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12/15/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) EU Assembly Backs Calls for Armenian Genocide Recognition 2) Aram I Expresses Concerns Over Turkey's EU Bid 3) ANCA Welcomes European Parliament Vote Pressing Turkey to Recognize the Armenian Genocide 4) ARF Bureau Representative Holds Political Meetings in Cyprus 5) BRIEFS 1) EU Assembly Backs Calls for Armenian Genocide Recognition YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--On Wednesday, the European Parliament added its voice to the French government's calls on Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide in order to win membership in the European Union (EU). Reaffirming its earlier resolutions, the EU's legislative body urged Turkey to "promote the process of reconciliation with the Armenian people by recognizing the genocide perpetrated against the Armenians" in 1915-1923. It also called on the EU's member states and executive commission to seek Turkish recognition of the genocide during the anticipated accession talks with Ankara. The calls were part of the European Parliament's non-binding but important resolution urging EU leaders to give the green light for the start of such talks at this week's summit. The French government has already indicated that it will press Ankara to end its long-running policy of genocide denial. Still, France's Foreign Minister Michel Barnier made it clear that that will not a be precondition for the entry talks, a statement echoed by European Parliament President Josep Borrell. "We are just recognizing certain historical events," Borrell told a news conference in Strasbourg. "We are not stating that this would be a prerequisite to opening negotiations." The European Parliament also renewed its calls for Turkey to reopen its border with Armenia "as soon as possible." The resolution notes that by repeatedly refusing to do so, Ankara "missed an opportunity to promote good neighborly relations with Armenia." The Turks imposed the blockade in 1993 out of solidarity with Turkic Azerbaijan and made its lifting contingent on a pro-Azerbaijani solution to the Mountainous Karabagh conflict and an end to the Armenian campaign for international recognition of the genocide. The resolution was welcomed later on Wednesday by a Brussels-based lobbying group representing Armenian communities in France and other EU countries. "This is a brilliant victory for all those Europeans who want to preserve the European values in the face of an unrepentant state," the president of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy, Hilda Tchoboian, said in a statement. 2) Aram I Expresses Concerns Over Turkey's EU Bid ANTELIAS--During a phone interview with a European press agency, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, expressed his deep concern about Turkey's EU bid, stating, "The European community was not established only on economic interests and political collaboration. It is fundamentally a community of human values which ensures the identity, integrity, and unity of Europe, and gives a particular place and role to Europe within the international community. Among these values, human rights occupy an important place." Pointing to Turkey's notorious human rights record, the Cathlicos remarked, "To what degree and in what way are human rights accepted, respected, and practiced within Turkey? Turkey still ignores its immediate past--it still has failed to recognize the genocide planned and executed by Ottoman Turkey in 1915. I believe that the recognition of the Armenian genocide by Turkey is not only an 'Armenian problem.' It is an issue that impacts the international community, since it deals with the fundamental issues of justice and human rights. The recognition of the Armenian genocide by Turkey must be taken very seriously by Europe, as Turkey is trying by all means to become a full member of Europe." In concluding his remarks, Aram I said, "In this globalized world of ours nations, religions, cultures, and civilizations must live together on the basis of peaceful coexistence. But living together as good neighbors and as part of the broader community implies that we must accept our faults, affirm truths, and recognize the rights of others. The foundation of a real community is built on mutual trust and justice. Therefore, it is my firm expectation that beyond economic and political interests, Europe will continue to remain firmly attached to basic human values. It is the expectation and hope of Armenians all over the world that the government of Turkey will reaffirm the truth by recognizing the historical validity of the Armenian genocide." 3) ANCA Welcomes European Parliament Vote Pressing Turkey to Recognize the Armenian Genocide WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed the adoption of three strongly worded measures by the European Parliament calling on Turkey to properly recognize the Armenian genocide. These measures were actively supported by the Brussels-based European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD), which represents more than two hundred Armenian associations across Europe. The provisions were added on the eve of the December 17 vote of the European Council on opening membership talks with Turkey as amendments to a Parliamentary report on Turkey's progress toward accession to the European Union. The report, prepared by Camiel Eurlings (PPE/The Netherlands), passed by a vote of 407 to 262. The Eurling Report stresses in Paragraph 55 that, "the opening of negotiations will be the starting point for a long-lasting process [...] and does not lead 'a priori' and automatically to accession." An amendment to the report suggesting that Turkey be granted a "privileged partnership" rather than actual membership in the European Union was rejected by a secret ballot. "Armenian Americans join with the European Armenian Federation and Armenians across Europe in welcoming this historic vote reaffirming the international consensus that Turkey must recognize the Armenian Genocide, lift its blockade of Armenia, and abandon it hostile policies toward Armenia and the Armenian people," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "The strong support for these measures across the European political spectrum has resonance around the world, including here in the United States, where a growing number of American legislators are growing tired of increasingly strident--often desperate--Turkish efforts to dictate US policy on the Armenian Genocide." The Eurling Report made specific reference to Armenian issues in eight separate paragraphs, with three dealing specifically with Armenian genocide recognition. Amendments on the genocide were brought to the floor by the following political groups: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats (EPP), Socialist Group in the European Parliament (PSE), Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), Confederal Group of the European United Left--Nordic Green Left, and The Independence and Democracy Group ( IND/DEM/ Netherlands). The European Parliament urged Turkey to "promote the process of reconciliation with the Armenian people by acknowledging the genocide" and called on the European Council and Commission to demand it to "formally acknowledge the historic reality" of the genocide. The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) welcomed the adoption of the Eurling Report and the three amendments clearly articulating the European consensus that Turkey must acknowledge the Armenian genocide. "On the eve of the European Summit, heads of state must, as they chart a course for the future, take into account the democratic will of the European electorate and our elected representatives in the European Parliament," stated Hilda Tchoboian, Chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. "This is a tremendous victory for Europeans who want to preserve European values in the face of Turkey's ongoing denial of the Genocide," she said. Since the European Parliament resolution of 1987, which set the recognition of the Armenian genocide as a precondition to the consideration of Turkish accession to the Union, the European Parliament has continuously restated this principled position in successive resolutions. This message was reinforced earlier this week by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, who called on Turkey to recognize the genocide against the Armenians. The clear consensus within European circles remains: Turkey cannot join the Union without giving up its ultra-nationalist and aggressive policy towards Armenia. "European Armenians urge the upcoming meeting of the European Council to reflect the will of the European public, to honor this vote of the European Parliament, and to respect the European values on which the European project is based," concluded Tchoboian. 4) ARF Bureau Representative Holds Political Meetings in Cyprus YEREVAN (Yerkir)--On December 14, an Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) delegation, headed by bureau representative Hrant Margarian, held several meetings with the leaders of various Cypriot political parties. The ARF delegation met with Cyprus Socialist Democratic Party (EDEK) chairman Yanakis Omiru, who, underscoring the centuries-long friendship between the Armenians and Greeks, spoke about the Republic of Turkey's attempt to join the European Union, and the need for it to recognize the Republic of Cyprus and properly address the issue of the Armenian genocide before gaining membership. Hrant Margarian pointed to the close ideological ties between the ARF and EDEK, and noted that the meeting is aimed at conveying the ARF's concerns about Turkey's EU bid ahead of the December 17 summit. Echoing Omiru's statements, Margarian added that Cyprus is expected to take a firm stance against Turkey's entry and bring forth the genocide issue. Omiru, in turn, said that his party is in favor of using Cyprus's right to veto Turkey's membership if it fails to meet such requirements. During his stay in Cyprus, Margarian was also received by Dimitris Christofias, president of the Cyprus parliament and secretary general of the Communist Party, AKEL. At the meeting, the bureau representative highlighted the ARF's stance and noted that Turkey, through the blessing of the United States, would try to derail the system of values held in high esteem throughout Europe. In response, Christofias noted that his heart "demands a veto," but added that his party will support Cypriot President Tassos Papadopulos's decision. 5) BRIEFS Annan Asks UN Members for Holocaust Commemoration UNITED NATIONS (Reuters)--Secretary-General Kofi Annan has begun efforts to convene a special session to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. A majority of the 191-member assembly will have to approve the January session, requested by the United States and supported by Russia, France, Hungary, Canada, and the Netherlands, representing the 25-member European Union, as well as other nations. Although US Congressman Tom Lantos, a California Democrat visiting Annan on Monday, said Arab nations had raised objections, Yahya Mahmassani, the Arab League's UN ambassador, told Reuters he was unaware of any opposition. Lantos survived by serving as a 15-year old messenger for Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from Nazi destruction near the end of World War II. Wallenberg is the uncle of Nane Annan, the wife of the secretary-general. Britain's Straw Meets Azeri President LONDON (AFP)--British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw met Azeri President Ilham Aliyev Tuesday in the Central Asian leader's first official visit to Britain since taking office last year. They discussed oil, the major industry for petroleum-rich Azerbaijan, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project intended to provide a major export route for oil from the Caspian region. "We fully support Azerbaijan's commitment to political and economic reform and to deepening relations with the European Union," Straw said, adding that Britain would continue to urge the state to make greater democratic and human rights reforms. Referring to the Karabagh conflict, Straw said he assured Aliyev of Britian's support for efforts to find a peaceful settlement. Blair and Aliyev to Work Together on Karabagh Conflict LONDON (Armenpress)--Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev agreed to "work together on the peaceful and stable resolution of the Karabagh conflict," according to a joint statement published after their meeting. According to the document, Blair and Aliyev "expressed support to the OSCE Minsk Group efforts, pointing out the importance of preservation of the armistice established in 1994." They also stated their readiness to help South Caucasus "to become peaceful stable and prosperous region within the frameworks of Wider Europe policy." Rising Gas Use in Armenia Prompts Safety Concerns YEREVAN (RFE-RL)--A consumer rights group accused Armenia's government and natural gas distributor on Wednesday of failing to take adequate precautions in restoring centralized gas supplies to households that were disrupted shortly after the Soviet collapse. The Armenian Union of Consumers said lax safety controls have been responsible for the death of seven people reportedly caused by gas leakages and carbon monoxide emissions. "We have serious concerns on this issue. In terms of safety, the situation is far from satisfactory," said the union's chairman, Armen Poghosian. "According to our information, there have already seven death cases in the country in recent weeks." Mines in Karabagh Kill Ten this Year STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)--The HALO Trust, a British humanitarian organization, reported that 31 people, including three children, were injured by antipersonnel and anti-tank mines this year in Karabagh; of these, ten people, including one child, died as a result of their injuries. The Trust said the accidents were due to stepped-up agricultural works and failure to observe safety rules. The organization said it intends to expand its efforts to inform the population about the danger of mines, and noted that there have been fewer accidents involving children since the NGO began working to educate school children of the danger. Soccer-Teenager Manucharyan Voted Armenia's Top Player YEREVAN (Reuters)--Teenage striker Edgar Manucharyan, whose goals helped Pyunik Yerevan clinch a fourth consecutive Armenian league title, has been voted the country's player of the year. The 17-year-old, currently on trial with Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam, scored 21 goals this season to finish as Armenia's joint top scorer with team mate Galust Petrosyan. The pair also led Pyunik to a league and cup double in 2004, their second such feat in the last three years. 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) 2004 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.

Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep
Dec 15 2004
EU’s Parliament Wants Talks Opened With Turkey

15 December 2004 — The European Parliament today called on European
Union leaders to open membership talks with Turkey as soon as
possible.
The European Parliament made its call in the form of a nonbinding
resolution that urges Ankara to carry out further democratic reforms
— including a “zero tolerance” approach to torture — and move
toward recognizing Cyprus.
It also calls on Turkey to acknowledge “the genocide perpetrated
against the Armenians.” That statement refers to the 1915-23 killing
of as many as 1.5 million Armenians through actions under the Ottoman
Empire in eastern Turkey.
Speaking in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
welcomed the resolution. But he reiterated that Turkey will say “no”
to the EU if it imposes unacceptable conditions on starting
membership talks.
EU leaders are expected to decide at a two-day meeting that begins
tomorrow in Brussels whether or not to start entry talks with Turkey.

RIA Novosti, Russia
Dec 15 2004
DUMA SPEAKER: RUSSIA BACKED NONE OF UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
YEREVAN, December 15 (RIA Novosti’s Gamlet Matevosyan) – At the
presidential election in Ukraine Russia gave no backing to any
candidate, Boris Gryzlov, speaker of the State Duma, told journalists
on Wednesday. He is now in Armenia on a visit.
“During the presidential election in Ukraine, Russia gave no
protection to any candidate. It is my official statement,” Mr.
Gryzlov emphasized.
He stressed that the Supreme Court of Ukraine exceeded powers passing
an unprecedented verdict and nullifying the runoff election. He said
that, under the current legislation, only the Ukrainian Central
Election Commission could take such a decision.
Mr. Gryzlov believes that the runoff was clearly under the force
pressure of one side.
He also noted that only the talks between Viktor Yushchenko and
Viktor Yanukovich had helped in preventing bloodshed in Ukraine.
What happened in Ukraine has produced an effect on the entire
Commonwealth of Independent States, Mr. Gryzlov said.
The State Duma speaker also said that that Russia will cooperate with
any elected president of Ukraine no matter what his name will be.

Baltic Times, Latvia
Dec 15 2004
TURKEY MUST FACE THE TRUTH

The debate over whether to include Turkey in the European Union
crystallizes the essence of what it means to be “European.” Not
surprisingly, the range of answers is broad, often diametrically
opposite. Geography, history, religion, economics and even mentality
have been cited as reasons why or why not to invite the Muslim
country to the world’s biggest economic bloc. Simple
“expansion-fatigue” within the 25-nation (and soon to be 27-nation)
union is another.
One thing you can’t take away from Turkey: the country truly longs to
be a EU member. Both its political leaders and the public, any the
religious and the secular segments of society, want to build their
future as part of Europe. They have had this desire for decades now,
even throughout the multiple political changes and economic pitfalls
the country has undergone.
As a result, on Dec. 17 EU leaders are likely to give the green light
to begin accession talks – e.g., to designate Turkey a candidate
country for membership – at their summit in Brussels. This will
entail 10 – 15 years of accession negotiations before the country is
formally granted member status, and there are likely to be a number
of stop signs and roadblocks along the way. But even on this score
the debate is heated, with pro-Turkey advocates arguing that
accession criteria for the 70-million-plus country should be no
different than for, say, miniscule Malta.
But they should. The choice of accepting an ant or an elephant into
the family has radically different implications for the household,
and those who are blind to that are likely to be the first to
complain when something goes wrong later.
Regarding Turkish membership, the real issue is not about size. It is
about mentality. Specifically, the country has refused to acknowledge
the genocide of 1915, when over 1 million Armenians were led to their
death in the Syrian deserts or just slaughtered. The incident has
been well documented and includes thousands of eyewitness accounts.
Yet Turkey continues to deny it, saying a lot of people died at the
time, including Turks (an argument Russia employs in regards to WWII,
as Balts are well aware). The country has closed its archives and
even banned use of the word genocide. Is this the behavior of someone
ready for Europe?
Imagine how different Europe would be today if for the past 60 years
Germany had denied the Holocaust. Now transfer that image onto the
Anatolian peninsula and you will see what is taking place today –
Turks, Kurds and Armenians living side by side and in a state of deep
animosity and suspicion.
Thankfully, France has taken the lead in putting the genocide issue
on the accession table. (France is one of the only countries that has
recognized the 1915 Genocide. The United States hasn’t.) Foreign
Minister Michel Barnier said last week that France wants Turkey to
recognize the genocide as part of its membership requirements. “This
is an issue that we will raise during the negotiation process. We
will have about 10 years to do so, and the Turks will have about 10
years to ponder their answer,” he said.
It was the first time someone has tried to link EU membership with
the Ottoman atrocities. As expected, the reaction from Ankara was
swift and unequivocal, with one official saying that Turkey would
never recognize the “so-called genocide.”
If that is the case, then the door to the EU should be closed. As a
Polish poet once wrote, “How frightening is the past that awaits us.”
If a country cannot come to terms with its past – as Germany has –
then the future will have precious little to offer it. In Europe,
truth and reconciliation must come first.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 15 2004
PACE TO HOLD HEARINGS ON REPORT ON NAGORNY KARABAKH IN WINTER SESSION
[December 15, 2004, 21:06:55]
The Report prepared in connection with the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorny Karabakh conflict, will be discussed in the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe in January next year.
Head of the Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation at PACE Samad
Seyidov, who is currently staying in Paris, has acquainted with the
text of the Report, Milli Majlis press service said.
As stated, the document reflecting the fact of occupation by Armenia
of the Azerbaijan lands, fully meets interests of Azerbaijan.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 15 2004
FOREIGN MINISTER OF AZERBAIJAN MEETS MINISTER OF DEFENSE OF BELARUS
[December 15, 2004, 23:16:36]
On December 15, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Azerbaijan
Republic Elmar Mammadyarov has met Minister of Defense of Belarus
Leonid Maltsev.
Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, having noted successful development of
relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus, has emphasized that the two
countries are connected with common history since the soviet times
and that between the sides there are successful cooperation. Having
expressed confidence that after opening embassy of Azerbaijan in
Belarus, cooperation between the two countries will become even
wider, Minister of Foreign Affairs has noted, that hopes also for
opening of embassy of Belarus in Azerbaijan.
Informing the visitor about political, economic and social situation
in the country, the Minister has in detail dwelt on the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict. Having emphasized that
the conflict impedes development of Armenia, than Azerbaijan more,
the Minister has expressed hope for settlement of the given problem
within the framework of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan according
to norms of international law.
Having expressed satisfaction with development of cooperation between
Belarus and Azerbaijan, Minister of Defense Leonid Maltsev has
especially emphasized importance of use by the sides of all
opportunities for the further expansion of relations between two
countries. Minister of Defense of Belarus has noted that successful
cooperation of the countries in military sphere is evidence to
development of links between the sides also in the field of politics
and economy. The visitor, informing Minister of Foreign Affairs on
reforms conducted in his country in military sphere, has expressed
confidence of the further continuation of relations between Belarus
and Azerbaijan.
The sides have carried out exchange of opinions on the events
occurring in region and all over the world, have discussed the
questions representing mutual interest.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KurdishMedia, UK
Dec 15 2004
Turks grapple with minority taboo as EU imposes change

15/12/2004 AFP
ANKARA, Dec 15 (AFP) – Are Turkey’s Christians and Muslims equal? Are
non-Sunni Turks a minority? European Union demands on minority
freedoms have struck at the heart of a taboo on Turkey’s national
identity, forcing the country to grapple with fears and prejudices
rooted deep in its history.
Hrant Dink recalls his childhood days when his mother, wary of
hostility, warned him to neither call her “mama” in the street nor to
speak in their native Armenian.
“Turkey perceives minorities as a threat… a security problem,” the
Istanbul-based publisher said.
Lying beneath the mistrust is the traumatic experience of World War I
when Greeks and Armenians sided with the Allies invading the decaying
Ottoman Empire and sealed its dissolution.
For many Turks today, the mere discussion of minority freedoms is a
recipe for national fragmentation.
Unwritten rules bar the country’s 130,000 or so non-Muslims from
senior public posts and school books still portray them as
unreliable.
Ankara today officially recognizes only Armenians, Greeks and Jews as
minorities, a concept based on modern Turkey’s founding document, the
1923 Lausanne Treaty, which envisaged special protection for
non-Muslims.
Citing the treaty, Ankara for decades rejected even the existence of
its sizeable Kurdish community, and only recently granted it cultural
freedoms, under EU pressure.
What was long shoved under the carpet is now coming into heated
debate, fueled by EU criticism over the treatment of minorities and a
report by a local human rights body, which said Turkey lacks any
sense of multiculturalism and described as “paranoia” its mistrust of
minorities.
The government, the president and the influential army all responded
with hostility, and hardline nationalists held protests.
Another group coming out for its rights despite the tensions is the
Alevi or Alawite community, a distant relative of Shiite Islam, which
follows a moderate interpretation of the Muslim faith, friendly to
secularism and gender equality.
Although they form about a quarter of the 70-million population and
their religious practices differ significantly from those of the
Sunni majority, Alevis are denied the status of a separate sect and,
unlike the Sunnis, receive no financial support from the government.
The EU has urged Ankara to grant the Alevis minority status, sparking
a wave of criticism that Brussels is aiming to foment divisions even
between Turkey’s Muslim population.
“We do not ask for special minority rights. We just want to be
equal,” said Izzettin Dogan, chairman of the Cem Foundation, a
leading Alevi grouping. “The EU process will bring us benefits. The
EU has certain standards on freedom of faith and Turkey must abide by
them.”
Alevis are already campaigning to have their religious identity
inscribed on their ID cards and for their faith to be included in
school books, which currently teach only the Sunni religion.
Prejudices against the Alevis stem not only from bloody sectarian
clashes throughout history, but also from the Cold War, during which
NATO-member Turkey tended to see them as potential allies of
Communism because of their traditional left-leaning stance.
EU opponents say Turkey’s efforts to align with the democracy norms
of the European bloc is pushing the country to the brink of break-up.
“Fulfilling EU demands would spell an end to Turkey’s unitarian
structure,” said Mehmet Sandir, a far-right politician. “Eventually,
we would get at each other’s throats.”
Dink, however, believes that the tensions are the birth pangs of
eventual reconciliation.
“I find the debates very helpful. A taboo is being destroyed,” he
said. “The more we speak, the more we get used to it and attitudes
soften.”

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Dec 15 2004
E.P. Rejects Amendment Motion Proposing Special Partnership Status To
Turkey Instead Of Full Membership
STRASBOURG (AA) – European Parliament on Wednesday rejected an
amendment motion recommending special partnership status to Turkey
instead of full membership.
In a voting held in EP General Assembly, the amendment motion
opposing Turkey’s membership was rejected.
European Parliament also rejected another amendment motion
demanding Turkey to recognize so-called Armenian genocide to start
entry talks.

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Dec 15 2004
European Parliament Accepts Resolution Calling For Start Of Entry
Talks With Turkey
STRASBOURG (AA) – European Parliament on Wednesday accepted
resolution calling for start of Turkey accession talks ”without
undue delay”.
The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, France, voted
407 to 262, with 29 abstentions to pass the resolution.
The resolution appreciated the reforms made in Turkey and stated
that negotiations would be the starting point of a very long process,
and noted that the process was open-ended in its nature and does not
mean it would automatically result in full membership.
The resolution said full membership depended on the mutual
efforts of Turkey and the EU, and stressed that it was important that
public opinions of Turkey and the EU should be informed effectively
in Ankara’s integration process.
The resolution said negotiation process would last long and
wanted restrictions on free movement and agriculture not to have a
negative impact on Turkey’s full membership efforts.
The resolution hinted that full membership negotiations with
Turkey could not be completed before that targets foreseen for EU’s
2014 budget.
The resolution called on solution of Turkey’s problems with its
neighbors in line with UN agreement. The resolution wanted
restrictions toward Greek Cypriot flagged ships to be eliminated.
The resolution said there should not be restrictions on the
activities of minorities in Turkey, and called on Turkey to open
seminary in Heybeliada within this framework.
The European Parliament resolution included demands like
”recognition and protection of the Alawite sect, including the
cemevi (prayer houses) of Alawites, religious education to be
voluntary, taking influential measures in fight against torture, and
annulment of village guard system in the Southeast.”
The resolution called on Turkey to open its borders with Armenia
and the Turkish and Armenian governments to support the peace
process. It said sorrowful experiences of the past should be overcome
with the support of independent experts.
The amendment envisaging recognition of so-called genocide on
Armenians as a condition for start of negotiations was rejected.
However, an amendment making references to the resolution which
European Parliament accepted earlier regarding recognition of
so-called genocide, and another amendment envisaging European
Commission and the Council to demand Turkey recognize the so-called
genocide were accepted.
European Parliament meanwhile rejected an amendment proposing
Turkey ”privileged partnership” instead of full membership.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 15 2004
BELARUS FOR SETTLEMENT OF ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN, NAGORNY KARABAKH
CONFLICT ON BASIS OF NORMS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
[December 15, 2004, 21:38:48]
This was stated at the meeting of Ministers of Defense of Azerbaijan
and Belarus taken place on December 15 in Baku.
Minister Safar Abiyev has emphasized that relations between
Azerbaijan and Belarus continues since Soviet time, that though the
history of bilateral cooperation in the field of defense is short, in
this direction successful work is already conducted, and has
expressed confidence that after present visit the cooperation will
reach a new level. Informing the visitor about military-political
situation in region of the South Caucasus, occupation of the
Azerbaijan lands by Armenia, colonel-general Safar Abiyev has stated
that despite of achievement in 1994 of ceasefire, there is no result
in settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. The reason consists
that the Armenian state does not wish to refuse its aggressive
policy. However, Azerbaijan will not concede spans of its lands.
President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to London has resolutely
stated that if the Armenian aggressors do not abandon the Azerbaijan
lands, we shall release the occupied lands.
He has noted rapid development of economy of Azerbaijan, active
participation of the country in the international projects, readiness
of Azerbaijan for cooperation with many states, including Belarus, in
all areas.
Minister of Defense of Belarus Leonid Maltsev has told: `We are ready
to widespread cooperation, including in the field of defense with
Azerbaijan on the basis of mutual interests of both states. For this
purpose, the document concerning legal basis of the
Belarus-Azerbaijan military cooperation will be signed.
Having touched the question of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorny Karabakh conflict, the visitor has said that his country
supports settlement of the problem on the basis of norms of
international law.
The sides also have carried out exchange of views on the various
sides of military cooperation.