Author: Chaltikian Arsine

OSCE ‘REVITALIZED’ AT HELSINKI MINISTERIAL COUNCIL, HIGH-LEVEL TALKS ON EUROPEAN SECURITY TO CONTINUE

AKIpress News Agency
December 8, 2008 Monday
Kyrgyzstan

The spirit of Helsinki has revitalized the OSCE, and the meeting of
foreign ministers gave new impetus to discussions on European security
challenges, said the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister
Alexander Stubb, at the close of the OSCE Ministerial Council in
Helsinki on December 5.The two-day meeting, which was attended by a
record 50 foreign ministers from the OSCE’s 56 participating States,
concluded with the 2009 Greek Chairmanship indicating willingness
to convene a high-level meeting to continue the talks on European
security that took place here.In the closing address, Finnish Prime
Minister Matti Vanhanen said that the meeting had been "constructive
and substantive"."During these two days the ministers have had the
unique opportunity to share views and exchange ideas on security
challenges and possible next steps. From our point of view the OSCE is
a natural forum to discuss European security issues, also at the high
level if needed," he said.Stubb called the meeting a success, although
the ministers did not agree a joint political declaration. "I’m a
little bit disappointed that we didn’t get a political declaration.

I think we had a window of opportunity to do it – we missed it. But at
least we were able to sort a few of the key issues," he said.Thirteen
decisions were taken by the OSCE ministers, including agreement on a
ministerial statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They welcomed
the "constructive and positive momentum in the peace process for the
political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict", and encouraged
the sides to intensify negotiations.The foreign ministers also agreed
to enhance OSCE efforts to improve the situation of Roma and Sinti,
and to combat trafficking in human beings. Other decisions concerned,
among other issues, small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of
conventional ammunition, and countering terrorism.The Greek 2009 OSCE
Chairmanship was tasked with pursuing dialogue on strengthening
the legal framework of the OSCE. Marking the 60th anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ministers also
reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the declaration.The
Chairman-in-Office referred to the foreign ministers’ discussion on the
future of European security that took place yesterday as a high point
of the meeting: "It was refreshing, it was frank, it was open, and it
was analytical, and that in and of itself to me is part of the spirit
of Helsinki."Greek Foreign Minister and 2009 OSCE Chairperson-in-Office
Dora Bakoyannis emphasized the Greek Chairmanship’s commitment to
continuing the talks."The discussions we have started in Helsinki
should be taken forward. As the incoming Chairmanship, Greece stands
ready to take forward proposals to continue our high-level dialogue
on Euro-Atlantic security, perhaps through the convening of a special
meeting to deepen the debate and clarify the questions that remain,"
she said.

BLACKWATER MERCS INDICTED IN BAGHDAD ATROCITY

World War 4 Report
Dec 9 2008
NY

Here’s a case study in what Iraq’s besieged secular left calls the "two
poles of terrorism." The news reports now are not recalling it, but we
noted at the time of the attacks last year that the victims in this
atrocity were Armenian Christians–and Iraq’s indigenous Christians
have also been massively targeted for "sectarian cleansing" by the
jihadis (or, to use the too-flattering media term, "insurgents"). From
the Washington Post, Dec. 6:

WASHINGTON — Five Blackwater Worldwide security guards have been
charged in a September 2007 shooting that left 17 Iraqi civilians
dead and raised questions about the U.S. government’s use of security
contractors in combat zones, according to two sources familiar with
the case.

The guards, all former U.S. military personnel, worked as
security contractors for the State Department, assigned to protect
U.S. diplomats and other non-military officials in Iraq.

Federal prosecutors obtained the indictment Thursday, and it was
sealed.

Channing Phillips, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in
the District of Columbia, declined to comment. The exact nature of
the charges could not be determined. The five security guards are
expected to surrender to authorities on Monday, the sources said.

Authorities have not publicly identified the guards.

The indictment caps a yearlong probe into the Sept. 16, 2007, shooting
as the guards’ convoy arrived in Baghdad’s Nisoor Square.

An Iraqi government investigation concluded that the security
contractors opened fire without provocation. And the U.S. military
and initial findings by the FBI found Blackwater guards were the only
ones who fired weapons that day. Blackwater has said its guards were
fired on and acted in self-defense.

A federal grand jury in Washington has heard testimony from dozens
of witnesses, including some Iraqis, the sources said.

Blackwater is not a target of the investigation but has been paying the
guards’ legal bills, sources said. Anne Tyrrell, a company spokeswoman,
said "it would be inappropriate to comment on anything under seal."

But she added: "Based on the information available to us, however,
we do not believe criminal violations occurred."

"If it is determined that an individual acted improperly," she said,
"Blackwater would support holding that person accountable."

PRESIDENT OF THE NKR CONVOKED A CONSULTATION…

Azat Artsakh Daily
08 Dec 08
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]

On 8 December President of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic Bako Sahakyan
convoked a consultation on situation in judicial system and the
course of reforms being carried out in this sphere. The President
considered important the establishment of the institute of forensic
department which is to contribute to increasing the effectiveness
of the system’s work. Bako Sahakyan underlined that the necessity
to keep implementing activities to form a corresponding moral and
psychological atmosphere in sphere as well to sum up the activities
of each organ of the judicial system in a public way on an annual
basis. The heads of judicial system organs, NKR finance minister and
other officials partook at the consultation. *** On the same day the
President, accompanied by NKR minister of municipal engineering and
mayor of Stepanakert, visited industrial concrete plant construction
site and a territory of the Center of children’s creative work where
a new kindergarten is to be built. Both objects are located in capital
Stepanakert and sponsored by "Four Direction" company. The Head of the
State got acquainted with construction activities and plans on site.

91,000 JOBSEEKERS RECORDED IN ARMENIA: STATE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

ARKA
Dec 8, 2008

YEREVAN, December 8. /ARKA/. The number of Armenia’s jobseekers
reached 90,800 in the past months, reported Sona Harutyunyan, head
of the RA State Employment Agency.

The number of unemployed was down 0.4% to 76,000 in end-2008, with
average unemployment rate being 6.3%.

Relatively higher unemployment rates were recorded in Syunik, Shirak,
Lori, Kotayk and Tavoush regions, Harutyunyan said, adding 2008 was
marked with positive changes thanks to the State Employment Regulation
Program which has been fulfilled 100 percent.

However, employment laws remain weak, she said, adding this year the
government revised the order of offering financial assistance when
moving to a new place of work.

"This program has not been fulfilled for years, as employees refused
to move to a new place because of a miserable refund," Harutyunyan
said: "From now on, employees can get a financial assistance worth
500,000 drams when moving to a new place 30 kilometers far from where
they live."

The new program provides for financial assistance when moving
furniture, as well as refund for payment of communal services.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
[email protected]
Internet

PRESS RELEASE

December 8, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ARMENIAN AMERICANS CRITICIZE HYPOCRISY OF GENOCIDE PREVENTION TASK
FORCE CO-CHAIRS

— Secretaries Albright and Cohen’s Opposition to Armenian Genocide
Affirmation Undermines Credibility of Key Report

— ANCA Confronts Cohen and Albright at Press Conference Announcing
Genocide Prevention Blueprint

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today questioned the credibility of former Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen to
issue a genocide prevention report, given their longstanding
opposition to Armenian Genocide legislation. The report, unveiled
earlier today at the National Press Club by the Genocide Prevention
Task Force, co-chaired by Albright and Cohen, is designed to
encourage U.S. leadership in ending the cycle of genocide.

"Albright and Cohen offered some worthwhile solutions today but,
sadly, as two of the main architects of U.S. denial of the Armenian
Genocide, remain very much part of the problem the Task Force set
out to address," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
"Secretaries Albright and Cohen both have long track records, both
as government officials and private citizens, of working to block
American recognition of the Armenian Genocide."

Last year, both Secretaries Cohen and Albright sent letters to
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposing Congressional legislation
(H.Res.106 / S.Res.106) aimed to end U.S. complicity in Armenian
Genocide denial through proper U.S. reaffirmation of that crime
against humanity. Secretary Cohen’s firm, the Cohen Group, is a
strategic partner with DLA / Piper, a registered foreign agent
representing the Government of Turkey, paid $1.8 million a year to,
among other things, lobby against Armenian Genocide legislation.
The Cohen Group is also a member of the American Turkish Council,
which has been outspoken in its opposition to Armenian Genocide
legislation.

Secretary Cohen and Albright’s letters may be found on the ANCA
website at:
ohen_106.pdf

"The messengers undermine the message here. Their words are on the
mark, but Albright and Cohen’s political opposition to ending U.S.
complicity in Genocide denial speaks far louder," added Hamparian.

A pointed question by Hamparian asking Secretaries Cohen and
Albright to comment on what they learned about the dangers of
genocide denial and whether this will cause them to stop seeking to
block U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide was largely evaded
by the co-chairs. Hamparian’s question and the Secretaries’
answers can be viewed online at:
ses.php?prid=1632

H.Res.106, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) with lead
supporters George Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Brad
Sherman (D-CA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), currently has over 200
cosponsors.

On October 10, 2007, the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted
the resolution, which calls on U.S. foreign policy to properly
reflect the genocide of over 1.5 million Armenian men, women and
children from 1915-1923 in Ottoman Turkey. A similar measure in the
Senate, led by Deputy Majority Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL) and
John Ensign (R-NV), has 33 cosponsors.

TURKISH INTELLECTUALS GIVE PERSONAL APOLOGY FOR 1915 EVENTS

Today’s Zaman
Dec 5 2008
Turkey

A group of Turkish intellectuals have apologized for the "great
disaster that Ottoman Armenians suffered in 1915" but have fallen
short of calling on the state to do the same.

A petition initiated by a group of intellectuals, including professors
Baskın Oran and Ahmet İnsel, journalists Ali Bayramoglu and Cengiz
Aktar, personally apologizes for the events.

The group is asking other people to sign the petition, which reads
as follows: "I cannot conscientiously accept the indifference to
the great disaster that Ottoman Armenians suffered in 1915, and its
denial. I reject this injustice and acting of my own will, I share
the feelings and pains of my Armenian brothers and sisters, and I
apologize to them."

The organizers of the campaign have underlined that first they will
collect signatures from intellectuals and they will then open a secure
Web site to collect signatures.

Oran pointed out that they had written the text for individuals since
the tragedy was very human. "We are searching for human beings. We
thought about urging the state to apologize but we decided to let
individuals act according to their conscience. This call is for
everybody," he said.

The petition, which has already become the target of nationalists,
has led to criticism from other intellectuals.

Aytekin Yıldız, the coordinator of the Confrontation Association
(YuzleÅ~_me Dernegi), pointed out that the Armenian community was
already aware of the fact that there are many people in Turkey of
conscience, and the important thing was not to declare what is already
known. "It is a good starting point, but not enough. Firstly, what do
they mean by ‘great disaster’? Let’s name it, it is genocide. Secondly,
the state has to apologize," Yıldız pointed out.

Historian AyÅ~_e Hur said apologizing is the duty of those who were
responsible for the act, or for those who share their arguments. "It
seems that a very elite group discussed that petition, because I
learnt about this petition from the media and I was surprised," she
said, and added: "I approach these types of events as a scientist, as
a historian, not as a member of the Turkish nation. For me, all these
events were the fault of Turkish nationalism flourishing at that time,
and personally, I don’t identify with it, so I do not feel the need
to apologize personally."

She also pointed out that the petitioners are concentrating only on
1915; however, she says there were events after and before. "There is
a state tradition which legitimizes all these events and prevents any
discussion about them. Firstly, the state has to ensure a suitable
atmosphere to discuss all these things; then it has to apologize on
behalf of the perpetrators and for itself, because it has legitimized
their actions through the years."

Another figure, a prominent intellectual who wanted to remain
anonymous, said to apologize is not the responsibility of the
individual but that of the state. He said Defense Minister Vecdi
Gönul’s remarks at a speech he gave in November were not acceptable.

In that speech, the minister suggested that the "success" of the
republic lay in the nation-building process. "If there were Greeks in
the Aegean and Armenians in most places in Turkey today, would it be
the same nation-state? I don’t know what words I can use to explain
the importance of the population exchange, but if you look at the
former state of affairs, its importance will become very clear,"
Gönul said. He added that in those days, Ankara was composed of
four neighborhoods — Armenian, Jewish, Greek and Muslim — and
claimed that after the nation-building process, it became possible
to establish a national bourgeoisie.

The Lausanne Treaty, signed in 1923, set in motion a population
exchange between Greek Orthodox citizens of the young Turkish Republic
and Muslim citizens of Greece, which resulted in the displacement
of approximately 2 million people. The Armenian population that was
in Turkey before the establishment of Turkish Republic was forced
to emigrate in 1915, and, according to some, the conditions of this
expulsion are the basis of Armenian claims of genocide.

–Boundary_(ID_zR9f+kPorpd7wCqkTFP/6A)- –

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN: HARSH ASSESSMENT BY HAMMARBERG RESULT OF PRESSURE BY ARMENIAN OPPOSITION

ArmInfo
2008-12-04 16:03:00

ArmInfo. ‘CE Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg will
soften his assessments of domestic political situation in Armenia
before PACE Winter Session’, Gagik Melikyan, Armenian parliamentarian
from Republican Party of Armenia said to ArmInfo.

He said harsh assessments by Hammarberg during his last
visit to Armenia were result of the pressure by the Armenian
opposition. ‘Hammarberg’s assessments were not impartial’, he said. As
regards the activity of the Parliamentary Interim Commission to
Investigate March 1-2 incidents in Yerevan, Melikyan said: ‘Interim
Commission should fulfill its functions i.e. give political assessment
of the incidents of March. In this context, one can say the Commission
has to some extent deviated from the right way’.

IN SUPPORT OF BISHOP AJAPAHYAN, PRIMATE OF SHIRAK DIOCESE

Lragir.am
12:32:29 – 03/12/2008

The Miatsum national initiative released a statement on December 3
which holds: "The Miatsum national initiative condemns with strong
determination the illegal and defiling action of the mayor of Gyumri
Vardan Ghukasyan against the primate of the Diocese of Shirak Bishop
Michael Ajapahyan and asserts its support to the primate to protect
the authority of the Armenian Church from the criminal aspirations
of the mayor.

The Miatsum national initiative reminds the Armenian government
that supporting the criminal encroachments by people like Vardan
Ghukasyan who are widely-known criminals and denigrate the Armenian
state upon the primate of the Diocese of Shirak transgress morality
and good sense.

… Stating that the necessity for protecting the native land
would not occur if the Armenian political and spiritual elite of
Armenia realized its role and responsibility before the Armenians,
the Miatsum national initiative underscores our civil duty to support
Bishop Michael Ajapahyan for the sake of strong will to build a fair,
strong Armenian state based on the spiritual values of the Armenian
civilization and the rule of constitutional law."

GOVERNMENT PROPOSES LIQUIDATING LIMITATIONS TO TIME FOR PROGRAMS BROADCAST IN NATIONAL MINORITIES’ LANGUAGES

Noyan Tapan

Dec 3, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. On December 3, the Armenian
parliament in the first reading adopted a bill authored by the
government envisaging amendments to the law On Television and
Radio. According to the bill, the current limitations to broadcasting
special programs in the languages of the RA national minorities is
liquidated. According to the limitations, the general duration of
such programs on television is set to up to one hour a week and on
radio up to one hour a day.

According to the main reporter, RA Minister of Justice Gevorg
Danielian, the amendments’ necessity proceeds from the requirements
of RA Constitution’s Article 27, expanding national minorities’ right
to receive and convey information in their language, as well as brings
the law in line with Council of Europe experts’ proposals, provisions
of the frame convention On Protection of National Minorities’ Rights.

In the opinion of bill’s opponents, including RPA member Armen
Ashotian, the Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Science,
Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport Affairs, if the limitation is
liquidated, the TV air can be flooded with unlimited Russian-language
programs, therefore it is expedient instead of liquidating the
limitation to double the time permitted at present.

ALI BABACAN TO VISIT AZERBAIJAN REGARDING ARMENIA ISSUE
Shamkhal Abilov

Journal of Turkish Weekly
Dec 2 2008
Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan is in official visit to Azerbaijan
by the invitation of his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov. The
meeting was held between two Foreign Ministers. The main topic of
the meeting was the further development of the bilateral relations,
situation in the South Caucasus, and the mediation role of Turkey in
this issue.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that, we talked
about the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict at the briefing
right after the meeting. "I have again informed my Turkish counterpart
about Azerbaijan position in this issue. We have also discussed about
the initiative of the Turkish side in the stability and security
platform in region," said Foreign Minister.

Ministers also talked about the energy project between two states
and stressed that the trilateral meeting between president of
Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan will play an important role
for transporting Khazar based energy to Europe through Azerbaijan
and Turkey.

At press conference the Foreign minister of Turkey Ali Babacan said
that, the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations and improving
ties between these countries would have a positive impact on the
Azerbaijan-Armenia talks over Nagorny Karabakh.

It is important here to mention that one of the main reasons of Turkey
in 1992 for closing borders with Armenia was the occupation of the
Azerbaijan territory. Now Turkey sees that this has no any effect
for solving problem with Armenia.

The visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Armenia in September
2008 creates new form for cooperation in the region. The main purpose
of the visit was helping the dialogue between two countries to avoid
the historical enmity and trying to protect peace and security in
the region.

Turkish Foreign Minister said that this is the only way for the
prosperity of the region. In order to solve the problem in the region,
parties of the conflict have to take place in the bargaining table. He
stressed that Turkey effort to improve bilateral relations with
Armenia would help to resolve the long-standing conflict and have
great impact on the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

On December 1, President Ilham Aliyev received Turkish Foreign
Minister Ali Babacan. President stressed the importance of the Turkish
partnership for Azerbaijan and appreciated the mediator role of Turkey
in Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

"We have relations that enable our cooperation in all fields. We have
common past. And nowadays, everything depend on our political will,"
stated Ilham Alyev. President also talked about the development of
the economic, political, and strategic relations between Turkey and
Azerbaijan, and mentioned that the main principle in relations is
our brotherhood and common history.

The Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kılıc also attended to
the meeting. The meeting then continued behind closed door.

–Boundary_(ID_Ghch8HU929W3otyS1MZvUQ)–