AZG Armenian Daily #123, 06/07/2005

Armenian Genocide

IF TITLED ‘ARMENIAN GENOCIDE’, THE RESOLUTION WOULD NOT PASS

Christoph Bergner Claims

On June 16, the April 24 Group organized by the Central Board of Germany’s
Armenians held a dispute in Berlin to exchange thoughts on why the German
Federal Parliament avoided the word “genocide” in its resolution. The
lawmakers — Christoph Bergner from CDU/CSU, Markus Meckel from SPD,
representative of Green Party Weishuhn — were to express their opinions.
Views of the participants rather varied: Prof. Otto Luchterhandt, for one,
called Bundestag’s resolution “schizophrenia”, pointing out at the
difference of words “massacres” and “genocide” in the title and in the
confirmatory part. Opposing professor, the lawmakers said that Luchterhandt
bears no political responsibility and that makes it easy for him to
criticize. Bergner reminded of the appeal on Armenian Genocide submitted to
Bundestag back in 2000 and said that the main reason why it was voted down
was due to the “genocide recognition” expression. If the resolution bore the
heading “genocide recognition”, it would not be also accepted even by
CDU/CSU. We could pass a law condemning the Genocide but that would be of no
avail, representative of Christian Democratic Union said adding that we aim
at establishing mutual trust between the two states and launching a dialogue
to improve their relations.

The lawmakers stated that they understand that Turkey is simply gaining time
and that they rely more on far-outer Turkish historians either in or out of
the country. Asked whether the reason of eschewing the word “genocide” came
because of the fear to lose votes of the Turkish electorate, deputies Meckel
and Weishuhn gave no answer. Explaining why the Armenian Genocide issue
appeared in the spotlight only a year ago, Christoph Bergner, head of the
South Caucasian Faction of the Bundestag, said that he felt that a
resolution should be adopted while visiting the region.

Allegedly, this step was directed firstly at establishing relations with
Armenia, secondly, many EU states have already adopted resolutions on
Armenian Genocide and avoiding would set Germany apart. Not less important
was the fact that the Genocide issue can be a precondition for Turkey’s EU
accession.

If the resolution of Bundestag has no force of law what can it provide? The
vital thing, the German side thinks, is that it opens doors for Genocide to
enter history textbooks of German Federative Republic. It must be noted
though that the education ministries of 16 German regions are independent in
setting their curriculums. Journalist Raffi Kandian thinks that all federal
states will include the Armenian genocide in their history textbooks
following the example of the State of Brandenburg. Kandian also said that
Germany’s self-condemnation in the resolution, being somewhat reserved,
sends an appeal to its former ally Turkey to follow its example.

Turkey is, certainly, very far from following in Germany’s footsteps. In
April of 2005, a khachkar (cross-stone) was erected in Bremen in memory of
the victims of Armenian Genocide. Giving in to Turkish resistance, mayor of
the town, Henning Scherf (SDU), promised to organize an Armenian-Turkish
dialogue. On June 30, an Armenian-Turkish dispute took place at the
initiative of the mayor with the participation of Turkish consul-general to
Hanover, Emine Birgen Kesoglu, Ali Syoylemezoglu, Mustafa Colak and from the
Armenian side — Raffi Kandian and Otto Luchterhandt. The dispute proved
that the Turks of Germany are far from revising their history. Mayor Scherf
said in his turn that the Germans occupied their place in civilized world
after having criticized their history.

By Anahit Hovsepian in Germany

AZG Armenian Daily #123, 06/07/2005

Diaspora

EUROPEAN REFERENDUMS AND ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS

Toronto, Canada — “Turkey’s Entry into the European Union and its Relations
with Armenia in light of the Rejection of the EU Constitution” was the
subject of a speech given by Dr. Stephan Astourian, a member of the Zoryan
Institute’s Academic Board, on June 10, 2005 in Toronto.

According to Turkish Press, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul rejected
any link between his country’s bid to join the European Union and the French
“no” in a referendum on the EU constitution. Gul acknowledged that the
French “no” could trigger a debate in Europe on Turkey’s EU bid, but argued
that an EU decision in October 2004 to start membership accession talks with
Ankara could not be altered due to political or legal changes in an
EU-member country.

Opinions in Europe and among Armenians are heated and sharply divided on
this issue. Some feel that Turkey’s questionable human rights record and
tolerance toward ethno-religious diversity, its treatment of the Kurdish
minority, corruption, the northern Cyprus question, and the continued denial
of the Armenian Genocide are clear indicators of its inability to be a fully
democratic country at this time, and therefore that Turkey should be barred
from the EU. Others, among them Armenians both in the Diaspora and the
homeland, feel that it is in Armenia’s best interest to have Turkey as an EU
member on its border that has adopted and implemented EU standards regarding
open borders, democracy, including complete freedom of speech and assembly,
and acceptance of the darker chapters of its history.

Dr. Astourian considered the impact on the issues of the recent rejection of
the EU constitution by France and the Netherlands. He explained that the EU
has not included recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a precondition for
Turkish membership in Europe. “However, the issue of recognition of that
genocide has now become quite central in European and Turkish public
debates,” he said. “We must be aware that the issue of the Armenian Genocide
can and will be used for other purposes by people for whom it is not a
fundamental issue. It is up to concerned Armenians,” he added, “to think
realistically about such manipulation of the issue of the Armenian Genocide
by various lobbying and political groups and to ask whether it is useful or
detrimental to Armenia and Genocide recognition.”

In Dr. Astourian’s view, it may be reasonably inferred that some of the
reforms required of Turkey to join the EU, e.g., freedom of speech and
assembly, a decent human rights record, a significantly smaller role of the
military in political life, etc., will facilitate debate about the Armenian
Genocide in that country. Although such debate does not imply necessarily
that the Armenian Genocide will be recognized as a “genocide,” it will
undermine the orthodox, state-sponsored version of Turkish history in the
medium term.

Dr. Astourian noted that the prospect of Turkey’s entry into the EU does
raise a number of crucial issues. In particular, he challenged the audience
to consider what course of action Armenians should take if Turkey were to
rescind its official state version of history and recognize the Armenian
Genocide. Dr. Astourian stressed that addressing rationally complex issues,
such as the potential consequences of Turkey’s entry into the EU or an
evaluation of the position to be adopted in case Turkey should recognize the
Armenian Genocide as such, or as a “crime against humanity” or some such
other terms, requires knowledge and dispassionate expertise. After summing
the latest academic developments concerning the Turkish-Armenian dialogue
and research into the Armenian Genocide, Dr. Astourian pointed to the
extreme scarcity of scholars dealing with social scientific fields that
usually inform policy and decision makers. The speaker also indicated that
the very few major academics in Armenian-related fields are now close to the
end of their careers. Dr. Astourian emphasized, therefore, the need for the
Armenian Diaspora to invest in a new generation of social science scholars
who can effectively address complex issues over the next twenty to thirty
years and contribute to detached analysis regarding Armenian affairs. Dr.
Astourian pointed to the Zoryan Institute as the leading organization in
this regard, responsible for proactively trying to address the critical
issue of expanding a cohesive intellectual base for the Armenian Diaspora
through dispassionate education and research that conforms to the highest
standards of scholarship.

The event was part of an ongoing series of public lectures organized by the
Zoryan Institute on issues relating to Armenia, the Diaspora and genocide.
This lecture was made possible by with the participation of the following
organizations: Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, Holy Trinity Armenian
Apostolic Church, St. Gregory’s Armenian Catholic Church, St. Mary’s
Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Association of Toronto, Armenian General
Benevolent Union of Toronto, Armenian National Committee, Canadian Armenian
Business Council, Ryerson University Armenian Student Association, and the
University of Toronto Armenian Student Association; and with the support of
the following sponsors: Arax Jewelers, Robert P. Adourian Barristers &
Solicitors, and Indo-Iranian Rugs.

Prof. Astourian is Executive Director of the Armenian Studies Program,
Adjunct Assistant Professor of History at the University of
California-Berkeley, and a member of the Zoryan Institute’s Academic Board.

The Zoryan Institute is the first non-profit, international center devoted
to the research and documentation of contemporary issues related to Armenian
social, political and cultural life. To this end, the Institute conducts
multidisciplinary research, publication, and educational programs dealing
with Armenia, the Armenian Genocide, and Diaspora, within a universal
context.

AZG Armenian Daily #123, 06/07/2005

Science

13 CENTURY ARMENIAN BOOK ON WELFARE ART FOR HORSES AMAZES FOREIGNERS

“This book on welfare art for horses written in Cilicia is a real scientific
treasure”, Dr. Jasmin Dum-Tragut, linguist and armenologist at Linguistic
Institute of Salzburg, Austria, said. In cooperation with Zoology University
of Vienna, Dr. Dum-Tragut translated into German the most ancient Armenian
book on how to cure horses dated back 13 century (1295-98). The book titled
“The Welfare Art for Horses in Cilicia. Armenian Legacy” includes also a
dictionary of professional terms and explanations. The original book,
written by an Armenian polyglot priest (unfortunately the name is not
mentioned) and a Syrian horse breeder, came to be the most ancient and most
professional research in the Middle East. Specialists at Vienna Zoology
University were taken by surprise to read about herbal medicines that were
far more productive than those medicines we have today. Those medicinal
herbs used to grow in the Armenian Plateau and were used for healing human
diseases as well.

During the 2 and a half years of preparation for translation, Dr. Jasmin
Dum-Tragut has met Armenian zoologists, horse breeders and common peasants
to find out the exact root of some terms. He found out that all of these
people use Russian or Turkish words and do not even remember the Armenian
equivalents.

Thanks to the Austrian armenologist and linguist we have not only the book
translated but also have Armenian words saved from oblivion.

By Hakob Tsulikian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZG Armenian Daily #123, 06/07/200

Karabakh issue

GORAN LENMARKER CREATES ‘GOLDEN’ OPPORTUNITY TO SETTLE NKR CONFLICT

Regnum agency informed that Goran Lenmarker, OSCE PACE special
representative of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, stated that today a
“golden” opportunity is created for the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh
issue, based on “victory-victory” order. In case this order is carried out,
both Armenia and Azerbaijan will suffer the least loses. The diplomat told
about that during the 14th session of PACE in Washington. He emphasized that
Nagorno Karabakh conflict is not frozen. “People are being killed at the
border each year,” he said.

Lenmarker offered to follow the example of the Europeans, when “democracy
and integration become basic components for peace.”

He didn’t specify what “victory-victory” order means in particular. The last
point of OSCE PACE formula on Nagorno Karabakh settlement says the
following: “OSCE PACE advices Azerbaijan and Armenia to follow the formation
of “victory -victory” situation, based on the current suggestions on
settlement that is supported by the European structures.”

AZG Armenian Daily #123, 06/07/2005

Neighbors

ARMENIANS TO FEED GEORGIAN ARMY

According to Regnum agency, president Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia
stated at the meeting with students yesterday that the government will
buy necessary agricultural goods for the Georgian army from
Samtskhe-Javakhk region. “2000 Russians are fed on potatoes, milk,
cheese of Ninotsminda and Akhalkalak, and that brings the locals their
small profit. Naturally, they were always worried to lose their
earnings once Russian base leaves the region. Together with the
defense minister we have decided to provide supplies for all 20.000
servicemen of the Georgian army from the goods produced in Akhalkalak
and Ninotsminda”, Saakashvili said.

Kovkaz Press informs that the military excursuses going on in mainly
Armenian-populated Javakhk drew in 150 tanks. The exercises will
continue to mid-July, and president Saakashvili will arrive in the
region to watch them close.

AZG Armenian Daily #123, 06/07/2005

Poll

60 PER CENT OF YEREVANNERS UNAWARE OF CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

The public polls held by Vox Populi center testified to the fact that only
13 per cent of the capital’s population is ready to participate in the
constitutional referendum, if it were held the coming Sunday. According to
their data, 60 per cent of Yerevanners is still unaware of the
constitutional reforms. The polls were held among 624 residents of the city
in late June and early July.

The referendum of constitutional reforms is expected to take place till
November 2005.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pan Armenian News

AZERI FM: OSKANIAN-MAMEDYAROV MEETING QUESTIONABLE

06.07.2005 02:35

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ July 11 the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs will pay a visit to
Baku. The possibility of the recurrent meeting of the Armenian and Azeri FMs
will depend on the outcomes of the visit, Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar
Mamedyarov stated, Trend news agency reports. In his words, after 2-day stay
in Azerbaijan, on July 13 the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs will make for
Armenia. `If the necessity of the meeting of the FMs emerges after the
discussions with parties to conflict, the date of the meeting will be fixed.
Otherwise the meeting will not take place’, Elmar Mamedyarov said.

Pan Armenian News

PARISIAN COURT CONDEMNED CREATORS OF WEBSITE DENYING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

05.07.2005 05:34

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Parisian Court sharply condemned and urged to remove
the website denying the Armenian Genocide, Yerkir Online reported. The site
was launched by the Association of former war-lovers and extermination of
Jews. To note, many organizations have already brought suits against it. The
website denying the Armenian Genocide as a real fact advances the thesis of
the Turkish government. It questions the investigations carried out by
Vahagn Tatrian, Yves Ternor and Richard Hovhannissian. The court decreed to
remove the criminal website within 10 days.

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
July 5, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

DOCUMENTARY ON THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF THE TURKISH
BLOCKADE ON ARMENIA SELECTED FOR FILM FESTIVALS

— Film Narrated by System of a Down’s Serj Tankian;
Won Praise of Award-Winning Director Atom Egoyan

WASHINGTON, DC – “Armenia, a Country under Blockade,” a powerful
documentary film on the impact of Turkey’s blockade of Armenia was
featured at the recently concluded Myrtle Beach International Film
Festival, and has been chosen as an official selection for the
upcoming “Golden Apricots,” Yerevan’s International film festival,
which will take place between July 12 and 17th, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Narrated by System of a Down lead vocalist Serj Tankian and
directed by Diran Noubar, the 52-minute documentary film describes,
in compelling images and through first-hand accounts, the human
impact of Turkey’s decade-long, illegal blockade of Armenia. It
has been met with critical acclaim, including a standing ovation at
the Cannes Festival’s film market held earlier this year. Academy
Award nominee Atom Egoyan (1997-The Sweet Hereafter) has called
“Armenia, a Country under Blockade” a “very worthy and important
document.”

The timing of the film’s release, on the eve of the European
Union’s membership negotiations with Turkey, sparked a sharp
reaction from Ankara, and interest on the part of Europeans
troubled by the prospect of accepting a member state that so
flagrantly violates international law. The film was shot entirely
in Armenia.

“Diran Noubar’s powerful work is bringing the story of Armenia –
and the brutal impact of Turkey’s illegal blockade – to the
attention of vast new international audiences,” said Aram
Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “We encourage Armenian
Americans to watch this documentary – and just as importantly – to
share it with their local elected officials, to arrange screenings
for civic groups, and to encourage its broadcast by local
television stations.”

The film will be shown twice at the Golden Apricots, on July 12th
at 5:00 pm and again on July 13th at 11:00 am at the Cinema House
at Moskva Movie Theater in Yerevan. For further information,
contact:

Diran Noubar
Kayane Productions, Inc
1901 Dorset Drive
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(646)642-0544
(917)459-4109

Pan Armenian News

YEREVAN INTERESTED IN TRANSIT POSSIBILITIES OF BANDAR-E ABBAS PORT

06.07.2005 02:57

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Governor of the Iranian province of Hormozgan Ebrahim
Derazmisu met with Armenian Minister of transport and Communications
Andranik Manukian to discuss trade-economic cooperation. The parties noted
the positive tendencies of the development of the Armenian-Iranian relations
and the high potential of the bilateral cooperation. During the meeting
Andranik Manukian mentioned of Armenia’s interest in using the possibilities
of the Bandar-e `Abbas port for transit transportation. He also highlighted
the friendly relations between the two states and stressed the necessity of
soonest completion of the Iran-Armenia highway. In his turn Ebrahim
Derazmisu pointed out to the strengthening of cooperation adding that Iran’s
transport potential including the ports and free economic areas of Hozmorgan
are a good basis for the development of the Iranian-Armenian cooperation.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress