NATIONALISM SHOULD BE PRESEVED EVEN WHILE GLOBALIZATION
A1+
17-02-2005
Two Armenian parties came forward with a constitutional initiative
described as historical. The members of the United Nation party and
National Society of Armenia are convinced that the Armenian Apostolic
religion should be declared state religion of the Republic of Armenia
thus securing it from severe blows of globalizations.
“During the time when the Armenian nation was deprived of state system
this institute could partly replace it. For this the Armenian people
should say their historical “yes” to the Armenian Apostolic Church”,
the United Nation party chairman Gor Tarmazyan says.
In the words of the authors, the given constitutional initiative
will safeguard the Armenian Apostolic Church against the devastating
activities of numerous sects. Gor Tarmazyan hold the opinion that “the
integration into the Council of Europe does not mean anything since
the will of the Armenian people can bring all this to nothing. When our
“neighbors” are setting traps to us we should consider the opinion of
our own society and keep presence of mind but not become victims to
‘ideas’, which are making our nation open to injury”.
To note, the initiators of the press conference have one more
proposal to the parliament â~@~S to include religious ideology into
the curriculum of schools and the institutes of higher education and
even teach it in the army.
The difference between great powers from little ones lies in the fact
that they abide by love towards their nation but not cosmopolitism. We
do not need â~@~ Trojanâ~@~] presents of the Council of Europe”,
Gor Tarmazyan said recalling Bismarckâ~@~Ys words.
–Boundary_(ID_w0jo2PKa/Wk70/Emz9POmQ)–

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
02/16/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Haigneré Says Turkey Should Not Take Referendum Personally 2) Violence Mars Turkish Kurd Rally on Sixth Anniversary of Ocalan Capture 3) Putin, Aliyev Satisfied with Cooperation, Increased Trade 4) Turkish Entry to EU Could Produce 'Truly European Neighbor' 1) Haigneré Says Turkey Should Not Take Referendum Personally (Combined Sources)--The French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Claudie Haigneré, expressed support for a French parliamentary decision that will require a referendum prior to the entry of any new members into the European Union (EU). Though the law would impact Turkey and its hopes to join the EU, Haigneré dismissed claims that the move was a "discriminatory" measure aimed at Turkey. Speaking at a joint press conference late on Monday following her meeting with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Haigneré emphasized that the French Parliament's decision, which is likely to be finalized by the French Senate, was not a "double standard" directed solely towards the Turkish people. "It's not possible to discriminate against any potential EU partner," Haigneré was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency. She added that a referendum would be held prior to Croatia's admittance and that Britain's EU membership had also been voted on in a referendum in the past. A member of the Turkish Parliamentary Adjustment Commission Onur Oymen said, "a referendum is something against Turkey. We understand France's internal policy requirements, but Turkey does not want to pay the cost. The referendum will affect negatively Turkey's membership [to the EU], as well as Turkish-French friendship." Oymen also revealed that while in France earlier this week, he was told by many that, "if Turkey does not recognize the Armenian genocide, it will not join the EU. This may affect Turkey-France relations negatively," he said. Haigneré stressed that the idea of holding a referendum was initially suggested by French President Jacques Chirac, as it paved the way for him to be able to support the Dec. 17 EU decision to open entry talks with Turkey on Oct. 3 in the face of opposition to the idea in France. Chirac, who is known to favor Turkey's EU entry, has been facing political isolation in his own country as he has been confronted with strong opposition from both the public and his own center-right Union for People's Movement (UMP) party for his support of Turkey's EU membership hopes. 2) Violence Mars Turkish Kurd Rally on Sixth Anniversary of Ocalan Capture Turkish rights group seeks protest violence probe At least 15 people injured and 20 others detained in Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey after police clash with protesters on the anniversary of a Kurdish rebel leader's arrest. ISTANBUL (AFP/Reuters)--A Turkish rights group, on Wednesday, called for a probe into what it called excessive use of force by police in breaking up protests marking the sixth anniversary of Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan's capture. Riot police sprayed tear gas and wielded batons on Tuesday to disperse hundreds of pro-Ocalan protesters in Istanbul and Diyarbakir, the main city in the largely Kurdish southeast. Local police said they were investigating the death from apparent gunshot wounds of a 19-year-old man in the southern port city of Mersin, where protesters threw rocks at police. There were also smaller clashes between police and demonstrators in the Aegean city of Izmir and the eastern town of Van. Ocalan, serving a life sentence in a Turkish prison after special forces captured him in Kenya in 1999, still commands support among sections of the Kurdish population. The Human Rights Association (IHD), a leading Turkish rights group, called on the Interior Ministry and prosecutors to launch administrative and judicial investigations into those responsible for Tuesday's violence. "We in the Human Rights Association condemn this mode of operation which is based on violence, pressure and obstructing the exercise of rights," IHD Chairman Yusuf Alatas said in a statement. A police spokesman said police had not yet issued a statement on the allegations of excessive force. Turkish special forces brought Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Ocalan back to Turkey from Kenya in 1999 after a three-month chase around Europe and Africa. Before his capture, Ocalan had been searching for a safe haven. Syria threw him out of Damascus under Turkish military pressure in November 1998. He failed to find long-term refuge in Italy, Russia, the Netherlands and other European countries. He was sentenced to death for high treason on June 29, 1999, but the verdict was later commuted to life imprisonment once Turkey abolished the death penalty as part of a European Union-inspired rights reform drive. The PKK launched a fight for an ethnic homeland in southeast Turkey in 1984. More than 30,000 have died in two decades of conflict. Violence dwindled after his capture but revived after the group called off a unilateral ceasefire last June. 3) Putin, Aliyev Satisfied with Cooperation, Increased Trade MOSCOW (Itar-Tass)-- After talks in the Kremlin on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev said they were satisfied with the developing cooperation between their two countries, as well as the trade growth rate. "Trade turnover reached a record high last year, increasing 50 percent, to about 800 million US dollars. Our trade will soon reach one billion U.S. dollars," Putin said. "I'm convinced that we'll reach it shortly." Aliyev said that Azerbaijan could not have imagined that the rate of trade would expand so rapidly. "The goal is to double trade in the future and today this appears to be realistic," he noted. Pointing to the speed with which projects were implemented during the past year, Aliyev said that the two countries clearly hold mutual interests for mutual benefits. "It would be impossible to reach such figures without effective political contacts," Aliyev said. Putin revealed that Russian companies are ready to invest in Azerbaijan, noting that there exist "concrete projects." According to Azerbaijan, 10.9 percent of its 2004 overall import-export was with Russia--second only after Italy. 4) Turkish Entry to EU Could Produce 'Truly European Neighbor' YEREVAN (RFE-RL)--Defense Minister Serge Sargsian looks forward to the start of membership talks between Turkey and the European Union (EU), saying that Armenian could--for the first time, have a "truly European neighbor" as a result. In an online news conference earlier this week with readers of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's (ARF) "Yerkir" weekly, Sargsian argued that the prospect of EU membership could lead Turkey to reopen its border and establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. "It is my conviction that the start of membership talks between Turkey and the EU has a purely practical significance for us and will further contribute to the resolution of issues mentioned by you," he said in response to a question about Ankara's continuing refusal to normalize ties with Yerevan without preconditions. Sargsian added that Armenia wants Turkey to "develop progressively... in accordance with European values and standards." Armenians should therefore be encouraged by the "possibility of having a truly European neighbor in 15-20 years' time," he said. The remarks represent the most positive assessment yet by a senior Armenian official of the EU's decision late last year to open accession talks with Ankara by the end of 2005. Official Yerevan's initial reaction to the move was far more negative, with Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian accusing the EU of turning a blind eye to the Turkish blockade. "We believe that Turkey did not deserve to get the right to begin accession talks with the European Union at this point," he said in October. However, Oskanian struck a more positive tone in December after receiving assurances from European leaders that they will raise Armenian grievances with the Turks during the accession process. Sargsian's comments contrast even more sharply with the position of the ARF, as well as a number of Diasporan organizations in western Europe and France. They have for months campaigned against admitting Turkey into the EU, saying that Ankara must first stop denying the genocide of 1915, which claimed the lives of 1.5 million Ottoman-Armenians. But Sargsian stressed that Armenia and Armenians worldwide can continue to work for genocide recognition, even while Turkey knocks on the EU's door. "As a statesman, I very much hope that the recognition of the Armenian genocide by Turkey will greatly contribute to the security of our state," he said. During the online conference, Sargsian did not shy away from questions dealing with his relationship to the ARF, which he stated deserved its "due respect." "I don't think that anybody has reason to consider me an ardent supporter of Dashnaktsutyun [ARF]," he told one of Yerkir's readers. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. --Boundary_(ID_PMbapeZsOBuYztZF2JZG/g)--

NEWS FROM SHUSHI REGION
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
17 Feb 05
Last year significant repair works were carried out in the town
and region of Shushi. According to the vice head of the regional
administration S. Harutiunian, Ghazanchetsots Street and the roofs of
several houses damaged from wind were repaired, a new water pipeline
was built in Ghondaghsazian Street. Gasification of flats is going
on. Reconstruction of the school building in the village of Lisagor
was completed, and now the home of culture is being repaired. ***
At last one of the vital problems of the inhabitants of Shushi was
solved. The town will have a regular bus line connecting Shushi with
Stepanakert. The inhabitants of the town and regional center the most
closely situated to the capital will no more have to hitchhike to
Stepanakert. *** Up to now only the buildings of the secondary schools
after Abovian and Muratsan in Shushi had central heating. Recently
the central heating system of the regional administration building
has been operated. *** The reconstruction of the housing resources of
Shushi is going on. In 2004 42 people requested the City Hall of Shushi
to provide half-ruined apartments to them to repair on their means. Of
them15 have already carried out reconstruction. After creating minimum
housing conditions within six months the apartments are legally owned
by them. During the reconstruction works the preservation of the
architectural style is controlled by the specialists of the City Hall.
ANAHIT GABRIELIAN.
17-02-2005

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Feb 17 2005
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION VLADIMIR PUTIN
[February 16, 2005, 20:04:21]
“Dear Ilham Heydarovich,
Dear friends,
Today, certainly, is a significant day. We have prepared for it with
special feeling, with special goodwill for our Azerbaijan friends and
colleagues. Now, opening the Year of Azerbaijan in Russia, I am glad
to see in Moscow participants and visitors of this celebration. And,
certainly, I want to thank sincerely the President of Azerbaijan, all
people who took part in development of this action, its preparation,
for the big work, which has been done by this moment. It is
confident, what not smaller work and with huge positive result will
be done within the year.
The initiative to carry out so scale actions both in Russia, and in
Azerbaijan was born one year ago during visit of the President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Heydarovich to Moscow. It has been widely maintained
both by the public, and creative collectives. I think it could not be
differently. In fact, our peoples are interested in strengthening of
friendly relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. Peoples with the
common history, similar world visions, and close interlacing of human
destinies. At all national originality, our peoples were always
interesting and important for each other. Also it will be especially
valuable, on all turns of history, we have supported each other,
remaining trustworthy allies and kind friends.
I want to note especially, that for last years, for last decade, such
positive development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia
became possible due to authority and wisdom of Heydar Aliyev. We in
Russia remember, we honor his merits and his memory. Peoples of
Russia and Azerbaijan faithfully regard our common heritage both in
peace, and in military. I shall not list names of everyone who has
brought in huge contribution to science, culture of the former Soviet
Union, in our common development. The brotherhood of our peoples has
passed training in struggle against fascism. The 60th anniversary of
the Victory comes nearer. And, it is natural, that we shall mark it
together. I am grateful to the President of Azerbaijan that he has
accepted the invitation and will be in Moscow on May 8-9 this year.
Taking the chance, I want to greet veterans of Azerbaijan. We honor
courage and heroism of 600 thousand Azerbaijanis, which
self-denyingly battled on fronts of Great Patriotic War and brought
our general victory. 42 from them became Heroes of Soviet Union, and
12 -knights of “Slava” Order. Today, the Russian-Azerbaijan
political, economic and cultural dialogue consistently and actively
develop. Citizens of both countries connect with its development the
solution of the vital problems. The question is mutually advantageous
cooperation, about questions of employment and migration, about use
of the common cultural-information space, including in sphere of
education, and also about preservation of rich national traditions.
Just the President has mentioned that for last year our commodity
circulation has grown for 50 percent. It is bright result of last
years. I would like to emphasize especially also, that our
partnership is a significant factor of regional stability. We are
equally interested in more active use of CIS opportunities. And for
solution of our common social and economic problems, and for joint
counteraction to threats of national safety, terrorism and extremism.
Russia aspires to promote also to a worthy outcome of the Karabakh
problem and provide reliable safety in this region.
In rapprochement of peoples of Russia and Azerbaijan, we give a
special role to humanitarian connections; we support preservation of
the common spiritual heritage of our peoples. And in this connection,
I want to note successful realization of the first stage of the
Program of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere designed for
2004-2006. Human contacts are inexhaustible strategic resource, which
underlies original interethnic and inter-confessional consent. And
the weightiest word here belongs to creative and scientific
intelligentsia, the religious public, and representatives of the most
different faiths, the Diasporas. Their authority and creative energy
are capable to enrich our dialogue considerably. It is convinced that
uniting all these programs the Year of Azerbaijan in Russia should
open road to new public and business initiatives, direct contacts
between people. We support the closest cooperation with Azerbaijan
and we feel same on the part of our partners.
Once again I want to wish our nations peace and welfare, and to the
Year of Azerbaijan in Russia I want to tell: “Welcome!”
***
After the official part, was held concert with participation of the
masters of art of Azerbaijan.

RUSSIANS AND AZERIS ARE RELIABLE ALLIES AND GOOD FRIENDS – PUTIN
RIA Novosti, Russia
Feb 16 2005
MOSCOW, February 16 (RIA Novosti) – On Wednesday night the presidents
of Russia and Azerbaijan participated in the official ceremony of
opening the Year of Azerbaijan in Russia.
“For all their national originality our peoples have always been of
interest and importance to each other. What is especially valuable,
at every turn of history Russians and Azeris supported each other,
remaining reliable allies and good friends”, President Vladimir
Putin said.
He noted the role of the former president of Azerbaijan, Geidar
Aliev. “In the last decade the positive development of relations
between Azerbaijan and Russia has become possible thanks to the
authority and wisdom of Geidar Aliev. We in Russia remember and
cherish his merits and memory”, the Russian head of state said.
“The brotherhood among our peoples has been tempered by fire in the
struggle against fascism”, Mr.Putin noted. “The 60th anniversary of
Victory is approaching and we will, certainly, mark it together”.
The Russian president thanked President Ilham Aliev for accepting
his invitation to visit Moscow on May 8-9 of this year.
“We cherish the courage and heroism of 600,000 Azeris which selflessly
fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War and forged our common
victory”, the Russian president said. And recalled that 42 Azeris
became Heroes of the Soviet Union and 12 full-class holders of the
Order of Glory.
As to the present day of Russian-Azeri relations, Mr.Putin stressed
that the political, economic and cultural dialog between Russia
and Azerbaijan is actively developing. “It is mutually beneficial
cooperation, job placement and migration, use of the common cultural
and information space, including in the sphere of education”, he said.
Mr.Putin called the partnership of Russia and Azerbaijan “a significant
factor of regional stability”. Russia and Azerbaijan “are in equal
degree interested in more active use of the opportunities of the CIS
for the solution of common socio-economic problems, joint opposition
to national security threats, terrorism and extremism”.
Mr.Putin assured that Russia “seeks to worthily untie the Karabakh
knot and ensure reliable security in the region”.
In conclusion President Putin said that Russia “stands for the
closest cooperation with Azerbaijan and feels the same mood in the
Azeri colleagues”.

Putin, Aliyev open Year of Azerbaijan in Russia
ITAR-TASS, Russia
Feb 16 2005
In his speech Putin said, “Due to national identity our peoples
always show interest in and will be very important for each other.”
“The most valuable thing is that in all turns of their history Russians
and Azeris assisted to each other and remained reliable allies and
good friends.”
“In the last 10 years the positive development of relations between
Russia and Azerbaijan was conditioned by Geidar Aliyev’s authority
and wisdom. We, Russians, remember and honour his merits,” Putin said.
He recalled, “Brotherhood of our people experienced in the fight
against fascism. We’ll soon mark the 60th anniversary of VE-Day and it
is natural that we’ll celebrate it together.” The Russian president
thanked Aliyev for he accepts the invitation to visit Moscow as part
of the VE-Day celebrations.
Addressing Azerbaijan’s veterans Putin said, “We honour courage and
heroism of 600,000 Azeris who fought on the fronts of World War II
and struggled for the common victory.” A total of 42 Azeris were
given the title of Heroes of the Soviet Union. Twelve Azeris were
awarded complete sets of the Order of Glory.
On the present development of Russian-Azerbaijani relations, Putin
said political, economic and cultural cooperation is developing
dynamically. “I mean mutually beneficial cooperation, the creation of
new jobs and migration, the use of the common cultural and information
space, including in the field of education,” the president explained.
He stressed that Russia and Azerbaijan “are a significant factor
of regional stability.” Russia and Azerbaijan “are interested in
using the CIS possibilities more actively in order to solve social
and economic problems and jointly counteract the threats to national
security, terrorism and extremism.”
The Russian president said he is convinced that Russia “seeks to do
its best to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and ensure reliable
stability in the region.”
Putin considers the openness of Year of Azerbaijan in Russia “an
absolutely landmark event.”
“It’s very pleasant that our meeting have become regular. Now you’ve
arrived for such pleasant reason – to open Year of Azerbaijan in
Russia,” the Russian president said.
“We attach much significance to this event. I hope that the year 2005
will facilitate the expansion of bilateral friendly relations. We’ll
become closer,” Aliyev said. He expressed the hope that Year of Russia
in Azerbaijan will be held in 2006.
–Boundary_(ID_g1phpfgLI3YwpO3Xo+bOsg)–

Russian foreign minister discusses antiterror fight, economic issues in Armenia
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
17 Feb 05
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is in Armenia on an official
visit.
Today he met Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan and Prime
Minister Andranik Markaryan.
Boosting cooperation in the struggle against terrorism, Armenia’s
transport problems, the situation in the fuel and energy sector,
the implementation of agreements reached by Russia and Armenia were
discussed at the meeting with the Russian official.
A delegation led by Sergey Lavrov visited Tsitsernakaberd in the
afternoon and laid flowers at the genocide memorial. Armenian Foreign
Minister Vardan Oskanyan accompanied Sergey Lavrov.
[Video showed the meeting]

World Bank approves 11m-dollar loan for Azeri refugees
Bilik Dunyasi news agency
17 Feb 05
Baku, 17 February: The Board of Directors of the World Bank [WB]
has approved the project “Assistance to economic development of
internally displaced persons [IDPs]”.
The 11.5m-dollar project envisages improving living conditions, as
well as the social situation of people who became IDPs in the wake
of Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani lands and accelerating their
integration into society.
A total of 200 micro credits each totalling around 50,000 dollars will
be allocated to IDPs within the framework of the project in order to
better their socio-economic situation.
The credits will be allocated to Azerbaijan for a period of 35 years,
including the first 10 years on favourable terms.
Azerbaijan has received loans worth about 620m dollars for 25 projects
since it became a member of the WB in 1992.

Claudie Haigneré invite la Turquie à faire un travail de mémoire
Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine
16 février 2005
EUROPE, mercredi 16 février 2005 – ARMENEWS- La ministre française
déléguée aux Affaires européennes Claudie Haigneré en visite à
Ankara a invité lundi la Turquie à faire “un travail de mémoire”
sur le génocide arménien. “La construction européenne se fait sur la
paix et sur le bon voisinage. Il y a un travail de mémoire qui est
nécessaire pour tous”, a-t-elle notamment dit lors d’une conférence
de presse avec le ministre turc des Affaires étrangères Abdullah Gul.
–Boundary_(ID_RpUeEBZlM1peXWXpiX6PpA)–

Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine
16 février 2005
Un homme d’affaires turc propose à la FRA de dialoguer avec la
Turquie
CAUSE, mercredi 16 février 2005 –ARMENEWS- Kaan Soyak, homme
d’affaires turc qui soutient depuis longtemps la reprise des
relations avec l’Arménie, a appelé lundi la FRA à entamer un dialogue
avec la Turquie. ” Je les invite sérieusement en Turquie pour une
discussion. Si le parti Dachnaktsoutioun est d’accord pour engager un
dialogue avec la Turquie, je vous promets que je ferais de mon mieux
pour l’organiser “, a souligné Kaan Soyak, l’un des deux coprésidents
du Conseil des affaires arméno-turques, lors d’une conférence à
Erevan. Il n’a cependant pas précisé quelles formes pourraient
prendre ce dialogue. Il a simplement expliqué qu’il pourrait
entraîner des ” résultats sérieux ” et donner à la FRA l’opportunité
de changer son image, négative, en Turquie. Selon lui, le
Dashnaktsoutioun n’est pas aussi anti-turc qu’il est présenté dans
son pays. ” En Turquie, le parti Dashnaksoutioun a une image
négative. Mais si vous me demandez mon avis, je décrirais ce parti et
ses leaders comme sérieux et sensés “, a précisé Kaan Soyak.
Ce dernier a lancé l’invitation immédiatement après avoir ” félicité
le peuple arménien” de la part du Premier ministre turc et du
ministre des Affaires étrangères. Mais on ne sait pas si Ankara a un
lien avec cette offre. Les cercles politiques turcs et les médias
affirment souvent que la FRA est un obstacle clef à la normalisation
des relations arméno-turques. Ils utilisent également le soutien
implicite du parti Dashnaktsoutioun aux demandes territoriales de
l’Arménie pour accuser Erevan de ne pas reconnaître la frontière
entre les deux pays.
La FRA est favorable à une attitude ferme envers la Turquie et
demande la reconnaissance du génocide arménien avant toute
normalisation des relations bilatérales. Les leaders du parti ont
dénoncé les efforts américains pour apaiser les tensions qui ont
conduit à la création du Conseil des affaires arméno-turques. Ils
sont également opposés à la réouverture de la frontière arméno-turque
qu’Ankara a fermé par solidarité avec l’Azerbaïdjan.
Le ministre turc des Affaires étrangères, Abdullah Gul, a rassuré la
semaine dernière son homologue azéri, Elmar Mammadyarov, en affirmant
que la frontière resterait fermée jusqu’à une résolution du conflit
du Karabagh. Le gouvernement arménien a souvent appelé la Turquie à
renoncer à cette précondition. Cette position est d’ailleurs soutenue
par les hommes d’affaires arméniens et turcs du conseil. Soyak a
précisé que ses collègues et lui allaient continuer à lutter pour la
réouverture de la frontière mais n’était pas très optimistes. Kaan
Soyak a estimé le volume annuel des échanges entre les deux pays, la
plupart passant par la Géorgie, à 120 millions de dollars. Selon lui,
ce chiffre triplera quand l’embargo de la Turquie sera suspendu.
–Boundary_(ID_GcVlxpoQUXShpnjPtMi7fg)–