Chirac: Turkey will need to recognize Armenian killings during entry talks
By RAF CASERT
The Associated Press
12/17/04 13:17 EST
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) – French President Jacques Chirac told Ankara on
Friday it would have to recognize the mass killings of Armenians in the early
20th century if it wants to become a member of the European Union, insisting the
French would otherwise vote Turkey out in a referendum.
In an extremely guarded welcome to the announcement that the EU will open
membership negotiations with Turkey next October, Chirac said Ankara needed to
go even beyond the list of conditions imposed on it at the EU summit Friday.
“The French people will have the last word,” Chirac told reporters about
the possible referendum if Turkey’s membership negotiations are successful in
ten to 15 years’ time.
He said the French would resolutely vote against membership if the Armenian
massacres are not recognized by the Turkish government.
“If this work is not done then the French would clearly draw conclusions
from this,” he said.
Many French have grave misgivings about Turkey joining, fearing an influx of
cheap labor to France, already stung by 10 percent unemployment. Many here
also question Turkey’s human rights record and its people’s embrace of Islam.
Armenia accuses Turkey of genocide in the killings of up to 1.5 million
Armenians as part of a 1915-1923 campaign to force them out of eastern Turkey. At
that time, Armenia was part of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey remains extremely sensitive to the issue. It denies the genocide,
says the death count is inflated and that Armenians were killed or displaced
along with others as the Ottoman Empire tried to quell civil unrest.
All EU nations must approve any new member, effectively giving each country
a veto.
Chirac said he was confident Turkey would move toward that recognition in
time, but the episode on Armenia highlighted a press conference flush with
warnings and conditions that there were many ways the negotiations could go wrong.
“Turkey will have to make a remarkable effort,” Chirac said, although he
recognized the country had already made “formidable efforts” in pushing
through political and economic reforms to make it to candidate member status.
He stressed that any member can block talks on any chapter under review for
membership and said that if Turkey is found guilty of human right violations,
the talks would be suspended.
Overall, Chirac said, “no one can prejudge what will happen. Possibly
things can go wrong and you can have a crisis, either from the EU or Turkish side.
Then you would have a rift.”
French-Turkish ties became strained in 2001, when French parliament’s
recognition of the killings as a genocide sparked a boycott of French goods and an
exclusion of French companies from Turkish defense contracts.

Chicago Tribune
Dec 17 2004
EU Set to Negotiate Letting Turkey Join
VAN, Turkey — European Union leaders decided Thursday to open
negotiations with Turkey next year on EU membership, but the road to
acceptance will be bumpy.
“Tonight the European Union has opened its door to Turkey … making
a balanced offer,” Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European
Commission, said in Brussels. “I genuinely believe this is an offer
that Turkey should be glad to accept.”
The 25 EU leaders at the Brussels meeting will propose Oct. 3 as the
start date for the talks, The Associated Press reported.
Turkish membership has been controversial, and EU leaders are likely
to try to calm their wary citizens by attaching conditions ensuring
that Turkey’s full membership will be 10 to 20 years away.
Chirac’s comment
French President Jacques Chirac told his nation this week: “My answer
is, `Yes, if.’ Yes, if Turkey totally meets the conditions we
impose.”
The “ifs” are expected to require continuing progress on human-rights
reforms and expansion of the rights of Turkey’s Kurdish population.
Other potential conditions could be far tougher for Turkey to
swallow, such as recognizing the mass killings of Armenians between
1915 and 1923 as “genocide” and recognizing the Greek Cypriot
government of Cyprus.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said he thought the major hurdle
was the Cyprus issue. Ankara recognizes the breakaway Turkish Cypriot
state in the north but not the internationally recognized Greek
Cypriot one in the south.
Turkey signaled its readiness to agree to open-ended negotiations,
but Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that he would not
accept conditions that go beyond the criteria applied to other
countries.
“If they try to impose any unacceptable conditions, it is not
possible for us to accept this,” he said in Brussels after lobbying
EU leaders. “We’ll definitely put this issue on ice and continue on
our way.”
Erdogan hitched his future to Turkey’s EU bid when his party swept to
power in November 2002. Substantial reforms were pushed through
parliament, including curbing the influence of the military and
improving human-rights protections.
A Western diplomat cautioned that a rejection of Turkey by the EU
could reverse the reform process and possibly weaken Erdogan to the
point where the military could stage a coup.
Most Turkish political analysts reject the possibility of a military
coup, but the consensus is that Erdogan needs to start EU talks on a
positive note to solidify his political power and keep the country
aligned with Europe and the U.S.
The main objections to Turkey’s membership have been that it is too
big, too poor and too Muslim. Politicians in France, Austria and
Netherlands have been particularly skeptical, warning of a flood of
migrant workers that would send Europe’s Muslim population soaring.
Turkey objects to permanent restrictions that would permit EU members
to restrict the flow of Turkish workers. Ankara argues that it should
receive the same treatment as other new entrants who have faced
restrictions for a limited time.
Turkey, which is a NATO member, has strong allies in Britain,
Germany, Spain and Italy. Leaders in those countries argue that
embracing a secular democracy that borders Syria, Iran and Iraq would
help build a bulwark against extremism and send an encouraging signal
for democracy in the Middle East.
“If we succeed in integrating an Islamic country, this would
tremendously increase our security,” Schroeder said.
Earliest entry is 2015
Turkey could not join the EU until 2015 at the earliest. The
negotiations will require an even greater transformation of its
economy and society.
Kurdish activists angered Erdogan earlier this week with a large
advertisement in European newspapers demanding greater rights.
“Until Turkey recognizes all its own citizens as full members of this
country, it is not ready for membership in a larger union of
democratic nations,” said a businessman, who would not give his name,
in Van, a predominantly Kurdish city in eastern Turkey.
Most diplomats and human-rights advocates argue that the best way to
continue the reform process in Turkey is to pursue EU membership.
“The EU accession process has already helped bring about significant
human-rights improvements in Turkey,” Jonathan Sugden, who monitors
Turkey for Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. “A `yes’ . . .
would maintain that momentum.”
By Catherine Collins

EU and Turkey Reach Historic Agreement
By CONSTANT BRAND
The Associated Press
12/17/04 14:11 EST
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) – The European Union and Turkey reached a
historic agreement Friday to begin talks next year aimed at bringing
the populous Muslim nation into the EU after hammering out a compromise
over Ankara’s relationship with Cyprus.
Turkey accepted an offer from the 25 EU leaders during their two-day
summit to begin talks on Oct. 3, 2005, launching a process that could
take years and could transform the political and social landscape of
both parties.
If the talks succeed, Turkey would become the largest EU member, with
a population of 71 million – expected to grow as high as 85 million
by 2020. But its per capita income is roughly one-third of the average
of longtime EU member states, requiring far-reaching economic reforms.
Turkish membership would also add millions of citizens to the EU at a
time when many Europeans are questioning whether their countries, which
have Christian heritage, can absorb large numbers of Muslim immigrants.
Nevertheless, EU leaders hailed the agreement as a historic step,
which would expand the borders of the EU from Ireland to Iran.
“If I think back on today, I believe we can say that we have been
writing history today, and the agreement we reached today will acquire
full significance in the years ahead,” said Dutch Prime Minister Jan
Peter Balkenende, whose country holds the EU presidency.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the decision to accept Turkish
membership shows “that those who believe there is a fundamental clash
of civilizations between Christians and Muslims are actually wrong;
that they can work together; that we can cooperate together.”
During the summit, EU leaders also agreed to start entry talks with
Croatia next March if it hands over an indicted war crimes suspect
to the international tribunal in The Hague.
The leaders also formally closed membership talks with Romania and
Bulgaria, paving the way for them to join in 2007.
But the main attention fell on Turkey. Despite widespread public
misgivings about Turkish membership, the leaders agreed Thursday to
offer Ankara accession talks.
But the deal nearly fell apart because of an EU requirement that
Turkey initial an agreement Friday expanding its customs union with
the EU to include Cyprus and nine other members that joined in May. The
agreement would have to be signed by October.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan balked at the requirement,
which EU diplomats said amounted to tactic recognition of the Greek
Cypriot government.
Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 to block a coup by Greek Cypriots,
and decades of diplomacy have failed to reunite the Mediterranean
island. About 40,000 Turkish troops remain in northern Cyprus, which
is controlled by Turkish Cypriots.
After hours of intensive negotiations, the EU agreed to accept a
statement from Erdogan that he would sign the customs agreement before
the talks start and that the move would not constitute recognition
of Cyprus.
“This is a win-win agreement,” Erdogan said. “We’re at a point where
we reaping the reward of 41 years of work. The process from now on
will be even more difficult … but I strongly believe Turkey will
be able to achieve this.”
EU officials said the talks would be open-ended and without a guarantee
of eventual EU membership.
Nevertheless, the admission of Turkey to the EU is still strongly
opposed in several EU countries, whose citizens fear an influx of
culturally different migrants who would compete for jobs.
French President Jacques Chirac, who has promised a referendum on
Turkish membership if the talks succeed, said the Turks would have to
it would have to accept the mass killings of Armenians in the early
20th century.
Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel said he would also call a
referendum because bringing a Muslim country into the EU “must not
be decided in an ivory tower … We cannot be indifferent about
public opinion.”
Supporters of Turkey’s entry maintain that the country could be a
bridge between Europe and the Middle East and stand as an example of
a democratic state with Islamic traditions. Turkey, a longtime NATO
member, has been legally secular since the collapse of the Ottoman
Empire after World War I.
Associated Press correspondents Suzan Fraser, Raf Casert, Art Max
and Robert Wielaard contributed to this report.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
Dec 17 2004
AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV VOTES AT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
[December 17, 2004, 21:14:37]
December 17, 2004 enters the history of independent Azerbaijan as a
date of regular municipal elections. This day, millions of voters
arrive at polling stations to vote for the most deserved candidates
who will be engaged in solving their local problems within the next 5
years.
All necessary measures had been taken on the base of the new Election
Code for citizens to express their will freely. This fact was also
confirmed the day before the by the international observers who had
arrived in Azerbaijan to monitor the election process.
Special activity today was observed at the polling station N6 of the
election districts N29 of Sabail district located in Baku
school-lyceum “Intellect” named after Tofig Ismayilov, where
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and first lady
Mehriban Aliyeva arrived to vote at 11 a.m.
After the voting, the President viewed the school at which he used to
study.
Then, the Head of State answered questions from local and foreign
journalists.
Q: Mr. President, what is you opinion about the course of the
elections, and do you generally think about raising the status of
municipalities after the elections?
A: I am sure the elections will be going well. This is the second
municipality election in Azerbaijan and there is certain experience.
The status of municipalities will be probably raised; they will be
engaged in concrete activities at the local level. So, this
institution is already formed in Azerbaijan, and will be developed in
the future.
Q: Mr. President, what do you think about non-participation of the
opposition, and some political parties in the elections?
A. I consider every political force should take part in all
elections. Especially, taking into account that now there is no
quorum factor in elections in Azerbaijan, and therefore it has no use
of boycott. As to the reason of their non-participation, there is
also no secret. General state of opposition, of course, does not
allow them to assist their candidates in places. Besides, the
opposition has few candidates in places. Current state of opposition
shows that they are possibly obliged to hide their force, or,
weakness and have chosen the tactics of boycott. But this is their
concern, and I do not interfere with.
Q. Mr. President, You have stated in London that we are need for
active and constructive opposition. You have regretted that there is
no such an opposition in Azerbaijan. What should be done to achieve
this and when we shall have such an opposition?
A. You know, this question does not depend only on the power, or any
political party. Now, in Azerbaijan, there is every condition to
engage in political activity. There is an ongoing democratic process
in Azerbaijan, significant steps are taken for democratization of
society and the international organizations watch and support it.
Azerbaijan implements all obligations it has taken before the
international organizations. It means, there is every condition for
activity of normal opposition. As to when they will be more active,
this depends on their activity. I have stated many times that the
political forces that failed in presidential and parliament
elections, of course, will not be shown any respect. The opposition
should be renewed, new forces and new leaders should come to
opposition. Hostility should remain in past. We need constructive
relations. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, it was not possible
normal dialogue with leaders of the present opposition. The future
will show, in any case, I am not satisfied with current situation. I
consider, after parliament elections, the opposition cannot pull
together from the blow it stroke itself. When it will come to itself,
the time will show.
Q. Mr. President, You are expected to visit Iran shortly. Azerbaijan
takes into account sensitiveness of Iran in connection with the
Middle East problem, the Middle East policy. But last days, it seems
Iran, in its policy towards Armenia, does not take into consideration
sensitiveness of Azerbaijan connected to the Nagorny Karabakh
question. Will You focus the item during your visit?
A. You know, Azerbaijan pursues an independent foreign policy. Our
bilateral relations should also meet interests of both countries. The
latest dialogue established between Azerbaijan and Iran shows that
when the countries do not interfere with internal affairs of each
other, it became possible to establish good relations. We adhere
these principles. I am pleased that the latest relations between Iran
and Azerbaijan are created just on this ground. We establish our
links on mutual respect and understanding. You, possibly, have seen
that the dialogue between Iran and Azerbaijan has intensified. The
documents signed during successful visit of the Iranian president to
Azerbaijan gives reason to say that there will be opportunity for
real affairs in the years ahead.
As to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Iran has many times openly
supported territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. In general, Iran has
supported Azerbaijan in this question, on all the international
organizations, including in the United Nations in the latest time
Iran held a positive position. As to the links of Iran with other
countries, of course, it is its own concern to keep relations with
Armenia or other country.
At the same time, we live in a sensitive region and territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan has been violated, Armenia has occupied
Azerbaijan lands. As a result, one million of our citizens have
become refugees and IDPs. All these factors, of course, should be
taken into account in the ongoing processes in region. I hope the
aggressor should be unequivocally blamed for establishment of peace
and stability here and the international organizations, regional
states should state their positions in this question.
Q. Mr. President, there is consent between foreign ministers of
Azerbaijan and Armenia to resume second round of the talks on
settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh problem. What has given the first
round to Azerbaijan and what will bring the second round?
A. I would not divide it to phases. I consider the process of
negotiations goes ahead at all. To view the history of negotiations,
there appeared some new frames of talks in the last year. Especially,
there is a process called “the Prague process” and the OSCE documents
already refer to the Prague process. What is the Prague process?
Simply, it is phase-by-phase settlement of the problem. You know that
Azerbaijan’s position in this question is resolute and unambiguous. I
am pleased that the forces engaged in the questions come closer. The
phase-by-phase settlement is a key to this problem. The future talks,
therefore, should be carried out in this frame. I consider that
should the talks be constructive, the Armenian side, as earlier,
should not step back from the agreed positions, we can come to
certain consent.
But I want to draw your attention to the following question. As you
know, being recently in Armenia, chairman of the State Duma of Russia
has stated that Armenia is an advanced post of Russia on the Southern
Caucasus. We always considered that Armenia is the state, and now
appeared, that it is an advanced post. Therefore, we now do not know
with whom to negotiate – with an advanced post or with its owner? If
Armenia will be determined on the given question, the best conditions
for successful negotiating will be created.
Q. Mr. President, was the rise in price of project “Shahdeniz” for 25
percent was discussed with the international financial organizations?
A. The said questions were discussed. Being in London, I discussed
this question also with the management of the Bp Company. Certainly,
it disturbs both the investor and us. In the oil industry there are
such facts. And the project is very large. It is extremely important
project for Azerbaijan, its future. Both sides are interested in that
charges have not increased. But also in case of increase we cannot
leave uncompleted our common deed. Therefore, the “Shahdeniz” project
should be carried out by all means. Azerbaijan will involve the
oil-and-gas potential in full scale.
Q. Mr. President, I would touch the following moment connected to our
internal affairs. It is connected to education system of Azerbaijan.
Despite of presence of problems in education system of Azerbaijan, in
the country already during many years the law on education in any way
does not pass. Every time when you are interested, the management of
parliament, chairman of the commission answer: “There are extremely
important points which we should coordinate with the President.
Whether you will hold within the next few days the said question
under attention, and, as a whole how you would want to see this
system?
A. As you know, I am not the expert in the said area. Certainly, for
me the opinion of experts becomes decisive. I talked to management of
parliament about it, carried out exchange of opinions. But I want
that experts have expressed their opinion. In that bill, there are
some moments, which are perceived ambiguously. I repeat again – I
never prosecute subjects in which deeply I do not understand. I want
that wide discussions have been carried out, various opinions, that
this question has been investigated in all details. Only then, my
position will become known. I think that at present stage, there is a
necessity for wide discussions, all disputable moments should be
analyzed, and offers are brought.
Q. Mr. President, in connection with situation on the
Georgia-Azerbaijan border you have stated that investigations will
continue until doubts will be eliminated. How are the things now?
Mr. President, as the second part of this question. We would like to
know your attitude as the President, to the occurring events
concerning Azerbaijanis living in Georgia. Whether disturb you events
occurring there?
A. The question on border has cleared up and various measures have
been taken. Representatives of corresponding structures of Azerbaijan
already are in Georgia and together with the colleagues carry out
investigation. As I have already noted, after we completely shall
make sure that it will be impossible to transport a gram of cargo to
Armenia, all problems on border will be eliminated. The Georgian side
also with understanding approaches the given question and our
position. As you know, in Georgia there is a powerful struggle
against smuggling, in Azerbaijan, this struggle is at the same high
level. There were cases of smuggling, cases of falsification, swindle
and therefore there was possible transportation of cargoes to Armenia
through territory of Azerbaijan.
Now it will not be possible. We have put an end to this and we do not
allow it more. If there will be established normal regime there,
certainly, the border will be open. Otherwise, the border will remain
closed. We understand, that it also damages us and in the certain
sense the damage is rendered also to Georgia. But we do not have
other way.
As if to your second question, that, certainly, the quiet life of
Azerbaijanis abroad is for us extremely important question. Making
visits to the countries in which Azerbaijanis compactly live, I
always carried out meetings with their representatives, expressed my
sincere feelings, the given question is constantly discussed with
heads of these countries. In Ukraine, Russia, Georgia where our
Diaspora, our live… The given question was discussed with management
of these countries. For example, being in Russia, as you remember,
for the first time the President of Russia and I have taken part in
the Forum of All-Russia Congress. After that the best conditions for
quiet life of Azerbaijanis there have been created.
I can tell, that, being in Georgia, for the first time in the
history, the head of Azerbaijan together with the President of
Georgia have visited places of residing of Azerbaijanis. The given
question repeatedly has been discussed at all levels. Certainly, at
level with all other inhabitants of Georgia, the Azerbaijanis enjoy
the equal rights on all questions. But it is the fact, that
Azerbaijanis living in Georgia are citizens of Georgia. Certainly,
they should respect the laws of Georgia, not suppose cases of
infringement of the law, provocations. There are some forces, which
aspire to strike on relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan. We
know, who are these forces. Unfortunately, such forces are also
inside Azerbaijan. But the main forces are outside of Azerbaijan. We
do not suppose that certain damage has been caused to strategic
partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan. We cannot admit that
there was any obstacle for our joint activity. We should not succumb
to any provocation, diversion.
Our embassy in Georgia works very actively. Meetings with all
executives are on regular basis carried out. We keep links at all
levels, and I am confident, that the accrued discontent will be
eliminated shortly.
Q. Mr. President, the decision concerning date of discussions on the
beginning of process of negotiations between Turkey and the European
Union will be made today. Irrespective of, will this date be
determined or not, how you estimate it from the point of view of
regional policy?
A. No, it will be determined and there cannot be such thing. It
should be necessarily determined. I have repeatedly said – injustice
of some circles in relation to Turkey is inadmissible. Turkey for a
long time already should become a member of the European Union. For
this purpose, Turkey has all opportunities and right. But we see,
that in the world, there are double standards, and it is proved in
various questions. I am confident and I hope, that today this
historical decision will be made and between Turkey and the European
Union negotiations will begin. Certainly, as a result of these
negotiations, Turkey should and will become a full member of the
European Union. Here, there cannot be any conditions. There should be
an identical approach. If not will be the identical approach, then,
as a whole, we cannot even speak on justice, human rights and
democracies in the world. In some cases we see that in the given
questions there appear discrimination. In the attitude to our region,
under covering of democracy and human rights, the certain political
intentions are pursued. But when the genuine democracy undergoes
test, we see that there are other approaches. Therefore, there should
be single approach to all questions. In the question of territorial
integrity, admission of Turkey into the European Union, the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, there should be a single position.
Otherwise, let there nobody does remarks to us.
Q. Mr. President, I want to ask last question. At presidential
elections, very active role has played the youth, which was one of
your basic supports. But today the youth expects from you solution of
some problems in the country. And those young people in the country,
which take a stable place of work and stable earnings, face a serious
problem of habitation. But in the country, the law on the mortgage
does not inure in any way, and the youth waits for it from you. Will
the question be under your attention?
A. Yes, you are right. Unfortunately, the mentioned question yet has
not found its reflection in life. Though, we know, in other cities,
in other countries, these projects are very successfully carried out.
In particular, the mortgage will allow providing young people with
houses and habitation.
As you know, my attitude to youth always was very good. To tell the
truth, I am already above this age, but despite of it, I feel always
with them. I aspire and shall aspire henceforth to that the new
generation growing up in Azerbaijan was even more educated, knowing,
loved the Motherland even more. For achievement of it, I do my
utmost. In my last activity – in sphere of sports it also has found
the reflection.
For example, as you know, on the basis of the adopted program within
forthcoming three years all schools in Azerbaijan will be equipped
with computers. Even at the smallest school in the most remote area,
a computer class will be created. It means knowledge, it means
education, and it means future. That is, all these questions
constantly are in the center of my attention. The same is in the
field of mortgage and we shall undertake certain measures.
Corresponding instructions have been given, now the question is
studied. I hope that shortly we shall start solution of the said
question.
Thanks.
–Boundary_(ID_KIz5ewzZ50+maeiILyJ9rg)–

Anadolu Agency
Dec 17 2004
Turkish Historical Society Chairman Says He Can Provide Documents On
How Armenians Massacred More Than 519,000 Turks
ANKARA (AA) – Turkish Historical Society (TTK) Chairman Prof. Dr.
Yusuf Halacoglu has stated that there is no document that could lead
to accusation of Turkey with the so-called Armenian genocide.
”However, I can easily provide documents how 519,000 Turks were
massacred by Armenians along with the names of villages these Turks
lived in,” said Halacoglu.
Halacoglu remarked that the issue of the so-called Armenian
genocide must be discussed extensively and in details by a committee
of scholars from Turkey, Armenia, Great Britain, France, Germany,
Austria, Russia and the United States who will convene to study
Russian, British, American, French and Armenian confidential and
classified documents. ”Those who continuously talk about genocide
should reveal what they had in their own archives. Lets see what they
have in Hinchak archives. We will possibly see in that archive how
the Armenians massacred Turks, and how they planned such brutal acts,
and why they massacred Turks,” told Halacoglu.
-OTTOMAN ARCHIVES-
Halacoglu said that they opened Ottoman archives and they even
put it into internet. Halacoglu further expressed that based on their
studies in the archives worldwide, they have not come across even
with a single document that may prove Armenian claims of a genocide.
”Did the Armenians suffer difficulty which could be termed as a
tragedy? Yes. Yet the Turks suffered more than the Armenians. The
Muslims suffered a true tragedy. Armenians constantly claim that
there was a genocide committed by Turks. We must note that the
Armenians can not refer to any document which may prove that there
was indeed a genocide. The bottom line is that the Armenians are
lying.”
-ATTITUDE OF FRANCE-
Halacoglu said France refers to the incidents about Armenians in
early 20th century as ”tragedy.” ”How were relations between
France and the Armenians at the time? How did France use and arm the
Armenians of the Ottoman Empire against the Ottoman army? How many
Armenian legionnaires were there in French Army? What was the birth
places of those legionnaires? Were those people from Ottoman Empire
or Armenia? What were French and Armenian ties during the Dardanelles
wars? Who were the Armenians died between 1914-1918 for France?” The
beginning of discussions of the issue with France will also reveal
the role France played in the ”tragedy” of Armenians. ”If they
trust themselves, they must speak about this issue as well.”
Halacoglu stated that, in historical discussions, the documents
submitted play a vital role in coming to conclusions. ”That’s why
they refrain from discussing it. The Armenians have no documents
proving the so-called genocide and they are reluctant to join
discussions on the so-called genocide of Armenians. The Armenians do
not want to abandon the current political benefits of claiming that
they suffered a genocide,” said Halacoglu. ”Armenians are afraid of
the consequences of a historical committee’s conclusions. Having no
document on a genocide, Armenians prefer to stay away from historical
discussions of historians.”
”Currently, France attempts to please its domestic Armenian
population by putting forward the issue continuously,” he said,
”France promised Armenians in 1918 that it would strongly support an
Armenian state in Cilicia and now it pays the price of this
promise.”
-ARMENIAN DOCTORS-
Halacoglu told that Armenian claims that assert the use of
Armenians as guinea-pigs in vaccination tests are also baseless.
”What will do Armenians do if I prove that half of the doctors
conducting tests were of Armenian origin? What will be the Armenian
reaction if I prove that Armenian doctors used Armenian patients as
guinea-pigs?”
Noting that there is no document that could lead Turkey’s being
accused with the so-called Armenian genocide, Halacoglu said:
”However, I can easily provide documents how 519,000 Turks were
massacred by Armenians along with the names of villages these Turks
lived in.”
Halacoglu said that he could also prove that the officials
claimed to misuse their authority were brought before Ottoman courts.
-”WE’LL MAKE PUBLIC THE DOCUMENTS WE HAVE”-
Halacoglu criticized the ”Armenian Genocide Museum” Director’s
comments about the Turkish Historical Society that this society can
not be trusted. ”It is not yet known whether the Armenian delegation
will attend an upcoming meeting in Vienna in 2005. We find it hard to
understand why the Armenians look at the TTK as untrustable. Of
course, they do not have to believe us. We are not establishing a
firm. We will just make a discussion with scientists. It is not so
important if the scientists trust each other in a discussion. We will
just speak on the documents that we put forward. Consequently,
neither do I nor does he have to trust each other. We have to discuss
this as scientists and civilized human beings without deviating from
humanely values. We are always ready for such a discussion.”
”The meeting between Turkish and Armenian delegations were
planned to be held in Vienna in 2005 after two processes of document
exchange. But this meeting seems not certain. If they do not show up
in this meeting, we will make public the documents we have.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenians Demonstrate in Brussels
Zaman, Turkey
Dec 17 2004
During today’s European Union (EU) summit, a group of Armenians held
a protest around the EU Council building in Brussels.
According to the police, nearly, 2,300 Armenians demanded Turkey to
recognize genocide allegations. The group handed out flyers before
the beginning of full membership negotiations with Turkey.
The Armenians also demanded Turkish recognition of Greek Cypriots
and an immediate evacuation of the northern part of the island.
Protesters said they oppose Turkey’s membership negotiations because
Turkey does not share the European ideal.

DECREES OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ON AMNESTY HIGHLY ESTIMATED
[December 17, 2004, 20:01:34]
Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
Dec 17 2004
On December 16, session of the Legal Affairs and human Rights
Committee of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was held
in Paris. Members of Committee have discussed the project of the
Convention on struggle against financing terrorism, condition of
human rights in Kosovo, execution of the resolution number 1359
connected to prisoners in Azerbaijan, the concept of “nation”,
election of judges in the European Court on human rights and other
questions.
Deputies have noted importance of revealing and attraction to the
responsibility at the international level of persons and the
organizations secretly financing terrorism, and have suggested that
all this has found reflection in the project of the Convention.
At discussion of the question connected to Kosovo, has been
underlined importance of preparation of a special mechanism of the
control over protection of human rights in region.
Participants of session have noted that up to date has not be given
exact definition of concept “nation”, similar and distinctive
features between concepts of “nation” and “people” owing to what in
many accepted documents there is a mess.
The English deputy Malcolm Bruce who has acted with the report on
execution of the resolution number 1359, connected with prisoners in
Azerbaijan, highly has estimated cooperation between the government
of Azerbaijan and the Committee, and also the fact, that on the basis
of three Decrees on pardoning, signed by President Ilham Aliyev this
year, had been released hundreds person.
M. Bruce has noted, that now in the list of persons directed to the
Council of Europe there are people which experts do not recognize as
“political prisoners”, but they are presented by the non-governmental
organizations, names of 10 person are mentioned, has expressed hope
that shortly and they would be released and by that the question on
prisoners in Azerbaijan will be completely solved.
Acted on discussions, MP Gultekin Hajiyeva has positively estimated
cooperation between the government of Azerbaijan and the Rapporteur,
has noted, that from specified in the list of the Council of Europe
of 716 prisoners, now are in custody only 10 person.
Ms. G. Hajiyeva has told: ”In our country, there are no people
arrested on only political reasons. But there are people, which are
to some extent deprived of freedom for concrete criminal actions.
These people are specified in the list of the Council of Europe. On
the basis of Decrees of President Ilham Aliyev on pardoning, the
majority of them have been let out on freedom. The said humane
policy, serving to establishment of reconciliation in the society and
creation of national solidarity between various layers, will be
continued in the years ahead.
Cyprian deputy M. Purgurides presiding at the session who at
discussion of the questions connected both with political prisoners,
and with the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, for some
reason always takes a prejudiced position, and this time was acted as
earlier. M. Purgurides has told: ”In case that the question of
prisoners in Azerbaijan will not be solved up to the end of year, it
should be discussed at PACE session. However, the Rapporteur and
other members of Committee, resolutely protesting M. Purgurides,
highly have estimated the processes ongoing in Azerbaijan,
cooperation between the Council of Europe and Azerbaijan, have
emphasized confidence that the problem connected to prisoners will be
shortly resolved.
–Boundary_(ID_r8nzB2ppjUJE6S18G3SylA)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“STOP DESTRUCTION OF YEREVAN” – DISCUSSION CONCERNING PROBLEMS OF PROTECTION
OF HISTORICAL-CULTURAL HERITAGE OF YEREVAN
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 17. ARMINFO. “Stop the destruction of Yerevan” –
under this motto a discussion was held concerning the problems of the
protection of historical-cultural heritage of the capital of Armenia.
As Doctor of architecture Marieta Gasparian mentioned, year by year
Yerevan loses its historic look and it will soon there will not be a
building which presents a historical value of a some era of life of the
Armenian capital. Wide-scale constructions result in destruction of
the buildings of historical-cultural importance for Armenia. According
to her, the department for protection of historical-cultural monuments
of the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs of Armenia has already
formed the list which includes 16 buildings of the main avenue of
Yerevan, in particular, from the streets of Pavstos Byuzand, Arami,
Pushkin and Teryan, liable to dismantle and transfer to another
territory.
As Architect, Academician Varazdat Haroutunian mentioned, the principle
of privatization of the buildings, without pre-condition to keep the
outward appearance of the building, cannot remain unpunished. The
parliament must include this issue in the agenda when adoption of a
relevant law aimed at protection of the city attractive for tourists
from the point of view of its rich historical-cultural heritage.

“NEW TIMES” PARTY AGAIN EXPRESSES PROTEST ON OCCASION OF DISPATCH OF ARMENIAN
PEACEKEEPERS TO IRAQ
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 17. ARMINFO. “New Times” party again expresses its
protest on the occasion of the dispatch of Armenian peacekeepers to
Iraq. It is said in the statement of the party sent to ARMINFO.
According to the statement, the decision of Armenian government on
dispatch of peacekeepers to Iraq should be considered nothing else as
myopic. The authors of the statement remind that after the genocide
of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey at the beginning of the 20th century
hundred thousands of Armenians found shelter in Arab countries
including in Iraq. They mention that the dispatch of the Armenian
peacekeepers to Iraq will imperil the safety of Armenian communities
of Arab countries. The party “New times” understands the aspiration of
the authorities of Armenia to involve the republic in the international
programs on fight against terrorism, but the participation in these
programs must not contradict the interests of the state”, said in
the statement. The party “New Times” proposes to find alternative
variants of Armenia’s participation in international programs on
fight against terrorism. In particular, the party proposes to take
part in anti-terrorist programs being implemented under the aegis of
UN, in other hot spots where the interests of Arab countries and the
Armenian community collide. The party insists on holding a voting
concerning the issue on the dispatch of Armenian peacekeepers to Iraq.

THERE IS NO OPPOSITION IN ARMENIA
A1 Plus | 19:30:46 | 17-12-2004 | Politics |
There is the Rubicon that can’t be crossed by political forces even
by the opposition, said MP Mher Shahgeldyan at a discussion over the
role of the opposition held by Political Disputes Club.
Shahgeldyan who represents Orinats Erkir, one of three governing
parties, in parliament said if left-, right-wing and centrist forces
were not formed in the nearest future, then political area would
face stagnation.
The club’s another guest National Democratic Union leader Vazgen
Manoukyan thinks the full-fledged opposition is impossible in a
country where parliament plays a minor role.
“That’s why our country is constantly standing on the edge of
revolution”, he said.
In his opinion, both Armenian opposition and leadership are more
compliant than those of any other country.
There is no ideological struggle in Armenia. What is going on in the
republic today is struggle for money, levers and positions, he said.