JUMP ON HISTORY BANDWAGON WHILE YOU CAN
By Jeff Schmucker
Atchison Daily Globe, KS
Oct 13 2005
I believe it was Max Lerner who once said, “The so-called lessons of
history are for the most part the rationalizations of the victors.
History is written by the survivors.”
Other arguably more famous people in history have used or paraphrased
this quote, by saying: “History is written by the victors” but the
meaning seems to hold true.
After all, you won’t read many books glorifying the Nazi regime from
World War II because, as many readers probably (and should) know,
they “lost” the war.
But history isn’t just about winners and losers; it tells the story
of where we’ve been and how far we’ve come as a civilization. If we
study it closely, it will also warn us of mistakes best not repeated.
So the question is, if history is so important, why don’t public
schools emphasize teaching it at the same level as English and
mathematics?
With so many tests and standards, teachers seem forced to teach the
curriculum based on ensuring students can pass multiple tests, but
not necessarily whether they are truly learning about the subject.
History isn’t something you can really cram. It’s very encompassing,
and there are many elements surrounding a time period that are needed
to be known to truly understand.
With so many government requirements for teachers, different ethnic
groups are jumping on the history bandwagon by petitioning lawmakers
to ensure the history of their group’s struggles are included in
school history lessons.
According to a story on CNN’s web site called,
“Schools directed to expand history curriculums”
(),
along with studies on the Holocaust, Civil War and slavery, the
Great Depression, segregation and other American history subjects,
groups are also pushing for students in different states to learn
about Cesar Chavez, a farm labor activist, the Irish potato famine,
Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, the Armenian genocide of the early
1900s and other historic events and issues.
When you pile these on top of world history and geography, it’s simple
to see that teachers and students have a full plate before test time.
Then is it any wonder people are ignorant of basic geography and
history?
If you watch Jay Leno’s “Jay Walking,” you’ll see some sad examples
of how easily people forget information they supposedly learned in
grade school.
“Name two states that do not border the United States,” Mr. Leno
asks someone.
“Uh…is it Canada and Mexico,” answers the participant.
Somewhere in the United States, there is a history/geography teacher
clenching his or her fists and asking, “Why do I bother?”
While I know Alaska and Hawaii are the two states not connected to
the other 48 states, there are many historical and geographical facts
that I know I should know, but I’m as ignorant as the thousands or
millions of other people.
And how can we reduce this problem when history happens every day?
I’m sure it was much easier for teachers to teach history before World
War II and onward when more than 50 years of history wasn’t included
in their lesson plans.
There we go again, adding more work for teachers as they were forced to
add World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the civil rights era
and Desert Storm to their list along with other historical information.
So what does or does not get taught?
When Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, by Japanese aircraft,
I bet many people thought, “No one will ever forget this gruesome
day in history.”
Talk to someone in their 20s or even 30s and ask them when Pearl
Harbor was attacked. You may be shocked to discover how many don’t
know. You may be even more shocked to discover how many think Germany
or China was responsible.
Give it a couple of decades and I’m sure people will vaguely remember
9/11. It’ll just be one of those events that happened a long time ago.
So for you parents, teachers and lawmakers who feel certain time
periods should be taught in school, you’d better jump on the history
bandwagon while you can. History is happening and it won’t be too
long before other important events are forgotten.
———-
Jeff Schmucker, a Globe reporter, can be reached at 367-0583, Ext.
214, or [email protected].

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
October 13, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
INTERNATIONAL OPPOSITION CONTINUES TO MOUNT AGAINST
CAUCASUS RAILROAD PROPOSAL THAT BYPASSES ARMENIA
— European Commission Rules Out Support for Turkish
Railroad Proposal that would Institutionalize
Turkey’s Closed Border with Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC – The European Commission has added its voice to the
growing international opposition to a Caucasus railroad proposal by
the Turkish government that would, if built, institutionalize
Turkey’s border closure with Armenia, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
The Commission’s position was articulated this week by the
Directorate General for Transport and Energy. In explaining why
the European Union would not support the creation of this rail
line, the Directorate noted that its construction was both
unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing railroad
connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi. This line, which passes
through Armenia, was effectively shut down more than a decade ago
by Turkey’s imposition of its blockade of Armenia, which continues
to this day.
The Commission’s adoption of this position comes in response to a
May 21st letter from Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian to
Jacques Barrot, Deputy Chairman of the European Commission. In
this letter, the Foreign Minister outlined the destabilizing
implications of the proposed route bypassing Armenia, and stressed
the willingness of the government of Armenia to cooperate in the
reactivation of the existing Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway, which
remains fully functional but unused due to the unilateral Turkish
blockade.
“We welcome the wise position taken by the European Commission
against Turkey’s most recent effort to effectively institutionalize
its border closure with Armenia. The well founded concerns raised
by the Commission reflect and reinforce those being addressed in
the U.S. Congress by the South Caucasus Integration and Open
Railroads Act,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In
pressing forward so recklessly with this politically motivated
proposal, Turkey openly disregards the Administration’s repeated
calls to end its decade-long border closure with Armenia. Clearly,
this disregard must be recognized and reckoned with by the U.S.
Congress, which should, in the coming weeks, act in an urgent and
decisive manner to check Turkey’s growing indifference to U.S.
priorities in the region.”
On July 21st, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and
Frank Pallone (D-NJ), along with Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA),
introduced legislation addressing this issue by barring U.S.
financing for such rail projects circumventing Armenia. The ANCA
welcomed this bipartisan effort, noting that it would protect U.S.
taxpayers from subsidizing a totally unnecessary and regionally
destabilizing proposal by Turkey aimed at isolating Armenia. The
measure, known as the “South Caucasus Integration and Open
Railroads Act of 2005” (H.R.3361), currently has 39 House
cosponsors and is gaining support from both sides of the aisle.
The text of the legislation notes “the exclusion of Armenia from
regional economic and commercial undertakings in the South Caucasus
undermines the United States policy goal of promoting a stable and
cooperative environment in the region.” In its operative section,
the legislation prohibits U.S. assistance “to develop or promote
any rail connections or railway-related connections that do not
traverse or connect with Armenia, but do traverse or connect Baku,
Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey.” Specific forms of
U.S. assistance prohibited would include: foreign economic and
development aid, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Trade and
Development Agency, and the Export-Import Bank.
The ANCA raised this issue publicly as early as June 10th of this
year in a question to Foreign Minister Oskanian, during a briefing
at the National Press Club. Minister Oskanian expressed concern
that this would be a wasteful undertaking for the international
community. He said that they [Turkey] are “planning on spending
something from $600 million to $1 billion to put that railroad in
place.”
The Minister closed his comments, by stressing that, “This is in no
one’s interest – not the U.S. or European Union or the countries
involved. I have raised this issue with the Administration and
they understand, they promised to follow this, and to try to talk
them [the Turkish government] out of engaging in this type of
senseless, useless activity.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkey and Armenia

Targeting the Peacemakers
The recent conviction of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink for
“debasing Turkish identity,” reveals the flaws inherent in the Turkish
judicial system. Reactionary judges, argues the German Green Party’s Cem
Özdemir, bar the way to essential processes of reform on the road to
entry into the European Union.
Spiegel Online (Germany)
October 13, 2005
By Cem Özdemir
For a section of the Armenian diaspora and more than a few narrow-minded
critics of Turkey in Europe, he is “contradiction personified.” In fact,
he should not even exist. Hrant Dink is an Armenian in Turkey, actively
supporting the Turkish democratic movement and sensing an opportunity
for reconciliation with his own history. But Dink, and others like him,
are caught between a rock and a hard place.
The editor-in-chief of Agos, the Armenian-Turkish weekly newspaper, is
not short of adversaries. At the forefront are the Turkish
Ultra-Nationalists, who would like to see him silenced sooner rather
than later. Their allies in Turkey’s judiciary underlined these
sentiments again recently. On Oct. 7, an Istanbul court sentenced Dink
to six months in jail for a “crime of ideas.” The sentence was suspended
on the grounds that he had no previous convictions.
Dink’s case highlights the flaws in the new Turkish penal code. It gives
reactionary judges and prosecutors ample scope to position themselves
consciously as the protectors of true “Turkishness” and to thwart
Ankara’s efforts to bring about reform. Indeed, elements of the judicial
apparatus are quite blatantly set against the European Union aspirations
of the AKP government and the Turkish civil rights movement. By putting
intellectual figureheads like Dink or the German Publishers’ Association
Peace Prize Winner Orhan Pamuk in the dock, the judiciary is sending
unequivocal signals to Ankara and Brussels. The timing of the charges is
anything but coincidental. Reactionary forces in the justice system are
thus adding timely weight to opposition of Turkish entry into the EU,
whether those opponents are in Turkey itself or in the European Union.
“We know very well what happened,” Dink said. If the conference on the
historical question of Armenia had been cancelled yet again, shortly
before the slated start of EU accession talks on Oct. 3, Turkish
opponents of entry to the EU would likely have had a major victory on
their hands.
Derailment was ultimately only avoided thanks to an unlikely alliance
between liberal civil rights campaigners and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan’s Islamic-Conservative government.
This was not exactly what the ultra-nationalists had in mind.
Yet even as the protesters gathered in numbers outside the conference
center to exercise their democratic right to free speech, they at the
same time wanted to deny those talking inside the same right. Turkey is
going to have to get used to this sort of schizophrenia, which is
symptomatic of the pain that comes with reform, as felt by reactionary
sections of the population and the state.
Dink’s courageous efforts as one of the organizers were a major catalyst
in making the conference actually happen. Even the most ardent skeptics
with regard to the killings were swayed enough to reconsider when
challenged by the compelling Dink. Many in the crowd of scientists,
intellectuals, politicians and journalists were moved to tears as he
spoke of an Armenian woman from the Turkish town of Sivas. It was the
story of a woman who had lived in Paris and whose greatest wish was to
be buried in the place where she and her ancestors had lived for centuries.
The telephone calls that followed Dink’s television appearances have
become legendary. Some Turkish people come forward to reveal Armenian
roots which they have hitherto kept hidden. Others report traces of
Armenian life in their local areas and ask for assistance in preserving
this cultural legacy. On one occasion, a whole village turned up in the
newspaper offices: descendents of Turkish Armenians who had fled for
safety to their Alevite neighbors in the Tunceli region (Dersim) in
1915, when persecution was at its worst.
Dink’s prime concern is the future of Armenian and Christian minorities
in a cosmopolitan, secular Turkey as part of Europe. He is intent on
looking forward, not wanting the past to stand in the way of the future.
Facing up to the past should, in his eyes, find its way onto the agenda
as part of a natural process of increasing freedom of opinion and
democracy. Turkish acceptance of the claims that genocide was inflicted
on the Armenian people is being touted by some as a precondition of
Turkish membership in the EU. Dink feels this is playing too readily
into the hands of the reactionaries, who are determined to see an end to
Turkey’s EU ambitions. Nonetheless, he sees reconciliation with Armenia
as a high priority, hence his campaigning for the opening of the border
between Turkey and Armenia.
His strategy is as unorthodox as it is effective. He does not allow
himself to get entangled in cynical discussions about whether the number
of Armenians murdered was 600,000 or 1.5 million. Instead, he confronts
the Turkish people with a history of which they either were ignorant, or
had only learned about through distorted channels of propaganda. His
arguments are persuasive, bringing to light what Turkey has irrevocably
lost in their destruction and denial of Armenian life. “If the Armenians
were alive today, Van (once a predominantly Armenian city in the East of
Turkey) would be the Paris of the East,” he says. Dink surprises his
people with unexpected ideas. He has proposed, for example, a memorial
to the slaughtered Armenians in Turkey. A memorial for the Turks who
fell at the hands of Armenian freedom fighters already exists.
He has also paid a price for his nonconformist views. Just a few years
ago, Dink was denied a passport by the Turkish state. He was considered
“unreliable” and was not permitted to leave the country. In spite of his
great endeavors to promote constructive debate and reconciliation
between the Armenians and the Turks, he still has to face criticism from
the Armenian diaspora. They accuse him of betraying the Armenian cause,
denounce him as a lackey in the pocket of the Turks. This is the same
man who has been brought before the Turkish courts with the very real
prospect of a prison sentence.
In the offending newspaper article, Dink is said to have insulted
“Turkishness,” as the judge put it. In fact, his column was aimed at the
Armenian diaspora. Dink’s appeal left no room for misinterpretation: The
Armenian diaspora should surrender their hostility to the Turks,
hitherto a defining element of Armenian identity. Even independent
assessors brought in by the courts could not find any disparaging
references to Turkey in his comments.
Dink’s main concern is neither the heated controversy about the past,
nor the instrumentalization of historical events. When asked by a
journalist whether genocide had taken place, he replied: “For us
Armenians, there is no discussion on that issue. We know very well what
happened.” Although he maintains that one should concentrate on looking
forward, whilst learning from the past, his reaction to his court
sentence reveals deep disappointment in his home country, Turkey. He
intends to take all legal measures available to prove his innocence. If
the sentence is not revoked, he plans to leave the country.
This should not be seen as a threat — that is not Dink’s nature.
Nevertheless, the Turkish government does need to take note of what his
statement signifies. The new penal code, which only came into effect on
June 1, 2005, is already in need of another overhaul. The law needs to
be implemented in such a way that it cannot be used as a weapon against
free speech. Nor should it be possible for judges or prosecutors to
exploit it in ways that would impede reform in Turkey. A prime minister
who was, himself, imprisoned for reciting a religious poem ought to be
well aware of that.
Cem Özdemir, 39, is a German of Turkish origin and a member of the
European Parliament in Strasbourg, where he also serves as the foreign
policy spokesman for the Green Party.

PHOTO CAPTION – DPA: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan prevented the
worst from happening, but protesters stil turned out to try to disrupt a
recent conference on Armenia.
PHOTO CAPTION – AFP: Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink: “We know
what happened.”
PHOTO CAPTION – AFP: The Turkish massacre in Armenia claimed the lives
of between 600,000 and 1.5 million people when it took place between
1915-17.
PHOTO CAPTION – AP: Turkish author Orhan Pamuk: Intellectual reformers
are being subjected to intimidation.
,1518,379511,00.html
,1518,379511,00.html

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Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
October 13, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
U.S. HELSINKI COMMISSION BLASTS TURKEY
— Congressional Panel Calls on Turkey to Face its History;
Drop Charges Against Writer for Armenian Genocide Remarks
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today welcomed efforts by leaders of the U.S. Helsinki Commission
to press Turkey to end the prosecution of noted Turkish writer
Orhan Pamuk for speaking openly about the Armenian Genocide in
violation of the Turkish penal code, which criminalizes public
discourse about this crime against humanity.
In a letter sent this week to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, Helsinki Commissioners encouraged him to authorize the
removal of charges against Pamuk, who was charged with “public
denigration of the Turkish identity,” for comments made in
Switzerland about the Armenian Genocide.
“We appreciate all that Congressman Smith and Senator Brownback are
doing to encourage Turkey to honestly face its history and come to
terms with the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian. “Their efforts are in the best tradition of
America’s proud leadership on human rights, and reflect the growing
Congressional consensus that Turkey – at long last – must
immediately end its hateful campaign of genocide denial.”
In a remark earlier today, Commission Chairman Senator Sam
Brownback (R-KS) stressed that “Dropping the charges against Orhan
Pamuk is not sufficient for Turkey to come to grips with its past,
but it is necessary,” commented Brownback. “If nothing else, the
prosecution of Pamuk feeds the worst fears of those who are
skeptical about Turkey’s commitment to freedom and democracy.”
Co-Chairman Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) noted today that, “A
stable democracy cannot blossom until the government ends the
practice of stifling free speech and removes the clouds of
deception and censorship from a true telling of history.” He added
that, “Turkey has barely taken the first steps toward coming to
terms with its history. Until the Turks honestly and openly
discuss their history, their democracy will never be on a firm
foundation.”
The U.S. Helsinki Commission, also known as Commission on Security
and Cooperation in Europe, is a U.S. Government agency that
monitors progress in the implementation of the 1975 Helsinki
Accords. The Commission consists of nine members from the United
States Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one each
from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENPAC, The Armenian-American Political Action Committee
421 E. Airport Freeway, Suite 201
Irving, Texas 75220
Contact: Jason P. Capizzi, Esq.
Tel: (972) 635-5347
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: <; ARMENPAC HOSTS MAJOR COMMUNITY EVENT IN MICHIGAN Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Knollenberg and Assistant Majority Whip McCotter Attend Irving, TX - ARMENPAC, along with over 80 new members from the Michigan Armenian-American community, gathered last week to recognize the Michigan Congressional Delegation's steadfast support of Armenian-American issues. Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), as well as a representative of Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI), attended the event in Northville, Michigan; although a scheduling conflict prevented Congressman Joe Schwarz (R-MI) from participating, a letter was read on his behalf which expressed the Congressman's committed support of our community. ARMENPAC Co-Chair Edgar Hagopian welcomed and thanked the Congressmen and community activists alike for their "devotion and support of Armenian-American issues." ARMENPAC hosted this event to provide our elected officials in Washington, D.C. and local community members the opportunity to directly discuss Armenian-American issues. Congressman Joe Knollenberg, who is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, began the evening by updating the group on current legislative initiatives pending in Congress that relate to Armenia; namely the Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.316) and The South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005 (H.R.3361). "I am hopeful that these initiatives will eventually succeed, as Turkey is facing increasing pressure from various sources to recognize the Armenian Genocide and maintain good relations with Armenia should it wish to be accepted into the European Union," said Congressman Knollenberg. H.Res.316 calls upon the President: 1.) to ensure that United States foreign policy reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of the failure to realize a just resolution; and 2.) in the President's annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide to characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide, and to recall the proud history of United States intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide. H.R.3361 prohibits United States Assistance to develop or promote rail connections or railway-related connections that do not traverse or connect with Armenia, and do traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey. "ARMENPAC thanks both Congressmen for their distinguished leadership on behalf of our community, and for their participation in this event," said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Edgar Hagopian. "Our community must continually engage our elected officials in similar dialogues, independent of such events, regarding those issues that are important to us in order to ensure that our concerns will be adequately represented in Congress. We are privileged and very appreciative of our elected officials' attention and commitment to our community, especially Congressmen Knollenberg and McCotter, who were determined to attend this event despite the bad weather in Washington, D.C." "It was a tremendous opportunity to attend and witness in person the grassroots power of the Armenian Community," said Congressman Thaddeus McCotter. At the end of the evening, ARMENPAC presented each Congressperson with a plaque, engraved with William Saroyan's famous verse regarding the resilience of Armenians, for display in their office. ARMENPAC is an independent, bipartisan political action committee established to shape public policy by raising awareness of, and advocating for, Armenian-American issues. ARMENPAC provides financial support to federal officeholders, candidates, political action committees and organizations that actively support issues of importance to Armenian-Americans. For more information and how to join ARMENPAC, please visit ###

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10/13/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Tension Runs High in Akhalkalak 2) His Holiness Aram I Presides over Holy High Mass at St. Mary's Church in Glendale with Over 1,000 People in Attendance 3) US Says Turkey Exerts Excessive Control over Religious Activity 4) Councilman Eric Garcetti Visits Armenia 5) AYF Eastern Region Members Gather for Annual Seminar 1) Tension Runs High in Akhalkalak AKHALKALAK (Armenpress)--Around 1,000 anti-Armenian Russian-language posters carrying the state emblem of Turkey were found pasted to buildings in Akhalkalak in southern Georgia on Tuesday morning. Signed `The Akhaltsikhe Liberation Army,' the posters ordered local Armenians to move out of the region, to Armenia, USA and elsewhere, otherwise `be slaughtered as your grandparents were in 1915.' Local Armenian organizations and many residents of the town say this is another attempt to terrorize local Armenians and destabilize the mostly Armenian populated region. The local administration convened an extraordinary session with law-enforcement bodies urging them to track down and punish the perpetrators. Akhalkalak, the main town in the predominantly Armenian-populated Javakhk region of Georgia, which borders Armenia, was the site of a protest rally on October 5, after tax officials from Tbilisi closed ten shops for alleged financial irregularities. The shop owners, mostly ethnic Armenians, and about 300 supporters, gathered outside the Akhalkalak's administration building to protest the violation of their rights. Local police dispersed the rally using rubber truncheons and firing shots in the air. The clash between the authorities and the protesters left several people injured. Police efforts to break up the rally prompted more residents of Akhalkalak and nearby villages to join the protest, making the situation even more tense. Giorgi Khachidze, the governor of the region appointed by Geornia's President, managed to calm the angry crowd through negotiations. Khachidze criticized the police for excessive use of force and promised to hold some of them accountable. `In my opinion, they had no right to fire shots, even in the air,' he was quoted by Rustavi-2 TV as saying on October 6. Meanwhile, President Mikhail Saakashvili hailed police actions, saying, `there is no serious problem' and emphasized that law-enforcement officials were merely maintaining order in a region that had been poorly controlled in recent years. Saakashvili and other Georgian officials have tried to downplay the latest events in Akhalkalak, claming that the radical organizations advocating autonomy for the region do not enjoy serious popular support. 2) His Holiness Aram I Presides over Holy High Mass at St. Mary's Church in Glendale with Over 1,000 People in Attendance Catholicos Blesses Stone for New Glendale Community Center LOS ANGELES--Over 1,000 people attended Holy High Mass conducted by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, at St. Mary's Church in Glendale on October 9. The Homenetmen scouts marching band welcomed the Catholicos on his arrival as they played the national anthems of the United States and Armenia. Hundreds of people welcomed His Holiness outside while the church was filled to capacity inside with people eagerly awaiting his arrival. Immediately after his arrival, His Holiness, accompanied by both Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western United States and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern United States, proceeded to prepare for the day's mass. The procession into the church began when the Pontiff and the surrounding clergy reemerged wearing their special robes and dress for the mass. With the Homenetmen scouts lining both sides, when the procession reached the front church steps, His Holiness conducted a special blessing after which white doves were released and the Catholicos and the procession entered St. Mary's. In addition to the community at large, present were public officials including Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian, Glendale Police Chief Randy Adams and representatives from Western Prelacy committees and councils. Also present were representatives from many other community organizations. After services, His Holiness conducted a special service at the property adjacent to St. Mary's Church where there are plans to build a new, modern community center. Nazaret Apanian, representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Aharonian Gomideh stated that the community center plans have been in development during the last few years and that it will house the activities of the various community organizations, especially those serving the youth as well as a Saturday and Sunday school. After brief remarks introducing the project, the Catholicos blessed the soil on which the center will be built as well as the cornerstone that will be used in the building. `Any community center that stands in the diaspora for the purpose of serving the people is a little piece of Armenia,' said His Holiness Aram I. `It is a part of our homeland with the mission of preserving and spreading our Armenian values.' Fresno Mayor Pledges Monument for Armenian Genocide Victims FRESNO--The Mayor of Fresno, California expressed readiness to undertake the building of a Genocide monument in the near future to honor the victims of the Armenian genocide. Mayor Alan Autry made the announcement on the occasion of a visit to the city by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, and as a response to a request by His Holiness. Mayor Autry said that the first step would be to target an appropriate location for the memorial. Fresno Armenian community members embraced the announcement, saying that it is a step in right direction in establishing justice. 3) US Says Turkey Exerts Excessive Control over Religious Activity ARMENPRESS--A recent report by the United States Mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) criticized Turkey for exerting excessive state control over minority religions, saying the Muslim country risks eroding the centuries-old Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul, as well as the historic Syriac and Armenian Orthodox churches. The report, which was delivered to the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw on September 28, also called on Turkey to clarify the legal status of 55 Protestant Churches that have been unable to register in Turkey and are vulnerable to closure and harassment. `We regret that authorities continue to inhibit the opening of places of worship outside the Sunni Muslim mainstream and systematically disregard the OSCE's 1990 Bonn Document by expropriating the properties of religious groups without compensation,' the US statement said. Concurrently, the European Court of Human Rights is weighing a decision on the property rights of two minority foundations in Turkey. The Soorp Purgich Armenian Hospital Foundation and the Fener Greek Boys High School Foundation filed cases against Turkey arguing that they are in compliance with the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne. The 1923 Treaty affords protection to foundations that provide public services for religious minorities. In both cases, property gifted to the Armenian and Greek foundations were seized as the Turkish courts upheld orders declaring that the bequest violated a decree disallowing non-Muslims from donating real estate. If the court rules in favor of the foundations, hundreds of buildings seized in the past may be returned. 4) Councilman Eric Garcetti Visits Armenia Councilmember Visits Armenian Heartland in an Attempt to Create Sister City Relationship with Yerevan LOS ANGELES--As a part of an official delegation of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR), Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti recently returned from a nearly week and a half long trip Armenia, where he met Armenian local and national political leadership. The delegation included Garcetti's staff members Baydsar Thomasian and Lynette Amerian with husband Bruce Bogstad, and ANCA-WR Board members Leonard Manoukian and Vahagn Thomasian. On their arrival, Councilmember Garcetti and the delegation were greeted with a warm welcome by the Armenian officials as well as American expatriates. Local television crews who waited until three in the morning to interview Councilmember Garcetti were also on hand. The following day, the delegation met with several Parliamentary leaders including Levon Mkrtchian, Armen Rustamian and the Mayor of Yerevan, Yervand Zakharian. During these meetings, Garcetti and the Armenian officials discussed creating a Sister City relationship between Los Angeles and Yerevan, and issues that are of concern to both the diasporan and native Armenian communities. `The meetings were all very encouraging about establishing a Sister City agreement with Yerevan and using the Sister City relationship to promote economic, cultural, and political interaction between the two municipalities,' said Councilmember Eric Garcetti. `We looked at cooperation on the issues of law enforcement and we explored possible cooperation around seismic standards for buildings, considering we both live with fault lines in and around our cities.' Throughout the remainder of their trip, as Garcetti and the delegation traveled through the highlands of Armenia, they met with US Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans, and the Deputy Minister on Foreign Affairs, Arman Kirakossian. During these meetings, they discussed the possibilities for development and success of both cities, if a Sister City relationship were to be established. Ambassador Evans spoke of his thoughts on creating a program in which the police and fire departments of the City of Los Angeles and Yerevan would work with one another in an exchange of knowledge and ideas in order to promote the capabilities of each. `I am very hopeful of the outcome Councilmember Garcetti's trip to Armenia will have for both the residents of Los Angeles and Yerevan. It will undoubtedly create a relationship in which both cities will benefit from one another,' said delegation member and ANCA-WR Board member Vahagn Thomasian. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean joined Garcetti and his delegation on their visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Together, they planted trees in a grove where elected officials from around the world have done the same in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed by the Ottoman Turkish government. `The truth is that the Armenian genocide took place 90 years ago,' said DNC Chairman Howard Dean.'Over a million people were killed. There is no question that the United States should recognize this.' Dean's visit to Armenia was spurred by an invitation by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). During his short trip, which lasted a few days, he stressed his support of the Armenian American community's efforts to gain recognition for the Armenian Genocide. He also went on to express his support for the congressional resolutions that urges President Bush to `accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide' in his annual message to the US-Armenian community. Garcetti was first elected in 2001, becoming one of the youngest Councilmembers elected in the city's history. He represents the 13th district, which is known as the heart of Los Angeles, and stretches between Hollywood and Downtown and includes the area known as `Little Armenia.' 5) AYF Eastern Region Members Gather for Annual Seminar WATERTOWN--On October 8, members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Eastern Region gathered in Paramus, NJ, for the organization's annual Senior Seminar. Participants from Providence, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC, attended the seminar, which included lectures on the current status of the organization; an overview of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF); and a discussion on what it means to be Armenian. Lead by AYF regional advisor Zorab Khaligian from Racine, Wisconsin, the group talked about the dimensions of what it means to be Armenian and what types of activities are included in its definition. Khaligian asked the group to put the discussion into perspective. "We have all of this commitment, socialization, but what are we doing with it? Going with the flow and being at events is great, but what about taking the next step? If you remain stagnant, then there will be no AYF," said Khaligian. "We have our monthly meetings to discuss chapter dynamics and the successes or failures that occur within our own cities. It is important for us, however, to take time out to meet with the leaders and active members of other chapters to discuss our organization as a whole," said Philadelphia AYF chapter president Anglela Deese, who attended the seminar. "This year's event was a chance for us to discuss those issues, such as the ways in which we can run the AYF most efficiently and successfully. I believe that a weekend like this helps us take ownership of the AYF; this is easy to do within our own communities back home. But we must remember that we are part of a group of youth striving for the same goal, and as a part of ARF youth, we strive for this goal not only in our own cities, but with the rest of our ungers all over the world," she said. "I believe that this meeting was a successful event for two reasons. First, it addressed important issues that our organization faces and presented solutions. And secondly, the lectures and discussions were different than the usual take on the subjects," said New Jersey AYF attendee Razmig Tchaghlasian. 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) 2005 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.

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Prelate, Western United States
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
Email: [email protected]
For more information:
Zanku Armenian (818) 243-3557
Mercata Group
His Holiness Aram I Presides Over Holy High Mass at St. Mary’s Church in
Glendale with Over 1,000 People in Attendance
Catholicos Blesses Stone for New Glendale Community Center

(Los Angeles, CA – October 13, 2005) – Over 1,000 people were in attendance
as His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, conducted
Holy High Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale on October 9, 2005. The
Homenetmen scouts marching band welcomed the Catholicos upon his arrival as
they played the national anthems of the United States and Armenia. Hundreds
of people welcomed His Holiness outside while the church was filled to
capacity inside with people eagerly awaiting his arrival.
Immediately after his arrival, His Holiness, accompanied by both Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western United States and Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern United States, proceeded to prepare
for the day’s mass. The procession into the church began when the Pontiff
and the surrounding clergy reemerged wearing their special robes and dress
for the mass. With the Homenetmen scouts lining both sides, when the
procession reached the front church steps, His Holiness conducted a special
blessing after which white doves were released and the Catholicos and the
procession entered St. Mary’s.
In addition to the community at large, present were public officials
including Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian, Glendale Police Chief Randy Adams
and representatives from Western Prelacy committees and councils. Also
present were representatives from many other community organizations.
After the services His Holiness conducted a special service at the property
adjacent to St. Mary’s Church where there are plans to build a new, modern
community center. Nazaret Apanian, representative of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation Aharonian Gomideh stated that the community center
plans have been in development during the last few years and that it will
house the activities of the various community organizations, especially
those serving the youth as well as a Saturday and Sunday school. After
brief remarks introducing the project, the Catholicos blessed the soil on
which the center will be built as well as the cornerstone that will be used
in the building.
“Any community center that stands in the diaspora for the purpose of serving
the people is a little piece of Armenia,” said His Holiness Aram I. “It is
a part of our homeland with the mission of preserving and spreading our
Armenian values.”

RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
_________________________________________ ____________________
RFE/RL Iran Report
Vol. 8, No. 40, 12 October 2005
A Review of Developments in Iran Prepared by the Regional Specialists
of RFE/RL’s Newsline Team
************************************************************
HEADLINES:
* SYSTEMIC CHANGES COULD WEAKEN ELECTED OFFICIALS, BALANCE
GOVERNMENT
* ARMED FORCES HOLD MANEUVERS IN NORTHWEST
* WOMEN TO DRIVE SCOOTERS AGAIN IN TEHRAN
* TEHRAN AMONG WORST PLACES TO LIVE
* JOURNALIST COMPLAINS OF SHOOT-TO-KILL POLICY
* HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS DEMAND LAWYER’S FREEDOM
* THREE KURDISH JOURNALISTS INDICTED IN IRAN
* STOCK EXCHANGE HAS LONG-TERM DIFFICULTIES
* IRAN MIGHT RUN OUT OF OIL IN 90 YEARS
* U.S. REITERATES CONCERN FOR IRAN’S PURSUIT OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
* U.S. URGES RUSSIA TO HALT NUCLEAR EXCHANGE WITH IRAN
* IRAN OPEN TO RESUMING DISCUSSIONS WITH EU
* NEW PRESIDENT’S DIPLOMACY SPARKS CONTROVERSY
* FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS SOUTHERN NEIGHBORS
* IRAQI PRESIDENT: NO IRANIAN INTERFERENCE
* EXPERTS SAY INFRARED BOMBS USED IN IRAQ CANNOT BE HOMEMADE
************************************************************
SYSTEMIC CHANGES COULD WEAKEN ELECTED OFFICIALS, BALANCE GOVERNMENT.
The formal decision-making apparatus in the Iranian government has
undergone a significant change in the last few days. This change,
which gives the unelected Expediency Council supervisory powers over
the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, has
been met with criticism from members of parliament. This development
reduces the power of elected officials, but it could also reflect an
attempt to restore balance to a system heavily dominated by younger
hard-liners.
Enhanced Council Powers
Mohsen Rezai, secretary of the Expediency Council, was quoted
on 2 October by “Sharq” — as well as “Aftab-i Yazd,” “Etemad,”
“Farhang-i Ashti,” and “Hemayat” — as saying that Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently approved the council’s oversight
of the system’s policies. In other words, he said, the council
will supervise the three branches of government and report on their
performance to the supreme leader.
Rezai said Khamenei wanted the council to perform this
function some eight years earlier, but the necessary laws did not
exist. About one year ago the council began work on the required
statute, under which the heads of the executive, legislative, and
judicial branches must comply with whatever the Expediency Council
says. Khamenei signed off on this about two months ago, according to
Rezai.
“Sharq” cited Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Ali-Akbar
Hashemi-Rafsanjani as saying previously that the supreme leader can
delegate some of his responsibilities to others (per Article 110 of
the constitution), and Rezai said this is what is taking place. Rezai
referred specifically to oversight of the system’s general
policies, the fourth economic-development plan, and the 20-year plan.
This appears to be a significant enhancement of the
Expediency Council’s powers. When the council was created in
February 1988, its primary purpose was to adjudicate in disputes over
legislation between the Guardians Council and the parliament. Soon
after its creation, it began to frame legislation — something that
ended only after 100 parliamentarians complained to the supreme
leader. According to Article 112 of the Iranian Constitution, the
council advises the supreme leader, and he consults with it when he
wants to revise the constitution.
Fourth Branch?
Some members of parliament were quick to criticize the
granting of new powers to the Expediency Council. Tabriz
parliamentary representative Akbar Alami warned against making the
council a fourth branch of government, “Etemad” and “Farhang-i Ashti”
reported on 3 October. Alami said the legislature has the lead in
national affairs. He cited Articles 6, 56, and 62, which say,
respectively, that national affairs must be administered on the basis
of elections; the people exercise sovereignty based on the separation
of powers; and the people’s representatives are elected directly
by secret ballot. Alami also cited Articles 71 and 76, which say the
legislature can establish laws and the legislature has the right to
examine and investigate national affairs. Alami referred to Article
90, which states that an individual can forward a complaint about one
of the branches of government to the legislature, and the legislature
must investigate this complaint.
On the basis of the constitution, therefore, only the
legislature can supervise the legislature, Alami said. “If this
process continues, the principle of national sovereignty and its
representation through the parliament will be exposed to serious
danger,” he said.
Another legislator, Reza Talai-Nik of Bahar and Kabudarahang,
said that Article 110 only applies to supervision over the
system’s macro-policies, “Etemad” reported. “It is the
responsibility of the Expediency Council to decide to what extent the
country is moving within the context of the macro-policies of the
system and evaluating those policies,” he explained. “However, this
does not mean supervision over executive affairs. Supervising the
executive affairs is part of the responsibilities of the legislative
power.”
Vehicle For Influence
The Expediency Council, which Hashemi-Rafsanjani has chaired
for approximately 15 years, is a vehicle for his political influence
and power. But some observers believe that Hashemi-Rafsanjani and
Khamenei are political competitors, and that Khamenei threw his
weight behind Hashemi-Rafsanjani’s adversary in the June
presidential race. This most recent development argues against this
interpretation of power relationships in Iran. Nor is this the first
time Khamenei has granted significant power to the Expediency
Council. In August 2001, for example, Khamenei had the Expediency
Council determine the circumstances under which President Mohammad
Khatami could be inaugurated.
Perhaps the greater significance of the Expediency
Council’s new powers is that it is another case in which an
unelected institution has been given power over elected ones.
Moreover, it could reflect an effort to restore some sort of balance
to the country’s politics, in which hard-liners have come to
dominate the executive and legislative branches. (Bill Samii)
ARMED FORCES HOLD MANEUVERS IN NORTHWEST. More than 15,000 members of
Iran’s regular armed forces participated in the Joshan exercises
in northwestern Iran that began on 30 September, Fars News Agency
reported. Participants in the three-day exercises in West Azerbaijan
and East Azerbaijan provinces included electronic-warfare,
helicopter, artillery, and engineering units, as well as air-force
bombers. Brigadier General Bakhtiari, whom Fars described as the
spokesman for the exercises, said their aim was to improve combat
readiness and help assess officers and noncommissioned officers.
Bakhtiari said before the exercises began that deployment
capabilities, speed and mobility, and irregular-warfare training
would also be tested. (Bill Samii)
WOMEN TO DRIVE SCOOTERS AGAIN IN TEHRAN. Mohsen Ansari, head of the
Tehran traffic police, said on 4 October that Iranian women will be
allowed to drive motor scooters soon and can apply for permits, Radio
Farda reported. In contrast with their Saudi Arabian counterparts,
Radio Farda reported, Iranian women are allowed to drive automobiles.
Women have not been allowed to drive motor scooters since the 1979
Islamic Revolution until the present because of the possibility that
their “curves” might be exposed while doing so, but since
approximately 1991 their presence on motorcycles or bicycles as
passengers has been tolerated. Women’s motorcycling classes were
initiated in Iran three years ago, Radio Farda reported, but they
were closed by the country’s leadership. (Bill Samii)
TEHRAN AMONG WORST PLACES TO LIVE. In a survey of 127 major
international cities, Tehran was rated one of the worst places to
live, Radio Farda reported on 4 October. With a 52 percent rating
from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), most aspects of living in
Tehran are described as “severely restricted.” The EIU survey
considered more than 40 factors in five categories — “stability,
health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.”
The Canadian city of Vancouver was the best place to live, and cities
in Australia, North America, and Western Europe topped the list.
Cities in the Middle East and Africa were the worst places to live.
Tehran was at the top of the 10 worst, scoring higher than Douala,
Cameroon; Harare, Zimbabwe; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Phnom Penh,
Cambodia; Lagos, Nigeria; Karachi, Pakistan; Dhaka, Bangladesh;
Algiers, Algeria; and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (Bill Samii)
JOURNALIST COMPLAINS OF SHOOT-TO-KILL POLICY. Journalist Amir Abbas
Fakhravar, who has been on prison furlough since June, recently
discussed the possibility of being sent back to prison, Radio Farda
reported on 4 October. He told Radio Farda that after the June
presidential election he and several friends decided they would not
return to prison. He said his sister recently went to court to deal
with the case of her imprisoned husband, Mehrdad Heidarpur, and the
officials there informed her that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps
and the Basij have been authorized to shoot Fakhravar if he tries to
elude them. (Bill Samii)
HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS DEMAND LAWYER’S FREEDOM. Radio Farda reported
on 3 October that several Iranian and international human rights
organizations are demanding the release of jailed lawyer Abdolfattah
Soltani, who was detained some two months ago and is in solitary
confinement in Evin prison. Attorney Mohammad Ali Dadkhah told Radio
Farda that Soltani has not been allowed to meet with his lawyers, in
contravention of the law. Dadkhah added that, as far as he knows,
Soltani was allowed to see his family the previous week. The human
rights groups believe that Soltani’s prolonged detention is
connected with the case of Zahra Kazemi, a Canadian photojournalist
who was beaten to death at Evin in summer 2003 (see “RFE/RL Iran
Report,” 14, 21, and 28 July 2003). (Bill Samii)
THREE KURDISH JOURNALISTS INDICTED IN IRAN. The public prosecutor in
the city of Sanandaj has issued indictments for three Iranian-Kurdish
journalists who are in detention, the Iranian Labor News Agency
(ILNA) reported on 3 October. Attorney Abbas Jamali said the warrants
for Ejlal Qavami, Said Saedi, and Roya Tolui refer them to the
Revolutionary Court. Jamali said his clients — Qavami and Saedi —
have been detained for 60 days already, and they are accused of
acting against national security. (Bill Samii)
STOCK EXCHANGE HAS LONG-TERM DIFFICULTIES. Iranian commentators have
recently referred to a “crisis” on the Tehran Stock Exchange. The
slump is particularly evident because the market’s key index
(Tepix) rose by nearly 80 percent between March 2001 and April 2003,
while the indices of exchanges in Frankfurt, London, New York, Paris,
and Tokyo tumbled by 40-70 percent. The gains in Iranian securities
had continued until recently, too, culminating in a tripling of the
key Tehran index in the period from 2001 to May 2005.
The downturn has been attributed to uncertainty over the
future based on the nuclear question, as well as to President Mahmud
Ahmadinejad’s seemingly negative attitude toward the stock
market. These factors might disappear or be resolved, but at least
one economist has noted that the Iranian stock exchange suffers from
deeply entrenched problems. These will be more difficult to resolve.
A Slow Start
The Tehran Stock Exchange began dealing in the shares of a
few private banks and companies, as well as treasury bonds and
state-backed securities, in 1968. By the 1979 Islamic Revolution, 105
firms were listed on the exchange. That number fell to 56 after the
revolution, as private banks were nationalized and enterprises
belonging to the royal family were expropriated. Islamic regulations
against interest payments, Marxist hostility to capitalist
institutions, and the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War all stifled activity on
the stock exchange, economist Jahangir Amuzegar wrote in “Middle East
Economic Survey” in May.
The exchange enjoyed a brief surge from 1994 through 1997
before tapering off. When the annual money supply increased and there
was a mild recession in other prospective areas of investment,
Amuzegar explains, there was a “meteoric boom.” The Privatization
Agency’s initial public offerings (IPOs) contributed to this.
>From March 1999 to March 2003, the Tepix catapulted from 2,206 to
11,400, and trading increased from 1.7 billion shares to 7.9 billion
shares. The exchange hit a high of 13,836 in December 2004.
Indeed, the market was so heated that in August 2003, the
head of the stock exchange forbade any price increases for a two-week
period.
New Concerns
In late September and early October, many observers expressed
concerns over the state of the Iranian market. Hussein Abdeh-Tabrizi,
secretary-general of the stock exchange, hinted at a crisis,
“Farhang-i Ashti” reported on 5 October. Abdeh-Tabrizi said
uncertainty over the nuclear issue undermines investor confidence. He
also said the government and the exchange are trying to determine how
to support the stock market, and he added that offering shares in
state enterprises is one way to motivate prospective investors.
Moderation and Progress Party Secretary-General Mohammad
Baqer Nobakht argued that problems in the stock market are connected
with an unclear economic future, “Aftab-i Yazd” reported on 5
October. The government should stop repeating slogans and offer a
solution, Nobakht urged.
In the 2 October legislative session, Lahijan representative
Iraj Nadimi, rapporteur of the parliamentary Economic Committee,
called on the economy minister to explore the political roots of the
stock-market slump and take action, “Resalat” reported on 3 October.
Nadimi said previously that the legislature would look into the
causes of the market crisis in the coming fortnight, “Iran” newspaper
reported on 1 October. “At the present, the Iranian stock market is
facing some serious problems, and if the reasons for this situation
are not identified and tackled, its consequences will certainly
inflict harm on the country’s economy,” Nadimi said.
The 1 October report in “Iran” newspaper noted that the Tepix
had fallen almost 400 points in the previous two weeks. The paper
added that the head of the exchange, deputy Finance and Economic
Affairs Minister Tahmasb Mazaheri, and other officials had met to
discuss ways to restore normalcy to the market. Participants in the
meeting attributed the situation to “psychological factors” and
concern over the nuclear issue. They called for greater attention and
sensitivity to the issue by the government, they decided to ask major
shareholders to try to prop up purchases, and they considered asking
banks to offer incentives to purchasers of stocks.
Seeking A Government Commitment
An editorial in “Sharq” newspaper on 29 September warned that
if the current pattern continues, the Tepix will be 26 percent lower
than its high point in December 2004. “Sharq” said the trend in the
stock exchange can be reversed “only if the new government displays
an open and strong commitment to open economy by moving toward
privatization, [and] supporting investment.” The editorial also
recommended eliminating corruption and encouraging investment. The
government must prove its interest in “genuine reforms” rather than
“repeating the past,” the paper argued.
The English-language “Iran News” reported on 27 September
that the Iranian stock market was undergoing “one of the most serious
crises in its entire existence…[in the form of] a continuous slump
ever since last June’s presidential election.” The newspaper
reported that many investors are pulling out. “Iran News” attributed
the situation to the reasons described elsewhere: uncertainty,
concern over government plans, and the nuclear issue. The daily added
that investor confidence was further undermined by Economy Minister
Davud Danesh-Jafari’s failure to attend a monthly meeting of the
exchange’s high council.
But the impact of Ahmadinejad’s victory was being felt
just days after the election, in the face of reports that he had
compared the stock market unfavorably with gambling. His
representatives and state media said Ahmadinejad actually favors the
capital market and wants to expand it. And the president-elect
himself said he supported using the stock market to encourage
investment.
Deep-Seated Problems
Uncertainty over the nuclear issue persists. Moreover, this
question continues to adversely affect Iran’s relations with the
international community. These factors are likely to continue to have
a negative impact on investor confidence and the Tehran Stock
Exchange. Ahmadinejad, on the other hand, could implement economic
policies that restore people’s willingness to invest in the
market. This is not a certainty, however, as the president’s
recent comments indicate that he does not fully embrace the role of
an independent exchange. When he discussed economic affairs and the
stock market on 5 October, Ahmadinejad said market fluctuations can
be controlled because 80 percent of the issues belong to state
entities, state television reported.
More deeply entrenched factors suggest the stock exchange has
a risky future. Amuzegar writes in “Middle East Economic Survey” that
the exchange’s governance structure makes it a “virtual appendage
of the state” — its top decision-makers are government officials or
government appointees. Eighty percent of its market value is owned by
state organizations or parastatal institutions, such as the
foundations (bonyad). The exchange is small — of the 680,000
companies registered in the country, only 420 are listed on the
exchange. One hundred of those companies are totally inactive,
Amuzegar points out, and fewer than 200 are traded regularly.
There is a “perpetual imbalance between demand for shares and
their supply,” Amuzegar continues, and there is “insufficient
liquidity.” Furthermore, Western standards of transparency,
enforcement, self-regulation, and disclosure are absent. There is no
equivalent of a Securities and Exchange Commission that can enforce
rules or standards of accountability. On top of that, share prices
are susceptible to manipulation by speculators and others with
insider information or various forms of influence.
Finally, foreign participation remains “fairly limited.”
Foreigners are allowed to buy just 10 percent of any listed company,
and principal, dividends, and capital gains can only be repatriated
after thee years. (Bill Samii)
IRAN MIGHT RUN OUT OF OIL IN 90 YEARS. A conference on the Iranian
nuclear program, “Iran in the 21st Century: Energy and Security,”
took place in Madrid on 3 October, the Islamic Republic News Agency
(IRNA) reported. Morteza Alviri, Iran’s ambassador to Spain and
the former mayor of Tehran, said the conference is a good opportunity
for the improvement of bilateral ties.
Speaking at the same event, Deputy Petroleum Minister Hadi
Nejad-Husseinian said Iran’s oil reserves could be exhausted in
90 years, IRNA reported. Nejad-Husseinian said Iran’s oil
reserves stand at 137 billion barrels and its natural-gas reserves at
29 trillion cubic meters. He said the Middle East will become the
world’s biggest supplier of energy, and that is why “the ruling
neo-conservatives in the U.S.” want to dominate the region. That also
explains U.S. hostility to Iran, he said. He expressed the hope that
Europe will be a more active player in the Iranian energy sector.
Speaking at the same event, Deputy Foreign Minister Ali-Reza
Moayeri said Iran will continue with its nuclear program, IRNA
reported. (Bill Samii)
U.S. REITERATES CONCERN FOR IRAN’S PURSUIT OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
U.S. State Department spokesman Scott McCormack said at a 4 October
press briefing that Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons,
Radio Farda reported. McCormack dismissed Tehran’s claims that it
only seeks the peaceful use of nuclear energy, saying its “objective
is to pursue nuclear weapons.” (Bill Samii)
U.S. URGES RUSSIA TO HALT NUCLEAR EXCHANGE WITH IRAN. Speaking to the
UN General Assembly’s Disarmament Committee on 3 October, acting
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for arms control Stephen Rademaker
said that all governments should halt nuclear trade with Iran in
light of the resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy
Agency on 24 September stressing Tehran’s noncompliance with the
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, AP and other media reported. “We
think it’s self-evident, for example, that in the face of such a
finding, no government should permit new nuclear transfers to Iran
and all ongoing nuclear projects should be frozen,” Rademaker said.
Meanwhile, “an informed source within the Kremlin,” told
RIA-Novosti on 3 October that Russia considers “direct threats or
excessive pressure on Iran” to be “inefficient.” Moscow is concerned
that pressure on Tehran could eventually “push Iran out of the legal
frameworks,” the source said. It added that if confrontation around
the Iranian nuclear program escalates, Russia could suffer more than
Iran because its contract “provides jobs to tens of thousands of
people and hundreds of enterprises,” RIA-Novosti reported. (Victor
Yassman)
IRAN OPEN TO RESUMING DISCUSSIONS WITH EU. President Mahmud
Ahmadinejad said in a 5 October assessment of the first 38 days of
his presidency that Iran is not opposed to negotiations on the
nuclear issue, state television reported. However, he added, Iran
will not accept negotiations that are meant to deprive Iranians of
their rights. Ahmadinejad said European countries other than the EU-3
(France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) have shown an interest in
discussing the nuclear issue with Iran, and these proposals are under
review. Turning to the country’s foreign policy in general,
Ahmadinejad said Iranian diplomats defend the country’s rights
confidently.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Assefi said on
4 October that Iran is willing to resume discussions with the
European Union if there are no preconditions, Mehr News Agency
reported. He said Iran must see acts of goodwill from the Europeans
and they must act like they really want to hold discussions with
Tehran.
One day earlier, foreign ministers of the Council of the
European Union met and discussed Iran. They fully support the
governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s
(IAEA) 24 September resolution, and they urged Iran to implement
measures called for by the IAEA, including suspension of all
fuel-cycle activities. The council reaffirmed its support for a
negotiated solution within the framework of the November 2004 Paris
Agreement.
Javier Solana, the European Union’s high representative
for common foreign and security policy, suggested on 3 October that
the EU is prepared to restart talks if Iran complies with calls to
halt some nuclear-related activities. “If, taking the international
community’s view into account, Iran is ready to halt
uranium-enrichment work, the EU, for its part, will be ready for a
resumption of talks with Tehran,” Interfax news agency quoted him as
saying. Solana said the UN Security Council should increase the
IAEA’s powers to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. “We regard
Iran’s refusal to carry out its obligations under the Treaty on
Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a very serious question, and
we want the UN Security Council to widen IAEA’s powers to resolve
it,” Solana said. An EU-Russia summit is scheduled to begin in London
on 4 October, and the Iranian nuclear program is reportedly on the
agenda.
The day after the IAEA governing board passed a resolution
criticizing Iran for its inadequate cooperation and transparency,
Iranian legislators called on their government to suspend its
voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol of the Nuclear
Nonproliferation Treaty. Legislators put the item at the top of the
parliamentary agenda, but they are still debating the issue.
Kazem Jalali, rapporteur for the National Security and
Foreign Policy Committee, told state radio on 3 October that some
legislators do not believe there is a need for such a bill, because
the government’s implementation of the Additional Protocol
without parliamentary ratification was improper. On 2 October, Jalali
told IRNA that the issue was debated extensively. (Bill Samii)
NEW PRESIDENT’S DIPLOMACY SPARKS CONTROVERSY. On the sidelines of
a pro-nuclear-power rally in Tehran on 7 October, Iranian government
spokesman Gholam Hussein Elham said all the country’s officials
agree with Tehran’s conduct of nuclear negotiations and its
general interaction with other countries, the Islamic Republic News
Agency (IRNA) reported. “With the exception of those who disagree
with the Islamic system in principle,” Elham added, “there is no
disagreement among political parties or groups that conduct their
activities within the law and believe in the principle of the Islamic
system in Iran.” However, the general lack of diplomatic finesse
displayed by President Mahmud Ahmadinejad and his new administration
has caught observers by surprise, and the Iranians’ actions and
comments on the nuclear issue have alienated foreign capitals that
previously were positively disposed toward Tehran.
Observers in Iran are expressing concern about this turn of
events. On the one hand, the Iranian decision-making apparatus is not
closed, so these concerns could have an impact on governmental
actions. On the other hand, Ahmadinejad’s actions appear to have
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s approval, so anticipation
of a reversal may be unrealistic.
Ahmadinejad’s Lack Of Finesse
Ahmadinejad’s style has been evident since August, when
Tehran first rejected a European Union proposal on the nuclear issue.
The EU proposal ruled out Iran’s enriching uranium and
reprocessing plutonium, recommended allowing Iran to purchase nuclear
fuel and send it elsewhere for disposal, and called for a
continuation of Iran’s voluntary suspension of uranium-conversion
activities. Other aspects of the proposal focused on industrial and
technological cooperation, energy issues, and intellectual property
rights.
The international community was eager to hear
Ahmadinejad’s counterproposal when he addressed the UN General
Assembly on 17 September. However, rather than moving the
negotiations forward, Ahmadinejad aired grievances relating to events
that took place more than half a century ago. He also discussed his
conspiracy theory about the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks and
accused the United States of creating and supporting Al-Qaeda.
Ahmadinejad called for a nuclear-weapons-free Middle East and
expressed concern about “nuclear apartheid.” He offered a “serious
partnership” with other countries’ private and public sectors
implementing uranium-enrichment programs. Ahmadinejad was adamant
about Iran’s intention to master the nuclear-fuel cycle.
One week later, the IAEA governing board issued a resolution
calling on Tehran to be more cooperative and transparent, and hinting
that referral to the UN Security Council could be next.
In a purported interview that appeared in the 1 October
“Khaleej Times” newspaper, based in the United Arab Emirates,
Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying that Iran has the right to use
nuclear energy peacefully, and the production or use of nuclear
weapons is forbidden by Islam. He purportedly stressed that Iran has
been cooperating with the IAEA. “But if Iran’s case is sent to
the Security Council,” he was quoted as saying, “we will respond by
many ways for example by holding back on oil sales or limiting
inspections of our nuclear facilities.”
The same day, however, the presidential office rejected the
authenticity of the interview, IRNA reported. The presidential office
said Ahmadinejad never gave an oral or written interview to the
newspaper. “Such a claim is nothing more than a mere fabrication, so
we call all domestic media to be aware and show vigilance in dealing
with propaganda plots hatched by foreign media,” the statement from
Ahmadinejad’s office said.
Critical Rivals
Ahmadinejad’s foreign-policy team — Supreme National
Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Mustafa
Mottaki — has been unfavorably compared with the intellectual but
feckless team assembled by former President Hojatoleslam Mohammad
Khatami. The latter team included experienced individuals such as
Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and Supreme National Security Council
Secretary Hojatoleslam Hassan Rohani. These officials stressed
perceived national interests rather than ideology and nationalism
when conducting business, therefore conveying the impression that
they were rational actors with whom others could do business.
Iranian observers are becoming increasingly aware of the
negative impact of Ahmadinejad’s actions, and they are
criticizing his diplomatic efforts.
Expediency Council Secretary Mohsen Rezai told reporters on 1
October that Ahmadinejad’s 17 September proposal at the UN was
inadvisable and unnecessary, the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA)
reported. “When Iran didn’t accept the Europeans’ proposal,
the latter should have amended it,” Rezai said. “There was no need
for Iran to make a proposal to the Europeans.” Rezai said this might
have been a diplomatic mistake, but if the issue is managed well,
then “America and Europe will be the main losers if our case is
referred to the Security Council.”
The chairman of the Expediency Council, Ayatollah Ali-Akbar
Hashemi-Rafsanjani, said in his 30 September sermon at the Tehran
Friday prayers that Iran is determined to defend its right to use
nuclear technology and it will not be intimidated into surrendering,
state radio reported. He said Iran should talk with its opponents —
which he identified as “America, Europe, and others” — and achieve
trust. “I would like to let the [Iranian] managers in this sector
know that here you need diplomacy and not slogans,” he said.
Hashemi-Rafsanjani called for prudence, patience, and wisdom, while
avoiding provocations. He said this issue must be resolved while
protecting Iran’s rights.
Time For ‘Crisis Diplomacy’
Criticism from Rezai and Hashemi-Rafsanjani is not altogether
unexpected. They were Ahmadinejad’s rivals in the presidential
election. Rezai may have expected a cabinet post or Supreme National
Security Council position in exchange for his stepping out of the
presidential race at the last minute. Furthermore, the 49- year-old
Ahmadinejad’s blunt, confrontational style is very unlike that of
the much older and more pragmatic Hashemi-Rafsanjani.
But there has been criticism from other corners as well.
Tabriz parliamentary representative Akbar Alami, who serves on the
Foreign Policy and National Security Committee, said of the Supreme
National Security Committee: “People who until very recently did not
have any knowledge about the nuclear dossier and did not even know
what nuclear energy was have now become high-ranking experts in the
nuclear dossier of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He also criticized
some of his colleagues in the legislature, “Aftab-i Yazd” reported on
29 September. He accused some parliamentarians of trying to block
discussion of the nuclear issue, saying they are acting on behalf of
the Supreme National Security Council.
A commentary in the pro-reform “Sharq” on 2 October noted
that Iran is facing an “atmosphere of distrust” in the international
arena. The Ahmadinejad administration’s eastward-oriented foreign
policy has proven to be ineffective in the nuclear case, the daily
continued, so “the diplomatic apparatus should understand
international realities and distance itself from the Security Council
tsunami.” The commentary also recommended the creation of a
“crisis-diplomacy team.”
An editorial in the hard-line “Resalat” daily on 29 September
also commented on the needs of the foreign-policy team. It noted that
the diplomats need a “guidance council” or a “thinking room”
(presumably, a foreign-policy think tank). “Resalat” said diplomats
and politicians do not have the time to study the issues they must
deal with because of their workloads, while researchers and scholars
are somewhat out of touch with the realities of diplomacy. “The
establishment of a thinking room can bring the areas of operations
and research closer together and create balance and equilibrium and
make up for the research shortcomings and weaknesses in the area of
foreign policy.”
No Obvious Effect
Ahmadinejad has evidently not been touched by such criticism.
In a 5 October speech he said Iran is not opposed to negotiations on
the nuclear issue, state television reported. But he added that Iran
will not accept negotiations that are meant to deprive Iranians of
their rights. Ahmadinejad said European countries other than the
so-called EU-3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) have shown
an interest in discussing the nuclear issue with Iran, and these
proposals are under review. Turning to the country’s foreign
policy in general, Ahmadinejad said Iranian diplomats defend the
country’s rights confidently.
Iran’s current position on the nuclear issue should not
be attributed to Ahmadinejad alone. Even before his inauguration
Tehran made it clear that all the regime’s leaders have a common
view on nuclear policy. Furthermore, Ahmadinejad is not the only
decision maker on the nuclear issue. Other top officials of the
regime — including Hashemi-Rafsanjani and Rohani — contribute to
the process and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has veto
authority over his actions. Finally, Tehran has been fairly
forthright for some time on what it sees as its right to master the
complete nuclear-fuel cycle. (Bill Samii)
FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS SOUTHERN NEIGHBORS. Foreign Minister
Manuchehr Mottaki visited Iran’s southern Persian Gulf neighbors,
regional news agencies reported on 3-5 October. He arrived in Kuwait
City on 3 October and was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah
al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah. He also met with National Assembly
speaker Jasim al-Kharafi.
On 4 October, Mottaki arrived in Manama, Bahrain, and was
greeted at the airport by his Bahraini counterpart Sheikh Khalid bin
Ahmad bin Muhammad al-Khalifa. He later met with King Hamad Bin Issa
al-Khalifa, Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, and
Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad bin Mubarak al-Khalifa.
On 5 October, Mottaki arrived in Muscat, Oman, and was
greeted by Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi. Mottaki arrived in the
city of Al-Ain, which is 140 kilometers from the United Arab Emirates
capital of Abu Dhabi, on the evening of 5 October. The main topic of
discussion during all the visits was the nuclear issue, as well as
Iraq and Palestine. Qatar was the last stop on the trip.
Mottaki was scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, but an anonymous
Iranian Foreign Ministry official told IRNA on 5 October the trip has
been postponed, although he did not give a reason.
Mottaki returned to Tehran on 7 October. At Tehran’s
Mehrabad Airport, he told reporters he made the trip because
President Mahmud Ahmadinejad gives priority to expanding relations
with neighboring states, IRNA reported.
Mottaki ascribed cancellation of the Saudi visit, as well as
one to Syria, to scheduling problems. He went on to say there was no
plan to visit the two countries in the first place. Mottaki said he
would visit Riyadh soon. (Bill Samii)
IRAQI PRESIDENT: NO IRANIAN INTERFERENCE. In an RFE/RL interview in
Prague on 5 October, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani dismissed the
possibility of Iraqi Shi’ite Muslims being loyal to Iran, Radio
Farda reported. Talabani said the Shi’ite brethren are Iraqi and
Arab, and the Shi’ite “Vatican” is in Al-Najaf and Karbala. From
the day Saddam Hussein was deposed, Talabani said, no hostility or
interference on the part of Iran has been seen. Turning to the
Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO), an armed Iranian opposition group
identified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State
Department, Talabani said the MKO is the only Iranian group that
cooperated with Hussein’s regime against the Iraqi people, Radio
Farda reported. However, he added, the MKO’s current situation is
not problematic. (Bill Samii)
EXPERTS SAY INFRARED BOMBS USED IN IRAQ CANNOT BE HOMEMADE. The
diplomatic row continues between Britain and Iran over British
officials’ charges that there is a link between Iranian elements
or Hizballah with new explosive devices being used by insurgents in
Iraq. The sophisticated devices have killed eight British soldiers
since July, but Iran has denounced the British allegations of its
involvement as a lie. British military experts maintain, however,
that only precision-geared military supply factories can produce the
“infrared” bombs also supplied by Iran to Hizballah in Lebanon. And,
British officials say, the evidence still points towards Iran,
despite Tehran’s repeated denials. The experts spoke after British
Prime Minister Tony Blair warned Iran on 6 October not to interfere
in Iraq.
Amyas Godfrey has served in Iraq and heads the U.K. Armed
Forces Program at the Royal United Services Institute. He said that
it is usually easy for experienced experts on the ground to say which
group is capable of what kind of bomb attack, including the type of
explosives and packing.
The bombs in question are the “infrared trip-wire” devices
capable of piercing heavy armor. They are exactly the sophisticated
type that has been used by the Iran-funded Hizballah militias in
Lebanon.
“It’s a very basic intelligence analysis,” Godfrey said.
“We know who’s been using them before; we know who’s supplied
them. And that’s not any doubt. The worry now is that they’ve
appeared in southern Iraq, being used by insurgents. So, logically,
it’s looking like these same weapons are being supplied by the
same people.”
Many other military experts share this view, including Bruce
Jones, a security policy adviser to NATO in London. He said a number
of intelligence reports as well as the nature of the devices trace
the bombs to Iran because of three basic facts.
“They have been used in the area in southern Iraq adjacent to
Iran,” Jones said. “They are of a type used by Hizballah. And, you do
need a pretty sophisticated set-up, both to procure and to adapt
these technical components.”
The last point appears to matter most, Godfrey agreed. That
is: The manufacturing of the components for the bombs is simply
beyond any production capacity the insurgents might have at their
disposal.
“What we’re seeing now, are far more military hardware,
and something that requires a manufacturing set-up as in factories,”
Godfrey said. “It’s a large amount of high explosives, a shaped
charge, which is quite common in some RPGs [rocket-propelled
grenades] or in armor-piercing weapons.”
Godfrey explained that this high-precision charge melts a
hole, for example in the armor plate of a tank, and explodes inside
it. This is why it requires a high-quality manufacture, not something
that could be done in an insurgent hideout.
Jones stressed that another significant feature — also far
beyond the insurgents’ production capability — is the infrared
“trip-wire.”
“It’s very much the same concept that you have of
alarms,” Jones said. “An infrared beam goes between two points in a
museum, and if that is interrupted, then an alarm goes off.”
Godfrey added that the intelligence services have also
gathered a lot of evidence from the attacks on British troops. He
said he doubts, however, whether — because of its nature — the
intelligence services would reveal this kind of evidence to the
public.
“Looking through intelligence assessments of these eight
attacks, they all have links to the Hizballah-type explosives,”
Godfrey said. “Unless they have other proof, which we won’t know
about, through their security or their intelligence, all we have now
is a likelihood — i.e., that it is likely that these bombs have come
from Iran, because they are the same type that have been used
before.”
British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday warned Iran not
to interfere in Iraq. Blair said the nature of the bombs being used
against British troops “lead us either to Iranian elements or the
Hizballah because they are similar to devices used by Hizballah that
is funded and supported by Iran.”
But Blair stopped short of explicitly accusing Iran of
supplying the bombs to Iraqi insurgents. “We cannot be sure of this
at the present time,” Blair said. (Jan Jun)
*********************************************************
Copyright (c) 2005. RFE/RL, Inc. All rights reserved.
The “RFE/RL Iran Report” is a weekly prepared by A. William Samii on
the basis of materials from RFE/RL broadcast services, RFE/RL
Newsline, and other news services.
Direct comments to A. William Samii at [email protected].
For information on reprints, see:
Back issues are online at

PRESS RELEASE 12,10,2005
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A NEW ERA FOR TURKEY AND ARMENIA
October 3rd was a historic day for Turkey and for the European Union as it
marks the official launch of negotiations that should lead to Turkey joining
the European Union. The Turkish Armenian Business Development Council
welcomes this decision and looks forward to the long period of negotiations
ahead of us as a unique opportunity for the citizens of the EU and of Turkey
to come to know, and learn from, one another.
The talks ahead are likely to be difficult at times. Yet the obvious
reluctance of significant sections of the European public to envisage
Turkey’s membership of the European Union cannot be overcome through
traditional diplomatic arm-wrestling or geopolitical arguments. Turkey does
not seek to join the European Union out of fear of rejection, but because it
genuinely aspires to being part of the European project.
We therefore look forward to seeing the Turkish Government and Turkish civil
society embrace their EU counterparts with self-confidence, and a genuine
aspiration to joining a human community spanning the European continent.
Armenians are a part of that community. The government of Turkey can and
should use this historic moment to reach out to the Armenian Diaspora of the
European Union and generate goodwill among them: they are citizens of the
European Union and will be sharing the European home with Turks. Turkey must
urgently engage with the Armenian Diaspora and actively transform its
relationship with them, just as the Armenia Diaspora should now seek to
engage with Turkey. Such a move would undoubtedly gain Turkey many other
friends in the process.
The Republic of Armenia is also aspiring to be the part of the European
Union. It is self-evident that a cooperative relationship between both
countries would serve both their interests, and greatly advance their EU
ambitions. Turkey has established no relations yet with its small neighbour,
and the issue is bound to plague the accession process. A powerful country,
a recognised democracy, Turkey must recognize that a benign policy towards
Armenia is an effective and lasting way to enhance its influence and
prestige. A policy shift in this respect would be a sign, not of weakness,
but of sound policy-making.
The TABDC looks forward to a period of creative problem-solving, and stands
ready to assist in the process where it can.
TABDC-EU