Radio Free Europe, Czech Republic
Aug 28 2004

Armenia, Russia Wrap Up Annual War Games

By Gevorg Stamboltsian

Armenian and Russian troops practiced defensive and counter-offensive
operations against an imaginary common enemy on Friday, ending four
days of joint military exercises at a training ground 40 kilometers
west of Yerevan.

Hundreds of soldiers backed by warplanes and helicopter gunships
fired live rounds from assault rifles, artillery pieces and tanks as
they fought back a simulated invasion of Armenia from the north. The
heavy fire from elements of the Armenian Armed Forces and the Russian
military
base stationed in the country lasted for about 90 minutes and marked
the final episode of the war games described as a success by the
organizers.
`The military exercises have taken place in a coordinated manner and
have served their purpose,’ Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian, clad in
a military uniform, declared afterward. `No incidents have been
registered and the detachments participating in the exercises have
fully achieved their objectives.’

The official purpose of the annual exercises was to improve the
interoperability of troops from the two countries bound by a military
alliance. The Armenian army’s chief of staff, Colonel-General Mikael
Harutiunian, has said they are not directed against any third
country. However, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry has reportedly
expressed concern about the maneuvers, saying that they are at odds
with Russia’s role as a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Speaking to journalists, Sarkisian indicated that official Yerevan is
not worried about a possible deployment of U.S. troops in Azerbaijan
as a result of Washington’s national security priorities. `Maybe
Russia has a different opinion, but in our view this is the United
States’ and Azerbaijan’s business,’ he said. `We can’t tell
Azerbaijan not to host one or another base on their territory, can
we?’

Sarkisian also reaffirmed the Armenian government’s intention to send
a small contingent of non-combat military personnel to Iraq where the
U.S.-led multinational occupation force has been struggling to
maintain law and order. He said the government is awaiting the
parliament’s approval for the dispatch of Armenian military doctors,
demining experts and truck drivers.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Aug 28 2004

AZER GASYMOV: THE VISIT BY PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV TO GERMANY WAS
FRUITFUL AND SUCCESSFUL
[August 28, 2004, 19:50:31]

The following is the interview President’s press-secretary Azer
Gasymov gave to the Azerbaijan National Television to comment on the
results of the visit by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to
Germany.

As you know, President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev stayed on
an official visit in the Federative Republic of Germany in August
24-26 . This visit was very successful and fruitful from the
standpoint of both bilateral and multilateral relations. It is well
known that Azerbaijan-Germany cultural relations have rich history.
These relations have been developed for many centuries, and entered a
qualitatively new stage by the end of the 20th since nationwide
leader Mr. Heydar Aliyev returned to power in Azerbaijan.

The official visit by Mr. Heydar Aliyev to Germany in 1996 laid the
foundation of the today’s Germany-Azerbaijan relations. Since Mr.
Ilham Aliyev’s election as President of Azerbaijan Republic, the
course towards Germany’s priority in foreign policy of Azerbaijan has
been further developed. These relations are being developed and
expanding day by day.

Germany today is one of the politically and economically most
important developed countries not only in the European but also in
the global scale. Germany is one of the world’s leaders in trade
turnover. Besides, Germany is one of countries enabling to strongly
influence the political processes taking place around the world. From
this standpoint, development of relations with Germany is extremely
important for Azerbaijan, as well as Azerbaijan plays very important
role in Germany’s foreign policy. Thus, the Southern Caucasus is one
of the main parts of the European security architecture, and the fact
that Germany considers Azerbaijan as a leading state in the Southern
Caucasus, the most developed one in all spheres, and attaches special
significance to our country, is also very important. Keeping in mind
the above-mentioned, one can say that the visit by President of
Azerbaijan Republic to the Federal Republic of Germany was of
paramount importance for development of our relations in political,
economic, cultural and other spheres.

One of the most important results of the visit for the political
viewpoint is the Germany’s unambiguous position as to the settlement
of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that was
reflected in the statement by Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Chancellor of the Federative Republic of Germany Mr. Gerhard
Schroeder stated unambiguously: Germany has always supported and will
continue to support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. That is
very important statement. This fact reaffirms that our country’s
stance with respect to Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict settlement based
on the norms and principles of the international law gets more and
more support from the international community.

Touching on our political relations, it should be noted that during
the talks, the parties reaffirmed with deep satisfaction the
realization of a high-level political dialogue between our two
countries, and further continuation of this dialogue still remains on
the agenda. They exchange views on a wide range of regional and
international security issues.

The results of the visit naturally cover the economic sphere, as
well. A number of important documents on economic cooperation were
signed during the visit. One of the noteworthy facts is that German
businessmen, as well as the country’s leading companies are involved
in economic development of Azerbaijan. They stated that they are
going to increase the volume of investments in Azerbaijan, and that
Germany is interested in bringing new technologies to Azerbaijan.
This indeed is a graphic evidence of recognition of Azerbaijan as a
country of rapid economic growth. Another important result of the
visit is the agreement on purchasing several passenger aircrafts from
Germany.

The visit was significant also from the standpoint of multilateral
relations development. As you know Azerbaijan and Germany are
carrying out very fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation in the
framework of international organizations including the Council of
Europe, European Union, NATO and other structures. Our cooperation at
the European Union, which is playing increasingly important role in
the European political and economic space, should be noted in
particular. During the visit, the German side stated once again its
readiness to contribute to integration of Azerbaijan into the
European family, the European Union.

I want to note that political and business circles of Germany, as
well as the country’s leading mass media were closely watching and
widely covering the visit by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. A
number of influential TV channels of Germany prepared a lot of
special programs related to the visit.

All these factors indicate that Germany attaches special importance
to relations with Azerbaijan, and that Azerbaijan is on its way to
take a worthy place in the region and the European family on the
whole. This visit will undoubtedly contribute to further development
of Azerbaijan-Germany relations.

The Ottawa Sun
August 28, 2004 Saturday Final Edition

TURKS MARK GRIM DAY

BY LAURA CZEKAJ, OTTAWA SUN

It had all the makings of a funeral complete with remembrance and
prayers for the dead.

But yesterday’s ceremony marking the anniversary of Col. Atilla
Altikat’s assassination on Aug. 27, 1982, at the hands of Armenian
extremists was also an opportunity for Turkish Canadians to look to
the future — a future free of terrorism.

“The good name of Canada was bloodied by Armenian terrorism and the
culprits are still free to this day,” said Prof. Ozay Mehmet, a
member of the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations. “We would
like to see justice done.”

Altikat was driving to work at the Turkish Embassy when he stopped
for a red light at the intersection of the Ottawa River Pkwy. and
Island Park Dr. A man approached the car and shot him dead before
escaping into the nearby bushes.

The killer has never been caught.

Shortly after the murder, the Justice Commandos of the Armenian
Genocide claimed responsibility for the killing.

World leaders must make the fight against terrorism a top priority,
Mehmet said yesterday.

‘DID NOT DIE IN VAIN’

“However, Altikat did not die in vain,” he said. “His sacrifice has
become a symbol of unity and strength for Canadians of Turkish
origin.”

A crowd of about 150 gathered at the intersection where Altikat was
gunned down 22 years ago to pay their respects and demonstrate their
support for putting an end to terrorist acts.

Some find the power to love their enemies

By DON SMITH

In his book, “Wounds That Heal,” Stephen Seamands tells the true story
of a young Armenian girl whose village was attacked in 1956 by an
enemy military unit. Her parents were killed, her sisters were given
to the enemy soldiers, and the officer in charge took her for
himself. After several months of slavery and sexual abuse, she managed
to escape, and in time attended school and became a nurse.

One night several years later, this officer was admitted to the
intensive care unit of the hospital where she was working. His
desperately ill, mostly semi-conscious condition required
round-the-clock care. After a lengthy period of time he began to
recover. A doctor told him that he was a fortunate man, for without
the constant devotion of a certain nurse he would never have made it.

Upon recognizing her as the one he had ruthlessly abused, he said, “I
don’t understand. Why didn’t you kill me when you had the opportunity?
Why didn’t you just let me die?”

The nurse replied, “Because I am a follower of one who said, ‘Love
your enemies.’ ”

In recent months, I have often felt an inner satisfaction when reading
reports of enemy terrorists being killed in the continuing conflict in
Iraq. Though I believe our cause there is justified, God has convicted
me that I am supposed to love our enemies and pray for them rather
than rejoice over their deaths into a Christless eternity.

God does not condone their actions. He condemns such evil acts they
commit, and evil must be dealt with lest it spread further. But God
still loves them and desires that they repent and be saved, and so
should we.

There are moral enemies of our nation who push and promote such evils
as abortion, gay marriage, pornography and the removal of God from all
segments of public life. One’s enemies may consist of some within
their own family unit such as parents or relatives who have abused
them physically, sexually, or emotionally. Whoever one’s enemies may
be, Jesus teaches that we are to love those who are our personal
enemies (Luke 6:27-36).

However, Jesus does more than just teach or command us to love our
enemies. He also provides us with both the pattern and the power to do
so. The Bible says that Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example
to follow (I Peter 2:21). When insulted, he did not retaliate. While
suffering, he made no threats. Rather, he bore our sins in his body on
the cross (I Peter 2:23, 24). And he prayed, “Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Christ is not only our example, but he also empowers us to follow his
example. When one receives Christ by faith, he becomes a new creature
(II Corinthians 5:17) with a new power for carrying out the command of
Christ to love one’s enemies.

That young nurse was enabled by God to love the one who killed her
parents, took away her sisters, and enslaved and abused her for
months. In like manner, as we choose to love our enemies, I believe
God will impart that ability to us as well.

These are the opinions of the Rev. Don Smith of Cornerstone Grace
Brethren Church.

Originally published Saturday, August 28, 2004

Copyright ©2004 News Journal. All rights reserved.

ARMENIA CAUCUS AT US CONGRESS REPLENISHED

WASHINGTON, AUGUST 28. ARMINFO. Congressman John Shimcus of Illinois,
USA, has joined the Armenia Caucus of the US Congress. Thus, the
Caucus has 136 members now. The Armenian Assembly of America (AAA)
reports that John Shimcus pointed out that the Armenian community in
Illinois has always been supported the improvement of relations
between the Armenia and American peoples. “In have the honor to help
them in attaining this goal as a member of the Armenia Caucus at the
US Congress,” he said.

Taipei Times, Taiwan
Aug 28 2004

Kurd relations require deft touch

By Fang Tien-sze ¤è¤Ñ½ç

`Taiwan should carefully assess both international and internal
Kurdish factors before offering unequivocal support for a Kurdish
state.’

During his recent visit to Taiwan, Prime Minister Nechervan Idris
Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government was received by high
government officials. Because they were the first officials from Iraq
to visit Taiwan since the establishment of the Iraqi interim
government, the delegation was the focus of much attention.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen (³¯ – ð¤s) revealed that Barzani
during his visit exchanged ideas with Taiwanese officials regarding
the founding of a state belonging to the Kurdish people, and he also
wanted to exchange representative offices. Based on the principle of
creating a wide range of friendly relationships, we should seize on
this opportunity for exchange and further strengthen the relationship
between Taiwan and Kurdistan.

Due to the complexity of the question of independence for the Kurdish
people, however, Taiwan should carefully assess both international
and internal Kurdish factors before offering unequivocal support for
a Kurdish state and deciding whether or not to exchange
representative offices.

The Kurdish people have long hoped to be able to establish their own
state, but opposition from various countries together with Kurdish
disunity have made the road toward nationhood an arduous one. Armed
intervention by the US and UK was the main reason why Iraqi Kurds
could enjoy autonomy following the 1991 Gulf War.

In order to protect the Kurds and weaken the power of Saddam Hussein,
the US, UK and France in April 1991 created a no-fly zone in Iraq
above the 36th parallel, forbidding Iraqi aircraft to enter the zone.
A US-led multinational force patrolled the area and enforced the
regulations so Saddam could not take military action against Kurds in
the northern part of the country. Thus they could establish an
autonomous regional government, of which Barzani is the incumbent
prime minister.

It should be noticed that the Kurdish area in Iraq remains split. The
Kurd Democratic Party led by Massoud Barzani and the Patriotic Union
of Kurdistan (PUK) led by Jalal Talabani are the two main forces
among Iraq’s Kurds. The two parties formed a joint government in
1992, but the power distribution issue gradually led to a dispute
that exploded into a full-blown civil war in 1994. In an attempt to
defeat the PUK, the Kurd Democratic Party requested the help of
Saddam’s troops in 1996. The two parties set up separate governments,
both claiming control over the whole Kurdish area in northern Iraq.
British and US mediation resulted in the two parties signing a
cease-fire agreement, but to this day the two parts of the Kurdish
area remain separately ruled.

The internal Kurdish split has always been one of the factors
impeding the formation of a Kurdish state. Kurds in different areas
often rule themselves, and some of the leaders of important
organizations do not get along with each other. Some countries are
using these weak points to further weaken the Kurdish people. During
the Iran-Iraq war, both countries made use of Kurds in the opponent’s
country, and Turkey has used Iraqi Kurds to fight Kurds in Turkey.
The Iraqi general elections planned for March next year will be key
to answering the question of whether a peaceful solution to the split
in the Kurdish area will be possible.

Nechervan Idris Barzani, the prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional
Government, is a member of the Kurd Democratic Party. But because the
Kurd Democratic Party and the PUK are equally strong, it is difficult
to predict the outcome of the elections. When expressing its support
for the Kurdish people, Taiwan should avoid giving the impression
that we as outsiders are choosing sides.

In addition to the unpredictability of internal factors, we must also
consider the attitudes of other countries concerning the Kurdish
issue. Apart from Iraq, the Kurdish people are distributed over
Turkey, Iran, Syria and Armenia. None of these countries want
independence for Iraq’s Kurds lest Kurds in their own country emulate
them, creating an independence domino effect. During the war between
the US and Iraq, Turkey was concerned that the Kurds in Iraq would
declare independence, and therefore threatened military intervention.
Unless these countries change their policies, they will continue to
block the formation of an independent Kurdish state in Iraq.

Although the US has assisted the Kurds in obtaining autonomy, its
main goal has been to restrain Saddam, not to support the formation
of an independent Kurdish state. The CIA has intervened in the
Kurdish civil war by supporting attacks by the PUK on the Kurd
Democratic Party. With Saddam now gone, the Kurdish people’s
strategic importance to the US is dwindling, and the US is unwilling
to offend main Iraqi ethnic groups or Turkey over the Kurdistan
issue.

These internal and international factors make it unlikely that Iraq’s
Kurds will be able to establish an independent state in the short
term. Iraq’s Kurdish leaders also recognize these limitations. If
Iraq establishes a federal system of government offering the Kurds
some autonomous powers, the Kurds would be willing to compromise and
refrain from seeking independence from Iraq.

Given this situation, there is no need for Taiwan to take a position
on the question of an independent Kurdish state. The Kurdistan
Regional Government’s suggestion that Taiwan and Kurdistan exchange
permanent representative offices would strengthen mutual exchanges
between Kurdistan and Taiwan. Taiwan must, however, give cautious
consideration to the reaction of Turkey and other concerned states.
If such an exchange does not win the understanding of these states,
Taiwan’s losses would outweigh its gains. The visit by the delegation
from the Kurdistan Regional Government is encouraging from a
diplomatic perspective, but we shouldn’t be too eager, and should
instead cautiously assess the situation in order to maximize gains.

Fang Tien-sze is an assistant research fellow at the Cross-Strait
Interflow Prospect Foundation.

Translated by Perry Svensson

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Aug 28 2004

AZERBAIJANI-GERMAN RELATIONS IN GOOD PROGRESS
[August 28, 2004, 18:01:45]

As reports from press service President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan, in connection with official visit President Ilham Aliyev
to Germany a Germany’s department of press were spread an official
report on August 25.

According to the report Germany and Azerbaijan have intend for still
more developing mutual economics relations. About that were declare
the Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and President Ilham Aliyev
in Berlin on August 26.

After the conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev

the Federal Chancellor Mr. Schroeder has made a statement for
representatives of mass media. ` Relations between Azerbaijan and
Germany are at a fine high level.’ The reforms wich are carried out
in Azerbaijan to set going surprising economic achievments.

The Federal Chancellor has noted that President Ilham Aliyev is very
much interested in creation in Azerbaijan of a lawful state, makes
huge efforts for this purpose and has achieved successes. Therefore,
I regard him with the deep respect.

He made the point that activity of the German companies in Azerbaijan
will be extend.

President Ilham Aliyev frankly noted that activity of the Cerman
companies in Azerbaijan are wishfull. The Federal Chancellor had
announce that in the coming autumn or in the beginning of the next
year both countries to carry out in Berlin a conference with
participation of representatives of the German economy in connection
with investments in Azerbaijan. In the conference will discuss real
opportunities of expanding economic relations with Azerbaijan.

With the attention of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and
Federal Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schroeder was sighned the
agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the contract
between State Concern `AZAL’ of Azerbaijan Republic and the company
`Airbus’ of the Federative Republic of Germany on purchasing four
airbuses. In accordance with the contract in sum 169 euro will be
realized purchase a three aircraft A-319, as well as one corporative
jet A-319.

The Federal Chancellor emphasized that the contract on the purchase
of four airbuses are indication of Azerbaijan’s integration into
Europe. At the same time, the question is realization of the EU New
Neighborhood Policy.

CONFLICT WITH ARMENIA SHOULD BE SETTLED BY PEACE WAY

Then, concerning of conflict over Nagorny Karabakh Mr. Schroeder were
convinced that Germany has recognized and will recognize territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan. Gerhard Schroeder and Ilham Aliyev has noted
that the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict should be
settled only by peace way. The Federal Chancellor underscore a point
Germany’s contribution and efforts within the framework of activity
of the OSCE Minsk Group.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian community in talks with Hungarian authorities over officer’s murder

Arminfo
28 Aug 04

YEREVAN

The [Armenian] diaspora has no right to interfere in the trial on the
murder of Armenian officer Gurgen Markaryan in the Hungarian capital,
the head of the Armenian Nation Union in Hungary, Eduard Badalyan,
said today at a ceremony of opening a memorial to Armenian and
Hungarian soldiers killed in Hungary during World War II.

He said that despite great interest in a just court ruling, the
diaspora cannot interfere in trials in European countries. “Hungary
has more than once stated that the trial will be fair and the criminal
will get his just deserts,” Badalyan said.

Despite the ban on interference in trials, the Armenian community of
Hungary is holding negotiations with Hungary’s relevant bodies, trying
to help the litigation. Badalyan said that there are about 600 ethnic
Armenians in Hungary according to the latest census held in this
country.

To recap, Markaryan was hacked to death by Azerbaijani officer Ramil
Safarov who was attending a NATO seminar in Budapest in February this
year.

Armenian defence minister, Iranian ambassador praise progress in ties

Arminfo
28 Aug 04

YEREVAN

The secretary of the Security Council under the Armenian president and
Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisyan had a meeting with the
newly-appointed Iranian ambassador to Armenia, Ali Reza Haqiqian,
today.

The Defence Ministry press service told Arminfo that Sarkisyan
congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and expressed the hope
that Armenian-Iranian bilateral relations would deepen during his
diplomatic mission in Armenia.

For his part, Haqiqian conveyed regards from the Iranian president and
defence minister and underlined Sarkisyan’s personal contribution to
the development of Armenian-Iranian relations.

Ties between the two countries have been strengthened by serious
achievements in the political and economic fields, which are based on
a strong foundation. These brotherly relations have enabled the two
peoples to establish cooperation in all fields, they noted.

After discussing progress in cooperation between the two countries,
the two men charted new plans for the future.

ARMENIAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS CALL FOR U.S. RESPONSE TO AZERBAIJAN’SAGGRESSION

WASHINGTON, AUGUST 28. ARMINFO. The Armenian Assembly of America
commended Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Reps. Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) for taking a firm
stand on repeated and blatant threats by Azerbaijan against Armenia
and raising this “serious issue” with Secretary of State Collin
Powell.

ARMINFO was informed in AAA, in a joint letter to Powell Friday, with
copies sent to National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Special
Coordinator for Eurasia Conflicts Ambassador Steven Mann,
Representatives Knollenberg and Pallone said U.S. silence in the face
of recent remarks by a ranking Azerbaijani official calling for the
occupation of Armenia and “removal of the entire Armenian population
from the Caucasus” should not be “dismissed as mere rhetoric.”

Addressing Secretary Powell, Representatives Knollenberg and Pallone
said:

“As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, we would
like to raise with you a serious issue that, if not compellingly
addressed by the Administration, has the potential to undermine
U.S. interests and American values in the strategically important
Caucasus region.

We refer to the remarks by officials in the government of President
Ilham Aliyev calling into question the very existence of Armenia. For
example, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry spokesman called for Azerbaijan’s
takeover of the entire territory of Armenia and removal of the entire
Armenian population from the Caucasus. He went so far as to say,
“Within the next 25 years there will exist no state of Armenia in the
South Caucasus.” Given Azerbaijan’s history of aggression against
Armenians, these remarks cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric.

>Azerbaijan’s threats against Armenia’s survival reinforce our
commitment to > maintaining parity in U.S. military aid to Armenia and
Azerbaijan. Any tilt in military spending toward Azerbaijan could, in
our view, destabilize the region The United States plays a crucial
role in the negotiations over Nagorno Karabakh, to help the people of
this region to find a lasting and equitable peace. These threats by
Azerbaijan undermine these efforts and seriously complicate our
diplomacy in the region. It is our hope that the United States takes
action to condemn these remarks, to ensure that all parties involved
in this conflict make a genuine commitment towards peace and
stability.”