Kyrgyzstan won’t allow AWACS flights
Associated Press
Feb 14 2005
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Kyrgyzstan’s foreign minister said on Monday
that the government has turned down a U.S. request to deploy AWACS
radar planes in the country after consultations with regional allies,
including Russia and China.
Kyrgyzstan has hosted a U.S.-led coalition air base at the country’s
main airport just outside the capital, Bishkek, since December 2001.
The base supports combat operations in nearby Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov said on Monday that Kyrgyzstan’s
government had been approached by the United States and NATO about
the possibility of deploying AWACS planes in this country, a former
Soviet republic and a neighbor of China. Aitmatov didn’t say when the
request was made.
“The issue has been thoroughly looked into by the Kyrgyz government,
which has held consultations with its allies in the Collective
Security Treaty and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Aitmatov
told reporters in Bishkek.
“They (the consultations) led to understanding that such planes do
not really correspond to the base’s mission, which is designed for
operations in Afghanistan,” Aitmatov said.
Aitmatov said he hoped Kyrgyzstan’s Western allies would understand
the country’s position.
The Russia-dominated Collective Security Treaty unites several
ex-Soviet republics, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Belarus and
Armenia.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is led by China and Russia and
also includes Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, who aim to
jointly combat regional security threats.
The U.S.-led base in Kyrgyzstan currently hosts around 800 troops,
who maintain and fly military cargo and refueling planes.
Kyrgyzstan also hosts a Russian air base which was established in
2003 — a measure seen as Russia’s response to the bolstered U.S.
military presence in the region.
Hundreds of U.S. troops are deployed in neighboring Uzbekistan.
–Boundary_(ID_m0FD4oScbROKvdNDfkWx0A)–

Russian company buys Armenian power grid – agency
Regnum, Moscow
12 Feb 05
[No dateline as received] In November last year Regnum news agency
reported about talks between the British trade and industrial concern
Midland Resources Holding Ltd and the RAO UES (Russia) [Russia’s
power grid monopoly Unified Energy System] on the sale of the Armenian
power grid. The press secretary of the Armenian power grid, Margarita
Grigoryan, officially denied reports from a well-informed source in
the company that the Russian holding would become the owner of the
Armenian power grid in January 2005.
Meanwhile, Yerevan-based newspaper Aykakan Zhamanak reported on 12
February that a subsidiary of the RAO UES of Russia, Inter RAO UES,
has bought the Armenian power grid from Midland Resources for 80m
dollars. The deal will be officially made public in April 2005, the
newspaper noted. Aykakan Zhamanak noted that the World Bank is roundly
against handing over the Armenian power grid to Russia. The newspaper
also alleged that “after the sale of the Armenian power grid, Russia
will not be the only one to control them”. [Sentence as published]
To recap, an agreement on the sale of the Armenian power grid was
signed in Yerevan on 26 August between the Armenian government and
the British trade and industrial concern Midland Resources Holding
Ltd. In accordance with the document, 80.1 per cent of the Armenian
power grid shares were sold to the concern for 37.15m dollars. The
British company was to pay 12.15m dollars for the shares and to
allocate another 25m dollars to the Armenian budget to cover the
Armenian power grid’s debts and to pay wage arrears.
The RAO UES of Russia owns the Sevan-Razdan cascade of hydro-electric
power plants and the Razdan thermoelectric power plant and controls
finances of the Armenia Nuclear Power Plant. The RAO UES set up the
International Energy Corporation closed-type joint-stock company in May
2003 for the management of the Sevan-Razdan cascade of hydro-electric
power plants, which was handed over to Russia to cover part of the debt
for the nuclear fuel delivered for the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant.
Finances of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant have been placed in
trust management of Inter RAO UES, a subsidiary of the RAO UES,
(60 per cent of shares) and Russia’s state nuclear power holding
Rosenergoatom (40 per cent) for five years.
Probably, the sale of the Armenian power grid should be viewed in
the context of the RAO UES’ attempt to synchronize the power grids
of the entire region, including Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Taking account of the fact that after the commissioning of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, Armenia will export electricity to Iran
in exchange for the supplied gas, which is outlined in the major
agreement, the issue of synchronizing the Armenian and Iranian power
grids could also emerge on the agenda. Since the RAO UES is also the
owner of Georgia’s major power facilities, one can say that the RAO UES
is striving to synchronize the work of the power grids of the whole of
the region, including Armenia, Georgia and even Turkey in the future.

Armenia-Iran energy cooperation suits USA, agency says
Mediamax news agency, Yerevan
14 Feb 05
Excerpt from report in English by Armenian news agency Mediamax on
14 February headlined “Armenia between Iran and the United States”
The Armenian defence minister and secretary of the Security Council
under the Armenian president, Serzh Sarkisyan, paid an official visit
to Iran last week.
[Passage omitted: details of Sarkisyan’s visit]
The Armenian defence minister’s visit to Teheran took place right at
the time when clouds began gathering over Iran. Despite the fact that
the United States has not lately displayed any signs of discontent
over the expanding Armenian-Iranian political, economic and energy
cooperation, it should not be ruled out that the situation may change
in case the pressure on Iran increases.
[Passage omitted: USA imposed sanctions on Armenian company in 2002
for delivering chemical substances to Iran; details of plans to build
Armenia-Iran gas pipeline]
Washington, naturally, has never supported the Iran-Armenia gas
pipeline project. In March 2002, the US ambassador to Armenia, John
Ordway, said that the United States was not against ordinary economic
relations between Armenia and Iran. “However, the USA is preoccupied
with the fact that Iran supports terrorism and purchases weapons of
mass destruction… As Armenia is one of Iran’s closest neighbours,
I expect these issues should give concern to Armenia as well,” the
American diplomat said.
Nevertheless, over the past years the United States has made
no statement against the construction of an Iran-Armenia gas
pipeline. However paradoxical it may seem, we dare suppose that
the construction of an Iran-Armenia gas pipeline is, in a sense,
advantageous to the United States, which has begun open expansion in
the South Caucasus, since the realization of this project will make
Yerevan less dependent on Moscow, and, therefore, more compliant in
issues concerning the promotion of relations with Washington.
[Passage omitted: quotes from Armenian foreign minister’s statement
made in September 2004]
Although a war against Iran is highly unlikely, it is obvious that the
United States will increase its pressure on Teheran. This, of course,
gives concern to Yerevan, which should not waste time and should work
out several scenarios (optimistic, pessimistic and very pessimistic)
of behaviour and wait to see how far the confrontation between the
United States and Iran will go. For instance, if the rift widens,
Armenia will have to be more persistent with the United States in
the issue of opening the Armenian-Turkish border as an alternative
to Iranian communication routes. But if US-Iranian relations warm
up a little (this is, unfortunately, very unlikely), Armenia may try
to assume the role of a bridge between the sides which can launch a
policy of “small steps”.
In any case, the time has come when Armenia, which is already
overloaded with numerous commitments to the powers often pursuing
opposite strategic aims in the region, has to conduct a much more
cautious policy. Any mistake, which is considered to be minor in the
short term, can have serious consequences in the long run.

Kyrgyzstan won’t let U.S. and NATO deploy AWACS planes
AP Worldstream
Feb 14, 2005
Kyrgyzstan’s foreign minister said on Monday that the government has
turned down a U.S. request to deploy AWACS radar planes in the country
after consultations with regional allies, including Russia and China.
Kyrgyzstan has hosted a U.S.-led coalition air base at the country’s
main airport just outside the capital, Bishkek, since December
2001. The base supports combat operations in nearby Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov said on Monday that Kyrgyzstan’s
government had been approached by the United States and NATO about
the possibility of deploying AWACS planes in this country, a former
Soviet republic and a neighbor of China. Aitmatov didn’t say when
the request was made.
“The issue has been thoroughly looked into by the Kyrgyz government,
which has held consultations with its allies in the Collective
Security Treaty and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Aitmatov
told reporters in Bishkek.
“They (the consultations) led to understanding that such planes do
not really correspond to the base’s mission, which is designed for
operations in Afghanistan,” Aitmatov said.
Aitmatov said he hoped Kyrgyzstan’s Western allies would understand
the country’s position.
The Russia-dominated Collective Security Treaty unites several
ex-Soviet republics, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Belarus and
Armenia.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is led by China and Russia
and also includes Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, who aim to
jointly combat regional security threats.
The U.S.-led base in Kyrgyzstan currently hosts around 800 troops,
who maintain and fly military cargo and refueling planes.
Kyrgyzstan also hosts a Russian air base which was established in 2003
_ a measure seen as Russia’s response to the bolstered U.S. military
presence in the region.
Hundreds of U.S. troops are deployed in neighboring Uzbekistan.

UAE defence minister assures Azeri counterpart of support in Karabakh
Lider TV, Baku
14 Feb 05
The United Arab Emirates supports the position of the Baku government
in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, the UAE minister of defence
and crown prince of Dubai, Gen Shaykh Muhammad Bin-Rashid al-Maktum,
has said at a meeting with [visiting] Azerbaijani Defence Minister
Safar Abiyev.
He said that the UAE will support Azerbaijan’s position in the future
as well.
The meeting will also focus on defence cooperation. [Sentence as heard]

Armenian ombudsman displeased with new bill
Aravot web site, Yerevan
11 Feb 05
A government session held yesterday and chaired by President Robert
Kocharyan discussed and approved draft amendments to the law “On
human rights defender”.
Under the draft law, the ombudsman cannot interfere in court trials
but can advise the plaintiff on appealing against the court verdict.
During the discussions Armenian ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan asked to
allow her to put forward her position. But the president interrupted
her rudely: “The ombudsman has the right to ask questions but not
to interfere.”
Larisa Alaverdyan walked out of the session after this. In an interview
with an Aravot correspondent, the human rights defender said that
she considered this amendment to be unreasonable.

THE TURKEY ISSUE
Azg/arm
15 Feb 05
French Analyst Article in Moscow Paper
One can only wonder reading articles of European political scientists
on Islam, Islamic states and their civilizations: canâ~@~Yt
these people see or donâ~@~Yt they want to see the real danger to
Christian civilization or civilization as a whole? How close does the
Muslim world stand to such noble European ideas as democracy, human
rights, womanâ~@~Ys emancipation, respecting the rights of national
minorities? When the Muslims were â~@~Xstrugglingâ~@~Y for the right
of wearing headscarves, they skillfully used the European credo of
freedom. But who will ever see a Christian demand a similar thing in,
say, Saudi Arabia or Iran.
>>From this perspective and from the viewpoint of Armenian subjective
approach, the article of Thierry de Montbrial, president of French
Institute of International Relations, entitled â~@~XThe Turkey
Issueâ~@~Y published in one of Moscow newspapers is immensely
interesting.
Montbrial thinks that the widening of the European Union makes it
versatile and variegated and considers it is dangerous. The Turkey
issue arises on this ground. Turkey entered the pilot stage of EU
accession after the Helsinki sitting in 1999. Three years later, just
before the Copenhagen summit, Justice and Prosperity Party declaring
adherence to Islam and bidding for a “party of Muslim democracy” came
to power. Meanwhile the new government continued the policy of reforms
launched by their predecessors and received the monitoring group of
the European Commission, to great surprise of numerous observers. Thus,
Turkey is doing everything to join the “Christian Club”.
The French analyst asks why they fear Turkey in Europe. Turkey for
most of the Europeans, he says, is an embodiment of deeply rooted
events that make them dread. The image of a dangerous enemy and
conqueror is palpable.
Democracy is another cause for fear; Turkeyâ~@~Ys population is about
70 million and keeps on growing. Once an EU member, it may have the
greatest majority of representatives at the European Parliament.
Thirdly, Europeans fear Islam that grew in momentum after the 9/11.
Franceâ~@~Ys open opposition to Turkey-EU relations, and the apologists
of Turkey-free Europe often refer to French politiciansâ~@~Y
statements. “Turkey stands very close to Europe and it has a real
political elite. Its importance is great but it is not considered a
European state”, Valeri Giscard d´Estaing, ex-president of France,
stated. If it becomes a member of the community that will be “the
end of the European Union”, Thierry de Montbrial wrote.
The most important part of the article for the Armenians is perhaps
the part where Montbrial speaks of the possibilities of general
reconciliation.
Itâ~@~Ys obvious, he says, that the UE is leaning on few conjoint
ideas that are united forming a system. They are: democracy, human
rights, respect for and protection of minorities, the rule of law,
reconciliation, secular government and market economy (Copenhagen
criteria).
The French analyst highlights 3 issues: relation of democracy to
minorities, secular government and reconciliation. He says that it
would be a great achievement if Turkey manages to settle all issues
concerning national minorities, the Kurdish issue first and foremost,
in accordance with the Western criteria.
Mentioning of the societyâ~@~Ys secularization, the author hesitates
that implacable adherents of Islam may come to power if Turkey fails
in effecting democratic reforms to join EU. They are possibly waiting
for their hour hoping that Turkeyâ~@~Ys candidacy will be voted down.
Concerning reconciliation, the author emphasizes latterâ~@~Ys romantic
nature no matter how desirable it is. Those concocting great plans have
the right and even have to dream. Why cannot we dream of reconciliation
of Turks and Greeks, successors of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires,
and even of representatives of 3 religions?
Though it is hard to imagine, Montbrial notes, we can also dream of
Armenian-Turkish reconciliation on the basis of European project. What
we mean by project is a system that will include realization of the
3 following conditions.
Firstly, each stage of broadening the EU has to be tested not
to destroy the system as a whole. The process of “transplantation”
has to be controlled. So, the immediate joining of such a country as
Turkey is hardly possible, it may happen in the course of time.
Secondly, the member states have to prove in practice that they
are truly following the Copenhagen criteria. Whereas it is scarcely
optimistic as regards Muslim countries.
And thirdly, no EU candidate can join the Union unless there is
unanimous consent of the member states after the accession talks. The
French analyst is pessimistic as regards the results of the future
talks.
All in all, Montbrial thinks that it would be a mistake not to start
accession talks in near future. Unless we do that, nationalistic and
Islamic forces turned against Europe will come to light throwing the
country into crises with unimaginable consequences. Besides, Montbrial
states unambiguously, the start of the talks is not equivalent to
the end.
By Ruben Hayrapetian
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TURKEY TO TARGET AT ORHAN PAMUK
Azg/arm
15 Feb 05
Turkish Papers and Scientists Declare Him Traitor of Nation
The Swiss Tagesanzeiger published the interview given by Orhan Pamuk,
Turkish novelist, in its February 6 issue. Itâ~@~Ys worth reminding
that the Turkish novelist emphasized the necessity to publicly speak
about the tragic events that took place in the past and added: “30
thousand Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in Turkey. Almost
no one dares speak but me, and the nationalists hate me for that.”
The statement made by Pamuk aroused indignation in Turkey and he
became the target of almost all Turkish newspapers that condemn him
of treason.
For example, Vatan newspaper touched upon the statement of Pamuk in
“Is the Freedom of Speech Is Also Freedom of Treason?” article, while
the article published in Aksham is entitled “Why Does Pamuk Hate?”
Hyurriet called Pamuk “the black writer” in the article by Fatih
Altay. The newspaper calls him a liar, emphasizing that his approach is
that of an enemy. Hyurriet called the writer “a miserable creature,”
adding that they even donâ~@~Yt want to waste their hatred on him.
The Turkish scientists join the Turkish press in making Orhan Pamuk
a target for criticism and hatred. In order to comment Pamukâ~@~Ys
statement, Gazete Vatani turned to Tokamesh Atesh, professor at the
Istanbul University, who called this statement a huge drawback for
the novelist, adding that the history shouldnâ~@~Y t be analyzed like
that. Professor Bahaddin Yediydez accused Pamuk of ignorance and said:
“There is not a single country in the world where the state authorities
do not interfere with the rebellion of a separate ethnic group.”
Professor Hikmet Ozdemir, head of the Armenian Studies Department at
the Turkish Union of Historians, threatened to refute the “unfair”
statement of Pamuk scientifically. At the same time, he emphasized that
he, as a scientist, canâ~@~Yt seriously treat Pamuk, saying that his
statement about the massacre of 1 million Armenians is a “great lie.”
Halil Inaljek, professor at the Bosphorus University, accepting the
worldwide fame of Pamuk, condemned him of making an irresponsible
statement against the Turkish state and the Turkish nation.
Perhaps, only Halil Berktay, professor at Sabanj University, supported
Pamuk describing him as a fair intelligent and pointed out that he
told the truth. Berktay added: “In 1915-16 about 800 thousand or 1
million Armenians were killed for sure. I donâ~@~Yt know how many Kurds
were killed in the Southeast of the country. But, I think it is quite
possible that the number of the killed Kurds amounted 30 thousand.”
Itâ~@~Ys worthless to comment on the response of the Turkish press
and the scientists to the statement made by Orhan Pamuk. We just want
to inform our readers about the confrontation, so that the Armenian
society can response the anti-Armenian statements of the dregs of
society that have to unfold Turkish-Azeri propaganda in Armenia. At
the same time, we want to tell the public, culture and political
figures visiting Turkey that they shouldnâ~@~Yt mix the tolerance in
issue of the difference in the opinions with joining their voices to
the Turkish denial of the Armenian Genocide.
By Hakob Chakrian
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ATTEMPTS TO BRING KARABAKH ISSUE INTO NATO LIMELIGHT
Azg/arm
15 Feb 05
“We think that Armenia-NATO cooperation should further develop as
it may be an important guarantee of peace in the region. Meanwhile
Armeniaâ~@~Ys stance at the Parliamentary Assembly differs from those
of Azerbaijan and Georgia who declare of integrating into NATOâ~@~Ys
military structures”, Mher Shahgeldian, Armenian representative at
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, said.
It is obvious that Azerbaijan attempts to unfold its propaganda at
the PA, contrary to Armeniaâ~@~Ys inactivity.
It is known that Ziyafet Askerov, Azeri representative to NATO PA,
stated that PA also should put the PACE resolution on Nagorno Karabakh
on the discussion table.
Although NATO always kept to neutrality in the issue of regional
conflicts, the Armenian representative to PA thinks that the PA,
being independent from NATO, can perhaps turn to Karabakh issue. “We
do not have any information about discussions over Karabakh issue at
the PA but Askerovâ~@~Ys words evidence that Azeris are going to take
certain steps. We have to be more intensive and organized in our work”,
Shahgeldian said.
Turkeyâ~@~Ys presence in NATO as Azerbaijanâ~@~Ys trusted and
experienced ally should also be considered.
By Karine Danielian
–Boundary_(ID_oeIMLFkzdZeleYlznfCz6w)–

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
SOME TWENTY COUNTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN GENOCIDE TRIBUTE EVENT
Fmr. Governor Deukmejian to Serve as Honorary Chairman
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly, along with the Armenian General
Benevolent Union and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church,
announced today that diplomats from some 20 countries, as well as
special guests George Deukmejian, former Governor of California
and Gagik Kirakosian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia,
will participate in next week’s Armenian Genocide Tribute in Los
Angeles, CA.
The “International Relief, Refuge, and Recognition Tribute,” to be
held on February 24 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, will recognize
those nations who supported the survivors of the Armenian Genocide
or subsequently have officially affirmed the Genocide.
Special guests include former Los Angeles County District Attorney
Robert Philibosian as master of ceremonies, Los Angeles Mayor James
Hahn and Chief Deputy Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Lisa Kalustian. Armenian Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Anthony
Barsamian and Western Office Chairman Richard Mushegain, as well AGBU
and Church leaders, will also be on hand.
“With the landmark 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this
year, this International Tribute will help set the stage for formal
commemorations in April,” said Vahe Imasdounian, AGBU Southern
California District Committee Chairman. “Our community is delighted
by the fantastic response to this unprecedented event. We also hope
that this event will serve to call international attention to the
atrocities that befell the Armenian nation.”
To date, the following nations have confirmed attendance: Belgium,
Cyprus, Ethiopia, Germany, Greece, Jordan, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,
Syria and Uruguay. The event will also feature diplomatic corps
members from Belize, Chile, Croatia, Estonia, Jamaica, Liberia,
Poland and Portugal.
For more information on this event, please contact Armenian Assembly
Western Office Deputy Director Nicole Shahenian at (310) 360-0091 or
via email at [email protected].
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
###
NR#2005-012
–Boundary_(ID_qM1ClaNPV8hir9w8WlcAWw)–