REPORTS ON KILLED AZERI SOLDIER FALSE
Pan Armenian
04.10.2005 12:58
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Defense Ministry of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic has denied Azeri media reports that “October 3 an Azeri
servicemen was killed in a skirmish with NKR Armed Forces.” The
reports are false and represent a purely propagandistic move aimed at
misleading the international community, NKR MOD Spokesperson Senor
Hasratyan. “Anti-Karabakh rhetoric has especially strengthened on
the threshold of the parliamentary election in Azerbaijan.
The Karabakh party abides by commitments to observe the cease-fire
regime.
The same cannot be said referring to the Azeri party,” S. Hasratyan
remarked, reported IA Regnum.

MULTICULTURAL EUROPE SHOULDN’T BE HYPOCRITICAL ABOUT TURKEY
By Ronan Mullen
Irish Examiner, Ireland
Oct 5 2005
I swear this is not an urban myth. An Irishwoman I know who works
in the Netherlands had to arrange a business meeting with a Dutch
colleague recently. She rang him and suggested a date three weeks
hence.
“I can’t make it that day,” he replied. “I have to go to my uncle’s
funeral.”
“Oh, did he die abroad?” my friend sympathised.
She was greatly shocked by the response. “He’s still alive,” she was
told. “But he is being put to sleep that day.”
This conversation did not take place in a far-off country. It happened
in a state closely bound to Ireland through the EU. We share free
movement of workers and services, and thousands of regulations of
every kind with the people of that country. Yet in some moral and
social respects, they are a world away from us.
I tell that story because, last weekend, EU officials were busy trying
to break a deadlock surrounding the commencement of negotiations
with Turkey which would lead within a decade to that country’s EU
membership. While all member states, except Austria, favoured the
commencement of accession talks, poll after poll was showing the
population of Europe deeply divided, and distinctly nervous, about
the prospect.
Despite the attitude of their governments, only 35% of EU citizens want
to let Turkey in. Many are worried about the effect of incorporating
a huge, predominantly poor, and mainly Muslim country into the EU. The
issue of human rights is of particular concern.
Even as the Turks were reforming their law last year to meet the
human rights requirements of the EU in relation to policing, the
status of women, etc, the government tried to bring in a law that
would criminalise adultery for women. They eventually backed down.
Last week, the European Parliament called for Turkey to acknowledge
what is a taboo subject in the country the massacre of 1.5 million
Armenians from 1915 to 1923, the first genocide of the 20th century.
But a group of scholars who gathered in Istanbul a week ago to discuss
it were pelted with eggs and tomatoes by protesters. A Turkish novelist
is to go on trial in December for talking about it.
Sounds medieval. Yet in the light of the Dutch euthanasia experience,
it seems hypocritical to point the finger at Turkey and declare them
unfit for our European society.
The Turks don’t have a love affair with death the way Europeans do.
You wouldn’t have thousands of elderly Turks abandoned by their family
members during a heatwave, to die alone, as happened in France two
years ago. And although Turkey is a secular state, 95% of its citizens
declare their belief in God a level of faith only matched by Malta
within the EU. The Turks are reproducing too unlike Europeans.
Indeed, some commentators say that the future of Europe is to become a
vast aged-care facility staffed by Turkish nurses. On Sunday, British
MEP Daniel Hannan criticised the mentality among fellow members of the
European Parliament opposed to Turkey. “Spend a day in Strasbourg,”
he said, “and you will come across religious fundamentalists,
unapologetic Stalinists, nutty monarchist parties.
You will find fascists, indicted criminals, apologists for the IRA.
Yet these same MEPs presume to treat the Turks like half-civilised
brutes.”
Many arguments in Turkey’s favour are about trade. It has a customs
union with the EU since 1996. More than half of its trade is with the
EU. It has adopted EU rules concerning competition and intellectual
property. But the crunch issue is security. Admitting a reformed
Turkey could set an example to the Muslim world, some believe. US
President George W Bush is firmly in this camp.
“Including Turkey in the EU would prove that Europe is not the
exclusive club of a single religion, and it would expose the ‘clash
of civilisations’ as a passing myth of history,” he said in 2004.
Maybe. But what is troubling is the European fear that lurks behind the
hand of friendship idea. Javier Solana, the EU’s high representative
for foreign affairs, says that denying Turkey full integration would
pose a threat to regional stability.
GRANTING Turkey only ‘privileged partnership’ the option preferred by
Austria and the leader of the German Christian Democrats Angela Merkel
could put Turkey on the wrong side of Europe in a future Middle East
crisis, he said.
“There is a huge risk of leaving Turkey without an anchor in the
world It is better for EU citizens to have Turkey by our side than who
knows where Go forward 25 years. Imagine we said no to Turkey, that
there is a catastrophe in the Middle East, that there are huge oil
and energy problems. Perhaps we will regret not having said yes, not
having incorporated Turkey into our way of thinking, our philosophy,
our values.”
This, of course, is what we should expect from diplomats whose job,
someone once said, is to keep saying ‘nice doggie’ until they can find
a rock. But there are two particular problems with Solana’s view. It
seems that trade is his over-riding concern just as it always is at
EU level. Officials there are much less skilled at predicting social
and cultural problems, and much less interested in preventing them.
The second problem with the ‘nice doggie’ approach is that it is
perhaps too optimistic in presuming that Turkish EU membership will
guarantee Turkish sympathy to the cause of western Europe.
Turkish accession to the EU will see free access for its 69 million
citizens to the countries of the union. Its population will punch
well above its weight when you factor in the decline in Europe’s
population over the next generation.
But the attitude of Turkish people to western Europe will depend not
on the reforms they made to join the EU, but on the extent to which
they see themselves as part of a wider Muslim people and the nature
of that wider view of the world.
The EU came about because of the desire to prevent European wars
caused by aggressive, expansive nationalism. But in Turkey and other
Muslim nations, nationalism was the solution. Kemal Ataturk, founder
of secular Turkey in 1923, and Anwar Sadat, the Egyptian president who
made peace with Israel at Camp David in 1978, did not share the dream
of many in the Islamic world to create a universal Islamic theocracy.
But if the EU subsumes Turkey, what happens to Turkish nationalism?
Do its proponents turn to Islam to assert themselves? Should we be
afraid? Ideally, no.
It would be a poor reflection on Europe’s Christian roots if we
didn’t have confidence in the capacity of our values and traditions
to prevail on our continent. But right now, there isn’t much by way
of conviction to be found in the European soul. And that leaves a
vacuum which others will want to fill.

ANDRE ABOUT THE “CUBE” REALTY SHOW
Panorama
20:26 04/10/05
After visiting the “Cube” singer Andre said, “Before my visit, I heard
a lot criticizing opinions about the game. When I talked to them I
arrived at a conclusion that they are young people as we are. Sometimes
they keep themselves unnatural, some of them just vice versa, that’s
why the game is interesting”. Generally, such kind of games according
to Andre are very fashionable, and usually designed for a definite
group of people who are very interested in other’s personal life.
“I think that all people are blabbers” added Andre. We were also
interested in his personal status and found out that Andre is still
idle and he has a hope to meet his girl-friend one day. /Panorama.am/

REFERENDUM ON CONSTITUTION IN ARMENIA SCHEDULED NOVEMBER 27
Pan Armenian
04.10.2005 13:46
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Robert Kocharian today signed
a decree on conducting a referendum on the Draft Changes to the
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, reported the Press Service
of the Armenian leader. The referendum on Constitution is scheduled
for November 27. Besides, the Armenian President signed the Law on
Amendments and Supplements to the Armenian Law on Referendum.

SOUTH CAUCASUS IS A NATO PRIORITY
Pan Armenian
04.10.2005 13:36
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian Speaker Artur Baghdassaryan met
with NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Sec. Gen. Simon Lunn, who
is in Yerevan to take part in Security in the South Caucasus joint
seminar of the NATO PA and National Assembly of Armenia, reported the
Press Service of the Armenian Parliament. Chairman of the Standing
Commission on Defense, Internal Affairs and National Security Mher
Shahgeldyan was also present at the meeting. The South Caucasus
is a priority to the NATO PA, stated Simon Lunn. He emphasized the
importance of carrying out active work at the inter-parliamentary
assembly. The interlocutors discussed opportunities to hold
international conferences on fighting terror and use of chemical
weapons in Armenia in 2006. Simon Lunn expressed the NATO PA full
support to these programs. Artur Baghdassaryan noted the importance
of NATO PA support to the forming of regional partnership. Common
discussions help overcoming differences, he added.

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF ARMENIA AND UKRAINE UNDERUSED IN GOODS TURNOVER BETWEEN THEM
Pan Armenian
04.10.2005 10:48
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan met with
newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to Armenia Aleksandr Bozhko,
reported the Press service of the Armenian Government. Having
congratulated the diplomat with appointment to the office for a
second time, A. Margaryan said he hoped for the Ambassador to promote
Armenian-Ukrainian relations further. Mr.
Bozhko informed the Armenian PM on latest developments in the political
and economic life of Ukraine. The situation in the region is stable
at present, a new Government is formed, headed by an experienced PM,
relations in the international arena are also being regulated, he
emphasized. Having noted the importance of further strengthening of
political and diplomatic relations between the two countries that have
chosen the way of European integration, the interlocutors discussed
the current state and prospects of development of bilateral trade and
economic relations. They specifically highlighted cooperation within
international organizations. The economic potential of Armenia and
Ukraine is underused in goods turnover between the two countries, the
interlocutors noted. The parties expressed confidence that the previous
sessions of the Armenian-Ukrainian Inter-Governmental Commission for
Trade and Economic Affairs, as well as a range of agreements signed
between the parties would encourage bilateral economic relations. A.
Margaryan and A. Bozhko agreed to speed up the holding of the
Commission fourth session upon the appointment of its new Ukrainian
co-chair to deal with accumulated matters more efficiently.

LATVIA STANCE IN KARABAKH ISSUE COINCIDES WITH THAT OF EU
Pan Armenian
04.10.2005 13:04
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Latvia’s stance in the Nagorno Karabakh issue
coincides with that of the European Union. Latvian President Vaira
Vike-Freiberga stated it at a news conference upon completion of talks
with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Baku. Violation of territorial
integrity of a sovereign state is “a factor that causes concern”,
she stated. At the same time Vaira Vike-Freiberga spoke in favor
of peaceful settlement of the conflict. “The conflict settlement
should base on territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, while NK can get
autonomy. This status is similar to those of autonomies available in
Europe,” I. Aliyev stated in his turn, reported RFE/RL.

AFTER THE EUPHORIA, TURKEY PREPARES FOR THE HARD SLOG
By Anthony Browne, Brussels Correspondent
The Times, UK
Oct 5 2005
TURKEY promised a “great struggle” to turn itself into a modern
economically developed democracy, as officials in Brussels started
work yesterday on EU entry negotiations.
After the euphoria of agreeing to start talks early yesterday, EU
leaders spoke of the difficulties of bringing the vast, semi-developed
Muslim nation, which is almost entirely in Asia, up to EU standards.
President Chirac of France said that Turkey would need a “major
cultural revolution” and may never be ready to join.
Over the next ten or fifteen years Turkey will have to implement 83,000
pages of EU legislation. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish Prime
Minister, said: “There will be a great struggle to fully implement
the harmonisation laws. Our ideal is a Turkey that will take its
place among democratic, free and developed countries.”
Turkey must also resolve the conflict over its illegal occupation
of Cyprus, starting by recognising its Government and opening up its
ports and airports to Cypriot traffic.
Angela Merkel, who is likely to be the next Chancellor of Germany,
and Nicolas Sarkozy, who aspires to be the next President of France,
oppose Turkish membership and could derail talks once in power.
France and Austria, whose voters oppose Turkish membership, have
promised referendums on the issue.
The membership talks were formally opened at a ceremony in the small
hours yesterday when Abdullah Gul, the Turkish Foreign Secretary,
and Jack Straw, his British counterpart, read opening statements.
A few hours later, European Commission officials started the
painstaking “screening” process, assessing Turkey’s harmonisation
with EU law under 35 chapter headings, covering everything from human
rights to environmental protection. This screening process will be
followed next spring by negotiations on each of the 35 chapters.
Each EU country has a veto on the closing of each chapter, which
will give hostile countries such as Austria and Cyprus plenty of
opportunities to trip Turkey up.
Austria is also insisting that Turkey, which would be the biggest
member by the time it joins, cannot be admitted until the EU is ready
to absorb it.
There is concern that although Ankara passed a modern penal code last
year Turkish judges are continuing to breach human rights.
European politicians have also been alarmed by human rights abuses,
such as the prosecution of a Turkish writer for acknowledging that
his country had committed genocide against Armenians, the continued
persecution of religious minorities, a recent order to close down
the country’s only gay rights group, and the killing of children in
mental hospitals.
THE CHALLENGES
Adopt and implement 83,000 pages of EU legislation
Resolve dispute over Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus, including
recognising Cypriot Government
Renegotiate Nice Treaty to change voting weights in the EU
Probable next leaders of France and Germany oppose Turkey’s membership
Any present EU member can veto any of 35 different “chapters” of
negotiations over the next ten years
Referendums in France and Austria, with voters of both highly hostile
,,13509-1811246,00.html

ARMENIA’S BUDGET EXPENSES TO TOTAL $1BLN IN 2006
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 4 2005
YEREVAN, October 4. /ARKA/. The budget expenses are to total $1bln
in Armenia in 2006, Speaker of the RA Parliament Artur Baghdasaryan
told reporters. According to him, the current economic growth in
Armenia allows additional funds to be directed to the social sector.
Specifically, legislative amendments will allow the Government to
pay AMD 35,000 birth grants and AMD 70,000 allowances to low-income
families. “We will continue this selective policy and increase yearly
allocations,” he said. In 2006, Armenia’s budget revenues are to
total AMD 380bln, and budget expenses AMD 450bln. 7.5% GDP growth,
and 3% inflation are expected next year. ($1 – AMD 443.07) P.T. -0-

SPEAKER OF ARMENIA’S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR WIDE POPULARIZATION OF REFORMS
Pravda, Russia
Oct 5 2005
02:07 2005-10-05
“When we speak about changing the ruling elite in Armenia we must
consider that in two and three years accordingly parliamentary and
presidential elections will take place,” said Speaker of the National
Assembly of Armenia Artur Bagdasaryan at a briefing Tuesday.
“If someone tries to prove that the constitutional reforms are
ineffective, I’m open to a constructive dialogue. Maybe, the current
draft is not ideal, but it has been approved by the Council of Europe’s
Venice Commission and international community,” added the speaker.
According to Bagdasaryan, on the threshold of the referendum on
constitutional changes in Armenia, people are divided into four
groups – those, who are against all changes, those, who agree with
the changes, those, who are uninformed about the reforms, and the
last group are speculating about the reforms.
“We must start a wide campaign to inform people about the current
reforms. However, this process must not be a monopoly of the ruling
coalition, and should involve all political and social forces.
Constitutional reforms help creating more transparent government
system”, said Artur Bagdasaryan, REGNUM reported.