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08/31/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) EU Insists Turkey Fully Implement Customs Protocol 2) Turk Novelist May Face Jail for Genocide Comments 3) Parliament Approves Proposed Constitutional Reforms, Opposition Exits pre Vote 1) EU Insists Turkey Fully Implement Customs Protocol BRUSSELS (Combined Sources)--The European Commission has insisted that Turkey must fully implement an EU customs protocol if it hopes to join the bloc, despite Ankara's refusal to recognize Cyprus as a member state. Spokeswoman Krisztina Nagy said Turkey's hopes of joining the EU hinged on its respect for the revised Ankara protocol. Turkey signed the pact in Brussels last month but added a declaration that it did not amount to recognizing Cyprus. "What is important for the commission is to see a full and total implementation of the Ankara protocol and the customs union," Nagy told reporters. She said that would include allowing Cypriot ships to use Turkish ports. "There are conditions on the free movement of goods in those documents," Nagy stated. "Turkey has to grant access to Cypriot vessels." EU leaders gave the vast Muslim state the green light in December to start entry talks despite its refusal to recognize the government of Cyprus, which was among 10 countries that joined the EU last year. Nagy's comments came as EU ambassadors were being briefed on the protocol and the attached declaration by a commission legal expert. The ambassadors are preparing the ground for a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wales on Thursday at which the issue is certain to figure high on the agenda. The issue of Turkey has recently become contentious again, as member states such as France and Austria--as well as potentially Germany under a new conservative leadership after its upcoming elections--have signaled that they prefer a loose partnership with Ankara as opposed to full membership. Austria has stated that Vienna will seek 'privileged partnership' to be explicitly stated as an alternative to full Turkish EU membership. The European Commission's negotiating terms state open ended process with the aim of EU membership, but not with Turkey's entry as guaranteed conclusion. In a letter to her EU colleagues on Thursday, Austrian foreign minister Ursula Plassnik said the mandate should specify a "specific alternative to EU membership." "Such a partnership would constitute a more realistic goal in the middle term, for Turkey as well as for the EU member states, without excluding the perspective of full membership," Plassnik wrote. 2) Turk Novelist May Face Jail for Genocide Comments ANKARA (Reuters)--Best-selling Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk faces up to three years in jail for saying that Armenians suffered genocide at the hand of the Ottoman Turkish government 90 years ago, his publisher said on Wednesday. Turkish prosecutors are also investigating comments by Pamuk that some 30,000 Kurds were killed more recently in Turkey in separatist clashes with security forces. "A lawsuit has been filed against Orhan Pamuk that could result in a three-year prison sentence," Iletisim Publishing said in a statement faxed to Reuters. Pamuk made his comments about the Armenians and the Kurds during an interview published on Feb 6, 2005, in Das Magazin, the weekly supplement of Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger. "Thirty thousand Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in these lands and nobody but me dares to talk about it," Pamuk was quoted as saying in the interview. His remarks drew an angry reaction from Turkish nationalists and politicians at the time, and the author even received anonymous death threats. The public prosecutor in Istanbul's Sisli district found that Pamuk's remarks violated Turkey's newly revised penal code, which deems denigration of the "Turkish identity" a crime, the publisher of Iletisim, Tugrul Pasaoglu, told Reuters. Pasaoglu said the first hearing in Pamuk's trial was scheduled for December 16. The prosecutor's office declined to comment on the case. SENSITIVE ISSUE Ankara has long denied that Armenians suffered genocide, or systematic killing, at Ottoman hands during and after World War I, saying they were victims of partisan fighting which also claimed the lives of many Muslim Turks. Turkey is also very sensitive to portrayals of the Kurdish issue. Its security forces have been battling separatist guerrillas in Turkey's impoverished southeast since 1984. Fighting has recently flared up after a period of relative calm. Pamuk is best known as the author of historical novels set in Ottoman Turkey, including "My Name is Red" and "The White Castle." His recent novel "Snow" is a meditation on love and politics in modern Turkey. His book "Istanbul" is a personal memoir of growing up in Turkey's sprawling biggest city. His books have been widely translated into English and other foreign languages. Pamuk's trial is likely to prove embarrassing for the Turkish government as it prepares for the launch of European Union entry talks on October 3. The EU has said Ankara must meet European standards on freedom of expression. 3) Parliament Approves Proposed Constitutional Reforms, Opposition Exits pre Vote YEREVAN (RFE/RL/Armenpress)--With a vote of 92 to 1 and no abstentions, Armenian parliament approved on Wednesday the first reading of 18 revised as well as new articles to the Constitution. Lawmakers from opposition Ardarutyun (Justice) bloc and National Unity vetoed the vote. They had indicted on Tuesday that they would reject the draft because their proposals were turned down. Following speeches by the opposition's leadership, there was a collective walkout of the more than two dozen parliamentarians affiliated with the two opposition groups. They suspended their 18-month boycott of parliament sessions on Monday to attend the debate broadcast live by state television. The Armenian opposition decided to reject the draft amendments despite the fact they are supported by the Council of Europe, the European Union and the United States, who say constitutional reform would result in a more effective system of checks and balances among Armenia's branches of government. Adoption of the proposed reforms is expected in the second and final readings scheduled for Thursday and September 11 respectively. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. 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PRESS RELEASE
Armenian General Benevolent Union AGBU
Montreal
805 Manoogian Street
Montreal Quebec
H4N-1Z5
514-748-2428
e-mail [email protected].
Previously banned from the Ottoman Archives: German Historian Returns
to reveal his latest Discoveries
Recently returned from his studies in the Ottoman archives, Professor
Hilmar Kaiser will be delivering a presentation at 8:00 pm this
Thursday, September 1, at the Montreal Armenian Community’s AGBU
Center at 805 Manoogian Street in St-Laurent.
In July 2005, Dr. Hilmar Kaiser, a German historian, visited the
Turkish Prime Minister’s Ottoman Archives in Istanbul, Turkey. He
had worked in these archives between 1991 and 1995. In 1996, he was
banned from the archives by the Turkish authorities for political
reasons. During his research, he had uncovered important archival
material detailing aspects of the Armenian Genocide. For years,
scholars, politicians, and Armenians worldwide had demanded his re-
admission.
Returning after 10 years, Dr. Kaiser was able to conclude some
projects that were left unfinished. He also reviewed new archival
resources and the overall conditions for continued research. Thus,
on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a critical step
forward in the opening of the Turkish archives has been made.
The Armenian Community of Canada and Montreal supported this study,
but its significance goes far beyond. There is good reason to hope
this step in the right direction will not be the last by the Turkish
government.
The presentation this Thursday will introduce new results and
provide an assessment on the current state of research of the Ottoman
archives relating to the Armenian Genocide. For the first time, Dr.
Kaiser will report on his research trip and discuss perspectives for
future research.
For more information, please contact Armenian General Benevolent Union
AGBU Montreal at 514-748-2428 or e-mail: [email protected].

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
September 1, 2005
His Holiness Karekin II Receives Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs
On August 31, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, received Rafael Antonio Bielsa, Minister of Foreign affairs,
International Trade and Worship for the Republic of Argentina. Mr. Bielsa’s
delegation was accompanied by Arman Kirakosian, Deputy Foreign Minister of
Armenia and Ara Ayvazian, Ambassador of Armenia to Argentina. Also in the
delegation were devoted members of the Armenian Church and benefactors
Eduardo Ernekian and Leon Carlos Arslanian.
His Holiness welcomed the Minister to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and
gladly recalled his meeting with Mr. Bielsa in Buenos Aires in 2004 during a
Pontifical Visit to South America. The Catholicos of All Armenians
requested that the Minister please transmit his personal appreciation and
blessings to the President of Argentina and all state officials for the
respect and care they demonstrate toward the Armenian community in
Argentina. His Holiness also expressed his pleasure at seeing two Armenian
benefactor sons of the Church among the delegation from Argentina, each who
has made significant contributions to the development and progress of
Armenian life.
The Pontiff of All Armenians offered his words of gratitude to the Argentine
people and state for their recognition and condemnation of the Armenian
Genocide. He stated, “Argentina occupies a special place within our hearts
and the hearts of all Armenians. We have a large and vibrant Armenian
community there, who have earned the respect and admiration of their fellow
Argentine countrymen. Argentina is also one of the growing number of
countries that has recognized and strongly condemned the Genocide of the
Armenians as the greatest of crimes against mankind, and for this, our
nation appreciates the courageous spirit of Argentina, her faithful people
and her dedicated government officials.”
##

UNITED LABOUR PARTY OF ARMENIA TO SUPPORT DRAFT CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENTS AT THE REFERENDUM
YEREVAN, AUGUST 31. ARMINFO, United Labour party of Armenia will
support the draft constitutional reforms at the November referendum,
as the document positively differs from the acting Constitution,
meets international standards and is able to ensure small, but a
progress in the development of Armenia. ULP leader Gourgen Arsenian
stated during the extraordinary session of the parliament, Wednesday.
He stressed that the extent of the participation of the ULP in the
agitation campaign of the draft will depend on that how much are the
proposals of his party will be acceptable for the authors of the
document. Arsenian pointed out that the draft of the constitutional
amendments is considerably revised and practically meets the draft of
the reforms elaborated by the ULP, which was earlier rejected by the
parliament. “The ULP respects the opinion of the CE Venice Commission
regarding the draft constitutional amendments of Armenia and think if
the draft fails at the referendum, then the situation will change in
Armenia, and the degree of the participation in the EU program “Wider
Europe: New Neighborhood Policy” will be reduced”, Arsenian said. He
stressed that the future of Armenia will depend on the results of the
referendum, and all the political forces must realize it. He called
on all the political forces not to try to split the society of the
country at this moment.
Arsenian said that the representatives of all the political forces
must try to make clear to every citizen of Armenia how important
decision they are to make at the referendum. At the same time the ULP
leader said that his party will not permit distortion of the results
of the referendum, as possible falsifications at the referendum will
have more negative consequences for Armenia than the failure of the
draft.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES TEACHERS, PUPILS AND THEIR PARENTS ON DAY OF KNOWLEDGE
YEREVAN, AUGUST 31. ARMINFO. President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan
congratulates teachers, pupils and their parents of the Day of
Knowledge.
The Presidential Press Service informs ARMINFO that the presidential
message in particular says that formation of a new literate generation
armed with modern knowledge is demand of the time and a guarantor of
development. Each family in the public is aware of this and pays a
great attention to education. “Reforms in the system of education
is one of the most important tasks of our country. This issue is
solved step by step. In this direction we carry out a consistent
work,” the message says. Robert Kocharyan is sure that educational
establishments in Armenia will be improved due to the experience and
development of the existing pedagogical potential. “I congratulate
you and wish that the new educational year be rich and productive,”
Robert Kocharyan says.

THERE ARE MISTAKES IN ARMENIA’s LAW ON MASS MEDIA, AND PRESS IS UNDER PRESSURE IN AZERBAIJAN AND TURKEY
YEREVAN, AUGUST 30. ARMINFO. Not all the Johannesburg principles
regarding both national security and mass media freedom are
being fulfilled in Armenia. Nevertheless, it is too much closer to
harmonious combination of security and information availability than
its nearest neighbors, stated chairman of the Yerevan press-club Boris
Navasardyan at today’s seminar at the Armenian Center for National
and International Studies.
He noted that the profession of a journalist in Armenia has not been
included in the list of specialties having a right on official secrecy
(doctors, lawyers, etc.). Besides, in a Law on fight against terrorism
adopted by Armenia’s parliament, in Navasardyan’s opinion, should be
registered not only constraints of mass media freedom when covering
acts of terrorism but also their rights. However, he noted with
satisfaction that the Armenian law on mass media allows journalists
to disclose information source at a close court examination only if
a grave crime is being investigated. Besides, there is no control in
Armenia over covering regional conflicts. “There was a possibility of
various approaches even during the Karabakh war in Armenia, and both
A. Bleyan’s visit to Baku and his publications in press prove it”,
Navasardyan stressed.
He considers exemplary the Estonian model proposing the necessity of
adopting a separate law for classifying any information.

ROBERT KOCHARYAN REBUKES VARDAN OSKANYAN FOR ABUSE OF POWER
YEREVAN, AUGUST 30. ARMINFO. Armenia’s President Robert Kocharyan
rebuked Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan for both abuse of power
and giving the ministerial car to his son Ara Oskanyan committing an
automobile-pedestrian accident, Oskanyan himself informed journalists
today.
He stressed that the health of the victim (who get better) is the
most important thing now. Oskanyan noted that he takes the blame for
the occurrence upon himself assuring the presents that he will not
act such hastily in future.

COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION OF ECONOMIC COMPETITION OF ARMENIA DID NOT
CHANGE ITS DECISION TO FINE ARMENTEL
YEREVAN, AUGUST 31. ARMINFO. During Wednesday sitting the Commission
for protection of economic competition of Armenia examined the
complaint of ArmenTel cjsc and did not change its decision to
fine the company for poor quality of service. The company will pay
$400,000. ARMINFO was informed in the press office of the commission.
The commission fixed that providing poor quality mobile service
and with disturbances ArmenTel cjsc has infringed the laws on
telecommunications, on the rights of consumers and on defence of
economic competition. In accordance with the decision, the fine worth
1% out of the turnover of the company of 2004 must be paid to the
budget of the country within 24 hours after receiving the decision
of the commission. Otherwise, the law envisions compulsory collection
of the fine.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF BESLAN TRAGEDY MARKED TODAY
A1+
| 12:00:05 | 01-09-2005 | Politics |
UNICEF today marked the first anniversary of the Beslan school tragedy
by calling on all adults to shield children from war and conflict.
One year ago today, gunmen invaded School No. 1 in Beslan, Russian
Federation as it teemed with children and parents celebrating the
first day of the school year. Three days later, the siege ended with
more than 170 children and hundreds of adults dead.
The people of Beslan have rallied behind their children. And those
children are reaching out to each other across religious and ethnic
divides. “This community – scarred though it is – is charting a course
to recovery,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern
Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Maria Calivis.
“Today, we join the families of Beslan to honour those who died in
the siege of School No. 1,” said Calivis. “During those three days in
September 2004, the sanctity of childhood itself came under attack. It
plumbed the depths of inhumanity.”
The attack on School No. 1 and the tragic events that followed were
part of a rising tide of violence against children.
“It is time to take stock,” said Calivis. “We are not doing enough
for our children. We can do more.”

NORWAY AND UNDP INVEST IN SOUTH CAUCASUS COUNTRIES $10 MILLION
Pan Armenian News
01.09.2005 04:52
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian the other day met with
Norwegian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kim Traavik ,
reported the Press Service of the Armenian MFA. In the course of
the meeting Mr. Oskanian noted Armenia’s readiness to activate the
strengthening the Armenian-Norwegian bilateral cooperation. Thereupon
he noted the importance of continuation of bilateral contacts at the
top level. Having noted the interest of his country toward settlement
of problems in the South Caucasus, Kim Traavik stated Norway intends
to cooperate with the UNDP in the South Caucasus. Thus Norway will
invest $10 million in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan within 2005-2007
aiming at funding development. In his words, the programs mainly
refer to management, energy and ecology. The parties appreciated the
efficient cooperation of the Armenian authorities and the UN Yerevan
Office, simultaneously expressing confidence that the new programs
will stimulate regional cooperation. At the instance of the guest V.
Oskanian briefed him with the latest developments in the Nagorno
Karabakh settlement and the Armenia-Turkey relations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress