AZG Armenian Daily #144, 17/08/2005
Neighbors
TRIAL OVER EKTAN TURKYILMAZ – SUBJECT OF SPECULATIONS IN TURKEY
On June 17, the National Security Service of Armenia detained Turkish
citizen Ektan Turkyilmaz while the latter was trying to transport a
pile of books dated 17-20 centuries at the Zvartnots airport. Turkish
public TV responded the very day of the arrest, and Milliyet newspaper
informed June 21 that Turkey takes measures to release the Turkish
scientist.
Turkyilmaz, being the first Turkish scientist to study the state
archives of Armenia, is very impartial in his evaluation of events
of 1915, contrary to his fellow scholars from Turkey. He is working
at his dissertation at the Duke University of the US and has good
command of Kurdish, Ottoman, English, French and Armenian.
Neglecting Turkey’s demand, Armenian authorities brought Turkyilmaz
to trial. The first and second sessions took place in Yerevan August
12 and 15. Covering the event on August 13, Turkish Hurriyet wrote
that the court will reach a verdict to release Turkyilmaz on August
15. It did not happen.
On August 13, Turkey’s intellectual community wrote a letter to
RA President Robert Kocharian demanding to set Ektan Turkyilmaz
free. Among the signatories of this demand were opponents of the
state thesis of Turkish authorities on the Armenian Genocide.
Not to satisfy the demand to release Turkyilmaz will mean to justify
assaults those scholars face at the hands of the Turkish government,
moreover, it will create the illusion in the Turkish society that
the latter are rejected by the Armenian authorities as well. This
blocks their attempts to oppose the state approach to the Armenian
Genocide in Turkey and opens a second front to confront the Armenian
authorities as regards Turkyilmaz case.
It is obvious that this confrontation will limit the possibilities of
those scholars in the issue of the Armenian Genocide and speculations
in the trial over Turkyilmaz will inevitably politicize the issue.
The August 10 issue of Hurriyet draws conclusions about the trial
that well smells politics. The Turkish paper calls Ektan Turkyilmaz
one of those unique Turkish scientists who are impartial in their
approach to the events of 1915; then it goes on describing his arrest
as very worrisome, saying that he was arrested after entering the
Armenian archives, which casts doubts on tolerance towards independent
researchers in Armenia.
By Hakob Chakrian

AZG Armenian Daily #144, 17/08/2005
Neighbors
SAAKASHVILI LOOKS TO 100.000 ARMENIAN TOURISTS IN AJARIA
At the meeting with Armenian journalists holidaying in Batumi,
Ajaria, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili stated that around
100.000 Armenian citizens will spend their vacation in Ajaria in
2006. According to Novosti agency, Saakashvili welcomed Armenian
businessmen willing to invest in hotel construction and tourism
development in Ajaria. In 2005, tens of thousands of Armenian citizens
spent their holiday on the seaside of Ajaria.

AZG Armenian Daily #144, 17/08/2005
Neighbors
AZERBAIJAN CARRIES ELECTIONS IN KARABAKH AND NEIGHBORING TERRITORIES
Armenians of Neighboring Territories ‘Deprived’ of Constitutional right
The Central Electoral Committee of Azerbaijan (CEC) took a decision a
couple of days ago to reopen the “122 electoral district of Khanqendi”
and to appoint CEC members there. The CEC has addressed a message
to the “electorate” of Khanqendi electoral district (along with
numerous Armenian towns and regions, Baku authorities changed the
name of Stepanakert into Khanqendi 15 years ago) informing that they
have created “all necessary conditions for free, just elections to
realize the rights of Armenian citizens of Azerbaijan”.
“As a result of creation of a secessionist regime in Azeri territories
that Armenia has occupied, the Armenian citizens of Azerbaijan have
turned into a plaything in the hands of the aggressor. Along with
their constitutional rights, they are deprived of their electoral
right. The CEC calls for the Armenian citizens of Azerbaijan to help
put an end to the secessionist regime to secure their constitutional
rights”, the message reads.
It is Mazahir Panahov, the head of the CEC, who has turned into
a plaything in Ilham Aliyev’s hands in this case. This populist
statement of Baku authorities targets the international community and
attempts to show that Azerbaijan is ready to guarantee the safety of
the Armenians. But only three days ago, President Aliyev held forth
in Sumgait, the site of first Armenian pogroms, threatening to settle
the Karabakh conflict by means of arms. Is the West ready to believe
Baku’s statements when only a few months ago Armenian servicemen were
refused entrance visas to Azerbaijan thus failing NATO exercises in
Baku? Or, is that possible to believe Baku’s assurances when the latter
makes a hero of a murderer who axed down his Armenian counterpart in
Budapest? US ambassador to Armenia John Evans gave the best description
to the anti-Armenian hysteria in Baku, “Everybody understands that
Karabakh cannot be returned to Azerbaijan as that would be a disaster”.
Azerbaijan seems to have settled the issue of organizing elections
in territories that are out of Baku’s control. Mediamx agency quoted
Mazahir Panahov as saying that the electorate of “Khanqendi electoral
district” can take part in the elections through the Internet. To make
the Azeri nonsense complete, it must be noted that Ilham Aliyev’s
Yeni Azerbaijan Party has put up no candidates in Stepanakert. In
the regions of Martuni, Shushi and Fizuli Yeni Azerbaijan represents
Elman Mamedov.
The CEC of Azerbaijan has formed electoral districts in
Karabakh-controlled territories, ad exemplum previous years. But
contrary to the residents of Stepanakert, Shushi and Martuni, the
population of, say, Zangelan, Qelbajar and Ghubatlu, mostly survivors
of Armenian pogroms, are not granted the privilege of realizing their
constitutional right in the “free and just” elections of November 6.
By Tatoul Hakobian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZG Armenian Daily #144, 17/08/2005
Exhibition
NEW EXHIBITION OF ARMENIAN FEMALE PAINTERS
The Association of Diplomats’ Wives will initiate a new exhibition of
Armenian artists in the near future. The exhibition will be held in
early October. It will include the works by 50 Armenian female painters
belonging to various schools and periods of painting. The album of
colorful illustration of the pieces by the artists and bilingual
articles will be published on the eve of the exhibition. The pieces
by Lavinia Bazhbeuk-Melikian, Armine Kalents, Aida Gabrielian, Knarik
Hovhanissian, Lusik Samvelian. Sonia Balasanian. Karine Matsakian and
other contemporary Armenian artists are included in the album. The
Indian Embassy to Armenia and Mrs. Rekha Vohra, wife of Mr. Deepak
Vohra, Indian Ambassador to RA, greatly contributed to realization
of this initiative.
Mrs. Nani Oskanian, chairwoman of the Association, and Mrs. Rekha
Vohra informed the journalists about the exhibition at the press
conference held at Armenia-Marriott hotel on August 16. Nani Oskanian
said that the wives of diplomats participate in the initiated programs
with great pleasure. Mrs. Oskanian also expressed regret that the
diplomatic missions of their husbands do not last long. She also added
that notwithstanding this factor, their cooperation will continue in
the future, too.
The exhibition is aimed to represent the identity of the Armenian
women from creative aspects, revealing their ideas, viewpoints and
worldviews.
“We became more interested in the Armenian life thanks to the
Association. We have traveled in Armenia a lot and met with very kind
women and wonderful children. Armenia is experiencing a transitional
period of economic development and we want to help,” Mrs. Vohra said.
“Hand in Hand” project initiated by the Association aims at helping
Armenian women and children. While such cultural arrangements involve
the artists in the social sphere, in fact.
The diplomatic mission of Mr. Deepak Vohra, Indian Ambassador to
RA, is completed. A farewell party will be held on August 17. We
express our best wishes and gratitude to Mr. Deepak Vohra and his
wife for especially warm attitude to our country and our language,
in particular.
By Melania Badalian

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES OUTGOING INDIAN AMBASSADOR
Armenpress
YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Robert Kocharian
received today the outgoing Indian ambassador to Armenia Deepak Vohra
who ended his mission in Armenia.
During the meeting Kocharian pointed out the high level of the
Armenian-Indian cooperation and thanked the ambassador for his active
and effective work. On his part, the Indian ambassador said that in
early September Indian Vice President is expected to visit Armenia
and it will be an additional impetus for the development of bilateral
partnership.
He thanked the Armenian authorities for the support they displayed
during his mission in Armenia and pointed out that it was great honor
for him to work in Armenia where he gained many friends. He said he
will continue his diplomatic mission in Sudan.

ITALIAN PROFESSOR SAYS IT IS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP ECOTOURISM IN ARMENIA
Armenpress
YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS: Armenia cannot be a country of mass
tourism, said professor from Italian Carlo Cattaneo University Deepak
Panti, who is in Armenia with a research mission, noting that in such
a small country the difference between rural and urban areas is great
and that the economic developments are notable only in the capital.
For securing stabile economic development in the country he
suggests to develop and promote ecotourism for which Armenia has
an important pre-condition and resource – natural, light but rough
and very beautiful environment and people “original people who have
self-consciousness, ethnic integrity, experience in protecting national
face and flexible towards arts.”
He said a group of professors, post-graduates and students from
the same university have made researches in Shirak province near
Marmarashen and were convinced that for the development of ecotourism
it is necessary to create a relevant space and prepare people. It
is also necessary to encourage businessmen to build hotels in the
province and to make investments. The professor said they have chosen
Shirak on purpose as it is situated quite a long way from Yerevan, has
small population and beautiful nature scene, many historic-cultural
monuments, rich historic past and, which is of more importance,
there is no great difference between urban and rural settlements.
On the basis of the implemented researches the group developed a
program-suggestion called “Marmarashen” which is though yet on a piece
of paper but has a clear strategy and is expected to be implemented in
coming 3 years if the Armenian government approves it and if necessary
funds are found. The Italian professor and his group has implemented
other researches in Armenia and issued two books on their basis. The
research works of the group are financed by the Italian Foreign
Affairs Ministry, Carlo Cattaneo University and Armenian government.

PRESS RELEASE
Never Again~Y Campaign
Alpha Epsilon OmegaSM,
The Armenian Fraternity
Contact: Narek Zohrabyan
P.O. Box 280053
Northridge , CA 91328-0053
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Alpha Epsilon OmegaSM, The Armenian Fraternity, has raised over $10,000
dollars for the Never Again~Y Campaign. The Never Again~Y Campaign was
started on the initiative of bringing greater awareness to the Armenian
Genocide and supporting organizations that are actively perusing
the education, remembrance and recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Through the contributions of our supporters we were able to donate:
$3,500 to the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial, Inc
$3,500 to the Zoryan Institute of Canada, Inc
$3,500 to The Genocide Education Project.
These organizations are at the forefront of spreading awareness of
the Armenian Genocide The organizations above were chosen by the
Never Again~Y Campaign for their continued efforts in educating the
public, conducting research, and persuing the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide. The operations of each respective organization
play a crucial role in preventing future genocides. .
The Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial, Inc (AGMM) is a nonprofit
organization, which is related to the Armenian National Institute
(ANI). The AGMM activities are expected to include owning, operating,
and maintaining a permanent museum and memorial to the victims and
survivors of the Armenian Genocide in Washington D.C.; commemorating,
remembering, studying, and interpreting the particular and universal
lessons of the Armenian Genocide and related issues, including
those of contemporary significance; securing universal affirmation
of the Armenian Genocide; supporting the prevention of genocide;
and presenting permanent, rotating, and traveling exhibits, as well
as memorial and public programs, in support of these programs. For
more information on AGMM visit
The Zoryan Institute of Canada, Inc along with the Zoryan Institute
for Contemporary Armenian Research and Documentation combined form
an international center devoted to the research and documentation
of contemporary issues related to the history, politics, society,
and culture of Armenia and Armenians around the world. Research is
conducted both to document past and current events, and to analyze
their impact on individuals and institutions in Armenia and the
Diaspora. The Institute strives to develop a framework within which
people can understand and participate in conceptualizing the critical
and fundamental issues dealing with current and future challenges
within a global context.
The Genocide Education Project is a nonprofit organization whose
mission is to help prevent genocide by assisting educators, students,
and educational organizations with teaching and learning about genocide
and other major human rights violations, with specific focus on the
Armenian Genocide. For more information on The Genocide Education
Project visit
We would like to thank those who contributed to the Never Again~Y
Campaign by donating, sponsoring and wearing the Never Again~Y
awareness wristbands in remembrance and in recognition of the
Armenian Genocide. Through their assistance we were able to bring
greater awareness to the Armenian Genocide and the struggle for its
recognition. By continuing to wear the wristbands we are preventing
future genocides, serving as a constant reminder that history, if
not accounted for, is in danger of repeating itself. The recognition
of the Armenian Genocide should not be considered a struggle for
Armenians alone, but a struggle for all of mankind to end all crimes
against humanity.
If you would like to donate or become a sponsor of the Never Again~Y
Campaign, or would like to learn more about the Never Again~Y Campaign
please visit, .
Thank You,
Narek Zohrabyan
Alpha Epsilon OmegaSM,
The Armenian Fraternity
Contact: Narek Zograbyan
P.O. Box 280053
Northridge , CA 91328-0053
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

MEMBERS OF UNION OF THE DEAF OF ARMENIA ACCUSE THEIR CHAIRMAN OF ILLEGAL ALIENATING OF AREAS OWNED BY UNION
YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, NOYAN TAPAN. In fact, the Union of the Deaf of
Armenia does not exist, since the deaf mutes have not paid their
membership fees for many years, the links with branches have not been
maintained, while the areas owned by the Union are being alienated
at prices lower than their real value. Pertev Muradian, a member
of the Union, stated at the August 16 press conference that Zhora
Varagian, who has been the Union Chairman for 18 years, is to blame. In
connection with the complaints lodged by members of the Union, the RA
Ministry of Justice conducted checks, which have revealed numerous
violations. According to P. Muradian, the act that the Ministry
compiled in March 2005, gives all grounds for transferring the case for
preliminary investigation, and they will apply to court. Particularly,
P. Muradian said that as early as 2000, the ground floor of the
apartment house at 67, Koghbatsi St, Yerevan, covering an area of 217
square meters and owned by the Union, was alienated to a US citizen
for 11.3 mln drams (20.2 thousand dollars), whereas its real value
made 70-80 thousand dollars at that time. According to P. Muradian,
the Union chairman struck a bargain with the regional administration of
Lori, as result of which the Union’s Vanadzor complex worth 42.5 mln
drams (including its dormitory and adjacent buildings) was exchanged
for the former dormitory of the local technical college “Gyughshin” of
the total value of 10.5 mln drams. P. Muradian said that the Union’s
complex in Martuni was also alienated, and a decision has been made
to alienate the complex in Agarak and the upper three floors of the
first edicational and production complex of the Union.

SOON INDIAN COMPANIES TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS IN SPHERE OF TOURISM IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, NOYAN TAPAN. Issues on development of the
Armenian-Indian interstate and interparliamentary relations were
discussed at the August 16 meeting of Artur Baghdasarian, the RA NA
Chairman, and Deepak Vohra, the Ambassador of the Republic of India
to the Republic of Armenia. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA NA
Public Relations Department, the interlocuters attached importance
to the interparliamentary cooperation and work at international
structures. It was mentioned that commercial-economic ties between the
two countries are developed: three large Indian companies implement
large investment proghrams in Armenia: in the spheres of gold,
jewellery, soon in the sphere of tourism as well. Issues concerning
an official visit to Armenia to be paid in October by Shri Bhayron
Singkh Shekhhavat, the Vice-President of India, the Chairman of the
Upper House of the Parliament, were discussed at the meeting. The
Ambassador informed that a large number of businessmen will be in the
staff of the delegation to accompany the Vice-President: those will be
people working in the sphere of high technologies, agriculture, food
industry, cars, etc. The cooperation in the sphere of high technologies
and telecommunication was attached importance during the meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

First-ever Sino-Russo war games begin
Al Jazeera
Wednesday 17 August 2005,
Some 10,000 troops will take part in the Yellow Sea exercise
Russian navy ships and long-range bombers are heading to a Chinese
peninsula jutting into the Yellow Sea for the first-ever joint military
exercise between the two countries.
While the exercise involves a mock intervention to stabilise an
imaginary country riven by ethnic strife, Moscow and Beijing say the
exercise starting on Thursday – set to include some 10,000 troops
from land, sea and air forces â~@~S are not aimed at any third country.
Analysts agree Russia and China are unlikely to team up against a
common enemy.
They say the manoeuvres are more of an exhibition of Russian arms –
including the country’s long-range strategic bombers, which can carry
nuclear weapons – in the hope of attracting Chinese buyers.
Still, both countries will be looking to prove their military might
during the eight days of war games on the Shandong peninsula.
The US Defence Department said in a report last month that China’s
military was increasingly seeking to modernise and could become a
threat to American and other forces in the Asia-Pacific region as it
looked to spread its influence.
Weakness
The Russian military is also eager to show it can still flex its
muscle despite much-publicised woes.
Russia will showcase long-range TU-22 bombers in the exercise
Its weaknesses were highlighted again earlier this month when
Russia had to call for outside help to rescue seven men stranded in
a mini-submarine off its Pacific coast in operations that involved
the Vladivostok-based Pacific Fleet.
The Pacific Fleet is also taking part in the Chinese-Russian exercises,
dubbed “Peace Mission 2005”.
They come amid warming ties between the countries since the end of
the Cold War, driven by mutual concerns about the United States’
dominance in world affairs, as well as a shared interest in combating
extremism in Central Asia.
The two are the dominant countries in the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation, a grouping that includes the former Soviet republics
of Central Asia and which this year took on Iran, India and Pakistan
as observers.
Representatives from the organisation’s countries have been invited
to watch the war games.
At a summit in July, the organisation called on Washington to set a
date for the withdrawal of its forces from Central Asia, where they
have been deployed since after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the
US to help support operations in neighbouring Afghanistan.
US reaction
The US said it has been advised of the exercises by both governments
but is not sending any observers.
“We expect that whatever activities take place would be ones that
would further what we believe is everybody’s shared goal of stability
and peace in the region,” US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack
said on Monday in Washington.
“We would hope that anything that they do is not something that would
be disruptive to the current atmosphere in the region”
Sean McCormack, spokesman, US State Department
“We would hope that anything that they do is not something that would
be disruptive to the current atmosphere in the region.”
Despite Russia and China’s shared interest in Central Asia, Beijing’s
main focus for now lies on Taiwan, which China lays claims to and
has threatened to invade if the island declares formal independence.
Earlier, Russian news reports said Beijing had pushed to have the
exercises staged closer to Taiwan – making it appear to be a possible
rehearsal for an invasion.
Analysts have noted the involvement of Russia’s Tu-95 strategic
bombers and Tu-22M long-range bombers in the exercises – warplanes
that can carry conventional or nuclear-tipped cruise missiles and
are not usually part of peacekeeping operations.
Tempting buyers
But the aircraft are expected to top China’s shopping list both to
deter US assistance to Taiwan in the event of a conflict and project
Chinese strength across the region.
During the drills, the Tu-95s will conduct demonstration flights in
the area while the Tu-22Ms will test-fire missiles at ground targets,
the deputy chief of Russia’s Land Forces in charge of the exercise,
Colonel-General Vladimir Moltenskoi, said last week.
General Yuri Baluyevsky, the head of the Russian armed forces general
staff, said in a newspaper interview last week that the aircraft were
taking part because the exercise is being staged far from Russian
bases and would help enforce a simulated aerial blockade.
But Russia’s air force chief said earlier this year that the bombers
would be involved in the exercises to tempt Chinese buyers.
“These weapons that China is buying are clearly designed for a possible
standoff over Taiwan,” said Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent defence
analyst based in Moscow.
Policy shift
The purchase of such strategic items in the past had been prevented
by the Russian military, which must approve all sales to outside
countries, he said.
“Having such exercises demonstrates the closeness of the two
militaries… This is a political-military exercise, much more
political than military”
Pavel Felgenhauer, independent defence analyst based in Moscow
“Having such exercises demonstrates the closeness of the two
militaries. That’s important if China wants to buy these weapons
systems,” he said. “This is a political-military exercise, much more
political than military.”
Beyond the sales pitch, it seems highly unlikely Russia would ever
join China in a fight over Taiwan, said Robert Karniol, Asia-Pacific
editor for military journal Jane’s Defence Weekly.
“There are no indications of coming together to form a strategic
alliance of Moscow and Beijing,” he said.
However, the exercise demonstrates a shift in the Chinese military’s
policy from its typical inward focus, Karniol said.
“They’ve come to increasingly accept multilateral solutions and
accepted the understanding that there are things to learn from
exercising with other countries,” he said.
–Boundary_(ID_loG7tiyLXrMsWBY4y8gmaw)–