ANKARA, BAKU, AND TBILISI AT PAINS TO DRAW ARMENIA INTO AN ANTI-ARMENIAN PROJECT
Regnum, Russia
June 22 2006
Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul met in Baku with
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss participation of
Armenia in the project of the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku railway
construction. The Presidents who talked to each other for 40 minutes
did not make any official statement to the press following it. As
Anatolia News reported, they negotiated on the further development
of the railroad that was planned to connect Turkey with Azerbaijan
through Georgia.
The Turkish FM said that, to overcome difficulties impeding realization
of the project, ministers of transport of Azerbaijan, Turkey,
and Georgia have to look for a decision. He said that Georgia has
“serious doubts” regarding the project. Gul suggested help to Georgia
in order to clear these doubts. “Armenia is also welcome to join in
the project if she likes,” Gul said. He also mentioned that private
Kazakhstani companies have shown interest to the railway project.
As Turkish Daily News reported, the Azerbaijani President reacted
positively to the Ankara’s invitation of Armenia to join the project.
Ilham Aliyev said that efforts should be taken to realize the
project without gaining external credits. Georgian officials in a
conversation with one of Ankara’s envoys cautiously reacted to the
declared readiness of Turkey and Azerbaijan to let Armenia in. They
argued that if Armenia joins the project, the necessity of building
the railroad would become obsolete since there was already a direct
railroad connecting Armenia and Turkey (Kars-Giumri) that was
inoperative due to political discord.
The Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku railroad aims to connect Turkey and
Azerbaijan. Agreement of understanding between the two countries was
signed on December 28, 2004. A work group was created, and a meeting
of transport ministers of the two countries was held in Istanbul
in September 2005. Ministers of transport of Azerbaijan, Georgia,
and Turkey discussed the developments at the project and concrete
steps of its implementation.
Realization of the project will complete isolation of Armenia,
since it will further decrease the chances of launching the existing
Turkey-Armenia-Georgia-Abkhazia-Russia railroad.

AZERI, RUSSIAN MEDIA EXTEND COOPERATION
Author: S.Agayeva
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 22 2006
Azeri, Russian media intend to extend cooperation in providing more
unbiased information to the public of both the countries, Trend
reports quoting organizers of the first joint Azeri-Russian media
project Russia Today, special appendix to Baku Worker.
The project is implemented by Russian Fund “Caucasian Democracy
Institute”. The Fund Director Valery Turtsunov said The Fund’s
objectives include strengthening friendly relations between the two
countries and nations, a well as providing more correct information
n Russian realities and preserving Russian language. He highly
appraised Azeri government’s work on preservation and development
of Russian language in the country, where no Russian school was
closed to date. The Fund also aims at working practice and exchange
of journalists, as well as work with youth. Said activities will be
carried out with support of the RF President Administration.
Within the event, participants were introduced two new books,
“Azerbaijanis of Georgia” and “Karabakh conflict: Azeri view”,
compiled by Regnum news agency of Russia. These books include materials
on Karabakh conflict, official documents revealing Azeri-Armenian
relations through the XX century.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ZORI BALAYAN: RECENT EVENTS ON IRANIAN AZERBAIJANIS WILL CREATE A PROBLEM FOR ARMENIA
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 22 2006
The Benelux Azerbaijan Congress’s Initiative Group, World Union of
Azerbaijani Political Migrants (WUAPM) and the Azerbaijan’s Friends
Society held a joint meeting in Amsterdam yesterday.
The WUAPM told APA that they had discussions on Armenian Zori Balayan
wanted by the Interpol for his terrorist activity, who has made a
secret visit to the Netherlands recently.
In his secret talks with Armenian community, Balayan expressed concern
over the weak activity of the Armenian Diaspora in the Netherlands. He
warned that Turkish and Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations will be
more powerful than the Armenians’. Zori Balayan also commented on
recent events in connection with Iranian Azerbaijanis. He said these
events will create a problem for Armenia urging Armenians to support
Persians.

AZERI GENERAL CONSUL IN KARS VISIT IGDIR
Author: R.Abdullayev
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 22 2006
The General Consul of Azerbaijan in Kars, Turkey, Hasan Zeynalov ,
visited Igdir city to meet with local journalists, Trend reports
citing the Turkish media. The General Consul voiced his gratitude to
the managements of the local newspapers for special attention paid
to vital problem of Azerbaijan.
“Since the very commencement of tenure at the post of General Consul
in Kars I have witnessed the attention by local newspapers towards
the Azerbaijani theme,” Zeynalov underlined, underlining that Baku
needs support, in particular, in the issue concerning the occupation
of part of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia.
“Armenia should immediately liberate the occupied territory of
Azerbaijan, recognize the current border with Turkey and stop the
figments about the genocide, which is in fact the crime perpetrated
by the Armenians,” Zeynalov underlined.

WORLD BANK PREDICTS ARMENIAN ECONOMIC GROWTH WILL SLOW
Interfax, Russia
June 22 2006
YEREVAN. June 22 (Interfax) – Armenian economic growth will slow in
the next few years, the World Bank said in a report on Eastern Europe
and Central Asia.
The World Bank forecasts that Armenia GDP will grow 5.6% in 2008
against 14% in 2005. High world oil prices and a drop in foreign
transfers will hinder economic growth.
The experts said the main economic risks are connected with a strong
strengthening in the national currency. They said any foreign upheaval
could lead to a sharp devaluation in the dram, which would have a
negative effect on the country’s economy.
The World Bank is predicting a drop in economic growth for almost all
of the countries in the region, however oil exporting countries will
do better, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Romania. High
oil prices will help form a budget surplus in these countries.
The World Bank predicts that the Armenian budget deficit will be close
to European standards of up to 3% of GDP. The budget deficit was 1.7%
of GDP in 2005.

GUL SAYS HE IS HOPEFUL FOR SOLUTION OF IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM CRISIS
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
BAKU – Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul,
who is currently in Azerbaijani capital Baku for the 33rd meeting of
foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC),
said that he was more hopeful for solution of the crisis related to
Iran’s nuclear program after he held talks yesterday.
Informing Turkish reporters on his bilateral talks in Baku, Gul
noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki and Turkish
authorities have been exerting efforts for solution of the problem
through diplomatic ways for a long time.
“Both European and also Russian officials encouraged us on this
matter. I extended utmost support for a diplomatic solution. Mr.
Prime Minister also did what was necessary,” Gul stated.
-CYPRUS-
Noting that he considered OIC meeting an opportunity for Cyprus
issue, Gul stated that they informed Islam countries on this matter
once again.
Gul stressed that several countries expressed their support to thesis
of Turkey regarding Cyprus issue.
Underlining that there would be new approaches on Cyprus issue
in the final declaration to be released tomorrow, Gul said, “TRNC
(Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and Russia attended the OIC
meeting as observes. They (TRNC and Russia) also held talks. This is
a good development.”
-MEETING WITH ALIYEV-
Gul said that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and he discussed
Upper Karabakh issue in their meeting. “Azerbaijan is fully supported
in the meeting of OIC. He (Aliyev) is really glad. He said that OIC
is the one which extended the utmost support to his country.”
-RELATIONS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES-
Gul added, “we attach great importance to African countries. We want
to boost relations with those countries.”

EDELMAN TAKES FLOOR IN OZAL CONFERENCE
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
WASHINGTON D.C. – Eulogizing Turkish leaders Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
Ismet Inonu and Turgut Ozal who managed to bring “times of crisis
to progress of the country”, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Eric
Edelman stressed that the United States needed such an impressive
leadership in Turkey.
Edelman, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey between July
2003-2005, took the floor at traditional “Turgut Ozal” session
organized in Washington D.C. by the Washington Institute for Near
Eastern Policy, a think-tank organization.
Edelman extolled Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who turned Turkey’s face to
the West with his reforms, Ismet Inonu who steered Turkey toward
international organizations like the UN and NATO after the Second
World War, and Turgut Ozal who had Turkey integrate with the world
economically and politically.
-“STRIKING LEADERSHIP CAPACITY-”
Replying to a question about current leadership in Turkey, Edelman
said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan “displayed a
striking capacity in political and economic reforms particularly in
the first period of the government and paved the ways for beginning
of negotiations with the European Union (EU).
Edelman also underscored that the Turkish government at the same
time displayed a valor for a solution in Cyprus based on Annan plan,
“thanks to this courage, for the first time after 40 years, the
parties approach the solution this much,” he indicated.
“However, the process was obstructed after the Greek Cypriot voted
‘no’ in the referendum,” he said.
-“SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE”-
When he was recalled that positive point of view of the Turkish public
towards U.S. administration was at the lowest level (when compared
with the whole world) according to the surveys, Edelman said it would
be advantageous if the administrations of Turkey and the United States
have consistent exchange of views.
-“TURBULENCE IS NOT A SECRET BUT BEING OVERCOME GRADUALLY”-
“Turkish-U.S. relations entail attention of both parties,” Edelman
remarked and noted that both countries should continuously work to
enhance dimensions of bilateral relations and consult each other.
Edelman said, “there are not only Armenia and PKK issues in
Turkish-U.S. relations. Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey’s relations
with Ukraine and Russia and various NATO issues are in question.”
“The United States values Turkish-U.S. relations,” Edelman said and
added that the “turbulence” which started in the wake of September
11 and with Iraq war was not a secret, yet noted that all those were
being overcome gradually.
-“IRAQ SHOULD NOT BE A SHELTER FOR PKK ANYMORE”-
“Our hearts beat together with the families of Turkish citizens
who lost their lives because of PKK terrorism,” Edelman indicated
and noted that Iraq should not be a shelter for the terrorist PKK
organization anymore.
Edelman emphasized that Turkey and the United States were in
collaboration on that matter. “The two countries have never been so
close to each other in exchange of intelligence.”
Edelman said methods other than military force should be sought while
searching for ways to impede acts of terrorism. He said that efforts to
improve economic situation in Turkey’s southeast would be beneficial.
-“ALSO TURKEY IS ON TARGET”-
Pointing out that the United States was determined to resolve Iran
issue through diplomatic ways, Edelman said Washington welcomed
the support that Turkey gives to the process carried out with 3 EU
member countries.
Edelman said it would be the regional countries (in geographical terms)
that would be mostly harmed in case Iran attains nuclear capacity
and stressed that Israel and Turkey were “on the target”.
He said Israel and Turkey were two democratic countries in the region
and contributed to the democratic progress of the region.
-IRAQ-
Edelman acclaimed the efforts that Turkey exerted for stability in Iraq
and particularly the initiative that convened Sunnites in Istanbul.
Asked about the situation of Kirkuk, Edelman said, “this is a very
sensitive issue for Iraqis,” and noted that the decision pertaining
to the situation of the city belonged to Iraqis.
-CYPRUS-EU-
Responding to a comment that Cyprus question obstructed Turkey’s EU
membership, Edelman said this problem was considered a “potential
obstacle” yet joint efforts were underway to resolve the problem.
Edelman stated that the Turkish government displayed “flexibility”
in the past few months on Cyprus question, indicating that the other
party should display the same flexibility.
“The United States has been advocating Turkey’s EU membership since
1963. This is not something new. We have always been consistent,”
Edelman said.
-ATTACK ON COUNCIL OF STATE-
Asked whether the attack on Council of State judges was an attack
against secularism, Edelman said, “I do not make any comment on an
issue which is under investigation.”
-“I SHARE SAME VIEWS WITH MY BOSS”-
Asked if he shared the views of U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld
who had said, “the insurgents in Iraq would not be so effective if
Turkey had approved March 1 motion,” Edelman said, “I have same views
with my boss.”
-TURKEY-RUSSIA RELATIONS-
Responding to a question, Edelman said improvement of Turkey’s
relations with Russia should not be considered an alternative to its
relations with the West.
“The U.S. is pleased to see that Turkey has constructive relations both
with Russia and Ukraine.” On Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Edelman
said Turkey would play the role of an “energy depot” in the region.

PRESIDENT SEZER AND PRESIDENT ADAMKUS HOLD JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
ANKARA – “We should encourage our businessmen to make joint
investments,” said Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on Tuesday.
President Sezer and President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania held a
joint news conference following their tete-a-tete meeting.
Speaking at the news conference, President Sezer said, “we discussed
ways to further develop cooperation between Turkey and Lithuania. Our
economic and commercial relations have been improving day by day. We
should encourage our businessmen to make joint investments. Also,
we should exert more efforts to improve our relations in the areas
of culture, education and tourism.”
“Turkey welcomed Lithuania’s accession to the EU and supported its
membership to NATO. I believe that President Adamkus’ visit will
accelerate the bilateral relations between our countries,” President
Sezer added.
Meanwhile, President Adamkus said in his part that he could not think
of an EU without Turkey.
He extended Lithuania’s full support to Turkey’s EU membership process.
Recalling that a number of Lithuanian businessmen were accompanying him
during his visit to Turkey, President Adamkus said that Lithuanian
businessmen would hold a series of talks with their Turkish
counterparts.
Referring to the Upper Karabakh dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia,
President Adamkus said that they were in favor of a peaceful solution.

ISLAM COUNTRIES TO DISPLAY BEST SOLIDARITY, GUL
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
BAKU – “Islam countries will display the best solidarity among
themselves,” Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah
Gul said on Sunday.
Gul arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan to attend the 33rd meeting of foreign
ministers of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
Speaking to reporters, Gul said that Cyprus issue and Armenian
occupation of Azerbaijani territories were among the topics on the
agenda of the meeting.
“This is the first time such a wide-scale OIC meeting takes place in
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will deliver a speech
at the meeting and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will chair the
meeting,” Gul said.

PRESIDENT ALIYEV OF AZERBAIJAN RECEIVES GUL
Anatolian Times
June 22 2006
BAKU – President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan received on Monday Turkish
Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul who is currently
in Azerbaijani capital Baku to attend meeting of foreign ministers
of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
The meeting focused on Kars-Tbilisi-Javakheti (Ahilkelek)-Baku
Railway Project.
Gul stressed that transportation ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and
Georgia should come together to overcome several difficulties about
the project.
“Georgia has some serious hesitations. Turkey can help Georgia to
remove those hesitations,” he said.
Noting that Armenia might join the project, Gul said that private
companies in Kazakhstan were interested in construction of the project.
Meanwhile, President Aliyev said that they attached importance to
the railway project.
The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline was also high on agenda
of the meeting.
President Aliyev said that the inclusion of Kazakhstan in the pipeline
was a historic development.
Referring to Iran`s nuclear activities, President Aliyev said that
Turkey`s role was of great importance to this end.
President Aliyev said that they appreciated Gul`s efforts to resolve
the issue through diplomatic ways.
The Upper Karabakh dispute, recent developments in Palestine and
activities of the OIC were also taken up at the meeting.
Gul invited President Aliyev to attend the Summit of Turkish-Speaking
Countries in Turkey in fall.