BÝA, Turkey
April 20 2006
Endless Trials of Publisher Zarakolu
Belge Publications House owner Ragýp Zarakolu was once again at court
this week, this time on trial for Prof. Dr. Sakayan’s book “Accounts
of an Armenian Doctor” and Jerjian’s “The Truth Will Set Us Free”.
Publisher faces 13.5 years jail if found guilty f
BIA News Center
20/04/2006 Erol ONDEROGLU
BÝA (Istanbul) – In addition to a number of cases launched against him
over the past years for his publishing activities, Belge Publications
owner and journalist Ragýp Zarakolu now faces up to 13.5 years
imprisonment if found guilty for printing and distributing the Turkish
translations of two books related to Armenians in Turkey.
Zarakolu appeared in court once again this week, this time on trial
for the Turkish language publication of Prof. Dr. Dora Sakayan’s book
“Garabed Hacheryan’s Izmir Journal: An Armenian Doctor’s Experiences
” and George Jerjian’s ” The Truth Will Set Us Free: Armenians and
Turks Reconciled”.
The prosecution demands 7.5 years imprisonment for the Turkish
translation book “The Truth Will Set Us Free” for which the court
has assigned Korkmaz Alemdar and Cafer Yenidogan of the Galatasaray
University and Prof. Dr. Emin Artuk of Marmara University as expert
witnesses. They are to read and analyse the book for an expert report.
“Garabed Hacheryan’s Izmir Journal: An Armenian Doctor’s Experiences”
promises Zarakolu up to 6 years imprisonment if he found guilty of the
charges but the court decided this week that statements taken were
fulfilling and an additional expert witness report was not required
for this publication.
Zarakolu: Court should interview author Sakaryan
Appearing before Istanbul’s number 2 Court of First Instance on
Wednesday and defended by attorney Osman Ergin, Zarakolu submitted
a petition to the bench where he explained that author Sakaryan was
a lecturer at the Mc Gill University in Canada and that his book put
on trial in Turkey had been translated into nine different languages.
Zarakolu said Sakaryan had been honours by the German Presidency for
his eminent services in recognition to 50 years of his contributions
to the German language.
He said that Sakaryan was author of the most comprehensive work on
the “Western Armenian” spoken in Turkey and requested the court to
interview the author for his views.
Judge Sevim Efendiler adjourned the case until June 21.
Charges based on controversial articles
Zarakolu faces 6 years imprisonment for the Turkish translation
publication of Sakaryan’s book on grounds that he violated the law
by publishing context that “degraded Turkisism” and “insulted and
ridiculed the Army”.
He faces 7.5 years imprisonment for Jerjian’s book on charges of
“insulting and ridiculing the State and Republic” as well as “Insulting
the memory of Ataturk”.
The two consecutive hearings on Wednesday were held in the presence
of International PEN representative Eugene Schoulgin, International
Human Rights Federation (FÝDH) deputy chairman Akýn Birdal, Pencere
publications executive Muzaffer Erdogdu, Aram publications editor
Fatih Tas and author Oner Eyuboglu who attended the court in support
of Zarakolu. (EO/II
–Boundary_(ID_wZwUYUpNtOv7wB+vaOs2iw)–

Today, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006
Tahir Tagizadeh: “Armenian FM’s statement shows commitment to
dialogue”
20 April 2006 [18:59] – Today.Az
Foreign Ministry’s reaction on Mr Oskanian’s statements.
The latest statements from Armenian Foreign Minister V.Oskanian are
constructive and show the commitment to the peaceful conversation
process, Trend reports quoting Tahir Tagizadeh, head of information
and press, Azeri Foreign Ministry.
“Armenia is ready to discuss all issues linked to overcoming the
consequences of war with Azerbaijan, should Baku recognize Karabakh’s
right to self-determination,” Mr Oskanian said on April.
And two days back he said the following: “In case Azerbaijan agrees
that Nagorno Karabakh’s people have the right for self-determination
that may be embodied not today, but in the future, Armenian side is
ready to discuss the most important war issues today – territories,
refugees and others.”
“This statement shows Armenians’ intention to actively participate
in peace conversations on resolution of Armenian-Azeri conflict,”
said Mr Tagizadeh.
“This statement is de facto the evidence of commitment to
stage-by-stage resolution. It is known that stage-by-stage process
stipulates Armenian forces withdrawal from grounds surrounding
Nagorno Karabakh. It also includes a mass of accompanying elements
like landmines clearing, communications recovery, return of IDPs
and ensuring their safety. And second issue is definition of Nagorno
Karabakh’s status.”
As to self-determination, Tagizadeh said, it is quite possible even
within the state. “This is the very highest autonomy status we are
talking about,” he concluded.
Mr Tagizadeh also shared an opinion on Oskanian’s statement regarding
Armenia’s joining Trans-Caspian gas pipeline and supposed conversations
with the USA.
“Armenia may not talk to the USA alone for a number of reasons. One of
them is that no regional project is executed without Azerbaijan either
as an exporter or a transit country. We may consider cooperation with
Armenia possible only upon completion of resolution and elimination
of its consequences,” Azeri official underlined.
URL:

TREND Info, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006
Report on Nagorno-Karabakh by Goran Lenmarker will be revised and
amended – MP Eldar Ibrahimov
Source: “Trend”
Author: J. Shakhverdiyev
20.04.2006
The report on Nagorno-Karabakh drawn by Goran Lenmarker, PACE’s
speaker, is revised and amended, trend reports quoting MP Eldar
Ibrahimov, members of Azeri delegation to PACE .
Lenmarker’s report on Nagorno-Karabakh will be revised due to its
failure to satisfy Azeri side. In this respect Lenmarker is soon
visiting Baku.
Ibrahimov said also he was unaware of meetings Lenmarker had had with
Armenian deputies during his visit to Armenia. “We also have no idea
on revisions in his report. We are going to learn that from Lenmarker
himself while in Baku”, – he said.
Ibrahimov claimed the speaker was supposed to visit Baku in October
2005. His visit was postponed due to November’s parliamentary
elections. “He gave a word he would arrive in Azerbaijan in March.
For some reason he didn’t. Then he said he would come in April but
didn’t. And now he says he will arrive in May”, – deputy said.
Lenmarker is arriving in Baku on May 5.

Nagorno Karabakh issue to discuss at summer session of PACE
TREND Info, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006
Source: «Trend
Author: J. Shakhverdiyev
20.04.2006
Nagorno-Karabakh issue may be discussed at summer session of PACE,
Trend reports quoting MP Eldar Ibrahimov, member of Azeri delegation
to PACE.
PACE’s summer session will be held in Brussels on July 3 through 7.
The deputy said the delegation aims at putting on agenda the issue
on recognition of Armenia as an occupier country by OSCE. “Still,
we don’t have an idea on issues to be discussed at summer session”,
– Ibrahimov said. Representatives of parliaments of 2-3 states shall
sign up to put this issue on agenda of summer session of PACE.
Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Central Asian countries
are going to support Azerbaijan’s cause. “Last year we tried to
raise Nagorno-Karabakh issue at last year’s session in Washington,
but failed. Goran Lenmarker, PACE’s speaker on Nagorno-Karabakh, was
also unwilling to raise this issue. This time will must succeed”, –
Ibrahimov said.
–Boundary_(ID_cYeCiiHm2PZwlS510GYw8g)–

SHEEP-BREEDIND IS DEVELOPING
A1+
[12:21 pm] 20 April, 2006
Sheep-breeding has greatly developed in Gegharkunik since 2000. It
seriously reduced in the region in 1991 – 2000 as the fur wasn’t well
realized. The restart of carpet making workshops in Sevan, Tsambarak
and Martuni contributed to the development of regional agriculture.
A marketing and sheep-breeding program on “the development of applied
arts” is being held in the region this year. It is initiated by
the organization “Corn – 96” under the patronage of “Oksfum” and
“Jersey” fund.
The program is aimed at the curtailment of poverty index in the
region. There is also a mention to create working conditions for
women who have got specialization of carpet makers.
The organization formed small sheep-breeding farms in the villages
Zovaber, Tsakhkunk and Semjonovka in order to resume Armenian
sheep-breeding. About 12 – 13 female sheep were given to each village
and the farms included in the program will be given grass and fodder
for these sheep. There will also have veterinary and cattle-breeding
services.
“Kjavar” TV channel of Gyumri

Meeting at the Committee
National Assembly of RA, Armenia
April 20 2006
On June 16 parliamentary hearings are envisaged to organize in the
National Assembly dedicated to the activity of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) in Armenia. Such an agreement was reached at April
20 meeting of Gagik Minasyan, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on
Financial-Credit, Budgetary and Economic Affairs and James McHugh, IMF
Resident Representative in Armenia. It is planned that IMF officials,
representatives from legislative and executive bodies, NGOs, Central
Bank and business world will participate at the open discussions
organized by the committee. Gagik Minasyan is confident that the
discussions will be effective and sharp: the cooperation of Armenia
and IMF has both supporters and opponents. As the sides assessed,
the parliamentary hearings can be very useful for the public: the
representatives of the fund will inform about their cooperation and
programmes with the executive body, a brief package on expenses and
received results will be provided. Gagik Minasyan considered necessary
to have prepared a comparative document on the fund activity in CIS
countries. He also considered important that in parallel with the
State Statistical Service the estimated indices of the international
authoritative structure would also be introduced.
Recently in Washington the presentation of the publication prepared
by IMF describing the economic growth of Armenia, monetary-credit
policy, the process of economic reforms was organized. The book is
also envisaged to translate into Armenian.
In June Rodrigo de Rato y Figaredo, IMF Managing Director, will visit
Armenia. On June 15-16 the meeting of 12 states’ group will also be
held. These are the countries, which Holland represents in IMF.
As the IMF Resident Representative noted they have a wish to
enlarge the relationship with the parliament, make their policy
more transparent.

TREND Info, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006
Armenian FM’s statement is constructive and shows commitment to
peaceful conversation – Azeri Foreign Ministry
Source: “Trend”
Author: S.Agayeva
20.04.2006
Last statements from Armenian Foreign Minister V. Oskanyan are
constructive and show the commitment to the peaceful conversation
process, Trend reports quoting Tair Tagizadeh, head of information
and press, Azeri Foreign Ministry.
On April Oskanyan reportedly said “f Azerbaijan recognizes
Nagorno-Karabakh’s people’s right for independent identification of
their future status, Armenia is ready to make serious conversations
on resolution of war consequences”. And two days back he said the
following: “In case Azerbaijan agrees that Nagorno-Karabakh’s people
have the right for self-determination that may be embodied not today,
but in the future, Armenian side is ready to discuss the most important
war issues today – grounds, refugees and so on”.
“This statement witnesses Armenians’ intention to actively participate
in peace conversations on resolution of Armenian-Azeri conflict, –
said Tagizadeh, – This statement is de facto the evidence of commitment
to stage-by-stage resolution. It is known that stage-by-stage process
stipulates Armenian forces withdrawal from grounds surrounding Nagorno
Karabakh. It also includes a mass of accompanying elements like mine
clearing, communications recovery, return of forced migrants and
ensuring their safety. And second issue is definition of Nagorno
Karabakh’s status”.
As to self-determination, Tagizadeh said, it is quite possible even
within the state. “This is the very highest autonomy status we are
talking of”, – he concluded.
Tagizadeh.also shared an opinion on Oskanyan’s statement regarding
Armenia’s joining Trans-Caspian gas pipeline and supposed conversations
with the USA. “Armenia may not talk to the USA alone for a number of
reasons. One of them is that no regional project is executed without
Azerbaijan either as an exporter or a transit country. We may consider
cooperation with Armenia possible only upon completion of resolution
and elimination of its consequences”, – Azeri official underlined.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

New Anatolian, Turkey
April 20 2006
1915 and Today
Yavuz Baydar
[email protected] April 2006
There we are, again. As April 24, day of commemoration of the
Armenian Tragedy approaches, nothing new on the Turkish front.
Well, some things are different than, say, 1999.
A couple of days ago, a book printed by Mr Ragýp Zarakolu of Belge
Publishers, landed on my desk: the first Turkish translation of
“Ambassador Morgenthau’s Story”. A key – and for the official Turkish
line, disputable – document for all research around the terrible
events in Asia Minor in 1915-16.
Along with “The Blue Book” (Bryce/Toynbee), almost all basic sources
of information that defend the “genocide” thesis are now published in
Turkey. More is certainly to come.
This is good news, for the sake of more intensive debates and
learning.
Turkish opinion, as it widely deserves in a country with a free press
and open debate despite some obstacles, is being fed by variety and
diversity of opinion on the touchy subject. Interest for finding out
“what really took place in those tumultous years” is particularly
high amongst the younger segments in society.
Books by Dadrian, Balakian and numerous other Armenian scholars and
reasearchers are now freely avaliable in the bookstores of Istanbul,
Adana, Edirne, Kayseri etc. People buy and read them.
Despite loud protests in the public sphere, I believe most of the
intellectuals are content with the level of debate that is only
getting better and better. Different approach from the government,
based on respect for free circulation of ideas, is helping a lot.
Press is feeling free to give, albeit occasionally, space to
“dissent”.
All this is not without headaches, one must add. Mr Zarakolu is
facing sentences of 7.5 and 13,5 years for publishing two books: Dora
Sakayan’s “Memoirs of an Armenian Physician” and George Jerjian’s
“Truth Shall Set Us Free”. He was in a new court session recently and
an “expert report” was demanded for evaluaion of the the Jerjian’s
book and the prosesutor’s own assessment was deemed sufficient for
the other one.
This may sound alarming to some, raising concerns that nothing has
changed. It should not. Are we still in an era of deep taboo on the
subject? Absolutely not.
It would please some, perhaps, but it is not.
Actually, such trials, with the pattern almost always pointing out to
acquittals, are in quantity getting less and less. As long as the EU
process is unharmed, it is fair to look into the future – in terms of
free speech – with growing optimism.
What we should be worried about is the current political sphere.
Historic research may be continuing; a new conference on Ottoman
Armenians in Kayseri’s Erciyas University between April 20-22 may
have shown us that the interest for the subject is on the rise for
younger generation of scholars; articles and interviews with experts
in Turkish press may even increase in the future, but the apparent
immobility of Ankara on how to tackle the international press for,
let alone any sort of “recognition”, confrontation with the past is
alarming.
Because the clock is ticking and certainly the time appears not to be
on “official line’s” side.
I am faced by the insistent question every time I meet foreigners –
journalists, NGO folks, diplomats, politicians: “Why is it that” they
ask, “the governments continue with the denial?”
For me the response is easy, and I do hope every time I tell my take
on it, that it will be easily comprehended (often it is not):
Democracies certainly develop with enlarged freedom, pluralism and
accumulation of all sorts of information. Only then can the citizen
be ready to look at the past without prejudice, cliche, and
distortion.
If the majority of the society has been kept away from any sort of
past (national) wrongdoings by total cover up or disinformation,
confrontations with them can be utterly traumatic.
Therefore, in order to avoid reactions based on emotions rather than
reason, it is wise to remain patient. Only more and more information
and education can help.
In the current climate, given the level of ignorance and
defensiveness, any subject matter of this sort can be turned into a
tool for violent ultranationalism and populism, which is naturally a
nightmare for a seemingly reformist government.
At this very point, I tend to get the following reaction from our
foreign friends: “Well, still, the leadership must act, because time
is working against Turkey..”
I tell them, simply, that they are forgetting a fundamental element
of democracy:
That a consensus on “acceptance” must form, rise and come from within
the conscience of the people, that it must move from the bottom to
the decision makers. You can not simply impose something “unknown”
without seeking understanding from the citizens, majority of whom are
totally ignorant on or indifferent to the matter. Otherwise you risk
being compared to a dictator.
So, let the Turkish society define its own pace with reaching the
truth and some sort of conclusion by itself. It will and must take
time, yes, but still, as long as the pace is forward, in better
conditions becoming a democracy, every citizen will have an idea of
the real picture of 1915.
No matter what the denialists say or the staunch Armenian diaspora
say, we are not finished with the subject: Research is still going
on, there are chapters in late Ottoman history that we should analyse
and understand, we must continue to demand that all archives
(Armenian, Turkish, Russian, German) must be fully and
unconditionally be opened, and Turks and Armenians of different
professions must seek a wider dialogue with each other.
I have studied the subject and read everything within my reach for
the past 25 years and I still feel very agnostic about the
definition. And my desire to learn more is certainly stronger than
reaching a personally premature verdict.
Definition of 1915 has often damaged any further civilised
conversation.
Limiting the discussion to “is this a genocide or not?” phrase will
never help; it is a trap, a fruitless path that leads nowhere.
Neither are declarations of genocide by parliaments here and there.
Have those parliaments been equally courageous to look at their own
national crimes of humanity in the past? Most of them did not.
Hence, it paves way for all the further debate on hypocricy. No good
either.
Something horrendous happened in 1915. It was a human tragedy of
enormous dimensions. We know who the responsible were. They were
responsible for dragging the country into the World War, and they
were responsible for sending tens of thousands of (mainly Muslim)
young men of Anatolia to their death on Sarýkamiþ Mountains, as they
were responsible of sending Ottoman Armenians to their tragic fate,
they were responsible for killing the democracy after 1908 by
frightening people to silence, having the voices of dissent killed.
Those responsible had nothing to do with the Turkish Republic that
followed the Ottoman Empire. Nor could they find any remorse or
shelter from the founders of the republic. The remnants of the worst
criminals linked with 1915 in Turkey were eliminated by Ataturk
himself.
Yes, Turkey will have to face its past; as much as Germany will have
to face its pats genocide of Herero people in Africa early 1900’s
(which was, despite other claims, the first genocide of last
century), as much as the USA must face its past acts of genocide
against the indians; as much as France must face its past crimes of
humanity against the Algerian civilians etc etc.
And also, let us not forget that the people of today had nothing to
do with those crimes. Reconciliation with the past hast to take
special care not to hurt feelings of them. Understanding is a more
laborious process than dealing with emotions.
–Boundary_(ID_EOfjULRWvDabj827Aph9aQ)- –

European Structures Are Ready to Assist the Deepening of Democracy in Armenia
National Assembly of RA, Armenia
April 20 2006
On April 19 RA NA President Artur Baghdasaryan met the participants
of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Eighth Meeting.
The Parliament President highlighted the enlargement of the European
Union-Armenia relationship and the deepening of democracy in Armenia,
expressing a wish that during the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation
Committee Eighth Meeting the participants had opportunities to have
a sufficient understanding and get information.
He highlighted the fast start of the New Neighbourhood programme
and its fulfillment as soon as possible not only for Armenia but
also for the region because the extension of democracy opens
new perspectives and promotes the peace, and is an essential
stimulus for making reforms. The NA President noted that by the
political forces’ consent a draft of the new Electoral Code has
been developed, and the legislative bases of holding elections in
conformity with democratic standards are created. The NA President
also touched upon the energy problems, noting that Armenia has the
need of EU assistance for diversification of energy, and ensuring
energy security is of political priority for Armenia. The corruption
combating, making serious reforms in judicial-legal, tax and customs,
local self-governance and territorial management sphere were also
highlighted. Touching upon the regional problems, the NA President
Artur Baghdasaryan highlighted the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh
problem through consensus, and considered unacceptable the war-like
announcements of Azerbaijan. He noted that Armenia with all its
neighbours, including also Turkey is for normal relations and is
ready for discussing the current problems around negotiations table.
Ann Isler Beguin, Co-Chair of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation
Committee, expressing her satisfaction from the effective work of
the committee and the detailed introduction of the situation by NA
President, noted that the European structures are ready to assist
Armenia for deepening democracy. Mrs. Isler Beguin highlighted the
adherence to democratic values in the upcoming elections and noted
that those elections will be important for the future of Armenia and
highlighted the role of mass media and ensuring the opportunities of
free working. Touching upon the NK conflict, Mrs.
Isler Beguin noted that she would like very much that the Azerbaijanis
also adopted constructive stance.
The NA President Artur Baghdasaryan also answered the committee
members’ questions, which mainly related to the regional relations
and priorities of the country development.

Today, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006
Armenian FM: Arbitrators might offer new formulations, not the
resolution principles
20 April 2006 [16:29] – Today.Az
Vardan Oskanyan, Armenian Foreign Minister, said in Yerevan today:
“If Azerbaijan recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right for
independent identification of their future status, Armenia is ready
to make serious conversations on resolution of war consequences.”
As Trend reports, Armenian Minister of Exterior said today on
news conference ion Yerevan that this was Armenia’s position for
conversation process.
Commenting on the last news about arbitrators'”new offers”, Oskanyan
said this notion’s “right and wrong at the same time”.
“The document that states resolutions principles is on the table.
Some principles have led to mutual agreement and some have not. I guess
when arbitrators say “new offers” they actually mean new formulations
for the principles we did not agree on. The principles as such do
not change,” – Minister explained.
URL: