GUL – REHN JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE
Turkish Press
Oct 5 2006
ANKARA – “Turkey is aware of its deficiencies in the EU membership
process. The most important things are the determination, the capacity
of overcoming difficulties and showing everyone that we have that
capacity,” said Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul on Wednesday.
Gul held a joint news conference together with EU Commissioner for
Enlargement Olli Rehn.
“Mr. Rehn’s visit coincided with the first anniversary of the opening
of entry talks between Turkey and the EU. We have recorded important
developments last year. Turkey has maintained the screening process
successfully. We consider the negotiation process a transformation for
Turkey. We also consider this process a period of modernization and a
period of increasing our standards to the level of EU-member states,”
he said.
“Turkey is aware of its deficiencies in the EU membership process.
The most important things are the determination, the capacity of
overcoming difficulties and showing everyone that we have that
capacity. Therefore, we need the negotiation process,” he said.
Gul kept on saying, “Turkey has become a center of economic
attraction since October 3rd, 2005. We will continue fulfilling our
commitments. We expect the EU to contribute to our efforts in this
process.”
Upon a question about the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK),
Gul said, “we have a long negotiation process ahead of us. We will
increase all standards in Turkey.”
When asked whether the resolution in France envisaging to punish
those who deny the so-called Armenian genocide was against freedom of
thought, Gul said, “during my meetings in France, I stressed that the
resolution was nothing but a contradiction. I hope that the resolution
will be rejected.”
Upon another question about proposal of Finland on the Cyprus issue,
Gul told reporters, “if we succeed in resolving the Cyprus issue,
it will be beneficial for everyone. Together with Greece and Cyprus
as a whole, we can create an area of cooperation in the eastern
Mediterranean. Turkish Cypriots have fulfilled their responsibilities
to this end. We expect the same positive attitude from the other
party. We told Finland which holds the rotating EU presidency, that if
isolation of Turkish Cypriots was lifted, we could take some tangible
steps. However, no one should expect Turkey to take unilateral steps
as long as the isolation continued.”
Speaking at the news conference, Rehn said that there was a difficult
and long period ahead of Turkey. He said that both Gul and he was
determined to this end, adding that Turkey and the EU would work
together to find solution to several problems which would enable the
parties to maintain the negotiation process.
Noting that he came to Ankara to mark the first anniversary of the
opening of entry talks between Turkey and the EU, Rehn said that the
Progress Report to be released in the coming weeks would include many
developments and several deficiencies.
Rehn told reporters that they were aware of the current threat of
terrorism, adding that terrorism jeopardized not only Turkey but the
whole world.
He said that they appreciated the reform process in Turkey, noting
that there were still many things to do.
Rehn stressed that his meetings in Ankara focused on freedom of
expression and freedom of religion.
He highlighted importance of Turkey’s fulfilling its commitments
stemming from the additional protocol extending the Customs Union
deal to cover the whole EU-member countries during the presidency
of Finland.
Referring to the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK),
Rehn said some people in Turkey were tried because of their critical
attitude. He said that those trials stemmed from indefinite expressions
in the article.
Upon a question about the so-called Armenian genocide, Rehn said that
recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide was not a pre-condition
neither in Turkey’s negotiation process nor in the full membership
process. He highlighted importance of creating an appropriate
atmosphere for discussions over the issue in order to provide an
atmosphere of compromise between Turkish and Armenian societies.

TRADITION NEVER FADES: KEVERIAN FAMILY CELEBRATES DECADES OF DANCE
By Jennifer Roach/ Correspondent
Medfield Press, MA
Oct 5 2006
Sitting in traffic on her way to yet another dress rehearsal was the
only spare time Medfield resident Niari Keverian had for a quick cell
phone conversation about her hectic life as a member of the Sayat Nova
Dance Company (SNDC). The Armenian Folk dancing troupe is celebrating
its 20th anniversary with performances all over the country this year
and even traveled to Armenia for a few shows this past summer.
Along with her brother Jack, Niari spent three weeks in June and July
touring Armenia with SNDC. The dance company is incredibly focused
on preserving and sharing the rich culture of its native land with
the rest of the world, so making the journey to Armenia was a major
milestone in accomplishing its mission.
“This was the next big step,” says Niari, “We just keep growing and
growing, from seven dancers to about 70 or 80 today.”
The company traveled all over Armenia, from the main venue at the
Opera House in Yerevan to small villages beyond the city’s boarders.
“The capital city is basically the same as any typical city, but
once you left the city and went to the outskirts, kids would come
running up to our tour bus asking for autographs! They cried when we
left!” said Niari.
The performance at the Opera House was the greatest moment for Niari
because of the elaborate stage and large audience. She had, however,
many other memorable experiences on her trip, including a show the
company put on for the military in Armenia.
“The troops marched over 45 minutes just to come see us perform.
Everyone was screaming and cheering. After a tribute at the end [of
the show], all of the soldiers wanted to run on the stage! It was a
most intense moment where we felt like we really did something right.”
This trip was particularly special for Niari because it was the
first time in her life she was able to visit Armenia. Her brother
Jack traveled to Armenia two years ago to volunteer at an orphanage.
“It was an amazing and an eye-opening experience,” recalls Niari,
“I have a lot more respect for where I came from and who I am. I have
a greater connection to my culture.”
Niari and Jack have spent their entire lives immersed in the Armenian
culture. Niari recalls watching her mother dance in the Sayat Nova
Dance Company (although it was not called that at the time) and has
been dancing in the company herself since she was 16.
Now, after turning 22 and finally visiting Armenia, Niari explains,
“I’ve been brought up in an Armenian community, but this [trip to
Armenia] puts all the puzzles together.”
When not touring the country for dance performances, the Keverians
embraced the opportunity to explore their own culture and its
traditions. One of Niari’s favorite experiences while in Armenia,
for example, was attending a wedding for one of the company members
held in the Etchmiadzin, the head church of Armenia.
Although this journey for the Keverians may have come to a close, Jack
and Niari’s lives have certainly not calmed down. This past Saturday
and Sunday the duo performed with SNDC at the Cutler Majestic Theater
in Boston. The show, entitled “Power in Rhythm,” marks the end of the
company’s 20th anniversary celebration with one of the largest venues
Sayat Nova has ever showcased in the Boston area. According to Niari,
the show has “taken a more modern flair as well as keeping to the folk
tradition.” The Armenian dancing is explosive and passionate, the music
loud and the stories exciting, so not surprisingly, the show was a hit.
Future plans for the company are not yet in the works, says Niari,
but she knows Sayat Nova will not be slowing down any time soon.
“When you step into [this company] it is as if you’ve been given the
Sayat Nova injection. You can’t describe it, but the effect you give
to people and yourself is something that cannot be replaced.”

ARMENIAN CHURCH OFFERS BAZAAR
Belmont Citizen-Herald, MA
Oct 5 2006
The First Armenian Church will hold its annual Fall Harvest Bazaar
on Saturday, Oct. 21 from noon to 8 p.m. The church is located at
380 Concord Ave., Belmont.
Traditional Armenian delicacies like the ones “Medz Mama” (grandma)
used to make will be featured. Favorites such as manti, kufte, cheoreg,
cheese beoreg, yalanchi and string cheese have been prepared and
packaged to take out. Armenian and Middle Eastern pastries, including
paklava and kadayif, will be available all day with coffee.
Fresh shish, chicken and losh kebab will be grilled to order.
Dinners will be served all day with homemade rice pilaf, salad, pita
bread and coffee. Ample indoor seating is available, or take-out
meals will be available.
Proceeds from the sale help support the needs of orphans and students
in Armenia and Lebanon, various church programs, and donations to
local food drives throughout the year.
The bazaar will take place rain or shine and all are welcome to
attend. For more information call the church office at 617-484-4779,
or visit

LEARN ABOUT ‘ARMENIAN LOBBY’
Belmont Citizen-Herald, MA
Oct 5 2006
Gregory Aftandilian, currently a research fellow at the Belfer Center
at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University,
will present a lecture entitled “The Armenian Lobby Then and Now:
The 1918-27 Period and the Present Day,” on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 8
p.m. at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research
Center , 395 Concord Ave., Belmont.
Aftandilian, a member of the NAASR Board of Directors since 2004,
has previously worked at the National Democratic Institute for
International Affairs, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the
U.S. Department of State. A recognized expert on Middle East affairs,
he is the author of two books: “Egypt’s Bid for Arab Leadership:
Implications for U.S. Policy,” and “Armenia: Vision of a Republic:
The Independence Lobby in America, 1918-1927.” He holds degrees from
Dartmouth College, the University of Chicago, and the London School
of Economics.
This lecture will examine the activities of the American Committee
for the Independence of Armenia from 1918 to 1927 and compare it
to today’s Armenian Lobby in terms of effectiveness, shortcomings,
access to leading policy-makers, and sustainability.
Key issues that will be addressed are the makeup of the lobby groups,
the socioeconomic conditions of the Armenian-American community,
the impact of opposing lobbies and countervailing pressures, the
attitudes of Congress and the White House, and the salience of the
“Armenian issue” in the American political context.
Admission to the event is free (donations appreciated). The NAASR
Bookstore will open at 7:30 p.m. The lecture will begin promptly at
8 p.m.
For more information call 617-489-1610, or e-mail [email protected].

E.U. SHOULD NOT INTERFERE IN ARMENIA AND TURKEY, SENER
Turkish Press
Oct 5 2006
BRUSSELS – Turkish State Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif
Sener warned the EU and some other countries not to interfere in
Turkish-Armenian relations.
Sener is in Belgian capital of Brussels to participate in events
organized by the Turkish Industrialists’ & Businessmen’s Association
(TUSIAD) and European Policy Center to mark the first anniversary of
the start of Turkey-EU negotiations.
In an exclusive interview with the A.A correspondent, Sener referred
to French President Jacques Chirac’s remarks about the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations, and said, “Chirac said that recognition
of so-called Armenian genocide should be a pre-condition before
Turkey’s EU membership. A resolution is being discussed in France,
and it foresees fine and imprisonment for those who deny Armenian
genocide. It is not possible to accept such an attitude.
This is against the cultural atmosphere the EU is trying to create.”
“Armenia is not a European country, it is an Asian country. So, it is
a third country for the EU. So, it is meaningless to bring this matter
up within the scope of Turkey’s EU membership process,” he stated.
Sener added, “whether it is an EU member or another country, everybody
who is affecting the Armenian policy from outside should give up his
endeavors. Chirac’s remarks are not sincere, they aim to affect the
domestic policy.”
-CYPRUS PROBLEM-
On Cyprus problem, Sener said that the plan which was prepared by EU
Acting President Finland and envisions opening of Maras and Magosa
port, is being examined and assessed.
“Let’s see Cyprus as a whole, let’s review ports issue together with
the embargoes on TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). Let’s make
a positive progress in both of these matters. These are proposals made
by Turkey. And, it is the Greek Cypriot administration who resists. If
the EU gives up standing behind every demand of the Greek Cypriot
administration, they may have to reach compromise and try to resolve
the problem,” he added.

STATE MINISTER TUZMEN IN PARIS FOR TURKISH WEEK IN EUROPE
Turkish Press
Oct 5 2006
PARIS – “Turks have never committed genocide in their thousand years
of history,” said Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen who spoke
at a panel discussion on “Europe’s Global Difficulties and Turkey”
which was held in Paris by Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s
Association (TUSIAD) within the scope of Turkish Week in Europe.
Assessing the draft law envisaging sanction (fee and imprisonment)
on denial of so-called Armenian genocide which will be debated at
French parliament on October 12th upon initiative of Socialist Party,
Tuzmen said, “this issue has started to be used as a domestic policy
tool in some countries, and we regret it. We also have domestic
politics but we don’t mix them with other countries’ matters.”
“We have never committed genocide in our thousand years of history.
We have not had any problems with our Armenian citizens neither in
Turkey nor during Ottoman period,” he added.
Noting that Turkey wants this issue to be examined by historians at
a commission, Tuzmen said that politicians should not make proposals
about history.
Tuzmen stressed, “there were two Armenian ministers in Ottoman cabinet
in 1915. They remained in the cabinet after relocation as well. If
there were really a genocide, these two Armenian ministers could
not have remained in the cabinet. When Russian history is examined,
it can also be seen that a genocide was not committed in that period.”
“Armenians were called ‘loyal community’ in Ottoman period. Many
Armenian diplomats and high-level officials served for Ottoman,”
he added.
Regarding the draft law to be debated at French parliament, Tuzmen
said, “I hope French parliament would act in common sense against this
draft law.” He added, “if this law is adopted, will I be imprisoned
when I deny so-called Armenian genocide in France after October
12th? I think it would be very wrong in this globalizing world.”
-TURKISH ECONOMY-
Regarding Turkish economy, Tuzmen said, “Turkey made more than half of
its foreign trade (which will totally exceed 200 billion USD in 2006)
with Europe this year, and France is very important in this aspect.”
“Our economic performance is better than many EU countries especially
the new EU members. We are the fastest growing country of Europe in
the last three years. We catch the highest speed in export increase
not only in Europe but also in OECD. Turkey’s EU membership will be
for the interest of both our country and the EU,” Tuzmen noted.
He said that Turkey will have important contributions to increase EU
economy’s competitive power as well as dynamism.

BLOCHER’S REMARKS CAUSE A STORM IN SWITZERLAND
Swiss Info, Switzerland
Oct 5 2006
The Swiss justice minister has attacked Swiss anti-racism laws that
have led to investigations against two Turks for allegedly denying
the 1915 Armenian massacre.
Christoph Blocher made his comments during an official visit to Turkey
on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Turkey’s adoption
of the Swiss civil code. His words raised a storm of protest back home.
“Article 216 bis [of the Swiss penal code] gives me a real headache,”
the justice minister told the media, referring to Swiss anti-racism
legislation adopted in 1994 to prevent revisionist views about the
Holocaust.
“No one would have imagined that this law would have resulted in
proceedings against a prominent Turkish historian,” he said, following
his talks with his Turkish counterpart, Cemil Cicek.
Blocher added that the justice ministry would be “examining what it
could do to prevent this situation from re-occurring”, and that it
was up to parliament and the government to decide on any possible
changes to the law.
In 2005, Swiss authorities launched criminal investigations against
the historian Yusuf Halacoglu, the president of the Turkish History
Organisation, and the politician Dogu Perincek for allegedly making
comments in Switzerland denying the 1915 Armenian massacre.
Armenians say around 1.8 million of their people were killed. Turkey
disputes this, putting the figure closer to 200,000. Under Swiss law
any act of denying, belittling or justifying genocide is a violation
of the country’s anti-racism legislation.
Scolding
Blocher’s remarks in Turkey met with sharp criticism back home.
Georg Kreis, president of the Federal Commission against Racism,
criticised Blocher for once again ignoring the separation of executive
and judicial powers.
“As a Swiss citizen I find it disturbing to learn from the foreign
press that changes to Swiss legislation are being considered,”
he noted.
Christophe Darbellay, president of the centre-right Christian
Democrats, was equally vexed: “It’s strange to see a justice minister
go to another country, which is not exactly a model for human rights,
to criticise a Swiss parliamentary decision.”
The heads of two other two parties in government – the centre-right
Radical Party and the centre-left Social Democrat party – also
criticised Blocher’s statement. Blocher’s own rightwing Swiss People’s
Party – the fourth party in government – declined to comment.
“We regret such irresponsible statements,” said Sarkis Shahinian,
co-president of the Switzerland-Armenia association. The justice
minister, he said, makes a mockery of Switzerland by “giving the
worst-possible revisionists the red-carpet treatment”.
Regarding the Armenian question, which has dogged Swiss-Turkish
relations over recent years, Blocher said that it was not up to
politicians to comment, alluding to decisions by canton Vaud’s
parliament and the House of Representatives, which have both voted
to recognise the Armenian genocide.
“We are convinced that the solution of an international commission
of historians [to shed light on the 1915 massacre] is a good one,”
he added.
During the official visit the Swiss justice minister also held
“extremely open” discussions with Cemil Cicek on asylum and the fight
against terrorism.
Anti-terrorism collaboration is said to have helped improve relations
between the two countries. Bern has recently handed over to Ankara a
suspected terrorist, and three other Turkish citizens also accused
of terrorism are being held in Switzerland pending extradition,
declared Blocher.
Earlier in the day the justice minister gave a speech at Ankara
University to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the adoption of
the Swiss civil code by Turkey, in which he underlined the solid,
long-standing historical ties between both countries.
Later he met Turkish Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu, and before
leaving Ankara laid flowers at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
the founder of modern Turkey.
CONTEXT
Despite having a long history, Swiss-Turkish relations have recently
been strained. 2005 was an “annus horribilis”:
In March 2005 Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey visited
Turkey and raised the sensitive issue of the massacre of Armenians
in Turkey early last century.
In June the Swiss public prosecutor launched a criminal investigation
against a Turkish historian in Switzerland who had denied the genocide,
a violation of Switzerland’s anti-racism laws.
In July Turkey’s foreign minister, Abdullah Gul, described the Swiss
investigation as “unacceptable” and “absolutely contrary to the
principle of free speech”.
In August the Turkish authorities postponed a visit by Swiss
Economics Minister Joseph Deiss citing agenda problems of his Turkish
counterpart.
In November Switzerland beat Turkey in a vital World Cup playoff match,
triggering ugly scenes between players.
KEY FACTS
80,000 Turks live in Switzerland.
In 2004, Swiss exports to Turkey were worth SFr1.9 billion ($1.45
billion), 17% more than in 2003.
Swiss imports from Turkey in 2004 came to $410 million.
Among Swiss firms established in Turkey are Novartis, Nestle, ABB,
Ciba, Roche, Givaudan and Syngenta.

SERGEY LAVROV: RUSSIA IS INTERESTED IN THE SOLUTION OF NK CONFLICT
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 5 2006
“There is no need to involve the UN in the solution of the conflicts in
CIS countries. I find it meaningless,” Sergey Lavrov, Russia Foreign
Minister in the press conference. Lavrov noted that Russia plays a
decisive role in the solution of the conflicts, APA correspondent to
PACE reports.
“Conflict parties came to an agreement on the solution of the problem
by the mediation of Russia and other countries. Russia is interested
in the solution of Nagorno Garabagh conflicts soon as possible. OSCE
Minsk Group co-chairs make efforts to solve the conflict. They have
concrete methods for the solution of uncoordinated problems. But
everything depends not on mediators but conflict parties.

ERDOGAN: “TURKEY IS DETERMINED FOR FULL EU MEMBERSHIP”
Turkish Press
Oct 5 2006
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday said that Turkey
was determined to become a European Union member and to fulfill
the bloc’s requirements. Erdogan received visiting EU Commissioner
for Enlargement Olli Rehn. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and chief
EU negotiator Ali Babacan also attended the meeting, where Cyprus
and the EU were discussed. Erdogan conveyed his uneasiness over the
so-called Armenian genocide claims being brought up by the EU.
Rebutting Rehn’s claim that Turkey had slowed down the reform process,
Erdogan summarized his government’s work on the EU over the last
four years. Rehn’s meeting at Parliament was tense. Meeting with
Parliament’s EU Harmonization Commission head Yasar Yakis, Rehn spoke
harshly about Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

TUSIAD HEAD SABANCI: “FRANCE’S STANCE SHOWS ITS FEAR”
Turkish Press
Oct 5 2006
Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD)
Chairman Omer Sabanci yesterday criticized the French bill proposing
punishment for people who question the so-called Armenian genocide,
saying that he couldn’t see a French measure restricting expression as
suitable while on the contrary Turkey is taking steps to expand freedom
of expression. “This stance belongs to societies which are afraid
of the truth,” said Sabanci. TUSIAD held a panel called “Europe’s
Global Difficulties and Turkey” in Paris as part of Turkish Week,
marking the first anniversary of the beginning of Ankara’s European
Union membership talks. Taking the floor at the panel, French Trade
Minister Christine Lagarde pointed to Turkey’s importance and said,
“France trusts in Turkey’s future.”