PACE to hear issue on deportation of Azerbaijanis in 1950s
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Dec 24 2004
A report prepared by Swiss parliament member Mark Eimens on the
deportation of people and ethnic cleansing will be discussed at the
winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(PACE).
The report suggests that a Memorial Center for deported people and
ethnic cleansing victims be set up within the Council of Europe. It
also includes an issue on Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijanis are among those who became victims of deportation in the
former Soviet Union. Under the decision passed by the USSR Council of
Ministers in 1950s, 100,000 Azerbaijanis were deported from Armenia,”
the document said.
The report also covers conflicts in the South Caucasus region, saying
that there are about one million refugees and internally displaced
persons in Azerbaijan.*

Iran: A Look At The Islamic Republic’s Christian Minority
By Golnaz Esfandiari
Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep
Dec 24 2004
Iran is officially designated the “Islamic Republic,” yet among its
more than 66 million people is a small but important Christian
minority. Most of Iran’s Christians are Armenians and Assyrians, who
remain relatively free to follow their faith. The numbers of
Protestants and evangelical Christians are said to be growing. For
these people, life is often much more difficult. RFE/RL correspondent
Golnaz Esfandiari takes a look at Iran’s Christian minority.
Prague, 23 December 2004 (RFE/RL) — Christian Armenians and
Assyrians have lived for centuries on the territory of what is today
Iran.
Vigen, one of Iran’s most famous singers, came from the country’s
Armenian community. He was loved by all Iranians in spite of the fact
his faith was different from the vast majority. He died recently, but
remains a legend.
The number of Armenians, Iran’s largest Christian minority, was
estimated at about 300,000 in 1979. It has declined in recent times
but remains culturally important.
Mardo Soghom, the director of RFE/RL’s Radio Farda, is Armenian by
origin but grew up in Isfahan, in central Iran.
“The 400-year history of the Armenian community in Iran is perhaps
the greatest example of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence,
even at the time when the country experienced isolation and
socio-economic backwardness,” Soghom said. “In the 20th century, as
the country modernized, the Armenian community thrived both
economically and culturally. After the revolution, dislocations and
restrictions affecting the general population also created hardships
for Armenians, nearly half the community left Iran. Some
discriminatory policies and restrictions came into effect, but still
community rights are generally protected.”
Armenians have two seats in the Iranian parliament but continue to
face cultural, social, and administrative difficulties. They report
discrimination in finding work, and just a few Armenian schools are
fortunate enough to have an Armenian schoolmaster.
The Assyrian Christian population is estimated at some 10,000. They
have one seat in the parliament.
Iran is also home to a small number of Catholics and a small but
growing number of Protestants.
A relatively new phenomenon is the rising number of Muslim-born
Iranians who convert to Christianity.
Issa Dibaj is the son of reverend Hassan Dibaj, a Christian convert
who was jailed and later found murdered in 1994. Issa Dibaj left Iran
five years ago and now lives in the U.K.
“There is another Christian minority that people know little about,
these are Iranians who are born as Muslims and then later become
Christians,” Dibaj said. “Their number is growing day by day. [There]
may be around 100,000 [of them], but no one really knows the exact
number.”
Such Christians run a potentially dangerous risk. Under Islamic law
as practiced in Iran, a Muslim who converts to another faith can face
the death penalty.
The government has refrained from executing people for this in recent
years, nevertheless it has taken measure to curb proselytizing by
Christians.
Some churches have been closed and reports say the authorities are
putting pressure on evangelicals not to recruit Muslims or to allow
them to attend services.
In September, 85 member of the Assemblies of God church were arrested
during a conference in Iran. One remains in jail.
Dibaj said in spite of the restrictions, he sees a growing interest
in Christianity: “[Iranians] see that the establishment which came in
the name of Islam has brought them only war, rancor, hatred, and
killings. At the same time, they see the message of Jesus, which is
love. It attracts them through programs they see on satellite or
through their Christian friends.”
He added: “People are very curious, very interested. Iranians [are]
open and they like to know more about different cultures, ideas, and
religions. I had friends who had been prisoners of war in Iraq, at
the university they were my best friends, they were very interested
[about my faith], and I gave some of them the Bible.”
Iranian Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus pretty much like
other Christians around the world. They decorate Christmas trees,
exchange gifts, and attend services. Depending on the calendar,
Armenians and Assyrians celebrate Christmas on 6 January. Others
celebrate usually on 24 December.
According to some reports Persia may even be the land of origin of
the “Three Wise Men” who — according to the Bible — arrived bearing
gifts for the birth of Christ. Some say they were Persian “Magi” —
members of priestly caste at the time.

Netherlands recognises Turkish Genocide of Armenians
By Our Editor
Het Financieele Dagblad (Dutch newspaper)
December 23, 2004
AMSTERDAM – The Dutch government has recognised the Genocide of 1915 of
the Armenians by the Ottoman Turks. Minister Ben Bot of Foreign Affairs
‘welcomes’ the motion in which the House of Representatives asks the
government “to raise continuously and expressly the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide in the dialogue with Turkey”.
“The minister considers the motion as a support. At each negotiation,
even as we are not President of EU, The Netherlands will bring up
the question. We have always put the subject on the agenda and it
is not for nothing that we raise this question. We want a solution
for this part of the history before Turkey accesses EU. In this way
you can see it as de facto a recognition”, on being asked explains
the spokesman of Bot.
The motion, submitted by the member of parliament André Rouvoet of
Christian Union, has been adopted unanimously on Tuesday evening during
the debate on the outcome of the EU summit in relation with Turkey.
Earlier, in Europe, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Sweden
and Switzerland recognised the Genocide of 1.5 million Armenians.
–Boundary_(ID_V/FbNs5Stw6gf6HfTvYbdw)–

Children’s Bible Now in Turkish
Zenit News Agency, Italy
Dec 24 2004
ROME, DEC. 23, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic charity Aid to the
Church in Need has published its youngster-friendly Bible, “God Speaks
to His Children,” in Turkish.
The first edition comprises 15,000 copies, 5,000 of which are to be
distributed in Turkey, while the remaining 10,000 are destined for
native Turkish speakers scattered throughout Western Europe.
According to Dominican Father Lorenzo Piretto, an Istanbul-based
priest from Italy, “There are about 100,000 Christians” among the
country’s population of about 68 million.
The majority of Christians in the western Asian country “are
Apostolic Armenians. The Catholics are Latins, Chaldeans, Armenians
and Syrians. There are also Greek and Syrian Orthodox, as well as
various Protestant groups,” Father Piretto stated in a letter.
“The Catechists are very content to have excerpts from the Bible in
Turkish,” he added. “At the entrance of churches, where the books
are displayed, Muslims are free to take” a copy.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NEW US EMBASSY COMPOUND TO BE OPERATIONAL BY APRIL 2005
ArmenPress
Dec 23 2004
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: The US embassy in Yerevan told
Armenpress that the construction of the new embassy compound is
scheduled to be completed in March 2005. They Embassy will be fully
operational in April 2005, when the embassy plans to move out of its
current building on Baghramian Street in downtown Yerevan.
The Embassy grounds, located on the right side of Etchmiadzin-Yerevan
highway comprise 9 hectares – in terms of land occupied, this is one
of the largest Embassy compounds in the world.
Besides the main chancery, there are two compound access control
buildings, a two-story annex with offices and technical work areas,
a warehouse, and a Marine Security Guard residence. On the lower
level of the site we hope to eventually build recreation facilities.
All US Government sections and agencies will be co-located at the new
chancery except for Peace Corps and some of our Agriculture program
office. Our staff is not getting larger as a result of the move, but
all of our current employees (70 Americans and more than 400 local
staff) will finally have adequate workspace. The consular section and
public areas will also be much larger so that there is room for all of
our visitors and customers – no more standing in lines on the sidewalk.
The buildings on the compound are designed to be modern,
state-of-the-art, and secure. They are built to meet the highest US
standards and reflect the latest is seismically safe architecture.
The Embassy is intended to be a fine example of US Architecture and
mechanical design, while providing spacious, functional workspace for
all of our employees. The main Chancery building is five stories
tall. All the other buildings are two stories.
Currently there are 796 construction specialists, engineers and
security personnel working at the new embassy site. This includes
644 Armenian craftsman, 84 Turkish and 38 Philippine commercial
construction specialists, with 30 American staff members. Workers
from other countries were brought in for special skills not available
among the local workforce.
Many have worked on other US Embassy projects across the world. As
a part of the project in Yerevan, the Embassy invested more than
a quarter of a million dollars to establish a training program for
Armenian craftsman, teaching them the advanced construction skills
needed for this type of project. One hundred and twenty-six local
construction specialists graduated from the program, providing Armenia
with a new cadre of skilled workers who will help make this sector
of Armenia’s workforce internationally competitive.
Construction began in September 2002 after almost ten years of
planning. In total the project budget is $80 million. Through
employment and direct purchase of materials, much of that sum has
been directly invested in the Armenian Economy.
The new embassy building is testament to the commitment of the U.S. to
stay and work with Armenia for many years to come. “Drawing on the
strength and intelligence of the Armenian people, we are confident
that much can, and will, be accomplished toward building a truly
independent, democratic, and prosperous Armenia.” the embassy said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

JAPANESE EXPERTS TO CARRY OUT ANTI-LANDSLIDE PROJECT
ArmenPress
Dec 23 2004
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: A new team of land-slide experts
from Japan has arrived in Armenia bringing also a batch of modern
equipment to start the second stage of a project that aims to
eliminate landslide dangers, funded by a Japanese government grant.
Deputy urban minister Sos Kocharian told Armenpress the second
stage of the project is supposed to be over next June. He said
Japanese experts will launch pilot programs in three Armenian
regions, suffering from landslides. The project comprises geological
studies, design work and protection measures.
Based on the studies Japanese will prepare a master plan that will
allow the government to seek the assistance of international donor
organizations to carry out large-scale anti-slide measures.
The third phase of the project is expected to follow. Findings of
the first stage of studies revealed that virtually one third of
settlements is located in areas that could be affected by land
slides.

Next round of peace talks due in January
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Dec 24 2004
The next meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers is
due in Prague on January 15, Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group
Yuri Merzlyakov told local ANS television. He also voiced his position
on the recent statement by Armenian foreign minister Vardan Oskanian
that Armenia is ready to show decisiveness with regard to the issue
of Upper Garabagh’s self-determination.
“We are currently working on a specific issue – the January 15
consultations on the Upper Garabagh conflict resolution. The parties
will put forth their positions in Prague and we will try to bring
them closer. It is not necessary to make any statements on the issue
at this point”, Merzlyakov said.*

NEWS FROM ARMENIAN-POPULATED REGION OF GEORGIA
ArmenPress
Dec 23 2004
AKHALKALAK, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: Georgian Development Fund has
marked out $40,000 for the repair of the therapy department of a
clinic in Akhalkalak, the administrative center of a region in the
southern Georgia, populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. According to
the clinic’s director, Alexan Torosian, the repair will start next
January.
The clinic is located in a building that once served as a garrison
for the Russian military base. The first and second floors of the
clinic were repaired two years ago on funds released by Georgian
health ministry. The therapy department is located on the third
floor.
Georgia’s Development Fund is the second biggest non-governmental
organization, after the Armenian Relief Union that has been sending
assistance to the clinic. The Armenian Relief Union bought $600,000
worth equipment for it.
The A-Info news agency working in the region, reported that the
2005 draft budget of Georgia has earmarked money for repair of a road
that connects the region with Tbilisi.
In a related news A-Info said Georgia’s state television started
on December 22 regular 30-minute broadcast of news n Armenian.

Azerbaijan to prove Armenia’s policy of settlement in occupied lands – political analyst
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Dec 24 2004
The OSCE fact-finding mission is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan
in January-February 2005 to study the situation in the country’s
occupied lands.
Commenting on the fact that Azerbaijani and Turkish representatives
have not been included in the mission, chairman of the Center for
Political Innovation and Technology Mubariz Ahmadoghlu said Azerbaijan
has enough evidence to ensure that the mission experts conduct an
unbiased monitoring in the occupied territories.
“Not only Armenians but also several international organizations,
including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors
Without Borders, are engaged in purposeful settlement of population
in Upper Garabagh and other occupied lands of Azerbaijan.”
The political analyst also said that several families of Armenian
descent, who became victims of an earthquake that hit Armenia in 1988,
were settled in the Lachin District, another Azerbaijani territory
under occupation.
This fact was indirectly confirmed by German, Russian and Armenian
representatives of the international organization on search of
prisoners of war and missing people. They officially announced that
all living conditions were created for mentally retarded Armenians
in the mountainous area of Lachin District.
“Armenians will not be able to hide their large-scale activities
on settling population in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan,” said
Ahmadoghlu.*
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Radical group advocates for “Garabagh guerillas”
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Dec 24 2004
The Garabagh Liberation Organization (GLO) protested the court sentence
on the “Garabagh guerillas” in a news conference on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Grave Crimes Court sentenced 5 of 21 young people,
charged with setting up an illegal armed group, to conditional
imprisonment, while the rest received from 3 to 10 years in prison.
Chairman of the organization Akif Naghi called the court verdict,
pronounced by judge Azer Orujov, ‘an order by the authorities’, saying
he is surprised that the court has issued different punishments on
those who committed the same offence.
The GLO chairman said that the committee for the rights of the
“guerillas” will take the case to the Court of Appeals and make every
effort to get them released.
The radical group also plans to involve different layers of the
society in this matter.
Relatives of the defendants termed the court ruling as ‘punishment
pursued by Armenia’s prosecutor’s office’ and said they will appeal
to the Azerbaijani President, calling on him to protect the rights
of his country’s citizens.