PRIZE TO HRANT DINK
Lragir.am
10 May 06
The Stern Weekly reports that Hrant Dink, Editor-in-Chief of the Agos
Weekly published in Turkey, will receive the Henri Nannen prize of
the German Gruner & Jahr Publishers and Stern Weekly. Hrant Dink was
distinguished for high professionalism and bald standpoint of an honest
and brave citizen, writes the Stern. The prize was given to one of 191
press reporters. The prize will be delivered to Hrant Dink in Hamburg
on May 12. For Hrant Dink, the Stern writes that he gives his vote to
his people, he is a voice of his people. The Stern emphasizes that the
bald materials of the editor of the Agos has broken the wall of silence
and fear in Turkey, behind which the Armenians of Turkey are living.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <; REQUIEM SERVICES HELD IN PRELACY CHURCHES FOR PLANE CRASH VICTIMS On Sunday, May 7, by the directive of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, special requiem services took place in all of the Western Prelacy churches in memory of the victims who perished in the plane crash that occurred on Wednesday, May 3rd. The Prelate presided over Holy Mass at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. In attendance were the Honorable Gagik Giragossian, Consul General of Armenia, Executive Council Chairman Mr. Hrair Balian, A.R.F. Central Committee representative Mr. Koko Topalian, H.E. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and hundreds of faithful. In his sermon, the Prelate made a special reference to the lives lost in the plane crash and once again expressed his condolences to the Consul General and to the families of the victims. The Prelate urged the faithful to pray for the souls of the deceased and prayed to Almighty God to keep us all away from harm. IN SAN FRANCISCO AND LAS VEGAS On Sunday, May 7, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, co-director of the Prelacy Christian Education Department conducted Holy Mass at St. Gregory Church in San Francisco. Alongside the special requiem services for the plane crash victims, a special service took place for H.M.E.M. scouts. Very Rev. Fr. M. Aznikian presented the more than 20 scouts with ribbons for completing the first part of the `St. Mesrob Mashdots' program. After successful completion of the second part of the program, the scouts will be awarded with the `St. Mesrob Mashdots' medal. On the same day, Rev. Fr. Ardag Demirjian of St. Mary's Church conducted Holy Mass at the Las Vegas parish where requiem services also took place for the plane crash victims. Several members of the Holy Martyrs church choir took part in the ceremonies. Under the direction of the Prelate and the Religious Council and in collaboration with the city's parish council, Mass is offered on the first Sunday of each month. On this occasion, Rev. Fr. A. Demirjian conveyed the Prelate's blessings to the parishioners and bade success to the new parish council's endeavors. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <; PRELATE REPRESENTED AT A.R.S. FESTIVAL AND A.G.B.U.'S 100th ANNIVERSARY On Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, the annual festival of the A.R.S. Regional Executive took place at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. Archpriest Vicken Vassilian of Hollywood's St. Garabed Church, who is also the chairman of the Religious Council, representing H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted the opening prayer and delivered the Prelate's blessings. In the evening of Sunday, May 7, A.G.B.U. celebrated its 100th anniversary at the `Alex Manoogian' Center in Pasadena. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, co-director of the Prelacy Christian Education Department, represented the Prelate at the event.

EurasiaNet, NY
May 9 2006
NAGORNO-KARABAKH: ANOTHER SUMMIT MEETING IS PLANNED
Haroutiun Khachatrian 5/09/06
Armenia and Azerbaijan seem prepared to make yet another attempt at
settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The presidents of the two
states are now tentatively scheduled to hold their second summit
meeting of the year.
Armenian officials revealed May 5 that President Robert Kocharian
hopes to meet his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, in June. The
precise time and venue for the summit will be determined at a meeting
between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers later in May.
The announcement followed an early May meeting of the OSCE’s Minsk
Group – comprising representatives of the United States, Russia and
France. Following that Minsk Group meeting in Moscow, French Minsk
Group Co-Chair Bernard Fassier traveled to Yerevan and Baku to secure
both parties’ agreement to another summit.
There were high hopes for a breakthrough heading into the first
summit meeting of the year between Kocharian and Aliyev, held in
February in France. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
However, that meeting ended without any tangible progress toward a
lasting peace settlement. Both sides have remained tight-lipped about
the discussions in France, as well as about any new proposals
currently under consideration.
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian indicated that Karabakh
discussions remained in an acutely sensitive phase, in which the
slightest misstep by either side could derail the renewed efforts to
foster a peace deal. “The problem now is to avoid a setback, and we
expect appropriate moves from Azerbaijan,” the Armenpress news agency
quoted Oskanian as saying on May 7.
Since the summit meeting in France, Azerbaijan has appeared to be the
party most dissatisfied with the proposed peace framework. The first
Kocharian-Aliyev summit talks appeared to stumble over differences on
a proposed referendum that would determine Karabakh’s political
status. Aliyev and other Azerbaijani officials have since repeatedly
stated that they will never to agree to Karabakh’s secession from
Azerbaijan.
Prior to first summit of 2006, Armenia made what officials in Yerevan
considered to be a major concession, abandoning their insistence on a
so-called “package” settlement, in which Karabakh’s status would have
been determined in tandem with a decision to return to Azerbaijan
territory occupied by Armenian forces. Armenian leaders are now
willing to go along with a “step-by-step” settlement, in which the
return of occupied lands, along with the return of Azerbaijani
internally displaced persons, is followed by settlement of Karabakh’s
status.
The United States has been the most active Minsk Group member in
promoting a Karabakh settlement. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel
Fried visited the region in March, and US Minsk Group Co-Chair Steven
Mann engaged in a round of shuttle diplomacy in late April, just days
prior to Aliyev three-day visit to Washington.
Nagorno-Karabakh figured prominently in Aliyev’s discussions with US
officials, including President George W. Bush. [For background see
the Eurasia Insight archive]. Armenian officials and policy analysts
had feared that Aliyev would strike a geopolitical deal with the Bush
administration, in which Washington would provide unqualified support
for Azerbaijan on the Karabakh issue in return for Baku’s backing on
the tough US stance toward Iran.
Following Aliyev’s trip, Azerbaijani officials voiced satisfaction
with the US position on Karabakh. Nevertheless, Armenian officials
were relieved that no Azerbaijani-American geopolitical deal was
struck. “We know that Aliyev was made to understand in Washington . .
. that seeking a military solution to the Karabakh conflict is not an
option. We appreciate it,” Oskanian said, according to Armenpress.
Even if the second summit meeting is held in June as currently
planned, and the two presidents somehow manage to agree on a peace
framework, there are concerns that they will have trouble selling a
settlement to the Armenian and Azerbaijani public. In Armenia, for
example, there appears to be substantial opposition to the withdrawal
of Armenian forces from the occupied territories around Karabakh. For
example, Deputy Defense Minister Manvel Grigorian, who is also a
leader of Yerkrapah, the influential organization of the Karabakh war
veterans, recently spoke out against the return of occupied
territories. “We have no lands to cede,” Grigorian said at a
Yerkrapah meeting May 8.
Editor’s Note: Haroutiun Khachatrian is a Yerevan-based writer
specializing in economic and political affairs.

ESPN / Reuters
May 9 2006
Hapoel Tel Aviv win Israeli State Cup
TEL AVIV, May 9 (Reuters) – Hapoel Tel Aviv won the Israeli State Cup
by beating city rivals Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv 1-0 with an 87th minute
goal from Ilia Yavorian on Tuesday.

Hapoel, who will come second behind champions Maccabi Haifa when the
season ends this weekend, had already clinched a UEFA Cup spot so
Bnei Yehuda will also now be in the competition.
The losers were lucky to stay in contention until the dying moments
of an untidy encounter, however, and had Nigerian keeper Vincent
Aniema to thank for several spectacular saves that kept Hapoel’s Cup
hopes on ice until three minutes from time.
Hapoel’s fans were in the majority among a 40,000 crowd and erupted
with joy as Armenian Yavoryan slotted home from close range after a
pass from the right by Nigerian Ibazito Ogabuna.
Hapoel’s typically dogged, defensive counter-attacking style snuffed
out Bnei Yehuda’s flair and their hopes of a repeat of the last of
their two cup final victories in 1981, when they beat Hapoel on
penalties, were thwarted by the late goal.
The victory was a fitting farewell for Hapoel coach Dror Kashtan and
he thanked the fans at the end of the match as he preapres to take
over as Israel coach.
‘You are the best and most loyal fans, you have been our 12th player
throughout the season and you deserve this victory,’ Kashtan told the
supporters over the public address system.
Israeli President Moshe Katsav awarded the trophy to Hapoel captain
Shimon Gershon as fireworks went up around the National Stadium in
Tel Aviv. It was Hapoel’s 11th State Cup win since they became
inaugural winners of the trophy in 1928.

Journal of Turkish Weekly
May 9 2006
Turkish FM Gul Meeting US Delegation Talks About Iran
ANKARA – Turkey’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul received the US House
of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee Council at the
ministry residence yesterday.
Turkey’s relations with the U.S., Armenia and Israel, along with Iran
and Iraq related issued were discussed at the meeting.
Explaining Ankara’s attitude over Iran’s nuclear program, Turkish FM
Gul said Turkey does not want a new crisis in the region and that
they invite the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
Ali Larijani to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA).
Referring to the importance of preserving Iraq’s territorial
integrity and forming a national unity government, Turkish FM Gul
asserted that Turkey and the US should support the integrity process
of all parties in Iraq.
Gul also briefed about the historical Armenian allegations at the
meeting, and he pointed out the importance of forming a joint
committee to investigate the historical disputes. Both sides accuse
each other of committing genocide against each other. “More than
520.000 Turks and Kurds were massacred” Dr. Nilgun Gulcan says.
Similarly the Armenians name the 1915 Relocation Campaign as
‘genocide’.

Zaman, Turkey
May 9 2006
Turkey Reacts to French Motion on So-called Genocide
By Celil Sagir
ISTANBUL – Reactions against the legislative offer to punish anyone
that denies the so-called Armenian Genocide in France continue to
echo.
Turkey also forwarded a communiqué against the act in addition to a
warning issued by a group of French historians asking the French
government “not take historians hostage”.
Nine journalists, authors and academics in Turkey, renown for their
denigrations regarding the so-called genocide claims, will release a
declaration in the French press warning those supporting the
proposal.
The declaration prepared by intellectuals in Turkey will be published
on Friday in the French daily Le Figaro. It asks for the disapproval
of a legislative proposal that will hamper freedom of expression.
Signed by Ahmet Insel, Hirant Dink, Halil Berktay, Murat Belge, Elif
Safak, Baskin Oran, Etyen Mahcupyan, Muge Gocek, and Ragip Zarakoglu,
the notice reads that Armenians and Turks experience a normalization
process, in which freedom of expression and free dissemination of
information are essential to move forward with the process.
Speaking with Zaman, Agos Newspaper Editor in Chief Hirant Dink said
their call is to everyone behind the French proposal; and warns
French-Armenians not to be involved in making such a serious mistake.
Due for discussion in the French parliament on May 18, the Genocide
recognition legislation motion, put forward by the Socialist Party
making denial of the so-called Armenian genocide a crime, is
anticipated to be denied.

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
May 9 2006
President Bouteflika: France’s colonisation of Algeria was long,
brutal and genocidal
* Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has repeated his demand
that France should apologize to Algeria for the “genocidal” colonial
rule
By Mary S. Garden
PARIS (JTW) – France on Tuesday tried to play down attack by Algerian
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, after he repeated that France’s
colonisation of the north African country had been “genocidal”.
The French foreign ministry in Paris said it saw Bouteflika’s
comments, made on Monday on the 61st anniversary of a massacre of
Algerian civilians by French troops, as leaving room for cooperation.
However Paris has not recognised the Algerian Genocide.
In a declaration read at the site of the massacre in Guelma, eastern
Algeria, Bouteflika described France’s colonisation of his country,
which it ruled from 1830 to 1962, as “long, brutal, genocidal”.
Algeria, he said, had a “fundamental right” to a “public and solemn
apology for the crime of colonisation committed againist our people”.
The French foreign ministry declined to comment on Bouteflika’s use
of the word “genocidal”.
Bouteflika declared last month that colonial France had committed a
“genocide of Algerian identity”.
‘FRENCH REGIME WAS LIKE NAZI REGIME IN ALGERIA’
Relations between France and Algeria have been strained since
February 2005 when the French government passed a law – later
repealed – requiring schools to stress the “positive role” of French
colonialism.
Bouteflika, in a statement last year, likened the term’s French
administration to the Nazi regime, as he claimed furnaces set up in
Guelma were reminiscent of those used by the Nazis.
A French apology would be the only way to transform the chronic
stagnation of relations into a real friendship, Bouteflika told in a
commemoration ceremony held for the 61st anniversary of the massacre
of Algerians 0n 8 May 2006.
Plans for a “friendship treaty” between the two countries have been
shelved indefinitely.
France occupied the North African country for 132 years, and 1.5
million people were killed in the 1954-1962 Algerian war of
independence.
In 1945, pro-independence protests in the cities of Setif, Guelma,
and Kherrata were suppressed in a bloody show of strength by the
French army, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of Algerians;
according to the Americans this figure is 40-50,000, while the French
say the figure is closer to 20,000.
Although the lower house of the French parliament approved a bill on
January 18, 2001 which publicly recognizes the Armenians claims as
genocide, France still refuses to even apologize for the massacre of
Algerian freedom fighters, let alone recognize it as genocide.

Regnum, Russia
May 9 2006
Armenian President and Prime Minister congratulated veterans on
Victory Day
On the occasion of the Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War and Day
of Shusha Liberation Armenian President Robert Kocharyan sent message
of congratulation. As REGNUM was informed at the Armenian
presidential press office, in particular, the president congratulated
in it his compatriots on Day of Victory and Peace, pointing out that
it is impossible to forget Armenian people’s contribution to victory
in WWII, during which Armenian soldiers, officers and generals fought
at all fronts, honorably representing Armenia.
Also, the president stressed that May 9 gained new sense thanks to
Shusha liberation in 1992 (Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army and troops
of volunteers liberated Karabakh the town of Shusha, strategically
influencing war actions – REGNUM). It became a symbol of Artsakh
Liberation War (Artsakh is historical name of Nagorno Karabakh –
REGNUM). Commemorating the Day, we revere the memory of heroes,
fallen during the Great Patriotic and Artsakh Wars, the president
pointed out.
On the occasion of the holiday, Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan also sent a message of congratulation. In particular, the
address says that the victory over Nazism was a great event for the
whole world. Armenian people defended their homes and motherland at
that time, and they did in the recent history, the premier stressed,
pointing out that Armenia celebrates the 15th anniversary of
independence this year, which was achieved at a high price.
Maintenance of independence, strengthening of the state needs
devotion of every Armenian, the Armenian premier stressed.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Regnum, Russia
May 9 2006
`Why do they ignore in Aliyev something they revile Lukashenko for?’:
Azeri press digest
Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the US
Commenting on the official visit of Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to
Washington, Deputy Spokesman of the US Department of State Adam Ereli
said on April 25 that Azerbaijan is an important country for the US.
He said that the two countries have lots of mutual interests: human
rights, democratic development, energy security, regional stability,
fight with terrorism. The protection of human rights and democracy
continues to be the key topic of the US-Azeri dialogue, Ereli said.
He refuted the remark by one of the journalist that the invitation of
the president of Azerbaijan to Washington proves that the US closes
its eyes on the human rights and democracy problems in that country.
He said that the US has all the above goals, but also has its own
principles. (Turan)
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev spoke at the Council on Foreign
Relations of Carnegie Foundation on April 26. Turan reports him as
saying that the Karabakh conflict can be resolved only in line with
the international law and in the framework of Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity. Aliyev confirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to
provide Nagorno Karabakh with a high European-model autonomy. He said
that Armenia must stop its hostile policy towards its dynamically
developing neighbor. Azerbaijan wants the problem to be solved by
peace. `However, patience of the Azeri people may end one day,’
Aliyev noted. Concerning Iran, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan wants the
problem to be solved by peace. He explained that Azerbaijan and Iran
have an agreement forbidding them to use their territories against
each other. Asked if Azerbaijan may become a bone of contention
between the US and Russia, Aliyev said that should there be
contention between the US and Russia, Azerbaijan’s territory cannot
be an object for it.
During his visit to the US President Aliyev said that his country
would not take part in any anti-Iranian actions. `Azerbaijan
advocates peaceful resolution of problems in the region and it has an
agreement with Iran that the sides should not use their territories
for military actions against each other,’ Aliyev said. At the same
time, he noted that Baku gives strategic importance to its relations
with the US, and the two countries enjoy mutual understanding in
security and economy. (Real Azerbaijan)
The White House meeting of the US and Azeri presidents George Bush
and Ilham Aliyev will allow the two countries to establish closer
relations based on promotion of democracy, enhancement of security
and diversification of energy sources, Trend reports White House
Press Secretary Scott McClellan as saying. He called Azerbaijan a key
ally and valuable partner of the US in a strategically important
region. He also said that Bush is going to use this meeting to
confirm the US’ aspiration to help Azerbaijan to take necessary
measures to ensure bigger democratic freedoms for its people. The US
is ready to discuss its possible assistance in this matter.
US President George Bush and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev met in
Washington on April 28. In a joint statement after their 45-minute
meeting, they said that they had discussed regional security issues,
joint anti-terror efforts, situation over Iran, the Armenian-Azeri
conflict and energy security problems. Bush said that the US welcomed
Azerbaijan’s involvement in the anti-terror coalition. He also noted
that Aliyev and he are unanimous that the Iranian problem should be
solved by diplomatic means. Bush said that Azerbaijan plays an
important role in the region’s energy security. Aliyev highly
appreciated the US’ support in the development and transportation of
Azerbaijan’s energy resources to the world markets. (Trend)
On April 28, Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov said that
President Aliyev’s Washington talks were `very useful.’ He said that
the US wants to know Azerbaijan’s position on the Iranian problem.
`We say: Iran is our neighbor, a home to many Azeris. Via Iran we
carry cargoes to Nakhichevan, who also gets Iranian gas. That’s why
we say that we don’t want a war in Iran,’ Mamedyarov said. He said
that Tehran did not ask Baku about mediation in its conflict with
Washington. There is no need for such mediation for the time being.
`But if the sides wish, it will not be a problem for us,’ Mamedyarov
said. (Echo)
Asked by Turan: `Was the problem of Azerbaijan’s occupied borderline
territories discussed in Washington?’, Mamedyarov said that Baku
wants the Karabakh conflict to be resolved fully and quickly. He said
that, as an OSCE MG co-chair, the US is doing big work towards this
end.
Echo says: `Shortly before the Aliyev-Bush talks, the US media came
about a conclusion that was hardly comforting for those wanting war
in Iran: the Azeri president has refused to help the US in case of
its possible war against Iran. True, there is comforting news too –
Azerbaijan has given hope that there will be no oil crisis.’
The Christian Science Monitor says that despite being small
Azerbaijan’s international diplomacy is rather `heavy-weight.’ The
visit of the Azeri president is part of the Bush administration’s
actions to support its key region against the background of growing
conflict with Iran.
Concerning the Iranian problem, AP says that President Bush first
sought support in the matter from the Chinese leader who was in
Washington shortly before President Aliyev. Althouth, Bush failed
with Beijing, who does not want to act against its key oil supplier
Iran. Azerbaijan is Iran’s neighbor, and this time Bush pinned hopes
on Baku. But Aliyev too said that Azerbaijan will not take part in
any operation against Iran, says AP.
Echo points out interesting fact: shortly after President Aliyev’s
clear statement that Baku wants the Iranian problem to be solved by
peace, the US media covering the visit began speaking about democracy
problems in Azerbaijan. Human Rights Watch even urged Bush to exert
pressure on Aliyev. Bush must have ignored this urge. Well-known US
analyst Ariel Cohen believes that the US is improving its relations
with all Iran’s neighbors. In case economic or other sanctions are
applied against Iran, the US should cooperate with Azerbaijan more
tightly than Iran.
Commenting on Aliyev’s statements about Azerbaijan’s refusal to take
part in any actions against Iran, Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan
Afshar Suleimani told the press on April 28: `I would like to remind
you that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran is obvious, and
if the US demands that Aliyev take actions against Iran (though I
think it won’t), Azerbaijan will naturally give a `no’ answer. I am
absolutely sure it will. I believe that during the Washington talks
Aliyev can force Bush to think this situation over. Why? Because
Aliyev is the president of the leading country of the South Caucasus,
and he certainly knows about the level of Azeri-Iranian relations,
about the region’s problems and can make Bush aware of the ones he is
not very much aware of. And Bush will have to be satisfied with this
information as it will give him a deeper insight into the situation.’
(ANS)
In his turn, the deputy executive secretary of the ruling Yeni
Azerbaycan party, MP Mubariz Gurbanli says to Echo that he agrees
with the position President Aliyev expressed in Washington. `I
approve of and support such a policy. We believe that the president
is conducting a very pragmatic, correct and useful policy. Our
foreign policy is well-balanced. Azerbaijan’s interests are superior
to any other interests. Azerbaijan is trying to protect them. We keep
up our contacts with the US, Russia, Turkey, Iran and other
neighboring countries, except Armenia. And we build our relations in
such a way as to be able to protect Azerbaijan’s interests in any
situation. That’s why the president’s statements and the general
success of his visit to the US have shown once again that Azerbaijan
is the leader in the region and continues to be well-balanced in its
policies.’
Zerkalo notes: `Despite all the troubles, Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the
US is an important milestone in the history of the Azeri diplomacy,
in general, and the Azeri-US relations, in particular. What real
fruits it will bear we will see in the near future. Well, already now
it is clear that they in the White House wanted the Azeri president
to be their guest because they wanted something from him. Nothing is
done for nothing in life and especially in politics. So, let’s seize
the opportunity…’
Zerkalo continues: `It’s time to sum up some results. First, no
agreemenst were signed during Aliyev’s visit. This proves that the
visit was not planned. And this proves that there was some high
urgency in such a tete-a-tete meeting. Second, if there was such an
urgency, the sides must have reached some unofficial `gentlemen
agreements.’ So, now it is very important to find out the extent of
coincidence of the sides’ real rather than declared goals. There are
certain indirect signs that the sides have reached some specific
`gentleman agreements.’ These agreements may have well been reached
long before, for example, during the shuttle voyages of US
high-raking emissaries to Baku or during Azeri FM Elmar Mamedyarov’s
Washington talks with Condoleezza Rice. And the official visit of the
Azeri president was necessary for ratifying these agreements by `a
strong friendly handshake.’ Whether anybody likes it or not, we have
witnessed such `a handshake.’ At least, during the briefing following
the tete-a-tete meeting, Bush aptly bypassed all the sharp questions
and congratulated Aliyev on the coming wedding of his daughter. One
makes no such compliments in public when there are no `gentlemen
agreements.’ Third, after Aliyev’s Washington visit, we can be sure
that the `Prague process’ will be continued.’
Commenting on Aliyev’s visit to the US, The Economist compares two
cases of electoral fraud (with political arrests before and beating
of protesters after) and two mustached post-Soviet leaders. The one
who is balder Alexander Lukashenko was censured by the US both before
and after senseless presidential election in Belarus last month. The
other Ilham Aliyev, whose supporters got all the seats in the Azeri
parliament in absurd elections last year, will get this week
something he has craved for a long time – a meeting with US President
George Bush in America. But, in this particular case, the hospitality
of the US President is a mistake. There are two reasons why. The
first one is a moral one. Aliyev got his post from his father in
2003. The Aliyevs have ruled Azerbaijan almost throughout its
post-Soviet history, just like Lukashenko in Belarus. Aliyev Junior
protects human rights in word but violates them in action, and
probably as much as in Belarus. Azerbaijan is the world’s most
corrupt state. Although, the question is not so much if there is
moral reason for Aliyev’s visit as if there is political sense in it.
And there is obviously no sense. Why do they ignore in Aliyev
something they revile Lukashenko for? Because Belarus is a poor
Slavonic state with no sea, while Azerbaijan is a Muslim state with
oil rich shore in the Caspian Sea and a border with Iran. US Defense
Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has begun visiting Azerbaijan suspiciously
often and people have begun to rumor that Azerbaijan may be useful
for the US’ military operations. In the north Azerbaijan borders on
Russia, which makes is a part of the West-Kremlin fight for sway in
the post-Soviet area. Oil and geographical situation make Azerbaijan
much too important for the US to risk to cause the Azeri president’s
estrangement. The Azeri opposition is too weak and disintegrated to
offer real alternative. Unfortunately, Aliyev has already proved its
ability to feign liberal instincts, to reasonably explain abuses and
to keep promising progress. Aliyev is too intolerant to opposition
and too tolerant to corruption and inequality. Oil dollars will make
Azerbaijan’s position even stronger. But such public recognition may
prove bad not only for Azerbaijan but, in the long run, for America
itself – for Aliyev has one more thing in common with Lukashenko:
they will not rule for ever. If Aliyev is compelled to move in the
right direction, Azerbaijan may well become a prospering and
democratic Muslim state one day. Otherwise, America will get in an
unstable region a rich Muslim country, disappointed with democracy
and the West and receptive to other ideas.
Commenting on Aliyev’s visit to Washington, Haaretz daily (Israel)
says: `The corrupt leader of Azerbaijan has got the long-awaited
invitation from Washington. The Americans have simply understood that
they should either clench their teeth and try closing their eyes on
Azerbaijan’s reluctance to hold any reforms and negligence of the
principles of democratization, or allow it to go under Vladimir
Putin’s sway. The Americans have been forced to make a similar choice
with one more dictator – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The
American frankness has also disappeared from the US’ statements on
Russia. Reports and speeches praise freedom and progress, while US
top officials are trying hard to point out that Russia is committed
to cooperation, is firm and influential. US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, expert in Soviet studies, rules out any possibility
of a new Cold War in a new form. What are you talking about, I was
there, and this is already is a different story, she says. In her
contacts with Russian politicians she is based on the `realism’ of
Bush Senior: to improve relations between big powers at the expense
of liberalism. They simply have no choice.’
Politics
The head of the social-political department of the Azeri president’s
staff Ali Gasanov regrets that the Azeri opposition leaders show
negative attitude to Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the US. He says that it
does them no credit to show opposition to the country’s statehood and
national interests: `To be in opposition to a person, political
party, authorities, idea is a normal thing, but to oppose to
statehood and national interests is an unworthy thing to do. The key
reason they have stayed in opposition for many years is that they
position runs counter to the interests of their state, statehood and
people. The invitation of the Azeri president to the US and the
establishment of excellent relations with a superpower like the US
serve the interests of every citizen of our country, even if he is in
opposition. Unfortunately, they in the opposition do not think so.’
(525th Daily)
`In its last years’ reports Human Rights Watch has shown an
increasingly biased attitude, including towards Azerbaijan,’ says the
head of the social-political department of the Azeri president’s
staff Ali Gasanov. `For example, we all perfectly know what is going
on in Armenia, particularly, what is going on between the local
government and opposition,’ says Gasanov reminding that not very long
ago `all the key oppositionists’ were shot down in the parliament (he
means the terrorist act in the Armenian parliament Oct 27 1999, when
shot down were Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan, Parliament Speaker
Karen Demirchyan, vice speakers Yuri Bakhshyan and Ruben Miroyan,
Minister for Operational Issues Leonard Petrossyan, MPs Armenak
Armenakyan, Henrik Abrahamyan and Mikayel Kotanyan – REGNUM). But
despite this all, in some aspects Human Rights Watch ranks Armenia
higher than the other two South Caucasian states. `The Azeri
authorities have already made their remarks about this to the HRW
officials visiting Baku,’ says Gasanov. At the same time, he notes
that Washington’s foreign policy is based on the positions of
governmental rather than non-governmental organizations like HRW.
`Still, that organization does have an influence on the public
opinion in the US, and we would not like the American people to get
biased information about the situation in Azerbaijan,’ says Gasanov.
(525th Daily)
In Azerbaijan, some provisions of the law on the freedom of assembly
will restrict human rights, says Azeri MP, the chairwoman of the
parliamentary commission on human rights Rabiyat Aslanova. `The law
has points restricting human rights and contradicting the European
Convention on Human Rights,’ she says. The Azeri Parliament is
presently considering amendments to the laws on the freedom of
assembly, on the status of internal troops and on the police, which
allow the police when dispersing rallies to use not only water-jets
and rubber bullets but also electric shock and specially trained
dogs. (525th Daily)
Freedom House has issued a report on the pre-electoral and internal
political situation, political prisoners, freedom of speech, human
rights, the judiciary and the living standard in Azerbaijan. The
report says that despite certain progress, the situation is still
unsatisfactory: the rights of candidates are still violated and
little is done to prevent this, human rights are still infringed,
courts still pass unfair and ordered verdicts. At the same time, the
report notes that the living standard in the country is improving.
(Turan)
About Iran
`The anti-Azeri statements made by the Iranian authorities on the eve
of Azeri President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the US were an attempt of
pressure,’ political scientist Vafa Guluzade says as a comment on the
statements of Iranian National Security Secretary Ali Larijani that
Iran may strike the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline if the US starts
a war against that country and that US anti-Iranian intelligence
groups are acting in Azerbaijan. Guluzade says that Iran is trying to
get President Aliyev to raise the issue of Iranian-American-Azeri
relations during his meeting with President Bush. If the US starts a
war against Iran, Azerbaijan will suffer the most. And now the US’
key concern is how to strike Iran so as not to let it to
counter-strike.
In his turn, political scientist Ilgar Mamedov says that this is due
to growing propaganda war. `That’s why the sides are making
increasingly sharp statements. The Iranian DM’s visit to Baku was
followed by anti-Azeri threats from Iran – exactly now when President
Aliyev is going to the US. Iran is a dangerous neighbor, that’s why
it made such statements before Aliyev’s visit,’ Mamedov said. `The
start of military actions will put Azerbaijan in a hard situation. If
in exchange for involvement in the anti-Iranian coalition, the US
promises support in the Karabakh problem, the Azeri authorities will
be forced to take this step, otherwise, the public will reproach
them. However, this will make Azerbaijan an enemy to a dangerous
neighbor, Iran. If Azerbaijan supports Iran, it will become an arena
of military actions. If it stays neural, both sides will start
actively pressuring it into decision,’ says Mamedov.
Ambassador of Iran to Baku Afshat Suleimani thinks that the US has
lowered its tone of late: they have already understood what mistake
they are risking to make. Suleimani hopes that Aliyev will explain to
Bush the significance of Iran and the general situation in the
region. `But, as we all remember, before its invasion in Iraq, the
Bush administration also said that it was committed to solve the
problem of Iraqi mass destruction weapon by diplomatic means,’ says
Suleimani. (Azeri-Press)