AZERI GENERAL CONSUL IN KARS VISIT IGDIR
Author: R.Abdullayev
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 22 2006
The General Consul of Azerbaijan in Kars, Turkey, Hasan Zeynalov ,
visited Igdir city to meet with local journalists, Trend reports
citing the Turkish media. The General Consul voiced his gratitude to
the managements of the local newspapers for special attention paid
to vital problem of Azerbaijan.
“Since the very commencement of tenure at the post of General Consul
in Kars I have witnessed the attention by local newspapers towards
the Azerbaijani theme,” Zeynalov underlined, underlining that Baku
needs support, in particular, in the issue concerning the occupation
of part of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia.
“Armenia should immediately liberate the occupied territory of
Azerbaijan, recognize the current border with Turkey and stop the
figments about the genocide, which is in fact the crime perpetrated
by the Armenians,” Zeynalov underlined.

WORLD BANK PREDICTS ARMENIAN ECONOMIC GROWTH WILL SLOW
Interfax, Russia
June 22 2006
YEREVAN. June 22 (Interfax) – Armenian economic growth will slow in
the next few years, the World Bank said in a report on Eastern Europe
and Central Asia.
The World Bank forecasts that Armenia GDP will grow 5.6% in 2008
against 14% in 2005. High world oil prices and a drop in foreign
transfers will hinder economic growth.
The experts said the main economic risks are connected with a strong
strengthening in the national currency. They said any foreign upheaval
could lead to a sharp devaluation in the dram, which would have a
negative effect on the country’s economy.
The World Bank is predicting a drop in economic growth for almost all
of the countries in the region, however oil exporting countries will
do better, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Romania. High
oil prices will help form a budget surplus in these countries.
The World Bank predicts that the Armenian budget deficit will be close
to European standards of up to 3% of GDP. The budget deficit was 1.7%
of GDP in 2005.

GUL SAYS HE IS HOPEFUL FOR SOLUTION OF IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM CRISIS
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
BAKU – Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul,
who is currently in Azerbaijani capital Baku for the 33rd meeting of
foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC),
said that he was more hopeful for solution of the crisis related to
Iran’s nuclear program after he held talks yesterday.
Informing Turkish reporters on his bilateral talks in Baku, Gul
noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki and Turkish
authorities have been exerting efforts for solution of the problem
through diplomatic ways for a long time.
“Both European and also Russian officials encouraged us on this
matter. I extended utmost support for a diplomatic solution. Mr.
Prime Minister also did what was necessary,” Gul stated.
-CYPRUS-
Noting that he considered OIC meeting an opportunity for Cyprus
issue, Gul stated that they informed Islam countries on this matter
once again.
Gul stressed that several countries expressed their support to thesis
of Turkey regarding Cyprus issue.
Underlining that there would be new approaches on Cyprus issue
in the final declaration to be released tomorrow, Gul said, “TRNC
(Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and Russia attended the OIC
meeting as observes. They (TRNC and Russia) also held talks. This is
a good development.”
-MEETING WITH ALIYEV-
Gul said that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and he discussed
Upper Karabakh issue in their meeting. “Azerbaijan is fully supported
in the meeting of OIC. He (Aliyev) is really glad. He said that OIC
is the one which extended the utmost support to his country.”
-RELATIONS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES-
Gul added, “we attach great importance to African countries. We want
to boost relations with those countries.”

EDELMAN TAKES FLOOR IN OZAL CONFERENCE
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
WASHINGTON D.C. – Eulogizing Turkish leaders Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
Ismet Inonu and Turgut Ozal who managed to bring “times of crisis
to progress of the country”, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Eric
Edelman stressed that the United States needed such an impressive
leadership in Turkey.
Edelman, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey between July
2003-2005, took the floor at traditional “Turgut Ozal” session
organized in Washington D.C. by the Washington Institute for Near
Eastern Policy, a think-tank organization.
Edelman extolled Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who turned Turkey’s face to
the West with his reforms, Ismet Inonu who steered Turkey toward
international organizations like the UN and NATO after the Second
World War, and Turgut Ozal who had Turkey integrate with the world
economically and politically.
-“STRIKING LEADERSHIP CAPACITY-”
Replying to a question about current leadership in Turkey, Edelman
said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan “displayed a
striking capacity in political and economic reforms particularly in
the first period of the government and paved the ways for beginning
of negotiations with the European Union (EU).
Edelman also underscored that the Turkish government at the same
time displayed a valor for a solution in Cyprus based on Annan plan,
“thanks to this courage, for the first time after 40 years, the
parties approach the solution this much,” he indicated.
“However, the process was obstructed after the Greek Cypriot voted
‘no’ in the referendum,” he said.
-“SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE”-
When he was recalled that positive point of view of the Turkish public
towards U.S. administration was at the lowest level (when compared
with the whole world) according to the surveys, Edelman said it would
be advantageous if the administrations of Turkey and the United States
have consistent exchange of views.
-“TURBULENCE IS NOT A SECRET BUT BEING OVERCOME GRADUALLY”-
“Turkish-U.S. relations entail attention of both parties,” Edelman
remarked and noted that both countries should continuously work to
enhance dimensions of bilateral relations and consult each other.
Edelman said, “there are not only Armenia and PKK issues in
Turkish-U.S. relations. Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey’s relations
with Ukraine and Russia and various NATO issues are in question.”
“The United States values Turkish-U.S. relations,” Edelman said and
added that the “turbulence” which started in the wake of September
11 and with Iraq war was not a secret, yet noted that all those were
being overcome gradually.
-“IRAQ SHOULD NOT BE A SHELTER FOR PKK ANYMORE”-
“Our hearts beat together with the families of Turkish citizens
who lost their lives because of PKK terrorism,” Edelman indicated
and noted that Iraq should not be a shelter for the terrorist PKK
organization anymore.
Edelman emphasized that Turkey and the United States were in
collaboration on that matter. “The two countries have never been so
close to each other in exchange of intelligence.”
Edelman said methods other than military force should be sought while
searching for ways to impede acts of terrorism. He said that efforts to
improve economic situation in Turkey’s southeast would be beneficial.
-“ALSO TURKEY IS ON TARGET”-
Pointing out that the United States was determined to resolve Iran
issue through diplomatic ways, Edelman said Washington welcomed
the support that Turkey gives to the process carried out with 3 EU
member countries.
Edelman said it would be the regional countries (in geographical terms)
that would be mostly harmed in case Iran attains nuclear capacity
and stressed that Israel and Turkey were “on the target”.
He said Israel and Turkey were two democratic countries in the region
and contributed to the democratic progress of the region.
-IRAQ-
Edelman acclaimed the efforts that Turkey exerted for stability in Iraq
and particularly the initiative that convened Sunnites in Istanbul.
Asked about the situation of Kirkuk, Edelman said, “this is a very
sensitive issue for Iraqis,” and noted that the decision pertaining
to the situation of the city belonged to Iraqis.
-CYPRUS-EU-
Responding to a comment that Cyprus question obstructed Turkey’s EU
membership, Edelman said this problem was considered a “potential
obstacle” yet joint efforts were underway to resolve the problem.
Edelman stated that the Turkish government displayed “flexibility”
in the past few months on Cyprus question, indicating that the other
party should display the same flexibility.
“The United States has been advocating Turkey’s EU membership since
1963. This is not something new. We have always been consistent,”
Edelman said.
-ATTACK ON COUNCIL OF STATE-
Asked whether the attack on Council of State judges was an attack
against secularism, Edelman said, “I do not make any comment on an
issue which is under investigation.”
-“I SHARE SAME VIEWS WITH MY BOSS”-
Asked if he shared the views of U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld
who had said, “the insurgents in Iraq would not be so effective if
Turkey had approved March 1 motion,” Edelman said, “I have same views
with my boss.”
-TURKEY-RUSSIA RELATIONS-
Responding to a question, Edelman said improvement of Turkey’s
relations with Russia should not be considered an alternative to its
relations with the West.
“The U.S. is pleased to see that Turkey has constructive relations both
with Russia and Ukraine.” On Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Edelman
said Turkey would play the role of an “energy depot” in the region.

PRESIDENT SEZER AND PRESIDENT ADAMKUS HOLD JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
ANKARA – “We should encourage our businessmen to make joint
investments,” said Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on Tuesday.
President Sezer and President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania held a
joint news conference following their tete-a-tete meeting.
Speaking at the news conference, President Sezer said, “we discussed
ways to further develop cooperation between Turkey and Lithuania. Our
economic and commercial relations have been improving day by day. We
should encourage our businessmen to make joint investments. Also,
we should exert more efforts to improve our relations in the areas
of culture, education and tourism.”
“Turkey welcomed Lithuania’s accession to the EU and supported its
membership to NATO. I believe that President Adamkus’ visit will
accelerate the bilateral relations between our countries,” President
Sezer added.
Meanwhile, President Adamkus said in his part that he could not think
of an EU without Turkey.
He extended Lithuania’s full support to Turkey’s EU membership process.
Recalling that a number of Lithuanian businessmen were accompanying him
during his visit to Turkey, President Adamkus said that Lithuanian
businessmen would hold a series of talks with their Turkish
counterparts.
Referring to the Upper Karabakh dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia,
President Adamkus said that they were in favor of a peaceful solution.

ISLAM COUNTRIES TO DISPLAY BEST SOLIDARITY, GUL
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
BAKU – “Islam countries will display the best solidarity among
themselves,” Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah
Gul said on Sunday.
Gul arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan to attend the 33rd meeting of foreign
ministers of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
Speaking to reporters, Gul said that Cyprus issue and Armenian
occupation of Azerbaijani territories were among the topics on the
agenda of the meeting.
“This is the first time such a wide-scale OIC meeting takes place in
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will deliver a speech
at the meeting and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will chair the
meeting,” Gul said.

PRESIDENT ALIYEV OF AZERBAIJAN RECEIVES GUL
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
BAKU – President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan received on Monday Turkish
Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul who is currently
in Azerbaijani capital Baku to attend meeting of foreign ministers
of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
The meeting focused on Kars-Tbilisi-Javakheti (Ahilkelek)-Baku
Railway Project.
Gul stressed that transportation ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and
Georgia should come together to overcome several difficulties about
the project.
“Georgia has some serious hesitations. Turkey can help Georgia to
remove those hesitations,” he said.
Noting that Armenia might join the project, Gul said that private
companies in Kazakhstan were interested in construction of the project.
Meanwhile, President Aliyev said that they attached importance to
the railway project.
The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline was also high on agenda
of the meeting.
President Aliyev said that the inclusion of Kazakhstan in the pipeline
was a historic development.
Referring to Iran`s nuclear activities, President Aliyev said that
Turkey`s role was of great importance to this end.
President Aliyev said that they appreciated Gul`s efforts to resolve
the issue through diplomatic ways.
The Upper Karabakh dispute, recent developments in Palestine and
activities of the OIC were also taken up at the meeting.
Gul invited President Aliyev to attend the Summit of Turkish-Speaking
Countries in Turkey in fall.

OUR SLAVES, OUR SELVES
by Bruce Schimmel
Philadelphia citypaper.net, PA
June 22 2006
Here’s a cheery thought for the upcoming Fourth: Our freedom was
founded on cruelty, genocide and slavery. But you know this already.
Most of our ancestors fled from oppression. Billy Penn, ever the
crafty land developer, may have promoted Philadelphia as a holy Eden.
But almost all who risked the voyage came here to escape a hell
on earth.
That inalienable human rights will conquer man’s inhumanity makes a
fine tale for many Americans. But for those whose ancestors didn’t flee
from genocide, and instead were dragged into it, that story rings sour.
For many, our nation’s apple pie tale is rotten at the core. That’s
because the story of African-American slavery has been cut off from
the mainstream narrative, said historian Howard Dodson to an audience
of several hundred recently at the Convention Center. Dodson heads
the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York
Public Library.
On the agenda was how best to reveal the hidden story of the slaves who
lived on Independence Mall. In the nation’s first executive mansion,
nine slaves served under their master, George Washington.
For decades, Dodson said that black history found no place in the
textbooks that honed children’s civic pride. And neither did the tale
of the president’s slaves find a place on Independence Mall. That’s
about to change.
That George Washington kept slaves in Virginia has never been denied.
But about 30 years ago, it was discovered that as president, he also
kept slaves in Philadelphia. So the National Park Service did what’s
generally done with ugly stuff. They buried it.
In 1997, independent historian Ed Lawler rediscovered the slaves’
story, and that they were locked in nightly in a bunkhouse near the
executive mansion. To keep slaves in a free state, Washington even
exploited a loophole, by periodically swapping his Philadelphia slaves
with those in Virginia. And when some slaves did manage to escape,
Washington re-lentlessly hunted them down.
Still, the Park Service denied the truth. Three years ago, they added
insult to ignorance by building part of a new pavilion for the Liberty
Bell right over where slaves slept.
Last year, though, Lawler’s protests paid off. Mayor John Street
found some city funds and essentially hijacked the project from the
Park Service. The mayor declared that the President’s House would be
complete by the end of his term, and amazingly, it looks likely.
The mayor’s office held a competition, and recently chose six teams
to design a monument to express some key themes:
To show how slavery was integral to the founding of America, and the
impact of slavery on its wealth.
To weave the personal tales of Washington’s slaves into the larger
fabric of the nation’s history.
And, most remarkably, to reveal how the story of Washington’s slaves
remained lost for centuries-which will include the Park Service’s
recent efforts to bury the truth.
A wondrous thing will soon be seen on Independence Mall: The federal
government will confess how it systematically lied to us.
How this will finally come together is still in play. All are invited
to comment at
It’s time to hear the whole story. I know the anger of a tale that’s
not told. As an Armenian whose people were exterminated in the 20th
century’s first holocaust I live with that outrage, because the Turkish
government still denies the slaughter. But as a Jew, I also know that
Germany’s diligent truth-telling has healed many wounds. As I said
recently to a friend who was born in Germany, that debt (at least
for me) is just about paid-even as it’s recorded forever.
The descendants of American slavery also deserve a place to have
their tale heard. A prominent and permanent place. We all deserve it.
Because ultimately this story is America’s story: for the tales of
our slaves is also part of our selves.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

USE SENATE TO CONSIDER CANDIDACY FOR US AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
YEREVAN, June 21. /ARKA/. On June 28, 2006, the Foreign Relations
Committee, US Senate, is to consider the candidacy of Richard Hoagland
for the post of US Ambassador to Armenia.
Armenian National Committee Of America reports that the Armenian
community is closely following the hearings and possible scenarios
may clarify the US Department of State’s policy toward the issue of
the Armenian Genocide.
US-based Armenians believe that the reason for US Ambassador to
Armenia John Evan’s recall is the fact that during his speeches in
2004-2005 he qualified the Armenian pogroms in Ottoman Empire in 1915
as Genocide. In his further comments he pointed out that it was his
personal viewpoint, but not the USA’s official position.
Since October 16, 2003, Richard Hoagland has been US Ambassador to
Tajikistan.

ONLY RESOLUTION TO KARABAKH CONFLICT STEP-BY-STEP VERSION: MP
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
YEREVAN, June 21. /ARKA/. The only resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict is the step-by-step version of settlement, member of the
administrative board of the ruling party “Armenian National Movement”
Andranik Hovakimyan reported.
“The incumbent authorities of Armenia have repeatedly declared their
incompetence as to the issue of a settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh
problem, to which the latest declaration of Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan that the negotiation process has deadlocked, testify,”
Hovakimyan said.
In this context, Hovakimyan believes that the 1997 version of the
conflict resolution was the most correct and possible, as in case of
its adoption Nagorno-Karabakh could have obtained the international
status of a “disputable territory”.
“Armenian authorities are not ready for a resolution to the conflict
at this stage, and the fact that Armenia occupies the last place
in the region in terms of economy plays not a significant role,”
Hovakimyan said.