, “I am of the Jewish faith. I
cannot imagine an Ambassador to Israel being effective without
talking about the Holocaust. I am not sure how we can continue to
have Ambassadors to Armenia who can be effective, unless they give
recognition to the Genocide.”
Senator Sarbanes, in his opening remarks, expressed “regret that we
were called to hold this hearing today, in part to replace a career
Ambassador prior to the completion of a three year tour of duty.
We would not be in this situation, if the Administration would
simply acknowledge a plain historical truth that 91 years ago, the
world witnessed the first Genocide of the 21st century – the
Armenian Genocide.” Sen. Sarbanes spoke eloquently about the U.S.
Foreign service officers who witnessed the Armenian Genocide in
1915, and whose observations remain a permanent part of the U.S.
archives.
Senator Barbara Boxer, who was not able to attend the hearing,
submitted remarks and detailed written questions to Amb. Hoagland.
Noting Amb. Evans’ statement in February 2005, properly
characterizing the Armenian Genocide as “genocide,” Sen. Boxer
stated, “I agree with Ambassador Evans’ statement. Not only should
we not play word games with a matter as serious as genocide, we
should also not play political games with issues of genocide.” The
Senator went on to express concern “that the controversy
surrounding Ambassador Evans will needlessly harm U.S.-Armenian
relations. I understand that there are protests in front of the
U.S. Embassy in Yerevan today over the recall of Ambassador of
Evans. How would you respond to this concern?”
Sen. Boxer’s reference was to a candle-light vigil held today in
Yerevan by hundreds of human rights activists during the Senate
confirmation hearing, as part of the “Yellow Ribbon Campaign”
protesting the firing the Amb. Evans. On April 24th, tens of
thousands had tied yellow ribbons in solidarity with the U.S.
Ambassador, who had stood with the Armenian people in honoring the
victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
————————————— ——
Regional Integration and Military Aid Parity
——————————————- —
In response to questions on the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades
of Armenia and the proposed Kars, Tbilisi, Baku railroad, Amb.
Hoagland was adamant about the Administration’s decision not to
fund any project that would hinder regional integration and
cooperation. When asked about efforts to maintain military aid
parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan, Amb. Hoagland would not commit to
equal allocations of military aid to both countries. Sen. Allen
reminded the nominee that the Senate plays a central role in
ensuring military aid parity and that he would continue to work
hard to ensure the aid balance is maintained.
————————————- ————————–
Sen. Biden Asks Secretary Rice for Answers on Amb. Evans Recall
——————————————- ——————–
Just days before the Senate confirmation hearing, Foreign Relations
Committee Ranking Democrat Joe Biden (D-DE) expressed concern to
Secretary Condoleezza Rice regarding the circumstances surrounding
the recall of Amb. Evans, noting that he is “not prepared to move
forward on Senate action” on his replacement, until several key
questions are answered.
In his June 23rd letter to Secretary Rice, Sen. Biden noted that
“to punish an American official for correctly describing any
historical event raise serious questions about the United States’
commitment to the values of transparency and honesty.” The letter
went on to note that, “in this instance, the allegation that the
Department would retaliate against an official whose only apparent
offense was discussing an act of genocide with American citizens
also damages our country’s reputation for upholding human rights
and democratic values.” Senator Biden posed four questions to the
State Department, including one which asks: “If it is in fact the
policy of the United States not to characterize the systematic
killing of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide, please explain why
these events do not meet any of the five definitions in the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide.” The State Department response, written by Assistant
Secretary of Legislative Affairs Jeffrey Bergner, effectively
avoided providing a meaningful response to Senator Biden’s
questions.
—————————— ——————————–
Sen. Allen Calls on Ambassador-Designate to Respect Armenians
—————————————- ———————-
In his closing comments, Senator Allen urged Ambassador-designate
Hoagland “to be respectful to Armenian Americans and also to
Armenians, recognizing their heritage, their history, their
sensitivities.”
The Scripps-Howard News Service, today, ran a story, “Ambassador-
to-be dodges Armenian genocide question,” about Amb. Hoagland’s
confirmation hearing. The first line of the story reads:
“America’s next ambassador to Armenia is a verbal gymnast. He has
to be, to keep his job.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress