I-Newswire.com (press release)
March 11 2005

COMMITTEE ON ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION CONCLUDES
SIXTY-SIXTH SESSION

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination today
concluded its sixty-sixth session and issued its concluding
observations on reports presented by the Lao People~Rs Democratic
Republic, France, Luxembourg, Australia, Ireland, Bahrain and
Azerbaijan on how those countries implement the provisions of the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination.

i-Newswire, 2005-03-12 – The Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination today concluded its sixty-sixth session and issued its
concluding observations on reports presented by the Lao People~Rs
Democratic Republic, France, Luxembourg, Australia, Ireland, Bahrain
and Azerbaijan on how those countries implement the provisions of the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination.

On the reports of the Lao People~Rs Democratic Republic, the Committee
commended the efforts of the State party to reduce poverty,
particularly in rural areas and among ethnic groups. It noted with
concern that no clear definition of racial discrimination existed in
domestic legislation and that the Convention was not incorporated
into domestic legislation. It recommended that the State party
describe in its next periodic report the scope of a policy of
resettling members of ethic groups from the mountains and highland
plateaux to the plains, the ethnic groups concerned, and the impact
of these policies on their lifestyles.

Concerning the reports of France, the Committee took note with
satisfaction of the many legislative measures designed to reinforce
efforts to combat racial discrimination. It expressed its concern
about the de facto inequality affecting immigrants and population
groups of immigrant origin vis-à-vis other nationals, in the field of
employment and education, despite the State party~Rs substantial
efforts in this area. It recommended that the State party take the
necessary preventive measures to halt racist incidents involving
members of the security forces.

With regards to the reports of Luxembourg, the Committee noted with
satisfaction school curricula promoting interculturalism, the setting
up of some classes in the mother tongue of immigrant children and the
introduction of intercultural mediators in schools. While noting the
State party~Rs efforts to tighten up its laws and strengthen its
institutions combating racial discrimination, the Committee said that
racist and xenophobic incidents, in particular against Arabs and
Muslims, and discriminatory attitudes towards ethnic groups were
still encountered in the country. It encouraged the State party to
include within training a specific focus on the problems of racism
and discrimination.

On the reports of Australia, the Committee noted with satisfaction
that serious acts of racial hatred or incitement to racial hatred
were criminal offences in most AustralianStates and Territories. The
Committee expressed its concern about the abolition of the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Commission, the main policy-making body in
Aboriginal affairs. It recommended that the State party increase its
efforts to eliminate prejudice against Arab and Muslim Australians,
and to ensure that enforcement of counter-terrorism legislation did
not disproportionately impact on specific ethnic groups and people of
other national origins.

With regards to the reports of Ireland, the Committee welcomed the
enactment of a comprehensive legislative framework on
anti-discrimination and welcomed the decision by the State party to
include a question of ethnicity in the next consensus in 2006. It
regretted that the State party had not yet incorporated the
Convention into domestic legal order, particularly in light of the
fact that the State party had incorporated other international
instruments into domestic law. It encouraged the State party to
review its security procedures and practices at entry points with a
view to ensuring that they were carried out in a non-discriminatory
manner.

Concerning the reports of Bahrain, the Committee welcomed the
meaningful political, legal and economic reforms on which the State
party had embarked. The Committee regretted that there was no
national human rights institution in Bahrain and was concerned over
the lack of integrationist multi-racial organizations and movements
in the State party. It encouraged the State party to maintain a
dialogue with all civil society organizations, including those
critical of its policies.

And with regards to the reports of Azerbaijan, the Committee noted
with satisfaction the enactment of new legislation containing
anti-discrimination provisions. It was concerned that, according to
reports, incidents of racial discrimination against Armenians occur
and that a majority of the Armenians residing in Azerbaijan prefer to
conceal their ethnic identity in order to avoid being discriminated
against. Among other things, the Committee recommended that the
State party adopt measures to promote intercultural understanding and
education between ethnic groups.

The Committee also issued decisions on the situations in the Sudan (
concerning Darfur ), New Zealand and Suriname.

On the Sudan, the Committee said that taking into consideration its
regular practices, as well as its obligation to inform, under its
early-warning and urgent-action procedure, of any warning signals
that a situation may deteriorate still further, it recommended to the
Secretary-General, and through him, the Security Council, the
deployment, without further delay, of a sufficiently enlarged African
Union force in Darfur with a Security Council mandate to protect the
civilian population against war crimes, crimes against humanity, and
the risk of genocide.

Concerning New Zealand, the Committee expressed its appreciation at
having had the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with
the State party. Bearing in mind the complexity of the issues
involved, the New Zealand Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 appeared to
the Committee, on balance, to contain discriminatory aspects against
the Maori, in particular in its extinguishment of the possibility of
establishing Maori customary title over the foreshore and seabed and
its failure to provide a guaranteed right of redress, notwithstanding
the State party~Rs obligations under articles 5 and 6 of the
Convention.

And with regards to Suriname, which was reviewed under the follow-up
procedure, the Committee noted that under the draft Mining Act in the
State party, indigenous and tribal peoples would be required to
accept mining activities on their lands following agreement on
compensation with the concession holders, and that, if agreement
could not be reached, the matter would be settled by the executive,
and not the judiciary. It recommended that indigenous and tribal
peoples should be granted the right of appeal to the courts, or any
independent body specially created for that purpose, in order to
uphold their traditional rights and their right to be consulted
before concessions are granted and to be fairly compensated for any
damage.

The Committee also adopted a declaration on the prevention of
genocide which was prepared by Committee Expert Agha Shahi following
a thematic discussion on the subject during the session. Among other
things, the declaration expressed the Committee~Rs resolve to
strengthen and refine its anti-racial discrimination early warning
and urgent action, as well as follow-up procedures in all situations
with indications of possible violent conflict and genocide.

The Committee agreed to continue its general debate on
multiculturalism at its next session to analyse the ways in which it
had been addressing this issue when adopting its decisions and
recommendations and to improve its work in this regard.

The Committee~Rs sixty-seventh session will be held at the Palais des
Nations in Geneva from 1 to 19 August 2005, when the Experts will
review the reports of Nigeria, Barbados, Georgia, Venezuela, Zambia,
Turkmenistan, Iceland, Tanzania and Lithuania. Under its review
procedures, the Committee will review the situation in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, the Seychelles, Saint Lucia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Concluding Observations on Country Reports Considered this Session

Lao People~Rs Democratic Republic

After considering the sixth to fifteenth periodic reports of the Lao
People~Rs Democratic Republic, the Committee commended the efforts of
the State party to reduce poverty, particularly in rural areas and
among ethnic groups. The Committee noted with satisfaction that the
State party had adopted penal measures in 2004 to combat trafficking
in persons and was pleased to learn that the Convention had been
translated into Lao. The Committee also welcomed the programme of
cooperation undertaken by the State party and the United Nations
Development Programme relating to the ratification and implementation
of international human rights instruments.

The Committee noted with concern that no clear definition of racial
discrimination existed in domestic legislation and that the
Convention was not incorporated into domestic legislation. It also
regretted that there was no national human rights institution in the
country. The Committee noted the absence of legislative provisions
criminalizing acts of violence and incitement to violence on racial
grounds and recommended that the State party conduct studies with a
view to assessing and evaluating in concrete terms the extent to
which racial discrimination existed in the country and to ascertain
its principal causes. While noting that the State party had adopted
a policy of resettling members of ethic groups from the mountains and
highland plateaux to the plains, the Committee recommended that the
State party describe in its next periodic report the scope of the
resettlement policies being implemented, the ethnic groups concerned,
and the impact of these policies on the lifestyles of these groups
and on the enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights.

The Committee also remained concerned by persistent allegations of
conflict between the Government and certain members of the Hmong
minority who took refuge in forest and mountainous areas of the Lao
People~Rs Democratic Republic after 1975 and strongly encouraged the
State party to authorize United Nations agencies to provide emergency
humanitarian assistance to this group. The Committee was also
concerned about reports of violence that had been perpetrated against
members of this group, in particular allegations that soldiers had
brutalized and killed a group of five Hmong children in May 2004.

France

Following its review of the fifteenth and sixteenth periodic reports
of France, the Committee took note with satisfaction of the many
legislative measures designed to reinforce efforts to combat racial
discrimination, and in particular the Act of 16 November 2001
concerning measures to combat discrimination; the Social
Modernization Act of 17 January 2002; the Act of 9 March 2004 on the
adaptation of the system of justice to developments in the area of
crime; and the Act of 30 December 2004 setting up a High Authority
against Discrimination and for Equality. The Committee also welcomed
the provision in the Act of 10 December 2003 widening the scope of
refugee protection to include those persecuted by non-State actors
and the fact that, since the adoption of its ruling of 1 June 2002,
the Criminal Division of the Court of Cassation had allowed the
practice of discrimination testing as a form of evidence in the area
of racial discrimination, and encouraged the State party to promote
more frequent recourse to it.

The Committee expressed its concern about the de facto inequality
affecting immigrants and population groups of immigrant origin
vis-à-vis other nationals, in the field of employment and education,
despite the State party~Rs substantial efforts in this area. Despite
the State party~Rs efforts, the Committee remained concerned about the
situation of non-citizens and asylum-seekers in holding centres and
areas, as well as delays in processing applications from refugees for
family reunification. Among other things, the Committee recommended
to the State party that it should strengthen the supervision of
police personnel responsible for the reception and day-to-day
monitoring of holding centres for non-citizens and asylum-seekers.
The Committee shared the concerns expressed by the delegation
relating to the increase in racist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic acts
and encouraged the State party to apply more effectively the existing
provisions designed to combat such acts.

The Committee also recommended that the State party take the
necessary preventive measures to halt racist incidents involving
members of the security forces. It encouraged the State party to
criminalize attempts to deny war crimes and crimes against humanity
as defined in the statute of the International Criminal Court, and
not only those committed during the Second World War. Moreover, the
Committee recommended that the State party should take all
appropriate steps to ensure that local population groups in overseas
departments who did not have full command of French benefited from
the services of translator/interpreters, especially in their contacts
with the system of justice.

Luxembourg

After reviewing the tenth to thirteenth periodic reports of
Luxembourg, the Committee noted with appreciation the information
provided by the delegation on the implementation of a national plan
of action on the follow-up to the World Conference against Racism,
Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. The
Committee welcomed the entry into force of the Act of 8 June 2004 on
freedom of expression in the media, which called for a code of ethics
to govern the pursuit of journalistic activity. The Committee also
noted with satisfaction school curricula promoting interculturalism,
the setting up of some classes in the mother tongue of immigrant
children and the introduction of intercultural mediators in schools.

While noting the State party~Rs efforts to tighten up its laws and
strengthen its institutions combating racial discrimination, the
Committee said that racist and xenophobic incidents, in particular
against Arabs and Muslims, and discriminatory attitudes towards
ethnic groups were still encountered in the country. The Committee
encouraged the State party to combat racist and xenophobic propaganda
found on Internet sites and suggested that the State party ratify the
Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime and its Additional
Protocol concerning the criminalization of acts of a racist and
xenophobic nature committed through computer systems. While
recognizing the steps taken by the State party to combat racial
discrimination, the Committee noted with concern that certain
vulnerable groups, such as non-nationals, refugees and
asylum-seekers, were not afforded sufficient protection.

The Committee expressed its concern that a number of non-nationals
were illegally employed in Luxembourg, and might, thus, be exposed to
abuse by their employers. The Committee encouraged the State party
to take concrete steps to prevent and provide redress for the serious
problems faced by non-citizen workers in this regard, ensuring that
employers that employed illegal workers were sanctioned. The
Committee also encouraged the State party to include within training
a specific focus on the problems of racism and discrimination, and to
ensure that all officials who come into contact with minority groups
receive training of this type.

Australia

After considering the thirteenth and fourteenth periodic reports of
Australia, the Committee noted with satisfaction that serious acts of
racial hatred or incitement to racial hatred were criminal offences
in most AustralianStates and Territories. The Committee noted with
satisfaction that significant progress had been achieved in the
enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by the indigenous
peoples. It welcomed the commitment of all Australian governments to
work together on this issue through the Council of Australian
Governments, as well as the adoption of a national strategy on
indigenous family violence. The Committee also noted with great
interest the diversionary and preventative programmes aimed at
reducing the number of indigenous juveniles entering the criminal
justice system, as well as the development of culturally sensitive
procedures and practices among the police and the judiciary.

The Committee expressed its concern about the abolition of the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, the main
policy-making body in Aboriginal affairs which consisted of elected
indigenous representatives. The Committee also noted with concern
reports that prejudice against Arabs and Muslims in Australia had
increased and that the enforcement of counter-terrorism legislation
may have an indirect discriminatory effect against Arab and Muslim
Australians. It recommended that the State party increase its
efforts to eliminate such prejudice, and ensure that enforcement of
counter-terrorism legislation does not disproportionately impact on
specific ethnic groups and people of other national origins. The
Committee noted with concern the persistence of diverging perceptions
between governmental authorities and indigenous peoples and others on
the compatibility of the 1998 amendments to the Native Title Act with
the Convention and further recommended that the State party reopen
discussions with indigenous peoples with a view to discussing
possible amendments to the Native Title Act and finding solutions
acceptable to all.

The Committee remained concerned about the striking
over-representation of indigenous people in prisons, as well as the
percentage of indigenous deaths in custody. The Committee expressed
concern about the mandatory detention of illegal migrants, including
asylum-seekers, in particular when such detention affected women,
children, unaccompanied minors, and those who were considered to be
stateless. It also expressed its concern that many persons had been
in such administrative detention for over three years. The Committee
recommended that the State party review the mandatory, automatic and
indeterminate character of the detention of illegal migrants.

Ireland

After considering the initial and second periodic reports of Ireland,
the Committee commended the State party for the recent adoption of
the first National Action Plan against Racism, and the extensive
consultations with civil society organizations during the drafting of
this plan and noted with appreciation the establishment of several
independent institutions with competence in the field of human rights
and racial discrimination, namely the Irish Human Rights Commission,
the Equality Authority and the National Consultative Committee on
Racism and Interculturalism. The Committee welcomed the enactment of
a comprehensive legislative framework on anti-discrimination and
welcomed the decision by the State party to include a question of
ethnicity in the next consensus in 2006. It encouraged the State
party to include in its next periodic report detailed information on
the population, including non-citizens.

The Committee regretted that the State party had not yet incorporated
the Convention into domestic legal order, particularly in light of
the fact that the State party had incorporated other international
instruments into domestic law. The Committee encouraged the State
party to continue to combat prejudice and xenophobic stereotyping,
especially in the media, and to fight prejudice and discriminatory
attitudes. In this context, the Committee recommended that the State
party introduce in its criminal law a provision that committing an
offence with a racist motivation or aim constituted aggravating
circumstance allowing for a more severe punishment. The Committee
was concerned about reported instances of exploitation of foreign
workers by some employers and of violations of labour regulations
prohibiting discrimination and encouraged the State party to ensure
full practical implementation of legislation prohibiting
discrimination in employment and in the labour market. The Committee
also regretted the absence of special detention facilities for asylum
seekers whose request for asylum had been rejected and for
undocumented migrants awaiting deportation and noted the reported
occurrence of instances of discriminatory treatment against foreign
nationals entering Ireland during security checks at airports. It
encouraged the State party to review its security procedures and
practices at entry points with a view to ensuring that they were
carried out in a non-discriminatory manner.

The Committee also expressed concern about allegations of
discriminatory behaviour by the police towards members of minority
groups and regretted that data on complaints of racial discrimination
against the police had not been provided in the report. While noting
the efforts made so far by the State party with regard to the
situation of members of the Traveller community in the field of
health, housing, employment and education, the Committee remained
concerned about the effectiveness of policies and measures in these
areas. In this context, it recommended that the State party
intensify its efforts to fully implement the recommendations of the
Task Force on the Traveller community, and that all necessary
measures be urgently taken to improve access by Travellers to all
levels of education, their employment rates, as well as their access
to health services and to accommodation suitable to their lifestyle.

Bahrain

Following its consideration of the sixth and seventh periodic reports
of Bahrain, the Committee welcomed the meaningful political, legal
and economic reforms on which the State party had embarked, and noted
in particular the adoption of the National Action Charter in 2001,
the promulgation of the amended Constitution and the creation of the
Constitutional Court in 2002, as well as the establishment of a new
bi-cameral parliament with an elected chamber of deputies. The
Committee appreciated the establishment of Trade Unions in 2002 for
the first time in Bahrain, as well as of cultural associations
composed of foreigners. The Committee also welcomed the organization
of several training programmes addressed to the judiciary and law
enforcement officials on the promotion and protection of human rights
in the field of racial discrimination.

The Committee regretted that the State party had not provided
specific data on the ethnic composition of the population, and
recalled that such information was necessary to assess the practical
implementation of the Convention. The Committee took note of the
abolition of the Human Rights Committee which was designed to provide
advice to the head of State and to the executive authorities on a
wide range of human rights issues, including those matters relating
specifically to the Convention. Furthermore, the Committee regretted
that there was no national human rights institution in Bahrain. The
Committee was also concerned over the lack of integrationist
multiracial organizations and movements in the State party and in
particular over the banning of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights.
It encouraged the State party to maintain a dialogue with all civil
society organizations, including those critical of its policies.

The Committee noted with concern the reported disparate treatment and
discrimination faced by members of some groups, including in
particular the Shi~Ra that may be distinguishable by virtue of their
tribal or national origin, descent, culture and language. The
Committee was especially concerned about apparent disparate
opportunities that were afforded to such groups. The Committee also
regretted that no statistics were provided on cases where the
relevant provisions of domestic legislation concerning racial
discrimination were applied and recommended that the State party
consider whether the lack of formal complaints may be the result of
the victims~R lack of awareness of their rights, lack of confidence in
the police and judicial authorities, or the authorities~R lack of
attention, sensitivity, or commitment to cases of racial
discrimination.

Azerbaijan

After reviewing the third and fourth periodic reports of Azerbaijan,
the Committee noted with satisfaction the enactment of new
legislation containing anti-discrimination provisions, including the
Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure and welcomed the
establishment of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner of the
Republic of Azerbaijan, pursuant to the Constitutional Act on the
Ombudsman, adopted in December 2001. The Committee also welcomed the
State party~Rs ratification of the Framework Convention for the
Protection of National Minorities in 2000, the European Convention
for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in 2002
and the European Social Charter in 2004.

The Committee was concerned that, according to reports, incidents of
racial discrimination against Armenians occur and that a majority of
the Armenians residing in Azerbaijan prefer to conceal their ethnic
identity in order to avoid being discriminated against. While
welcoming the information provided by the delegation on
counter-trafficking measures taken by the State party, the Committee
expressed its concern that human trafficking, including of foreign
women, men and children remained a serious problem in the State
party, which was a country of origin and a transit point. The
Committee expressed its concern that asylum-seekers, refugees,
stateless persons, displaced persons and long-term residents residing
in Azerbaijan experienced discrimination in the areas of employment,
education, housing and health. The Committee requested the State
party to ensure that its asylum procedures did not discriminate in
purpose or effect between asylum seekers on the basis of race, colour
or ethnic or national origin.

Among other things, the Committee recommended that the State party
adopt measures to promote intercultural understanding and education
between ethnic groups. The Committee also encouraged the State party
to expand and strengthen existing efforts regarding human rights
education and requested the State party to pay particular attention
to the specific training of law enforcement officials in this regard.
It also noted the lack of sufficient information on efforts taken by
the State party to involve non-governmental organizations in the
preparation of the periodic report and encouraged the State party to
consult with civil society working in the area of combating racial
discrimination in the elaboration of its next periodic report.

Decisions

Decision on Situation in Darfur

The Committee, taking into consideration its regular practices, as
well as its obligation to inform, under its early-warning and
urgent-action procedure, of any warning signals that a situation may
deteriorate still further, referring to its decision adopted at its
last session on Darfur, and recalling its declaration on the
Prevention on Genocide of 11 March 2005, recommended to the
Secretary-General, and through him, the Security Council, the
deployment, without further delay, of a sufficiently enlarged African
Union force in Darfur with a Security Council mandate to protect the
civilian population, including those in camps, displaced persons and
refugees returning to their homes in Darfur, against war crimes,
crimes against humanity, and the risk of genocide.

Decision on Situation in New Zealand

In a decision on New Zealand, the Committee noted its review of the
compatibility of the New Zealand Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 with
the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Racial Discrimination in the light of information
received both from the Government of New Zealand and a number of
Maori non-governmental organizations and taking into account its
General Recommendation No. XXIII on indigenous peoples. The
Committee expressed its appreciation at having had the opportunity to
engage in a constructive dialogue with the State party and the State
party~Rs written and oral responses to its requests for information
related to the legislation, including those submitted on 17 February
and 9 March 2005. Bearing in mind the complexity of the issues
involved, the legislation appeared to the Committee, on balance, to
contain discriminatory aspects against the Maori, in particular in
its extinguishment of the possibility of establishing Maori customary
title over the foreshore and seabed and its failure to provide a
guaranteed right of redress, notwithstanding the State party~Rs
obligations under articles 5 and 6 of the Convention.

The Committee acknowledged with appreciation the State party~Rs
tradition of negotiation with the Maori on all matters concerning
them and urged the State party, in a spirit of goodwill and in
accordance with the ideals of the Waitangi Treaty, to resume a
dialogue with the Maori community with regard to the legislation in
order to seek ways of lessening its discriminatory effects, including
where necessary through legislative amendment. Moreover, the
Committee requested the State party to monitor closely the
implementation of the Foreshore and Seabed Act, its impact on the
Maori population and the developing State of race relations in New
Zealand and to take steps to minimize any negative effects,
especially by way of a flexible application of the legislation and by
broadening the scope of redress available to the Maori.

Suriname

After having reviewed the country situation in Suriname in private
session under its follow-up procedure, the Committee noted that,
under the draft Mining Act in the State party, indigenous and tribal
peoples would be required to accept mining activities on their lands
following agreement on compensation with the concession holders, and
that, if agreement could not be reached, the matter would be settled
by the executive, and not the judiciary. The Committee expressed its
concern that indigenous and tribal peoples could not as such seek
recognition of their traditional rights before the courts because
they were not recognized legally as juridical persons. It
recommended that indigenous and tribal peoples should be granted the
right of appeal to the courts, or any independent body specially
created for that purpose, in order to uphold their traditional rights
and their right to be consulted before concessions are granted and to
be fairly compensated for any damage. Moreover, the Committee
recommended to the State party that it ensure the compliance of the
revised draft Mining Act with the International Convention, as well
as with the Committee~Rs recommendations issued in March 2004.

Declaration on Prevention of Genocide

On the closing day of the session, the Committee adopted a
declaration on the prevention of genocide which was prepared by
Committee Expert Agha Shahi following a thematic discussion on the
subject during the session. The main elements of the declaration are
as follows:

The Committee welcomed the appointment of a Special Adviser to the
Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide with the mandate to
sound early warning and make appropriate recommendations for
prevention to the Security Council through the Secretary-General to
enable the international community to take timely action to prevent
genocide from occurring, and declared its determination to provide
the Special Adviser with relevant information on laws, policies and
practices that may indicate systematic discrimination. Moreover, as
suggested by the Special Adviser, the Committee intended to develop a
set of indicators related to genocide, including the cultural and
historic roots of genocide.

The Committee expressed its resolve to strengthen and refine its
anti-racial discrimination early warning and urgent action, as well
as follow-up procedures in all situations where indications of
possible violent conflict and genocide prevail and in such cases it
would consider in-country visits to obtain first-hand information.
The Committee considered it of vital importance that stronger
interaction is established between the United Nations human rights
treaty bodies and the Security Council and agreed with the findings
of the High-Level Panel in the current Threats, Challenges and Change
that developed countries had a particular responsibility to do more
to transform their armies into units suitable for deployment to peace
operations, among other things.

The Committee also considered it imperative to dispel the climate of
impunity that was hospitable to war crimes and crimes against
humanity by referral of perpetrators of these crimes to the
International Criminal Court at an early stage of indications of
genocide. It also urged the international community to look at the
need for a comprehensive understanding of the dimensions of genocide,
including in the context of situations of economic globalization
adversely affecting indigenous and disadvantaged communities.

If you have questions regarding information in these press release
contact the company listed below. Please do not contact us as we are
unable to assist you with your inquiry. We disclaim any content
contained in this press release.

–Boundary_(ID_MfOoB3mU7F7m/uQj1i0Qzw)–

Kommersant, Russia
March 11 2005

The Price of Withdrawal

// And the price of remaining

The thesis that withdrawal takes a lot of money and time is the major
one in a long lasting dispute between Russia and Georgia. So, in
Moscow they say that the troops can leave Georgia not earlier than in
seven or eight years.

However, the problem of withdrawal is more serious as it may seem.
Russia will either preserve or lose its presence in Transcaucasia.

The main strategic partner of Moscow in this region is Moscow. There
is a great Russian military base. However, the way to the Russian
base in Armenia goes through the Georgian territory and the presence
of the Russian soldiers there is a sort of guarantee that the way
won~Rt be blocked.

If Russia loses its influence on Georgia it will weaken its positions
on the whole territory of Transcaucasia. In its turn it will put an
end to the attempts to gain influence on the Central Asia.

That~Rs why Russia is struggling for the right to be present in
Georgia. Kremlin doesn~Rt want just to normalize relations with
Georgia. It wants to radically change relations with Georgia. They
want to preserve influence. So in Moscow they put it like all or
nothing.

However, Moscow~Rs behavior may make politicians of the former Soviet
republics wonder and makes positions of Russia on their territories
quite shaky.

by Gennady Sysoev

The Gazette (Montreal)
March 11, 2005 Friday
Final Edition

Stitch by little stitch: At first seeming just muted and mundane,
this simple story about a pregnant teen who becomes an embroiderer
gradually builds the power to sweep you away

by BRENDAN KELLY, The Gazette

Brodeuses
Rating 4
Starring: Lola Naymark, Ariane Ascaride
Playing: in French at Ex-Centris; in French with English subtitles at
AMC.
Parents’ guide: Not for kids, adult subject-matter.

– – –

Brodeuses, the first feature from French writer-director Eleonore
Faucher, is one of those films that sneaks up on you. At first, you
wonder what’s going on – or, rather, why so little is going on, on
screen. It all seems kind of muted and mundane. Then, bang, it hits
you and, for reasons you don’t fully understand, you’re just swept up
emotionally in what is, in many ways, a remarkably simple story.

That’s what makes Brodeuses – A Common Thread, in English – so
powerful. Unlike so many first-time directors, Faucher doesn’t try to
be too ambitious, to do too much. She tells a small story effectively
but with few ostentatious flourishes. That, at least in the old days,
used to be called good filmmaking.

Claire (Lola Naymark) is a sullen, insolent 17-year-old who’s peeved
at the world – and it’s not just the usual adolescent angst. Claire
is five months pregnant and she is not at all sure what to do about
this state of affairs.

She hasn’t told her family or any of her friends. At the grocery
store where she slaves away as a checkout clerk, she lies to her
pals, telling them she has cancer and that she’s gaining weight
because of side-effects of the treatment she is receiving. She is
barely on speaking terms with her parents and, though she clearly has
a soft-spot for him, she gives her little brother a hard time.

Things begin to change slowly when she gets a job as an apprentice
embroiderer for Madame Melikian (Ariane Ascaride), an Armenian woman
who provides embroidery for some of the top fashion houses of Paris.
Mme Melikian is in a terrible depression, has been ever since her
only son died in a motorcycle accident, and at first the two troubled
women are barely communicating. But gradually, an unlikely friendship
develops.

Newcomer Naymark is just superb as the troubled teen. For the first
hour, Claire is totally irritating. You just want to shout at her –
“Stop all the pouting and whining.” But slowly, you start to like
her, to appreciate her quiet resilience. It doesn’t hurt that she’s
beautiful, with gorgeous long, curly red hair. Ascaride is also just
right, giving Mme Melikian dignity and real character.

Ain Al-Yaqeen, Saudi Arabia
March 11 2005

THE SAUDI LEADERSHIP DISCUSSES WITH AZERBAIJAN’S PRESIDENT THE BASES
AND FUTURE OF COOPERATION AND THE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAMIC AND
INTERNATIONAL ARENAS.

THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN: THE SUPPORT OF SAUDI ARABIA HELPED MY
COUNTRY TO OVERCOME NUMEROUS CRISIS.
WE SUPPORT THE CALL OF PRINCE ABDULLAH TO CONVENE AN ISLAMIC SUMMIT
IN MAKKAH AL MUKKARAMAH.
THE SIGNING OF ECONOMIC BETWEEN SAUDI ARABIA AND AZERBAIJAN.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz
received at his office at Al Yamamah palace in Riyadh Azerbaijan’s
President Ilham Aliyev and accompanying delegation.

At the outset of the meeting, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
welcomed President Aliyev, wishing him a good stay in his second
country: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Then President Aliyev awarded the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
Azerbaijan’s Independence medal, the country’s most prestigious
honorary decoration, in recognition of the king’s noble services for
Islam and Muslims and his continuous support for the Republic of
Azerbaijan.

On his part, King Fahd decorated President Aliyev with King Abdul
Aziz decoration in recognition of his efforts in enhancing the
relations between the two countries.

Then they discussed the overall situations at the Islamic and
international arenas in addition to the aspects of cooperation
between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in all fields.

On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Prince Ahmed Ibn Abdul
Aziz, Deputy Minister of Interior; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Bandar Ibn
Abdul Aziz, Assistant Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Abdul
Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of State, Member of the
Cabinet and Chief of the Court of the Cabinet’s Presidency; Prince
Faisal Ibn Turki Ibn Abdullah; ministers; senior protocol officials
and Saudi Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ali bin Hasan Jaafar.

On the Azerbaijani side, it was attended by the First Deputy of the
Prime Minister Jacob Ayoobov; Foreign Minister Elmar Mohammed Yarov;
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Alman Arasli and senior
officials.

Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and
Commander of the National Guard, and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham
Aliyev held a meeting at the crown prince’s palace in Riyadh.

At the outset of the meeting, President Aliyev awarded the Crown
Prince Azerbaijan’s Independence medal, the country’s most
prestigious honorary decoration, in recognition of the Crown Prince’s
distinguished role in expanding the economic and cultural relations
between the Kingdom and Azerbaijan.

Aliyev also lauded the efforts of Crown Prince Abdullah for the
service of Islam and Muslims all over the world.

On his part, Crown Prince Abdullah thanked President Aliyev, praising
the firm relations binding the two countries and peoples.

Then they discussed the overall developments at the Islamic and
international arenas in addition to the aspects of cooperation
between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in all fields.

On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Prince Mishaal Ibn
Abdul Aziz; Prince Mit’eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and
Rural Affairs; Prince Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz, Vice Governor of Riyadh
Region; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of State,
Member of the Cabinet and Chief of the Court of the Cabinet’s
Presidency; ministers; senior protocol officials and Saudi Ambassador
to Azerbaijan Ali Ibn Hasan Jaafar.

On the Azerbaijani side, it was attended by the First Deputy of the
Prime Minister Jacob Ayoobov; Foreign Minister Elmar Mohammed Yarov;
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Alman Arasli and senior
officials.

Crown Prince Abdullah and the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev held
wide-ranging talks that focused on regional and international issues.
Special areas of discussion were Saudi-Azeri cooperation in
political, commercial and cultural fields. The talks were followed by
the signing of three major agreements between Saudi Arabia and the
Muslim-majority Azeri republic.

President Aliyev, during his three-day official trip, witnessed the
signing of an SR67.5 million loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for
Development (SFD), said Azeri diplomat Naghi Jaabbarov. There are
other agreements on boosting cooperation in education and investment
protection.

In the talks, the two leaders shared common views, visions and
approaches on a number of bilateral and international issues. New
developments in the Arab world including Syria and Iraq, the Middle
East peace process, terrorism threats and the status of Azerbaijan’s
conflict with Armenia were high on the agenda.

The talks comes within the framework of the mandate of an MoU signed
by Riyadh and Baku early this year which calls for holding periodic
political consultations.

Azerbaijan seeks to develop ties with Saudi Arabia in the fields of
economy, trade, tourism and health care.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who witnessed the signing of two
bilateral economic agreements, called for intensifying efforts to
boost political, commercial and cultural relations with Saudi Arabia.

The call was made during his meeting with Saudi businessmen at the
Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) following his talks
with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Crown Prince
Abdullah and a host of Saudi officials.

Aliyev said that “Baku is looking to Saudi Arabia to support its
regional interests politically and commercially”. He reiterated that
“the Kingdom is, in fact, supporting the Azeri position, at a time
when we have been wrestling with a geopolitical dilemma created
because of the conflict with Armenia”.

The Azeri leader witnessed the signing of an investment protection
agreement prior to his meeting at RCCI. Another agreement for SR67.5
million credit line facility granted by Saudi Fund for Development
(SFD) to Azerbaijan was also signed in the presence of the president.

On behalf of Saudi Arabia, the accords were inked by Finance Minister
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf. Later, Aliyev participated in the RCCI meeting,
which was also attended by Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr.
Hashim Abdullah Yamani.

Azeri diplomat Naghi Jaabbarov said that “two credit agreements will
also be signed by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Azerbaijan
in Jeddah”.

IDB has agreed to grant $10.4 million credit facility for a road
construction project and another $10.1 million credit for a tunnel
project in that former Soviet republic. Referring to the
progressively growing Riyadh-Baku relations following the meeting of
businessmen at RCCI, Saad ibn Ibrahim Al-Mojel, RCCI’s vice chairman,
said that “the two sides are discussing as how to set up direct
transportation links between the two countries. There is neither a
direct flight to Baku nor a port in the Azeri capital, which are
hampering our business plans and relations”.

“President Aliyev has promised to look into the possibility of
setting set up direct air link to boost tourism and pilgrimage
traffic”, he said. Al-Mojel said that “there is a lot of potential to
forge closer relations in all sectors”.

He said that “the Armenian problem and the geopolitical dilemma with
which Azerbaijan is faced with will not discourage the Saudi leaders
and businessmen”.

Jaabbarov said that the funds will be used for building and expanding
infrastructure in that country.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has reaffirmed the strength of
Saudi-Azeri relationships indicating that his current visit is part
of the constant efforts aimed at enhancing the bilateral trade
exchange and developing economic ties.

In an interview with Saudi Television, President Aliyev praised the
Saudi, to his country which helped in overcoming numerous crises.

He said his talks with Saudi leadership had focused on the bilateral
relations, adding that these talks had been “highly successful.”

He pointed out that the political relations with the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia are at high levels but the economic ones are not at par with
those of the political ties.

“There is a government joint committee which has been working for
years to enhance the economic and trade ties and this committee is
now working to study and analyze these facilities and opportunities,”
Aliyev said.

“In my point of view, the opening of direct flights between the two
countries will help in strengthening the economic ties,” he added.

Answering a question about the call of Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn
Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National
Guard, to convene an Islamic Summit in Makkah, Aliyev said that the
main thing which concern him is the negative social opinion about
Islam in addition to wars and conflicts inside Muslim countries.

“We support this call which will discuss many issues and may handle a
program for future activities and procedures to confront these
challenges,” Aliyev said.

Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and
Commander of the National Guard, gave a banquet in honor of
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and accompanying delegation.

The function was attended by Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince
Mit’eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs;
Prince Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Vice Governor of Riyadh Region;
other princes; ministers and senior civil and military officials.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Riyadh for a visit to
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At Riyadh air base, he was received by Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn
Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National
Guard; Prince Mit’eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and
Rural Affairs; Prince Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Vice Governor of
Riyadh Region; Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant
Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military
Affairs; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Chief
of General Intelligence; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul
Aziz, Advisor at the Crown Prince’s Court; Prince Dr. Abdul Aziz Ibn
Mohammed Ibn Ayyaf Al Miqrin, Mayor of the city of Riyadh; Dr. Hashim
Ibn Abdullah Yamani, Minister of Commerce and Industry; senior
protocol officials and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Alman
Hamied Arasli.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev met with members of board of
directors of Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and a number of Saudi
Businessmen.

Addressing the meeting, Azerbaijan’s President commended the strong
relations between the two countries especially in economic and
investment fields.

Dr Salih Al-Namlah, the Undersecretary of the Culture and Information
Ministry for Foreign Information, met with a delegation comprising a
number of Azerbaijani media men.

They reviewed, at the meeting attended by Saudi ambassador to
Azerbaijan Ali Hassan Jaffar, aspects of information cooperation
between the Kingdom and Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, the members of the delegation who were briefed on the
development achievements attained in the Kingdom in the various
domains, highlighted the great services being extended by the Kingdom
to Islam and Muslims throughout the world.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev left Riyadh for Jeddah on his way
to Makkah to perform Umrah rituals.

At Riyadh airbase, he was seen off by Prince Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz,
Deputy Governor of Riyadh region, a number princes and senior
officials.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and his accompanying delegation
performed Umrah rituals.

Upon arrival at the Grand Mosque, they were received by a number of
officials.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Jeddah to perform
Umrah rituals.

He was received at King Abdul Aziz international airport by Prince
Mishaal Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Jeddah and a number of
officials.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev visited the headquarters of the
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Jeddah.

During the visit, he expressed his country’s support to Islamic
issues praising the steps of reforms undertaken by the OIC to develop
its performance.

He also hailed the OIC’s role to strengthening the economic and
technological cooperation between member states.

Aliyev was accompanied by Minister of Commerce and Industry Hashem
Yamani, who is also the Escorting Minister.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev left the Kingdom after a brief
visit to Saudi Arabia.

At Prince Mohammad Ibn Abdul Aziz Airport in Al Madinah Al
Munawarrah, he was seen off by Dr. Hashim Yamani, Minister of
Commerce and Industry, and senior civil and military officials.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
03/11/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) 100th Anniversary Commemorations in Sophia Mark Death of ARF Co-founder
Mikaelian
2) ARF Bureau Member Viken Hovsepian on Dialogue with Turkish Officials
3) Candidate ~SArdy~T Kassakhian Picks up Line of Impressive Endorsements
4) ANCAWR Accepting Applications for 2005 Leo Sarkisian Internship Program
5) ANCG Fundraiser at the Home of the Baghdasaryans
6) Harvest Gallery Presents Artist Raffi Adalian~Rs Works
7) Armenian Academy of Los Angeles Inaugural Gala-Banquet
8) Ghapan Sister City Association Benefit Concert for Infrastructure
Improvements
9) ~SArt for Oshagan” Nets over $8,000 for City Council Race
10) Review Essay: Phillips~Rs Book on Track Two Diplomacy

1) 100th Anniversary Commemorations in Sophia Mark Death of ARF Co-founder
Mikaelian

Activities include ARF youth conference, unveiling of memorial

SOPHIA (ARF Press Office)–A series of events were organized in Bulgaria’s
capital of Sofia March 8-11, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armenian
Revolutionary Federation co-founder Kristapor Mikaelian’s tragic death.
These included a seminar dedicated to the strengthening of Armenian-Bulgarian
ties, the official dedication of a bronze bust of Mikaelian, as well as a
memorial stone at his grave where a requiem service was held.
At the same time, representatives of ARF youth and student organizations
convened their annual conference of central executive representatives in
Sophia
on March 8-9, to coincide with the ceremonies.
Twenty seven youth from throughout thirteen countries, including Armenia,
Canada, France, Greece, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and the United States, during
their conference, targeted the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and
political understanding of the Armenian struggle as well as implementation of
goals. The ARF youth analyzed current issues, including the situation of
Javakhk–a mostly Armenian-populated region in Georgia that is economically,
socially, and politically neglected.
Six participating youth entered the ranks of the ARF, taking their oath at
Mikaelian’s grave.
The youth, along with hundreds of Armenians from Armenian, Mountainous
Karabagh, Javakhk, and throughout the diaspora gathered at Mikaelian’s grave
for the official unveiling of a bronze bust, as well as a memorial stone made
of materials imported from Armenia.
Speakers included ARF Bulgaria representative Sahag Tchalekian, ARF Bureau
representative Hrant Margarian, and Bureau member Albert Ajemian. The
ceremonies ended with the singing of ~SMshag Panvor.~T
One of the Armenian revolutionary movement’s most influential figures,
Mikaelian was killed on Bulgaria’s Mount Vitosha, along with his friend
Vramshapuh Kentirian, while testing a bomb intended to be used during an
assassination plot against Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II–the man who
spearheaded the massacres of the 1890s, which claimed the lives of up to
300,000 Armenians.

2) ARF Bureau Member Viken Hovsepian on Dialogue with Turkish Officials

–‘We support dialogue that’s not mere ceremony but actually seeks a
solution’

GLENDALE–In recent weeks, official and semi-official Turkish sources have
made announcements regarding initiating dialogue with the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation, entrusting the study of the Armenian genocide issue
to historians, and similar matters. Asbarez approached ARF Bureau member Viken
Hovsepian, asking him to provide further clarification.

Question: What’s your interpretation regarding Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip
Erdogan’s recent announcement that the matter of the Armenian genocide should
be left up to historians?
Answer: Any offer of dialogue from Turkish governmental circles that accepts
as its basis the actuality of the Armenian genocide would be welcomed. Prime
Minister Erdogan’s proposal, or any similar tactic that attempts to cast doubt
on the authenticity of the Armenian genocide, is simply hurtful for the
Armenian people, which to this day continues to endure the consequences of the
Genocide.
The Armenian genocide is matter that has long been proven and subjected to
intense analysis, on an international level; and now is the time for immediate
political action and resolution. Any deviation from that course is merely a
delay tactic or the wasting of time. As much as we Armenians have a vital
interest in the just resolution of our Question, so too should the Turkish
statebased on its own political and economic interestsseek a final solution to
the Armenian Question.

Q: What would be the ARF’s role in the likely event of an Armeno-Turkish
dialogue?
A: The ARF has often stated that it supports and appreciates the function of
dialogue and negotiation for the resolution of any political matter. In this
case as well the ARF would play a positive role, if it has the necessary
assurance that what would take place are substantive negotiations that seek a
comprehensive resolutionand not mere ceremony that seeks to leave an
impression
of dialogue.
That sort of imitation of dialogue greatly benefited the Turkish government
during recent such initiatives, in which some Armenian individuals (and an
Armenian organization) unfortunately became willing instruments. What’s
imperative today, however, is public relations by Turkish governmental circles
so that they may be able to come to terms with their past, for the sake of a
brighter and morally reconcilable future.

Q: Turkish businessman Kaan Soyak, while in Armenia, also made a statement
regarding dialogue. What’s your view regarding that?

A: I appreciate Mr. Soyak’s affirmations regarding the ARF and its role,
especially when we take into account the paranoia and extremism that exist in
Turkish governmental circles toward the ARF. As already noted, our
organization
is ready to play a positive part in any process that seeks to achieve frank
and
comprehensive solutions.
Let me add that to date our organization has received no official invitation
or proposal for dialogue from the Turkish government.

3) Candidate ~SArdy~T Kassakhian Picks up Line of Impressive Endorsements

–Prominent elected officials show unified support as campaign gains momentum

GLENDALE–With less than thirty days to go before the April 5 Glendale City
elections, prominent elected officials and organizations have aligned their
support for Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian for the Glendale City Clerk~Rs race,
demonstrating unified support behind his candidacy.

Elected officials who have endorsed Ardy include:

US Representative Adam Schiff (D-29)
California State Senator Jack Scott (D-SD 21)
Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti (CD 13)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca
Glendale City Councilmember Rafi Manoukian
Glendale Community College Board Member Victor King
California State Board of Equalization Chairman John Chiang

Kassakhian was the first candidate to announce his candidacy with the promise
of ushering in a new era where the City Clerk will play a proactive and
dynamic
role as the gateway to city government for Glendale citizens.
“Ardy has the work ethic, integrity, and management ability to make sure the
city clerk’s office operates in a sound and professional manner,” said US
Representative Adam Schiff. “I hope Glendale voters will join me in supporting
Ardy Kassakhian for City Clerk on April 5th.”
The increasing number of endorsements demonstrates the growing momentum
behind
the Ardy Kassakhian campaign. Ardy’s program to improve the clerk’s office
includes: Creating Accessibility and Accountability; Improving Outreach and
Education; and Incorporating New Technology.
Glendale city elections will occur on April 5. Voters who have registered to
vote by mail will receive their ballots prior to that date. More information
about the campaign can be found at
<;

4) ANCAWR Accepting Applications for 2005 Leo Sarkisian Internship Program

GLENDALE–The Armenian National Committee of AmericaWestern Region (ANCA-WR)
announced this week that the application period for the 2005 ANCA Leo
Sarkisian
Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC has opened. This year marks the
19th anniversary of this competitive and prestigious internship program,
considered to be one of the best Armenian American programs of its kind.
Named after long-time ANCA activist Leo Sarkisian, the eight-week intensive
public affairs internship brings together numerous young Armenian Americans
from across the country to gain first-hand experience in the American
political
system, while working on issues of concern to the Armenian American community.
In addition to working at the ANCA national headquarters, just blocks away
from
the White House, interns also participate in a bi-weekly lecture series
featuring a wide variety of guest speakers, including US government officials
and Armenian American leaders and professionals from various fields. Interns
are also exposed to legislative offices and meetings with national figures as
part of the ANCA’s on-going advocacy work on behalf of the Armenian American
community.
The ANCA internship program is truly a unique opportunity for young Armenian
Americans to gain an insider’s perspective of the intricate and complex
political world in Washington, DC, while at the same time, gaining a fresh
understanding of the current issues facing the Armenian American community,”
explained Steven Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “The
lecture series and Washington’s stimulating professional and social
environment
allow interns to spend an enriching and fun summer working to advance the
Armenian Cause,” stated Dadaian.
The 2005 Leo Sarkisian Internship program will begin on June 20 and run
through August 12 this year. Applications for the internship are available on
the ANCA website, through the ANCA-WR headquarters, as well as other community
outlets. Applications must be postmarked by April 15 to be considered for the
2005 program.
For more information, or to request applications, please contact the ANCAWR
headquarters at 818.500.1918 or at [email protected].

5) ANCG Fundraiser at the Home of the Baghdasaryans

GLENDALE–Over 100 supporters and friends gathered at the home of Alec and Dr.
Alenoush Baghdasaryan last Wednesday evening to help raise funds for the
Armenian National Committee of Glendale (ANCG). All 12 ANCG endorsed
candidates
were also on hand to meet members of the community and answer questions. Those
in attendance took advantage of the opportunity to mingle with the candidates
and ask them questions. In return, the candidates had an opportunity to
discuss
their platforms and visions for the city without worrying about a 30 second
warning from a moderator.
“Our organization’s strength is in our grassroots activism and support
network. We have a strong, hardworking board that is constantly working for
the
ArmenianAmerican community, but without supporters like the Baghdasaryans, who
opened their home to us, and the over 100 people who attended the event, we
would never be able to get as much done as we currently do,” remarked ANCG
Treasurer George Garikian.
The ANCG is a grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to informing and
educating the ArmenianAmerican community and representing the community’s
interest in the City of Glendale. Funds raised at the March 2 event will be
used to pay for the ANCG current “Get Out The Vote” campaign and voter
education show. Some proceeds will also be used to assist ANCG endorsed
candidates in their election bids. The ANCG endorsed candidates are: Larry
Miller, Ara Najarian, Anahid Oshagan and Bob Yousefian for City Council;
Ardashes Kassakhian for City Clerk; Greg Krikorian, Nayiri Nahabedian, and
Chuck Sambar for School Board; Anita Gabrielian, Armine Hacopian, and Victor
King for College Board; and Ronald Borucki for City Treasurer.

6) Harvest Gallery Presents Artist Raffi Adalian~Rs Works

LOS ANGELESArtist Raffi Adalian~Rs solo exhibition will be featured at Harvest
Gallery from March 11-20.
~SAdalian relies on material, specifically a range of material that hovers
between the painterly and the sculptural,~T says acclaimed art critic Peter
Frank.
Born in Armenia, Adalian is a graduate of Yerevan~Rs Music Conservatory. In
1976, in his first solo exhibit, Adalian presented 60 paintings at the
Contemporary Art Gallery of Yerevan. His work has also been featured at the
Leon Ragain Gallery in Lyon, France, the Grand Pallet Hall in Paris, as
well as
in numerous galleries around the world including in Austria, Canada, Germany,
Russia, and the United States.
In 2001, Adalian established The Parking Lot–an art studio and outdoor
exhibition space for dozens of artists on the grounds of Avis Roto Die
Manufacturing in Los Angeles. ~SAdalian revels in the texture not just of
paint,
but of paper and cloth and whatever other material lends itself to his hungry
eye and restless hand,~T adds Frank.
The opening reception is on Friday, March 11, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Adalian~Rs
exhibit will be on display through Sunday, March 20. Gallery hours are
Tuesday-Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
For general information about the exhibit, please call Harvest Gallery at
(818) 546-1000 or visit
<;

Exhibition Dates: March 11-20, 2005
Harvest Gallery: 938 North Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA

7) Armenian Academy of Los Angeles Inaugural Gala-Banquet

LOS ANGELES–The Inaugural Gala-Banquet of the Armenian Academy of Los Angeles
(AALA) is set for Friday, April 1, at the Deukmejian Hall of the Ararat Home
Complex in Mission Hills.
The Inaugural Gala is the Academy’s first major public event, aimed at
presenting a community-wide audience the goals and mission of the Academy’s
Board of Directors, while at the same time raising funds for the ongoing
planning, development, and major fundraising activities of the Board. The Gala
Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Noubar Afeyan, CEO of Flagship Ventures in
Cambridge Mass., and Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Dr.
Afeyan is one of the principle forces behind the Armenian 2020 Project.
The AALA is a unique Armenian academic institution aiming to serve its
student
clientele with a combination of top-level academics and a rich Armenian
studies
experience. It will distinguish itself by its focus on a rigorous college-prep
experience on par with that offered at the best public and private high
schools
in Southern California. The Academy is an independent, non-affiliated
college-preparatory high school that will serve students in grades 9 through
12.
At the heart of the Academy’s mission is its dual curriculum program. Not
only
will students choose from an array of traditional prep-school courses and
electives, they will also have a rich selection of Armenian subjects, from
language and literature to history, culture and the arts. Part of the
Academy’s
mission is to create an interactive learning environment by infusing
traditional classwork with hands-on workshops and discussion sessions
conducted
by distinguished scientists, artists, and activists. The coursework will
emphasize the importance of innovation and critical thinking skills.
The Gala will feature the premier of the Academy PR video highlighting Dr.
Vartan Gregorian, and the live performances of three commissioned artistic
works. “Just as the Academy is a unique institution, based on originality and
innovation, so will the artistic program of our Gala consist of commissioned,
original works: a music piece, a dance piece, and a theatrical performance”
says Aram Kouyoumdjian, program director for the Gala. An exhibition of
Armenian artwork will also be showcased.
For more information, ticket reservations or event sponsorship, please call
the Gala Committee at 818-293-0010, or e-mail at
[email protected].
The cocktail hour starts at 7 pm, followed by dinner at 8 pm, and the
presentations at 9 pm. Individual tickets are $150.

8) Ghapan Sister City Association Benefit Concert for Infrastructure
Improvements

GLENDALE–The Glendale Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA) will host a
benefit concert on Sunday, March 13, to raise funds for infrastructure
improvements in Ghapan, Armenia. All proceeds from the concert will be used to
rehabilitate Ghapan’s aging school facilities, where students struggle to
learn
in aging classrooms that have unreliable electricity and decayed plumbing.
The concert, sponsored by Daylight Adult Day Care Centers, will be held at
Hoover High School Auditorium, and will feature some of the best-known
Armenian
artists in Southern California, including Harout Pamboukjian, Razmik
Mansourian, Hovannes Shahbazian, Anahit Nersisian, Nersik Ispirian, Merujan
Margarian, and Ararat Petrosian. The International Dance School, directed by
Vardan and Siranoush Gevorkian, will also perform during the concert.
Arpi Andonian, who serves on the Board of Directors of GGSCA and is a Vice
President at Daylight Adult Day Care Centers, helped arrange the sponsorship,
and is the concert’s principal organizer. “We are very proud to be able to
organize this effort,” Andonian said. “I hope that our community will take the
opportunity to attend this great concert, have a lot of fun, and help us raise
the money we need to rebuild Ghapan’s aging schools.”
In December 2002, the City of Glendale unanimously adopted resolution 17023,
establishing a sister city link with the small southern town of Ghapan in
Armenia. Subsequently, the Glendale Ghapan Sister City Association was
established as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in order to foster relations
between the two cities.
Since its inception, the Glendale Ghapan Sister City Association has
completed
a variety of projects in Ghapan, including the rehabilitation of classrooms,
bathrooms, libraries, and study halls in several of Ghapan’s schools. The
organization is planning major projects in 2005, including the launch of
efforts to rehabilitate Ghapan’s hospital, which includes the region’s only
maternity ward and operating room.

Sunday, March 13, 2005 @ 6:00pm
Hoover High School Auditorium
651 Glenwood Road, Glendale CA
Ticket price: $20
For tickets, please call (818) 265-0506 or (818) 482-6131

9) ~SArt for Oshagan” Nets over $8,000 for City Council Race

GLENDALE–Art for Oshagan, a silent auction to benefit Anahid Oshagan’s bid
for
the Glendale City Council, netted more than $8,000 over the weekend. The
event,
held at Harvest Gallery from March 4 to 6, drew nearly 200 participants on
opening night when 26 of 30 artworks were auctioned off.
“The success of the auction clearly points to the community’s faith in
Anahid’s campaign,” said Anahid Oshagan campaign manager, Karo Torrossian. “I
have never seen an art fundraiser at the local level bring in so many people
and make so much money. This campaign has a tremendous amount of momentum. It
is headed for success.”
Last week, the campaign got an important boost when Congressman Adam Schiff
(D-29) endorsed Anahid’s bid for the City Council. Rafi Manoukian, the
Glendale
ANC, the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, and the California School
Employees Association have also endorsed Anahid. During the January-February
time period, her campaign was third in fundraising in a field of 19
candidates.
The auction included paintings, drawings, sketches, mixed media,
three-dimensional works, and photographs from 20 different artists. All works
were donated, as was the gallery space. Eric Grigorian delivered the surprise
of the auction, donating his 2003 World Press Photo award-winning photograph.
Nearly all of the participating artists sold their works.
“There are many important issues in Glendale and one of them is arts and
culturethis is one of my priorities in this race,” said Anahid Oshagan.
“Art is
a universal language and it is a force that can unite many parts of Glendale’s
diverse mosaic of communities,” Oshagan added.
“Part of the success was the community’s obvious and strong support for
Anahid. Another part was the quality of the art donated,” said Aris Ajand,
artist, and owner of Harvest Gallery. “The artists really stepped up and
delivered great works. And the atmosphere of the evening was great: there were
at least 3 bidding wars.”
Other local artists are also stepping up to help Anahid’s campaign.
Well-known
and highly acclaimed artist, author and actor Vahe Berberian will be
performing
one of his widely successful monologues, Yevayln Revisited, in a benefit show
on March 22 at Anoush Restaurant in Glendale. Actress Lory Tatoulian is slated
to perform one of her cutting edge stage sketches at another fundraising event
on Wednesday, March 23. For more information please see
<;
Oshagan announced her candidacy for the April 5 city elections in January.
Her
vision to bring harmony and mutual understanding to the diverse communities of
Glendale, coupled with her political experience will bring a fresh new
perspective and become a unifying force for all of Glendale.
Anahid’s background is ideally suited for the city council. Coming from a
family that instilled in her the values of hard work and helping her
community,
Anahid has developed a solid history of community involvement and service.
As a
student leader at CSUN, Anahid was instrumental in aiding the 1988 Armenian
earthquake relief effort and raising awareness of Armenia’s bid for
independence. After graduation, she worked to aid victims of domestic violence
and mentored juvenile inmates. She has taught English as a Second Language to
immigrants and spearheaded fundraising efforts for a program to immunize
children in Armenia and Karabagh.
For the past three years, Anahid was Congressman Adam Schiff’s District
Representative working as the liaison to the City of Glendale and the
Armenian-American communities throughout the 29th Congressional district.
Anahid now works as a non-profit attorney. If elected, she will be the first
Armenian-American woman to serve on the Glendale City Council.
Donations may be made to “Friends of Anahid Oshagan” and sent to Friends of
Anahid Oshagan, P.O. Box 4820, Glendale, CA 91222-0820. Political
contributions
are not tax-deductible. Please see
<; for more information.

10) Review Essay: Phillips~Rs Book on Track Two Diplomacy

Unsilencing the Past: Track Two Diplomacy and Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation
by David L. Phillips

By Charles Garo Ashjian, JD, PhD

This is a book about third party mediation (ie, Track Two Diplomacy) in a
world filled with “intractable conflicts that confound traditional diplomacy.”
Whereas, according to Phillips, the State Department “inculcates a risk-averse
culture that discourages initiative and stifles creativity;” (see p. 135)
informal third party mediation, or Track Two Diplomacy, embodies a flexibility
that compensates for such inherent constraints on government officials.
Thereby, private citizens may succeed or make inroads where officials seem
only
likely to fail. This book depicts the author’s own experiences as chair and
facilitator of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC)–the
fulcrum for the Track Two Program on Turkey and the Caucasus. The Commission
was quietly financed by the State Department and initiated during the Clinton
Administration and formally established in 2001 and, at least, tacitly
approved
by the governments of Armenia and Turkey. Presumably based on the author’s
experiences, the book concludes with the offering of practical principles
which may be of utility to those involved in such future endeavors.
However, even though the author attempts to depict important accomplishments
as the direct result of the efforts of TARC, there is no actual resolution of
the conflicts and issues which, nevertheless, still exist between the
governments and peoples of Turkey and Armenia. Actually, the Track Two
activity
herewith merely aggravated and compounded the situation. Contrary to the
insinuations of success by the author, the overall activity of TARC was a
failure. The book unwittingly or transparently corroborates and underlines
this
failure. For instance, in the Preface, Elie Wiesel asks the question: “Has it
been fruitful?” Wiesel refrains from giving an answer. The author, Phillips,
nearly gives an answer when, summarizing and referring to the concluded
activity of TARC, he states: “Track Two rarely results in a breakthrough.” The
Bush administration never reacted with anything but a courteous nod toward
this
activity.
The major obstacle to rapprochement or reconciliation between the governments
and peoples of Turkey and Armenia is the matter of the Armenian Genocide. The
TARC addressed this matter by seeking and obtaining a legal opinion,
purportedly objective and unbiased, which was titled “A Legal Analysis on the
Applicability of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and
Punishment
of the Crime of Genocide to Events Which Occurred During the Early Twentieth
Century” (i.e. the Armenian Genocide). They did so by referring the request to
the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ). The ICTJ is a
reputable and expert organization founded by and presided over by Alex
Boraine.

Its purpose is to “advise emerging democracies on addressing legacies of
human
rights abuse.” The ICTJ, in turn, merely and only facilitated the request of
TARC by referring it to an independent third-party for a legal analysis or
opinion. In actuality, and since then, the ICTJ has distanced itself from the
ensuing analysis by a “legal analyst” who remains unidentified, according
to my
knowledge, and said analyst has also been referred to as “the group” to be
contacted through Phillips at the Council on Foreign Relations. (Note: the
brief legal analysis is not even printed in the book.)
It is repeatedly false for Phillips to indicate (e.g. pp. 154, 116) that the
resultant “opinion” or “analysis” is authored by the ICTJ. Why does Phillips
persistently do so throughout the book while also providing the contradictory
text of the letter, dated 9/16/02, to him from Boraine? The letter states:
“ICTJ has agreed to facilitate the provision of a legal analysis. The analysis
will be performed entirely independently of the ICTJ. The analysis will not be
conducted by any ICTJ staff member; nor will the ICTJ be involved in any
way in
seeking to influence the conclusions reached by the analysis. Our role is
merely that of helping to identify an appropriate expert to undertake the
analysis requested by TARC.” (see p. 110)

Why is the resultant opinion or analysis so onerous?

–It falsely states that the term “genocide,” though applicable to the
“Events”
(i.e. the Armenian Genocide), is merely a “terminological” one with “no legal
applicability” whatsoever;

–The opinion or analysis, in contradiction of overwhelmingly prevalent
evidence and scholarship, challenges the historical truth and verity of the
Armenian Genocide as merely a yet unresolved historical issue;

–It treats the Genocide as a local or limited regional event and minor in
both
its character and magnitude;

–It disputes the direct involvement and culpability of the governmental
leadership and officialdom of the time.

This is historical reductionism and revisionism. This is genocide denial.
The actual purpose of this so-called analysis was to break the truth and
throw
a distorted fragment of it to each side. Armenians were supposed to become
grateful because they were being given permission or sanction by TARC, even
though strictly qualified, to apply the term “genocide” to their past plight.
Armenians do not need such permission from anyone. But perhaps some of this is
not entirely correct as Phillips, the chairman of TARC, in reference to
Turkish-Armenian relations, states: “I was not concerned with the response of
Armenians.” Phillips was not concerned about the Armenian response to the
harmful misdeeds of TARC since the key Armenian member of TARC had privately
offered him assurances of support from the unidentified and most prominent or
powerful members of the Armenian community. (see p. 57) The Armenian community
was supposed to line up in lockstep behind TARC. It did not happen. It never
will happen. (Lest there be any mistake as to the identity of this key
Armenian
member of TARC, it is Van Z. Krikorian, a New York attorney.)
In turn, the Turkish side was supposed to become elated because if
the term “genocide” does not have any legal applicability, then the Genocide
Convention may not be used by Armenians to claim territory or financial
reparations. Actually, even if the Genocide Convention did not exist, there
remains an abundance of legal ground on which Armenians may still pursue such
claims if they so choose. However, I do not believe this legal course is
presently the prevailing disposition of the worldwide Armenian community or
the
government of Armenia. The entirety of this matter is otherwise amenable to
solution.
Phillips describes Krikorian as a “champion of the Armenian people.” With
this
kind of champion, who needs an enemy. This member of TARC chose to propound
and
argue that the ICTJ analysis “should give both sides something” (see p. 109).
Accordingly, both Phillips and this member openly advocated that the analysis
achieve a “balanced outcome.” These words had different meanings for each of
the parties. One leading Turkish member of TARC, vocally fearful of the truth,
was guaranteed such a “balanced outcome” by Phillips (see p. 111). This
analysis was wrongly guided by standards more appropriately applicable to a
fair and conscientious business transaction. The goal should not have been to
assure a “win-win” situation. This is the source of the rot. The improper goal
of TARC, which surely was communicated to the “legal analyst” for direction,
was to gild and memorialize lies and provide plausible and comforting
arguments
for both sides, however false, for respective public consumption in the guise
of
seeking and establishing reconciliation. The outcome of the “legal analysis”
with its false historical and legal conclusions, was designed and rigged
beforehand. The members of TARC should not, as they do, rationalize that truth
was not their proper or paramount concern. The proof is the stench coming from
all of the lies. Everyone can smell it.
What TARC and its anonymous “legal analyst” merely accomplished, because of
the multitude of ulterior and ill-concealed personal and political motives,
was
to unduly disappoint and discourage and aggravate each side.
The book by Phillips, though otherwise intended, actually provides a case
study
in what should not be done during Track Two Diplomacy.
Phillips should have heeded his own admonition: “Track Two will flounder if
its integrity is compromised by either participants or the organizer” (see p.
144). Actually, it will eventually drown. The whole truth of any genocide
should actively be sought and maintained. The people who do otherwise
should be
exposed and rebuked. Any attempt to establish reconciliation or rapprochement
on a duplicitous base of distortion and falsity is outrageous and intolerable.
Ultimately, this is the most important lesson to be derived from the book. The
book itself should have been titled Distorting the Past. I hope the book is
read widely with due credit.

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TURKEY STILL REACTING TO OSKANIAN’S RESPONSE

Azg/arm
12 March 05

At the March 9 press conference foreign minister of Armenia, Vartan
Oskanian, rejected Turkish PM Erdogan’s offer “to open archives and
to carry out impartial research with the involvement of Armenian and
Turkish historians” and stated: “Historians had their say long ago,
and Turkey has to work its own approach to this. There is nothing
left to the historians any more”.

Turkey strongly reacted to the minister’s response (see Azg’s March
10 issue). Vartan Oskanian’s Yerevan press conference alongside with
his interview to Reuters was widely covered by Turkish press. Anatolu
agency issued a press release on March 10 on the matter and Turkish
NTV highlighted the issue on March 11. In the interview to Reuters
Oskanian repeated what he said at the press conference and then called
the Armenian Genocide a “political issue” and noted: “It turned into
political issue when Turkey began denying the Genocide. For that
reason the issue demands a political solution”.

Suggesting Armenia to conduct an impartial research in the Genocide
issue, PM Erdogan meanwhile called on states that have recognized the
Genocide on parliamentary level or demand Turkey to recognize it on
the threshold to EU to open their archives.

Germany appeared on the list of such countries lately, and a press
release by German embassy in Turkey responding to Erdogan’s call to
“open archives” was quite expected. Turkish Sansursaz newspaper wrote
on march 11 that the release says: “All documents kept in German
archives, including Foreign Ministry’s official political documents,
are available for researches without any exception. All documents
are available at the Berlin city archive reading hall. They all were
handed over to Armenia and Turkey in 1998 in form of microfilms”.

Thus, the press release by the German embassy turns futile Erdogan’s
accusations to European states. Another Turkish newspaper, Zaman, wrote
yesterday that Yusuf Sarinay, president of the General Directorate of
State Archives of the Prime Ministry, confessed that scientists from
75 countries have applied to the Directorate and asked for documents
but, he emphasized, no documents were demanded about Armenian issue.

It leaves room for Sarinay to say that “They don’t want to be faced
with historical realities”. Prof. Enver Konukcu, head of the History
Chair at the Ataturk University, joined Sarinay in his accusations.
Commenting on Oskanianâ’s response to Erdoganâ’s offer “of joint
research”, he says that the refusal strengthens Turkish historiansâ’
positions and added: “Armenian historians have neither documents at
hand nor knowledge. Armenians always evaded. Turkish historians were
always ready to prove the truth. Armenians evade both, the history
and the truth. But historical truths are inevitable”.

A question arises: whatâ’s that truth? Konukcu thinks that it is the
Turkish genocide of 1915-1919 that claimed lives of 519 thousand Turks
as well as the 185 common graves and 50 thousand archive documents
that though contain 2 thousand papers “denying” the Armenian Genocide
do not attract foreign scholarsâ’ attention.

German embassy’s confronting response to Erdogan’s accusation
and the fact that foreign scientists pass by the documents of
General Directorate of State Archives in indifference not only
confirm Oskanian’s words that “nothing is left to the historians”
and “Erdoganâ’s offer is groundless” but also prove the issue to
be political indeed. In these conditions, Turkey’s new project of
“Standing against Armenian genocide claims” is simply nonsensical
together with Turkish government’s and opposition’s unity around it.

By Hakob Chakrian

–Boundary_(ID_iHkfIcdW/MhhiNjm8YPljQ)–

PanArmenian News
March 11 2005

US EXPERT CALLS WASHINGTON TO INTERVENE IN KARABAKH CONFLICT
SETTLEMENT AT HIGHEST LEVEL

11.03.2005 04:59

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Director of International Security and Energy
Programs of the Nixon Center Zeyno Baran stated that “the US should
at the highest level get involved in the Karabakh conflict settlement
process in order to change political and economic conditions.” In her
words in 2002 Vladimir Putin and George Bush made a joint statement
on the necessity of settling frozen conflicts in Nagorno Karabakh
and Abkhazia, “however no further steps were taken.” The process of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement was placed at the disposal
of the OSCE Minsk Group, which cannot secure the problem solution
as the issue demands discussion at the highest level. Despite the
continuing dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the incapability
of finding a solution causes disappointment and undermines OSCE’s
authority”, Zeyno Baran noted. In her words, besides the Putin-Bush
discussions democratic progress is essential both in Armenia and
Azerbaijan. “The US should call the leaders of both states to perceive
democratic processes as an essential condition for establishing
regional security and stability”, she noted. According to her, both
Armenia and Azerbaijan are convinced that the time will decide in
their favor. “The West tells Azerbaijan that it had lost Karabakh
in the war and that it should abdicate from this territory in the
name of peace and prosperity and develop the process of integration
in the EU and NATO. Such conversations only toughen the position of
nationalists, who consider that the high profits from oil and gas
will help them to return the territories by force”, the expert added.
“Armenia in its turn thinks that the time will be in its credit for
juridical registration of Nagorno Karabakh beyond the borders of
Azerbaijan. Armenian politicians hold the opinion that Azerbaijan
will never run the risk of waging a war, as it comprehends that oil
and gas pipelines can be damaged thus causing the collapse of economy.

PanArmenian News
March 11 2005

ATKINSON’S REPORT ON KARABAKH – VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT, BRITISH
EXPERT CONSIDERS

11.03.2005 04:12

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “David Atkinson’s report on the situation over
Nagorno Karabakh is a very important document, which should be
thoroughly examined”, Secretary General of International Alert British
NGO Dan Smith stated in Stepanakert. In his words, the document
reflects numerous legal principles for settling the conflict. “The
report makes many questions clear, the rest should be dealt with
by the politicians and the way the they will use the report in the
negotiation process depends on them exclusively”, he noted.

GREEK DIASPORA OF US GOING TO ASSIST NAGORNO KARABAKH

PanArmenian News
March 11 2005

11.03.2005 04:03

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ L-100, one of the richest and influential Greek
organizations based in the US is going to allocate $5 million to
Nagorno Karabakh. During the recurrent sitting of the L-100 held the
other day Directors Dina Teodosakis, Jerry Dimitriu and George Shira
approved the suggestion defined as “any assistance to the Armenians of
Nagorno Karabakh”. The sitting participants also agreed on conducting
an international conference with the theme “Nagorno Karabakh: national
liberation struggle of Armenians” in the Institute of Religion,
Culture and World Researches of the Boston University. To note, late
this year the leadership of Nagorno Karabakh is planning to start
measures for conveying the capital city from Stepanakert to Shushi.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HOLY WAR AGAINST ARMENIA

Azg/arm
12 March 05

According to the Azeri press, Hajigha Nuriev, head of the Islamic
Party of Azerbaijan, stated that Azerbaijan should unfold a holy war
against Armenia to conquer back the occupied territories. “The fact
that 20% of Azeri lands are in the hands of Christians should make
us begin a jihad,” Nuriev said.

By the way, Ilham Aliyev has just returned from Saudi Arabia, a country
that “exports” jihad and terrorism. Ilham Aliyev highly estimated
the policy of that country which is not going to establish diplomatic
relations with Armenia, unless Nagorno Karabakh conflict is settled.

Recently, Vartan Oskanian emphasized that notwithstanding the
determination of the Armenian side, three countries refuse to have
diplomatic relations with Armenia. These countries are Saudi Arabia,
Pakistan and Turkey.