Turkish Press
April 15 2005
Press Scan
DIASPORA BEGINS INSULTS
CUMHURIYET- Two of the organizations which was set up by Armenians
living in France, evaluated the proposal of Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan to set up a joint commission to investigate
Armenian claims as ”clowning” and called on European leaders not to
be deceived by Turkey’s trap.
Turkish Press
April 15 2005
Press Scan
FIRST CONTACT WITH YEREVAN OVER TBILISI
YENI SAFAK- As Armenia speeds up ceremonies to commemorate so-called
genocide, Turkey made the first step with the letter which Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent to Yerevan via Tbilisi.
Turkish Ambassador in Tbilisi Ertan Tezgor conveyed Erdogan’s letter
to Armenia’s Ambassador in Tbilisi.
Yerevan is expected to reply the letter in a similar method.
Erdogan, in the letter, proposed Armenian Head of State Robert
Kocharian to investigate the so-called allegations by a joint
commission.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Turkish Press
April 15 2005
Erdogan’s Letter To Armenian President Kocharian
ANKARA – Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to
Armenian President Robert Kocharian officially proposing the
formation of a joint commission to undertake researches about the
developments and incidents that took place in 1915.
A Foreign Ministry statement noted on Thursday that Prime Minister
Erdogan said in his letter that the Turkish and Armenian peoples who
shared a common history and geography in a critical region of the
world lived together for long years, but there were differences
between them in their interpretations and evaluations of a part of
their common history.
Erdogan said in his letter that those differences which left painful
memories to both peoples didn’t facilitate the improvement of the
relations, noting that main opposition party leader Deniz Baykal also
shared that view.
Prime Minister Erdogan proposed in his letter (as the common proposal
of the Turkish ruling and opposition parties) the formation of a
group to be composed of both Turkish and Armenian historians and
experts who would investigate the developments and incidents of 1915
by using not only Turkish and Armenian archives, but also all
archives found in third countries and to announce their findings to
the international public opinion.
Foreign Ministry said that Erdogan stressed in his letter that such
an attempt would both enlighten the history and serve normalisation
of the relations between Turkey and Armenia, expressing his hope that
Armenia would accept it. ”If Armenia accepts Turkey’s proposal,
Turkey is ready to discuss the details of the proposal,” Erdogan
added in his letter.
Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
November 18, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
FMR. ASSEMBLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN VAN KRIKORIAN TESTIFIES ON
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OF ARMENIANS IN TURKEY ON CAPITOL HILL
Washington, DC – The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
(CSCE) convened a hearing on Capitol Hill this week to examine freedom
of religious issues in Turkey, including the glaring property crisis
facing the Armenian Orthodox Church and the unrecognized status of the
Armenian Patriarchate there.
Former Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Van Krikorian, joined by
Rev. Father Archpriest Vertanes Kalayjian of St. Mary’s Armenian
Apostolic Church in Washington, DC, offered testimony on the situation
of Christian Armenians in Turkey, noting at the outset that the hearing
is especially meaningful, “as April is the month in which the Armenian
Genocide is commemorated.”
Commission Co-Chairman Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ), also a member of
the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, submitted written remarks
highlighting the serious problems which restrict religious liberties to
Armenians in Turkey.
“The Armenian Orthodox Church has suffered the loss of important
properties through government expropriations,” Smith said. “Similar to
the situation of the Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox and Catholic
Churches, the Armenian Orthodox Church has lost much under current laws
that enable the government to assume direct administration of properties
that fall into ‘disuse’ when the size of the local community falls below
a certain point. In addition, the Armenian Patriarchate continues to
seek recognition of its legal status.”
Krikorian, in his testimony, reinforced Smith and said that Armenians
for centuries have paid and in many places continue to pay a high price
for their Christianity.
“In 1914, there were approximately 5,000 Armenian Churches, seminaries
and schools registered by the Patriarchate…less than 50 Armenian
Churches remain under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Patriarchate
today.”
“The seizure and often destruction of Armenian Church property, of this
Christian legacy, thus presents a ripe area to demonstrate reform and
begin building confidence,” Krikorian added. Krikorian also noted
that there have been improvements within civil society to discuss
Armenian issues more openly as well as recognition that the border
should be open, both of which should be encouraged by the CSCE.
Recognizing that the Armenian presence in Turkey is and has been
tenuous, Krikorian offered three main problem areas that require
immediate attention.
* The ability to conduct services, including training and
employing clergy.
* The ability to maintain Armenian schools without censorship and
allow any Armenian student to attend.
* The ability to fund, administer and operate the Church and
properties.
Additionally, Krikorian offered a recommendation by the Turkish Armenian
Reconciliation Commission (which completed its work in 2004) which says
that opportunities should exist for religious leaders to develop
contacts and engage in promoting reconciliation between Turks and
Armenians. Such activities should include the restoration of religious
sites and supporting the rights and functioning of religious
foundations, according to the group.
The population of Armenians in Turkey is approximately 70,000 to 82,000
and the Turkish government estimates that another 30,000 to 40,000
Armenians from Armenia currently work in Istanbul.
The Commission hearing also addressed the situation faced by other
religious minorities in Turkey, including Muslims, Protestants and Jews.
Testimony was also provided by Merve Kavacki, former member of the
Turkish Grand National Assembly, Jeff King with International Christian
Concern and Barry Jacobs with the American Jewish Committee.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
###
NR#2005-041
Editor’s Note: To download the complete text of Van Krikorian’s
testimony, as well as other related documents, log onto the CSCE Web
site at
Photograph available on the Assembly Web site at the following link
Caption: Former Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Van Krikorian,
center, testified on Capitol Hill before the Commission on Security and
Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) on April 12, 2005. At left is Rev. Father
Archpriest Vertanes Kalayjian of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in
Washington and Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), is at right.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
April 15 2005
EU-AZERBAIJAN: PARLIAMENT COOPERATION COMMITTEE’S SITTING DUE IN BAKU
[April 15, 2005, 20:56:55]
The European Union-Azerbaijan Parliament Cooperation Committee is to
hold a sitting in Baku on April 18-21, press service of Milli Majlis
said.
The action, co-chairs of which are head of the human rights standing
committee of Azerbaijan Parliament Sirus Tebrizli and chairperson of
the EU environment, health and food safety standing committee Ms.
Maria Ishler Beguin, discussed are expected state of cooperation
between the European Union and Azerbaijan, the Armenian-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, human rights in Azerbaijan, freedom of
speech and expression, democratic development, preparation for the
forthcoming parliamentary elections in November 2005, regional
cooperation and other questions.
During the visit, members of the EU delegation will meet with
President of the Azerbaijan Republic, Speaker of Azerbaijan
Parliament, foreign minister and Ombudsman of the Republic.
Advertiser Adelaide, Australia
April 16 2005
Turks’ tribute trip angers ethnic groups
By ANDREA STYLIANOU
MEMBERS of five South Australian ethnic communities are angry over a
planned taxpayer-funded Anzac Day visit to Adelaide by Turkish war
veterans.
They are unhappy with Turkey’s “aggressive foreign policy and past
invasions” of their countries.
The groups have demanded to know if any of the visitors were veterans
of those conflicts.
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA Theo Maras said there
had been no consultation by the RSL, which has supported the
initiative.
“The Greek and Greek-Cypriot communities in SA are appalled that
there will be representatives of the Turkish Government who may be
veterans of the illegal invasion and continuing occupation of
Cyprus,” he said.
Others angered by the visit are the Cypriot, Kurdish, Armenian and
Pontian communities.
President of the Turkish Association of SA Dr Kemal Turker said: “All
of us come from different countries and we should not bring our old
animosities to this country.”
The veterans’ visit is an initiative of the Spirit of Gallipoli
Committee. That received funding of $33,000 from the State Government
for a range of events.
The visitors were selected by the Turkish War Veterans Association.
President of the Cyprus Community of SA Marios Panatsos said the
community supported the Gallipoli spirit. “But many of SA’s
Greek-Cypriot community are still experiencing human rights
violations by Turkey,” he said.
Refugee and community radio presenter Khaled Azizi said the Kurdish
community in SA would not welcome the visitors.
President of the Armenian Cultural Association of SA Alec Balayance
said of the visitors: “Anyone less than 70 years old could have
served in the invasion of Cyprus.”
Pontian refugee and president of the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Peter
Demourtzidis, said consideration should be given to SA’s diverse
community. “There are about 10,000 Pontian Greeks in SA who are angry
over the RSL’s invitation of these Turkish veterans,” he said.
RSL president Jock Statton rejected the criticism. “We are all
Australians,” he said.
Ajax USA
April 16 2005
Armenian striker Edgar Manucharyan joins Ajax
15 April: Edgar Manucharyan, gifted striker of Armenian champions
Pyunik Erevan FC, has committed to Ajax for the next three seasons,
as of 01 July 2005. The 18 year-old signed broke a metatarsal during
his try-out in Amsterdam in December 2004, but got a second chance
and made such a good impression on Ajax’s technical staff that he got
to sign a three season deal at the Amsterdam ArenA today.
Edgar Manucharyan (born 19 January 1987) finished the Armenian
football season as the topscorer (21 goals in 22 games) of champions
Pyunik, before flying to Amsterdam on a try-out in December of 2004.
Manucharyan made a good impression and got to make his unofficial
Ajax-1 début in the 14 December friendly against FC Barcelona in
Elche, Spain. It would turn out to be a bizarre evening for the
Armenian teenager: after only 13 minutes he had to be carried off
with what turned out to be a broken metatarsal in his right foot. The
players was deeply disappointed as he entered the dressing room, but
was then told that he had been voted ‘Footballer of the Year’ in his
fatherland of Armenia.
Manucharyan remained in Amsterdam until the winter break, undergoing
treatment from Ajax’s medical staff. Ajax promised him a second
chance – and the fully recovered ‘Manucharyan candidate’ (sorry, we
just had to repeat the joke…) got it in early April. He once again
impressed the Ajax staff, this time with a contract as the outcome.
“First of all, I want to thank the doctors and medical staff of Ajax
very much for all of their help,” Manucharyan said after penning his
deal. “Also, I get along with well with the coaches and the players
on the team, so I already feel more or less at home. I was also very
well looked after by a guest family, so I’m already getting used to
Holland. I want to thank them in particular, for everything they’ve
done for me. Thanks to their hospitality I’ve felt at home from the
start.”
“I’ve followed Ajax ever since I was a little boy,” Manucharyan
added, “I will never forget the Champions League final of 1995. Ajax
proved that you can beat hard, defensive football with pretty
football. I followed the club even more closely after that game. And
now I’m signing at Ajax. It’s a dream. I hope I’ll be able to bring
something extra.”
Manucharyan has had a meteoric career in Armenia. Only 18 years of
age, he already played a full season as the centre-forward of Pyunik
Erevan, became the topscorer of the league, a starter for the
Armenian national team and was voted ‘Footballer of the Year’.
Manucharyan will join the first team of the Amsterdammers in July, at
the start of the preparation campaign for the 2005-2006 season. (MP)
Source: Ajax.nl
Photo:
Turkish Press
April 15 2005
Press Scan
HERE IS HISTORIC LETTER
MILLIYET- In the letter he sent to Armenian President Robert
Kocharian, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned 1915
incidents as ”hurting memories.” This letter noted that there was
difference in ”interpretation” of views of Turkey and Armenia about
those days.
Bells On Hungary Radio To Ring For Armenian Victims
Reuters
Friday, April 15, 2005
Hungary’s public radio will commemorate what it says is the Turkish
genocide of 1.5 million Armenians 90 years ago by broadcasting the
ringing of bells from Armenian churches in five countries next week.
“The radio is paying its respect to those killed in the first holocaust
of the 20th century by airing the ringing of bells from five different
churches at noon each day,” the radio’s Communication Director Katalin
Morvai told Reuters.
Hungary’s Kossuth radio has broadcast the sound of a different bell,
together with its description each week since 2000, and it sometimes
dedicates the ringing to special causes, most recently the death of Pope
John Paul, Morvai said. Next week’s bells will be from churches in
Budapest, Romania, Jerusalem, Beirut and Yerevan.
Ankara fears the anniversary, to be marked by Armenians and their
sympathizers on April 24, will trigger an outburst of anti-Turkish
feeling worldwide and dampen its aspirations for European Union
membership. The Turkish Embassy in Budapest said it had no comment, as
it was not aware of the radio station’s intentions.
Hungary’s government supports Turkey’s European Union accession bid, as
do a big majority of Hungarians.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
EuarasiaNet Organization
April 15 2005
IRRECONCILABLE MOOD HOVERS OVER NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT ZONE
Daniel Gerstle 4/15/05
Armenian and Azerbaijani diplomats, along with the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs, gathered in London on April 15 to probe for a breakthrough
in the stalemated Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks. A recent visit to the
conflict zone in an around Karabakh indicated that even if officials
make progress towards a negotiated settlement, selling any peace deal
to local inhabitants and soldiers on both sides could prove
difficult.
The London gathering on Karabakh sought to advance new peace
proposals prepared by the Minsk Group, which comprises
representatives from the United States, Russia and France, and is
charged with overseeing the peace process. [For background see the
Eurasia Insight archive]. Discussions reportedly focused on laying
the groundwork for a meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani
presidents, envisioned for May. [For background see the Eurasia
Insight archive]. Prior to the meeting, the Minsk group co-chairs
issued a statement that urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to show greater
restraint. It specifically warned that a recent increase in armed
clashes along the “contact line” were “causing needless loss of life
and jeopardizing the cease-fire.”
The statement went on to criticize recent comments made by officials
about the possible resumption of full-scale armed operations. Both
Armenia and Azerbaijan should “recognize that a renewal of
hostilities cannot provide a lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, but would be disastrous for the population of both
countries, resulting in loss of life, more destruction, additional
refugees and displaced persons, and enormous financial costs.”
The mood among those in the conflict zone remains hostile, indicating
that both Armenians and Azerbaijanis are not yet able to move on. For
many, it is as if the horrors of the conflict’s deadliest phase
occurred yesterday — and not over a decade ago.
Armin and Savash are gentle teenagers with dark innocent eyes. Had
they not worn camouflage fatigues, it would have been easy to mistake
them for high school students. In fact, they are soldiers in the
Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army — the ethnic Armenian force that
secured the enclave’s de facto independence during fighting from
1992-94.
Armin and Savash, both 19, have lived most of their lives on a
war-footing, identifying Azeris only as the enemy. During a recent
interview in Stepanakert, the Karabakh capital, both said that they
could not recall ever having had a conversation with an Azeri. And
neither seemed curious to do so. “What is there to talk about with
people like that?” said Savash, referring to Azeris.
The armed conflict displaced hundreds of thousands of Armenians and
Azeris, and finding a formula for the return of the dispossessed is a
major dilemma for peace negotiators. When asked if they could ever
envision a day when Azeris could return to territory currently
occupied by Armenian military units, both Armin and Savash seemed
skeptical. Like many soldiers and veterans interviewed on both sides
of the Karabakh front-line, Armin chose not to answer my question
about returns directly. Instead, he focused on perceived grievances
against the Azerbaijani military’s behavior during the conflict.
“The Azerbaijanis bombed the city from Shusha,” Armin urged, pointing
toward a town on a nearby hill. “They destroyed the whole town
[Stepanakert]. All of Azatamartikneri Street was leveled, but we
rebuilt it. People had to hide from the bombs in the basement without
heat or light.”
“We can’t live with them, and we can’t mix with them either because
the Armenians are at threat of disappearing,” Armin said. “We have to
protect our culture and our land.”
Karabakh is equally dear to most Azeris, so much so that an
increasing number seem to be growing tired of the prolonged stalemate
in negotiations, and appears willing to again resort to force. Those
Azeris agitating for a new military campaign tend to look past the
fact that Armenian forces routed the Azerbaijani military in the
early 1990s.
Fikrat, a mustachioed man with cool blue eyes, served in the
Azerbaijani military in 1992 when its fighting capability collapsed,
in part due to political turmoil in Baku. He recalled that an
Armenian offensive quickly drove Azerbaijani forces out of Karabakh,
adding that at one point the front line ran near his home village
Mahmudlu. As artillery shells fell on a house nearby, Fikrat’s family
fled eastward. The mental scars from the experience still seem fresh,
as Fikrat’s voice filled with bitterness as he spoke. “The Armenians
had planes and heavy weapons when we only had rifles. When the line
broke, we were told to go home to guard our villages,” he said.
Fikrat’s brother Heidar now serves as an officer in the Azerbaijani
Army in the border town of Qazakh where 2004 violence left at least
one Armenian officer dead. Declining to comment candidly while in
uniform, Heidar simply echoed the widely held view that a peaceful
resolution with Karabakh Armenian rebels would be nice, but that the
use of force could be justified in an attempt to restore Azerbaijani
authority in Karabakh. On the return of ethnic Armenians to areas of
Azerbaijan, both Fikrat and Heidar would not give a clear answer.
In and around Khojali — where Armenian forces reportedly massacred
hundreds of Azeri civilians in February, 1992 – the scene remains one
of desolation, with no buildings remaining intact. “Azerbaijanis
can’t return,” Gagik, a weary Karabakh veteran, told me. “Why do you
think they’d want to? There’s nothing here for them.”
Editor’s Note: Daniel J Gerstle was a 2004 Summer Research Fellow for
Columbia University’s Center for International Conflict Resolution
covering the Caucasus and Central Asia.