ARF Bureau’s new building opens in Yerevan
17.08.2005 11:56
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – A new building to house the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) Bureau solemnly opened in Yerevan on August 16,
ARF Press office reported.
Representatives of Armenian political parties as well as ARF members
from around the world were present at the opening ceremony also
attended by Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian, Armenian
president’s chief of staff Artashes Tumanian, and Bishop Vazgen
Mirzakhanian, representing Catholicos Garegin II.
The ceremony began with the Armenian national anthem and “Mshak
Banvor,” the official anthem of the ARF, followed by a speech of ARF
Armenia Supreme Body Representative Armen Rustamian.
After welcoming the representatives of the Armenian political parties
and ARF members from across the world, Rustamian pointed to the
importance of unification to settle the national issues.
In his turn, ARF Bureau Representative Hrant Margarian noted that
during its 115-year history, the ARF Bureau had never had a building
of its own; it had offices, places to work, but now, it has it has
its own building in Armenia allowing to show the party in its entirety.
“Today we are not in a position to chose our tasks because the issues
of Armenians are our issues from the strengthening of the Armenian
statehood and ensuring its security to the people’s prosperity and
acquiring our nation’s collective rights from Artsakh to Javakhk
and the fragments of the Armenians in Western Armenia, fragments
of Armenians in the former Soviet Union and more organizing of the
Diaspora.”
Margarian noted that the new building was acquired due to generous
donations from party members and sympathizers, among them Varand and
Hury Melkonians from Western United States. He also mentioned Zohrap
and Noyemi Tazians whose donation helped to establish a library-museum
in the building, adding there are also other donors.
Varand Melkonian said that being a ARF sympathizer he was happy to
be given a chance to contribute to the Armenian Cause and serving
the Armenian national interest.
Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanian bestowed the blessings of Catholicos
Garegin II and wished luck for the works to be accomplished.
Hrant Margarian and Varand Melkonian cut the band at the building
entrance and then the guests explored the rooms of the 3- story
building followed by a treatment.
The building will house several offices of the ARF Bureau, including
the Youth office, Hay Dat office, Economic office and others.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian rojak, S’pore style
Electric New Paper, Singapore
Aug 17 2005
WHEN former Mrs Singapore Brigitte Ow married her Chinese husband,
she wanted to impress her father-in-law.
She tried addressing him with ‘lou yeh’, the Cantonese word for
‘father’.
However, because of the wrong intonations, she ended up calling him
‘old thing’.
Mrs Ow is Armenian and like many Armenian Singaporeans, she married
outside the community.
Identities are changing for this minority group, one of the smallest
in Singapore.
While Mrs Ow’s grandfather is pure Armenian, her mother, Madam Loretta
Tan, is half Armenian.
Mrs Ow, whose maiden name is Aroozoo, and her sister, Mrs Debra
Pasaribu, are quarter Armenian and call themselves Singaporeans
first. Although never numbering more than 100, Armenians played a key
role in Singapore’s early history. They are responsible for four of
Singapore’s most recognisable icons.
The Sarkis brothers who founded the Raffles Hotel were Armenian.
Another Armenian, Mr Catchick Moses, founded The Straits Times.
Vanda Miss Joaquim, the national flower, was so named after its
founder Agnes Joaquim, an Armenian horticulturalist.
NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Armenians’ place of worship, the Armenian Apostolic Church of St
Gregory the Illuminator, is a national monument.
Located at Hill Street, it is the oldest Christian place of worship
in Singapore.
‘Armenians came to Singapore for very different reasons,’ said Mr
Gregory Basmadjian, one of the trustees of the Armenian Church.
‘They did not come just to trade. They were also fleeing persecution
at home.’ (See other report.)
Today, three million live in Armenia proper. Four million live in
the diaspora. Tennis star Andre Agassi and Hollywood actress Cher
are among the diaspora.
The Armenian Singaporean community numbers about 20 and the group is
finding it hard to keep traditions alive.
A major reason is the high number of mixed marriages.
‘When people asked me why I did not marry an Armenian, I told them
all the Armenian men I knew were in their 70s!’ Mrs Ow said, half
in jest. Her children identify themselves as Cantonese after their
father and they speak Mandarin, but not Armenian.
‘By the time it gets down to our children, the Armenian blood is very
watered down,’ Mrs Ow said.
But Mrs Ow tries hard to make sure they don’t lose the Armenian part.
The 44-year-old corporate trainer explains to them that they are
special because they have the best of both east and west.
Mr Basmadjian, a 54-year-old retired bank manager, explained how
difficult it is to maintain the Armenian tradition.
The church here is the centre of the Armenian community, but since
the end of World War II, it does not have a priest.
There are only services four or five times a year when foreign priests
visit. Christmas also falls on 6 Jan, not 25 Dec.
In 1948, they were removed from the national census and placed in the
‘Others’ category.
But balancing one’s identity is not always a struggle. Embracing
different cultures can also be a great way to live.
Mr Paul Johannes is the grand-nephew of Ms Agnes Joaquim. The
41-year-old Singaporean Armenian works in Dubai. He was here for a
short holiday. And he was dying for satay.
The senior manager with Qatar Airways also has Javanese, Dutch and
German blood.
But his friends tell him he is more Singaporean than them.
‘I may be Armenian, but Singapore is the only place where I have
roots,’ he said.
Many left after WWII
ARMENIANS are of a very old race and their origins are still disputed.
Their homeland Armenia lies in the Caucasus, sandwiched between Turkey,
Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran.
Today, it is a small republic of 3.5 million people.
Armenian merchants started arriving here after Singapore was opened
up for free trade by the British in 1819.
CRUCIAL ROLE
Although only 12 families settled here, the small community began to
play a crucial role here.
Half of the Armenian community left after World War II when businesses
were destroyed by the war.
The Raffles Hotel was sold. The Sarkis brothers did not have money
to repair the hotel. In any case, tourism was dead.
The Armenians also began to feel alienated in a Singapore slowly
acquiring a new cultural and political identity.
Photo: Madam Loretta Tan (third from left) with her daughters Debra
(far left), Brigitte (fourth from left) and her grandchildren.
–KELVIN CHNG
Photo: Part of the local Armenian community with a bishop in front
of the Armenian church in 1956.
for photoes:
,4136,93143,00.html

Armenian Night Set
South Bay News, NY
Aug 17 2005
Nassau County Parks’ very popular International Music Nights Summer
Concert Series at Eisenhower Park’s Lakeside Theatre will host
Armenian American Night on Sunday, August 21st, announced Nassau
County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.
Armenian American Nights Summer Concert Series is presented by
the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums in
recognition of a unique ethnic diversity enjoyed by Nassau County.
Through a generous grant from Canon USA Inc., seventeen International
Music Nights will be presented this summer free of charge.
The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre is located near parking fields
6 and 6A in Eisenhower Park. Special accommodations are available
for disabled patrons, including reserved parking, easily accessible
restrooms, and a convenient reserved location on the hill. Assistive
hearing devices are available for the hearing impaired. There is no
formal seating at Lakeside Theater, so concertgoers are urged to bring
folding chairs. If weather conditions are doubtful, call 516-572-0355
after 7 pm for updated performance information.
Eisenhower Park is located in East Meadow with entrances on Hempstead
Turnpike at East Meadow Avenue and at the intersection of Stewart and
Merrick Avenues. For further information, call the Public Information
Office at 516-572-0200 weekdays during business hours, the Special
Events Line, a recorded message updated weekly at 516-572-0223,
or visit our website at

Armenians take captive Azeri officer – TV
Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
16 Aug 05
The Armenian army has taken hostage Ramin Xudaverdiyev, a 23-year-old
warrant officer of the Azerbaijani army.
The head of the working group of the Azerbaijani state commission
for POWs, hostages and missing people, Firudin Sadiqov, has told
“Son Xabar” that the commission does not know where and when the
warrant officer was taken captive. The International Committee of
the Red Cross has been informed of the case, he said.
Xudaverdiyev, whose service term expired some time ago, was recruited
from Baku’s Xatai district.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Aug 17 2005
PEOPLE OF AZERBAIJAN CAN BELIEVE ON RELIABLE PROTECTION OF STATE
BORDERS
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN, SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF
THE ARMED FORCES ILHAM ALIYEV AT THE SOLEMN CEREMONY DEDICATED TO
PRESENTATION OF BATTLE FLAGS TO THE MILITARY UNITS OF THE STATE
FRONTIER SERVICE
[August 16, 2005, 19:01:01]
Dear frontier guards,
I warmly welcome all of you. I congratulate you on the forthcoming
professional holiday, the 86th anniversary of establishment of the
Frontier Troops.
In 1919, the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan has founded frontier
service in Azerbaijan. However, as you know, the People’s Republic of
Azerbaijan could not survive longer and collapsed in 1920. And thus,
in Azerbaijan, the process of establishment of the Frontier Troops
halted. In the soviet period, Azerbaijan, of course, had no its
frontier troops. However, I should note that the process of
establishment of the frontier troops started just in those years.
Thanks to farsighted policy of the nationwide leader of Azerbaijani
people Heydar Aliyev, in 1970s, in Azerbaijan, a strong military
cadre potential started to be established. Going back to those years,
analyzing the events and adopted decisions, we once again see that in
those years, Heydar Aliyev’s activity served independent survival of
Azerbaijan in future. Just by his decision, established was a
military school after Jamshid Nakhchivansky, which had no analogue in
the Soviet Union, and there was not such school in other republics.
Today, alumni of this School worthily serve in the Azerbaijan Army,
in the Frontier Troops. Chief of the State Frontier Service Elchin
Guliyev is the alumnus of this School. Hundreds and thousands of
frontier guards, now protecting security of Azerbaijan have received
their preliminary military courses in those days.
I should note that in those years, as a result of the done works, a
strong impulse was given to establishment of the independent army of
Azerbaijan, the frontier troops.
Of course, after Azerbaijan regained its state independence,
establishment of the frontier troops was the question of day. We also
know that in early 1990, after regaining of state independence,
anarchy and chaos ruled in the country, and the arbitrariness impeded
to any development and progress, to move ahead of the establishment
process. This was watched in the frontier troops either. To say, the
country’s borders were not protected at all. The boundaries were
see-through and perhaps, this caused great problem in ensuring safety
of Azerbaijan.
In 1993, after return of Heydar Aliyev to power on demand of the
people, establishment of the frontier troops acquired systematic
character, expedient measures were taken, and today we see that the
frontier troops of Azerbaijan have reached higher level. The
nationwide leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev made huge
contributions in the history of Azerbaijan, including in the army
building process. He has exclusive merits in creation of military
cadre potential in Azerbaijan. He paid constant attention to the
Frontier Troops, too, and this continues day. In 2002, on decision of
Heydar Aliyev, the Frontier Troops were separated from the Ministry
of National Security and established the independent State Frontier
Service.
Strengthening of material-technical base of the frontier service was
in daily focus. Huge technique and infrastructure objects were given
to the Frontier Service disposal. Today I am delightful that this
technique is well preserved and repaired. Several years ago, the
vessels, battle machines, helicopters of the Frontier Troops were
repaired at high level and they play significant role in protection
of state borders.
As a Supreme Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic
of Azerbaijan I attach daily attention to army building, development
of the Frontier Troops. My meetings in the military units show that
the State of Azerbaijan pays great attention to this field. Last
year, being at the Khudat boundary unit, I met with the staff and
once again became assured that the works done in this field are high
level. Boundaries of Azerbaijan are protected at due level, and the
undertaken steps will enable to reliably protect the borders. The
process goes ahead. And it is natural. In the Soviet period,
Azerbaijan had no its state borders. Today, the length of the borders
with Russia and Georgia totals thousand km, approximately. Our
borders with Iran average 800 km. We know that the boundary was
destroyed in early 1990. And our borders with Armenia are over 1200
km. And you also know that these borders have been violated and in a
part of it, our troops were dislocated. We have to do a lot to
protect our borders in future.
Strengthening of material-technical base of the Frontier Troops go
successfully, and I would reiterate that all the appeals, requests
and suggestions of the Chief of the State Frontier Service on
strengthening of this base are considered operatively and in time. In
coning years, we shall allot great amount to this.
Azerbaijan’s economic potential rises, and our financial
opportunities get better. Azerbaijan’s budget rises year by year.
Current year, our state budget for the first time has reached $2
billion 200 million. Next year, our budget will be more than $3
billion. Perhaps, the budget first of all envisions huge amount for
military purposes.
Azerbaijan, economically, is very attractive country. Our economy
develops in high pace, having no analogue in the world. The GDP, in
the first half of 2005, has increased by 17 percent, and this is an
unseen index in the world. Rise of the industrious production by 20
percent means strengthening of our industrious potential and creation
of new infrastructure.
In Azerbaijan, great opportunities appear in the field of economy.
Perhaps, being economically attractive, our country draws attention
of many people. We are open for our friends, and pursue open door
policy. But the forces with insidious purposes should not try to
trespass our borders, they should know – the borders of Azerbaijan
are protected in due level.
Border is a significant token that embodies sovereignty of each
state. Border means independence. The independence is not possible
without border. Azerbaijan, truly, pursues independent policy and in
this, nationwide leader of Azerbaijan has exclusive merits. Just
thanks to his farsightedness, today Azerbaijan, both in political
field, in the international relations and in carrying out economic
reforms inside the country, pursues its state policy freely and in
according to its national interests.
Today, new threats emerge in the world. Combat against international
terrorism today is the factor uniting the world counties. Azerbaijan,
on its part, makes its contribution to fighting the international
terrorism and we shall further carry out this policy. The terrorists
do not recognize borders. Terrorism is jeopardy that it is difficult
to fight it. You do not see the enemy and he insidiously bayonets
you. Therefore, the world countries should unite to successfully
combat against international terrorism. There should not be
discrimination among the terrorists.
Azerbaijan has undergone terrorism. Since early 1990, the Armenian
terrorist organizations have committed about 30 terror acts in the
territory of Azerbaijan, as a result of which over 2 thousands
innocent people were killed. But in those years, we did not see the
world’s serious reaction to this question. Azerbaijan was facing its
problems alone. Neither international community, nor the world
organizations rendered assistance.
Now, as terrorism has become more dangerous for the world, it draws
more attention. That is, I want to say that the terrorists are not
only threat and jeopardy for your country. We should think over the
terrors acts committed in other countries, too. Azerbaijan actively
takes part in the anti-terror coalition and makes its contribution to
this.
We are deeply concerned on Illegal circulation of narcotics. The item
is already in the focus of the United Nations, other influential
global organizations. On our part, we always make certain proposals
on this question.
The greatest problem in Azerbaijan is the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno
Karabakh conflict and remaining of the territories under occupation.
We aspire to resolve the question in peace way, by negotiations.
International organizations pay more and more attention to this
problem. Fair voice of Azerbaijan is heard and the decisions adopted
by world organizations reflect the justice. And along with all these,
along with the diplomatic, political successes, the problem cannot
find its resolution. Therefore, we cannot reconcile with this
situation. We shall and further make efforts to settle the problem by
negotiations, peacefully, by political means, to liberate the
occupied lands of Azerbaijan from the aggressive forces, and then
refugees return to their homelands. We shall do our utmost for this.
At the same time, we all should know if the enemy would face the
great strength, supposedly, it will be open for talks, it will go to
compromises willingly. On this purpose, great works are being done to
strengthen military force of Azerbaijan. Our military budget has
increased by 76 percent and current year makes $300 million. We have
put before the government the task to increase next year the military
budget at this pace, at least, and thus all questions Azerbaijan
faces found their solution.
Material-technical base of our Army should strengthen. New technique,
armaments should be purchased, and will be purchased. Sure, using our
political, diplomatic and military opportunities, we shall gain what
we want. And what we want base on international principles. We do not
claim to the lands of other countries. But we shall not cede a sad of
our lands. Sooner or later, the Armenian leadership should understand
it. To compete with Azerbaijan is not possible for them.
Economically, politically and from the point of integration to the
world community and from the standpoint of military potential, today,
Azerbaijan is stronger than Armenia. In several years, the abyss
between us will deepen much.
Dear friends,
In two days, we all shall marks the day of frontier guards. I
reiterate, success of the Frontier Troops pleases me much. Our
Frontier Troops, from the point of view of material-technical base
and training, meet the highest world standards. Spirit of patriotism
is high. Every time when I meet with frontier guards, I see and feel
it. Remember, I shall make my contributions to development of the
Frontier Troops, and regard this question with deep care and
attention. We all must try for development of the Frontier Troops in
Azerbaijan.
I once again warmly congratulate you on this nice holiday. I wish you
success in service to Motherland.
Thanks.

Armenian president decrees forming commissions under new electoral code
Mediamax news agency
17 Aug 05
Yerevan, 17 August: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has signed
a decree on forming territorial election commissions in accordance
with Article 36 of the Electoral Code of Armenia.
Under the decree by President Robert Kocharyan, 41 territorial election
commissions, each consisting of 9 members, have been formed, Mediamax
reports quoting the presidential press service.
Mediamax recalls that in early June, President Robert Kocharyan signed
a decree on making changes and amendments to the Electoral Code. If
earlier the president was allowed to appoint his three representatives
to each commission, now their number has been reduced to one.

Reuters, UK
Aug 17 2005
The UMCOR Hotline
16 Aug 2005 19:12:00 GMT
Source: NGO latest
Rosita Cortez
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – USA
Website:
August 16, 2005
In Today’s Hotline:
Africa: All Africa Famine Relief;
Mexico: Health Kits Help;
India: Helping the Most Vulnerable; Armenia: Brave Heart is Healthy.
AFRICA: ALL AFRICA FAMINE RELIEF As news of famine in Niger continues
to grab world headlines, the numbers of starving people throughout
the African continent continues to grow. According to the Famine
Early Warning network and USAID, seven countries in Africa are facing
severe food shortages: Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia,
and Zimbabwe.
UMCOR is working to relieve suffering in several of these areas either
directly or through partner agencies such as ACT International. UMCOR
is providing immediate relief by supporting feeding centers and
is looking to prevent future food shortages through long-term
solutions. Your gifts to UMCOR Advance #101250, All Africa Drought
and Famine Relief will support this important work of providing food
for the hungry.
MEXICO: HEALTH KITS HELP Hurricane Emily wreaked havoc on villages in
northern Mexico late last month. People in small towns and with few
resources lost their homes, livelihoods and property in the storm.
The McAllen District in southern Texas is organizing United Methodists
to bring relief to Carboneras, a particularly hard-hit fishing village
in Mexico. UMCOR assisted their efforts by providing health kits
that were sent by UMCOR Sager Brown and distributed to residents in
Caroberas and another town.
Health kits are in high demand this year. They help people who
have lost their homes and possessions to keep themselves clean and
healthy. You can help UMCOR meet the many requests for this helpful
item and other material resources by giving to UMCOR Advance #901440,
Material Resources. To learn more about how you can make and send
health kits go to the UMCOR website.
INDIA: HELPING THE MOST VULNERABLE UMCOR and Churches Auxiliary for
Social Action (CASA) are partnering to deliver aid to the thousands of
people affected by the unprecedented floods in Mumbai and surrounding
areas of western India. Mumbai is one of India’s cosmopolitan cities
where the country’s financial and movie industries are located.
The 37 inches of rain that fell in 24 hours caused massive flooding
that took nearly a thousand lives and wiped out the livelihoods and
homes of many more people. Roughly 10,000 homes have collapsed in
the affected districts. Through this partnership food, potable water,
clothing, and other necessary items are being delivered to the most
vulnerable people.
Your prayers and gifts to UMCOR Advance #982450, International Disaster
Response, India Floods, will assist in a meaningful way.
ARMENIA: BRAVE HEART IS HEALTHY Today Qajik (meaning “Brave Heart”)
is running and playing with his friends in his village in Armenia. He
was not always that way. When he was just over a year old, Qajik was
not developing at the same rate as the other children. His family had
to borrow money to bring him to a pediatrician. The doctor said that
Qajik had a severe vitamin deficiency and needed a special diet and
multivitamins without knowing that this was financially out of reach
for them.
When they returned brokenhearted to the village they learned about a
local health post that could provide Qajik with the vitamins he needs
at no cost. Because of UMCOR’s support, this health center carries
vitamins and medicines that can be supplied at low or no cost to its
patients. Thanks to the multivitamins he received from UMCOR, Qajik is
now able to run and play with his friends and is living a normal life.
Your gifts to UMCOR Advance #250225, Armenia Emergency, support
UMCOR’s important work there.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out
more about UMCOR’s ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate
to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a
local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box
9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where
credit card donations are accepted. UMCOR is exempt from tax under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and
qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.
And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in
poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters,
and for the workers who minister to them.

Embassy denies Iran’s involvement in mosque restoration in separatist Karabakh
Assa-Irada
17 Aug 05
Baku, 16 August: The Iranian embassy in Baku has dismissed the reports
saying that Iranian specialists will be involved in repairing the
Shi’i mosque in Azerbaijan’s historic city of Susa occupied by Armenia.
The Armenian Church’s Bishop, Pargev Martirosyan [the head of the
Nagornyy Karabakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church], said last
week that he would take the mosque under his patronage and the Iranian
specialists would be invited to repair it. Pundits say that by making
the move, the Armenian clerics are aspiring to present themselves to
the international community as “humanists” and are aiming to cast
a shadow over the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Iran,
which has repeatedly stated that Nagornyy Karabakh is an integral
part of Azerbaijan.
The Caucasus clerical office [Board of the Muslims of the Caucasus]
has condemned the Armenian bishop’s statement, terming it as hypocrisy.

PKK: The Name of the Metal Storm in Turkish-US Relations
by Melih Can
Zaman, Turkey
Aug 17 2005
Not a single day goes by that Turkey does not face a new PKK attack
or a mine explosion. And not a single day goes by that Turkey does
not enter into a polemic on “terrorism” with countries it thinks
are friendly.
It is true that lately, Turkey’s agenda has almost gotten stuck
on terrorism and the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’
Party (PKK), also in the context of terrorism. The problems in the
fight against terrorism and the PKK, which were the main topics Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush discussed
during Erdogan’s visit to the United States, continue full swing.
Under this framework, controversial statements made recently on
the PKK issue, especially by Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
leader, Massoud Barzani, who has been elected the president of the
northern Kurdish region, Bush congratulating [Jalal] Talabani and
the Iraqi Kurds on the “regional government,” and all the events that
surfaced afterwards, were obvious realities even though they seemed
to us like an April Fool’s Day joke made by our strategic partner.
New developments seemingly will occur in Turkish-American relations
both in the South and the East. And there are efforts to increase the
confusion in Turkish foreign policy day after day with the carrot and
stick policy. There are efforts to drag Turkey into a real paranoia
by putting it in a dilemma over “how much a friend and how much an
enemy?” On the other hand, some try to inculcate into us the “wait and
see policy.” But why? First of all, frankly speaking, developments
that are taking place in the south of Turkey, in the north of Iraq
and the US attitude towards the PKK continue to disturb Turkey, and
these constitute the biggest confidence problems in relations. The
recent events and counter statements that will aggravate the issue do
not elude attention, pieces come together and become more meaningful.
Treating the terrorist as a militia
The BBC and Reuters referring to the PKK terrorist organization as
“militia” recently, was in fact not a chic attitude. As a matter
of fact, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European & Eurasian
Affairs Dan Fried said that the PKK, which is a terrorist organization,
is also America’s problem and implied that a trans-border operation
in northern Iraq by Turkey against PKK terrorists could “bring the
forces of both countries against each other,” adding, “There are
words Iraq will also say.”
Frankly speaking, we wonder whether these words will be in Arabic
or English? And we also know that the “dominant” one will do the
talking. In this context, when the fact that Barzani was elected
the president of the Kurdish region in the north and the attitude
displayed against the PKK by the US government are put together,
Turkey comes face to face with a terrible scenario. In particular,
the role given to Barzani and the Barzani tribe during this transition
period is very important. Even the personality of Massoud Barzani
automatically answers many questions. Contrary to Talabani, Barzani
is presented to us as more uncompromising, an inflexible man who
orchestrates chaos, a tribal leader who can start and continue a
bloody war over a so-called Kurdish state in the north.
Hence, the Barzani tribe is a right choice, especially at a time
when allegations about “their genes” and expectations about the
establishment of a so-called “Kurdish state” under the umbrella of the
Unites States and mentorship of the Israeli state are at the peak. At
this very point, as an interesting coincidence, the PKK steps in and
its place in this game can be better perceived.
The attitude of the regional countries, Turkey, Syria and Iran against
a Kurdish state is known. Some red lines – if they do not change
afterwards – have been formed on this subject. And despite statements
by these three countries that they would not allow the establishment
of such a state, the presence of Kurds in their respective countries
in various proportions is a reality. In other words, if in case they
object, these countries, in the first place, may have to deal with the
problems within their own borders. This is called the PKK in Turkey. On
the other hand, the uneasiness of US administration over the warm
cooperation that has been taking place among the regional countries
in recent years, and Washington’s expectations in this context, are
quite obvious. The latest events have a potential of breaking Turkey’s
resistance and creating “doubts” and “problems” in its relations
with the other countries in the region. Even this joint attitude,
that is not very well formed, is enough to perturb the US. And the
name given to it is the call for democracy, reforms and integration
with the world. In plain words, its name is double-standards.
What should Turkey do?
While Turkey continues to be contented with “strategic relations,”
the US continues creating its own “strategic partners” in the region.
This name was Israel in the past but is now the so-called states of
“Kurdistan” and “Mountainous Karabakh.” Each of them is a piece of a
chain, stretching out from Khazar to the Red Sea. What would happen
if you want to interfere in these goings-on and terrorism being
nourished just beyond your borders? The answer is quite simple, you
would be invited to the “Metal Storm” with an implied threat by the
“mandated” country. The justification is handy: “Violating the borders
of a sovereign state.” Especially at a time when a “pre-emptive
strike” sword is hanging over your head. Turkey is being dragged
into a real deadend in its foreign politics. The reflections of this
deadend inevitably have also started to manifest themselves in its
domestic politics. As a matter of fact, True Path Party (DYP) leader
Mehmet Agar claimed that Turkey has lost its ability to carry out a
military operation beyond its borders during Justice and Development
Party (AKP) government. Agar claimed that Turkey has been made to
depend on foreign countries even in the fight against terrorism, in
addition to its economy and foreign policy. Similar expressions are
often used by Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal as
well as other politicians. In reply to all these criticisms, Prime
Minister Erdogan tries to display a determined attitude and says,
“We have to overcome the PKK problem. Consult or not consult, we can
use our right of hot pursuit.”
This situation created between the PKK and the AKP is certainly a
matter the present government does not approve of, either. However,
the fact that the AKP government has put Turkey into a reform
and restructuring process, especially into the process of full EU
membership, and it seems to be doing all these with the EU reccipe,
will certainly continue to make these allegations and accusations
remain on the agenda. Like every political party, the AKP government
as well would certainly like to be in Turkish political movement in
the process after this. Maybe because of this, in order to be able to
overcome its “obsession and blindness with the West” a little bit, the
AKP recently has started to turn its attention more to the “East” and
“South.” It would not be wrong to evaluate the recent visits in this
sense. Turkey has started to understand the necessity of compensating
for the disappointments it experienced in the West by turning to the
East just as the other Eastern states did. At least, this is what our
historical memory seemingly orders us to do. As a matter of fact,
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw did not utter these words in
vain, “Let’s not treat Turkey harshly, let’s be more courageous,
let’s put Turkey next to us instead of pushing it far aside.” The
British vigilance has said this so far and will also continue to do
so tomorrow. But what is important is our wakefulness and vigilance.
The Kurdish factor, in the context of the PKK and Northern
Iraq, continues to create important curves and testing fields in
Turkish-American relations. In other words, the current attitude
and policy the US is pursuing in the region, within its intentions,
is far beyond being a turning point in relations between “two allied
countries,” but is galloping at full speed towards a breaking point.
“Turkey’s terrorism test” continues. Turkey is looking for an
attitude between “Metal Storm” and “being in bed with an elephant.”
In this case, Turkey will either find another course to flow into,
or renew its marriage or return to its roots. However, in any case,
the one who loses will be “the pawn” again!

Georgian Official visits Akhalkalaki to introduce program on
resettlement of Meskhetian Turks
Caucaz.com, Georgia
Aug 17 2005
Akhalkalaki, August 16 – Georgian state minister for conflict
resolution and the head of the Georgian president-affiliated state
commission on Meskhetian Turks re-settlement Georgi Khaindrava
visited August 14 Akhalkalaki in southern Georgia with predominantly
Armenian population to introduce the state program for re-settlement
of Meskhetian Turks to Georgia.
A-INFO news agency reported that during the meeting with
representatives of Javakhq NGOs G. Khaindrava noted that Georgia
has assumed a commitment on the implementation of the program for
re-settlement of the Meskhetian Turks and added that after becoming
Georgian citizens they may live in any part of Georgia.
Representatives of the Javakhq NGOs noted that Turks did not live in
today’s Armenian populated regions of Georgia – Akhalkalak, Ninotsminda
and Akhaltskha. They said no Javakhq resident will allow a Turk to
appear in there territory. If the country has assumed commitment to
re-settle the Turks they may settle them on the territory where they
used to live.