CIA WORLD FACTBOOK: ARMENIA
CIA World Factbook
September 22, 2006
Armenia
Current as of 5/22/2006
President — Robert KOCHARIAN
Prime Minister — Andranik MARGARYAN
Min. Chief of Staff of the Cabinet — Manuk TOPUZYAN
Min. of Agriculture — Davit LOKYAN
Min. of Culture and Youth — Hasmik POGHOSIAN
Min. of Defense — Serzh SARGSYAN
Min. of Education and Science — Levon MKRTCHYAN
Min. of Energy — Armen MOVSISYAN
Min. of Environmental Protection — Vardan AYVAZYAN
Min. of Finance and Economy — Vardan KHACHATRYAN
Min. of Foreign Affairs — Vartan OSKANIAN
Min. of Health — Norayr DAVIDYAN
Min. of Justice — David HARUTYUNYAN
Min. of Labor and Social Issues — Aghvan VARDANYAN
Min. of Territorial Administration — Hovik ABRAHAMYAN
Min. of Trade and Economic Development — Karen TCHSHMARITYAN
Min. of Transport and Communication — Andranik MANUKYAN
Min. of Urban Planning — Aram HARUTYUNYAN
Chmn., National Bank — Tigran SARGSYAN
Ambassador to the US — Tatoul MARKARIAN
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York — Armen MARTIROSYAN.

TURKISH FM AT UN: “NK CONFLICT MUST BE RESOLVED WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF AZERBAIJAN”
Today, Azerbaijan
/Turkish Daily News/
Sept 24 2006
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul pressed for a seat on the U.N. Security
Council, saying it was “long overdue” and warranted given Turkey’s
front-line role in securing peace in Lebanon.
It was a position likely to be disputed by longtime rival Greece,
and by the Greek-Cypriot administered southern Cyprus.
Gul’s call before the U.N. General Assembly comes as Turkey has stepped
up its profile in international politics. Turkey was the first Muslim
country to commit troops to a U.N. peacekeeping force being deployed
in Lebanon as part of a cease-fire agreement that ended a monthlong
war between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas.
“From the very start, Turkey has followed an active diplomacy, and
took its place at the forefront of the international efforts to end
the bloodshed,” Gul said. “We believe that, in the spirit of equitable
rotation, our turn to be represented is long overdue.”
Echoing comments by other delegations, Gul said the Palestinian-Israeli
conflict is the center of the problems in the Middle East, and called
for a revival of the peace process in the region.
Gul indicated that Turkey supports the U.N. Security Council’s
resolution No. 1701. “Despite some ongoing problems, the resolution
is a positive step for regional peace and stability,” said the Turkish
foreign minister.
“Progress toward peace in the Middle East will have a positive impact
on other global problems,” noted Gul.
He stressed that the Iraq issue is very important. “There is an urgent
need to establish an Iraq where ethnic warfare is over and democracy
is erected,” said Gul.
Gul stated that terrorism continues to claim the lives of innocent
people in the world. “Turkey has no tolerance for applying double
standards in the fight against terrorism,” commented Gul.
Referring to the Caucasus, Gul stated that the problem of Nagorno
Karabakh must be resolved within the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan.
Gul reiterated that Turkey will continue to assist the political
process and rebuilding of Afghanistan.
Gul’s comments reflect Turkey’s desire to raise its international
profile as it strives to join the European Union — a process that
has met with resistance from a number of EU members, in large part
over Turkey’s human rights record.
Turkey opened membership talks in October 2005, but its refusal to
recognize EU-member southern Cyprus or open its ports to Greek Cypriot
ships and airplanes has also led to speculation that the European
Commission, the EU’s executive body, could recommend suspending
membership negotiations.
The main point of contention is Ankara’s unwillingness to implement
a Turkey-EU customs agreement that requires it to open Turkish ports
to southern Cyprus — which would imply recognition by Turkey of the
Greek Cypriot-led government of Cyprus. The customs requirement is
part of a deal on the free exchange of goods with all EU members.
Defending the government’s position on Cyprus, Gul said Turkey’s
January proposal for the lifting of all trade restrictions “remained
on the table.”
Cyprus has been divided between a Greek Cypriot south and a
Turkish-Cypriot north since 1974, when Turkey intervened in the island
after an Athens-backed coup by supporters of union with Greece.
But Gul also protested that the isolation of Turkish Cypriots is
unfair, arguing that “in this day and age, living under unjustly
imposed restrictions defies all reason.”
Gul indicated that “the Turkish Cypriots voted for the Annan Plan in
the island. Turkish Cypriots expect a solution within the framework
of the Annan plan in order to bring lasting and comprehensive solution
in the island. It is high time for the Turkish Cypriots to unite with
global economy.”
Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said Wednesday that the
tiniest EU member wants Turkey to become a European democracy, but
will insist that Ankara first deliver on its promise to the European
Union and recognize southern Cyprus.
Speaking shortly after Gul, the foreign minister of Greece expressed
regret that the Cyprus problem remained unresolved.
“Our goal remains an agreed solution between the two communities,
without arbitration and tight timetables, which will be approved
subsequently by referenda,” Dora Bakoyannis said.
Pressing Turkey’s case for the Security Council seat, Gul said his
country was “emerging as a major donor country” and called it an
“anomaly” that it had not served on the council since 1961.
He mentioned initiatives such as the “Alliance of Civilizations” in
which Turkey has participated in an effort to promote intercultural
understanding and correct a “rift in cultural perceptions” surrounding
events in the Middle East. The Alliance is a U.N.-sponsored group
that promotes understanding between Western and Islamic states.
“Having consolidated our place among the largest economies of the
world, we want to enrich and improve our relations with the more
distant regions,” which include Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean,
East Asia and the Pacific,” Gul said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BBC News
Sept 22 2006
Writer’s trial a key moment for Turkey
By Sarah Rainsford
BBC News, Istanbul
Elif Shafak has called for a change in the law
Turkish police were on duty outside Beyoglu court from early morning.
Riot police lined up at the main gates complete with plastic shields
and gas masks.
The courtroom itself was sectioned off behind a row of tall temporary
fencing.
High security, for the trial of a novelist.
Elif Shafak stood accused of “insulting Turkishness”. The charge
related to her latest novel The Bastard of Istanbul.
The novel centres on two families – one Turkish, one Armenian – and
includes discussion of the mass killing of Armenians in the dying
days of the Ottoman Empire.
Armenia insists Turkey recognise that as genocide.
Empathy
The author says her novel examines issues of memory and amnesia.
She had hoped it might promote empathy between nations.
If Article 301 will be interpreted in this way, nobody can write
novels in Turkey anymore – no-one can make movies any more
Novelist Elif Shafak
Turks welcome verdict
Instead she was charged under Article 301 of the penal code – which
holds a possible prison sentence of three years.
“In our culture no-one can brand their ancestors murderers or accuse
them of genocide,” Kemal Kerincsiz insisted ahead of the trial.
He is one of the nationalist lawyers who filed the initial complaint
against the novel.
“Maybe in the West they’re more tolerant, but here we can’t accept
those comments as criticism.”
In the passages singled out by the lawyers as insulting, Armenian
characters refer to the Turks as butchers and as ignorant – they talk
of massacre and deportation.
The nationalists called that dangerous propaganda.
‘Relieved’
Elif Shafak gave birth at the weekend, so she was not in court to
defend herself.
In the event, her testimony was not required.
Scuffles broke out outside the court
The trial was over in less than 40 minutes – the judge acquitted the
writer in her absence, and threw the case out of court.
“I just talked to Elif on the phone – she was so happy and relieved,”
her husband Eyup told journalists immediately after the hearing.
But the nationalist lawyers did not stay around to hear the verdict.
They stormed out of court, shouting that the judge was working under
political pressure.
“It was obvious he was going to acquit Shafak,” one of the group
fumed in the car park.
“He didn’t even listen to the accused or the complainant. The judge’s
ruling is predictable – so we have pulled out.”
As the nationalists emerged, they came face to face with left-wing
supporters of Elif Shafak and free speech.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder against fascism,” a crowd of around 50
people shouted, amid short spontaneous busts of applause.
Riot police ran in, as a shouting match quickly descended into
scuffles.
Warning
Elif Safak is the latest in a long line of Turkish writers to go on
trial here.
The Armenian issue has been at the heart of many cases.
Others have focused on insults to the military, the judiciary or to
the founder of modern Turkey.
This is the first time an author has been accused of insult in a work
of fiction.
“If Article 301 will be interpreted in this way nobody can write
novels in Turkey anymore, no-one can make movies any more,” Elif
Safak warned, shortly before her case came to court.
“Then the words of a character could be used as evidence against the
author or the film director. So I think it is extremely important to
defend the autonomy of art and of literature.”
EU observers who were at the trial welcomed the acquittal as the
right decision – but called on the government to go further now, and
abolish Article 301 altogether.
EU test
Turkey faces a highly critical progress report from the EU in
November, with a crisis looming over the divided island of Cyprus in
particular.
We do not deserve this law
Elif Safak
So writers’ trials like this one have become symbolic of Turkey’s
commitment to the membership process itself.
“The Turkish government has a majority in parliament. This is an
issue where they could act,” MEP Joost Lagendijk said after the trial
in Istanbul.
“If they don’t, it makes it much harder to find a compromise on
Cyprus as well.
“So this has an influence much wider than only freedom of speech.
“It can influence the negotiation process positively if something
happens, and negatively if nothing does.”
Pressure for change
The case against Elif Shafak may well mark a turning point.
Perhaps prompted by the apparent absurdity of a trial for a work of
fiction, Turkey’s prime minister gave his first ever hint on Thursday
that some kind of change to the law might be possible.
Pressure for change is mounting steadily here at home now, as well as
in Brussels.
“Many people warned the government that Article 301 would cause
problems, but they turned a blind eye.
“Now it’s a major stumbling block to our EU entry,” Elif Safak
explained, frustrated.
“But even more important than that – we do not deserve this law.
“This is not the law that should be applied to our own citizens and
we need to do something about it.
“The question is does the government have the will or the courage to
take that step?”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ContraCosta Times, CA
Sept 23 2006
He wins, but can he take a punch?
Richmond’s Morgan is 3-0, and opponents can’t seem to touch him
Boxing
Richmond’s Aaron Morgan has had three professional bouts now, and
trainer Ralph McCoy still can’t tell if he can take a punch.
That’s because Morgan (3-0) hasn’t let anyone get close to his chin.
Morgan’s latest victory came on Sept. 8 in Modesto as he won a
unanimous decision over Manuel Garcia, who is now 4-4-1. McCoy
scheduled the bout knowing that Garcia had a reputation as a big
puncher.
It all figured to be part of Morgan’s education. McCoy thought he
would find out how Morgan would react to a big punch.
“They were feeling each other out and Aaron burst out with a flurry
of punches,” McCoy said. “He hit Garcia with a four- or five-punch
combination that set the tone. The guy got upset and he started
winging, throwing bombs.”
McCoy thought he was about to see Morgan have to respond to a big
punch. “He couldn’t catch Aaron all night long,” McCoy said with a
laugh. “I thought Aaron would stop him in the third round, but the
guy was tough.”
Although McCoy didn’t get exactly what he expected, he was pleased
with his student’s performance. “Aaron had to show some boxing
expertise and he did. He kept his jab out there and he threw
excellent combinations.
“He also was rolling with the punches and that took the guy’s power
off. One time he got butted, and that bothered him more than
anything.”
McCoy is looking for future opponents and he hopes to send Morgan out
two or three more times this year if possible. “We’re looking at a
couple of opponents right now,” McCoy said. “Andy Nance (a former
highly rated boxer) is helping me quite a bit with the selection of
opponents. We are looking for someone with a little more experience.”
The plan for Morgan has been to keep him busy while presenting him
with different styles. “We want to get him eight or nine wins, then
we will start looking at tougher opponents,” McCoy said. “We are
trying to avoid rushing him too much. He wants to take on the world
right now, but you don’t want to schedule someone with too much
experience. He can’t do it quite yet, so we’re trying to avoid the
big bangers. I still don’t know whether he can take a big punch.”
McCoy has handled boxers such as former USBA junior middleweight
champ Art Serwano and California light heavyweight champ Bomani
Parker.
“Aaron learns quicker than any fighter I’ve ever trained,” McCoy
said. “Within a day, he gets things down pat.”
According to McCoy, Morgan likes to study pros in his weight class on
television. “I have to hold him back,” McCoy said with a laugh. “He
says, ‘I can beat that guy.’
“He is only 20 so I keep telling him, ‘Aaron, you have to look at the
big picture.’ As long as we have our eye on the big picture and we go
accordingly, it will be OK.”
McCoy had been training Morgan at the Bay Area Boxing Gym in Rodeo.
However, that facility has closed. They have been working with
Concord trainer Karl Sharrock’s stable of fighters, at the Vallejo
PAL and at the Cal boxing club.
Besides Morgan, McCoy is working with 125-pounder David Springer, a
23-year-old amateur. He also has been helping the Golden Bears. “I
love working with the Cal boxers,” McCoy said. “It’s great working
with college kids.”
Shot at title
Castro Valley’s Glenn Donair (16-2-1) gets a shot at the IBF
flyweight title when he faces champion Vic Darchinyan (26-0) on Oct.
7 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Darchinyan won the title in 2004 and has defended it three times.
Darchinyan was born in Armenia and now lives in Sydney, Australia.
Donair won the NABA flyweight title on May 5 with a 12-round decision
over Cesar Lopez (18-3) in Concho, Okla.
The bout will be held on the undercard of the Diego Corrales-Joel
Casamayor bout. Corrales won a split decision over Casamayor on March
6, 2004.
Pro scene
Donair’s brother, Nonito Donair, will also fight on the Oct. 7
against an opponent yet to be named. Nonito Donair is 15-1 as a super
flyweight and is coming off a TKO over Jose Luis Cardenas on July 29
in Santa Ynez. … Eric “Butterbean” Esch continues to fight despite
losing three of his last four bouts. Now 74-7-4, Esch faces Ed White
(11-12) on Saturday in Belterre, Ind.
— Jay Heater
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

President Aliyev: “Creation of two Armenian states can be a threat to Europe”
Today, Azerbaijan
Sept 23 2006
23 September 2006 [13:16] – Today.Az
Nagorno Karabakh conflict is a big obstacle to the development of the
relations between Europe and South Caucasus, Azerbaijan’s President
Ilham Aliyev told Bertelsmann Forum 2006 in Berlin.
“Europe should play decisive part in the settlement of the conflict
and work for a peace accord in the region,” President added.
“Armenia is the only state in the world without national minorities
and in this regard, creation of two Armenian states is impossible
and not in line with international norms and principles and poses a
threat to future Europe,” he stated.
Romanian President Traian Basescu supported the position of Azerbaijan
and drew attention to the fact that defence of the rights of ethnic
minorities must not violate the territorial integrity of a country.
“Ideas not in accordance with European standards will not be
effective. Every ethnic minority can’t establish its own state. There
exists an experience of authority; the conflicts have to be settled
on these principles,” he said.
Azerbaijani President also answered questions on global energy,
Azerbaijan’s oil and gas policy, BTC and other projects, and
international issues, APA informs.
URL:

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 23 2006
Ilham Aliyev: “Creation of two Armenian states is impossible and
poses a threat to Europe”
[ 23 Sen. 2006 12:55 ]
“South Caucasus plays a vital part for Europe. Particularly, delivery
of Caspian energy recourses to European market is of great
importance.
But, Nagorno Garabagh conflict in the region is a big obstacle to the
relationship between Europe and South Caucasus, Azerbaijan’s
President Ilham Aliyev told Bertelsmann Forum 2006 in Berlin.
“Europe should play decisive part in the settlement of the conflict
and work for a peace accord in the region”. He said energy security
for Europe is a demand of time and in this respect, Azerbaijan is
ready to act as a reliable partner of Europe. He said Azerbaijan has
joined New Neighborhood Policy and integration into the west is
priority of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.
Azerbaijani President mentioned Baku’s stance on the Nagorno Garabagh
issue once again.
“Armenian is the only state in the world without national minorities.
In this regard, creation of two Armenian states is impossible and is
not in line with international norms and principles and poses a
threat to future Europe” he stated.
Rumanian President Traian Basescu supported the position of
Azerbaijan and drew attention to the fact that defence of the rights
of ethnic minorities mustn’t violate the territorial integrity of a
country.
“Ideas not in accordance with European standards will not be
effective. Every ethnic minority can’t establish its own state. There
exists an experience of authority; the conflicts have to be settled
on these principles”.
Azerbaijani President also answered questions on global energy,
Azerbaijan’s oil and gas policy, BTC and other projects, and
international issues.
The forum is being attended by presidents, premiers, parliament
speakers and foreign ministers of some 20 countries.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, EU Commission President Manuel
Barroso, French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, Belgian Prime
Minister Guy Verhofstadt and Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc
Gyurcsany told the forum that the principal aim of this meeting is to
exchange views on the future of Europe.
It was said at the forum that resolution of frozen conflicts,
elimination of obstacles to economic growth is very necessary. Issues
on countries wanting to be admitted to the EU, relations with OIC
member-states, energy security of Europe, scientific research
programs, economic and political projects, reforms in education
sphere, creation of new universities, happenings in Near East and
other hotspots etc. were also discussed at the forum.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev also met with Speaker of
Georgian Parliament Mrs. Nino Burjanadze and former US secretary of
department of state Henry Kissinger in Berlin.
The International forum is ending today. /APA/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Globe and Mail, Canada
Sept 23 2006
London stalling
The revival of the Sixties label Biba was a small bolt of glitz in
a humdrum spring 2007 showing
With reports from Guardian News Service, Reuters and Associated Press.
British actor Hugh Grant was front-row for the hottest fashion ticket
in London last week — the revival of iconic Sixties label Biba,
synonymous with flowing scarves, caftans and glamour. The brand that
helped to define the era as worn by Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithfull
and Brigitte Bardot came back to life as a more luxurious line for
the 21st-century hippie.
The British capital was clearly hoping to recapture a bit of bling,
and ditch its reputation as the poor cousin of more glamorous events
in New York, Paris and Milan.
“We are not a traditional capital for fashion, but we are a very
creative crucible,” said Stuart Rose, chairman of the British Fashion
Council, which organizes London’s twice-yearly shows.
The designer directing the revival is Bella Freud, Sigmund’s
great-granddaughter. Biba, the King’s Road boutique and clothing line
founded in 1964 by Barbara Hulanicki, was revolutionary for making
fashion accessible and for making shopping a leisure activity. It was
the first fashion superstore and celebrity hangout, a grand aesthetic
in which art nouveau was mixed with old Hollywood.
Freud’s modern take stayed true to the original colour scheme of
mulberries, blueberries, rusts and plums, but added more modern
textiles for her collection of jumpsuits, pinafores and print shirts.
The rest of the week was lacking in excitement, save for a fly-in from
Giorgio Armani. Many of the designers presented work best described as
“avant-garde,” translated as “not very commercial.” Only in London
would one of the most keenly awaited shows of the week be by a young
designer, Gareth Pugh, who last season sent models down the catwalk
in latex body suits affixed with what appeared to be rubber balloons.
Yet the fact is, for all the much-vaunted affection for the surreal,
the biggest designers are those who make serviceably pretty basics.
Paul Smith is the most successful British designer, thanks to his
adroitness at tricking out tasteful floral dresses and pastel men’s
suits. Yet, like many commercial designers, Smith occasionally tries
to show he can do something a little different.
And so men’s wear for women seemed to be the theme, with models
wearing slim-cut men’s blazers and low-slung shorts with boxers
peeking out over the top. Trousers were either tapered or, somewhat
more flatteringly, slouchy.
There were some sweet pieces toward the end, such as Jayne
Mansfield-style shorts suits, white shirt dresses and body-following
cocktail outfits.
Armani hosted his first London show, featuring stars such as U.S.
actor Leonardo Di Caprio and singer Beyonce to show off a new range
of clothing for the anti-AIDS initiative “Product Red.”
“Product Red” involves brands including clothing company Gap and
mobile phone firm Motorola that will donate part of the profits from
the branded products to fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Also showing in London, Paris-based Garen Demerdjian, a
Lebanese-Armenian designer, presented a layered look with shorts and
skirts over long leggings, high cinched belts and leather jackets.
His models, stone-faced with tangled hair, walked slowly down the
catwalk sporting hues of brown, green, apricot, black and silky white
amid flashing lights and trance-like music.
And even though the collections were ostensibly spring/summer, John
Rocha presented a collection of cropped cargo pants, silk shirts and
parkas in shades of black, ivory, stone and khaki.

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Sept 23 2006
Demand on Recognition of Armenian Genocide by Armenia Might fall Out
of EU’s Document
Source: Trend
Author: A.Alasgarov
23.09.2006
Next Tuesday, 26 September, the European parliament is to consider a
document on the cooperation with Turkey.
Trend Special Correspondent in Ankara reports the draft document was
proposed to include the European Union’s (EU) demand for Turkey on
the recognition of the Armenian genocide as one of terms for this
country’s admission to the EU. However, the issue is expected to fall
out of the document under pressures of Turkey and opponents of this
item.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Sept 23 2006
Integration Into West is One of Major Directions of Azerbaijan’s
Current Policy, Azeri President States
Source: Trend
Author: E.Huseynov
23.09.2006
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated to an international Forum
Bertelsmann-2006 in Berlin that integration into the West is one of
major directions of Azerbaijan’s current policy, Trend.
The President stated that Azerbaijan has joined the European
Neighborhood Policy and successfully participates in it. Speaking on
the legal, political and economic reforms carried out in the country
the Azerbaijani leader underlined that at present the South Caucasus
plays an important role for Europe. The delivery of the Caspian
energy resources to the European markets assumes special importance.
Azerbaijan has become a big oil producing country, whereas the energy
security is a matter of time for Europe. In this case Azerbaijan
is ready to play a role of reliable partner in ensuring the energy
security of Europe, he added.
However, the President stated that the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh is great hindrance in the relationships between
Europe and the South Caucasus. Europe should play a serious role in
the resolution of the conflict and strive for confirming peace in
the region.
Mr Aliyev underlined that at present Armenian is only country
worldwide, where no national minority exists. “It is a moo-state,’
he stressed. He excluded the establishment of two Armenian countries,
stating that it contradicts the international norms and principle, as
well as the European standards and is poses threat for future Europe.

Turkish Daily News , Turkey
Sept 23 2006
Cicek may have been right
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Justice Minister Cicek had insisted that we be patient, arguing, ‘The
judiciary will fine-tune itself.’ Afterwards, Elif ªafak was found
not guilty. Now the Supreme Court of Appeals will have its say. If it
goes along with the decision, we will have passed a critical
threshold. Cicek will have been proven as right. The only thing I’m
worried about is the trials of the not-so-famous people.
Mehmet Ali Birand
I was interviewing Justice Minister Cemil Cicek for Kriter
magazine, which will be released with Radikal daily on Monday. Cicek
was constantly making the same argument.
“Everyone is so impatient. Just wait a while and you’ll see the
judiciary fine-tuning itself. If you take a look at the decisions
made up until now, you’ll see that important steps were taken on this
matter. You can’t provide a clear definition on everything laws
describe as a crime. These are defined through court decisions. We
can’t pass a law every time we face a problem.”
After an Istanbul court found Elif ªafak not guilty, Cicek called
to say,” Didn’t I say so?”
He is right.
He told me.
If the Supreme Court of Appeals approves the decision, the justice
minister will be proven right.
However, the trial we are talking about is for Elif ªafak, a famous
writer. The entire world was watching what the decision would be.
More importantly, most of Turkey was waiting to see what would
happen.
What about the trials of people we’ve never heard of? Some of them
are being convicted and suffering hardship.
The judiciary finding its own solutions to problems is fine, but do
we need to make ourselves suffer so much for progress?
301 needs to change for our sake:
There’s something I don’t agree with concerning Cicek’s argument.
The minister constantly argues that Turkey is being pressured by the
European Union to change Turkish Penal Code (TCK) Article 301.
Yes, the EU has taken several initiatives against this article.
However, there is one thing the justice minister cannot see, and that
is the fact that the EU’s opposition to Article 301 is just a
reflection of the domestic reaction.
It is not the EU but part of Turkey that opposes Article 301.
In other words, we are against Article 301.
If the article is to be changed, it won’t be for the EU but so that
the people of this country can live freely and utilize their rights
to the fullest.
Kerincsiz and Co. lost:
I had written about my belief that Kemal Kerincsiz is the best
propaganda artist this county has ever had. I still hold this
opinion. He again attracted all the attention at the trial of ªafak.
He and a few of his friends were able to do something that no party
could. He succeeded in mobilizing the groups that are against
Turkey’s EU membership. I don’t share his opinions, but still you
need to give him credit for what he has done. He’s a one-man show.
He knows which cases to follow and what news to pursue. He knows
how to organize his team. He knows what to say to galvanize support.
He knows how to act in front of the cameras. Consequently, he is
always in the headlines.
However, we must also admit the fact that our media played a
tremendous role in making him famous. If we had just ignored his
antics, no one would have ever heard his name.
Despite all their efforts, the poor results they have achieved
speak for themselves.
Whenever they created a fuss, no matter what they tried to prevent,
they failed. They were only able to attract the attention of the
local and international media. They failed on the Armenian
conference, the Orhan Pamuk case and the ªafak case.
Kerincsiz and his friends may run for Parliament from the far-right
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) in the next elections; however, no
matter what they do they can’t say, “I proudly represented my country
in the world.”
Let’s keep watching the shows of Kerincsiz and Co.
If the AKP had done what the CHP is doing…
You must have read it in yesterday’s newspapers. Opposition
Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputies took a very weird stance
when Parliament’s General Assembly was discussing the “definition of
minorities and education of foreigners” clause in the Law on Private
Schools, as part of the 9th EU Harmonization Package. The CHP
deputies provoked Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputies by
arguing, “If this proposal becomes law, Turkey will be training
priests,” and were able to suspend voting on the matter.
The foreign, interior affairs, justice and education ministries
worked on this proposal for months and it was pushed aside with just
a single sentence. The most important part of this affair is the fact
that this was done by the CHP, which believes it epitomizes
secularism.
If the AKP had done what the CHP did, we would have been furious.
We would have accused them of trying to take Turkey back to the Dark
Ages.
What’s happening with the CHP? Some CHP deputies don’t seem to be
aware of the fact that they are harming the country’s interests
merely in order to play politics.
–Boundary_(ID_evSwcOEDa+epWSfMZcKXcg)- –