Zaman Online, Turkey
Nov 25 2004

[COMMENTARY]
Return to Reason

by Valéry Giscard d’Estaing

The prospect of Turkey’s entry into the European Union has prompted a
passionate debate. The most varied arguments have been put forward:
those in favour of entry refer to the promises dating back several
decades, the insult a negative response would represent to the
Islamic world, the progress achieved by Turkey, the risk of poisoning
further the clash between different civilisations; those against
membership bring up the fact that five-sixths of Turkey’s territory,
including its capital, are located outside of Europe, the size of its
population, the economic and social consequences of the inclusion of
the poorest country in the Union, the existence of a widespread
Turkish speaking community outside of Turkey and the oddity of Europe
discovering one day that it shares a common border with Syria, Iraq
and Iran.

In short, there are many arguments, which divide public opinion. In
France itself, at the same time as the President of the Republic
declared in Berlin, on 26 October 2004, that “my dearest wish is that
EU membership talks, which will last around ten to fifteen years,
conclude in the possibility of full membership”, 64 percent of the
French declared in an opinion poll that they were opposed to Turkey
becoming a member.

Is it wishful thinking to hope that some reason will be introduced
into this debate? France can contribute to this enlightenment. It is
a discussion which must be held without prejudice and without
passions, with an attempt to broach the essential ideas: what is the
fairest manner, adapted in accordance with objective information, in
which to organise relations between Turkey and the European Union in
the coming decades?

***

Let us start by examining the first two arguments: the promises made
to Turkey and the refusal to accept a Muslim state into the European
Union.

The pledges made in the 1960s must be considered within a different
historical context. They involved the possible entry of Turkey into
the “Single Market”, which was exclusively economic in nature at the
time. It can be said that these commitments were respected since the
European Union signed a Customs Union treaty in 1995 with Turkey,
which gave it access to this market.

As for the refusal to consider European Union membership for Turkey
for religious reasons, this is an ulterior motive ascribed by the
partisans of Turkish membership to their adversaries. On this point,
a categorical response must be given: the religion of the majority of
Turks is not an argument which shall determine the acceptance or
rejection of Turkey’s candidacy! Besides, it is likely that the
European Union shall be led to welcome a state with an Islamic
culture, for example Bosnia-Herzegovina, when civic peace and
democratic maturity have become the reality in the former Yugoslavia.

If reference to religion is not an argument to be used against
Turkey’s candidacy, neither should it be considered, on the other
hand, as an argument justifying its entry. Would acceptance of Turkey
into the European Union prevent this country from sliding towards
Islamic fundamentalism? We cannot know. The intensity of religious
faith will depend not only on internal factors, but on the solidarity
of ties with the neighbouring Islamic countries as well, which to the
Turks might seem to be more natural than changing their laws to fit
the model set up by remote authorities in distant Brussels.

Let us therefore set aside this muddle of contradictory questions.

*

Article I-57 of the Treaty of the European Union States provides that
“Any European State which wishes to become a member of the Union
shall address its application to the Council of Ministers. […] The
Council of Ministers shall act unanimously”. Each Member State
therefore reserves the right to veto the entry of a candidate state.
These terms are also provided in the Draft Constitution.

Is Turkey a “European State”? The Atlas of the magazine “National
Geographic” includes Turkey in its section focusing on Asia. While it
is true that Turkey still possesses a small European enclave, this
portion only represents 5% of its territory and 8% of its population.
The rest of the country is located in Asia, on the Anatolia plateau,
where the founder of modern-day Turkey, Kemal Atatürk, chose to
relocate the country’s capital.

Turkey shares a small border with each of its two European
neighbours, Greece and Bulgaria; it has a very long border with the
Middle Eastern countries which were once part of the Ottoman Empire,
Syria and Iraq; and lastly, it shares a border with Iran and Armenia.
Turkey has its own language and culture. The Turkish language does
not share the same roots as those found in the large family of
Indo-European languages.

Today, Turkey’s population numbers around 73 million inhabitants. It
is more populous than any of the European States, with the exception
of Germany. The United Nations’ demographic projections estimate
that, in twenty years, Turkey shall be the largest state in the
European Union in terms of population, which could reach up to 89
million. For the same period, Germany, France and Great Britain
should have populations of, respectively, 82, 64, and 63 million
inhabitants. It should also be borne in mind that the Turkish
population is part of a much larger community with Turkish roots
which remains united through ties of solidarity, and which extends to
the East, notably the Central Asian States, for example Turkmenistan.

Living standards in Turkey remain a long way off from the ones
enjoyed throughout most of Europe. The average income per inhabitant
is only half the level of that of the ten new Member States and
one-fifth that of the Europe of fifteen. The structure of its
economy, although it has made noticeable progress in recent years, is
still a far cry from the European “norm”. Agricultural production
still accounts for 14percent of its GDP, a figure which led the
European Commissioner in charge of Agriculture to declare “the costs
to the European budget of the entry of Turkish agriculture alone
would dwarf the costs of the entry of the ten new members”.

***

The current wavering of the European project, the scepticism towards
it expressed by European citizens – confirmed by the high abstention
rates in the last European elections – can be explained by the lack
of clarity of this project. Which Europe is at stake? The successive
enlargements have increased the uncertainty of people’s opinions.
Where will it end – this turning away from a Europe that is still
unorganised, ineffective in its results, and which is losing the
democratic support of its population?

Europeans need to strengthen their sense of identity. “European
patriotism” can only begin to exist when European citizens become
conscious of belonging to a common whole.

The European Convention sought to better define the basic foundation
of this common whole: the cultural contributions of ancient Greece
and Rome, the religious heritage which permeates European life, the
creative impetus of the Renaissance, the philosophy of the Age of
Enlightenment, the input of rational and scientific thought. Turkey
did not share any part of this heritage. This simple statement of
fact does not imply a pejorative judgement! Turkey developed its own
history and culture in parallel, which merits respect. However, it
must be noted objectively that the foundations on which identity is
built, an essential element today in establishing the cohesion of the
European Union, are different.

Turkey’s accession, whenever it should take place, would make it the
primary decision-maker of the European Union. It would change the
nature of the European project.

First of all, this accession could not remain an isolated event.

Already, the queue of possible members is forming, both in the East
and the West. The electoral debate in Ukraine is focused on the
eventuality of its joining the European Union. It is also likely that
Morocco will be tempted to follow the same path opened up by Turkey.
The result is a permanent enlargement process, destabilising the
functioning of the system and causing it to lose its original
rationale.

Secondly, the population level is a key element in regulating the
functioning of the European Institutions, the European Parliament and
the Council of Ministers.

As regards the Parliament, the maximum number of Members has already
been set at 750, and it is provided that the breakdown of its
membership be divided up among the States in proportion with its
population size, with an adjustment in favour of the smaller states,
and a maximum number of 96 members per state. If Turkey were to join
the European Union, it would account for a little over 15 percent of
its population. It would therefore have 96 members, at a parity with
Germany. To make room for these new members, the number of other
States’ representatives, notably those of Great Britain, France and
Italy, would have to be reduced.

As regards the Council of Ministers, the Constitution provides for
recourse to a double majority: for a decision to be adopted, it must
receive the support of at least 55% of the States, representing at
least 65 percent of the Union’s population. With its 15%, Turkey
becomes a key factor in the decision-making process. It is hard to
forget Spain and Poland’s recent opposition to voting by a double
majority, even though it was only a matter of being at a disadvantage
in terms of a few points. The entry of Turkey would result in a
disadvantage of fifteen points!

In order to avoid the situation where the last State to join the
Union – and as a result, unfamiliar with its functioning – would
become the primary decision-maker, it would be necessary to rewrite
the Constitution and to institute a maximum limit with respect to how
the population of Member States is taken into account. The debate
triggered by this issue at the Convention should be remembered: the
chances of ending up with a new draft acceptable to all are
questionable.

Please do not misunderstand me. As far as Turkey is concerned, it
does not have to be merely a question of rejection or contempt.
Rather, the reverse is true.

Indeed, it is because of the fact that it has become a large nation
in terms of its size and demography that it represents a sizeable
problem to Europe. It is already a weighty presence and will continue
to be one, one so considerable that its entry would strike at the
foundations of the still fragile community edifice, which was
conceived with other ends in mind. Constitutions are not all-purpose
forms to which it merely suffices to add the name of the latest
member. All Constitutions – the American, French and European ones –
are meticulous constructions resulting from compromises imposed by
the necessities of the moment. The fact remains that the European
Constitution submitted today for ratification was not conceived to
take in a power the size of Turkey.

***

When tackling this issue, the most surprising finding is the way in
which most European leaders have let themselves be caught in a
simplistic impasse: either say yes to the opening of negotiations
with a view towards the full membership of Turkey in the European
Union or shut the door in its face. How did this choice end up being
one of such paltry, extreme simplification? Other countries know how
to manage these problems better: the United States, Canada and Mexico
share as many similarities, perhaps even more, as those existing
between Europe and Turkey. No one talks of joining them together.
Instead, they have patiently constructed a free-trade zone and
established bilateral ties of co-operation.

Europe needs to reintroduce creativity and imagination in its
approach to defining its relations with its neighbours: Turkey,
naturally, but with Russia and the Mediterranean countries as well.
If the only solution being contemplated is either entry into the EU
or running the risk of antagonising its partners, the European Union
is doomed to become a regional organisation of the United Nations, a
structure allowing for meetings, dialogue and a few specialised areas
of co-operation. But, in this case, a common identity, will and role
to play cannot exist. The world will evolve without Europe, which
will thus be left marginalised.

Future negotiations with Turkey should therefore not be centred on
membership, but should explore the nature of the ties that the
European Union should form with its large neighbours. Let us try to
speak in concrete terms: as regards the economy, anything is
possible, but it can only be a gradual process; as regards politics,
nothing other than co-operation is possible, which must be organised
in such a way as to satisfy all involved. The European Union must
prove that it is capable of making a proposal to Turkey, without
delay, which is highly structured, honourable and specific in its
terms.

It is not simple chance which led the European Convention to propose
the insertion of Article 57 in the Constitution, which provides the
European Union with the possibility of negotiating privileged
partnership agreements with its neighbours. This text is the end
result of extensive discussions on the manner in which the European
Union could respond to the legitimate requests of its neighbours – to
the East, Southeast and South – without diluting its own underlying
principles.

The conclusion resulting from the foregoing is thus clear: in
December, the European Council should take the decision to open
negotiations aimed at establishing a common zone of economic
prosperity and setting up permanent structures of political
co-operation, key components of a privileged partnership between
Turkey and the European Union.

This is, in my opinion, the constructive and realistic attitude to be
adopted which would enable progress by responding to Turkey’s
expectations without placing at risk the fragile construction of the
European Union, which has not yet been able to completely handle the
impact on the institutions and the budget ensuing from the last
enlargement.

Of course, this proposal should be actively supported by France –
endowed, along with its partners, with the wisdom of the founders –
in view of a decision which, it must be borne in mind, can only be
taken unanimously.

While we have recently heard a great deal on the question, “What
about Turkey?” perhaps the moment has come to raise another one:
“What about Europe?”

–Boundary_(ID_L3y8/NdqMXqf20wKmJjI6A)–

Newropeans Magazine, France
Nov 25 2004

Turkey: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow?
– 1st Part –

© Newropeans Magazine

An exhibition currently at the German Historical Museum on the Unter
den Linden in Berlin entitled Myths of the Nations has attracted
considerable attention with its displays of how people from different
nations have formed and reformed the narratives of their experiences
both of WWII and the Holocaust over the past sixty years. The purpose
of the exhibition is to impress upon the visitor that national memory
is really the past continuously re-interpreted through the present.

United Kingdom , our partner
Nowhere have the memories of the war faded. On the contrary, they are
constantly being renewed in ever-changing variations (German
Historical Museum, Berlin, November 2004)

However, experiencing the layered myths of Berlin at an exhibition
would remain incomplete if does not also include a long look in the
mirror. The Germans have accepted the responsibility for untangling
their past. But there is such terrible history elsewhere – the Gulag,
the ‘disappeared’, Cambodia, Rwanda – that needs to be stripped of
congealed myth and denial.

This congealed myth and denial also applies to Turkey and the
massacres perpetrated by the Ottoman regime against Armenians in
Turkey between 1896 and 1923 – including the Armenian Genocide of
1915. And it becomes even more vivid and germane today as Turkey
gears up to enter into negotiations with the EU with a view toward
membership of the European Club some time after 2015 – assuming that
the negotiations proceed on time and without major hitches.

It is therefore understandable that Turkish candidacy to the EU has
opened up discussions regarding Turkish ‘appurtenance’ to this
regional club. My earlier article of 31 August 2004 entitled Dreaming
West, Moving East focused on some of the issues – from geography to
demography to history to human rights – that are part of the present
discourse. A Convention in Brussels organised last month by the
European Armenian Federation also focused, inter alia, on Turkish EU
membership.

So it seems churlish to re-hash those same points today, save to add
that there are serious concerns voiced by Armenians and non-Armenians
alike not so much over the issue of candidacy per se as much as over
the conditions under which Turkey is being admitted into the EU. In
my view, these conditions or criteria are still not being met today.

Happy is he who calls himself a Turk is the slogan that was devised
by Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, as he set about
forging a fresh ‘European’ identity for his people. And for most of
the past eighty years, those principles have been held sacrosanct by
the Turkish authorities that have brooked no criticism and tolerated
no dissent or divergence of opinion.

As the latest edition of the Economist magazine writes, Turkey has
indefatigably tried to consolidate its European character over the
past century. It joined the Council of Europe on 9 August 1949, and
later the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on 18 February 1952. As
far back as 1963, General Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Adenauer
had already acknowledged Turkey’s ‘vocation’ to join the European
Community. A Customs Union Treaty was signed on 1 January 1996, and
ever since the EU Council of Ministers’ summits of Helsinki (1999)
and Copenhagen (2002), a tacit understanding was concluded that
negotiations would open between Turkey and the EU in 2005.

But this tacit understanding was also clearly predicated on a number
of ‘pre-conditions’ that Turkey would need to fulfil in the
political, legal and socio-economic spheres prior to negotiations. I
would argue that some of those fundamental criteria have not been met
by Turkey to date. It is quite true that we have witnessed a number
of reforms toward democracy under the present Turkish government.
State-run military courts are in the process of disappearing, the
death penalty has been abolished, the defence of ‘attenuating
circumstances’ in honour killings has been suppressed and the
penalisation of adultery has been abandoned. Also, as the
London-based Minority Rights International qualified in a recent
report, there have been noticeable improvements in the case of
minorities – notably the Kurds.

However, this veneer belies some serious inconsistencies and abuses
of human rights that are either being fudged or side-stepped by the
European Commission in its assessment of Turkey’s readiness toward
negotiations and eventual possible accession. Let me provide simply
one example that underlines a culture of repression still prevalent
within the Turkish establishment that makes sharp distinctions
between reforms on paper and implementation in practice. Three years
ago, the Turkish government set up a panel to take a broad look at
questions of human rights and identity, and to suggest how matters
could be improved on the ground. But the government got more than it
expected: the Board’s report, out last month, included statements
that were considered almost unutterable in Turkey, triggering a sharp
backlash.

Dr Harry Hagopian, Ecumenical, Legal & Political Consultant
Armenian Apostolic Church – London

–Boundary_(ID_39cXW3qRaReINPdvNTu20g)–

CONGRESS ADOPTS KEY U.S.-ARMENIA TRADE PROVISION. BILL HEADED FOR
PRESIDENTIAL SIGNATURE

WASHINGTON, November 22 (Noyan Tapan). The U.S. Senate, on November
19, unanimously acted to permanently normalize trade between the
U.S. and Armenia, opening the door to expanded economic relations,
new commercial opportunities, and the further strengthening of
the longstanding bonds between the American and Armenian peoples,
reported the Armenian National Committee Of America (ANCA). With the
House version of the measure adopted in October, the bill now goes
to President Bush for signature.

This provision, which grants Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR)
status to Armenia, was adopted in the final hours of the of the
Senate lame-duck session as part of the larger bill, H.R.1047 – the
Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act. The bill, which
has been held up due to human rights concerns in Laos, was considered
following a Senate vote to avert a filibuster of the measure.

Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) was the first
to raise the issue of Armenia PNTR in Congress. His legislation,
H.R.528, introduced last year was supported by the Armenian Caucus
and cosponsored by 112 other Members of Congress. A companion bill
was introduced on the Senate side by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
and cosponsored by 21 other Senators. The strong support for these
measures paved the way for their inclusion by members of Congress
negotiating the final version of the larger trade measure.

“The ANCA welcomes the Congressional passage of the Armenia-PNTR
bill and thanks Congressman Knollenberg, Senator McConnell and all
those who played a role in securing its passage,” said Ken Hachikian,
Chairman of the ANCA. “Following Presidential signature of the measure,
we look forward to exploring new opportunities to further expand the
growing U.S.-Armenia economic relationship.”

The Armenian Assembly of America hailed the vote by the United
States Senate to extend permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to
Armenia. “Well aware that a robust economy is critical to Armenia’s
future development, passage of Armenia PNTR was an instrumental
part of the Assembly’s legislative agenda,” said Armenian Assembly
Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian. “We would like to thank
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) for his steadfast support
of Armenia PNTR and for allowing Senate consideration of this bill.
Additionally, we thank Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles
Grassley (R-IA) and it’s Ranking Member Max Baucus (D-MT) for their
active involvement and support as conferees to resolve differences
between the House and Senate versions of the MTB.”

The Trade Act of 1974 excluded all Soviet countries from having
normal trade relations (NTR) status with the United States. One
particular provision of the Act, known as the Jackson-Vanik
amendment, required the President to deny NTR to those countries
that restricted free emigration. The policy was adopted, in part,
in response to Communist government restrictions on the emigration
of Jews. According to the terms of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, when
the President determines that freedom of emigration rights have been
reinstated in a country, normal trade relations may be granted. To
maintain NTR, the President must report to Congress twice a year
that Jackson-Vanik requirements have been met. While successive
Presidents have waived the Jackson-Vanik Amendment restrictions on
Armenia during the past decade, the passage of the Knollenberg bill,
would grant Armenia permanent normal trade relations status, without
the need for semi-yearly Presidential determinations.

PRIMATE ATTENDS BANQUET IN HONOR OF ARKADY GHOUKASSIAN

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, November 23 (Noyan Tapan). Sunday evening,
November 21, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America,
upon the official invitation of the Board of Armenia Fund, attended
a banquet in honor of His Excellency Arkady Ghoukassian, President
of Nagorno-Karabagh, held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.

According to the Press Office of the Diocese, Mr. Larry Zarian served
as Master of Ceremonies and invited His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian for the invocation. The program also included remarks from
Mrs. Maria Mehranian, Chair of Armenia Fund, and Ms. Naira Melkoumian,
President of Armenia Fund.

President Arkady Ghoukassian also addressed the attendees.

On Monday, November 22, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
hosted a reception in the Armen and Gloria Hampar Room of the Diocese
in honor of Arkady Ghoukassian, President of Nagorno-Karabagh.

Among many other guests, in attendance were His Eminence Archbishop
Barkev Mardirossian, Primate of Artsakh; the Honorable Gagik
Kirakossian, Consul General of Armenia, His Eminence Archbishop Dirair
Mardigian, Primate of Rumania and Bulgaria; His Eminence Archbishop
Vatche Hovsepian, His Eminence Archbishop Arsen Berberyan, Ms. Naira
Melkoumian, President of Armenia Fund; Mrs. Maria Mehranian, Chair
of Armenia Fund; and Mr. Richard Moushegain, Chair of the Diocesan
Council.

The Primate addressed the guests with the words, “Each time a dignitary
pays a visit to the Diasporan communities, the ties are reestablished
between the Motherland and her children in the Diaspora. Therefore
with your presence and visits you inspire and strengthen the dispersed
children of Armenia and invite them to participate in the rebuilding
of Armenia.”

His Eminence extended his greetings to the President, welcomed him,
and wished him well on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos
of All Armenians.

ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPESSES WILLINGNESS TO TAKE ACTIVE
PART IN 25 NOVEMBER TELETHON

LOS ANGELES, November 24 (Noyan Tapan). During the November 19 meeting
with NKR President Arkady Ghoukassian the Armenian Community of
California supported its compatriots from the Eastern states of the US
in their aspiration for strengthening aid to Nagorno Karabakh. It, as
well as the Armenians of Boston, New York, Detroit and other US cities
expressed its willingness to take an active part in the November 25
telethon on fundraising for the completion of the construction of the
“North-South” highway, which is of great importance to the NKR.

According to the Head Information Department attached to the NKR
President, during the meeting with a group of Armenian businessmen
and philanthropists of Armenian origin participants (couples Levon
and Zara Ghoukassians, Ralf and Savi Toufenkians, Hakob and Maria
Shirvanians were among them) reported about their intention to
contribute to the development of Artsakh. They, in particular,
emphasized that the current activities of the Armenian Community of
the US are connected with the growth of its confidence in the NKR
President and support to the democratic and economic reforms carried
out by him in Nagorno Karabakh.

This thought stood out in all the meetings of Arkady Ghoukassian in
America, in particular, during the reception given in honor of the NKR
President by the Knight’s Council of the Armenian General Benevolent
Union (AGBU) and its Californian Department. Vahe Imastunian, the
Head of this Department, coming up during the reception noticed the
importance of the NKR President’s visit to the US from the point
of view of the strengthening of the relations between the American
Community and Artsakh. Arkady Ghoukassian thanked the participants
for their genuine wish to help Artsakh and expressed the opinion
that there are all the necessary prerequisites for the completion of
the financing of the construction of the “North-South” highway this
year, as well as for the implementation of other important projects
concerning the all-round development of Artsakh. He emphasized that
the active participation of the Diaspora in the forthcoming telethon
will demonstrate clearly that the Armenians of the whole world aren’t
indifferent about the fate of Artsakh, which, in its turn, will have
political significance.

The Hovhannesians, whose guest was Arkady Ghoukassian, also wanted
to contribute to the completion of the “North-South” highway.

Issues concerning the socio-economic development of Artsakh, as well
as the process of the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict were touched upon in Arkady Ghoukassian’s interview to the
local Armenian TV reporters. “Artsakh won in the war imposed on it,
because there were Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora standing behind
its back. I am sure that we will achieve the same results in economic
confrontation if we join our efforts,” the President, in particular,
said.

Touching upon the prospects of the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict, Arkady Ghoukassian emphasized that the subordination
of Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan is out of the question. “Our
purpose is to gain the juridical recognition of Nagorno Karabakh,”
the President announced. He estimated negatively the actions of the
authorities of Baku trying to gain the discussion of the issue of
so-called occupied territories in the UN and characterize them as
provocative. According to him, such steps of official Baku complicate
the too difficult process of the peaceful settlement still more. The
NKR President noticed that the issues of territories and refugees
arose as a result of the military aggression of Azerbaijan against
Nagorno Karabakh, that’s why they are rather the consequence of the
armed conflict than it’s reason. According to Arkady Ghoukassian,
“The main issue that should be resolved is the issue of the status
of Nagorno Karabakh.” He also noticed that the neglect of the issue
of the status of Nagorno Karabakh by Azerbaijan makes the discussion
of other problems concerning the overcoming of the consequences of
the armed conflict nonsensical.

Arkady Ghoukassian was present at the Sunday service at the St. Karapet
Church in Hollywood on November 22. The service was held by Archbishop
Pargev Martirosian, Head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian
Apostolic Church, who is in the US today.

NKR PRESIDENT STRESSES NECESSITY OF UNION OF EFFORTS OF ARMENIA, ARTSAKH AND
DIASPORA IN REALIZATION OF NATIONAL TASKS

LOS ANGELES, November 24 (Noyan Tapan). On the eve of the telethon in
support to Nagorno Karabakh to be held in the US on November 25 NKR
President Arkady Ghoukassian met with well-known figures of business,
political, public and religious circles of the Armenian Community of
the US.

According to the Information and Analytical Department of the NKR
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arkady Ghoukassian met with well-known
philanthropists Albert Boyajian and couple Vahe and Veronik
Karapetians, old friends of independent Artsakh, in the US Westerm
Coast on November 24. The latter finance a number of benevolent
projects in Artsakh, as wella as the work on the technical service
of Goris-Lachin-Stepanakert and “North-South” highways. Vahe and
Veronik Karapetians also contributed to the establishment of the
Fund for Support to Gifted Children in the NKR. On November 23,
the NKR President also visited the headquarters of the “Lincy”
Foundation, where he had a conversation with James Aljian, the
Chairman of the Foundation. During his meetings Arkady Ghoukassian
informed the interlocutors about the situation of the NKR economy,
about the prospects of its development. He gave a high assessment
to support rendered by the Armenian Diaspora to Artsakh, thanking
participants of the meetings for contribution to the development of
Nagorno Karabakh. Arkady Ghoukassian expressed hope that the “Lincy”
Foundation will continue to sponsor a number of economic programs
quite important for the NKR. Participants of the meeting were for
active participation in the upcoming telethon, mentioning the high
level of the Diaspora’s confidence to the NKR authorities and, first
of all, to the President.

Prior to it a banquet was organized in honor of the NKR President
with the participation of over 600 representatives of the Armenian
Community of the US Western Coast. Archbishops Hovnan Terterian and
Mushegh Martirosian, holy leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
the Western Coast, sheriff of Li Bak district of Los Angeles, as well
as representatives of the Armenian public organizations and political
parties were among the guests. The NKR President thanked the Armenians
of California for permanent support to Artsakh. He again stressed
the necessity of the union of the efforts of Armenia, Artsakh and the
Diaspora in the realization of the national tasks. The NKR President
also informed participants about the democratic and economic reforms
taking place in Nagorno Karabakh, as well as about the obstacles that
Artsakh faces today. In this connection he mentioned the importance
of the “North-South” highway for the NKR, calling on participants of
the arrangement to contribute to the completion of the construction
of this highway during the telethon.

The NKR President also had a separate conversation with Hovnan
Terterian, the Head of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic
Church, in which other clergymen representing the Armenian Apostolic
Church in the US participated. Archbishop Hovnan Terterian said
about his willingness to contribute in the future to Artsakh people
in their aspiration to live independently and freely.

A number of issues of political and economic character were discussed
during the separate meetings of Arkady Ghoukassian with the heads
of the boards of the Armenian parties operating in the US Western
Coast: Hnchakian, Ramkavar-Azatakan and ARF Dashnaktsutiun. The NKR
President called on the polictical figures to take an active part in
the settlement of the Karabakk problem. Touching upon the programs of
economy, the President mentioned the necessity of step-by-step pass
from humanitarian programs to the implementation of the projects on
the socio-economic development of Artsakh. In their turn, heads of the
local party boards Gabriel Maloyan (Hnchakian Party), Ara Aharonian
(Ramkavar Azatakan Party) and Hovik Saliba (Dashnaktsutiun Party)
expressed readiness to contribute to Artsakh in the future, including
in the economic sphere. They also assured the Head of Nagorno Karabakh
that they’ll try to provide succesfull holding of the telethon.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HOVANNESS BADALIAN MUSIC FUND BANQUET

WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS, November 22 (Noyan Tapan). The first annual
banquet of the Hovanness Badalian Music Fund (HBMF) will be held
on December 4, 2004 at the Hellenic Cultural Center, Watertown,
MA. H. E. Arman Kirakossian, Armenia’s ambassador to US, will be
in attendance and composer Konstantin Petrosian of Providence,
RI will be the MC. Among the highlights of the evening: first US
appearance of young and talented folk singer Artur Anushavanian;
soprano Nune Karapetian performing with pianist Nune Hakopian and
recognizing Bostonâ~@~Ys own Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble with an
Appreciation Award.

HBMF was established in early 2004 to celebrate the life of the
singer who made songs such as Hayastani Karmir Ginin, Yes Im Anoosh
Hayastani and Mayres Mahes Chimana famous. The goal of the Fund is
to provide merit-based scholarships, worldwide, to children enrolled
in Armenian music education programs. The Fund will also provide
assistance to individuals and organizations that create material and
training programs for children.

In October of this year Armenia celebrated Badalian’s 80th birthday
at the National Opera in Yerevan with the participation of prominent
artists including his daughter, opera singer Nuneh Badalian. Fifty of
his students led by pedagogue Arsen Grigorian came on stage singing
together and watching the great Maestro sing “Yes Im Anoush Hayastani”
on the screen, representing not only the past, but inspiring hope for
the future. “Badalian’s dedication and unrelenting work will always
be an enduring reminder to his devotion to his art and ultimately to
his people,” said Aram Gharabegian, Artistic director and conductor
of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, and a key organizer of
the event.

HBMF is organized under the charter of Amaras Art Alliance, a not for
profit organization. For the past ten years Amaras has been an active
member of the Boston, MA cultural scene, presenting jazz concerts,
solo performances, art exhibits and organizing student trips to
Armenia. Amaras has co-organized major events such as the multi-venue
celebration of composer Aram Khachaturian’s Centennial in 2003.

–Boundary_(ID_Mh96OP7lwqTodiOAjxy2nQ)–

CONCERT OF SHAKE AND HANRY HARUTIUNIANS HELD AT “KOMITAS” HALL OF ARMENIAN
“ARARAT” CULTURAL ORGANIZATION OF TEHRAN

TEHRAN, November 23 (Noyan Tapan). A concert of Shake and Hanry
Harutiunians was held at the “Komitas” hall of the Armenian “Ararat”
Cultural Organization of Tehran on November 19. The works of Armenian,
Iranian and Italian composers were performed in the program to the
piano accompaniment of L. Avetisian, R. Arzumanian and K.Mehrabian.

According to the “Alik” (“Wave”) daily newspaper of Tehran, dance
performances headed by Loreta Avetisian with participation of the
“Zartonk” dance group were also involved into the program.

Bishop Nshan Garakehelian, Head of the Armenian Catholic Church
of Iran, was present at the arrangement. He took the floor at the
end of the program. In his speech he highly estimated the masterly
performance of the Harutiunians and thanked all the participants of
the program for such a successfull concert.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

26TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF ARMENIAN BOOK HELD IN ANTELIAS

ANTELIAS, November 23 (Noyan Tapan). The annual exhibition of the
Armenian book was opened in Antelias on November 14. Along with the
different cathedral publishing houses a number of Armenian publishing
houses of Lebanon, foreign publishing houses, as well as individual
authors participated in the exhibition organized by the library
administration of the Mother See Church.

According to the press divan of the Catholicosate of the Great
Cilician House, clergymen, government officials, MPs, intelligentsia,
students, people being at the Cathedral during the liturgy, as well
as journalists were present at the opening of the exhibition. In his
speech Catholicos Aram I emphasized that it is necessary that the
publication and spread of the Armenian book should turn to mission. He
said that as a result of cooperation of the Catholicosate of the Great
Cilician House with Doctor Zaven Yekavian, the Head of the Armenian
Department of the Galust Gyulbenkian institution, many publications
have been released in Antelias up to now. Then the Catholicos, applying
to clergymen, intelligentsia and teachers, said: “Without Armenian
book your way is gloomy, without Armenian book your table is poor,
without Armenian book your heart is empty, without Armenian book you
is parched with thirst. Return to book, take it and read and don’t
forget that those reading books become rich owing to it”.

The students of Dprevank presented the artistic program and performed
with the polyphonic choral singing devoted to the Armenian language and
culture. Then the books of the spiritual, church-study, philosophic
spheres, as well as books for children and youth, books on the study
of literature, musical books and publications of other spheres of
culture were presented to participants.

The exhibition will operate till November 30.

ARKADY GHOUKASSIAN: “IF AZERBAIJAN WAS IN MOOD FOR PEACE SERIOUSLY, IT WOULD
CARRY ON DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS WITH NAGORNO KARABAKH”

DETROIT, November 23 (Noyan Tapan). If Goris-Lachin-Stepanakert
highway is the way of life for Nagorno Karabakh, the “North-South”
highway being under construction will become one of the most important
constituent parts of the NKR economic development. NKR President Arkady
Ghoukassian said about it during the public forum held in Detroit,
in which representatives of the Armenian Diaspora of this American
city participated.

On November 17, the NKR President arrived in Detroit from New York
within the framework of the visit to the US in connection with the
regular telethon on fundraising in support to Nagorno Karabakh to
be held here on November 25. It is expected that the collected funds
will be directed at the completion of the “North-South” highway being
of strategic importance to Nagorno Karabakh. The highway will connect
almost all the regions of the republic.

The NKR President called on participants of the forum and in their
person the whole Armenian Community of Detroit to participate in
the forthcoming telethon and, in such a way, support actively the
socio-economic development of Artsakh. Both here and at Arkady
Ghoukassian’s meetings in New York the line of the policies on the
democratization of the social-political life and the building of the
civil society in Nagorno Karabakh, as well as the reformation of its
economy, the revival of its cultural and spiritual spheres carried
out by the President met with approval. Participants of the forum
agreed in the opinion that the current moods of different circles
of the Armenian Community of the US, which expresses willingness
to enlarge aid to Artsakh for the resolution of problems put before
it on the development and strengthening of the republic’s economic
complex, is explained by successes achieved by Nagorno Karabakh in
the democratic reforms.

Such moods, in particular, were also observed during Arkady
Ghoukassian’s meeting with the students and teaching staff of the
Michigan University held in the city of An-Harbor the day before, on
November 18. Those present at the meeting were especially interested
in the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Arkady Ghoukassian,
briefly speaking about the history of the rise of the Nagorno Karabakh
problem, emphasized that official Stepanakert stands for only the
peaceful settlement of the conflict with Azerbaijan in contrast to
Azerbaijan that tries to do it by force. And it takes place regardless
of the fact that Azerbaijan failed once, when perpetrated large-scale
military aggression against Nagorno Karabakh, which yielded to
Azerbaijan in the military equipment and force. “If Azerbaijan was
in mood for peace seriously, it would carry on direct negotiations
with Nagarno Karabakh,” Arkady Ghoukassian announced.

It was noticed during Arkady Ghoukassian’s meeting with the students
and teachers of the school after Alek and Mary Manukians that there is
the necessity of closer contacts between the Armenian high schools of
the US and Artsakh. The President thanked the Manukians for constant
support to Artsakh. Then he visited the museum, which is situated at
the school and also bears the names of Alek and Mary Manukians. Arkady
Ghoukassian with great interest got acquainted with the exposition of
the museum, in particular, with the unique collection of the Armenian
ancient manuscripts, antique household goods, as well as with the
paintings of great Armenian masters Ivan Aivazovsky, Martiros Saryan
and other famous artists.

According to the Head Information Department attached to the NKR
President, a reception in honor of Arkady Ghoukassian was held at
the house of Marta and Diana Shushanians the same evening. The most
influential representatives of the Armenian Community of Detroit were
invited there.

The call for taking an active part in the forthcoming telethon
resounded at all the meetings once again.