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COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
18 novembre 2004
Contact: Talline Tachdjian
Tel.: +32 (0)2 732 70 27

PARLEMENT EUROPEEN / TURQUIE : LA QUESTION ARMENIENNE AU CŒUR DES DEBATS

— Pour la 2ème fois en 2004, le Parlement européen présente un rapport sur
la Turquie,
— Les questions arméniennes largement évoquées à la Commission des
Affaires Etrangères
— Près de 500 amendements déposés
— Mainmise sur les positions du groupe socialiste par un petit groupe de «
responsables »

Strasbourg, France – La Commission des Affaires Etrangères du Parlement
européen (AFET) a examiné pour la seconde fois ce lundi 15 novembre le
deuxième rapport parlementaire de 2004 sur la demande d’adhésion de la
Turquie, présenté par le jeune parlementaire néerlandais Camiel Eurlings
(PPE).

Peu avant l’ouverture des débats, les parlementaires ont pu prendre
connaissance des 483 amendements déposés sur ce court rapport de sept pages,
qui attestent que la demande d’adhésion de la Turquie reste un sujet très
sensible. Parmi les critiques générales apportées au rapport Eurlings, la
plus saillante provient du fait qu’il n’émet aucune opinion claire sur
l’opportunité de l’ouverture des négociations d’adhésion avec ce pays.

Sur les questions arméniennes, la version provisoire du rapport Eurlings,
« considérant que les autorités turques n’ont toujours pas rouvert la
frontière entre la Turquie et l’Arménie et qu’elles ont perdu une occasion
de promouvoir de bonnes relations de voisinage avec l’Arménie », mentionne
que le Parlement européen « invite les gouvernements turc et arménien à
engager un processus de réconciliation […] afin de surmonter les expériences
tragiques du passé, et demande au gouvernement turc de rouvrir le plus
rapidement possible les frontières avec l’Arménie ».

Les amendements, de même que les débats ont très largement fait mention de
ces questions arméniennes, c’est-à-dire du génocide, du blocus mais aussi de
l’article 305 du code pénal turc qui sanctionne l’affirmation de ce génocide
ou des avis dissidents sur la question chypriote.

Des amendements demandant explicitement la reconnaissance du génocide et la
levée du blocus ont été déposés par des parlementaires des groupes
communiste, socialiste, chrétien-démocrate (PPE), libéral et souverainiste,
c’est-à-dire par les principaux groupes parlementaires, à l’exception
notable des Verts qui soutiennent inconditionnellement l’entrée de la
Turquie en Europe.

Les lignes de fractures sont cependant profondes dans la mesure où des
amendements inspirés du négationnisme turc ont également été déposés par des
parlementaires de certaines de ces formations, à l’exception des communistes
et des souverainistes. En particulier, M. Rocard (France) et Mme De Keyser
(Belgique), respectivement rapporteur fictif et coordinatrice AFET pour le
groupe socialiste ont présenté leurs amendements propres – traduisant des
positions marginales au sein du Parti Socialiste Européen – comme étant ceux
de l’ensemble du groupe. Plusieurs parlementaires socialistes se sont
inquiétés de ces méthodes. L’amendement 131 de M. Rocard mentionnant « la
réouverture du Mausolée national arménien d’Anatolie du Nord aux
pèlerinages, la suppression de l’interdiction d’usage des langues
minoritaires dont le kurde et l’arménien, ainsi que le remarquable travail
des historiens turcs sur le génocide et la renaissance des rapports d’Etat à
état avec la République Arménienne » fait particulièrement scandale.

« Nous avons signalé à Michel Rocard et à ses associés que leurs
affirmations sont non seulement des mensonges grossiers, mais qu’elles
participent activement à importer la négation du crime de génocide en Europe
» a déclaré Hilda Tchoboian, Présidente de la Fédération Euro-Arménienne.

La Fédération Euro-Arménienne travaille au Parlement européen et à la
Commission européenne en faveur de l’application de la résolution du 18 juin
1987. En dépit des pressions turques, ces efforts ont été couronnés de
succès : depuis 2000, plusieurs rapports du PE, ont demandé explicitement à
la Turquie de reconnaître le génocide et de lever le blocus. Dans son
rapport d’octobre 2004, bien qu’en termes vagues et édulcorés, la Commission
européenne elle-même a évoqué pour la première fois la question du génocide.

« Aujourd’hui, l’Europe ne peut plus ignorer le génocide et le blocus dans
ses relations avec la Turquie. » a conclu la présidente de la Fédération
Euro-Arménienne.

Le vote du rapport Eurlings à la Commission des Affaires étrangères aura
lieu le 22 octobre prochain à Bruxelles.

CENN -NOVEMBER 18, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. Azeri-Turkish Pipeline Costs to Eexceed Project Budget, Oil Boss Says

2. Cracked Joints Found in BP’s Georgia Pipeline
3. Government Faces Legal Action Over New BP Pipeline
4. New Programme Launch -Save the Children Assists NGOs Along the SCP
and BTC Pipeline Routes in Georgia
5. Rustavi Secondary School is Actively Involved in Implementation of BP
Projects
6. Ministers Dismiss Claims that Telasi’s Import Agreement Corrupt
7. Armenian-Iranian Pipeline Project Put Back to Year-end
8. Georgia Advocates Abolishment of Road Duty for Armenian Cargo
Transporters
9. Italian Commercial Office in Yerevan Set to Open Later This Month
10. Ingeocom CJSC to Start Construction of New Building for Armenian
Defense Ministry Soon
11. Armenia’s Millennium Challenge Aid Eligibility Renewed
12. Iran Says Nuclear Suspension May Last only a few months

1. AZERI-TURKISH PIPELINE COSTS TO EXCEED PROJECT BUDGET, OIL BOSS SAYS

Source: BBC Monitoring Service – United Kingdom; November 15, 2004

Baku, 15 November: The construction costs of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
(BTC) oil pipeline will exceed the project budget, Trend quoted the
SOCAR [State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic] president, Natiq
Aliyev, as telling journalists.

He said more than 3bn dollars had been spent on the project so far. It
was earlier believed that the BTC construction would require 2.95bn
dollars (the total value of the project is 3.6bn dollars, including in
accrued credit interest and expenses on filling the pipeline).

“The project will be more expensive than originally planned because
there were major delays in the construction in Georgia and Turkey,’
Aliyev said. He added that in Turkey the delays were caused by the
failure to fulfill some tasks on time, especially the logistical one.

“Due to the fact that the Turkish section of the pipeline is
complicated, all material and equipment should have been ordered and
workforce figures calculated beforehand. But all this was done with
serious delays as the project did not receive the go-ahead on time
because of the BTC opponents who are trying to hamper its construction
even now,” the head of SOCAR said.

He said the appreciation of the project, which “may make up 5-7 per
cent”, is not taking place through the fault of its sponsors or
contractors.

“The BTC pipeline has very strong adversaries who are using all possible
and impossible tricks in an attempt to hamper its implementation. As a
result of this and not because someone hasn’t worked well enough, we
have lost a lot of time which is causing the appreciation of the
project,” he stressed.

Aliyev also said the construction of the pipeline is in its final stage
– 98 per cent of the entire work has been done. In Azerbaijan, the
construction work is almost over. Several crossings over railway lines
and the Kura River remain to be built and pumping and compressor
stations to undergo trials and be tested. In Georgia, a 3-km section of
the pipe remains to be welded. In Turkey, the work is progressing at a
good pace and, according to the Turkish side, is expected to finish in
March 2005.

However, Aliyev said that the work on pumping and compressor stations in
Turkey would not be fully completed by the time the pipeline
construction is over, therefore, a temporary scheme is being prepared
according to which the pumps and compressors will first be installed to
receive early oil, and the work will be continued later on. The SOCAR
president hopes that the first tanker carrying Azerbaijani oil will be
dispatched from the Ceyhan terminal in June 2005.

Aliyev also said that a meeting of the BTC Co. steering committee would
be held in London on 15-16 December, when shareholders will summarize
the results of 2004 and approve the programme and project budget for
2005.

The BTC project partners are: BP (30.1 per cent), SOCAR (25.00 per
cent), UNOCAL (8.90 per cent), Statoil (8.71 per cent), TPAO (6.53 per
cent), ENI (5.00 per cent), Itochu (3.40 per cent), ConocoPhillips (2.50
per cent), INPEX (2.50 per cent), Total (5.00 per cent) and Amerada Hess
(2.36 per cent).

2. CRACKED JOINTS FOUND IN BP’S GEORGIA PIPELINE

Source: The Guardian – United Kingdom; November 17, 2004

A vital $3bn (pounds 1.6bn) pipeline designed by BP to help meet
Britain’s oil needs well into the next decade has been riddled with
corrosion, it emerged yesterday.

Documents submitted to a Trade and Industry select committee reveal that
1,260 joints in one section alone had been found to be defective,
according to a study by WorleyParsons.

The US consultancy was asked to investigate the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
(BTC) link by lenders following speculation at the beginning of this
year that BP and its partners had run into trouble.

The report – made public for the first time yesterday – showed that 26%
of pipeline joints in Georgia had problems with cracking due to
difficulties with the coatings used.

A further 300 joints on the Azerbaijan section of the pipe had similar
problems and WorleyParsons criticized the “inaction” by the BTC
management team, which had “allowed the problems to become greater than
necessary”.

An even more damaging note to the committee came from another former
consultant to BP, Derek Mortimore, who described decisions taken with
regard to pipeline coating technology as “appalling”.

He argued that the UK oil company issued an innovative specification for
protecting the 1,760-kilometer pipeline that was inappropriate and
underdeveloped.

“The best you can say is that their fundamental decision to use the
unproven system was a guess,” Mr. Mortimore claims. The select committee
members published the documents as they quizzed senior staff from the
Export Credit Guarantee Department about the pipeline, which has
received pounds 81m of public money through the organization.

Martin O’Neill, the committee chairman, expressed “disappointment” at
the ECGD’s lack of transparency over the BTC pipeline, which has also
attracted criticism from human rights and environ mental activists. The
arm of the Department of Trade and Industry had only provided some
information a day ago, months after it was originally requested.

John Weiss, deputy chief executive of the ECGD, insisted that it had
been hampered by having to consult so many other parties, some of which
had stressed the “sensitivity” of the information.

BP last night dismissed the criticism, saying that it had investigated
all the allegations and had put them all right.

3. GOVERNMENT FACES LEGAL ACTION OVER NEW BP PIPELINE

Source: The Independent – United Kingdom; November 17, 2004

Opponents of a controversial oil pipeline being built by BP through
central Asia warned yesterday that the Government would face legal
action if it caused an environmental disaster.

Protest groups accused the Export Credit Guarantee Department of failing
to make proper checks before agreeing to underwrite a pounds 60m loan to
the BTC project being built by a BP-led consortium. But the deputy head
of the ECGD issued a robust defense of the decision, saying it carried
out “due diligence” before agreeing to provide cover.

Nick Hildyard, from The Corner House, an environmental pressure group,
said the ECGD had never reviewed BP’s decision to use an “experimental”
process to coat the pipe to prevent it from corrosion. It has since
emerged that the pipe has suffered from cracks although the damage has
now been repaired. He said: “If these things are not addressed then
there will be leaks, people will be harmed and the environment will be
harmed and there is a paper trail showing that BP was warned about this.
If there’s a leak then those responsible should be dragged into court
and that includes people in ECGD.”

But John Weiss, ECGD’s deputy chief executive, told a committee of MPs
that the department had carried out due diligence of the project. He
said WorleyParsons, an engineer it commissioned to review the project,
concluded in October 2004 it was content with the way the pipeline was
being monitored.

David Allwood, the head of ECGD’s business principles unit, told MPs the
department was aware this was the first time the coating had been used
to coat a plastic-covered pipe. But he added: “They have a monitoring
system so that if it got to stage where there was potential for a
rupture they will intervene.” He also told the Trade and Industry Select
Committee the ECGD should have consulted businesses before putting in
place tough new anti-bribery controls.

4. NEW PROGRAMME LAUNCH -SAVE THE CHILDREN ASSISTS NGOS ALONG THE SCP
AND BTC PIPELINE ROUTES IN GEORGIA

PRESS RELEASE

Tbilisi, November 18, 2004

On November 18, 2004, Save the Children will hold an official launch
event for EIP’s Small Grants Programme for NGO Capacity Building along
the SCP and BTC Pipeline Routes. The launch event will take place at
16:00 hours at the Courtyard by Marriott on 4 Freedom Squire in Tbilisi.

The two and half-year programme is launched under the Environmental
Investment Programme (EIP) initiated and funded by BP and its partners
in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company (BTC) and the South Caucasus
Pipeline Company (SCP).

The programme will be implemented by Save the Children (SC) together
with its local partner organization, Noah’s Ark Center for Recovery of
Endangered Species (NACRES). The goal of the programme is to develop the
capacities of local NGOs operating in the districts crossed by BTC and
SCP pipeline routes to engage citizens in environmental awareness,
public education and social development. This will be accomplished
through the provision of small grants to promote sound environmental
practices and enhance knowledge. A key priority for the programme is
developing local capacities through training to ensure sustainability.

The target regions for the programme are Kvemo Kartli and
Samtskhe-Javakheti, specifically the seven districts of Gardabani,
Marneuli, Tsalka, Tetri Tskaro, Akhaltsikhe, Borjomi and Adigeni.

The event will be attended by representatives from the Georgian
government, other diplomatic missions, international organizations, UN
agencies, Georgian NGOs, and the business community.

For further information please contact Save the Children:

Natia Deisadze
Programme Manager
Tel: (995 32) 996400; 995454
Fax: (995 32) 99843
E-mail: [email protected]

GvantsaAsatiani
InformationOfficer
Tel: (995 32) 996400; 995454
Fax:(995 32) 998943
E-mail:[email protected]

5. RUSTAVI SECONDARY SCHOOL IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTATION OF BP
PROJECTS

Source: The Messenger, November 17, 2004

Projects by BP and its partners in the Baku- Tbilisi- Ceyhan / South
Caucasus Pipeline (BTC/SCP) are continuing to support and assist the
communities along the pipeline route. In summer 2004 Mercy Corps
implemented a new initiative, Improved Schools Project, also funded by
BP and its partners in BTC / SCP. The program will be implemented in 42
schools of Rustavi, Marneuli, Tetri-Tskaro and Gardabani and will work
on school rehabilitation as well as social and professional development
of teachers, pupils and their parents.

Rustavi Secondary School #10 is one of the selected communities where
Mercy Corps and its partners have held an Action Planning Meeting where
teachers, parents and pupils together selected priorities and identified
problems they want to address during the lifetime of the program.

The school was established in 1990 as school of intensive study of
French. With support of the French Embassy in Georgia, the school has
enjoyed a successfully implemented Teachers Exchange Program; during
recent years several educators from France have conducted lesions and
workshops for teachers and pupils. In the exchange, teachers attended
advanced training courses in one of the Pari’s lyceums.

But school staff members and pupils lack basic conditions for a normal
and protected educational process. On rainy days water leaks into the
classrooms and during the winter it is impossible to heat classrooms.

`This building needs major repairs,’ explains school Director, Guram
Kobiashvili. `First we have to change the roof. Imagine, we aren’t able
to conduct lessons during bad weather.’

Mr. Kobiashvili adds that school staff ad parents are actively involved
in the project implementation proves. `And I would like to express
gratitude to the American NGO Mercy Corps for the rehabilitation of our
school, initiated and funded by BP and its partners. We will start
repair works in a few days.’

He also has praise for the work process that includes locally led
quality control. `Working bridges are already formed and community
initiative group members are going to monitor the work process and the
quality of the work,’ he says, adding that the school has included the
community’s most needy in he project: `It is noteworthy that community
members independently developed project proposals and in accordance with
their decision we will involve venerable community members in the
project implemtaion.’

6. MINISTERS DISMISS CLAIMS THAT TELASI’S IMPORT AGREEMENT CORRUPT

Source: The Messenger, November 16, 2004

Imports of electricity from Armenia will not be stopped, as had
previously been suggested, while imports from Russia will begin in the
next few days, Minister of Energy Nika Gilauri said on Monday November
25, 2004.

On Friday November 12, 2004 TELASI returned the license it received just
two weeks ago from the National Energy Regulation Commission (GNERC)
after accusations against the company’s import contracts

Director General of TELASI Dangiras Mikalajunas explained the company’s
decision to return the license relates to a recent letter sent by the
Energy Ombudsman David Ebralidze to the General Prosecutor of Georgia.

Ebralidze together with the MP Gia Natsvlishvili blamed TELASI for
signing one-sided agreements on imports from Armenia and Russia which
were profitable for Armenia and Russia but not for the Georgian
government. The letter claimed that the price of one imported
kilowatt/hour had been increased by 0.15 U.S. cents.

On Friday Mikalajunas said the Georgian government must evaluate this
letter and then decide over the future of electricity imports from
Armenia.

As a result, on Monday Minister Gilauri met with Minister of Security
Vano Merabishvili, General Prosecutor Gia Adeishvili and Director
General of Telasi Dangiras Mikalajunas to discuss the situation over
TELASI and electricity imports.

After the meeting, Gilauri stated that the imports from Armenia would
continue, while Merabishvili stated that TELASI received a full
guarantee from the government at the meeting that “there would be no
problem with importing electricity into the country.”

“There are forces in Georgia who do not want Tbilisi to have a 24-hour
electricity supply,” Merabishvili said, adding however that law
enforcers “are currently studying the statements” made in
Ebralidze’s letter.

Telasi’s press officer told The Messenger on Monday the government
expressed its support to TELASI, saying, “There was no corrupt deal
behind the electricity imports from Armenia.”
Telasi said that while it was true that the price of imports has
increased comparing with last year, this is “a worldwide matter.”

The company, which distributes electricity to Tbilisi, claims however,
that there is no item in the agreement which prohibits TELASI from
raising the price of imported energy.

TELASI also confirmed that imports from Russia will begin in a few days,
leading Deputy Minister of Energy Aleko Khetaguri to state at a press
conference on Friday that Tbilisi will receive electricity without
limitations.

Last Wednesday, November 10, Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania threatened
minister Gilauri by saying that unless problems in the sector were
resolved in two weeks, the minister would face dismissal.

Minister Gilauri responded that the ministry has formulated a plan for
improved payment collection, as well as a schedule for electricity
distribution, whereby the regions will receive eight hours per day,
large cities 18 hours, and the capital 24 hours of electricity.

“Such schedules will be formulated monthly and will be published in
regional newspapers and also will be announced by television and on the
internet. In this way the population will be able to check the schedule
of their region or city,” stated Gilauri.

7. ARMENIAN-IRANIAN PIPELINE PROJECT PUT BACK TO YEAR-END

Source: Interfax, Russia, November 16, 2004

Construction of the Armenian stretch of the Iran – Armenia gas pipeline
will not now begin until December this year, the Armenian Energy
Ministry told Interfax.

Work on the Armenian stretch of the pipeline was due to start late
October, but was delayed because preparations were not complete.

The ministry said dignitaries from Iran and Armenia would attend a
ceremony to mark the beginning of the project in December close to the
Armenian city of Meghri. It is expected that the first two kilometers of
the Meghri – Kajaran pipeline will be built. Iran’s Sanir will lay the
pipeline.

An official at Gazprom said last week that the Russian gas giant was
considering a role in the construction of a gas pipeline from Iran to
Armenia. But the Armenian ministry said this was unlikely as the project
does not promise high returns.

Iran signed a deal to supply Armenia with 36 billion cubic meters (bcm)
of gas per year over 20 years with the possibility of extending this by
five years and gas supplies to 47 bcm in May this year.

Work on Iran’s 100-km stretch began in June. The Iranian Export and
Development Bank set aside $30 million to finance the Armenian stretch.

It will cost a total of $210 million-$220 million to build the new
pipeline and renovate the existing Kajaran – Yerevan pipeline.

Iranian gas should start reaching Armenia by January 2007. All of the
gas will be used by power stations to generate electricity, some of
which will be exported to Iran and some of which will be consumed in
Armenia itself.

8. GEORGIA ADVOCATES ABOLISHMENT OF ROAD DUTY FOR ARMENIAN CARGO
TRANSPORTERS

Source: Arminfo, November 16, 2004

Georgia advocates abolishment of the road duty for Armenian cargo
transporters, says deputy economic development minister of Georgia Gena
Muradyan.

The road duty is the key problem for cars crossing the Armenian-Georgian
border. Muradyan says that the Georgian Government is liberalizing the
entire border crossing procedures. The road duty is $240 for one 20-ton
container. The chief of the automobile transport administration of
Georgia Alexander Chikvadze says that the Georgian Government has
drafted a new transport code envisaging lifting all road duties for
Armenia.

Manukyan says that in 1994 Armenia and Georgia agreed to mutually
abolish all road duties but point 4 was not clearly formulated and the
sides have to date been levying the duties from each other. The issue of
their abolishment was raised during Pres. Kocharyan’s last year visit to
Georgia and was welcomed by the Georgian side.

9. ITALIAN COMMERCIAL OFFICE IN YEREVAN SET TO OPEN LATER THIS MONTH

Source: ArmenPress, November 16, 2004

Italy’s ambassador to Armenia, Marco Clemente, told Armenpress the
Italian Commercial Office will be fully functional in a few week time,
possibly during the November 20-23 visit to Armenia of deputy foreign
minister Margherit Boniver.

The main function of the Office will be to provide information about the
Armenian economy and business opportunities to the Italian entrepreneurs
as well as to support those Armenian businessmen who want to expand
their activities in Italy in cooperation with and under the coordination
of the Italian Embassy in Yerevan, with the headquarter of the Italian
Trade Commission in Moscow.

“I am confident that with this extra tool the Italian Embassy will be
able to provide extra help to the business community in Armenia in its
strive to strengthen commercial bilateral ties between our two countries
and our two peoples,” the ambassador said, adding the Trade Commission
is planning to organize in Italy, at the beginning of next year, a
“Country Presentation” on Armenia that will most certainly attract much
attention by the Italian businessmen on Armenian economic and trade
opportunities.

10. INGEOCOM CJSC TO START CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDING FOR ARMENIAN
DEFENSE MINISTRY SOON

Source: ARKA, November 16, 2004

INGEOCOM CJSC will start construction of new building for Armenian
Defense Ministry soon, as the CEO of the company Mikhail Rudyak during
his meeting with the Armenian President, as Armenian president Press
Service reports. Also, in his words, INGEOCOM plans to participate in
construction within Yerevan.

He also added that the company wishes unfold fundamental activity in
Armenia and looks at the perspectives of the cooperation with optimism,
as `Armenia has big quality potential of professionals in area of
construction’.

In his turn Kocharian said that he is satisfied with readiness of the
Union INGEOCOM to start its activity in the country stressing that
Armenia has serious constructional potential in implementation of which
the country is ready to cooperate with experienced partner.

To remind as earlier stated by the Russian mass media one of the largest
investment companies CJSC Union INGEOCOM expressed readiness to invest
in Armenia around USD 150 mln. In the first turn it is planned to
reconstruct the central part of Yerevan and construction of an important
state object with the surface more than 60 thou. sq. m. for the Armenian
Government. During three years there will be constructed around 300
thou. sq. m. of surface of housing, multifunctional complexes, offices
and hotels. INGEOCIM-Yerevan was established for the implementation of
this project. As per calculations of the company Armenia will create
more than 2 thousand jobs.

11. ARMENIA’S MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE AID ELIGIBILITY RENEWED

Sources: ; Armenia This Week 5-7, 9-20; Noyan Tapan
11-15

The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) last week renewed
Armenia’s eligibility to receive Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 funds under the
performance-based foreign assistance program. Armenia and Georgia remain
the only former Soviet countries eligible and their governments’ reform
efforts are considered sufficiently advanced to qualify under MCC rules.

None of the $1 billion slated for FY 2004 have been disbursed since
Armenia and fourteen other countries were first selected last May.

Armenia’s Finance Ministry submitted a draft of its proposal to the MCC
last month and is currently updating it with input from non-government
experts. MCC’s Stephen Groff, who was in Yerevan this Monday, said the

Corporation urges all eligible countries to take their time and prepare
quality proposals.

12. IRAN SAYS NUCLEAR SUSPENSION MAY LAST ONLY A FEW MONTHS

Source: The Messenger, November 18, 2004

A senior Iranian official said on Wednesday November 17, 2004 that
Teheran was only likely to suspend sensitive nuclear activities
surrounding the enrichment of uranium for a few months. `We will give
the nuclear experts of both sides three months. If the work groups reach
an agreement, suspension will not make any sense anymore, diplomat and
nuclear negotiator Hussein Moussavian told state television. `Within
three to four months at the most, we should reach a stage where we have
an overall conclusion. If they come to no conclusion or say the only
visible guarantee would be to halt enrichment altogether, Iran will not
accept this,’ he added.

Ina accord with Britain, France and Germany, the Islamic republic has
agreed to suspend enrichment activities during negotiations on a
longer-term solution to the nuclear stand off.

—
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)

Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL:

New York Times: Dining & Wine
FOOD STUFF
As French as Apple Pie
By FLORENCE FABRICANT
Published: November 17, 2004

Pomegranate as Fruit of a Vintner’s Labor

Pomegranate wine from Armenia has plenty of peppery tartness and a
sweet fruitiness that enriches the naturally winy taste of
pomegranate. It would pair well with a Thanksgiving turkey, venison or
chocolate desserts, or make an alluring punch base. Some bartenders
mix it with sparkling wine, gin or tequila. Labeled simply
Pomegranate, it’s about $10 a bottle in the Wine Store at Whole Foods;
Grand Wine & Liquor, 3005 31st Avenue, Astoria, Queens; and Heights
Chateau, 123 Atlantic Avenue (Henry Street), Brooklyn Heights.

PRESS RELEASE

November 18, 2004

American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576

Contact: Gohar Momjian
E-mail: [email protected]

AUA CONTINUES DIALOGUE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Yerevan -André Andonian, Senior Partner of McKinsey & Co, Germany, visited
the American University of Armenia (AUA) on Nov. 7 and spoke on the
Comparative Productivity and Development Potential of the Armenian
Information Technology Sector. `Armenia shows good productivity
performance given quite a young and fragmented sector,’ said Andonian, as he
highlighted the strategy for software and information technology services.
Andonian emphasized the need for Armenia to build on its advantages, adapt
to foreign markets, be open for global alliances, pursue export strategies
and aspire for leadership to achieve growth. His advice was that Armenia’s
global export focus should be on customized application development and
embedded software. ‘In the high growth scenario, Armenia can become
comparable with current dominant countries.’

Andonian is a Senior Partner in McKinsey’s Munich office with more than 12
years experience in the field of high technologies. `Armenia’s specialists
not only possess in-depth knowledge of information technology but are also
well educated to solve more complex problems linked to high-tech
engineering,’ said Andonian.

The American University of Armenia continues to encourage active dialogue on
developing Armenia’s high tech industry by hosting lectures and seminars
from experts in the field, such as Andre Andonian. This is in line with
its mission to prepare leaders for the computing industry. AUA’s Computer
and Information Sciences program established just three years ago, has seen
great success in placing graduates in Armenia’s fastest growing high tech
companies.

********************

The American University of Armenia is registered as a non-profit educational
organization in both Armenia and the United States and is affiliated with
the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from
the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the Masters Degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA, visit

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Mediamax news agency, Yerevan, in Russian
17 Nov 04

British organization conducts mine clearing course in Karabakh

Yerevan, 17 November: An international course on mine clearing and
deactivation and disposal of unexploded munitions of the highest
class ended in the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic (NKR) today. The course
was conducted by the British humanitarian organization on mine
clearing HALO Trust accredited to the NKR.

Representatives from about 10 countries took part in the seminar,
including the USA, the UK, India, Israel, Mozambique and Somali, the
HALO Trust office in Stepanakert Xankandi told our agency.

“The choice of Nagornyy Karabakh as the venue for the course is not
accidental and is explained by the fact that all conditions for
conducting such an event at the international level have been created
here,” a representative of the office said.

The British humanitarian organization HALO Trust started its first
mine clearing operations in Nagornyy Karabakh in 1995, suspended its
activities in 1996 and resumed them in 1999.

Agence France Presse
18 novembre 2004 jeudi 10:49 AM GMT

Mondial-2006/qualifications – Arménie-Roumanie: Iordanescu très contesté

La presse roumaine critiquait sévèrement jeudi le sélectionneur
Anghel Iordanescu, suite au nul “honteux” concédé à l’Arménie (1-1)
en qualifications au Mondial 2006 (groupe 1), mercredi soir à Erevan,
appelant même à sa démission.

“La honte”, titrait en une le quotidien Jurnalul National, selon
lequel “le sélectionneur, le politicien, le général, l’homme qui
gagne 300.000 dollars par an, Anghel Iordanescu, doit partir”.

“Vous devriez avoir honte”, estime pour sa part Gazeta Sporturilor,
qui juge qu’après sa “performance honteuse à Erevan, la Roumanie a
sérieusement compromis ses chances de qualification”.

“Une honte historique”, titre également Evenimentul Zilei, qui invite
Iordanescu à “s’en aller”, non sans rappeler que le sélectionneur,
candidat du Parti social démocrate (PSD, au pouvoir) aux législatives
du 28 novembre, s’est “occupé davantage ces dernières semaines de la
campagne électorale que de la préparation de l’équipe nationale”.

Selon la presse, Iordanescu a annoncé qu’il ne démissionnerait pas,
estimant que “les chances de qualification de la Roumanie sont
intactes”.

Mais le président de la Fédération roumaine de football (FRF) Mircea
Sandu a pour la première fois évoqué au retour d’Arménie la
possibilité de remplacer Iordanescu par un entraîneur étranger.

“J’ai soutenu Iordanescu et je le soutiens toujours, mais il n’est
pas exclu de résilier son contrat à l’amiable. Une décision sera
prise dans le courant de la semaine”, a-t-il déclaré.

La Roumanie occupe actuellement la 2e place du groupe 1, avec 10
points en cinq matches, derrière les Pays Bas (10 points en quatre
rencontres).

Agence France Presse
17 novembre 2004 mercredi 8:29 PM GMT

Adhésion de la Turquie à l’UE: plus de 250 députés “votent” contre

PARIS 17 nov 2004

Plus de 250 députés ont pris part mercredi soir à un vote symbolique
sur l’entrée de la Turquie dans l’UE, se prononçant contre
l’ouverture immédiate des négociations d’adhésion le 17 décembre,
tant que “le génocide arménien n’aura pas été reconnu par Ankara”.

Ils étaient représentés par une trentaine de députés de gauche comme
de droite, parmi lesquels les vice-présidents de l’Assemblée Eric
Raoult (UMP) et Rudy Salles (UDF). Ce “scrutin” était organisé à
l’initiative de plusieurs organisations arméniennes, lors d’un
rassemblement près du palais Bourbon.

“Nous invitons les députés à se prononcer ici ce soir parce qu’ils
n’ont pas pu le faire dans l’hémicycle de l’Assemblée”, a déclaré
l’un des organisateurs, Mourad Papazian, qui a invité
“solennellement” le président Jacques Chirac à faire de la
reconnaissance du génocide arménien “un préalable” à toutes
discussions avec la Turquie.

Une urne en carton, portant les couleurs européennes, avait été
installée sur une table, de même que des bulletins “oui” et “non” à
la question: “Le 17 décembre 2004, la France doit-elle dire oui à
l’ouverture immédiate des négociations d’ahésion de la Turquie à
l’Union Européenne?”.

Premier à s’adresser à quelque 400 manifestants, Philippe Pemezec a
apporté “le non de 78 députés UMP”. “Ce pays n’est pas en Europe, les
cultures sont profondément différentes, et il y a encore de
nombreuses atteintes aux droits de l’Homme, notamment aux droits des
Kurdes et Arméniens”, a déclaré le député UMP.

Le socialiste René Rouquet, venu apporter “le non des 144 députés
PS”, a souligné que “la reconnaissance du génocide arménien par la
Turquie est la première des conditions de son adhésion à l’UE”.

Les élus UDF – le président du groupe Hervé Morin, entouré de Maurice
Leroy, François Rochebloine et Rudy Salles – ont glissé le bulletin
“non” pour les 31 députés centristes, tout en affirmant que l’UDF
“poursuivra sa mobilisation tant en France qu’au Parlement européen”
pour contrer l’adhésion d’Ankara.

La députée Verts Martine Billard, présente, a refusé de se joindre à
ce vote symbolique, arguant que “les Verts ont toujours plaidé pour
la reconnaissance du génocide arménien”. “Cette question doit être un
sujet de discussion avec la Turquie mais pas un préalable”, a déclaré
l’élue de Paris.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
01/18/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Armenian Parliamentary and Party Leader Discusses Issues of Concern at
Press
Conference
2) Improvements to New PACE Report on Karabagh
3) Captivating UCLA Conference on Armenian Jerusalem
4) Armenia Draw Prompts Resignation

1) Armenian Parliamentary and Party Leader Discusses Issues of Concern at
Press
Conference

GLENDALE–Vahan Hovhannisian, deputy speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly
and
ARF Bureau member, spoke at a press conference organized by the ARF Western US
Central Committee and held at its headquarters, in Glendale, Tuesday night.
In attendance were Armenian Consul General Gagik Kirakosian and members of
the
ARF Bureau and Central Committee, as well as members of the print and
broadcast
media. Central Committee chairperson Avedik Izmirlian introduced Hovhannisian
to those in attendance.
In his introductory remarks, Hovhannisian referred to Armenia’s role and
place
in a constantly changing world and the prerequisites for defending Armenian
statehood in such circumstances.
He noted that for the moment, the world is unipolar, as a consequence of
which
certain rules are in play that must be adhered to, even though Armenia will
pay
a price for doing so. Under present conditions, he said, and as a free and
democratic country, Armenia will continue to adhere to European standards.
Parallel to Armenia, the diaspora must also be a focus of concern, he said,
because it is the source of huge potential, despite having its roots in a
national tragedy. Both Armenia and the diaspora are vital for the survival and
development of the Armenian nation, he added.
Hovhannisian said he considers criticism of the government for its mistakes,
in general, a beneficial and positive phenomenon. He noted, however, that
pathological mudslinging merely creates disillusionment in the people.
He cited two categories of disillusionment. First, he said, the people of
Armenia conceptually hold independence to be the equivalent of justice, but
when justice is denied them in Armenia, they grow disillusioned in their
government and state. Second, he referred to the diapora’s disillusionment
with
the Armenian government, which is in part due to venomous attacks and
mudslinging by various elements, he said.
He, nevertheless, pointed to the presence of systematic corruption, bribery,
and other illegal behavior. He added that the ARF continues, in turn, to
wage a
systematic struggle against such behavior, and expressed hope that the
situation in the country would steadily improve.
Hovhannisian also stressed the imperative of homeland-diaspora unity and
cooperation in commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide,
saying that the Armenian government would do all in its power to bring that
about. He added the ARF would also continue to work toward fortifying the
unity
of the Armenian people, Armenia’s statehood, and development.
In response to questions from members of the press, Hovhannisian touched on
various issues.
Regarding the anti-ARF and anti-government campaigns in Armenia or abroad, he
said that all sides should welcome constructive criticism, but pathological
negativism and personal animosities should be shunned, because they are
destructive.
In an open society, he said, it is only natural that the government be the
target of popular criticism. Nevertheless, we should be aware that outside
forces might also play a role in fomenting discontent, he said, and that is a
dangerous possibility than cannot be ruled out.
Regarding the Armenian genocide, he said that the Turkish government
continues
the genocidal policies of its predecessors. Armenian cultural monuments
continue to be destroyed in Turkey in an effort to eradicate historical memory
and all traces of Armenian inhabitation in Western Armenia, and Turkey has
directly supported Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian aggression.
Referring to the issue of sending a small contingent of Armenian troops to
Iraq, he said that at this stage, it is not a given since the National
Assembly
has not discussed the issue–and even when it does, it is not likely to
approve
the deployment.
He explained that the issue of dual citizenship is more complicated than most
people realize. Issues that must still be resolved include the right to vote
and be elected to office, military service, and the payment of taxes.

2) Improvements to New PACE Report on Karabagh

YEREVAN (Yerkir)–The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s
(PACE)
most recent report on the Mountainous Karabagh has not changed greatly from
its
September 14 report, according to the Armenian delegation head to that body.
Presented by newly appointed rapporteur to the confilict David Atkinson, the
report includes revised wording that serves the Armenian side, and was
reviewed
by PACE’s November 17 session in Paris.
The head of PACE’s Armenian delegation Tigran Torosian, revealed that the
clause calling for the International Court of Justice Court to rule whether
Armenia has violated Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity has been altogether
removed.
The draft resolution also urges the Azeri government to take measures to
discuss the region’s status with the Armenian and Azeri communities of
Karabagh.
Torosian also said that while the draft resolution is improved, it does not
contain all proposals put forth by the Armenian delegation.

3) Captivating UCLA Conference on Armenian Jerusalem

By Vartan Matiossian

LOS ANGELES–There are few places in the diaspora today where Armenians have
had such a central role as in Jerusalem. The fact that any serious study about
the Holy City cannot avoid reference to the Armenians is in itself evidence of
this special position. The Arab-Israeli conflict and now the death of Yassar
Arafat have made the UCLA conference on Armenian Jerusalem, November 6-7, all
the more timely and captivating.
“Armenian Jerusalem and Armenians in the Holy Land” was the fifteenth in the
conference series on Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces organized by
Professor Richard Hovannisian, AEF Chair in Armenian History at the University
of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Beginning in 1997, the first twelve
conferences dealt with Western Armenia and the once-Armenian-populated regions
of current-day Turkey: Van/Vaspurakan to Constantinople, Smyrna/Izmir, the
Black Sea communities, and Caesarea. Hovannisian has already edited and
published the first five volumes in this seriesVan/Vaspurakan (2000),
Baghesh/Bitlis-Taron/Mush (2001), Tsopk/Kharpert (2002), Karin/Erzerum (2003),
and most recently Sebastia/Sivas and Lesser Armenia (2004), each between 300
and 450 pages and with many relevant photographs.
The last two conferences, devoted to New Julfa and the other Armenian
communities of Iran, moved the focus of the series to areas outside of
historic
Armenia. The conference on Jerusalem continued this exploration. Its honorary
president was His Beatitude, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian
Patriarch of
Jerusalem, with co-sponsorship by the UCLA International Institute, Center for
Near Eastern Studies, and Center for European and Eurasian Studies.

The Conference and an Azeri News Agency

Before describing the conference, it is instructive to note an episode of the
continuing anti-Armenian distortions, this one so ridiculous as to be
pathetic.
The Azeri “Assa-Irada” news agency, in a release dated November 9, hastened to
“honor” the conference with its attention by issuing a brief report. According
to that news item, a “well-informed source” let it be known that a member of
the Institute of History of the Armenian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Albert
Kharatyan, had referred to Armenians as “the first inhabitants of Jerusalem
and
that the city was a part of “Great Armenia.” Of course, there was nothing
remotely resembling such a statement by the Armenian historian, and this
disinformation can only be ascribed to the Armenophobic imagination of the
“well-informed” source.
With this, we might also call on the Armenian media to be more circumspect in
judging and taking at face value what the Azeri and Turkish press write about
individual Armenian scholars or others. And it would be most desirable that
the
Armenian media be present or have reporters at such important conferences at
the UCLA series to give first-hand accounts and descriptions.

The Opening Session–November 6

When Professor Hovannisian opened the conference on Saturday morning with his
introductory presentation on the history and significance of Armenian
Jerusalem, the UCLA Court of Sciences Auditorium, which seats more than 450
persons, was filled to capacity and this strong attendance continued to the
end
of the day. On Sunday afternoon, despite the inclement weather, most of the
auditorium was again occupied.
The paper of Professor Nina Garsoian (Columbia University, Emerita), read by
Dr. Sergio La Porta, dealt with the seventh century text of the Vardapet
Anastas, who wrote that while in the Holy Land he had visited 70 Armenian
monasteries and communities. Although some scholars have considered this text
to be a fabrication or else greatly exaggerated, Garsoian uses Greek and
archeological sources to demonstrate that the basic text regarding the
Armenian
and Caucasian Albanian presence in the Holy Land in the sixth and seventh
centuries is sound.
Dr. John Carswell (Malaga, Spain, formerly University of Chicago and AUB)
described with many personal anecdotes and color slide projections the
Armenian
mosaics and ceramics of Jerusalem. While conducting his field work in
Jerusalem, he photographed some 2,000 examples, some of which were
published in
his two-volume study. He also discovered two eighteenth-century chronicles
that
describe the events in Constantinople and Jerusalem at the time.
Professor Abraham Terian (St. Nersess Seminary, New York), a native of
Jerusalem, described the rich manuscript collection of St. James Monastery.
The
collection of some 3,900 manuscripts has now been catalogued in eleven volumes
by the late savant, Archbishop Norayr Bogharian. Stating that first written
source about Armenians in Jerusalem is from the sixth century, the speaker
described the important translations that have taken place and the rich
tradition of manuscript production.
Dr. Claude Moutafian (University of Paris) discussed the relations between
the
Armenian lords and the kings of Jerusalem in the twelfth and thirteenth
centuries. He related how Armenian princesses of Cilicia, such as Arda,
Morphia, and Melisande, through marriage became the queens of Jerusalem. It is
likely that they sponsored or supported Armenian initiatives such as the
twelfth-century restoration of St. James Monastery. He also attempted to date
the scepter that has been ascribed to the Cilician King Hetum and to determine
whether this belonged to Hetum I or Hetum II, both of whom lived in the
thirteenth century.
Professor Sergio La Porta (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) explored the
relationship between the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Greater
Armenia
in the fourteenth century. The accommodation of certain Roman Catholic
rites by
the Catholicos of All-Armenians, who then resided at Sis in Cilicia, caused a
strong reaction from among the traditionalist bishops in the east. Resistance
was also shown by the Armenian clergy of Jerusalem. The prelate, Bishop
Sarkis,
refused to accept the compromising stance of the church council at Adana in
1307, and in 1311 broke with the Holy See in Cilicia, formally establishing
the
Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem under the protection of the Mamluk sultans.
Steadfast allegiance to the traditional Armenian faith subsequently
resulted in
the election of Jerusalem Patriarch Boghos Garnetsi as Catholicos of
All-Armenians in Sis in 1418.

From Medieval to Modern Jerusalem

The afternoon session on November 6 began with the presentation by Dr.
Roberta
Ervine (St. Nersess Academy) on one of the most dynamic leaders of Jerusalem,
Patriarch Krikor Baronder (Grigor Paronter), who reigned from 1613 to 1645.
During his tenure, the Ottoman Empire was in crisis, which also impacted the
Armenian people and Armenian Jerusalem. Even before entering into religious
service, Baronder, a native of Gandzak in Eastern Armenia, had campaigned to
eliminate the burdensome debts of the patriarchate. He was able to secure
major
contributions, not only from Van, New Julfa, and Aleppo but also from places
such as Amida, Urfa, and Bitlis, virtually encouraging their competition to
erase the debt. During his thirty-two-year patriarchal reign, Baronder,
expanded the Armenian presence in Jerusalem, acquiring new properties,
organizing pilgrimages, and creating a spiritual atmosphere within the
monastery.
Dr. Albert Kharatyan (Institute of History, Yerevan), speaking in Armenian,
reflected on Armenian-Greek church relations during the second half of the
seventeenth century. The period was characterized by sharp disagreements and
competition relating to the respective rights of the churches in the holy
places as well as to issues such as the liturgical calendar. For a brief time,
in 1657-1658, the Greeks were even able to take control of St. James Monastery
by bribing the Turkish officials. The difficulties were compounded by the
turmoil within the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, which at that time
had jurisdiction over Jerusalem. Ultimately, it was Krikor the Chain-Bearer
(Grigor Shkhtayakir, 1715-1749) who delivered the Jerusalem Patriarchate from
debt and restored it to its previous position.
Professor Christina Maranci (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) gave an
illustrated talk on the sixth century Armenian mosaic floor that was
discovered
near the Damascus Gate in 1894. The large mosaic has given rise to scholarly
debates regarding the depiction of various birds and animals and their
significance. Linking the mosaic with similar (but different) Greek and Jewish
models, the art historian speculated that it could possibly be associated with
death rituals.

The Modern Period

Following an intermission, the conference moved on to the modern period. Dr.
Emma Kostandyan (Institute of History, Yerevan), speaking in Armenian with an
English summary, examined the linkages between the beloved Armenian church
leader, Khrimian
Hayrig and Jerusalem. Khrimian visited Jerusalem in 1852, based on which he
wrote in the well-known “Hravirag ergrin Avediats” (Passage to the Promised
Land). While Khrimian was the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, he
communicated frequently with Jerusalem, and these letters have become an
important historical source. Then in 1890, the Turkish authorities exiled him
to Jerusalem where he remained until he was elected Catholicos of
All-Armenians
in 1892, after which he continued to show deep concern for the welfare and
activities of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Dr. Robert Krikorian (George Washington University) spoke about the Armenian
volunteer movement and the Armenian Legion during World War I. The Armenian
Legion played a significant role in the liberation of Palestine under the
joint
Allied command of General Allenby. The Armenian volunteers distinguished
themselves in the hard-fought battle of Arara, which was a turning point that
brought the end of Ottoman rule in Palestine. Interestingly, Armenian
volunteers hastening to Artsakh in 1988 and thereafter were inspired by the
volunteer movement and the example of the Armenian Legion, whose feats were
related by natives of Musa Dagh who had repatriated to Armenia.
Professor Vahram Shemmassian (California State University-Northridge)
reported
with facts and figures on the Armenian deportees and survivors of 1915 who
ended up in Palestine during World War I. After the British occupied the
region, some 4,000 of these people were transferred to Port Said. By the fall
of 1919, most of them had been able to return to their native towns and
villagesat least for the time being.
The conference continued on the UCLA campus on Sunday afternoon. Dr. Vartan
Matiossian (Del Salvador University and Hovnanian School) spoke on the two
driving forces during a “golden age” (1921-1939). These were the successive
patriarchs Eghishe Turian and Torkom Kushagian. The presentation began with
reflections on the establishment and the history of the Armash Seminary where
Turian was the dean for a long time and Kushagian was his student and
successor. During their Jerusalem years, the two dedicated patriarchs were
able
to revive the traditions of Armash, making Armenian Jerusalem the spiritual
and
cultural center of the Diaspora and the workplace of such noted intellectuals
as Hagop Oshagan and Shahan Berberian.
Columbia University PhD candidate Bedross Der Matossian, a native of
Jerusalem, used charts and graphs to synthesize the history of the Armenian
community of Palestine from 1917 to 1948. By the time of the Arab-Israeli war
in 1948, the number of Armenians in Jerusalem, Jaffa, Haifa, Bethlehem, and
elsewhere had grown from 3,000 to more than 15,000. This gave to the community
a new and different cultural, educational, athletic, and political life.
Professor Osheen Keshishian (Glendale College), also a native of Jerusalem
and
editor of the “Armenian Observer,” spoke about the literary life of Jerusalem,
discussing the work and activities of a number of important cultural figures,
such as Turian, Oshagan, Berberian, Eghivart (Archbishop Eghishe Derderian),
Shen-Mah, Anel (Dr. Garo Garabedian), Vahram Mavian, and others. His
presentation included first-hand observations and impressions.
Professor Nurith Kenaan-Kedar (University of Tel Aviv) made her presentation
by video, in which she described the Armenian ceramic art in Jerusalem, which
was brought to the Holy Land by masters from Kutahia. With beautiful visual
images and illustrations, she described the history and production of the
Balian, Ohannesian, and Karakashian families. The tradition of the Kutahia
tiles has being perpetuated and embellished by three generations of the Balian
and Karakashian families. Marie Balian in particular has caught the eye of
Israeli and Palestinian society and has dedicated a large recent creation to
the elusive vision of peace.

Contemporary Jerusalem and Its Challenges

The final session on Sunday focused on the contemporary situation in
Jerusalem. Sylva Natalie Manoogian (UCLA) described with power-point
projections the plans for renovation of the Patriarchate’s Gulbenkian Library,
a project that has been in progress since 1995. She has personally been
involved in the work and hopes that before too long the library will again be
open for use by students and scholars.
Dr. Sossie Andezian (National Center of Scientific Research, Paris) has been
conducting research on the Armenian community of Jerusalem for the past five
years. She stressed the importance of Jerusalem for Armenians worldwide. The
events of the past years have made that role all the more critical. The local
Armenians, because of the absence of pilgrims in recent times, have become
something like “permanent pilgrims.” She explained that there is tension and
mutual dissatisfaction between the lay and religious components of the
community. The Patriarchate has been firmly situated for centuries and the
holy
character of the city has safeguarded the position of the Armenian Church. But
things have been changing during the past decades as the result of more
stringent state policies. The state police can now even enter within the walls
of St. James Monastery, and Armenian properties can be expropriated if deemed
necessary for considerations of national defense. It is interesting that
Armenians who lost all their properties as the result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli
war have seldom complained about this injustice, but they are outraged and
ready to mobilize when the issue comes to the holy places and properties
belonging to the Armenians collectively. The speaker concluded that Jerusalem,
as the holy city of three great religions, is an international area, where
issues require an international political settlement, and, therefore, the
internationalization of the city can stabilize and improve the Armenian
condition.
Kevork/George Hintlian (Christian Heritage Research Institute), who was
scheduled to speak on new directions of research on Armenian Jerusalem and the
Holy Land, instead opened the floor to a discussion about the current
situation. Having served as the secretary of the Armenian Patriarchate for
many
years (like his father before him), more recently he has become an unofficial
spokesman for the community. During his intense half-hour exchange with the
audience, Hintlian spoke cautiously yet with urgency about the prevailing
conditions. “We are facing an extremely fateful situation regarding the
Armenian quarter of Jerusalem. Negotiations will be conducted during the next
ten years. We need to enlist international lawyers. The challenge we face is a
global solution that can be imposed on us. The defense [of Armenian rights]
cannot be left to seventeen members of the St. James brotherhood. People of
middle age have left. But there are still thousands of people who are bonded
with Jerusalem.” In reply to questions about disturbing reports about
difficulties encountered by the Armenians and especially the Armenian clergy,
he stated: “What we are observing is not an anti-Armenian attitude but rather
an anti-Christian one.”
The Armenian Jerusalem conference was an extremely important milestone in the
UCLA series organized by Richard Hovannisian. In his concluding remarks,
Professor Hovannisian noted the difference between this conference and many of
the preceding ones was that Jerusalem still has a living, although weakened,
Armenian community whereas many of the cities and provinces of historic
Armenia
have been completed denuded of their Armenian element. He announced that this
series will be interrupted so that on the occasion of the ninetieth
anniversary
of the Armenian genocide an international conference may be organized at UCLA
on April 2-3, 2005.
The twenty conference participants were honored by the Srpots Tarkmanchadz
School Alumni Association at an opening dinner reception on Friday evening,
November 5, and by Mr. and Mrs. Alec and Alenoush Baghdassarian of the
Armenian
Educational Foundation on Saturday, November 6.
Immediately following the end of the conference on November 7, many of the
participants attended a reception on the UCLA campus marking the thirtieth
anniversary of the Society for Armenian Studies (SAS). The program honored the
founders of SAS: Nina Garsoian, Richard Hovannisian, Dikran Kouymjian, Avedis
Sanjian, and Robert Thomson. The master of ceremonies for the event was UCLA
Narekatsi Professor Peter Cowe. Hovannisian gave a synopsis on the
formation of
the Society thirty years ago, and additional comments were made by the current
SAS president, Professors Barlow Der Mugrdechian of California State
University-Fresno, Robert Hewsen, Rowan State University (emeritus), UCLA
librarian Gia Aivazian, and R. Hrair Dekmejian (USC).

4) Armenia Draw Prompts Resignation

BUCHAREST (Reuters)–Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu offered to resign on
Thursday on returning home from the 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with
Armenia.
“Iordanescu put his resignation (letter) on the Romania Soccer Federation
(FRF) president’s table,” an FRF source, who declined to be named, told
Reuters.
Romanian fans met their team’s flight from Yerevan on Thursday with calls for
Iordanescu to resign.
Angry and disillusioned fans met the flight brandishing banners while a
Romanian website poll reported that 96 percent of respondents wanted
Iordanescu
to go.
The disappointing draw saw Romania lose the lead in Group One and dented
their
chances of making the 2006 extravaganza in Germany.
The result gave Armenia their first point in five matches. The Netherlands,
with a match in hand, leapfrogged Romania on goal difference after beating
Andorra 3-0.
“God punished you” and “Iordanescu’s time is over,” ran large headlines on
the
front page of Pro Sport daily, after the players refused to speak to the media
before or after the match on Wednesday.

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Turan news agency, Baku, in Russian
18 Nov 04

Azeri foreign minister urges foreign envoys to respect international
law

Baku, 18 November: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has
received the ambassadors of countries of the European Union and the
Organization of the Islamic Conference, as well as the US and Chinese
ambassadors.

The minister spoke highly of the efforts of the countries which
supported on 29 October Azerbaijan’s initiative to include the issue
of the “situation on the occupied Azerbaijani territories” in the
agenda of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly.

Mammadyarov drew the attention of the foreign diplomats to Armenia’s
settling the occupied Azerbaijani territories, which runs counter to
the norms of international humanitarian law and provision 949 of the
Geneva Convention. In this connection, the Azerbaijani foreign
minister stressed the importance of the international community’s
principled position to prevent this illegal activity.

The minister added that the purpose in raising this issue with the UN
was not to replace the OSCE Minsk Group, but to attract the attention
of international organizations to the problem.

In conclusion, the minister expressed the hope that the countries the
diplomats represented at the meeting would support Azerbaijan and
that the world community would respect the norms of international
humanitarian law.

ANSA Notiziario Generale in Italiano
November 17, 2004

GENOCIDIO ARMENI: 250 DEPUTATI FRANCESI, NO A TURCHIA IN UE

(ANSA-AFP) – PARIGI, 17 NOV – Piu’ di 250 deputati francesi
sia di maggioranza che di opposizione si sono pronunciati contro
l’apertura immediata dei negoziati di adesione della Turchia
alla Ue “almeno fino a quando Ankara non riconoscera’ il
genocidio degli armeni”. I deputati hanno partecipato questa
sera a una sorta di voto simbolico sull’entrata della Turchia
nell’Unione Europea.

Una trentina di deputati di sinistra e di destra erano
presenti allo “scrutinio”, organizzato per iniziativa di
parecchie organizzazioni armene radunatesi presso palazzo
Bourbon, dove ha sede l’Assemblea Nazionale.

Uno degli organizzatori, Mourad Papazian, ha invitato
“solennemente” il presidente Jacques Chirac a fare del
riconoscimento del genocidio armeno “una condizione
preliminare” a tutte le discussioni con la Turchia.

Una urna in cartone, riportante i colori europei, e’ stata
installata su un tavolo. Sulle schede veniva chiesto di
rispondere si’ o no alla domanda: “Il 17 dicembre 2004, la
Francia dovra’ dire si’ all’apertura immediata dei negoziati di
adesione all’Unione Europea della Turchia?”.

Per il no si sono espressi 78 deputati dell’Ump, principale
partito della maggioranza di governo, 144 deputati del partito
socialista all’opposizione, e 31 deputati dell’Udf, formazione
di centro destra, (ANSA-AFP).