TURKEY’S STRATEGIC BLUNDER
By Dr Fereydun Hilmi
Kurdish Media, UK
Sept 26 2006
At the end of the First World War, Kamal Attaturk was able to save
the rump of the Ottoman Empire from British and French occupation.
His springboard point was Anatolia where he was able to persuade the
Kurds in north Kurdistan to join forces with him and reject British
intrigues among them aimed at chipping away further land from what
had remained of the great sick empire.
The British duped the Kurds by first encouraging them to seek
independence and supporting the idea and pouring much money into
Slemanî and the Kurdish parts of Iraq. For nearly 4 years they carried
on establishing a Kurdish administration andarmy and trained them to
protect their areas simply because they were unable to send an army
to do so as a result of their economic troubles and losses in the
occupation of southern and middle Iraq. Kurdistan’s mountains reminded
them of their disadters in Afghanistan and India; in Particular the
difficulties of fighting locals in places like the Khyber Pass.
Therefore they wanted to achieve the same result and prevent the
Turks form reclaiming land which had belonged to the Ottoman Empire
administratively but not subjugated by Turkish army forces. Most of
Kurdistan was ruled by Kurdish proxies with local armed men until
the British arrived in Kifri. Once the local chief Sheikh Mahmud
heard of this he invited the British to come to Slemanî in what he
considered was a card to play against the Ottomans so that he might
have bargained with it.
The British who were aware of this insisted that he should work for
his upkeep and support but his natural instinct was anti-British and
pro-Turkish. Yet Attaturk ignored his approaches and tried instead to
use him in his struggle to save as much of what he considered to be his
national homeland as possible. Sheikh Mahmud and the rest of the Mosul
Wilayet ended up as a juicy bite for the British colonial stomach.
The British who were really only interested in the oil-rich areas
of the Mosul Wilayet easily sacrificed the Kurds of Anatolia and
signed agreements with Turkey exchanging the Mosul Wilayet which they
had sneakily occupied during the armistice just after the war had
stopped. And with that Turkey was cocooned into a hard nationalistic
shell which it was to remain in for nearly a hundred years.
Britain was a tired and economically warn out power who had suffered
along with its French ally greatly at the hands of the Germans. It
was probably as weak and tired as the Turks if not more. Yet, today
Turkey is a third world country while Britain is a super power with a
thriving economy and English is the standard language throughout the
world. Britain and now the United States have fingers in every pie
all around the world while Turkey remained isolated and lacking all
forms of influence in even the closest nations right on its borders.
People five thousand miles away from Britain speak English as a second
language who once spoke Turkish instead.
The Ottoman Empire lasted some six centuries reaching the height of
civilization and scientific progress and many nations such as Kurds,
Armenians, Greeks, Arabs, Albanians and others from the Middle and
Far East, Asia and African nations served to advance its culture and
power throughout a huge chunk of the world and enrich the central
power house at Istanbul. The Turkish people were truly a minority who
started as fighting tribes, adopted Islam and Middle Eastern Culture as
a result of which Anatolia became the home of a huge thriving empire.
All that disappeared because of Attaturk’s Xenophobic attitude towards
all the nations that had helped his race reach the positions they
had. Proof of this lies in the fact that once the Kurds, Armenians,
Greeks and Arabs were alienated Turkey became and remained a poor
mediocre and backward state unable to sustain itself without iys
subservient position within NATO.
Yet, Turkey had a great opportunity throughout the twentieth century
to occupy a better position among these nations than does Britain
and the west. We must remember that the nations surrounding Turkey
practice the same religion, are of a mixture of local races, share
the geography as well as six centuries of togetherness as parts of
the Ottoman Empire. But despite the fact that they shared none of
those characteristics with Britain and the latter’s great physical
distance, it was the west who captured the hearts and minds of the
Middle East nations, not by having their interests at heart but via
many sly and devious methods including tying them up with economic
contracts the greatest benefits of which return to the west.
Western culture has also begun to despise eastern and oriental cultures
to such an extent that they are now treating Islam (the main culture
of some 1.5 billion people) as their grand enemy. This is not just
a feeling or a suspicion but a fact which nobody can deny today.
Unfortunately all that Turkey is offering is more subservience to the
will of its sponsors and denial of its geopolitical position and more
and more copycat culture from the west.
There are those who have been brainwashed into thinking that
civilization and technical progress can only come from the west. If
the Americans or the western nations do not invent it then it is not
possible. Some would even link Japanese and Chinese technology to what
they must have copied from the west easily and conveniently forgetting
that China and the Middle East were the main source of all scientific,
logical and technological advancement in the world.
Science and Technology do not have a nationality or a race while oil,
gas and other natural resources do. Turkey gave up its position as
the most modern capital of eastern culture and became a follower of
the west rather than the leader of the east. It has been struggling
to enter the European and Christian world believing that it is now
destined to exist on the periphery not realizing that it would have
to be and remain a fringe nation deprived of major progress.
In the beginning of the twentieth century my father, uncle and many
other Kurds and Iraqis were educated in Istanbul. I know that their
education was superb and my father also a scientist had a magnificent
command of mathematics and physics. In true ancient Greek style,
they were taught not just science but philosophy, history the arts
and everything worth learning. I was educated in the UK and although
the British education system is superior to many I had to learn all
those other subjects by my self.
Attaturk’s Turkey became isolated from its natural and geopolitical
environment while all around it the British and French were forming
alliances with what should have been Turkey’s historic allies until
all that was left was a small part of Cyprus only because they were
Turks. This deprived Turkey of mutual exchange of wealth, knowledge,
know-how and all other forms of economic ties with the erstwhile
members of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey’s policies towards the Kurds were Britain’s best protection
against the rejuvenation of the nation and the wall which kept it
from Iraq, Syria and the previously united nations of the Ottoman
Empire. Instead of behaving like a sour grape and sulking with hatred
Turkey should have done the exact opposite by revising its old policies
and trying to mend fences – it should have been doing all it could
to keep the borders soft and temporary. It should have extended its
hands to all its Muslim and Middle-Eastern brothers to form a new
alliance (a commonwealth of ex-Ottoman nations) – not alienate them
and isolate itself.
Kurdistan should have been a great ally and a strategic depth for
Turkey and not a sore wound in its side. Yet the Kurd’s struggle has
not stopped for one day simply to gain equality as citizens of the
country. For some reason it seems the Turkish mind does not work as
efficiently on its own and needs the inspiration of the other nations
around them. I believe that the Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Armenians and
optionally Greeks can reclaim the ground by making a complete change
of policy starting from Turkey.
Below I will state a suggestion which I hope the Turkish leadership
will read.
1. Turkey should pass a law completely banning racism in the country
2. Offer the Kurds all rights in the Turkish state and concentrate
on the region which is wealthy as well as lacking of investment
and development.
3. Keep foreign investments in Turkey and in Kurdistan to the minimum
4. Be humane enough to admit mistakes of the Ottomans towards the
Armenians and stop discrimination and persecution against all the
citizens of Turkey 5. Offer a friendly apology for maltreating the
Ottoman nations and promise a new era of brotherhood and equality. It
would be a great gesture of good will if the name of the nation was
changed to a more representative name covering its multinational
nature.
6. Establish the best possible ties with its neighbours, Iran,
a yet-to-be-liberated Iraq and in particular the Kurdish part.
7. Abandon the application to become an unloved and unwanted little
step-brother if Europe. Thus firmly, proudly and unapologetically
placing its foot in Asia 8. Establish the best possible ties with the
Arabs 9. Abandon NATO because its ties with that imperial organisation
preclude it from re-establishing itself as a major Asiatic power.
10. Seek economic contracts with all former members of the Ottoman
Empire 11. Establish universities for the education of African, Asian,
Arab and other citizens of the world who do not have the opportunity
to get western or even local education.
12. Form close ties with Iran which is surviving very well without
any NATOI and EU links.
13. Form the best possible links with the rich and progressive South
American Nations.
14. Completely wrench itself away from supporting the aggressive
and war-like actions of Israel and the Americans 15. Reposition the
political attitude of the country towards the greater good of the
nations of the region and in this way offer Turkey’s own vision of
the Middle East.
It is by far better for Turkey and the Middle East to be masters
of their own decisions than lackeys and sycophantic extras on the
backside of someone else.
The present Government of Turkey seems to have a mindset close to
the above analysis but seems too timid in going all the way. I have
written about Turkish society today in the past on KurdishMedia.com,
in particular about the lack of scientific and technological
advancement evident from the lack of world-renounced inventions,
scientific breakthroughs, music or cultural products. However I am
now offering the above ideas which I believe will return Turkey and
the surrounding nations to their rightful and influential old glory.
All the relevant and necessary requirements and active factors are
available. All we need are the will of a great statesman and the
courage of the nations to follow and endure the painful but sure and
rewarding path.
–Boundary_(ID_B5Z+wrea1lkykJPHwLaL5A)–

EU: PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES CONTROVERSIAL TURKEY REPORT
AKI, Italy
Sept 26 2006
Strasbourg, 26 Sept. (AKI) – A full session of the 732 member European
Parliament is on Tuesday due to discuss a controversial report on
Turkey – an EU candidate country – prepared by Conservative Dutch MEP
Camiel Eurlings. A controversial provision, making recognition of the
killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during and after World War I
a precondition for Turkey’s EU membership, is expected to be removed
from the draft, Turkey’s Cihan news agency reported. The parliament
is due to vote on the report on Wednesday.
Tuesday’s session – to be attended by EU enlargement commissioner Olli
Rehn – is also expected to make other amendments easing recommendations
on the issue of Turkey’s recognition of EU member state Cyprus, Cihan
said. The report warns the Turkish government that its continuing
refusal to allow Greek Cypriot ships and planes to enter its ports and
airspace and implement reforms could stall its membership negotiations
with the European Union.
The report – adopted by the European parliament’s influential foreign
affairs committee on 5 September – harshly criticises Turkey for
its slow pace of reform on rights, freedom of expression, and the
role of the security forces. It urged the country to “reinvigorate”
implementation of reforms, especially in the areas of freedom of
expression, women’s rights, religious freedom, trade union rights,
torture and ill-treatment of prisoners.
Turkey’s foreign ministry criticised the report as “lacking commonsense
and objectivity,” and said it would not improve the country’s ties
with the EU. After protracted negotiations, Turkey began accession
talks with the EU last October. The talks do not lead automatically
to membership, which in any event is not expected before 2015.

AZERBAIJANI INTERIOR TROOPS’ SPECIAL FORCES SUITABLE FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS IN NK
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2006
Commander of Interior Troops Zakir Hasanov: I advocate public and
democratic control on the Army
The APA interviewed Commander of Interior Troops, General Lieutenant
Zakir Hasanov.
-Azerbaijan has professional Interior Troops who are ready to fulfill
errands given by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The main thing is that
our military personnel know their duties very well and ready to fulfill
them. The Interior Troops’ officers are mastering experiences of both
military body and law enforcement bodies. We are working on this issue.
-What countries and international organizations do the Interior Troops
cooperate with?
-We have been closely cooperating with Turkey’s Gendarmerie since
1997. Under the protocol, Turkey supports equipping, training of
personnel of the Interior Troops. Our Troops meet modern standards by
the assistance of the Turkish Gendarmerie. We are also cooperating
with China, Italy, Russia, U.S., Germany, Romania as well as with
NATO and FIEP. We conduct joint trainings.
Our main task is to conform the Interior Troops to European standards.
-The assessment mission from the Association of the European and
Mediterranean Police Forces and Gendarmeries with Military Status
(FIEP) has visited Azerbaijan recently. What do you expect from the
talks. Whendou think the Interior Troops will become FIEP member?
-The FIEP assessment group familiarized with the service,
professionalism and social condition of the Interior Troops. They
get a certain idea of the Troops. The assessment group is preparing
a report for the member countries. This report will be discussed at
the FIEP secretariat and the decision on membership will be discussed
at the meeting of FIEP authorities.
-Are there any plans on increase of defense expenditure?
– The logistics of the Interior Troops is in high level. Great majority
of social problems have been solved in the past two years thanks to
the head of state’s and Interior Minister Ramil Usubov’s care. The
personnel, in particular soldiers of the Troops have been ensured
wide opportunities today. All the military units and military camps
meet modern standards. We opened a hostel for officers in Baku in the
past one year. The construction of hostels in Sheki and Guba is about
to be completed. We also established a holiday-resort for officers
in Nabran. 136 billion manats (AZM) have been allocated for us from
the budget. Our budget is increasing every year. We are planning to
implement social programs in 2007-2008.
-Some countries benefit from the opportunities of Interior Troops and
similar bodies in solving problems like the Nagorno Garabagh problem.
How do you assess the Interior Troops’ preparation for operation
against the separatist forces in Garabagh?
-Besides, the separatist regime, there are Armenian Armed Forces in
Nagorno Garabagh. If there were only separatist forces, the Nagorno
Garabagh conflict could have been solved in a short period of time.
It is not so difficult to neutralize a small gangster. We had to
resist large-scale forces of Armenia and their supporters. They have
been supplied with heavy weapons and therefore, they can be defeated
by large-scale military operations. However, the Interior Troops
are prepared to interfere in this armed conflict any time. We have
high professionalism, equipment and first of all high spirit in our
military personnel. We will also undertake responsibilities if the war
starts. These responsibilities can be neutralization and disarmament of
gangsters in the liberated territories, patrol services or organizing
diversions behind the enemy to support our Army’s attack in mountainous
areas and so on. Our operation regiments can be involved in the battles
together with the Army. The special forces of Interior Troops are
being trained to be suitable for military operations in very Garabagh.
-However, the special forces are said to be used as riot squads to
suppress rallies and unrests most of all.
-These forces are used to fight both armed crimes and preserve
public order. Their professionalism is always on focus. Our special
forces are cooperating with Turkish Gendarmerie. Our officers attend
training courses in Turkey. As coming to rallies, The Interior Troops
do not engage in politics, their function is to defend our state from
criminal and outlaw attempts. We participate only in preventing mass
unrests. The practice shows some outlaw forces organize mass unrests.
We are ready to fulfill our duty. I am convinced that no outlaw force
can violate stability in Azerbaijan today!
-The Military Prosecutor’s Office says there is a high level corruption
in the Armed Forces. Is there such a problem in the Interior Troops?
-I am not informed of the processes in other bodies. There should be
a strong control to prevent corruption. No officer or ensign of the
Interior Troops has been called to account for corruption or bribery
since 2002. The Troops are being overseen by the Interior Ministry
and several other bodies. The officers of the Prosecutor’s Office
regularly visit our military units. Corruption is unacceptable in a
military body.
-The Council of Europe is also concerned over events contrary to
the Regulations of Armed Forces. What actions are taken to remove
such events?
– Legal framework prevents contrary to the Army’s Regulations. If
there is a right behavior to a soldier, there will be no problem. We
need to cooperate with parents. Our body is open to parents. We invite
parents of soldier to the military units every weekend, and I attend
these meetings too. We advocate public and democratic control on the
Army. Then the problems will be removed. Since, we are integrating
into Europe, this control is necessary.
-Do the parents complain of something?
-The complaints are due to leave and permission of soldiers to go
home for a short-term. Taking into account possible events, we cannot
allow soldiers to the city as they do not know the city well. They are
from province. We allow them in groups and take leave in accordance
with legislation. We rarely receive complaints on relationships
among soldiers.
-What about the establishment of the peacekeeping party in the
Interior Troops?
-A peacekeeping party is to be established in the Interior Troops
in the framework of the cooperation program with NATO. Preliminary
measures have been implemented for this. The officers have been
trained, staff meeting NATO standards has been established. The
party has been supplied with weapons and equipment. There remains
some measures to be implemented regarding purchasing of communication
facilities that are used in NATO forces. This problem will be addressed
in the context of mutual relations, and the peacekeeping party will
be ready early in 2007.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“RIGHT OF CHOICE”: “WE WILL HAVE TO LIBERATE OUR TERRITORIES, RESORTING TO ALL MEANS”
Interviewed by Iskender Guliyev
Democratic Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2006
Accordingly to the member of Milli Mejlis Standing Commission on
Security and Defense, Adil Aliyev, Azerbaijan has right to liberate its
territories within the frames of international standards and UN Charter
– Isn’t it difficult for you to fulfill obligations of elected
representative of the people?
– It isn’t right to restrict oneself to votes of people in order to
be their elected representatives. It is necessary to represent every
voter who votes for you. Representatives of intelligentsia, science
and culture, specialists of different fields and representatives of
senior generation, the unemployed, not sufficiently provided people
are referred to the election district wherefrom I was elected. Every
electorate has problems. First of all, elected representative of people
is obliged to individually approach the problems of every voter. He
should strive to solve them. I’m very pleased when people’s problems
are solved. However, there are moments when I feel unrest.
That is why being representative of people is very responsible and
difficult task.
– Being deputy of Milli Mejlis, what processes going on within society
seem to you more attractive?
– Citizens of every country have problems. If you think that Azerbaijan
has problem of unemployment and the other countries haven’t, then
you are mistaken. This problem is crucial in post-Soviet countries
and in Europe. Maybe the problem of unemployment in CIS countries is
somewhat different from the same one in Azerbaijan. However, the state
program to prevent unemployment shows that Azerbaijan government takes
appropriate measures to solve the problem. Apart from the problem of
unemployment there is another crucial problem which troubles our state
and people – it is Nagorno Garabagh conflict. Over 16 years have passed
since the day of violation of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,
during this period 1 mln. people lost their homes having gained the
status of refugees and IDP. Because of occupation and terrorist policy
of Armenia, hundreds of Azerbaijanis were taken prisoner. Despite
the number of resolutions adopted by international organizations,
Armenian aggressors don’t want to leave territories of Azerbaijan.
Nevertheless having over 1 mln. refugees and IPD, Azerbaijan continues
developing its economic potential in the region and using all means
for improvement of living standard of population.
Owing to successful reforms hundreds of new institutions were founded
in the country, thousands of our citizens were provided with work.
Moreover, for the first half year of 2006, GDP increased by 36%, and
stable economic development is observed in all fields of economy. For
example, for the last 6 months, level of industrial production has
increased by 41%. For this period over 3 bn. US dollars have been
invested in Azerbaijani economy, which is key showing of dynamic
economic development of our country.
It is known that at present Azerbaijan is taking leading position in
the region on foreign investments per head. One of the main directions
of economic policy of Azerbaijan apart from complete adherence
to the principles of market economy is solving social problems of
population. In this direction many efforts were made. For the first
6 months of 2006, population incomes have increased by 18%.
Moreover, in comparison with previous months inflation has been
reduced. At present real incomes of population make up 12%, average
salary increased by 20%. It should be underlined that raise of economic
development promotes improvement of welfare of people. For the recent
years important steps are taken not only to prevent unemployment but
to improve provision of pensions of people.
Following decrees of President, in 2006 pension provision will be
increased several times more. It’s known that President repeatedly
declared that soon pensions will be increased. Taking it into account
I would say that in Azerbaijan the work to solve economic and social
problems of citizens and for improvement of living standards of people
is carried out.
– You are member of Standing Commission on Security and Defense. How
do you evaluate your work from the point of view of professionalism?
– During the meetings of Standing Commission on Security and Defense I
make a number of proposals, as I make during the meetings of Milli
Mejlis. Only my voters and people of Azerbaijan can evaluate my
activity in the parliament. Every taken measure or developed law
should serve for the interests of state and nation.
– Today, after a number of actions of person we know, some negative
view is formed relating to Azerbaijani police. What can you propose
to change this view, and what measures must be taken?
– In my speeches I repeatedly touched upon this issue. Azerbaijani
police duly fulfills its obligations, that is why it is wrong to
underestimate the work of police because of some persons who defiled
it. From this point of view I hold that such attitude to police
is not right. Police of our country not only fights with crimes,
policemen actively partook in bloody battles for restoration of
territorial integrity of our country. We are proud of many policemen
who demonstrated heroism. Of course, we should recognize that police
structures have demerits and they must be removed. For example Police
Academy. I expressed my negative view on Police Academy and I think
that there are persons who are not deserving to study their. Police
Academy leadership can’t be blamed for it, as it doesn’t hold exams.
But persons responsible for the given work are holding exams. In turn
they approve those young people whom they think fit. Of course no one
can deny that some people misuse their authorities in this matter. I
believe that as in every field, reforms should be implemented within
the structures of internal affairs and Police Academy. They will lead
to changes in activity of police of Azerbaijan.
– Do you hold meetings with your voters?
– Yes, I do.
– What issues are most frequently discussed?
– I’ve already touched upon this issue. Most frequently voters are
concerned about problems of unemployment, water, gas and energy supply
etc. It is necessary to solve all these problems, as electricity,
water and gas are necessary for normal living. Moreover, if citizen
is unemployed he or she can’t pay for electricity and the rest of
public utilities. Thus, first of all citizens must be provided with
work for he or she could solve all these problems.
During my pre-election campaign I promised people: if I am elected as
Milli Mejlis deputy, my headquarter will be functioning at election
district for holding meetings with voters. I kept my promise.
Headquarter is functioning, it carries out appropriate work to solve
the problems of tens of voters. No barrier exists between me and
my voters.
– How do you evaluate mission of Azerbaijani soldier within
international peacemaking forces?
– Azerbaijan is peace loving country. Despite violation of
territorial integrity and occupation of 20% of our territories,
our state continues its peacemaking policy. If Azerbaijani soldiers
serve for international peacemaking forces in Afghanistan, Iraq,
and Balkans it means that international community trusts Azerbaijani
army. Being citizen and Parliament member I support activity of
Azerbaijani soldiers within international forces. It is important not
only for our state but for our army as well. As you know Azerbaijan
carries out works on creation of peacemaking military forces within
the frames of GUAM. Member-states of this structure are determined in
this matter. Cease-fire in Middle East after Israel-Lebanon war was
reached owing to mediation of UN. This structure decided to dispatch
its peacemaking forces in the region. Perhaps Azerbaijani soldier will
partake in peacemaking mission of international forces in this region.
– What can you say about ways of regulation of Nagorni Garabagh
Conflict?
– OSCE and OSCE Minsk Group member states are responsible for peaceful
regulation of the conflict. However up to now Minsk Group hasn’t
fulfilled its obligations concerning this matter. Recent statement of
OSCE special representative, A. Kasprshik, concerning conflagration
committed on occupied territories as well as reaction of co-chair
states to this issue manifested that it is naïve to expect activities
for regulation of conflict from OSCE and Minsk Group. During their
meetings and while making documents co-chair states demand more
compromises from Azerbaijan, but not from Armenia.
If we consider statements of US co-chair, M. Brayza, we will be
convinced once again that there is no point to expect regulation
of conflict from this structure. If international community cannot
define the status of aggressor-country and the country that suffers
from aggression, no real results can be expected. I believe that it
is necessary to regulate Nagorni Garabagh conflict within the frames
of UN, appropriate measures should be taken to realize 4 resolutions
adopted by above international structure. At the same time Azerbaijan
can effectively use potential of international organizations,
including GUAM. Unfortunately, despite efforts made by Azerbaijan,
official Yerevan shows no will to take serious measures for conflict
regulation. GUAM member-states applied to UN with the purpose of
taking appropriate measures for conflict regulation in the countries
of GUAM. Russia and Armenia were against inclusion of the issue in
the agenda of UN Security Council, USA was neutral, and France didn’t
joined voting. If all three countries, members of UN Security Council
and having the right to veto, did so, nothing can be expected from
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Ilham Aliyev, declared that Azerbaijan advocates peaceful regulation
of this conflict. If negotiations have no effect, we will have to
liberate our territories resorting to all means. Azerbaijan has
right to liberate its territories within the frames of international
standards and UN Charter.
–Boundary_(ID_aAUYCRmodQklMHyYTC1O/A)–

SYRIAN MUSICIANS WIN EU-FUNDED RADIO MUSIC AWARD
SANA – Syrian Arab News Agency, Syria
Sept 26 2006
Damascus, (SANA)
Syrian musicians Lena Chamamyan and Basel Rajoub were declared winners
of the first Radio Monte Carlo Moyen-Orient Award in the finals of
the competition at the al-Hussein Cultural Center in Amman, Jordan,
the Delegation of the European Commission in Syria said Tuesday.
In addition to cash prize of EU 6,000, Ms. Lena Chamamyan and Mr.
Basel Rajoub will be in an international promotion campaign through
Radio Monte Carlo Moyen-Orient and its partners.
Lena revealed a passion for music at the age of five. Some years
later she studied eastern classical songs at Aleppo Conservatory, but
she has since explored other styles including Jazz and traditional
Armenian music which have become an integral part of her own very
personal style.
Aleppo-born Basel Rajoub began his musical career playing trumpet
before enrolling at the Conservatory where he studied eastern and
European classical music as well as Jazz. The result is a blend of
rich melodies, his eastern background and Jazz influences, often
featuring an unusual mix of sounds such as piano and brass.
The award is organized by Radio Monte Carlo in partnership with the
European Commission in the framework of the MEDA program to promote
new talents in the Mediterranean basin.

BEHIND NEW CHIPMUNKS DVDS THERE’S A TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY
By Louis R. Carlozo – Tribune staff reporter
Chicago Tribune,IL
Sept 26 2006
The true-life, rags-to-riches, 100 percent Hollywood story of Ross
Bagdasarian begins in 1958, with the modestly successful songwriter
skipping a grocery run for his young family to plunk down his last
$200 on Tape-O-Matic’s “Voice of Music” reel-to-reel recorder. This
two-track machine is so ordinary that you might find one at a garage
sale today, mistake it for a retro piece of luggage and buy it for
10 bucks.
But with it, Bagdasarian — a former farm laborer known by his showbiz
moniker David Seville — made magic, and entertainment history. Using
the variable speed feature on the recorder, he created a squeaky-voiced
gremlin who starred in the novelty hit “The Witch Doctor,” which sold
1.5 million copies in two months.
Then came what is still the oddest — and most enduring — Christmas
novelty tune in all pop music. “My brother, who was about 4 at
the time, kept asking if it was Christmastime yet,” recalls Ross
Bagdasarian Jr. “It was the summer of 1958, and my dad loved the idea
of a kid who can’t wait and keeps asking, and keeps asking. That became
the basis of `The Chipmunk Song'” (actually “Christmas Don’t Be Late”).
The smash made “Me, I want a hula hoop!” a modern catch-phrase and
sold more than 4 million copies in seven weeks. It also introduced
us to the Chipmunks — Alvin, Simon and Theodore — stars of “Alvin
and the Chipmunks: Trick or Treason” (Paramount Home Video, $14.99)
and “A Chipmunk Christmas” (Paramount Home Video, $19.98). The latter
title bows this week.
In his Santa Barbara office, Bagdasarian Jr. still has his dad’s
Tape-O-Matic machine, long since retired. But its spirit remains:
Chipmunk voices are still produced on tape, not computers. And the
son now voices Alvin, Simon and the David Seville character; his wife,
Janice Karman, is Theodore and writes the scripts.
“When we started, we had all sorts of auditions,” recalls Ross Jr.,
a lawyer by training. “I grew up with Charlie Brown, and it always
bothered me when they had to change people and I could hear the
difference in the voices. As we were auditioning people, I was in
the recording booth listening and Janice was giving direction, and
I said, `Oh, my God, that’s Theodore.’ She said, `That was me.’ I
said, `I don’t care, that’s perfect, you’re Theodore.’ And she said,
`I won’t do it unless you’re Alvin and Simon.'”
Unlike so many properties absorbed by big studios and assigned to
hired-gun actors, Chipmunks production remains the family affair it
has always been. But that career path was not set in stone for the
younger Bagdasarian.
That all changed after his dad — a jovial Armenian who talked
his way into bit movie parts, such as the obsessed piano player in
Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” — died of a heart attack in 1972,
days shy of his 53rd birthday.
“He was just so filled with zest and good humor that you were sure
he was going to live to be 102,” his son says. “I was 22 at the
time and — God — talk about your world just changing. At that age,
I really wanted to do my own thing. It was only when he passed away
so suddenly, that as a way of really having him in my life I would go
to his office and play all the old Chipmunks songs. I just thought it
would be a shame for the characters to die prematurely with him. And
I very naively thought, `I’ve got to keep those guys going!'” Not
that TV execs agreed; everywhere he went, Ross Jr. was shown the door.
Then came another freak break: the 1980 novelty album “Chipmunk Punk,”
spurred by a Chipmunks tune that didn’t exist. A Philadelphia deejay
had played Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” at double speed, causing callers
to jam the station switchboard asking where they could buy “that
new Chipmunks song.” Word reached Bagdasarian Jr., who rushed out
“Chipmunk Punk” — though the artists covered, including Billy Joel,
were not exactly punkers.
The album sold a million copies instantly. After the 1981 country
disc “Urban Chipmunk,” the Chipmunks were re-animated: “A Chipmunk
Christmas” celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and features a
pre-“Simpsons” Nancy Cartwright as one of its stars.
“It was a phenomenally fun time to see the second incarnation of the
Chipmunks be just as successful, if not more successful, than the
first time,” says Ross Jr., who hopes to resurrect his dad’s old TV
shows — many of which have never been released, even on VHS. “For a
really small independent business like us, it’s like trying to sell
a really good cup of coffee when there are 8 billion Starbucks right
around you.”

BAKU ACCUSES YEREVAN OF EVADING DIRECT TALKS
Regnum, Russia
Sept 26 2006
Breakthrough in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement is unlikely
due to Armenia’s evading direct negotiations with Azerbaijan and
sticking to a destructive approach in the conflict management, minister
of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mamedyarov said talking Sep 25
at the 61th session of UN General Assembly in New York, Day.az reports.
According to the minister, “there are two main issues on which
the sides confront – defining the status of the Nagorno Karabakh
region and withdrawal of Armenian troops from occupied Azerbaijani
territories.” “The status cannot be decided upon today, is has to
be decided by means of a democratic and legal process with direct
participation of both Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the
Nagorno Karabakh region,” Mamedyarov said.
“Our position is based on the relevant resolutions of the UN Security
Council and OSCE decisions that demand immediate withdrawal of the
occupation forces from all the occupied territories, and restoration
of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,” Azerbaijan
foreign ministry head declared. Only after that, he says, can Armenia
join regional economic projects, which would positively affect the
whole region development and strengthen mutual trust.

ARMENIAN WRESTLERS TO PARTICIPATE IN WORLD WRESTLING CUP IN AZERBAIJAN NEXT YEAR
Today, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2006
Unpleasant events happened in the International Wrestling Federation
(FILA) congress held in Guangzhou, China.
Azerbaijan Youth and Sport minister Azad Rehimov and Wrestling
Federation president Abbas Abbasov took part in the congress too.
FILA deprived Azerbaijan of organizing the World Championship 2007
due to the country’s not being able to ensure safety of all sportsmen.
The cause is the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the sportsmen
of these countries not participating in the competitions hosted by
Baku and Yerevan, APA reports.
The other cause is the letter of the International Olympic Committee in
which Azerbaijan was shown as problematic region. FILA President Rafael
Martinetti said Azerbaijan cannot host competitions that issue license.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Ismayil Ismayilov told that
Azerbaijan prepares for the World Cup. He stated the possibility of
Armenian sportsmen’s participation in the tournament.
“Everything is possible. The problem is being solved now,” he said.
Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation’s president Metleb Abdullayev told
that the World Cup 2007 will take place in Azerbaijan.
“The Federation will create an opportunity for Armenian sportsmen
to participate in the tournament in Baku. If they refuse to come,
they will benefit from “fall cart” and will gain license to Olympic
Games,” he said.
According to the regulations, 1/4 finalists of the world championship
gain direct license to Olympic Games.
URL:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE – FANTASY OR REALITY?
by Christine Gilmore
Zaman Online, Turkey
Sept 26 2006
Commentary
They say that most people are more comfortable with old problems
than with new solutions. That is especially true when it comes to
addressing the pitfalls of our increasingly multicultural world.
Yes, many of us live in cosmopolitan centres. Yes, we understand that
rubbing shoulders with people of different cultures is increasingly
inevitable. But when faced with the ‘other’ on our doorstep many
simply retreat into nostalgia, or the bosom of our communities.
The results of this mentality are reproduced throughout the towns and
cities of Europe where an unofficial policy of ‘separate but equal’
seems to rule. Cultural ghettos have sprung up across our urban centres
that place a physical as well as a mental barrier between migrants
and the national majority. When children go to separate schools, when
intermarriage is rare, and when employment opportunities restrict
social mobility meaningful intercultural interaction is rare indeed.
Most of us, in short, feel threatened rather than enlarged, by
difference. In times of peace and prosperity this attitude tends
to manifest itself as little more than abstract distrust. However,
in the wake of the 9-11 terrorist attacks and in a climate of
economic uncertainty, it has transmuted into something altogether
more sinister. Recent years have seen the mainstreaming of xenophobic
policies across the political spectrum while extreme far-right parties
like Belgium’s Vlaamsbelang attract over thirty percent of the popular
vote in certain areas.
In such a climate, the concept of intercultural dialogue often
seems more like a bad joke than a realistic policy for dealing with
day-to-day life. Which is why it is all the more important that
organisations like Bahattin Kocak’s Turko-Belgian ‘Intercultural
Dialoog Platform’ exist to confront and combat intercultural
prejudice. To that end, a group of opinion-formers from journalists,
to academics and politicians assembled in the July heat in the lobby
of Brussels Zaventem Airport to depart for a week’s travel to Istanbul
and South Eastern Turkey.
Our goal was understood as two-fold. On the one hand, the organisers
were dedicated to deconstructing the myths about Islam, Turks
and Turkishness prevalent in Belgian society which, many assert,
have actively hindered the integration process. On the other, as a
critical juncture for the EU accession talks approaches this Autumn,
the visit provided us with an opportunity to assess those factors
which link and distance Turkey from European norms.
As far as I was concerned, however, there was a third and equally
pressing aspect to this trip. As a maudite Eurocrat living in the
bubble of Brussels’ Belliard quarter, with a smattering French and
total ignorance of Nederlands, the language of Flanders, I was almost
entirely unintegrated in Belgium. In my everyday life, like many who
work in the European Institutions, I barely met a Belgian, let alone
associated with them. Here, I was confronted with my minority status
– and the work that the EU has still to do to build bridges with the
Belgian community whom it lives around, rather than with.
That said, I left for Istanbul with little idea of what to expect
from either the visit or my companions, whom the language barrier had
initially reduced to forms rather than personalities. The names in
my head – Constantinople, Mardin, Sanliurfa – although tinged with a
certain exoticism were equally remote and undefined. As it turned out,
this hazy understanding was to be one of the most useful tools with
which I approached this sojourn.
Over the course of the week, both the members of our party and the
places we visited came to life in my mind, like paint on canvas. And,
at a level I was quite unprepared for, brought me from a passive
observer to an active participant in a cultural and historical
dialogue which took us from the Metropolis of Istanbul to the Cradle
of Civilisation on the Mesopotamian plain which has inspired most of
our collective history.
On landing, what immediately struck me was the multifaceted nature of
Turkish society, aptly symbolised by the Billboard babes and mosques
standing side by side in central Istanbul. Here, I realised, was a
country where religion and secularism, tradition and modernity vye
for the hearts and minds of its citizens. Not so unusual perhaps.
Except that the strong hand of Kemalist ideology seemed to paper over
multiculturalism to preserve the veneer of a homogenous nation state.
Nowhere was this more apparent that in the use of Article 301 of
the new Turkish Penal code to punish those deemed to be denigrating
‘Turkishness’. Merely one week before we arrived Hrat Dink, the
editor of an Armenian Newspaper, became the first writer to be
successfully prosecuted under this clause since its introduction,
setting a worrying precedent for other writers, religious leaders or
politicians who dare to challenge the status quo – even in only in
fiction, as the novelist Elif Shafak has discovered to her cost.
It wasn’t always thus. In the triangle between Diyarbakir, Mardin
and Sanliurfa in Turkey’s South East, Assyriac churches have stood
alongside mosques, synagogues and even sun-temples, for most of
recorded history. Here, it seems, coexistence was, and often is,
the norm. Here no grand narrative has eclipsed all others. Nor have
the signs of difference been neglected or destroyed in perpetuity.
Indeed, the tombs of the prophets – holy places for Jews, Christians
and Muslims – actively promote interfaith connections.
These ancient sites provide incontestable proof that diversity forms
an essential and inevitable part of every society. Yet too often, as
the Lebanese thinker Amin Maalouf makes clear, ideology and majority
interest tend towards suppressing or denying multiple identities.
This is as true of countries in the European Union struggling with
the vestiges of nationalism as it is true of the Turkish State, which
Europe has rightly criticised for lack of progress on minority rights
and freedom of expression.
Wherever we are from we must come to realise that identity cannot be
reduced to one common form. Europeans need to accept that an immigrant,
for example, can be both Turkish and Belgian or Muslim and European
just as I can be at once British and European. The formation of the
European Union has forced us to accept that no one language, culture
or set of belief can unite us all. Now we must learn to value our
Unity in Diversity necessary to make this grand project succeed.
It is one thing to accept tolerance and dialogue in theory, but yet
another to live it in practice. The Intercultural Dialoog Platform
allowed a small group of us, living on the same soil but with varying
backgrounds and languages, to interrogate our differences and learn
about each other. If nothing else it taught us that tolerance and
respect must come before all else in a world where multilateralism
and interdependence can no more be avoided than ignored.
Christine Gilmore is the Editorial Adviser to Graham Watson MEP,
Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)
in the European Parliament.

“ARMENIA IS RUSHING BETWEEN ‘OPEN ARMS’ OF RUSSIA AND THE US”: ARMENIAN PRESS DIGEST
Regnum, Russia
Sept 26 2006
Yerkir daily reports Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to
take part in the 2nd Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional
Religions in Astana, Kazakhstan. On the last day, Karekin II
addressed the Congress on “The Importance of Faith.” He said that
“despite the Genocide of 1915, repressions and persecutions, the
Armenians have stayed loyal to their faith.” On September 14 the
Congress adopted a statement stressing the need “to fight prejudice
and ignorance.” “Almost 150 journalists covered the congress. In
conclusion, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II appeared with
propaganda of the Armenian Genocide and got applause for his words,”
says Hurriyet daily (Turkey) and reminds that, when visiting Istanbul,
“on behalf of the Armenian Diaspora, Karekin II urged Turkey to
recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915.”
Azg daily reports that not only Orthodox leaders but also Ashkenazi
Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger supported Karekin II. “As
a mouthpiece of the Armenian Diaspora, His Holiness Karekin II
misses no single opportunity to speak in public about the Armenian
Genocide.” In Istanbul they have even brought a lawsuit against him:
they charge him with hurting the national pride of the Turks. One more
topic for heated debate was the meeting of Karekin II with Ecumenical
Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew.
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has been informed of the
intention of the expert commission of the World Armenian Congress to
urge the Hague Tribunal to recognize the Armenian Genocide. During
a press-conference in Yerevan, President of WAC and the Union of
Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan said that in early May 2005 they
submitted to the Armenian Foreign Ministry a resolution on the Armenian
Genocide by 15 international lawyers. “We informed the FM that we were
going to use it as a basis for an appeal to the international court,”
Abrahamyan said. “For the first time in the history of the Armenian
Genocide studies, we have prepared three legal codes. 25 experts from
20 countries, 15 lawyers have been working on them for 2.5 years. They
used archives from various countries, including Russia,” Abrahamyan
said (REGNUM).
French President Jacques Chirac is going to visit the Armenian Genocide
Memorial in Yerevan. This may complicate relations between Turkey
and France, reports The New Anatolian news agency. During his visit
to Yerevan, Chirac will officially inaugurate the Year of Armenia in
France and will meet with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. The
presidents are supposed to discuss the problem of international
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the future status of Nagorno
Karabakh and French-Armenian relations (PanARMENIAN.Net).
While in Paris for attending the French FM conference “The Dialogue
of Cultures,” Turkish FM Abdullah Gul met with Turkish journalists.
Azg daily notes that Gul’s visit coincided with the “Armenia is My
Friend” events in France. Asked by the journalists to comment on
the events, Gul said that Turkey does not seek to prevent France’s
relations with third countries. However, Armenian problems should
not damage Turkish-French relations. Zaman daily (Turkey) reports
Gul to note that there are over 400,000 Turks in France and to say:
“Any contradictions can be discussed. One can also express his opinion.
However, they should not cause any troubles or conflicts. We would
not like to see these problems cause any troubles. Hence, everybody –
Turks, Armenians and French – should be careful.”
Turkish Economy Minister and Special Representative at the talks with
the EU Ali Babacan says that the Armenian Genocide may be recognized
if the joint Armenian-Turkish historical commission comes to such a
conclusion. Mediamax news agency reports Babacan to say this in the
interview to Dutch NRC Nadelsblad, published on September 9 under
the title “Turkey May Recognize the Armenian Genocide.” Asked if the
Turkish Government will accept the decision of the commission if
it concludes that it was actually a genocide, Babacan says: “Yes,
we will agree with any decision.” At the same time, he slates the
European Parliament’s position on the Armenian Genocide. He says:
“Parliamentarians are not historians, and the European Parliament is
not an institution that can decide what has actually happened and
what has not.” Babacan says that all Turkish archives are open for
scientists, and Turkey’s proposal for setting up an Armenian-Turkish
historical commission is in force.
After receiving the report of the European Parliament’s Committee on
Foreign Affairs stipulating the Armenian Genocide as a pre-condition
for Turkey’s EU membership, the Turkish Foreign Minister sent a letter
to the European Parliament. Zaman daily (Turkey) reports that in its
22-page letter the FM answers each point of the report prepared by the
representative of the Christian-Democratic Party of the Netherlands
to the European Parliament Camiel Eurlings.
Though meant for informative purpose mostly, the letter is, in fact,
a political statement. The Turkish FM points out that it will not
agree to any status other than EU full member and advises the EP
not to make contradictory political requirements now that Turkey
is negotiating for its admission into the EU. The FM notes that,
if the talks are stopped, the EU will also suffer from it. “The
unfavorable situation that may be caused by unreasonable demands will
not contribute to the fulfillment of the global EU goals,” says the
Turkish Foreign Ministry. Special attention is given to the problems
of Cyprus and Kurds and also to the Armenian problem. Particularly,
the Turkish FM says that Turkey was the second country after Latvia
to recognize Armenia’s independence, and that Turkey’s commodity
turnover with Armenia totals $120mln. Some 40,000 Armenian citizens
are living and working in Turkey. “We regret at Armenia’s position.
Armenia has not yet responded to our proposal to set up a joint
historical commission. We think that the European Parliament may
influence Armenia in the matter. As regards the closure of the
Turkish-Armenian border, this is Turkey’s response to Armenia’s
occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and refusal to recognize the existing
border with Turkey,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry says in its letter
to the European Parliament (ArmInfo).
Noyan Tapan news agency reports that during the conference on the
15th anniversary of the Institute of History of Turkey Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Erdogan said that one simply can’t find a nation that
would be “as innocent as the Turkish nation is.” He said that some
forces “are trying to blacken the glorious history of our nation.
They are doing it for political purposes and the statements about the
Armenian Genocide are typical example of it.” Hurriyet daily (Turkey)
reports Erdogan to say that he has personally suggested setting up
a joint historical commission “for studying the events” of the last
years of the Ottoman Empire. “However, I have not, to date, received
any positive response from Yerevan,” Erdogan said. In his address
to the conference and President of the institute Yusuf Alacogli,
Turkish President Ahmed Sezer said that “those alleging the Armenian
Genocide will fail to conceal the truth.”
15th anniversary of independence
On September 21 Armenia celebrated the 15th anniversary of its
independence. During its first session on Aug 23, 1990, the Supreme
Council of Armenia abolished the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic
and proclaimed the independent Republic of Armenia. On Sept 21, 1991,
the Supreme Council decreed to hold a referendum on secession from
the USSR and proclamation of independent republic. 94.99% of Armenians
voted for independence. Two days later the Supreme Council proclaimed
Armenia as an independent state (REGNUM).
“To be independent for 15 years in the last 600-year history is already
a big achievement. If today we have many problems, this is not because
of independence – as some people say – but because of inaction,”
says one of the leaders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Dashnaktsoutiun (ARFD) Kiro Manoyan. Looking back at the past 15 years
Manoyan says: “We have not only managed to stay independent for 15
years but we have also liberated Nagorno Karabakh and have formed the
most efficient army in the region. Until today unity has been the only
pledge of all our victories. I would like to use the occasion and to
say that Armenia’s independence and the struggle for Nagorno-Karabakh’s
liberation are one and the same thing.” Irrespective of existing
inter-party contradictions, Manoyan believes that political forces
in Armenia are beginning to show right attitude towards state building.
“After all, each Armenia must feel that only strong Armenia can
guarantee his future,” says Manoyan. “We can correct our mistakes if
we stop concealing them. For example, it is wrong to say that the
Republic of Armenia is not a home for all Armenians but only for
those who live there or that the Republic of Armenia can feed only
limited quantity of people. Today, we are reaping the fruits of such
approaches. We cannot get rid of corruption, people continue emigrating
and injustice is still ubiquitous. All this is a big threat to our
national security.” “I am sure that people are emigrating because
they are forced to. The majority has nothing, while the minority has
everything at the expense of the majority.
People can no longer stand such injustice. Nothing will change in
the country until we realize that we are the masters of this country,
and everything depends on us,” says Manoyan. (A1+).
In its article “Holiday Which is Not With You” 168 Zham daily says:
“Even though we are pleased that we are independent, we, the Armenians,
still deny independence. Just look how readily we are getting rid
of our strategic facilities.” “We don’t like bearing responsibility
for something, making decisions. We let other countries think in our
stead.” “We need petty, provincial pleasures that have nothing to do
with independence and human values.”
In its article about the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence,
Haykakan Zhamanak daily compares the systems of values of present-day
Armenia and the French Counter-Revolution of Thermidor: “The key
basis of our Armenian ‘Thermidor’ is electoral fraud of all levels –
a process that sprang up in 1995 and evolved from relatively ‘modest’
and improvised violations in the 90s to an absolutely infallible
fraud machine during the constitutional referendum of 2005.”
“Oppressing people and distancing itself from them, the state has lost
the effective levers and capacities it could use in case of threat
or necessity of mobilization… As a result, almost all the past 15
years were an epoch of losses for the Armenian people,” says the daily.
168 Zham daily reflects what Armenia has gained and what it has lost in
the past 15 years: “What we really have is just one instance of free
choice throughout all those years – choice we made through national
awakening.” “Now everything is happening through ‘approvals,’ ‘hints,’
‘messages’ and sometimes even direct instructions, but never through
our own free will. Perhaps, that’s exactly what we call independence –
that’s it, independently from the people?” The daily says that today
independent Armenia is rushing between the “open arms” of Russia and
the US – as we realize that expecting good from the Russians or the
Americans is like getting blood from a stone.
“Is there anybody who will dare to say that today we are not dependent
on the Russians? It’s enough to say that 80% of our energy sector is
in their hands. And in order to justify this, our authorities have
invented a high-flown term: ‘strategic partnership.’ If we, the
Armenians, understand ‘partnership’ as ‘friendship’ or ‘fraternity,’
for the Russians we are not even junior brothers but junior partners:
friendship is good but never mix it with business…
And so, they are appropriating our factories, power plants and many
other strategic facilities – aren’t we partners?! On Nagorno-Karabakh
too, we haven’t heard anything comforting from the Russians.” As
regards the Americans, they are generally known for their strong
passion even for those living thousands of kilometers away from them –
Iraqis, Afghanis, Serbs…
The daily also says that, according to the report made for the US
congressmen, the US is the biggest donor of Armenia and Georgia. In
1992-2005 Armenia got over $1.5bln. “Georgia has got a bit more $1.6bln
but has paid off in full by becoming one of the most pro-American
countries in the world. Now, it’s our turn.” “So, are we independent
or not?” wonders the daily. “On paper, we are, but, in reality, today,
the situation is even worse than before… If formerly we knew that we
were dependent, today, we don’t know whose open arms to throw ourselves
to – Russia or the US? And people are pushed aside just to watch what
our political forces will decide before the elections… That’s what
independence we have created for ourselves during those 15 years –
and are now going to celebrate it with pomp…”
Waiting for elections
Hayastani Hanrapetoutyun daily publishes an interview of US Ambassador
to Armenia John Evans to Mediamax. Evans says that Armenia will
certainly become a strong state if it holds democratic elections. “A
year ago experts advised us to spend no more money on the work with
Armenian parties, but we did not agree with them as we were not ready
to give up on Armenian democracy. Now too we are not ready to do it.”
Armenia will hold parliamentary elections in 2007. Earlier this
year there were talks that the Millennium Challenge Compact might be
suspended if the elections fail to meet the international standards.
Does this mean that for this time the U.S. is not going to accept
the outcome of the elections if they are not free and fair?
Answering this question of Mediamax news agency, US OSCE MG co-chair
Matthew Bryza said: “Democratic reform is on the top of our agenda not
only with Armenia, but also with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia
and Central Asia. I can’t predict what will happen in Armenia, but
we are working hard through our Embassy in Yerevan with the Armenian
government and the civil society to do whatever we can to ensure that
the upcoming elections will be as free and fair as possible.
I am not going to make any threats about the Millennium Challenge
Account, but the reality is that we don’t decide who is in and out
of the program. There are indicators provided by the World Bank and
by the Freedom House, and it is theoretically possible that if the
elections are deeply problematic, those indicators will change and
Armenia could no longer meet the criteria of Millennium Challenge
Account and in such a case we will be obligated to suspend the
program. But it’s not a threat on my part, I am just stating a fact.
Our goal is to do everything we can with Armenia to avoid any chance
of that happening.”
“We must do our best to make it clear for all political forces,
including our partners, that free and fair elections are prerequisite
and the only way-out,” the member of the ARF Dashnaktsoutyun Bureau,
the vice speaker of the Armenian parliament Vahan Hovhannissyan said
during a press-conference, when asked if one can be sure that ARFD’s
coalition partners actually want free and fair elections. (Aravot).
168 Zham daily reports that the US Government is going to provide
$6.5mln for ensuring legal parliamentary elections in Armenia in
2007 and notes that certain Armenian oppositionists are already
“racing” for this money. First, Chairman of the National-Democratic
Union (NDU), MP from the Justice group Arshak Sadoyan came out with
a novelty – e-voting – and said that he needs $2.5mln to carry out
this project. He was followed by Shavarsh Kocharyan, Chairman of the
National-Democratic Party (NDP), also from the Justice group, who
said that his party and the Democracy NGO had developed an e-program
of election control that costs no more than $4mln.
New Time daily reports ARFD to speak up about its plans on the
forthcoming elections. The ARFD member Armen Rustamyan said that his
party will not support Defense Minister Serzh Sargsyan and Foreign
Minister Vardan Oskanyan during the presidential election 2008. As
regards the parliamentary elections, Rustamyan said nothing new –
ARFD will run on its own.