SECOND 2004 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REPORT ON TURKEY EVOKES DISCUSSION ON
ARMENIAN ISSUES AND 483 AMENDMENTS

STRASBOURG, November 19 (Noyan Tapan). On November 15, the Foreign
Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament examined the second
2004 parliamentarian report “on Turkey’s progress towards accession”
presented by the young Dutch representative Camiel Eurlings (EPP).

According to the European Armenian Federation for Justice and
Democracy, before commencing debate, parliamentarians had a chance
to review the 483 amendments tabled on the brief seven-page report,
which attest that Turkey’s accession remains a sensitive issue. The
most prominent general criticism about the Eurlings report was the
fact that it expresses no clear position on the possibility of starting
accession negotiations with this country.

Regarding Armenian issues, the provisional version of the Eurlings
report states that, “whereas the border between Turkey and Armenia
has still not been reopened by the Turkish authorities, who have
thereby missed an opportunity to promote good neighbourly relations
with Armenia”, and mentions that the European Parliament “calls
on the Governments of Turkey and Armenia to start a process of
reconciliation [.] in order to overcome the tragic experience of the
past and requests the Turkish government to reopen the borders with
Armenia as soon as possible”.

The amendments to the report as well as the debates focused largely
on Armenian issues, including recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
the blockade of Armenia, as well as article 305 of the Turkish Penal
Code that penalizes the affirmation of the Genocide or dissident
opinions on the Cyprus issue.

Amendments demanding explicitly the recognition of the Genocide and
the lifting of the blockade were submitted by members of Parliament
from Communist, Socialist, Christian-Democrat (EPP), Liberal and
Sovereignist groups, all major parliamentary groups except the Greens,
who unconditionally support Turkey’s accession to Europe.

Amendments resulting from Turkish denial efforts were also submitted
by members of Parliament from certain parties, except the Communists
and Sovereignists. Particularly, Mr Rocard (France) and Mrs De Keyser
(Belgium), respectively shadow rapporteur and AFET coordinator for
the Socialist party presented their own amendments, representing
marginal positions in the European Socialist Party as being those of
the whole party. Many Socialist members of Parliament have expressed
concern about these methods. Mr Rocard’s amendment 131 praising “the
reopening to pilgrims of the Armenian National Mausoleum in northern
Anatolia, the lifting of the ban on the use of minority languages,
including Kurdish and Armenian, and the remarkable work carried out
by Turkish historians on the genocide and the re-establishment of
state relations with the Republic of Armenia” is of particular concern.

“We have pointed out to Mr Rocard and to his associates that their
affirmations are not only blatant lies, but that by spreading them,
they actively open invite the denial of Genocide crimes in Europe”,
declared Hilda Tchoboian, Chairperson of the European Armenian
Federation.

The European Armenian Federation has been actively working with
the European Parliament and the European Commission to enforce the
resolution of 18 June 1987, which calls on Turkey to recognize the
Armenian Genocide as a pre-condition to European candidacy. Despite
Turkish pressures, those efforts have been crowned with success: since
2004, several European Parliament reports have explicitly asked Turkey
to recognise the Genocide and to lift the blockade. In its October 2004
report, the European Commission itself evoked for the first time the
Genocide issue, though using vague and somewhat watered-down language.

“Today, Europe cannot afford to ignore any longer the Genocide and the
blockade in its relationships with Turkey,” concluded the Chairperson
of the European Armenian Federation.

The vote on the Eurlings report in Foreign Affairs Committee will be
held on November 22, 2005 in Brussels.

Government Of Buenos Aires Jointly With Hay Dat Committee Publish Brochure Devoted To Armenian Genocide

BUENOS AIRES, November 18 (Noyan Tapan). A brochure devoted to the
Armenian Genocide and prepared by the Committee jointly with the
Human Rights Department of the Buenos Aires Mayor’s Office has been
published owing to the consistent work of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Hay
Dat Committee. Its presentation was held on November 8. The brochure
was distributed among the libraries and teachers of 600 secondary
schools of Argentina’s capital. The book with the circulation of 5000
copies consists of brief historical data, evidence of the famous
international and local figures concerning the Armenian Genocide,
the articles of that period, as well as illustrations and maps.

According to the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Hay Dat Bureau, Ambassador of
Armenia to Argentina Ara Aivazian, students and teachers of all
the Armenian schools of the city, `the leaders of the Armenian
organizations and those who were specially invited were present at
the presentation of the brochure.

FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO ARMENIAN CULTURE HOLIDAY COMPLETES IN TEHRAN

YEREVAN, November 17 (Noyan Tapan). The final arrangement dedicated
to the Armenian Culture Holiday was held at the “Hovhannes Tumanian”
hall of the Armenian “Chharmahal” Union of Tehran on November 11. The
festival was organized by the Cultural Committee revived by the
Education Council of the Armenian Diocese of Tehran.

The previous arrangements of the cultural festival were held on
October 22 and 29. Competitions on recital and dance were organized
on November 11, and competitions on songs and musical instruments
were held on November 12.

According to the “Alik” (“Wave”) daily newspaper of Tehran, about 250
students showed their abilities at the arrangements. The performance
of over 40-people choir of the “Mariamian” male school distinguished
itself among the performances.

ARAM I: “REVIVAL OF THE MOTHERLAND MEANS THE REVIVAL OF OUR NATION,
STRENGTHENING OF THE MOTHERLAND MEANS THE STRENGTHENING OF THE DIASPORA”

ANTELIAS, November 18 (Noyan Tapan). In connection with the telethon
of the Pan-Armenian “Hayastan” (“Armenia”) Fund to be held on November
25 Catholicos of the Great Cilician House Aram I made a statement in
which he greeted the action directed at the support of the construction
of the North-South highway in Artsakh.

“This arrangement is a basis for the construction and repairs and it is
of economic, cultural and political importance. The North-South highway
is the most important branch connecting Artsakh with Armenia. Hence,
its quick reconstruction is of vital importance not only for Armenia
but also for all the Armenians of the world,” Catholicos Aram I said.

The Catholicosate of the Great Cilician House called on all the
Dioceses to continue their work directed at the sacred cause of the
construction of the Motherland.

11000 TEXT-BOOKS AND LITERATURE TO BE GIVEN TO SCHOOL OF NKR VAZGENASHEN
VILLAGE UPON INITIATIVE OF A NUMBER OF ARMENIAN HIHGER SCHOOLS

YEREVAN, November 17 (Noyan Tapan). 11000 school text-books and fiction
will be given to the school library of the village of Vazgenashen
of NKR Martuni region and a number of other schools of Shushi upon
the initiative of student councils of Yerevan State Conservatoire,
State Engineering University of Armenia, Yerevan State Linguistic
University after V.Brusov, Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) and Yerevan
State Universities.

Hayk Akarmazian, Chairman of student council of Yerevan Engineering
University, mentioned that Vazgenashen is a newly-resettled
village and the newly-opened village school lacks the necessary
text-books. According to him, the educational system is one of the most
important components of strategical development of economy. “Education
enables prosperity of the country. We will do our best to support
Artsakh schools, in order that their educational system should also
enter a new stage of development,” H.Akarmazian said.

PRICES FOR RESIDENTIAL HOUSES GROW IN ARTSAKH

STEPANAKERT, November 17 (Noyan Tapan). A considerable growth in prices
for residential houses has been registered during the current year
in Artsakh. At present 1 and 2-room apartments are of much demand
here. Their prices grew by about 70% compared with the previous
year. At present the average price for 1-room apartment fluctuates
between .5-6.5 thousand. According to the Aspar agency on purchase
and sale of real estate, there are many people from the villages of
the republic, RA, Russia, Spyurk among the buyers who want to become
residents of Stepanakert.

Growth in prices for residential houses was also registered in
Shushi in the previous months. This is connected with immigration of
population. The average prices for 2-room apartments fluctuate here
between 00-2000 against 0 registered last year.

ACTIVITIES OF TOTALITARIAN SECTS CONTRADICT NATIONAL AND STATE INTERESTS OF
ARMENIAN PEOPLE

ETCHMIADZIN, November 18 (Noyan Tapan). The meeting of the Supreme
Spiritual Council, which was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
under the chairmanship of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II,
touched upon the activities of the sectarian organizations and the
problems of the recent official registration of the “Jehovah’s
Witnesses” sect in Armenia. After getting acquaintance with the
conducted researches and after exchanging views, the Supreme Spiritual
Council decided to make a statement:

“The Armenian Apostolic Church recognizes the right to the liberty
of conscience as a basic value of Christianity. At the same time,
it considers the fact that the religious organizations registered
in Armenia, whose activities are directed at the hunt for soles,
by all possible means violate this right to liberty of conscience as
inadmissible,” the statement reads.

The Armenian Church expresses its anxiety in connection with the fact
that the religious organizations are registered by the corresponding
state bodies as a result of not adequate explorations and not too
zealous attitude towards the law. “The activities of the totalitarian
sects, including the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, contradict the national and
state interests and the aspirations of our people, saving teaching of
Christianity and seriously contradicts the international lawfulness,
the RA Constitution, those principles of the RA law “On Liberty of
Conscience and Religious Organizations” that consolidate the issues
of state security, public customs, morality, people’s health, the
protection of others’ rights, etc.,” the Supreme Spiritual Council
announces.

The Supreme Spiritual Council emphasizes that the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”
sect is registered as a “Christian” sect, whereas it connects with
the Christianity by no means and isn’t recognized by the traditional
Christian Church, the World Council of Churches, the Union of European
Churches, as well as other organizations. “It is interesting that the
“Jehovah’s Witnesses” organization under cover of Christianity comes
up only in the midst of the Christians and in the Christian countries
and never in the Moslem ones,” the document reads.

Such situation, according to the Supreme Spiritual Council, can’t
contribute to the health of public consciousness, implicit obedience to
spiritual moral values in the country, especially when the Motherland
and the people face the various economic and social difficulties and
are in the process of reforms now.”

“The Armenian Holy Apostolic Church devoted to its mission and
realizing its duty before its sons is in the mood to defend its flock
from any infringements of their integrity and security. The Supreme
Spiritual Council expects that the corresponding state bodies will
start the reconsideration and settlement of these problems. It is
necessary that the RA law “On Liberty of Conscience and Religious
Organizations” should be re-examined to contribute to the regulation of
the activities of the religious organizations and serve the protection
of liberty of conscience, regardless of anarchy and uncontrol,”
the Supreme Spiritual Council states.

The Supreme Council calls on the people to remain loyal to the heritage
of our ancestors – our Holy Apostolic faith.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

11,000 REFUGEES FROM AZERBAIJAN DON’T HAVE PERMANENT HOUSING

YEREVAN, November 19 (Noyan Tapan). In accordance with the 2005 draft
state budget, financial support to four long-term programs implemented
by the Department on Issues of Migration and Refugees, as well as to
the maintenance costs of the Department staff is expected. Two of
these programs concern the resolution of the problems of refugees
from Azerbaijan. 13 mln drams are foreseen for the resolution of
their social problems and 9.6 mln drams for filing and application of
computer data of refugees and their families. Another two programs
concern the work carried out with those applying to the Armenian
authorities for asylum. Such people are lodged in special dwellings
before decision making. Expenditures of 6 mln drams are foreseen for
their maintenance. 300,000 drams (10,000 drams for each) are foreseen
for the lump sum allowance for those applying for the receiving of
the refugee status.

Gagik Yeghanian, the Chief of the Department on Issues of Migration
and Refugees, said during the November 17 joint sitting of the
Standing Commissions of the RA National Assembly that 11,000
families of refugees from Azerbaijan haven’t had permanent housing
up to now. According to the governmental decision of June 2004, it is
expected that the housing problem of 3,470 vulnerable families will be
solved first of all. The problem should be resolved owing to allocation
of certificates for the purchase of housing to the families. The total
cost of the program makes 18 mln dollars, and the Intergovernmental
Commission is established for the search of these funds.

ARCHBISHOP HOVNAN DERDERIAN PRESIDES OVER ANNUAL BANQUET OF ARMENIAN CHURCH OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, November 17 (Noyan Tapan). On the evening of
November 13, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America,
presided over and was the guest speaker during the annual banquet of
the Armenian Apostolic Church of Phoenix, Arizona.

“Tonight’s banquet is another milestone as we approach the most
significant date of the construction of the new church. As Armenian
Christians we are challenged to maintain our Christian identity. This
year as we prepare to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide and to celebrate the 1600th anniversary of the creation of the
Armenian alphabet, we are challenged to reawaken in us our commitment
to guard our Christian faith, our culture and language. With your
presence today I witness the reawakening of our Christian faith.
Tonight my heart also rejoices with the accomplishments of our
community which also inspires me in my mission within the Western
Diocese.”

According to the Press Office of the Western Diocese, during the
banquet the Chair of the Parish Council formally informed the guests
of the transfer of two funds. The State of Arizona Department of
Transportation has compensated the Armenian Church of Arizona with a
sum of 5,114, and a donation of ,414 has been made by the Dockmejian
Trust which has identified the Church of Phoenix as a beneficiary of
the Dockmejian Estate.

According to information given by the Parish Council, the construction
is estimated to have a budget of .5 million, of which roughly million
has already been raised.

On Sunday, November 14 Archbishop Hovnan Derderian celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the Sermon on the theme of “humility”. Following
Divine Liturgy a fellowship hour and a meeting took place between all
auxiliary organizations of the church, during which each body presented
its activities, and a question and answer forum took place. In his
closing remarks the Primate commanded the Parish Council and the
auxiliary bodies for their exemplary dedication.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 1 MLN EUROS TO BE COLLECTED DURING “PHONETHON-2004”

YEREVAN, November 18 (Noyan Tapan). A phonethon organized on the eve
of the telethon of the Pan-Armenian “Hayastan” (“Armenia”) Fund will
start in Paris and four cities of France this year on November 18 at
6:00 p.m.. According to the Executive Committee of the Fund, over 600
volunteers, who will call 30,000 Armenian families, will participate
in the arrangement which will last till November 21, 6:00 p.m..

Regardless of the fact that the phonethon will take place in France,
the volunteers will not be limited with calls in the cities of
France, they will also call Germany, Spain, Holland, Portugal and
other countries. According to the organizers, in comparison with the
previous years, it will be possible to collect larger sum during the
“Phonethon-2004” – about 1 mln euros. It was also mentioned that the
“France Telecom” company will provide telephone communication.