The AKP and Other Turkish Islamists Attempt to Block Secular General
From Top Military Post
MIDDLE EAST MEDIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MEMRI)
April 11, 2006
Special Dispatch Series – No. 1136
Despite three military coups in the past decades, the Turkish military
is the most respected and trusted institution in the country, as the
guardian and guarantor of the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk – a
pro-Western, secular Turkish republic.
But in the view of Turkey’s Islamists, a strong and hawkish chief of
general staff would pose a threat to their efforts to move Turkey from
secularism to Islamism.
Turkish military commander Gen. Mehmet Yasar Buyukanit, an outspoken and
tough-on-terrorism anti-Islamist, is expected to become the next chief
of general staff in August 2006. Since last year, a campaign has been
waged to tarnish Gen. Buyukanit’s reputation, in order to block him from
this post.
First in this campaign were allegations, spread through various
websites, that Gen. Buyukanit was not a “pureblood” Turk, but had
Sabbatean Jewish elements in his family tree. It was claimed on these
websites that, in accordance with the traditions of Sabbateans, he had
wed his daughter to a “certified” Sabbatean. One Islamist website posted
a long list of names and citizenship identification numbers of members
of Gen. Buyukanit’s family tree, to “prove” that he was not a “real”
Turk. [1] The site’s homepage heading challenged Gen. Buyukanit: “If you
have any courage, prove to us that you are not a Jewish donme [i.e. a
crypto-Jew; Sabbatean convert to Islam]!” [2]
Then, in early March 2006 came an indictment against him in the matter
of the November 9, 2005 bombing of a bookshop in the mainly Kurdish town
of Semdinli, owned by a former Kurdish member of the PKK. [3]
The charges against Gen. Buyukanit were prepared by the assistant
district attorney for the city of Van, prosecutor Ferhat Sarikaya who in
October 2005 had charged and incarcerated Professor Yucel Askin,
president of Yuzuncu Yil University (YYU) in Van [4] who was known for
stopping the Islamist activities in the university.
The charges against Gen. Buyukanit created a political storm in Turkey.
The military called the charges an assault by a certain sect of
Islamists on the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), and hinted that the
followers of Turkish Islamist leader Fethullah Gulen [5] and some AKP
members were involved.
Subsequently, on March 23, the Turkish media reported on the removal of
Turkish Security Directorate intelligence chief Sabri Uzun for
statements inferring that the military was behind the Semdinli events.
Then, a Justice Ministry investigation of Prosecutor Sarikaya found that
the charges against Gen. Buyukanit did not have “the required basis” for
prosecution.
The following are excerpts from the Turkish press’ coverage of the crisis:
“First the Rector, Now the General”
Columnist Bekir Coskun of the secular mainstream Turkish daily Hurriyet
wrote: [6] “The rift is deepening between the [AKP] government and all
the concepts and institutions that are defending the secular republic.
Now the lines are clearer, the attitudes are stronger, [and] the attacks
are more frequent. The religionist [i.e. the Islamist] has abandoned his
calm, softer attitude. The game is over. […] ‘First the rector, now the
general…’ Accusations directed at Gen. Yasar Buyukanit – who is expected
to become chief of general staff in the coming period – is where we have
got to, following the [AKP government’s] purge of thousands of secular
Ataturk followers from government positions. It seems that the armed
forces commanders are next in line.”
In an op-ed titled “The Goal is to Wear Gen. Buyukanit Down,” columnist
Mehmet Y. Yilmaz of Hurriyet wrote: [7] “[…] First they spread lies
about the ethnic origins of Gen. Buyukanit’s family [alleging
Sabbatean/Jewish ancestry]. […] Now on the agenda is the Van
prosecutor’s charge that ‘Buyukanit attempted to influence the
judiciary.’ They base their accusation on what Gen. Buyukanit said about
a soldier allegedly involved in the Semdinli incident: ‘I know him, he
is a good guy.’ The rest of Buyukanit’s statement, ‘Whether he is guilty
or not will be determined by the investigation,’ has been omitted for
some reason. […]”
Columnist Meric Koyatasi of the secular, mainstream daily Aksam wrote:
[8] “[…] Even if it was not heard directly from the mouth of the
government, it is known that circles close to the [AKP] government are
trying to block Gen. Buyukanit. […] The prosecutor is famous for his
previous indictment of the rector of the university at Van [YYU
Professor] Yucel Askin, who had not permitted shari’a [advocates] to
organize on campus. […]
“Everybody already knows that certain circles want to peck at and erode
our military. These [circles] have worked and organized, secretly and
tirelessly, since the [1923] founding of the Republic [of Turkey] […]
Prejudice [in the judiciary] based on ideologies, beliefs, culture, and
form of education is very, very dangerous. […]”
In an article titled “Politics Meddle with the Military,” columnist Ali
Sirmen of the center-left, secular daily Cumhuriyet wrote: [9] “[…] It
is well known that in the process of re-shaping Turkey according to its
own ideology, the AKP government is targeting the military […] Gen.
Kemal Yavuz once clearly said, ‘The military has always been the
ultimate target of any government that based its existence on religion.’
[…]
“Let me underline some strange coincidences. It is well known that the
AKP government is not pleased with universities, especially Yuzuncu Yil
University at Van and its rector, Yucel Askin. Therefore, Van prosecutor
Ferhat Sarikaya appears onstage and prepares the indictment [against
Askin], which was rejected by most legal authorities. […] Everybody also
knows that some circles close to AKP feel uncomfortable with [future
chief of general staff] Gen. Buyukanit […]. [So, again, prosecutor]
Sarikaya prepares a terrible indictment against Buyukanit […]”
The Behind-the-Scenes Role of the AKP and Islamists
The question of who is behind the efforts to block Gen. Buyukanit from
the top military post has been on the Turkish media agenda since the
Semdinli indictment became public in early March 2006. The following are
excerpts from articles by Turkish columnists on this question:
“AKP Members are Overjoyed”
“Some AKP members were overjoyed with the Van prosecutor’s indictment
[of Gen. Buyukanit], which he [i.e. the prosecutor] sent to the military
prosecutor of the Office of General Staff for examination and investigation.
“The AKP MP from Adiyaman, Faruk Unsal, said: ‘[…] The indictment
prepared by the office of the Van prosecutor has done what we were
unable to do.’
“The AKP MP from Manisa, Hakan Tasci, said: ‘What we left unfinished is
now completed by the Van prosecutor.[…] He is right.” [10]
“The AKP and the Turkish Military”
“[…] Prime Minister Erdogan says, ‘This is a matter between the military
and the judiciary, to which the AKP is not a party in any way.’ […] In
reality, statements by AKP MPs show that AKP sides with the indictment
and with the prosecutor [who prepared it], and that they are happy about
the charges [against Gen. Buyukanit]. It would seem that anything that
wears down the armed forces makes the AKP happy. […] The reason the Land
Forces commander’s name appears in the indictment is the testimony
before the parliamentary investigation commission [investigating the
Semdinli incidents] by Diyarbakir businessman Mehmet Ali Altindag. [11]
Altindag was invited to testify before the commission by AKP MP Cavit
Torun of Diyarbakir. Cavit Torun was also formerly Altindag’s attorney
[when Altindag was accused of affiliation with Hizbullah].
“When the [Van] prosecutor demanded [only] the records of Altindag’s
testimony before the commission [out of the testimony of some 40
witnesses], it was again an AKP MP, Musa Savcioglu – chairman of the
Semdinli Commission – who [secretly] sent the confidential records to
the Van prosecutor [without informing the rest of the commission].[…]” [12]
Is the Investigation Against Gen. Buyukanit an AKP Retaliation for His
1983 Action [Against Islamist Leader Fethullah Gulen]?
“In 1983, [then-] Colonel Yasar Buyukanit was commander of the Kuleli
Military High School. [At that time] the newly organized community of
[Turkish Islamist sect leader] Fethullah [Gulen] – which is now very
widespread – managed to infiltrate [the Kuleli School, enrolling] 80 of
their students in it. These students would have become future
commanders! […] A disciplinary committee, of five officers headed by
Buyukanit, expelled all 80. […]
“Now, after the Van indictment, one cannot help asking: ‘Is this
retaliation [for Gen. Buyukanit’s 1983 action], by some Fethullah
followers who have been placed in high public positions by the AKP?'” [13]
“Fethullah Followers Who Targeted Gen. Buyukanit are Under AKP Umbrella”
“What could be the aim of the circles that want to wear down Gen. Yasar
Buyukanit? To create confusion in public opinion about Buyukanit, who is
a follower of [the principles of] Ataturk and a patriotic soldier…[…]
“The plot was led by Fethullah’s daily newspaper Zaman, and religionist
[i.e. Islamist] and divisive [separatist] websites… […] Some years ago,
Fethullah Gulen targeted [another military leader,] Air Force commander
Gen. Ahmet Corekci – because Gen. Corekci had identified, one by one,
Fethullah’s officers and NCOs in the Air Force… […]
“In those days in the residences of the Air Force base at Eskisehir, NCO
wives were wearing black burkahs, and a lieutenant colonel was kissing
the hands of his NCO because of the latter’s high position within the
[Fethullah] sect… Later it was Maltepe Armored Corps commander Gen.
Silahcioglu’s turn to be targeted.; Fethullah’s Zaman had reported
[falsely] that ‘Commander [Silahcioglu] destroyed the minarets of the
mosque…’ Gen. Silahcioglu was a follower of Ataturk, and a patriotic
soldier… Therefore, Fethullah [followers] were uncomfortable with him.
“Aren’t all the followers of the religionist baron [i.e. Fethullah
Gulen] who targeted Land Forces Commander Gen. Buyukanit – with no
evidence – under the umbrella of the AKP government? The Fethullahists
have the political power to influence the judiciary, direct the media,
and even intimidate bank owners by threatening that their followers
might withdraw all their funds from their banks… It is a fact that
Fethullahists know how to use their political and economic power very
well. They are experts in inserting their influence into the judiciary,
the police, politics and the economy [of the country] […]” [14]
Opposition Leader Baykal: “This Operation [Against the Military] was
Planned at the PM’s Office by his Staff Director”
“At a press conference, CHP (Republican People’s Party) Chairman Deniz
Baykal was asked to evaluate rumors that Omer Dincer, the staff director
of the office of Prime Minister Erdogan, was behind the Semdinli
indictment [i.e. of Gen. Buyukanit]. Baykal said: ‘The mentality of the
staff director of the Prime Minister’s Office is not one that respects
Turkey’s secular, democratic republic – as evidenced by his own
publications and acknowledgement. For some time in Turkey, there has
been an intentional and ongoing assault against the Republic’s
institutions and achievements. This operation is being planned at the
offices of the prime minister and his staff director.’ [15]
Justice Ministry for Disciplinary Action Against Prosecutor
“Justice Ministry inspectors sent to investigate Van prosecutor Ferhat
Sarikaya following his allegations against Gen. Yasar Buyukanit have
completed their report. The inspectors have called for disciplinary
action against Sarikaya, noting that his charges against Buyukanit ‘did
not have the required basis.'” [16]
NOTES
[1] (meaning in Turkish: nationaltreason.com).
[2] In Turkey, no member of a non-Muslim minority serves in uniform,
either in the military (beyond compulsory military service) or in any
security or police force. No non-Muslim is a member of the judiciary
(such as prosecutors, judges etc.) or holds any high-ranking position in
any government ministry (Eg. there is not a single non-Muslim Turkish
diplomat).
[3] PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), a separatist Kurdish organization
which is listed in the U.S. list of terrorist organizations. Turkey’s
fight against PKK terrorism during the last three decades has resulted
in the death of over 30,000 Turkish citizens. Recently the PKK violence
has escalated in many towns in the mainly Kurdish Southeast of Turkey
and in Istanbul resulting in daily casualties.
[4] See MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 1014, “The AKP Government’s Attempt
to Move Turkey From Secularism to Islamism (Part I): The Clash With
Turkey’s Universities,” November 1, 2005,
amp;Area=turkey&ID=SP101405 .
[5] Fethullah Gulen is known to be a sworn proponent of shari’a and a
caliphate in Turkey, but has in recent years been a relatively moderate
voice advocating for interfaith dialogue (which is regarded as taqiyyah
by Turkey’s secularists and by many Western experts on Islam). Following
his indictment in Turkey for Islamist activity against the secular
regime, he fled to the U.S., where he has lived since 1999. His sect
owns many media organs in Turkey, including Zaman, Samanyolu TV, many
magazines, and radio stations. Many of his followers occupy positions in
Turkish government ministries, police, and military. There are thousands
of Islamic-Turkish Fethullah Gulen schools in Turkey and hundreds more
in over 70 countries worldwide, including Ukraine, Indonasia, South
Africa, Sudan, Australia, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Europe, Russia, and
the U.S.; the schools are built by his many foundations and the source
of their funding is unknown. In March 2006, two additional schools were
opened, one in Argentina and the other in Sudan; AKP Cabinet Minister
Kursad Tuzmen attended the inaugural ceremony in Sudan. It is believed
that during the last years of the communist Soviet Union, Fethullah
Gulen supporters created unrest in the Muslim communities in the north
of the Black Sea, against the Soviets.
[6] Hurriyet (Turkey), March 7, 2006.
[7] Hurriyet (Turkey), March 6, 2006.
[8] Aksam (Turkey) March 6, 2006.
[9] Cumhuriyet (Turkey), March 7, 2006.
[10] Hurriyet (Turkey), Mehmet Yilmaz, March 7, 2006.
[11] According to the Turkish media, the charges against Gen. Buyukanit
were based solely on Mehmet Ali Altindag’s testimony for the
parliamentary probe of the Semdinli events. Altindag (AKA “Hadji”), a
businessman from Diyarbakir owns a local newspaper and a local TV
channel, and has many times been charged for his alleged ties first with
the terrorist organization PKK and then with the Islamist Hizbullah. He
has been called Hizbullah’s “financier.” He has also won many government
tenders for multi-million government projects (see reports in Hurriyet,
March 20, 2006; Cumhuriyet, March 7, 2006).
[12] Yenicag (Turkey), Umit Ozdag, March 11, 2006.
[13] Hurriyet (Turkey) Emin Colasan, March 12, 2006. The article also
said: “Their investigation revealed that all these students had been
educated in Fethullah’s ‘houses of light,’ and while the brightest were
directed to universities to study law and political sciences to become
future judges, prosecutors, and bureaucrats, others were sent to
military high schools with the goal of [eventually] holding positions in
the Turkish Armed Forces. The Kuleli [School] then determined the
addresses of the said ‘houses of light’ and informed the police; the
police took no action. (Today, there are tens of thousands of such
houses of light all over Turkey. They house and feed their students,
[and] assign them ‘mentor brothers’ to educate them. All for free. Their
source of funding is unknown!)
“Then the investigation also showed that the students whom they [i.e.
the Fethullah followers] sent to [entrance] exams at Kuleli had each
been instructed to memorize five questions to be added to a question
bank, for future use by student candidates [taking entrance exams for
military schools ].”
[14] Cumhuriyet (Turkey), Hikmet Cetinkaya, March 7, 2006.
[15] Hurriyet (Turkey), March 25, 2006.
[16] Hurriyet (Turkey), March 29, 2006.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/11/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) ARF Is for Territorial Integrity of Georgia 2) Armenia Must Always Be Ready for War 3) Azeri Leader to Meet George W. Bush 4) Case against Four Turkish Journalists Dropped 5) Armenian Writers' Conference Ends with Special Ceremony 6) Armenian Military Says Hundreds Still Kept in Azeri Captivity 1) ARF Is for Territorial Integrity of Georgia YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--Vahan Hovhannisian, Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament and Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau member, said that the ARF is not at all against the territorial integrity of Georgia. Responding to a question of the "Golos Armenii" (Voice of Armenia) newspaper, he also said the ARF is not responsible for the strained situation in Javakhk. According to Hovhannisian, if the Georgian state is willing to give wide autonomous rights to its national minorities (Abkhazians, Ossetians), the law-abiding Armenian citizens in Javakhk deserve the same rights. "I think that Georgia, entering different European structures, must show a European approach to the issue of national minorities," Hovhannisian stated. 2) Armenia Must Always Be Ready for War YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Armenian Defense Minister Serge Sargsian said Tuesday that Armenia, like any other country, must always be prepared for war. "The Defense Minister of any country, the Armenian Defense Minister in particular, must realize that military operations may start at any moment," said Sargsian in response to a question about whether or he foresees a chance of war. Regarding the increased ceasefire violations along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border zone, the Defense Minister said that today's situation is no different from the previous situation. "There have always been shots fired, and even if there is a difference, the situation has become milder," he added. 3) Azeri Leader to Meet George W. Bush WASHINGTON (Armenpress)--Azeri President Ilham Aliyev will meet with US President George W. Bush later this month to discuss energy and the promotion of democracy in Asia, the White House said Monday. Bush and Aliyev will also discuss Azerbaijan's role in helping stabilize Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo during the April 28 meeting. Aliyev will also discuss Karabagh conflict regulation issue and US-Azerbaijan bilateral relations, Trend news agency cited the head of the social-political department of the Azeri president's executive staff Ali Hasanov as saying. 4) Case against Four Turkish Journalists Dropped ISTANBUL (AP)--A court on Tuesday dropped charges against four Turkish journalists accused of insulting the country's courts, but decided to press ahead with the trial of a fifth journalist. All five journalists were on trial for criticizing in print a court's decision last year to shut down a conference in Istanbul about the genocide of Armenians by Turks during the Ottoman Empire. Prosecutors said their writings were illegal attempts to influence the outcome of a trial and insulted the court system. On Tuesday, the court dropped charges against journalists Hasan Cemal, Ismet Berkan, Haluk Sahin, and Erol Katircioglu, on grounds that prosecutors had not filed charges within the required two-month period following the publication of the articles, the state-run Anatolia news agency reported. The court, however, decided to proceeded with the trial of Murat Belge, a columnist for the liberal Radikal newspaper, the agency said. The trial is seen as a test of Turkey's readiness for membership in the European Union. Turkey, which embarked on membership talks in October, is under heavy pressure from the EU and human rights organizations to address its infringements on freedom of expression. The five had faced between six months to 10 years in prison. Charges on the grounds of insulting the republic, state institutions or "Turkishness" are frequently leveled against journalists, scholars, and dissidents. Discussion of the Armenian genocide is still extremely sensitive in Turkey, which vehemently denies that the Genocide took place. The conference in September went on despite the court order to close it down after organizers changed the venue at the last minute. It was the first time the issue was publicly discussed in Turkey. A case against Orhan Pamuk, the country's best-known novelist, for "insulting Turkishness," was dropped earlier this year after Turkey came under harsh criticism from the EU. 5) Armenian Writers' Conference Ends with Special Ceremony The Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference officially ended with a special ceremony held on the evening of April 9 in the Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I. The president of the Writers' Union of Armenia, Levon Ananian thanked His Holiness Aram I on behalf of the participants in the conference and Armenian writers who were unable to make the conference. Ananian expressed his gratitude not only for the organization of the conference, but for the love, support, care, and commitment that the Armenian Pontiff shows towards Armenian writers and culture. Following the heart-felt words of the oldest participant in the conference, poet Jack Hagopian, a similar opportunity to speak was given to the youngest participant, poet Nanor Indjedjigian. IN her speech during the closing ceremony, the young poet said she considered Armenian literature to be a source of youth. His Holiness Aram I then delivered the concluding remarks, expressing his impressions of the conference. The Catholicos made use of his experience as a participant in numerous national and international conferences to make several constructive suggestions for the next conference. The Pontiff proposed that in the future more time be reserved for discussion sessions, which should include more questions than statements. He suggested penetrating into the heart of the presented topics and bringing problems clearly under the spotlight. His Holiness stressed the importance of participation by the youth, considering it the source of persistence of Armenian institutions, culture, and literature. His Holiness Aram I particularly emphasized the importance of looking for new paths to cooperation between Armenia and the diaspora and pointed out that Armenian literature can help contribute to this. In this context, he focused on mutual recognition and acquaintance, stressing that Armenian language textbooks should include the works of both Armenia-based and diaspora-based Armenian writers. His Holiness called on bravely facing difficult and sensitive issues rather than escaping from them. Mentioning the issue of dictation as an example, he said that as one of the strong factors of the Armenian nation's unity, the matter needs to be discussed in a periodical manner. His Holiness Aram I then identified the deterioration of quality in all the fields of Armenian literature as a major problem and called for establishing a new level of quality with collective efforts and commitment. At the end of the ceremony, His Holiness Aram I decorated the president of the Writers' Union of Armenia with the "St. Mesrob Mashdots" insignia. The Seminary choir then performed a series of national and patriotic songs to mark the end of the conference. 6) Armenian Military Says Hundreds Still Kept in Azeri Captivity YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Hundreds of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians remain in Azeri captivity nearly twelve years after the end of large-scale fighting in Karabagh, a senior Armenian Defense Ministry official said on Tuesday. "We have information that they are used as slave labor in Azerbaijan," said Colonel Ashot Balian, a member of a ministry commission dealing missing Armenian soldiers and civilian hostages. "The Azerbaijani authorities keep moving them around and leaving no traces of them." "I therefore can't name any specific locations, but we are convinced that they are in Azerbaijan. Some are even said to have been relocated to Turkey," he said. "We still hope that our missing sons will return to their families one day." The Azeri authorities have denied holding any Armenian prisoners in the past. The Red Cross, which has offices in both Baku and Yerevan, is the main international institution that arranges Armenian-Azeri prisoner exchanges and repatriations. Both conflicting armies continue to turn to it for assistance after reporting soldier disappearances. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/10/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) US Suggests New Proposals for Settling Karabagh Issue 2) Karabagh Asks Azerbaijan to Maintain Ceasefire 3) Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference Concludes in Antelias 4) Aznavour Hails New Paris-Yerevan Flights; Visits Monasteries in Tavush 5) Morgenthau's Memoirs Published for First Time in Turkey 6) First Part of Russian Material to Be Withdrawn in May 1) US Suggests New Proposals for Settling Karabagh Issue BAKU (Armenpress)--The United States has suggested new proposals to continue the Prague process of the Karabagh conflict regulation, said Azeri Foreign Minister, Elmar Mamedyarov. He said that the proposals are interesting. Azeri officials will analyze the new proposals and give their opinion when Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk group co-chairman Steven Mann visits Baku. Mamedyarov also said that a recent decision to promote US-Azeri relations has been made, in accordance with Azeri national interests. 2) Karabagh Asks Azerbaijan to Maintain Ceasefire STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)--The Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) Foreign Ministry expressed its concern last week over frequent ceasefire violations along the contact line between the Armenian and Azeri armed forces. The statement blamed the incidents on increasingly hostile statements made by top Azeri government officials. The statement said that the ceasefire violations have increased casualties along the contract line, led to mutual distrust, and could possibly escalate tensions in the Karabagh conflict zone, threatening the stability in the entire region. "The Nagorno Karabagh republic confirms its adherence only to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, as well as its readiness to implement the sides' open-ended obligations to maintain the cease-fire, which is confirmed by the 6 February 1995 agreement signed between the defense ministers of the Nagorno-Karabagh, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. We call on the two other parties that signed the agreement, namely Azerbaijan and Armenia, to join our initiative. "We hope that through joint efforts and with the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen and other international mediators and interested sides, it will be possible to confirm our adherence to the agreement and implement the mechanisms it indicates in order to localize incidents on the armed forces' contact line," the statement said. MKR confirmed its position that along with the strict observance of the ceasefire, other preconditions for a peaceful solution are a peace process that involves all the parties to the conflict, confidence-building, strengthening of democracy, and respect for human rights. 3) Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference Concludes in Antelias The Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference, which began Thursday in the Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, concluded its sessions Saturday. The official closing ceremony of the conference was held on Palm Sunday, under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I, who also delivered his Pontifical speech on this occasion. The conference was initiated by the Writers' Union of Armenia in cooperation with the Assembly of Lebanese-Armenian Writers. It was held under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I. More than 300 Armenian writers from Armenia, Karabagh, Lebanon, the Middle East, Europe, Northern and Southern America, Canada and Australia gathered in Antelias, Lebanon to participate in the conference. Thursday's sessions were dedicated to, "Modern Children's Literature and National Schools." Eduard Milidonian from Armenia and Krikor Shahinian from Lebanon gave two expert presentations about this topic. The next session was dedicated to proposals about the Fourth Pan-Armenian Writer's Conference. Under the chairmanship of Norayr Atalian from Armenia and Markar Sharabkhian from Canada the participant Armenian writers made various proposals about the importance of contact between Armenian writers around the world. The idea of establishing a website for this purpose was proposed. Other suggestions were made on the organization of the printing press. The ninth session was dedicated to the concerns and difficulties of Armenian writers. Seiran Krikorian from Armenia and Jirayr Tanielian from Lebanon chaired the session, during which various suggestions were made about coordinating intellectual activities in Armenia and the diaspora. The conference also included a performance of "I Veh Partsants" and "Cilicia" by the Seminary Choir and an exhibition of books published in Armenia. 4) Aznavour Hails New Paris-Yerevan Flights; Visits Monasteries in Tavush YEREVAN (RFE/RL/Armenpress)--Charles Aznavour, the famous French singer of Armenian descent, was in Armenia Monday to inaugurate new regular flights between Yerevan and Paris by Air France, one of the world's biggest airlines. Aznavour was among 39 French officials, business executives and other dignitaries who arrived in the Armenian capital on Saturday on the flagship French carrier's first-ever flight to the South Caucasus. "I feel happy attending any event that strengthens Armenian-French friendship," he said during the official presentation of the new flight service at the French embassy in Yerevan. The 75-year-old crooner, who has a square named after him in the city center, took the opportunity to again emphasize his Armenian heritage. "I am 100 percent Armenian by heart, by soul and by family language," he told reporters in French. On Sunday, Aznavour visited the Armenian region of Tavush, where he was welcomed by the local governor and the head of Gugarats diocese of the Church. Aznavour visited two medieval monasteries in the region-Goshavank and Haghartsin, and was welcomed by local residents. Aznavour also met with President Robert Kocharian, telling him that he has decided to visit Armenia "at least a couple of times a year." "I am happy to see that life is moving forward in the country," Kocharian's office quoted him as saying. Air France will fly to Armenia three times a week in addition to two weekly Yerevan-Paris flights that have long been carried out by the Armavia national carrier. A senior company executive, Etienne Rachou, said the launch of the new flight service is part of a broader Air France strategy of boosting its passenger traffic in Central and Eastern Europe by 10 percent. "And in this development of Eastern Europe Armenia is naturally findings its place now," Rachou told a news conference. The French ambassador in Yerevan, Henry Cuny, said the Air France flights will testify to the "strengthening of political relations between France and Armenia." "The presence of Air France underscores Armenia's rapprochement with Europe," he said. "It is also an appeal addressed to new French investors." Air France is the fourth major Western airline to operate flights to Armenia. The three other carriers are Austrian Airlines, British Airways and Germany's Lufthansa. They are believed to mainly cater for passengers traveling between the United States and Armenia. 5) Morgenthau's Memoirs Published for First Time in Turkey Ragip Zarakolu, owner of Belge Publishing House, recently published Henry Morgenthau's memoirs of his term as US Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian genocide. This is the first time his memoirs have been published in Turkey. Zarakolu is notorious in Turkey for publishing books deemed subversive by the Turkish authorities. Because of his work, Zarakolu spent three years in prison in the 1970's. His wife also spent several years in prison. Belge Publishing House has published countless books about the Armenian genocide, including Franz Werfel's Forty Days in Musa Dagh, Tessa Hoffman's Talaat Pasha Trials in Berlin, and Peter Balakian's Black Dog of the Fate. When Zarakolu was acquitted of charges against him for publishing a book by Vahakn Dadrian, the possibility of more free discussion about the Armenian genocide in Turkey increased. Since then he has withstood a constant barrage of criminal charges, further imprisonment, confiscation and destruction of books, the bombing of his publishing house, and heavy government fines and taxes. His publishing house has endured more than 40 criminal indictments. 6) First Part of Russian Material to Be Withdrawn in May TBILISI (Prime-News/OSCE)--The first train loaded with military equipment from Russian military bases will be removed from Georgia in mid-May. "According to the negotiated plan, the train will be loaded with armored vehicles of the 62nd military base of Akhalkalaki," reported Interfax, quoting Vladimer Quparadze, Deputy Commander of Group of Russian Forces in South Caucasus. According to him, Valeri Evnevich, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russian Land Forces has arrived in Georgia to negotiate the details of base withdrawal from Georgia with the representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. The bases are being dismantled under an agreement signed last week between Russia and Georgia on the temporary functioning and withdrawal of Russian military bases and other military facilities deployed in Georgia. Under the agreement, Russia would complete the withdrawal of the military base in Akhalkalaki by 2007, and finalize the closure of the military base in Batumi by 2008. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, has welcomed the agreement between the two countries. "This agreement marks significant progress in the talks between the Russian Federation and Georgia, and is a way forward in the establishment of good neighborly relations between the two countries," said Minister De Gucht. "It also contributes to enhanced confidence among the countries of the region," he added. "The Chairmanship remains ready to promote OSCE assistance in support of the implementation of the agreement, should this be requested by the Russian and Georgian Governments." All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Turkish writers report
The World (from Public Radio International)
April 10, 2006
Correspondent Rhoda Metcalfe reports on the trial of five Turkish
writers who are charged with criticizing judges who tried to suppress a
public debate on the Armenian genocide. Behind the trial is a struggle
in Turkey — between reformers who want to join the European Union, and
nationalists who don’t.
(5:00 minutes)
WEB LINK: .shtml
AUDIO LINK:

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THOU SANDS OF ARMENIAN CHILDREN CELEBRATE PALM SUNDAY
IN THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
Thousands of Armenian children gathered with their parents in the St.
Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias on April 9 to celebrate Palm
Sunday.
Holy Mass was held in the Cathedral on this occasion and a special
procession of children walked out of the Cathedral, circulating outside and
returning to the Cathedral.
Bishop Nareg Alemezian performed the Holy Mass. His Holiness Aram I
delivered a special speech from the balcony of the Veharan with the
participants in the Third Pan-Armenian Conference standing beside him.
The Armenian Pontiff greeted all the Armenian children in all the corners of
the globe, relating the significance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the
Armenian motherland, which is a new Jerusalem for Armenians in the words of
His Holiness.
His Holiness then received the thousand of Armenian children, blessing them
and distributing special Easter gifts to them.
A service for the “opening of the door of heaven” was held in the afternoon.
The service was presided by His Holiness Aram I and conducted by Bishop
Nareg, who delivered a sermon about Jesus Christ’s second coming into the
world.
##
View photos here:
es40.htm
ctures41.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
April 11, 2006
___________________
TRADITIONAL ARMENIAN LAMB DINNER AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL
Easter is a time for families to come together and celebrate.
This year, a beloved St. Vartan Cathedral tradition is back. The New York
City cathedral will once again hold its Easter luncheon, a highly
anticipated event in the community during which families and the larger
community gather and enjoy the glad tidings of the season.
This year the luncheon will feature a truly traditional multi-course
luncheon, featuring lamb and other Armenian delicacies.
The luncheon will follow the badarak on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2006. The
program during the luncheon will feature a performance from the Yeraz dance
group.
“We encourage all Armenians to join us, gather with us as we mark this great
day,” said Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the St. Vartan Cathedral.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese, will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. on April 16. The luncheon will follow in the
cathedral’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium (630 Second Ave. at 34th
St. in New York City).
Tickets for the luncheon and program are $30 for adults and $20 for children
under 12. Tables of 8 or 10 can be reserved by calling the Diocese at (212)
686-0710. Other tickets will be available at the door.
— 4/11/06
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FORMER COACH OF ARMENIAN FOOTBALL TEAM HELPS TWO DARK-SKINNED FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO ESCAPE FROM COUNTRY
Yerevan, April 10. ArmInfo. The case of the Armenian “Pyunik” football
players Apoula Edel Bete and Carl Lombe is expected to plunge into
an unexpected turning.
Fourth finalist of UEFA Cup 2006, Romanian Club “Rapid” from
Bucharest, was concerned with the escape of the football players,
in particular, Sport Director of the Club Mikhai Stoika, who had
worked at the Armenian national team and at “Pyunik” as a second
coach several years ago. Organizing the escape of players to Romania,
“Rapid” representatives signed a contract with the football players
forging a number of documents. The lawyer of the players informed of
the forgery, Russian Mass Media report.

POLICE FOUND AND ARRESTED CRIMINAL WHO TRIED TO KILL ROUSTAM GASPARIAN, HEAD OF ARMAVIR OFFICE OF “YERKRAPAH” UNION
Yerevan, April 10.ArmInfo. Nerses Nazarian, head of the Yerevan Police,
informed that they found and arrested the criminal who attempted
to kill Roustam Gasparian, head of “Armavir” Office of “Yerkrapah”
Union. He said this at today’s’ press conference but he didn’t tell
the name of the criminal.
It’s worth mentioning that on April 1 someone attacked the car of
Gasparian. The unknown criminals opened fire at the car. As a result,
Gasparian was wounded.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HUNGARIAN AMBASSADOR PRESENTED CREDENTIALS TO ARMENIAN PRESIDENT
PanARMENIAN.Net
11.04.2006 19:17 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today newly appointed Hungarian Ambassador Arbat
Seke (residence in Moscow) presented credentials to Armenian President
Robert Kocharian, reports the Press Service of the Armenian leader.
Having congratulated the diplomat on the appointment, Kocharian hoped
for new steps for expanding bilateral relations to be made during his
office. The interlocutors noted the forming of the legal framework was
a priority necessity for cooperation. They underscored the importance
of activating business contacts between the two countries and
determining specific fields of interaction between Armenia and Hungary.

THE TEMPERATURE WILL REACH 30 DEGREE C ON APRIL 15
A1+
[12:19 pm] 11 April, 2006
In comparison with the previous year this April is warmer. This fact
has aroused public concern.
According to the Chief of the Hydrometereological Service Department
Zarui Petrosyan the warm weather is not queer at all, “The sudden
changes of southern and northern warm and cold currents at the
end of March are not unusual and abnormal. Such normal changes are
characteristic of this period. The temperature of last April was 22
– 23 degree C and this year it has reached to 23 – 24 degree C. The
temperature will still rise during the coming 10 days for 2 – 5 degree
C. The rain will fall only after the noon. The highest temperature
will be on April 15 – about 30 degree C.
Thus there is no need to worry.”
There are cases of freezing in this time of the year.
But according to the data of the Hydrometereological Service there
won’t be frost cases theoretically, “The probability of freezing is
small. An abrupt fall of temperature by 2 – 3 degree C was fixed in
2003 and by 1 degree C in 2004. There were severe frosts in Ararat
valley in 2004 as a result of which we did not have apricot this
year. We have had warm temperature since last year. Nobody can
exclude the possibility of temperature fall in 2 years’ time. The
weather does not have a definite plot; none of us can foresee its
further changes. We can only predict the changes of the coming 5
days. The average time of freezing is from April 25 to May 13. The
climate got warmer gradually this year. There is no need to fear the
overflows as the snow level is 2000 meters height in the country,”
added Zarui Petrosyan.
As for the keen public interest towards the weather changes Zarui
Petrosyan says that it is determined by the extreme changes of global
climate in comparison of which the Armenian climate is milder and
warmer.
“Mainly elderly women are interested in climate changes as they affect
their blood pressure and cause headaches. It is normal,” says one of
the Hydrometereological Service workers.