Hurriyetim, Turkey
11:30 CET, 29.09.2005
Lift off hour for October 3 plane hangs in the balance; Ankara awaits word
from Brussels
Last minute changes to the EU accession talks Framework Document may
be responsible for Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and his delegation
deciding to stay in Ankara rather than leave for Luxembourg for the
start of the October 3 meetings. The private plane meant to lift off
on October 2 for Luxembourg will wait instead on the runway at
Ankara’s Esenboga Airport for word coming out of Brussels. According
to sources at the Foreign Ministry in Ankara, “If the Turkish
delegation interprets the document ‘positively,’ the plane will take
off. But if the document is laden with requirements to the detriment
of Turkey, the motors will not be started.”
Currently, EU member Austria is reportedly making great efforts to
have the “privileged partner” status included in the Framework
Document as a formula for membership alternative. Foreign Ministry
spokeperson Namik Tan has signalled that entrance of the “privileged
partner” option, or the requirement that Turkey immediately open its
air and sea ports to southern Cyprus into the document’s body will
mean that the delegation will not be attending the October 3 talks.
Tan echoed a call from the Foreign Ministry for full explanation and
revelation of the inner workings of the Framework Document from the EU
in advance of the Turkish delegation’s acceptance and pursuit of the
upcoming talks.

Tan also confirmed a telephone call between FM Gul and his British
counterpart Jack Straw, affirming that the Turkish FM had warned Straw
that the Turkish delegation would not be attending talks in Luxembourg
if the EU continued to pile on what are perceived in Ankara to be last
minute and unfair requirements for Turkey.

Hurriyetim, Turkey
11:05 CET, 29.09.2005
European Parliament puts Armenian genocide resolution in front of
Turkey
With just a short while to go before the start of the October 3 EU
accession talks for Turkey, the European Parliament has voted on two
decisions which may bring Ankara-Brussels relations to the point of
crisis. Following a vote to postpone Customs Union protocol between
Turkey and the EU, the European Parliament put forth a non-binding
measure proposing that Turkish recognition of the Armenian genocide be
made a requirement before EU membership.
Discussions yesterday in the European Parliament also brought forth a
call for Turkey to recognize the Greek Cypriot authority as soon as
possible.
Following votes cast by 356, with 181 voting against, the European
Parliament confirmed resolutions that Turkey should get on the fast
track to normalizing relations with southern Cyprus, including the
withdrawal of its soldiers from the area. The vote also recommended an
immediate change in the Turkish legal system as it relates to “freedom
of expression,” with a pointed reference to the recent case opened up
against Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk.
As for the resolution on the Armenian genocide, it was the fifth
resolution in favor of the Armenians taken by the European Parliament
since 1987.

EU Ministers to Hold Meeting on Turkey
By CONSTANT BRAND
Associated Press Writer
Thu Sep 29, 6:11 AM ET

European Union foreign ministers will hold emergency talks this weekend
aimed at overcoming Austrian objections to starting entry talks with Turkey,
after their envoys failed to reach agreement Thursday, diplomats said.
Austria held to its position that Turkey be offered the option of a lesser
partnership rather than full membership in negotiations which are scheduled
to start on Monday.
All 25 EU nations have to agree on a negotiating mandate before talks can
begin with Ankara.
The deadlock will put further strain on ties with Ankara which is growing
increasingly restless over attempts by several EU nations to put the brakes
on opening negotiations.
A British EU presidency spokesman confirmed the EU foreign ministers will
hold talks on Sunday in Luxembourg, on the eve of the planned opening of
negotiations with Turkey.
“Twenty-four EU countries could accept the text,” said the British official,
who refused to be named, due to the sensitivity of the talks. He added that
bilateral talks would continue between London and Vienna to try and get
Austria to back down from its demands.
Britain and other EU nations fear that adding changes demanded by Austria
will unravel an already cautiously-agreed to deal between EU leaders last
December, when they decided to open talks with Turkey, with the only goal of
full membership.
“It’s not a question of drafting, but its a political issue,” said an EU
diplomat.
Austria is the most ardent opponent of Turkey’s membership arguing the
country is too big and unready to join the EU. It has also linked the issue
to Croatia’s EU entry bid.
Diplomats said Britain and other member states were unlikely to yield to
demands to drop guarantees in the EU’s negotiating mandate ‘ which lays
out the rules and a lose timeframe ‘ that the goal of those talks is full
membership.
The draft mandate states the “shared objective of the negotiations is
accession,” but adds they are “open-ended.” It does not mention a
partnership as an alternative option.
The membership talks will be a milestone for Europe and predominantly Muslim
Turkey, which has been knocking on the EU’s door since 1963. EU leaders
agreed to open accession talks with Turkey last year.
If EU foreign ministers fail to get a deal Sunday, the opening of talks
would be delayed as the EU needs to present a negotiating guidebook for
talks to begin.
It would inevitably lead to a rupture in already tense relations between
Ankara and Brussels.
In Vienna, Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel maintained his country’s
tough line on Turkey.
In an interview with two European newspapers, Schuessel said talks with
Turkey should only start if separate membership talks with Croatia are also
restarted.
Negotiations with Zagreb were frozen until it meets EU demands it fully
cooperate in handing over a top war crimes suspect to the U.N. war crimes
tribunal.
Austria says its people ‘ and many others across the bloc ‘ do not
support full membership for Turkey and is demanding that Ankara be given the
option of privileged partnership rather than full membership. Turkey has
already rejected anything less than full membership talks.

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2005
HIGHLIGHTS:
DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO THE RA CONSTITUTION ADOPTED
ENP, MCA AND MDG IN ARMENIAN MEDIA
HEARINGS ON THE SUIT VERSUS “ARABOT” DELAYED
DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO THE RA CONSTITUTION ADOPTED
On September 28 the RA National Assembly passed the draft amendments to the
Constitution of Armenia in the third reading and finally.
As it has been reported, before the discussion of the draft in the third
reading Yerevan Press Club made its proposals to the National Assembly on
the amendments to the Constitution. The statement of YPC, disseminated on
September 15, noted the insufficient involvement of Armenian public in the
constitutional reform process and concern was voiced over certain provisions
of the draft, particularly, those referring to freedom of expression and
information. Since the draft cannot be substantially improved after the
second reading, Yerevan Press Club made proposals of editorial nature that
would make the appropriate provisions more specific and would contribute to
the greater clarity of phrasings (see details in YPC Weekly Newsletter,
September 9-15, 2005).
The proposals of editorial nature made by YPC were taken into account in the
final text of the Constitution.
At the same time, YPC proposed to introduce the greatest clarity possible in
the status and the role of body created in the sphere of broadcast media.
Namely, it was recommended that Article 83.2 (“To ensure freedom,
independence and diversity of broadcast mass media, in accordance with the
law, an independent body is established. Half of its members are elected by
the National Assembly, and the other half is appointed by the President of
the Republic – for 6 years’ term of service. The National Assembly elects
the members of this body by a majority of the total number of deputies”) be
narrated as follows: “In accordance with the law, a body is established,
regulating the activities of public and private broadcast mass media,
contributing to their diversity. To ensure the greatest independence of this
body, half of its members are elected by the National Assembly and half is
appointed by the President of the Republic – for 6 years’ term of service.
The National Assembly elects the members of this body by a majority of the
total number of deputies.”
In the text of the Constitution adopted in the third reading Article 83.2
did not undergo significant changes, but for one clarification: the body
mentioned in it is now specified on only as “independent”, but also as
“regulatory”. Thus, the Article is presently narrated as follows: “To ensure
freedom, independence and diversity of broadcast mass media, in accordance
with the law, an independent regulatory body is established. Half of its
members are elected, for 6 years’ term of service, by the National Assembly,
half is appointed by the President of the Republic – for 6 years’ term of
service. The National Assembly elects the members of this body by a majority
of the total number of deputies.” In other words, the purpose of
establishing a regulatory body and its status remain vaguely defined in the
Main Law.
ENP, MCA AND MDG IN ARMENIAN MEDIA
On September 23-25 in Tsaghkadzor a seminar “Coverage of International
Programs in Armenian Media” was held. The event was organized by Yerevan
Press Club with the assistance of Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The event
brought together representatives of media, NGOs, also journalistic
associations, state structures of Armenia and international missions
accredited in the country.
The prospects of the program of the EU European Neighborhood Policy in
Armenia were presented to the seminar participants by the Head of Department
on Cooperation with World Trade Organization and EU of the RA Ministry of
Trade and Economic Development Vahagn Ghazarian and the Head of the EU
Department of the RA Foreign Ministry Armen Liloyan. The Chairman of
“European Integration” NGO Karen Bekarian told about the impact of the
program on democratic reforms in the country and its coverage in media.
The start of implementation of another major program in Armenia, the
Millennium Challenge Account, funded by US Government, was the subject of
the presentation by Deputy Head of Armenian group of the Millennium
Challenge Corporation Hovhannes Azizian. The necessity of ensuring the
transparency of this program was highlighted by the head of the Center for
Regional Development/Armenian branch of “Transparency International” Amalia
Kostanian.
Another project, also implemented in many countries of the world, including
Armenia, the UN Millennium Development Goals was presented by the economist
of UNDP Armenian Office Aghasi Mkrtchian.
The producer of Internews Armenia NGO Armen Sargsian told about how Armenian
media cover these issued and the subjects of public importance in general.
HEARINGS ON THE SUIT VERSUS “ARABOT” DELAYED
On September 23 at the court of primary jurisdiction of Center and
Nork-Marash communities of Yerevan the hearings on the suit of the former
assistant of Electrical Energy Chair of State Engineering (Polytechnic)
University Karen Khachatrian versus “Aravot” daily started and were
postponed. The plaintiff demanded that the daily publish the refutation text
prepared by him to the article “Sexual Harassment of a Student”, published
in “Aravot” on June 24, 2005. The piece was based on the complaint of a
group of students and professors of the Engineering University about the
behavior of Karen Khachatrian and his father Varos Khachatrian, a professor
of the same Chair, addressed to the RA Human Rights Defender.
The consideration of the suit of Karen Khachatrian versus “Aravot” was
postponed since presently criminal proceedings are underway on the appeal of
the father of a female student of the Engineering University. The court has
no competence to consider the civil suit, filed by Karen Khachatrian, until
the investigation is over.
As it has been reported, a similar suit with the same claim was filed by
Karen Kachatrian versus “Chorrord Ishkhanutiun” newspaper. The court
hearings again were delayed due to the same reason (see YPC Weekly
Newsletter, September 9-15, 2005).
Meanwhile, it became known that Karen Khachatrian is no longer employed by
the Engineering University. As “Aravot” daily reported on September 24 with
a reference to the Rector of the Engineering University Yuri Sargsian,
considering the big amount of complaints from students, the administration
did not find reasons to sign a contract with Karen Khachatrian.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]
Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
375002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
September 29, 2005
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL TRAVEL TO CANADA SATURDAY
TO JOIN ENTOURAGE OF CATHOLICOS ARAM I
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan will travel to Toronto, Canada this Saturday
to join the entourage of Catholicos Aram I. His Holiness is currently on a
Pontifical Visit to Canada, which will end on October 4. The Prelate will
accompany His Holiness to California where the Catholicos will begin his
Pontifical Visit to the Western Prelacy on October 5 through to October 19.
From California His Holiness will travel to New York to begin his visit
to the Eastern Prelacy. He will arrive in New York on Wednesday evening,
October 19 and continue through to November 1 when he will return to
Antelias.
For complete details about His Holiness’s visit to the Eastern Prelacy
CATHOLICOS VISITS CANADIAN CENTER FOR ECUMENISM;
MEETS WITH ARMENIAN YOUTH IN MONTREAL
His Holiness Aram I visited the Canadian Center for Ecumenism on
September 27, accompanied by Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of Canada;
V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer of the Catholicosate;
Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirosian, Staffbearer; and Rev. Fr. Karnig Koyounian,
Pastor of Sourp Hagop Cathedral, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Stuart E. Brown, Director of the Center, greeted His Holiness and
his entourage, and welcomed them to a meeting with the Orthodox, Catholic,
Anglican and Evangelical members of the Council as well as the employees of
the Center. Participants stressed the importance of the Ecumenical Movement
for churches, pointing out that ecumenism paved the way to a mutual
recognition of one another and tolerance, which in turn brought various
Christian Churches together.
“Churches and religions cannot isolate themselves in today’s borderless
society. Religions and particularly Christian churches should recognize one
another, tolerate their differences and look for means of cooperation,” said
His Holiness.
The Catholicos met with Armenian youth of Montreal on the evening of
September 26, at which time he had the opportunity to listen to their
concerns, views and proposals regarding various issues. More than 200 young
adults were given the opportunity to ask questions, express their concerns
and expectations. For more than two hours His Holiness listened and showed
his understanding of youthful concerns earning him the title “Catholicos of
the youth”-a leader who speaks their language and understands their
concerns.
“Our Church has an overdue need for reform,” the Catholicos said.
“Reform does not only mean shortening or adapting rites and services. Reform
should include all the areas of our church’s life. Social and moral issues
are part of the church’s reform and these should be discussed according to
the Bible and the theological principals of a Christian Church,” he told the
young people.
The Catholicosate has set up a special committee to gather the different
views regarding reform of the Armenian Church.
HURRICANE RELIEF FUNDS TO GO TO ARMENIAN CHURCH IN LOUISIANA
Ten thousand dollars of relief funds collected by the Prelacy for
Hurricane Katrina relief will be forwarded to St. Garabed Armenian Church in
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Church, which serves the New Orleans community,
will distribute the funds to families in need of financial assistance. Many
Armenian families have suffered extensive property loss, but thankfully as
far as we can ascertain, no loss of life.
The Prelate and the Vicar have been in communications with the community
in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, to assess the needs.
Because the Prelacy does not have a parish in Louisiana, it was decided to
send the donation to St. Garabed Church, which is under the jurisdiction of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern). Archbishop Oshagan has
maintained contact with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese,
on this and other matters.
.AND, ANOTHER SUNDAY SCHOOL DONATION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
Speaking of hurricane relief, another Sunday School has submitted a
donation. A donation of $100 was received from the students of St. Gregory
Church Sunday School (Philadelphia). The Prelate expressed his thanks and
appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the students who wished to make their
own donations to the cause.
Donations are still being accepted. Send your check to Armenian Prelacy,
138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016. Indicate “Hurricane Relief” in the
memo area.
MUSICAL ARMENIA CONCERT SET FOR FEBRUARY 26
The Musical Armenia committee has been meeting for several months
planning the 2006 Musical Armenia concert, which will take place February
26, at Carnegie Hall’s Weil Recital Hall. An innovative program will feature
the talented Duo Maesteso from California and Zulal from New York. This
promises to be yet another exciting and exceptional Musical Armenia event.
ST. SARKIS CHURCH (NY) WILL CELEBRATE CULTURAL MONTH
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, has formed a Cultural Committee
and will begin with a series of events in celebration of Armenian Cultural
Month (October).
On Sunday, October 2, several people will offer insights on “Everyday
Legal Issues.” Participating in the presentations are: Simon Bardizbanian,
Esq., Denise Darmanian, Esq., Tamar Harutunian, Esq., and Lori Hatem, Esq.
On Sunday, October 16, Professor Dennis Papazian will lecture on
“Yeghishe and the Real Story Behind the Vartanantz Wars.”
The lectures will take place following church services. For information
contact the church, 718-224-2275.
HOLY PRINCES SAHAK AND HAMAZASP REMEMBERED TODAY
Today, Thursday, September 29, the Armenian Church commemorates the
lives of two princes: Sahak and Hamazasp. The two holy princes lived during
the reign of Emperor Leo and Archbishop Flavian of Constantinople and during
the pontificate of Catholicos Nerses. It was a time of intense Arab
domination. The governorship had been given to Hamazasp, who was from the
Ardzrouni dynasty. He had two brothers, Sahag and Merhouzhan. All three were
considered brave men and dedicated Christians, but there were evil forces
against them. The Arab leader, Harun, who ostensibly called them in
friendship, summoned them. Instead when they came before him, the princes
were given a choice of forsaking their faith in Christ or being tortured to
death. Merhouzhan, renounced Christ and was given authority to rule over the
province of Vasbouragan. Sahak and Hamazasp remained steadfast. Both were
martyred.
72 HOLY DISCIPLES OF CHRIST COMMEMORATED THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday, October 1, the Armenian Church commemorates the 72 holy
disciples of Christ. The reference comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter
10, verse 1: After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on
ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to
go. (Some versions of the Gospel say 72, rather than 70).
The tradition of the church confirms that the seventy (or seventy-two)
disciples remained true to the Lord and their calling, and spread the
Gospel. They were not random choices, but rather true disciples whose labors
carried the message of the Lord throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. All
of the saints are remembered individually in the calendar of the church, but
this day is set aside to remember them collectively. The number 70 is also
considered to be a reference to Genesis, which speaks of 70 nations of the
world.
“I thank you, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has made us worthy of
dying for your holy name and kept firm our hope in you. You gladdened us
with your consoling Holy Spirit that dwells in us. Glory to you, holy and
consubstantial Trinity, who made my brother distinguish himself earlier by
defeating the adversary; you likewise hearten me by means of this
overflowing cup, Sahag’s blood. O Lord, listen to my prayer through the
shedding of your servant’s blood, who willingly took it upon himself to die
for your great and glorious name. Listen, Lord, to the supplication of your
servant and make my blood worthy to be mixed with that of my brother in
honor of the holy blood which you shed for us. For your name is indeed
glorified through the witness of this labor of our martyrdom. For yours is
dominion and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Prayer of St. Hamazasp
Translation from The Light of the World: Lives of Armenian Saints, St.
Vartan Press, New York.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon. For full
details
October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
November 4, 5, 6-Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, NJ. For information, 201-943-2950.
November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.
November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.
December 31-New Years Eve dinner-dance, Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) and ARF Dro
Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton. Information: 201-943-2950 or 201-945-0011.
February 26-Musical Armenia 2006 concert, 2 p.m., at Carnegie Hall’s Weil
Recital Hall, New York City. Featuring Duo Maesteso (California) and Zulal
(New York). Watch for details.
March 5-Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) 2006 membership meeting.
March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers’ Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Visit our website at

Bishop to pay visit to Toronto
Armenian leader last here in ’01
20,000 in Toronto prepare welcome
Toronto Star
Sep. 29, 2005
CHRISTIAN COTRONEO
STAFF REPORTER
The spiritual leader of Armenians throughout the world is coming to Toronto.
And nowhere was it more evident yesterday than in an unlikely bastion of
Armenian pride wedged between Highway 401 and the strip malls, high-rises
and office buildings that flank Victoria Park Ave.
While a trio of women potted fresh flowers outside St. Mary Armenian
Apostolic Church, another dozen or so busied themselves inside, cleaning and
freshening up the building.
Aram I, chief bishop and supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
arrives in Toronto Friday for a six-day visit.
In a room tucked inside the church’s basement, Meghrig Parikian is holding
his excitement in his hands. The priest has prepared a book with a golden
cover to commemorate the visit.
“It’s in Armenian,” he says, opening it. “But you can get an idea with some
of the pictures.”
And so the Lebanese-born Parikian takes his time, lingering over every
picture of the holy man that was once his teacher.
As the pages turn, so does Aram’s life, from a boy on a bicycle in Lebanon,
where Aram and the church’s headquarters are based today, to student, to
leader of the Armenian Orthodox faith.
The later pages tell of a peacemaker – a man standing alongside everyone
from Pope John Paul II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, to world leaders
from France to Ethiopia. The Catholicos of Cilicia, as he is formally
called, serves as moderator of the central and executive committees of the
World Council of Churches, and is renowned for reaching across faiths, a
tireless builder of bridges.
In Armenia, which in the early fourth century became the first nation to
declare Christianity its official religion, there’s still a lot of peace to
be made. Years after breaking loose from the Soviet Union in 1991, the
country has yet to reconcile with its long history of oppression.
During what’s come to be known as the Genocide of 1915, millions of
Armenians were rounded up by the Turkish government, worked to death or
marched into the open-air coffin known as the Syrian Desert. Not long after,
the region fell under Soviet control.
Although the Soviet era has long ended, the people of Armenia face an
uncertain democracy under the heavy-handed regime of President Robert
Kocharian. Allegations of corruption and brutality have dogged his
presidency, spurring about a million people to leave the country, mostly for
Russia, since the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Which brings one burning question to mind. Why visit Toronto – twice, even,
since 2001?
After all, the city’s Armenian community of 20,000 is tiny compared with
some in the U.S.
“Canada is considered one of the most active diasporas around the world,
with its religious activities and achievements,” explains Aris Babikian, a
volunteer at the Armenian Community Centre who is helping co-ordinate the
Catholicos’s visit. “That’s why Canada is always considered an important
stop for any Armenian religious or political leaders.”
Indeed, the community’s little patch in North York, where Aram will lead
services on Sunday, has expanded since the leader’s last visit. Most
notably, there’s a new Orthodox high school across from the church and
community centre.
A tour, Parikian said, will most certainly be in order.
But at the moment, Parikian is just finishing his picture tour of Aram’s
life. Before closing the book, he lingers on an image of his mentor offering
a candid grin to a little boy in his arms.
“He so loves kids,” Parikian says. “And I love this picture so much.”
;c=Article&cid=1127944212229&call_pageid-8350130169&col-9483202845&DPL=JvsODSH7Aw0u%2bwoRO%2bYKDSblFxAk%2bwoVO%2bYODSbhFxAg%2bwkRO%2bUPDSXiFxMh%2bwkZO%2bUCDSTmFxIk%2bw8RO%2bMKDSPkFxUj%2bw8UO%2bMNDSPgFxUv%2bw8YO%2bILDSLkFxQh1w%3d%3d&tacodalogin=yes

Turkey won’t say genocide, but U documentary does
University film covers controversial Armenian genocide and garners Emmy
nomination
The Minnesota Daily
;;
By Don M. Burrows
Sept. 29, 2005
Armenian Genocide: 90 Years Later,” takes on one of the biggest
geopolitical controversies of the 20th century, even in its title: Was
the massacre of Armenians in 1915 an act of genocide?
The Republic of Turkey, the successor state of the Ottoman Empire that
carried out the killings, denies it was genocide, and has even banned
discussion in that vein.
The documentary, co-produced by the University’s Center for Holocaust
and Genocide Studies, uses interviews with historians and family members
of survivors to continue the discussion many avoid.
What is known is this: As many as 1.5 million Armenians were killed from
1915 to 1917 in an apparent depopulation strategy by the Young Turk
government. Much like Jews were singled out in Nazi Germany, Armenians –
an ethnic and religious minority of artisans and skilled laborers in
Turkish society – were removed from their homes and killed. The Turkish
government, however, claims the killings were part of ethnic clashes and
denies that so many were slain.
The most compelling part of the film is the testimony of those whose
families survived the killings. Many remember their parents telling of
the horrors of leaving their homes and hiding from Turkish officials,
and recount how a remembrance of the events of 1915 is now embedded in
Armenian identity.
The documentary features two University history professors, Eric Weitz
and Taner Akcam. Akcam is a Turkish historian who was jailed in the
1970s for broaching human rights. It first aired in April and has since
been nominated for an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy award in the News
Special category.
The timing couldn’t be better.
Just last weekend, a Turkish court canceled the academic conference that
was to occur at Bogazici University regarding this topic. The action
sparked a wave of protest from European leaders and Turkish officials
wary of bad press amid their bid for entrance into the European Union. A
previous conference was likewise banned in May amid comments from the
Turkish minister of justice, who called it treasonous.
Stephen Feinstein, director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide
Studies, said more than 200 copies of the film have been distributed to
organizations and schools since its airing.
Feinstein said that although the current Turkish government is different
than the one that committed the slayings in 1915, it has been defiant in
recognizing it as genocide. This is despite a consensus among genocide
scholars and similar recognitions by state governments worldwide,
including the state of Minnesota. He attributes this to fears of
demanded reparations and damage to the Turkish Republic’s grand
narrative and national pride.
His main concern, and that of scholars worldwide, is that Turkey, a
supposedly free democracy, is suppressing academic discussion.
“In a democracy, you should be free to talk about the past,” Feinstein
said.
Weitz agreed, and said that while there are many Turks who accept that
genocide occurred, there are also those ideologues who fit their denial
of the genocide into their concurrent distaste for Turkey’s entrance
into the EU.
“When they challenge the ability of scholars to discuss these issues,
they are provoking the EU deliberately,” he said.
Feinstein said many documents from Turkey’s own archives prove that a
systematic killing took place, but are written in the Arabic script that
was replaced by the Latin alphabet after World War I. Consequently, many
Turkish government officials can’t even read them.
As stated in the documentary, German records are perhaps the best source
of information on the massacres, given Germany’s alliance with Turkey
during World War I.
It was the Nazis’ knowledge of the Armenians that contributed in part to
their own policy of extermination, scholars argue.
And those involved in the now Emmy-nominated film hope it will educate
the public so as to contradict Hitler’s famous quote in defense of his
genocidal plans: “Who remembers the Armenians?”
;name=3DNews&file=3Darticle&sid=3D407&mode=3Dthread&order=3D0&thold=3D0

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS VISITS THE CANADIAN CENTER FOR ECUMENISM
His Holiness Aram I visited the Canadian Center for Ecumenism on September
27. Prelate of Canada, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, V Rev Fr Krikor
Chiftjian, Rev Fr Housig Mardirosian and Rev Karnig Koyuonian accompanied
His Holiness.
Dr. Stuart E. Brown, director of the Canadian Center for Ecumenism greeted
His Holiness Aram I. A meeting was held between His Holiness and the
Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Evangelical members of the council as well
as the employees of the Center.
Dr. Brown welcomed His Holiness Aram I as an international leader in the
ecumenical sphere. The director spoke about the Center’s activities on a
regional level.
His Holiness Aram I spoke about ecumenical life today and particularly the
future projects and the work carried out by the World Council of Churches
(WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
The participants in the meeting talked about the importance of ecumenical
movements for churches, pointing out that ecumenism paved the way to a
mutual recognition of one another and tolerance, which in turn brought
various Christian Churches together.
Inter-faith dialogues and possibilities of cooperation between various
existing religions featured high on the agenda. His Holiness Aram I
emphasized the importance of improving the quality of Christian-Muslim
dialogue conferences taking place in various countries through the efforts
of WCC. He stressed that these conferences need to become more than
occasional meetings.
“Churches and religions can not isolate themselves in today’s borderless
society. Religions and particularly Christian churches should recognize one
another, tolerate their differences and look for means of cooperation,” said
His Holiness.
Upon the request of the center’s director, His Holiness also talked about
his theological views. The attendants seemed to be familiar with these views
through the Catholicos’ published works and articles, and they asked several
questions to His Holiness.
Discussions continued over the lunch organized by the Center in honor of
His Holiness Aram I. Future plans for cooperation with the Armenian Church
were also discussed.
##
View pictures here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary
Contact: Anna Ghukasyan
General to Armenia, Tel: +374 10 24 33 85
Tatyana Mychelova, External Relations Officer, Venice Commission,
Tel.:+33 388 41 3868
The best way to achieve democratic change in Armenia – Venice Commission
round table on constitutional reforms in Armenia
Strasbourg, 29.09.2005 – Experts of the Council of Europe’s Venice
Commission and representatives from other international organisations
are to hold a round table with representatives of Armenian political
parties, media and civil society on constitutional reform.
They will discuss the proposed new constitution at a meeting in Yerevan
at 4pm on Friday 30 September 2005, at the offices of the National
Assembly. This text, which was finalised by the National Assembly on 28
September, is the result of five years of continuous efforts. It will be
put to a referendum at the end of November.
The Venice Commission considers the proposed constitution to be a
decisive step forward for a number of reasons:
* It provides a much better balance between the powers of the President
and the Parliament
* It also provides for the abolition of the death penalty and for better
recognition and protection of other human rights
* A more independent judiciary and a stronger local self-government are
among other major improvements.
The Venice Commission’s positive assessment of the draft constitution is
shared by the European Union and the OSCE. At the same time certain
issues are not considered to be addressed clearly by the current draft
and the international experts attending the round table are ready to
explain how the proposed new constitution can nevertheless provide
viable solutions.
Among the Armenian participants will be representatives of civil society
and a large spectrum of political groups, including those who oppose the
referendum and who are not represented in the National Assembly.
The round table is open to the press.
See the assessment of the Armenian draft constitution on the Venice
Commission’s website .
Contacts for more information:
Anna Ghukasyan, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary
General to Armenia, Tel: +374 10 24 33 85
Tatyana Mychelova, External Relations Officer, Venice Commission,
Tel.:+33 388 41 3868
ED123a05

Rocking Denny’s boat
System of a Down rallies outside Hastert’s office
By Matthew DeFour
Staff writer
Sept. 28, 2005
BATAVIA – Politics in music hasn’t changed much since the days when Neil
Young lamented “four dead in Ohio,” but politics in practice has.
Heavy metal rockers System of a Down headlined a political rally at noon
Tuesday outside U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s Batavia office to
bring awareness to the slaughter of thousands of Armenians by the Turks
in the 1920s.
Lead singer Serj Tankian, whose grandfather survived the massacres,
delivered a personal letter asking the speaker to call for a House vote
on two controversial resolutions that would recognize the massacres as
genocide.
“By allowing this vote, and allowing the will of Congress to be freely
expressed, you will be doing the right thing morally and, at the same
time, encouraging Turkey to deal honestly with its past and more openly
with its future,” Tankian read though a megaphone to a crowd of about
125 people, including elderly Armenian descendants of the survivors and
young fans who will see the band perform Friday at Allstate Arena in
Rosemont.
Tankian handed a copy of the letter across a police line to a sergeant
who took it inside to Hastert’s office. Hastert himself was in
Washington and unable to make an appearance, but a spokesman said the
speaker was attentive to the demonstrators’ concerns.
“He’s allowing the House to move through the process and he’s listening
to different viewpoints,” spokesman Brad Hahn said. “As a speaker he has
an obligation to build consensus.”
The question of whether to recognize the atrocity as genocide has
divided Americans of Turkish and Armenian descent for decades, and the
U.S. relationship with Turkey, especially during the Iraq War, has
complicated the matter.
Demonstrators emphasized that Hastert promised the Armenian community in
August 2000 that he would allow the House to vote on a resolution, but
since then he has had two opportunities to do so without result.
In October 2000 and July 2003, separate House committees passed
resolutions that would have recognized as genocide the murders committed
by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. Neither resolution was
scheduled for a House vote before the end of the term.
Hastert has said that both the Clinton and Bush administrations have
opposed the resolutions because of an alliance with Turkey.
Last week, the House International Relations Committee passed a
resolution by a vote of 33-11, calling for Turkey to acknowledge the
atrocity as genocide. Another resolution that passed 40-7 calls on the
United States to do the same.
“On these particular (resolutions) he (Hastert) hasn’t been dragging his
feet – yet,” said Greg Bedian, chairman of the Armenian National
Committee of Illinois. “But three strikes and we’ll see what happens.”
Bedian helped to organize the event along with the Armenian National
Committee of American, the Axis of Justice and the Armenian Youth
Federation, which successfully lobbied Springfield this year to pass
legislation recognizing the atrocities in public education curriculum.
When Tankian finished reading his letter, the audience cheered for him
to give a rallying speech, but he said he would rather meet everyone
individually. As he worked his way through the crowd, taking pictures
and signing autographs, some greeted him in Armenian while others
thanked him for making them aware of the issue.
“Up until a couple days ago, I had heard nothing of this,” 15-year-old
David Gerhard of Downers Grove told Tankian. “But I became outraged that
something like this hasn’t been taught in any of our classes.”
Gerhard, like many of the young people in the crowd, heard about the
event – and the issue – through the band’s e-mail, which wasn’t sent out
until Monday night.
Most of the demonstrators arrived by bus from Glenview and other Chicago
suburbs, though some came from as far away as Minnesota, Wisconsin and
Indiana.
They brandished signs that read “You can’t rewrite history” and chanted
“You can’t buy the truth.”
Read between the lines, that last chant could have been a reference to a
recent Vanity Fair magazine article in which a translator alleged that
Hastert had received campaign contributions from Turkish officials to
stymie the House vote in 2000. But aside from murmurs in the crowd,
organizers never mentioned the article or allegations in their speeches
or as part of the program.
“I think that speaks to the validity of the Vanity Fair report,” said
Hahn, who reiterated Hastert’s position that the article had no
credence.
After about an hour, the event came to an end with Armenian-Americans
young and old singing the Armenian national anthem.
Heratch Doumanian came from Indiana to participate in the event and
honor his grandparents and uncles and aunts who “died in the desert.”
“(The legislation) will prevent future genocide,” Doumanian said. “If
people realize they’re accountable for it.”
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