THE US ADMINISTRATION DISAPPROVES OF THE ADOPTION OF THE GENOCIDE RESOLUTIONS AT THE US CONGRESS
DeFacto News, Armenia
Sept 19 2005
The US State Department official representative Adam Erely stated
the US decision concerning “forced resettlement and murder of 1.5
million Armenians” had not been changed.
Adam Erely noted, “The US policy on the issue has not been changed.
The US President voiced it in his speech made on April 24 having
stated the US grieved about forced resettlement and murder of 1, 5
million Armenians in the last years of the Osman Empire considering
the event to be one of the greatest tragedies in the history of
mankind”. However, he added,”the US administration does not support
voting on the Resolutions at the House of Representatives and we go
on stating it”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA PM: ARMENIA SUPPORTS EFFORTS AIMED AT REFORMING UN
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 16 2005
YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. Armenia supports the efforts aimed at
reforming the United Nations; RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan
said in his speech at the 60th session of the UN general Assembly,
press-service of the RA Government reported ARKA News Agency. Armenia
attaches importance to enhancement of the role of the General Assembly,
creation of the Human Rights Council, and especially at increasing the
effectiveness of the working methods of the Security Council. “We are
confident that the reformed United Nations Organization will be in a
position to successfully address today’s ever-increasing challenges”,
Margaryan said.
It is five years now that the Heads of State and Governments adopted
the Millennium Declaration thus assuming responsibility to reach
the development goals as outlined in the Declaration. By joining the
Declaration Armenia included the development goals in its long-term
strategic programs. By the decision of the Government and with
the assistance of international organizations Armenia adopted a
Poverty Reduction Strategy Program, which envisages measures aimed
at implementation of MDGs and is in compliance with the strategic
development of the country. A.A. -0–

MARGARYAN: ARMENIA STRONGLY CONDEMNS TERRORISM AND ALL ITS MANIFESTATIONS
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 16 2005
YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. Armenia strongly condemns terrorism
and all its manifestations, RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan
said in his speech at the 60th session of the UN general Assembly,
press-service of the RA Government reported ARKA News Agency. He said
that terrorism remains the biggest scourge facing humanity. He pointed
out that the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001 in the United States,
then in Beslan, Madrid, London and other parts of the world testify
that states should unite their efforts to commonly address this evil..
“We commend measures undertaken by the Secretary-General aimed at
prevention of possible acts of genocide in the future”, Margaryan
said. In this connection he gave importance of inclusion in the Outcome
Document of the High-Level Meeting the concept of responsibility to
protect populations against genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing
and crimes against humanity.
“The international community should redouble its efforts to prevent
possible genocides. Armenians, as a nation that survived the first
genocide of the 20-th century, know well the horrible consequences
of the policy of genocide”, Margaryan said. A.A. -0–

US Congress committee passes 2 resolutions on ‘genocide’ of Armenians
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 19 2005
Baku, September 16, AssA-Irada
The US Congress committee on international relations has passed two
resolutions on the so-called “genocide” of Armenians after approving
relevant draft laws.
In the resolutions, Turkey and the Bush administration are urged to
recognize the “genocide”, according to the US Assembly of Armenians.
The first resolution was approved by 35 Congressmen, with 11 voting
against it, while the second one was approved by 40 Congress members.
The Greek community in the United States backed the two resolutions.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan stated in a meeting with
his Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon in New York that Turkey needs
support from the Jewish Lobby in connection with the mentioned issue.*

ARMENIAN ENSEMBLE, DANCERS DAZZLE
By Fred Ortega
Glendale News Press, CA
Sept 19 2005
Glendale Community Concerts kicks off its season with a crowdpleasing
show of folk music and dance.
EAST GLENDALE — In the late 19th century, an Armenian priest by the
name of Komitas Vardapet traveled his native land, collecting folk
songs that for centuries had been passed on orally from generation
to generation.
If not for Vardapet’s work, melodies that make up the very fabric
of Armenian culture might have been lost for eternity. But thanks
to that work, more than 800 people gathered at the Glendale High
School Auditorium Sunday were able to enjoy hauntingly beautiful
renditions of “Akh Im Anoush Yar” (“Oh, Sweet Love of Mine”) and
“Eem Chinaree Yaruh” (“My Love Is Like a Tall Tree) as part of the
Glendale Community Concerts Assn.’s 2005-06 season premiere.
These and many other Armenian folk melodies, both ancient and modern,
were performed by the Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble, a Fresno
and Los Angeles-based group comprised mostly of Armenian musicians
displaced by the great Armenian earthquake of 1990. Also performing
in the event was the Zvartnots Dance Ensemble.
Zvartnots opened the show, with performances ranging from a melancholy
solo dance of “Elegia,” by renowned Armenian folk music composer
Kachatur Avetisyan, to a high-powered rendition of folk dance
melodies set to an electronic beat. The latter featured costumed men
in thigh-high boots linking arms and high-stepping around women in
traditional ankle-length dresses.
The Chookasian ensemble captivated the audience, playing
thousand-year-old instruments such as the kanun lap harp, the oboe-like
duduk and the tarr, a double-bodied lute, the sound of which resembles
the famed Russian balalaika.
Among the guests of honor at the concert was state Sen. Charles
Poochigian (R-Fresno), who characterized the event as a learning
experience combined with entertainment.
“The best part was being exposed to these unique, ancient instruments,”
Poochigian said. “It is like a history lesson in addition to a
musical performance. If you are a music lover, you can’t help but
appreciate it.”
All folk music seems to share some common themes, ensemble director
John Chookasian said.
“In every ethnic music there are crossovers of certain musical phrases,
and in our case some are common to Middle- and Near-Eastern formats,”
said Chookasian, a U.S. native whose wife, Barbara, also sings with
the group. “But there are also forms that are unique to each genre
which are discernible to students of music.”
The concert was amazing in that it brought Armenian music and culture
to an audience that was mostly non-Armenian, said Appo Jabarian,
a marketing director for USA-Armenian Life Magazine.
“Today’s event is really a celebration of the great American value
that encourages many cultures to flourish, that makes up the symphony
of cultures that is America,” Jabarian said.
For more information on future Glendale Community Concerts Assn.
events, visit www.glendalecommunity concerts.com.

SECRETARY GENERAL OF IEM: ARMENIA FAR FROM MEMBERSHIP IN EU
ARKA News Agency
Sept 16 2005
YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. Armenia is far from membership in the
European Union, Secretary General of International European Movement
(IEM) Henry Kroner told journalists in Yerevan. “It is not easy to
become a European country, and a long way of democratic development
should be passed”, he said. He also said that democracy can work
only on the basis of the civil society. “I see great willingness and
striving for democracy and Eurointegration, and the IEM will help
Armenia with this issue”, Kroner said. He reported that the major
goal of the IEM is “formation of united and democratic Europe”.
Office of the International European Movement (IEM) has been opened
in Yerevan today. the goal of this office is integration into the
European structures, establishment of democratic society based on
human rights and freedoms. IEM was founded on October 25, 1948 and
has branches in 42 European countries. A.A. -0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NO POLITICAL PROBLEMS BETWEEN ARMENIA, IRAN
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 16 2005
YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. Armenia and Iran have no political
problems, RA Premier Andranik Margaryan stated at his meeting with
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejan in New York, USA. According
to him, the bilataeral economic relations are developing, which is
confirmed by increase in bilateral trade. Margaryan pointed out the
importance of successful implementation of Armenian-Iranian programs,
which will promote the development of bilateral; relations. He stressed
that Iran’s balanced policy played an essential role in the maintenance
of stability in the South Caucasus. He pointed out paramount importance
of this policy being continued. Margaryan expressed gratitude for the
Iranian Government’s attitude to the Armenian community, pointing out
communities’ important role in the development of bilateral relations.
In his turn, the Iranian President pointed out that the development
of friendly relations with its neighbors, particularly, with Armenia,
is in conformity with Iran’s policy. He also pointed out the importance
of consistent implementation of economic programs.
According to the RA National Statistical Service, in January-July
2005, Armenian-Iranian trade turnover totaled $63,335.2ths (exports
$17,884.1ths and imports 45,541.1ths) against $53,689 ths in
the corresponding period of last year ($17,989ths and $35,700ths
respectively). P.t. -0–

ARMENIAN NA SPEAKER MEETS WITH SECRETARY GEENRAL OF INTERNATIONAL EUROPEAN MOVEMENT
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 16 2005
YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. Speaker of the RA parliament Artur
Baghdasaryan held a meeting with Secretary General of the International
European Movement (IEM) Henry Kroner. During the meeting, Kroner
told the IEM’s history, pointing out that the organization was at
the outset of the formation of the European Parliament and EU. Kroner
proposed that Speaker Baghdasaryan that he join IEM. Among IEM members
are president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barosso, French
ex-president Valery giscar de Sten, German ex-Chancellor Helmut Col,
Baghdasaryan expressed his support to Kroner and wished his successful
activities in Armenia. The sided reached an arrangement on further
cooperation.
The 42nd branch of IEM has been opened in Yerevan today. P.T. -0–

EU, TURKEY: NEW TALKS, OLD HINDRANCES
By Federico Bordonaro for ISN Security Watch
ISN, Switzerland
Sept 19 2005
With talks set for next week on Turkey’s EU accession negotiations,
all major EU states appear eager to staff for time.
EU governments on 14 September failed to approve a declaration to
surmount divisions over Ankara’s refusal to recognize Cyprus, a move
considered necessary by continental states to proceed to Turkey’s
membership talks on 3 October. A negotiating mandate for Turkish
entry talks will be discussed once again on 21 September. In a joint
declaration, EU member states have stated that “recognition of all the
member states is a component necessary to the process of adhesion”,
the French daily Le Figaro reported.
However, the Cyprus issue is not the only trouble the Turkish
government will face on its way to Brussels. The EU is split over
further enlargements and more than ever over Turkey’s integration into
the union. After more than 40 years since Europe’s first openings to
the prospect of membership, Turkish accession still appears to be a
long and difficult journey.
Cyprus’ protests and Ankara’s gaffe The current crisis, which broke
just a few weeks before membership talks begin, was originated
by two concomitant events. One is Cyprus’ protest against Ankara’s
unwillingness to fully recognize Cypriot national unity and sovereignty
before the talks start. Evidently, the Turkish government cannot act
in a hurry in this respect, because of the 30,000 ethnic Turks still
living in the island, whose possible departure from Cyprus must be
carefully negotiated to obtain guarantees.
EU member states like France – sceptical about Turkey’s full
integration into the bloc – immediately pointed out that membership
could be given to those who did not fully recognize other member’s
sovereignty. Then this week, Paris accepted a diplomatic draft that
makes it possible for the membership talks to start before Turkey
officially recognizes Cyprus. France thus accepts the talks to begin
as planned on October 3. But the issue is far from over.
September’s other spiky issue was the EU members’ annoyance with
Ankara’s allegedly repressive policy against Orhan Pamuk, a novelist
who is being accused of insulting the Turkish national character for
telling a Swiss journal that “30,000 Kurds and one million Armenians
were killed in these lands and nobody but me dares to talk about it”.
The new Turkish penal code makes it a crime to denigrate the national
identity, and Turkey’s determination to force Pamuk to stand trial
is viewed by many in Western Europe as a “provocation”.
Both these facts highlight underlying European tensions about the
Turkish accession to the EU. However, the impression is that some
governments in Western Europe are using such events to further
complicate the membership talks, thus gaining time and appeasing
recalcitrant and increasingly “euro-sceptic” public opinion at home.
Moreover, Europe is once again divided over the issue, augmenting
Turkey’s frustration and possibly paving the way for further political
manoeuvring.
Europe’s divisions and Turkey’s irritation The real matter behind the
Turkish accession troubles is the EU enlargement process itself. It’s
no secret that EU members are divided over the very nature of Europe’s
political unification. Last year’s big eastward enlargement left many
wondering what kind of union they were getting.
The real issue at hand is the viability of a 25-states federation as a
geopolitical unit – whereas sovereignty in Europe remains split between
a cumbersome supranational decision-level and a weakened national one.
In this respect, Bulgaria’s and Romania’s applications for EU
membership also appear to have become more complicated following the
EU Constitutional Treaty’s failure and the new wave of euro-scepticism
in Western Europe.
Moreover, Ankara’s integration would challenge the European cultural
identity because of its almost totally Muslim population and modify
the demographic balance in the Old Continent. By 2015, Turkey should
have surpassed Germany as the most populous EU country, which – given
the EU voting system – could have important political consequences
on the European parliament, which Paris and Berlin have perhaps
not anticipated.
Paradoxically, the traditionally more Europeanist states like France,
Germany, the Netherlands, or Italy, are disappointed with the EU
political integration process, which they had so strenuously advocated
during the 1990s. This is due to the difficulties in management the
single currency and to the “identity crisis” that has overcome the
“New Europe” – which quickly looked after its own security and
geopolitical goals by aligning with Washington and not with the
Franco-German combine on Iraq.
In addition, both the 2004 enlargement and (especially) the Turkish
membership issue are often perceived by Paris and Berlin as US and
British priorities, and that such processes are being managed according
to the Anglo-American agenda and timing.
All these elements are the driving forces behind recently conceived
proposals of an enhanced partnership between the EU and Turkey, to
be offered Ankara in place of a full membership – a proposal that
has been categorically rejected by Ankara.
In fact, as Italian ambassador Luigi V. Ferraris told to ISN-Security
Watch this week, it is now impossible to keep saying “no” to Ankara
– unless the latter did something so serious to become unacceptable
for the EU.
Turkey is a full member of NATO and is already part of the European
Council, and as such there is no solid basis upon which EU member
states could set up a coherently obstructionist position. Besides,
Ankara could easily perceive its real “fault” being its Muslim identity
– which would only fuel the fires of a “clash of civilizations”
that EU members want to avoid.
Apart from Turkey’s obvious geopolitical and geostrategic importance,
as a land directly connecting the Balkan regions and the Black Sea
regions of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, as well as the Syria,
Iraq, and Iran in the Middle East, some observers have highlighted
that Ankara’s role in Europe could be that of epitomizing a modern
Muslim democracy to other influential Muslim states. Since it is often
repeated that one of the keys in tackling Islamist terror is to enhance
moderate Islam, such a “geo-cultural” function could be one of Turkey’s
most attractive features to offer to its diffident EU partners.
On the contrary, should Turkey be eventually refused EU membership, its
ruling classes might turn towards enhanced strategic partnerships with
Syria and Iran from an anti-European perspective, thus complicating EU
efforts to make the East Mediterranean region a secure and stable area.
What is more, in recent years Turkey has worked hard to catch up with
European social and political standards, abolishing the death penalty,
accepting Kurdish as a language in schools, scrapping state security
courts, changing the penal code, and increasing civilian control over
the army.
Can London succeed?
According to Ambassador Ferraris, the current British EU Presidency
has an overtly different position from France, Germany, and the
Netherlands on Turkish membership. London is trying to smooth the
progress of Turkey’s accession, but it is doubtful whether it will
have the strength to impose a decisive acceleration.
The Turkish issue was a central topic during recent French and Dutch
referendums on the EU Constitutional Treaty, and large parts of the
French public are unconvinced that welcoming Ankara into the EU is
in Paris’ interests, Ferraris said.
In Germany, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) candidate Angela Merkel
has taken an anti-integrationist position during the election
campaign, but she is likely to mitigate her position should she
become chancellor, replacing Gerhard Schroder who has lobbied for
full Turkish membership in the EU.
Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), on the contrary, keeps a
more cautious stand on the issue, also because of the large Turkish
community in Germany, whose votes are traditionally social-democrat.
However, German (but also French) decision-makers are still in need
of a clear strategy towards Turkey, whereas Italy appears, for the
moment, decidedly more aligned with London than with Paris and Berlin.
German federal elections, which took place on Sunday, proved to be a
tight race, with both Merkel and Schroder claiming victory on Monday
and the chancellor’s post still up for grabs.
Stalling for time Independent of next week’s talks, all major EU
states appear eager to stall for time. The Turkish membership issue
– already complicated if seen as a EU-Turkey bilateral affair –
is being made increasingly thorny by the French, German, Dutch and
other domestic political contexts.
With public opinion undecided – if not, sometimes, overtly hostile to
Ankara’s accession – it is likely that both the new German government
and its French and Dutch homologues will start the negotiations knowing
that the latter will be very long, so that current governments will
hardly be the ones to resolve the matter.
In fact, according to Ambassador Ferraris, a sort of buck-passing from
present to future European administrations is not to be ruled-out,
even though sharp rhetoric against Turkish integration could be surface
when election campaigns in Western countries enter the decisive stage.
Federico Bordonaro, based in Italy, is an analyst of International
Relations and Geopolitics with the Power and Interest News Report
and Stategic-Road.com. His expertise is concentrated in the new
structure of the international system after the Cold War, the
European integration process, Security and Defense issues, and
political realism.

ARMENIAN FM HOLDS WORKING MEETING WITH OSCE MF CO-CHAIRMAN STEVEN MANN
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 16 2005
YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan
has held a working meeting with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairman, US
representative Steven Mann. The Minister also held meetings with
Belgian Special Representative to the OSCE Pierre Chevalier. The
RA Foreign Minister presented to chevalier various aspects of the
Armenia-OSCe cooperation, regional and economic developments, as well
as the process and prospects of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. P.T.