Cyprus PIO – Turkish Cypriot Press Review
July 27 2004
Ozgur Politika stresses that Turkey will become EU member when it
withdraws its troops from Cyprus
Ozgur Politika newspaper (24.07.04) publishes a commentary by Murat
Aktas on the Turkish Prime Minister´s recent visit to France. Mr
Aktas writes, inter alia, the following: “Having conducted a
three-day official visit to France in order to seek support for
Turkey’s accession to the EU, Erdogan finalized his visit with the
purchase of 36 Airbus planes. Nonetheless, he returned to Turkey
without being able to persuade the French politicians who oppose
Turkey’s EU membership in any way whatsoever.
In addition to the purchase of the planes that will cost Turkey $3
billion, Erdogan has also given the French as a present tenders such
as the sales of certain banks and the construction of nuclear plants.
The fact that he returned from this visit as if he has won a victory
has naturally made the diplomatic circles very angry. Former diplomat
Nuzhet Kandemir compared the visit conducted by Erdogan, who
generously marketed his values, to “selling carpets in an eastern
market.” Furthermore, he firmly criticized the prime minister who
gave France the economic card in return for support in the EU.
The agreement that was signed between the AINF (Airbus Industrie No’l
Forgeard) and the Turkish Airlines at the Elysee Palace for the
purchase of five A330-200, 12 A321, and 19 A320 planes amounts to
more than $3 billion. Furthermore, in his meeting with MEDEF, French
Employers’ Federation, Erdogan also generously repeated that he is
opening the markets in Turkey, which has a population of 70 million,
to the French. Stating that in addition to the sale of certain banks,
a rapid privatization process will be initiated in the months ahead,
Erdogan gave the French the good news that certain privileges will be
given to French businessman in order to deepen the relations with
France. In his meeting with French employers, Erdogan also hinted
that Turkey will construct some nuclear plants in the period ahead.
Why did the media turn a blind eye?
Despite all this however, Erdogan was not able to persuade the
representatives of the UDF [Union of French Democracy] and the UMP
[Union for a Popular Movement], the rightist coalition parties that
oppose Turkey’s EU membership, to extend support to Turkey. UDF
Leader Francois Bayrou asserted that “Turkey does not adopt the
European culture,” while former UMP leader Alain Juppe once again
noted that Turkey will be given a conditional candidacy.
As a matter of fact, even French Socialist Party leader Francois
Hallande, who had supported Turkey’s EU membership in the past, said
to Erdogan that Turkey will become a member only if “it complies with
the Copenhagen criteria and if it officially acknowledges the
Armenian genocide.”
Despite the fact that the press featured pages and pages of reports
that noted that Jacques Chirac supports Turkey’s membership, it
failed to focus on the fact that Chirac merely extends conditional
support. Nonetheless, Chirac, who had repeated the same things over
and over again in the past, did not say anything positive during
Erdogan’s visit. In his meeting with Erdogan, Chirac once again said:
“Turkey’s integration with the EU will be desirable when it becomes
possible.” However, using a diplomatic language as usual, Chirac
avoided giving an exact date regarding when “Turkey’s membership will
become possible.” After all, he wanted to ensure that the Americans
do not snatch the tenders. Nevertheless, the French president
asserted that he extends support to the efforts made by Turkey for
becoming an EU member, rather than to Turkey’s accession to the EU
itself.
Why did Chirac, who demanded “one last effort” from Erdogan, not
understand Erdogan or why did he conceal the fact that he understood
Erdogan? Maybe Erdogan’s words were misinterpreted! And why did
Erdogan not ask Chirac the exact date for membership and the reasons
behind his remarks? Let us say that Erdogan forgot, but why did the
bourgeois media not focus on these issues and why did it applaud
Erdogan’s defeat, which was introduced as a victory?
This is because everyone very well knows that Turkey will become an
EU member when it becomes possible — in other words, when it truly
democratizes, when it acknowledges that the Kurds are the actual
founders of the republic and that they have equal rights with the
Turks, when it accepts the Armenian genocide and apologizes to the
Armenian people, and when it withdraws its troops from Cyprus.
Erdogan winked to the genocide
Meanwhile, no one is asking why in the public polls that were
conducted more than 60 percent of the French people noted that they
are against Turkey’s EU membership.
This is because 450,000 Armenians live in this country. The Turks had
massacred one and a half million Armenians and had driven the rest
away from their land. And the Armenians told and are still telling
each and every French person they live with what the Turks did to
their forefathers.
Furthermore, more than 200,000 Kurds live in France as refugees. The
Turks have been massacring the Kurds for the past two centuries. As a
matter of fact, they are still killing Kurdish youths with chemical
weapons and they are still cutting off their ears and noses. Despite
the fact that these Kurds were not able to properly explain the
nature of their problems, the French are able to follow the things
that happen to them in this age of communications. Instead of
stopping his soldiers who cut off the noses and the ears of Kurdish
youth and instead of putting Turkey in order, Erdogan is bribing the
French politicians and he is calling upon them to turn a blind eye to
all this and to extend support to Turkey. Despite the fact that they
received the tenders, the French repeated that they will not extend
support to Turkey under the current conditions.
Regardless of what anyone says, after the projects that were given to
France without even holding a tender, it is the 450,000 Armenians who
live in France and the Armenian genocide that actually sealed
Erdogan’s visit to France.
Turkey will not be able to become an EU member as long as it avoids
taking the necessary steps toward democratization, as long as it
avoids officially acknowledging the Kurdish identity and the fact
that the Kurds partners of the republic who have equal rights with
the Turks, and as long as it avoids accepting and apologizing for all
the massacres that it has conducted — from the Armenian genocide to
the Dersim genocide.”

Times of India
July 27 2004
You ain’t well? Suffer and die
SHIVANI SINGH & AMIT MUKHERJEE
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2004 08:55:08 PM ]

NEW DELHI: Here is a shocking nugget of information: in terms of
public spending on health, India ranks 171st out of 175 countries for
which data is available in Human Development Report 2004.
In contrast, it ranks an impressive 18th in terms of private spending
on health. It is hardly surprising then that the doctor ki dukan is
thriving. Nor should it be a secret any longer why the poor have not
bought the argument that reforms are about pulling public money out
of unproductive investments and deploying it in the social sector.
Public spending on health in India is a mere 0.9 per cent of the GDP.
There are only four countries – Nigeria, Indonesia, Sudan and Myanmar
— which spend less. In China, with which India is often compared,
the government spends two per cent of GDP on health and even Nepal
(1.5%) and Bangladesh (1.6%) spend more on health. Only Pakistan (1%)
in this region does almost as badly as India.
The picture is quite different when it comes to private spending on
health. Only in 17 countries does private expenditure as a percentage
of GDP exceed the 4.2 per cent figure for India. Those who spend more
than Indian include the US, Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya,
Cambodia, El Salvador, Armenia, Bosnia and Cyprus.

Noyan Tapan
July 27 2004
KARABAKH DENIES PRINTING CURRENCY – ARMENIAN AGENCY
STEPANAKERT, 27.07.04. No Karabakh currency has ever been printed,
the central bank of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic has told Noyan
Tapan news agency.
Noyan Tapan contacted the bank in connection with the report carried
by the Baku-based Ekho newspaper which claimed that a `journalistic
investigation` had revealed that the Austrian state printing works
had printed `Karabakh currency`.

Noyan Tapan
July 27 2004
FRENCH SOCIALISTS CONSIDER RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AS
PARIS, 27.07.04. The Socialist party of France considers the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide as an indispensable condition
for Turkey`s membership in the European Union. Francois Holand,
Secretary General of the party, reported about it after his meeting
with Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayipp Erdogan, answering Turkish
correspondents` questions. `It is impossible to specify the term of
negotiations on membership as long as Turkey didn`t recognize the
Genocide,` he said. According to the `Marmara` newspaper of Istanbul,
when journalists said that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide
isn`t considered as a criterion in the issue of the EU membership,
and for what basis the Socialist Party lays down such a condition, F.
Holand reminded that the French parliament had recognized the
Armenian Genocide. News agencies report that the issue of the
Genocide was touched upon during the Holand-Erdogan meeting and
Erdogan noticed that this issue should be submitted to historians for
discussion.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 27, 2004
___________________
ARMENIANS DESCEND UPON ARARAT CENTER FOR OPEN HOUSE, CONSECRATION
By Jake Goshert
It was more than the brilliant sun that made the day exhilarating. When
more than 650 guests descended upon the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat
Center for an open house and consecration on July 24, 2004, they were
quickly inspired by the site.
They explored the seven buildings on the site, marveled at the
possibility afforded by the location’s 65 acres, and were moved by the
inspirational consecration of the land, making it Armenian.
“This is truly an extraordinary day in the life of our Diocese,” the
Primate told the crowd following the consecration, which featured dozens
of priests and sharagans sung by the St. Vartan Camp participants.
“This is a day of beginnings; a day of dreams reaching their
fulfillment; a day of seeing our dreams come to fruition and setting
beautiful dreams for the future.”
The Ararat Center was palpably transformed during the consecration
service when soil from Armenia was buried in the site and, with the
promise of success to come, an altar stone was blessed and consecrated
for use in a future on-site chapel.
“With the founding of the Ararat Center, a new horizon of amazing
possibilities has opened up for our church,” the Primate said. “Summer
camps, religious retreats, all manner of programs for young and old –
the Ararat Center promises all this and more to our future generations.”
As the consecration continued, the transformation into a truly Armenian
site was noticeable. In that simple ceremony the Ararat Center became a
home for all Armenians.
“Being Armenian, I think the idea of having the Ararat Center in
beautiful New York State is so rejuvenating for the community. It will
revitalize the Armenian community,” said Sona Jones of Tenafly, NJ. “We
don’t have the real Ararat anymore, but we are happy with the
Catskills.”
CULMINATION OF EFFORTS
The historic beginning was several years in the making, and only came
about thanks to boundless dedication by many individuals.
The efforts began during the 2000 Diocesan Assembly in Philadelphia,
when a call for the purchase of a permanent home for the Diocesan summer
camp program was lead by the late Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian. He was
encouraged by the generous and then anonymous donations from the late
Acabe Boornazian. Both Fr. Melkonian and Mrs. Boornazian will be
honored in memorial plaques at the Ararat Center site.
“They and others truly felt the Holy Spirit guiding them. We can only
pray everyone, young and old, who utilizes this facility will feel the
same spirit in their hearts,” the Primate said. “We have never ceased
calling upon the Lord, and indeed the Lord has heard us, and has set us
free to realize our deepest longings. This beautiful center is another
way He has blessed us; another way He has shown us that His loving
kindness will endure forever.”
That dedication did not go unnoticed by the attendees of the open house,
many of whom traveled hundreds of miles just for the celebration.
“I think it’s beautiful. I like that we accomplished something, that we
realized our dreams,” said Lynn Hajatian, a parishioner of the Holy
Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA. “I am hoping the parishes use it. It
would be unfortunate if they didn’t.”
Along with the support of lay leaders, the Ararat Center project came to
fruition because of the dedication of a number of clergy, including the
Primate.
“Archbishop Barsamian saw the potential here and brought the right
people together to make this dream a reality,” said Stephen Hovnanian,
chairman of the Ararat Center Advisory Committee.
SUPPORTING THE SPIRIT
The Diocese purchased the expansive Ararat Center in January 2004 for
$1.2 million. Already nearly $1 million in cash and pledges has been
raised. During the consecration, many people, moved by the testimony of
supporters and the potential of the site, gave another $25,000.
“Today, as you have toured our 65 magnificent acres, it is time to
celebrate,” said Rose Najarian-Kedeshian, a member of the Ararat Center
advisory committee. “It is the new home of every single one of you. It
only happened because we made this happen. We felt the spirit and
passion and acted. We must now make sure we use every inch of soil of
this magnificent place.”
The committee is also working on raising funds for an endowment, which
will ensure the Ararat Center can operate independently and not take
money away from the ministries and programs of the Diocese. One early
donor, Papken Megerian, a parishioner from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church of Wynnewood, PA, who had already pledged to give $1,000 every
year he is alive was moved by seeing the actual site and pledged to give
$1,000 to the endowment every year after he passes away.
“We thought this is the best thing we could do so our children don’t go
to camp in Odarland,” Megerian said. “Now we have a camp with an
Armenian soul.”
NEW HOME FOR ALL ARMENIANS
That Armenian soul makes the Ararat Center the perfect site for prayer
retreats, seniors’ weekend get-aways, and leadership seminars.
“I’d like to see our parish come up here, because it would be like
camping for seniors. It’s a good place for us to come up and enjoy the
fresh air,” said Dick Kalagian, a parishioner from the St. George Church
of Hartford, CT. “It would be better to bring parish groups up here for
retreats, because you’ll be away from the parish and your normal lives.
You can think more and take more time to focus on whatever you’re doing
up here.”
The first group to use the facility, formerly known as Balsam Shade, was
the Diocese’s St. Vartan Camp program. More than 200 campers and staff
stayed at the center for two two-week sessions this July. Their new
home — with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and plenty of nature —
quickly won rave reviews.
“At first it was difficult to deal with the new environment,” said
camper George Vartanian, who spoke for the campers along with St. Vartan
Camp Director of Programs Charis Yousefian and Camp Director Yn. Arpi
Kouzouian. “But in less than two days, Balsam Shade became the Ararat
Center and it felt like our new home.”
The next group to use the site will be the Association of Armenian
Church Choirs of America (AACCA), which will hold a four-day junior
choir leadership retreat there starting August 4.
The day’s festivities also brought out special local guests, such as the
mayor of neighboring Troy, NY, Harry Tutunjian. Music was provided by
the Philly Kef Band, and the Sipan dance group of Albany, NY, performed.
Desserts were prepared by local Women’s Guild chapters. The joint
community and Diocesan effort could not have happened without the help
of countless volunteers from several parishes, especially the St. Peter
Church of Watervliet, NY, and its Yn. Paulette Doudoukjian, a member of
the Ararat Center Advisory Committee.
— 7/27/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, pastor of the Armenian Church
of the Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, buries soil from Armenia in
the ground of the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat Center during its
consecration on July 24, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, blesses a cornerstone and cross to be used for a future
Armenian chapel on the site of the Ararat Center, located 30 miles south
of Albany, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Dozens of clergy joined the Primate for the
consecration service at the Diocese’s new Ararat Center on July 24,
2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of music ministry for
the Eastern Diocese, leads the St. Vartan Camp campers in singing
sharagans during the Ararat Center consecration service on July 24,
2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): More than 500 people from several states came to the
Ararat Center open house and consecration on July 24, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): Several parishes organized bus trips to the Ararat
Center open house, including this bus from St. Mark Church of
Springfield, MA.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): Michael Zeytoonian, a member of the camp committee
that found the Ararat Center, leads one of the many tours of the seven
buildings and 65-acres of land during the Ararat Center open house on
July 24, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (8): Following the Ararat Center consecration service,
guests were entertained by the Sipan dance group of Albany, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (9): Guests at the Ararat Center open house dance to live
music by the Philly Kef Band, whose members donated $1,200 towards the
purchase of the new youth and conference center.
PHOTO CAPTION (10): Papken Megerian, a parishioner from the Sts. Sahag
and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, tells the crowd at the Ararat Center
open house why he is donating to the efforts.
PHOTO CAPTION (11): Speaking on behalf of the St. Vartan Camp campers,
George Vartanian says they quickly came to love their new home, the
Ararat Center, located 30 miles south of Albany, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (12): More than 650 lunches were served during the Ararat
Center open house and consecration by volunteers, from the St. George
Church of Watervliet, NY, as well as other parishes. Desserts were
provided by parish Women’s Guilds.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

US mediator urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to make compromises
Golos Armenii, Yerevan
27 Jul 04
The US mediator for the Nagornyy Karabakh problem, Steven Mann, has
said that the OSCE Minsk Group sees the conflict settlement only in
compromises and called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to be ready for
them. He stated that the Minsk Group supports the dialogue between the
foreign ministers and presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the
same time, the co-chairman added that if the conflict drags on for a
long time, the situation in Azerbaijan as well as in Armenia will
become more difficult, which is why the parties should start a
dialogue so that this does not happen. The following is the text of
Regnum news agency’s report by Armenian newspaper Golos Armenii on 27
July headlined “Baku and Yerevan should be ready for
compromises”. Subheadings have been inserted editorially:
An interview with the American co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group,
Steven Mann.
Emotions prevail here and there
Regnum correspondent Mr Mann, what was the purpose of the latest visit
to the region by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen?
Steven Mann That was a planned visit and its purpose was to bring
together the positions of the parties and to help find ways of
settling the Karabakh problem. This time we visited Yerevan as well as
Nagornyy Karabakh and Baku, where we informed the parties that the
Minsk Group will continue its activity and will support a dialogue
between the presidents and foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and
Armenia. The co-chairmen understand the situation of the two
countries’ governments and want to make their positions closer. But
unfortunately, emotions prevail here and there. The problem may not be
resolved when they are guided by emotions. As long as there are
conditions for continuing the talks, we, the diplomats, will do
everything possible to prevent a new tragedy.
Correspondent The position of the Minsk Group is taken negatively by
Azerbaijani society. Sometimes, you are even called “political
tourists”. Are you going to correct your activity?
Mann Harsh criticism is an ordinary thing for us politicians and it
does not disturb us. The point is that the talks are really difficult
and society expects a lot from us. But we are not Gods. The parties
themselves should come to a solution, our aim is to get any decision
from any of the conflicting parties. The success of the talks depends
on the parties’ readiness for compromises. The Armenian and
Azerbaijani leadership, not the mediators, are responsible for the
talks. Progress in the talks also depends on them. Along with it, a
peaceful settlement to the Karabakh conflict by means of negotiations
within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group meets the national
interests of the USA. I will make every effort to represent US
interests fully and I take my duty seriously. If the conflict drags on
for a long time, the situation in Azerbaijan as well as in Armenia
will become more difficult. The parties should start a dialogue so
that this does not happen.
The conflict can be settled only through compromises
Correspondent In Tbilisi you said that the USA supports the actions of
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in the South Ossetia
problem. Will you support Azerbaijan if it makes up its mind to
restore its territorial integrity?
Mann Every conflict has its peculiarities. The US position on the
Karabakh issue is unchangeable – the conflict should be settled
peacefully. Let us think soberly and make a compromise. The mutually
acceptable decision may be found only in compromises. One cannot have
success in any talks if he does not make compromises. The co-chairmen
see the settlement to the conflict only in compromises. Azerbaijan as
well as Armenia should be ready for compromises. A lasting peace can
be achieved in the region only in this way. The parties to the
conflict themselves have chosen the OSCE for its settlement and we are
trying to settle the conflict peacefully and will support the
decisions adopted by the parties.
Correspondent The Russian co-chairman, Yuriy Merzlyakov, said in Baku
that the UN Security Council resolutions on the Karabakh conflict were
adopted in another situation and today they may not be fulfilled. Do
you share such a viewpoint?
Mann You simply misunderstood his statement: at the press conference
in Baku, touching on the fulfilment of the four UN Security Council
resolutions, the Russian co-chair said that he does not think they are
obsolete. In our work we use all the options including resolutions.
Conflicting parties have the last say
Correspondent Do the co-chairmen regard Nagornyy Karabakh as a
participant in the negotiating process?
Mann Nagornyy Karabakh’s involvement does not depend on the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairmen, it only depends on the conflicting parties. One of
the conflicting parties is against Nagornyy Karabakh’s participation
in the negotiating process. But I think that all the interested
parties should be involved in the talks. I think this will help
accelerate the process of finding ways to settle the conflict. But at
the same time, the parties to the conflict have the last say. They
should decide who will be involved in the negotiating processes.
Correspondent Does the Karabakh conflict have an impact on the energy
interests of the USA in this region?
Mann US policy in this region has a long-term nature and we are in
favour of stability. Of course, the USA is not interested in events
that may threaten st ability. Here the USA supports big energy
projects. The Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is one of such projects. It is
significant for the whole region.
Correspondent Some time ago there was information in the press that
you allegedly suggested recognizing the independence of Nagornyy
Karabakh in exchange for three of the occupied Azerbaijani districts.
Mann Yes, there was really such information in the Armenian press. I
would like to say once again that all this information is not true and
is invented. I expressed my indignation in connection with this – I
said nothing concerning three, five or seven districts. I would like
to ask journalists to clarify my position before publishing anything
on my behalf.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Poll shows majority of Lithuanians support further EU enlargement
Delfi web site, Vilnius
27 Jul 04
Two-thirds of Lithuanian residents support further enlargement of the
EU, and the majority of them are in favour of Ukraine’s admission to
the EU in the near future, a press release has said. The results were
obtained though interviews with people comprising a representative
sample of the country’s population, carried out by the public opinion
and market research centre Vilmorus on 8-11 July on the Foreign
Ministry’s request. As many as 62.6 per cent of respondents said they
supported further expansion of the EU, 12.6 per cent said they were
against it and 24.8 per cent were undecided. Those who back further
enlargement are mainly people aged 18-29 (67.3 per cent in their age
group ), 50-59 (66.7 per cent), 60-69 (68.2 per cent), as well as
schoolchildren (76.6 per cent) who were interviewed outside the scope
of the poll .
Those against the admission of new countries are mainly people aged
40-49 (14.9 per cent), university graduates (18.3 per cent), as well
as those whose monthly income per family member is less than 501 litas
176 dollars (19.9 per cent). The greatest number of the supporters of
EU enlargement live in Lithuanian towns, except five largest cities
(68.2 per cent), while the majority of its opponents live in Vilnius
(19.8 per cent).
The poll showed that people mainly support the admission of Ukraine,
Turkey, Croatia, Moldova and Georgia to the EU in the short term,
while opinions differ on the admission of Belarus, Armenia and
Azerbaijan.
As many as 36.9 per cent of those interviewed said they were in favour
on Ukraine’s admission in the short term; 31.8 per cent mentioned
Turkey; 31.7 per cent Croatia; 24 per cent Moldova and 20.3 per cent
Georgia.
The statement that Georgia should be admitted to the EU in ten years’
time was backed by 15.8 per cent of the respondents, while 14.6 per
cent said that this should happen in the long term. Ukraine scored
15.2 per cent and 10.0 per cent, respectively; Moldova 14.5 per cent
and 13.7 per cent; Croatia 10.7 and 7.8 per cent; and Turkey 9.5 and
7.7 per cent. Those opposing Georgia’s EU membership made up 15.3 per
cent, in case of Turkey and Moldova the percentage was 12.2 per cent,
Croatia 10.7 per cent and Ukraine 9.2 per cent.
Belarus’s entry to the EU in the short term was backed by 21.5 per
cent of the respondents, 12.6 per cent said this should happen in ten
years’ time, 16.3 per cent mentioned the long term and 20.2 per cent
said they opposed this altogether.
Armenia’s short term EU entry got the backing of 17.6 per cent of
those interviewed, 15.9 per cent said this should happen after a
decade, 15.2 per cent indicated the long term prospect and 16.2 per
cent said they were against its EU entry. In the case of Azerbaijan
the percentage was 14.7 per cent; 14.6 per cent; 15.7 per cent and
18.6 per cent, respectively.
Vilmorus interviewed 1,005 Lithuanian residents, aged 18 years and
older, from 18 towns and 58 villages after selecting them through
multistage random sampling. The margin of error of the results is 3
per cent.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
July 27 2004
PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV MET HEADS OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
OF THE REPUBLIC ABROAD
[July 27, 2004, 21:04:49]
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on 27 July at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met heads of the diplomatic missions
of Azerbaijan functioning in the foreign countries.
Head of state looked through the monument erected to the national
leader of Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev at the foyer of the
Ministry.
Foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov opened the meeting.
Noting that national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev has
determined the priorities of foreign policy of Azerbaijan Republic
the foreign minister said that concrete and consecutive works should
be carried out in this direction.
He also noted that the law of Azerbaijan Republic `On diplomatic
service’ adopted on 8 July 2001 regulates activity of the foreign
ministry and promotes execution of state’s foreign policy determined
by President Ilham Aliyev.
Then, the foreign minister cited as example that currently Azerbaijan
has established diplomatic relations with 156 countries. 26 embassies
and 16 international representations are functioning in Baku, the
Minister said. Azerbaijan has 21 embassies, 5 permanent
representations, 2 consulate generals and 2 honorary consulates
abroad. Foreign missions are expected to be opened recently in
Bulgaria, Belarus, Indonesia, Kuwait, Canada, Latvia, India, Hungary,
Japan and Greece.
Azerbaijan is a member of 44 international and regional
organizations. 22 Azerbaijanis work at these organizations.
Azerbaijan has joined 250 conventions, the Minister stressed.
Mr. Mammadyarov further noted that it is Azerbaijani diplomatic
missions that are realizing the country’s foreign policy, and named
among their most important duties intensification of their activities
towards fear solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, reinforcing
the fight against anti-Azerbaijani people propaganda pursued by the
Armenians, continuation of rendering humanitarian assistance to
refugees and internally displaced people, tracking the Azerbaijan
related materials in foreign mass media etc. The Minister pointed out
as well that economic issues, relations with Azerbaijani Diaspora
abroad, as well as protection of the rights of the Azerbaijani
juridical and physical persons abroad should also be focus of our
diplomatic missions’ attention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to play a key role in
development of important documents related to the country’s foreign
policy, national security and military conception, he said. Minister
Mammadyarov also expressed the opinion that the Ministry should be
involved both in cooperation with Milli Majlis and development of
Inter-parliamentary cooperation in an everyday basis.
To defend Azerbaijan’s interests under conditions of globalization,
the coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be
provided with certain work.
Along with some questions, on this purpose the Foreign Ministry
prepares appropriate documents on priority issues of foreign policy
and submits to other governmental structures of Azerbaijan.
Internal composition of the Ministry should be improved and bring in
conformity with the foreign policy priorities. To this end, some
departments of the Ministry will be abolished, while some others be
set up. Issues of integration to the European structures, sections on
archives, training centers and other structures will be established.
The Ministry’s Board should be set up. Appropriate proposals have
already been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.
We must activate the work with the local and foreign mass media,
Elmar Mammadyarov underlined. Briefings on the organized events, the
position of our state on separate questions of foreign policy should
be disclosed for mass media representatives in a defined order.
Propaganda and agitation through Internet should be strengthened.
The diplomatic service should be provided with worthy and able
personnel meeting international standards. The Foreign Ministry
carries appropriate work in this direction. We must ensure openness,
transparency, objectivity, professionalism and clear principles in
selection of staff members and other issues in the Ministry.
Summing up my remarks, I would like to underline that the diplomatic
service in Azerbaijan has been established after restoration of
statehood in a new environment, the Minister said. Our diplomats have
a lot to do.
Addressing the President, the foreign minister assured the head of
state that the personnel of diplomatic service bodies would make
every effort to realize the tasks put forward.
***
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI LEADER OUTLINES KEY FOREIGN POLICY ISSUES IN MEETING WITH DIPLOMATS
Bilik Dunyasi news agency
27 Jul 04
BAKU
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met the heads of Azerbaijani
diplomatic missions abroad at the Foreign Ministry today.
During the meeting Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov informed the
president of the work of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic missions abroad. He
also spoke about new activities connected with the need for
coordination between diplomats in the modern world, as well as
structural changes due in the ministry.
In his remarks, President Ilham Aliyev said that the initiative to
hold this meeting was put forward by former Azerbaijani President
Heydar Aliyev a year ago. The head of state added that the foreign
political course adopted by Heydar Aliyev is being successfully
pursued today. Saying that the success of Azerbaijani diplomacy
depends on the work of Azerbaijani ambassadors abroad, Ilham Aliyev
stressed that the main objective of our diplomacy was to solve issues
of national importance at the international level.
Pointing to the fact that Azerbaijan has no problems in bilateral
relations, the president stated his position with regard to
Azerbaijan’s main strategic foreign political directions. The
president said that the main direction is to inform the world public
of the real essence of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagornyy
Karabakh and of Azerbaijan’s position based on a solution to the issue
on the basis of international legal norms.
“Azerbaijani diplomats must take a more active part in resolving the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan supports peace. We want to
resolve the issue through negotiations. I hope the negotiations will
be successful. But at the same time, I have repeatedly stated that
Azerbaijan will never come to terms with the loss of its lands. If the
path of negotiations leads us nowhere, Azerbaijan will use all other
means available, including the military option. International law is
on our side. Economic potential and other issues are also in our
favour. I have no doubt that the issue will be resolved
fairly. Sometimes we hear recommendations about compromises. But I
have repeatedly said that there can be no compromise on the issue of
territorial integrity,” Ilham Aliyev said.
“Another key direction in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is to inform the
world public and international organizations of the plight of
Azerbaijani refugees and forced migrants,” the president said,
disclosing the tasks of the diplomatic corps.
Aliyev instructed the ambassadors to expand cooperation with foreign
countries and influential international organizations in a move to
strengthen Azerbaijan’s positions in the region and to increase the
country’s authority.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
July 27 2004
AZERBAIJAN PARLIAMENT KEEN IN DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN
OMBUDSMEN OF AZERBAIJAN AND UKRAINE
[July 27, 2004, 22:01:19]
Chairman of Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic Murtuz Alaskarov
on 27 July at the Heydar Aliyev Hall met the delegation led by the
human rights commissioner of the Ukraine Supreme Rada (Ombudsman)
Nina Karpachova.
Greeting the guests, Speaker Murtuz Alaskarov said that today the two
countries have close friendly links, AzerTAj correspondent reported.
The relations between the countries have reached strategic
partnership level thanks to the expedient policy pursued by the heads
of the countries. Many documents have been signed during the
reciprocal visits of heads of state and government, and now there is
a good environment for cooperation between the Ombudsman institutions
of the countries, the Speaker said. The commissioner on human rights
has done a lot in development of protection of the human rights and
democracy in the country and achieved certain accomplishments in
international cooperation.
Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic adheres development of
ombudsman ties between Azerbaijan and Ukraine and stands ready to
render any assistance in this field, Mr. Alaskarov said.
Then, Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament highlighted the guest on
inter-parliamentary links, heavy sequences of the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorny Karabakh conflict, ousting of thousand sof people form their
homelands, the UN resolutions on settlement of the problem, on the
useless activity of the OSCE Minsk Group and Azerbaijan’s flair
position.
Speaker of Parliament expressed hope that this visit would promote
development of Ombudsman relations in the field of protection of
human rights and freedoms between the two countries.
Human rights commissioner of Ukraine’s Supreme Rada Nina Karpachova
thanked Mr. Alaskarov for warm reception and conveyed greetings of
the Chairman of Parliament of her country. The agreement on strategic
partnership let to expand links between the Ombudsman institutions of
the countries, she said. `We must take the maximum opportunity for
expansion our relations’.
Today, some five hundred thousands Azerbaijanis live in Ukraine and
their rights are protected. After singing of agreement on cooperation
between the human rights commissioners of two countries, these rights
will be ensured more reliably, Nina Karpachova underlined.
As for the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, Ukraine
adheres settlement of this conflict by peace way and in the frame of
international laws, she stressed. `The Ukraine’s Ombudsman will make
every effort to bring the item to the notice of world community’.
The parties had comprehensive exchange of views on a number of other
issues of mutual interest.