Author: Kanayan Tamar

Azeri prosecutor requests sentences for seven jailed opposition leaders

Lider TV, Baku
12 Oct 04

Another hearing into the case of those accused of committing mass
disturbances in the capital on 15-16 October [after presidential
elections in 2003] was held at the Grave Crimes Court today.

Prosecutor Nazir Bayramov continued [he started yesterday] reading
out the indictment. He requested that the court sentence [chairman of
the People’s Party of Azerbaijan] Panah Huseynov and [former general
secretary of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan] Sardar Calaloglu
to five years in prison, [editor-in-chief of Yeni Musavat newspaper]
Rauf Arifoglu and [deputy chairman of the Musavat Party] Arif Hacili
to six years as well as [chairman of the Hope Party] Iqbal Agazada,
[deputy chairman of the Musavat Party] Ibrahim Ibrahimli and [chairman
of the Karabakh disabled society] Etimad Asadov to four years and
three months.

Speaker describes children’s fate during the Armenian genocide
By Patrick Gordon, Daily Editorial Board

The Tufts Daily, MA
Oct 12 2004

Glendale – Dr. Hilmar Kaiser explored a new facet of the disputed
Armenian genocide in a lecture last Thursday that discussed how young
Armenian children were able to escape death, though usually at the
expense of parting with their parents.

“Armenian children had a strong chance of survival” during the period
of the starvation, abuse and loss of more than a million Armenians
that took place in the early 20th century, said Kaiser, a German
scholar of the genocide.

Kaiser described the genocide’s devastating nature on Turkey’s wider
Armenian population using authentic and often graphic photos of
the genocide.

Armenian girls and boys younger than age 13 were often spared,
however, because the Turkish government felt it was “possible for
Armenian children to be assimilated into Turkish culture,” Kaiser said.

Marriage into a Turkish family would save girls, especially younger
girls, from a more disastrous fate in the genocide’s death marches
across the Anatolia region.

“A saving grace for Armenian girls is the Turkish social structure,”
Kaiser said. “An Armenian woman who married a Turkish man automatically
became Turkish by association.”

The Turkish government also provided funds specifically to “feed
the Armenian children,” because they were also useful laborers,
Kaiser said.

For this reason, there also “was a clear pattern for survival of boys”
because they were needed to “work as shepherds, camel herders and
farmhands,” Kaiser said.

Armenian children were spared because of their importance in Turkey’s
textile industry as well. Their small hands could reach into the
spokes of the spinning machines to retrieve bits of unprocessed
cotton, making them “essential to the industry. Without them, the
textile industry surely would have collapsed,” Kaiser said.

But hundreds of thousands of older Armenians were removed from their
villages and provinces within Turkish territories, supposedly to be
“relocated” to distant and isolated pockets of the empire such as Azur.

Instead, the Armenians were subject to a “systematic exposure to
starvation, dehydration and contagious diseases,” Kaiser said.

The Turkish government still denies to this day that there was a
genocide, claiming that Armenian populations were simply removed from a
“war zones.”

But some Armenian children, though they were able to avoid the death
marches and forced relocations, were exposed to another extreme
hardship: prostitution.

Kaiser said that “there was rampant child prostitution and rape along
Turkey’s railroads during this period. Children eight years old and
even younger were prostituted in these regions.”

The origins of the genocide lie partly in the surging fear within
Ottoman Turkey that its Armenian population had sided with the Russian
forces during World War I.

The immediate genocidal period lasted from about April 1915 until
Sept. 1916, according to Kaiser. It began with the executions of
hundreds of Armenian leaders who had been fooled into gathering
in Istanbul.

Although Kaiser said that conflicting data and statistics make it
difficult to determine precisely how many Armenians were murdered
during the genocide, “the Armenian population could have suffered
about 1.5 million losses.”

Kaiser defined a “loss” not simply as a death, but rather as a
functioning member of the Armenian community who, for whatever reason,
could no longer rejoin it after the genocide.

“How many people were ravaged by disease and made infertile? How
many were reduced to insanity by the death marches? How many Armenian
women were married into Turkish families?” Kaiser said.

And though Kaiser stressed that the genocide was rapidly planned and
carried out by the Turkish government, he said that “there was no
long-term conspiracy to kill Armenians.”

Rather, “it occurred when the Turks had every reason to believe that
their last hour had come [as a result of World War I].”

“[It was more] the Turks saying ‘we’ll take care of the Armenians
before we go down ourselves,'” Kaiser said.

Kaiser was invited to speak by the Tufts Armenian Club. About 30 people
attended the discussion, which took place Thursday night in Eaton Hall.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
October 6, 2004 Wednesday

Armenia NPP connected to republic’s power grid

By Tigran Liloyan

YEREVAN

The Armenian nuclear power plant is connected to the republic’s power
grid after 65 days of overhaul and full replacement of fuel. The
reactor of the nuclear power plant was put on the minimal control
level overnight to October 4 and the commissioning operations are
conducted on it.

The commissioned third turbine began operating with the capacity of
220 megawatt and generates five million kW per hour daily, director
general of the nuclear power plant Gagik Markosyan said. The fourth
turbine will be connected to the power grid in two weeks, the
director emphasized.

The operation at the nuclear power plant was suspended overnight to
July 31, and the current overhaul was the most large-scale for the
whole period of the plant operation. During the repairs spent nuclear
fuel was completely unloaded, the condition of the metallic hull of
the reactor was examined and fresh fuel was loaded. Specialists of
the all-Russian research institute for operations of nuclear power
plants and the Czech company Skoda made the overhaul. The managing
company Inter RAO UES acquired and brought to the plant 100 nuclear
fuel cases worth of 12 million dollars.

The Armenian nuclear power plant that was commissioned in 1979 was
stopped in 1989 after the devastating earthquake in December 1988.
The plant resumed its operation in 1996 involving Russian
specialists, and its second power unit also resumed its operation.

Libération , France
6 octobre 2004

L’UE donne son feu vert à Ankara;
Evènement 2. Turquie

QUATREMER Jean

Pour la Commission, les négociations peuvent débuter. La décision
devra être prise par les chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement le 17
décembre.

Bruxelles de notre correspondant

La Turquie va pouvoir commencer ses négociations d’adhésion à l’Union
européenne. Dans une “recommandation” de huit pages, rédigée par le
commissaire à l’Elargissement, Günter Verheugen, et adoptée
aujourd’hui par la Commission, celle-ci estime que ce pays respecte
“suffisamment les critères politiques de Copenhague”, c’est-à-dire la
démocratie et les droits de l’homme, pour espérer pouvoir rejoindre,
à terme, les Vingt-Cinq. Un épais rapport de 187 pages, qui met
l’accent sur l’impressionnant paquet de réformes législatives lancé
par le gouvernement de Recep Tayyip Erdogan depuis deux ans, étaye
cet avis favorable. Enfin une “analyse d’impact”, demandée par le
Parlement européen, estime que l’Union ne pourra que sortir gagnante
de cet élargissement éventuel.

Malgré son analyse très positive des changements intervenus en
Turquie, la Commission se garde bien de recommander une date précise
pour l’ouverture des négociations : il reviendra aux chefs d’Etat et
de gouvernement des Vingt-Cinq d’en décider lors de leur sommet des
17 et 18 décembre. “Nous avons fait notre part du boulot”, dit-on à
la Commission : “A eux, qui ont tant souhaité que la Turquie adhère,
de décider si les négociations commenceront en 2005, ou après la
ratification du traité constitutionnel, ce qui nous renverrait à fin
2006, début 2007.” L’exécutif européen prend cependant soin de
préciser noir sur blanc, et c’est une première dans l’histoire de
l’élargissement, qu’il s’agit d’une “négociation dont l’issue reste
ouverte”.

La Commission a en effet prévu une “clause de suspension” des
négociations en cas de violation “sérieuse et répétée” des principes
de la démocratie et des droits de l’homme. Il reviendra au Conseil
des ministres d’en décider, à la majorité qualifiée, sur proposition
de la Commission. La Turquie sera aussi soumise à une évaluation
annuelle, à partir de 2005, afin de s’assurer que les réformes votées
sont effectivement appliquées. “La Croatie, qui commencera à négocier
début 2005, a droit au même traitement, même si son adhésion ne fait
guère de doutes”, insiste-t-on à la Commission, histoire qu’Ankara ne
crie pas aux deux poids, deux mesures… Et même si la Turquie ne
goûtera guère cette surveillance rapprochée, l’appréciation que porte
Bruxelles sur les progrès accomplis devrait faire plaisir au
gouvernement de l’AKP, qui voit salué son effort de modernisation.

Consensus. Mais la Commission prend soin de souligner qu’il y a loin
de la coupe aux lèvres : “Il faudra du temps avant que l’esprit des
réformes se retrouve dans le comportement des corps exécutifs et
judiciaires et à travers le pays.” De la torture dans les
commissariats, qui n’est plus “systématique”, aux violences faites
aux femmes, en passant par les discriminations dont font encore
l’objet les Kurdes ou la corruption, le rapport pointe les
dysfonctionnements de l’Etat de droit en Turquie. C’est pourquoi une
minorité de commissaires aurait aimé que l’exécutif européen se
montre plus dur.

Sans aller jusqu’à un rejet de cette candidature, souhaité par le
Néerlandais Frits Bolkestein ou l’Autrichien Franz Fischler, le
Français Pascal Lamy voulait que la recommandation indique que, en
cas d’échec des négociations, un “partenariat privilégié” pourrait
être proposé, afin de donner un signal politique clair de ce qui se
passerait au cas où Ankara ne jouerait pas le jeu. De même, la
reconnaissance du génocide arménien lui semblait une nécessité.
Enfin, il aurait voulu que la Commission réclame une augmentation du
budget communautaire afin de couvrir le coût de l’adhésion. Mais,
hormis l’Espagnole Loyola de Palacio, la Luxembourgeoise Viviane
Reding, le Chypriote Markos Kyprianou et le Slovaque Jan Figel, la
grande majorité du collège est favorable, sans états d’me, à
l’adhésion. Au pis, Romano Prodi, le président de la Commission,
n’obtiendra pas aujourd’hui le consensus qu’il souhaite afficher sur
la Turquie et devra procéder à un vote sur la recommandation pour
qu’elle soit adoptée.

Repasser le bébé. La Commission n’est pas fchée de repasser le bébé
aux chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement, qui ont précipité le mouvement.
Après avoir reconnu à la Turquie le statut de “pays candidat” en
décembre 1999, ce sont eux qui ont demandé à la Commission, en
décembre 2002, de préparer un rapport pour octobre 2004 afin de
décider si oui ou non l’élargissement à la Sublime Porte pouvait être
engagé. A l’époque, Verheugen et Prodi avaient protesté en vain, en
faisant valoir qu’il ne fallait pas se laisser enfermer dans des
délais trop serrés…

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 30 2004

Parliament’s Decision May Impede Armenian MPs’ Participation In NATO
Seminar

30/09/2004 09:03

The participation of Armenian parliamentarians in the “Rose Roth”
seminar of NATO Parliamentary Assembly to be held in Baku in November
depends on the decision to be adopted by the Milli Majlis
(Azerbaijan’s parliament).
AssA-Irada — This statement was made by Araz Azimov, Deputy Foreign
Minister also the Azerbaijani President’s special envoy on Karabagh
issue. Azimov noted that the Azerbaijani MPs’ position will play a
particular role in impeding the visit by Armenian parliamentarians to
Baku as well.

“The Azerbaijani parliament is the organizer of the seminar and
should express its position on the matter,” said Azimov, adding that
Armenians won’t be able to attend the seminar if Azerbaijani
parliamentarians reject their participation.

EU Gives Turkey Green Light

EU’s Historical Step Pleases Turkey

Verheugen Saves Turkey Report

Heated Debates Center around Turkey Report

World Talks about Turkey, Supports Progress Report

Busy Day for EU Sees Croatia Get Date, Turkey Recommended Date

[News Analysis]
Final Decision to be Made on December 17

Commission Foresees Different Procedures for Turkey

Turkey Prepares for Tough Talks with EU

Gul: EU Rejection of Turkey would Insult Islamic World

***************************************************************************
EU Gives Turkey Green Light

Zaman, Turkey
Oct 2 2004

The European Union (EU) Commission yesterday released its Progress
Report on Turkey. In addition to praising the reforms Turkey
undertook in the five years since it obtained the status of candidate
country in 1999,

the report also gives Turkey the green light to start membership
negotiations. However, the green light comes with strings attached.

EU Commission President Romano Prodi said that the decision is a
“qualified yes”. However, he warned that Turkey needs to improve in
the area of human rights, and added that the start of negotiations
does not necessarily guarantee membership.

The report itself clearly states that if Turkey backtracks on reforms
or if political unrest occurs, the Commission could recommend that EU
leaders suspend the talks. Suspension of the negotiations would
require approval of a majority of EU members.

Because several of the EU member countries are still distant to
Turkey’s membership, discussions stretched on for hours yesterday.
Political groups in the European Parliament voiced their views on the
results of the report.

Commission officials emphasized that the negotiations are a process
and that reforms as well as their implementation should be
maintained; otherwise, the negotiations will be suspended.

On the other hand, there was confusion over the inclusion of a few
articles in the report. Some experts assessed the EU’s addition of
measures such as suspending negotiations, restricting free movement,
and holding open-ended talks as amounting to a double-standard for
Turkey. Others defended that such measures were included in order to
tame the opposition against Turkey.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen put
forward that Ankara should not be concerned about the restriction on
free travel.

“We don’t start negotiations with three options. Our only goal is to
sign the accession agreement with Turkey,” explained the
Commissioner.

In an exclusive interview, Verheugen said that the condition to
suspend negotiations is just a precaution. He indicated it would only
be employed in case of a military coup, religious revolt, or the
revival of the death penalty.

“Turkey is no longer in the category of the countries that do not
respect human rights,” added Verhugen.

Even though the report praises Turkey progress, many parts of the
report constantly remind the country of the need to implement
reforms.

The report credits Turkey’s current Justice and Development Party
(AKP) government with realizing the bulk of the reforms undertaken
since the 1999 Helsinki summit. However, it notes that torture and
bureaucratic resistance to reforms are areas that Turkey still needs
to work on.

The report also encourages Turkey to take a harder look at
implementing reforms related to freedoms of thought and religion and
the rights of women and minorities.

While the Commission did not mention any date regarding when the
negotiations would begin, Ankara reminded that the EU previously
decided “to start negotiations immediately if the report is
positive.”

The report also does not hint when the negotiations might be
completed.

***************************************************************************
EU’s Historical Step Pleases Turkey

10.07.2004
Brussels, Zaman

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that the
Progress Report released by the European Union (EU) Commission is
“generally balanced”.

Erdogan, holding a press meeting at the European Council yesterday in
Strasbourg, added that he believes the Commission report will be
approved in its current form at the December 17 EU summit.

“Since the report is affirmative, negotiations should officially
start within the first few months of 2005,” said Erdogan.

When reminded that Commission President Romano Prodi announced the
report with a “conditional yes”, the Prime Minister responded: “There
is no such thing. I think there is a miscommunication.”

“Today, we have reached the first target. We were given the first
green light, and we completed the first lap in the flag race,”
indicated Erdogan. He also emphasized that Turkey does not want any
special privileges during the membership process.

The Prime Minister then underlined the fact that by fulfilling some
of the criteria, Turkey was already ahead of some current EU member
countries. “We demand what is just for Turkey, nothing else.”

Regarding the suspension of negotiations if deemed necessary, Erdogan
said, “This could be disrespectful to a country that sped up the
democratization process. If there is civil insurrection in a country
then [the negotiations] should be suspended.”

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul assessed the report
for the press in Ankara. He said that the Commission took a
historical step both in terms of Turkey and the EU.

Gul however expressed his disturbance at the fact that the report
contains criteria and precautions for Turkey that fall outside of the
Helsinki resolutions. Gul objected to the idea of “open-ended”
negotiations. He said that “full membership” could be the only result
of the talks.

***************************************************************************
Verheugen Saves Turkey Report

10.07.2004
Ali Ihsan Aydin, Cemil Kartal, Suleyman Kurt
Strasbourg, Ankara

The release of yesterday’s Progress Report on Turkey caused heated
debates in the European Union (EU) Commission.

The attempts by Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration to
include a clause requiring Turkey to recognize the Greek Cypriot
administration in the report almost brought the meeting to a halt.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen emphasized that Turkey
supported the Annan Plan for a solution in Cyprus and therefore met
its responsibility in the issue.

In addition, EU Commissioner for External Affairs Chris Patten
stressed that such a condition cannot be put forward for Turkey since
it did as much as it could regarding the issue.

On the other side, several more commissioners announced their support
for the position of the Greek side. French commissioners Pascal Lamy
and Jacques Barrot, Spanish commissioner Loyola de Palacio, and
Slovak commissioner Jan Figel all acknowledged that they supported
the Greek attempt.

As the heated discussions continued, Verheugen said that if the
Greeks insist on their argument, he would withdraw the report. Patten
fully supported Verheugen, saying it would be proper to withdraw the
report. The duo’s firm stance made the Greeks step back.

The Greek side had wanted to append the phrase “all parties should
recognize each other” to a paragraph on the 9th page of the report
that reads, “Negotiations will be conducted with the participation of
EU members within the framework of an intergovernmental conference
requiring a unanimous vote.”

In the end, the sentence was included in an indirect form that
reminds Turkey the Greeks will be at the negotiation table.

***************************************************************************
Heated Debates Center around Turkey Report

10.07.2004
Foreign News Services
Istanbul

The European Union (EU) Commission’s Progress Report on Turkey caused
heated debates yesterday among the political groups in the European
Parliament.

“I think this is the biggest nonsense I heard in 2004,” said Europe
People’s Party leader Hans-Gert Poettering when the Commission
announced that there was no evidence of systematic torture in Turkey.

Socialist leader Martin Schulz said: “We want big security plans to
be made in order to preserve the peace in the 21st century. I think
we have a better chance for this with Turkey than without Turkey.”

Liberal group leader Graham Watson said, “The EU’s openness to Turkey
should contribute to the harmonization of the three monotheist
religions.”

Daniel Cohn-Bendit of the Greens, which reacted against the
anti-Turkey groups, signaled his support for start of negotiations.
“I absolutely believe that this will contribute to peace. At the same
time, it will increase Europe’s strategic importance in a dangerous
world.”

***************************************************************************
World Talks about Turkey, Supports Progress Report

10.07.2004
Cihan
Brussels

Media institutions the world over provided ample coverage of the
release of the European Union (EU) Commission’s Progress Report on
Turkey and the ensuing reactions.

EU Term President the Netherlands informed, “The impartial decision
that will be made at the December summit will be based upon the
findings of this report.”

The Netherlands added that the reason no date was given for the start
of negotiations was because Turkey still had some deficiencies that
needed to be addressed.

The US administration meanwhile disclosed that it was satisfied with
the report.

German Chancellor Gerhard Shröeder repeated his support for a date to
begin negotiations, and said he found the report “fine and serious”.

Elsewhere, French President Jacques Chirac insisted that Turkey’s
accession could take at least 10-15 years if EU members reach a
consensus to start the negotiations. He also repeated his view on
conducting a referendum on Turkey’s full membership.

On the other side, British Prime Minister Tony Blair gave strong
support to Ankara. British Foreign Affairs Minister Jack Straw added
that the “EU should keep its promise now.”

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen found the report
“deliberate but positive”.

The Italian government signified that the report would ease the
process of giving a negotiation date. “The Italian government will
continue to implement its duty on the issue.”

Greece, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Slovenia also strongly supported
Ankara’s membership.

Austrian Prime Minister Wolfgang Schuessel warned Europe not to close
its doors to Turkey.

***************************************************************************
Busy Day for EU Sees Croatia Get Date, Turkey Recommended Date

10.07.2004
Foreign News Services
Istanbul

The European Union (EU) Commission advised that membership
negotiations with Croatia should begin in early 2005.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen said yesterday in
his speech at the European Parliament, “The Commission provides a
basis to start negotiations with Croatia next year.”

The recommendation of the Commission will be decided on at the EU
Leaders Summit on December 17. The EU Commission also advised the
membership of Bulgaria and Romania to the Union in 2007.

Meanwhile, opponents of Turkey in the European Council tried to
append conditions to the report on Turkey just prior to the report’s
release. Suggested conditions ranged from acceptance of the
[so-called] Armenian genocide to a privileged partnership; however,
none of the conditions were added.

A few commissioners suggested that Turkey had not met the required
criteria. They therefore argued against the recommendation of a
negotiation date.

On the other hand, a large majority of the commissioners supported
the start of the negotiations, assuming Turkey fulfilled some
provisions.

No voting session was held in the Commission, and the decision was
taken by consensus rather than unanimity.

***************************************************************************
[News Analysis]
Final Decision to be Made on December 17

10.07.2004
Zaman
Brussels

The long-awaited Progress Report on Turkey was finally released
yesterday. The report did not declare an “exact yes”; however, at the
same time there were no heavy conditions that Turkey would be unable
to handle. The important thing was whether or not the Commission,
after a 45-year struggle, would advise an unconditional start to
negotiations. It has been achieved; however, strings have been
attached to the actual negotiation process.

We should agree on this: the European Union (EU) will conduct the
membership negotiations with Turkey in a different way. Like EU
Commissioner for Agriculture Franz Fischler, an opponent of Turkey’s
membership, said yesterday, the negotiation with Turkey would not be
the same as the ones held for the other countries.

It has been predicted that Ankara will easily digest conditions such
as open-ended negotiations and the EU’s ability to suspend
negotiations if Turkey backtracks on reforms. It is true that these
conditions are valid for other countries in word, but they were
handed to Ankara in writing.

Yet, the “permanent restriction” on one of the EU’s four basic
liberties, freedom of movement, indicates that the attitudes towards
Ankara are different.

Though the expression about the permanent restriction in the
recommendation is not binding, it matters in two aspects: The first
is that these arguments will constantly be brought up during the
negotiations, which could last 10-15 years; Second, an appropriate
circumstance will be created so as to allow EU leaders to make
ambiguous decisions at the December 17th EU summit.

At the December 2002 Copenhagen Summit EU leaders said that they
would decide according to the progress and recommendation report;
they pledged to start negotiations immediately if the results were
positive. What is expected from the EU leaders on December 17 is a
decision to start negotiations in February or March of next year.

Turkey, which has had the negotiation decision in its pocket, both
decisively carries on the reform process and reminds the EU to keep
its promise.

Brussels advises the opening of negotiations based on the assumption
that reforms such as the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and Appellate
Courts law will be completed by December. Ankara should not let
opponents create excuses.

It is advantageous to stay on guard until December 17 by considering
the possibility that the leaders will dilute the report’s
recommendation. That is the very time we will understand how
seriously the EU takes the report.

***************************************************************************
Commission Foresees Different Procedures for Turkey

10.07.2004
Selcuk Gultasli
Brussels

The European Union (EU)’s Progress Report on Turkey, which will be
released tomorrow by the European Commission for Enlargement, will
recommend that Turkey follows a different schedule for accession
negotiations – a schedule, the Commission tells Ankara, that previous
countries were subject to, albeit indirectly.

The Commission’s change in timeline attends to the anxieties of
Turkey’s opponents, while its defense reassures Ankara that it is
receiving equal treatment. Many of the recommendations that were not
given to previous countries are not new the Commission said, and are
merely solidified for Turkey.

Below are some of the reports conclusions.

– The 9-page report will recommend the start of negotiations.

– The start of negotiations will not depend on one condition, and its
continuity will be indexed to many conditions.

– The discussion process does not promise automatic membership. The
process is therefore open ended.

– Rules that were negligible, and not mentioned for former
candidates, will be solidified for Turkey.

– If Turkey does not fulfill all recommendations, discussions could
be delayed.

– Negotiations will not be done in a chronological fashion, rather,
Turkey will address several recommendations at once.

– Turkey’s application will be taken under microscope.

While writing the report, the Commission was sensitive to the
concerns of its constituents. One Commission official even said that
the report’s recommendations were a “foot massage” for the EU.

Intense debate and argument surrounded the report’s drafting.
Reporters suggested that if the General Managers within the
Commission for Enlargement couldn’t compromise, then the
Commissioners would have to when they convened on Wednesday.

According to sources within the Commission, the French brought a
plethora of concerns to yesterday’s discussions regarding the
recommendation’s context. Some sources noted that French President
Jacques Chirac has turbulent approval from the public — fodder for
Prime Minister Erdogan to publicly jest him.

***************************************************************************
Turkey Prepares for Tough Talks with EU

10.06.2004
Foreign News Services
Istanbul

Last second negotiations took place in the run up to today’s release
of the European Union (EU) Commission’s Progress Report on Turkey.

Anti-Turkey EU members attempted to append plenty of conditions to
the recommendation report. Ankara on the other hand warned Brussels
about applying a double standard to Turkey’s membership bid.

“We did our homework, now it is Europe’s turn to take the test,”
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said from Strasbourg.

Recommendations put forward the other day by general directors in the
Commission raised concerns in Ankara.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul held frequent talks over the
phone with his German, Dutch, British and Spanish counterparts, as
well as EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen. Gul
requested that the negativities be ironed out. One of Ankara’s
greatest concerns was talk about including a “permanent restriction”
on the movement of Turks in Europe. Turkey made its displeasure
known, and in the end the proposed restriction was softened.

Turkey expects the fact that it has completed all the political
criteria to feature prominently in the report.

Foreign Ministry diplomats in Ankara who assessed the “whispers”
coming from Brussels held a two session meeting led by Gul. During
the meeting, the EU Commission’s Ankara Office of Representative was
contacted. A high-level diplomat described the atmosphere in general
as “cloudy yet moderate”.

Ankara discussed with Brussels Turkey’s approach to “possible
conditions”, such as being forced to recognize the So-Called Armenian
Genocide, recognition of the Greek Cypriot administration of EU
member Cyprus, and restriction on free travel.

Points that Turkey could definitely not accept were clearly addressed
one by one. For instance, EU Commissioner for Trade Pascal Lamy the
other day insisted on the recognition of the [So-Called] Armenian
genocide as a pre-condition.

Ankara explained to Brussels that it is ready to meet any demand
regarding the Copenhagen Criteria; however, it underlined that it
would not tolerate demands unrelated to the Criteria in the
recommendation report.

Meanwhile, EU Commission President Romano Prodi reiterated that there
would be “no special conditions for Turkey.”

Ankara relaxed a bit when Brussels explained that the rule of halting
negotiations would be applied to all candidate countries from now on,
including Croatia. The rule will allow the EU to suspend negotiations
with candidate countries if there is a constant deviation from human
rights and basic freedoms. EU sources point out that military coups
and backward steps in the reform process would also lead to the
suspension of negotiations.

Diplomatic sources disclose that absence of an expression calling for
an immediate start to negotiations would not constitute any
difficulty for Ankara since a decision in that direction had already
been reached at the EU Copenhagen Summit in 2002.

***************************************************************************
Gul: EU Rejection of Turkey would Insult Islamic World

10.06.2004
Selcuk Gultasli, Salih Boztas
Brussels

While the European press write that today’s European Union (EU)
Progress Report on Turkey is not a “technical” decision based solely
on the Copenhagen Criteria, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
said yesterday that he is certain negotiations will start; however,
he warned that the Islamic world would perceive a “subjective
political rejection” as an insult.

Gul explained that Turkey has changed in the last two years. He said
that the conditions required to begin negotiations have been
fulfilled and that no matter what, Turkey’s reform process would
continue.

“What if EU rejects Turkey?” asked one reporter.

Gul replied, “If a subjective political ‘no’ comes out, its
ramifications will not be limited to Turkey. Everyone will begin to
say, ‘Regardless of what you do, you will never be accepted since you
are Muslim.’ This would provide the Islamic world with a source of
enmity against Europe. It becomes a great insult. This is a test not
only for Turkey, but Europe as well.”

Turkey dominated the headlines across Europe yesterday. The UK’s
Financial Times contends that in theory the decision about whether or
not to start negotiations is a technical decision that should be made
depending on Turkey’s progress in democracy and human rights;
however, in practice it goes far beyond the technical points.

Despite the claims of pro-Turkey Europeans who defend that the
decision on Turkey’s membership was given 40 years ago, anti-Turkey
Europeans still maintain some geopolitical, economic, and demographic
reservations. The paper predicts that the report will recommend the
start of negotiations; however, the final decision will rest with
state and government leaders who will convene in Brussels in
December.

Meanwhile, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) emphasized that the
EU toughened the accession conditions for Turkey.

Yesterday’s edition of the Guardian claims that the real issue in
terms of Turkey’s accession to EU is not religious, but economic. The
paper suggests that Turkey’s agrarian-based economy dominated by
middle and lower income groups will clash with the rich
industrialized economies of Western Europe.

Belgium’s La Libre Belgique daily writes that the EU holds the “sword
of Democles” over Turkey. The paper indicates that Brussels will try
to maintain its control over Ankara.

Le Soir on the other side claims that the documents discussed by the
EU Commission contain tough conditions.

10.06.2004
Foreign News Services
Istanbul

CENN – OCTOBER 6, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. The Eurasia Foundation Georgia Office
2. Metsamor Plant Reactivated After Repairs, Refueling
3. National Oncology Center in the Limelight of State and International
Community
4. China Allocates 100mln. USD for Construction of Rubber Producing
Plant
5. Caustic Soda Production to be Set Up in Armenia
6. ExxonMobil Fails to Find Oil in the Caspian Shelf

1. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — THE EURASIA FOUNDATION GEORGIA OFFICE

Vacancy Announcement

Title: PMDI Program Coordinator

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Program Officer is
responsible for developing and managing the Pipeline Monitoring and
Dialogue Initiative (PMDI). PDMI is a new Initiative implemented by
Eurasia Foundation in cooperation with BP, UNDP, IFC for building
capacity of Georgian NGO’s in Monitoring Methods for Pipeline
Construction & Operations. PDMI supports a series of activities aimed
at developing monitoring skills amongst NGOs and their members,
providing an effective channel for increased public dialogue related to
pipeline-oriented issues.

The Program coordinator will be responsible for overall management and
coordination of the PDMI initiative, including:

a) Coordinating and facilitating the meetings of NGO representatives
involved in the project.
b) Organizing activities the NGO working groups on social,
environmental, cultural heritage, and labor rights issues;
c) Developing the training curricula for the project participants;
d) Organizing trainings for the project participants;
e) Organizing field trips and collection of relevant information in
coordination with other partners;
f) Facilitating the report writing process, compiling and submission of
the final reports
g) Representing the foundation on issues of the project in relations
with partners, donors, and media.

Requirements:

§ An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or beyond) in public
policy, journalism, law or environmental sciences.
§ At least three years experience working in Georgian or international
NGO’s.
§ Knowledge of the history and trends in civil society development in
Georgia.
§ Excellent written and spoken Georgian, English, and Russian.
§ Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft office programs.
§ Demonstrated analytical, written, and communication skills.
§ Excellent ability to work with others to achieve results; coaching,
developing teams.

Applicants should submit in English (1) a curriculum vitae (CV) and (2)
a detailed cover letter explaining their qualifications for the
position.

Applications should be submitted to the Eurasia Foundation office, or by
e-mail to [email protected].

3, Kavsadze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia 0179
Tel./Fax: (995 32) 22 32 64
The deadline for application submission is October 14, 2004
E-mail: [email protected]

2. METSAMOR PLANT REACTIVATED AFTER REPAIRS, REFUELING

Source: RFE/RL

The nuclear power station at Metsamor, which meets nearly 40 percent of
Armenia’s energy needs, was reactivated on Monday more than two months
after its sole reactor was stopped for refueling and regular capital
repairs. The plant’s director, Gagik Markosian, told RFE/RL that it
would resume supplies to the national power grid on Tuesday.

Mr. Markosian said the capital repairs have further improved the safety
of Metsamor’s Soviet-designed reactor built in 1979. He said the work,
carried out once in four years, has involved the installation of new
equipment provided by the United States and the European Union,
estimating their cost at `millions of dollars.’

According to Gagik Markosian, the two-month period has also been used
for a close inspection of the reactor core conducted by specialists from
Skoda, a Czech engineering firm chosen in an international tender. They
found it in good condition, he added.

The light-water reactor was brought to a halt on July 30 shortly after
the delivery of a new batch of Russian nuclear worth $12 million. It
replaced approximately one third of Metsamor’s previously loaded fuel
and should keep the facility operational for at least one year.

Mr. Metsamor was placed under the financial management of Russia’s RAO
Unified Energy Systems utility last year in payment for its $40 million
outstanding debts to Russian fuel suppliers.

The plant resumed power generation despite last month’s closure of
Russia’s border with Georgia that disrupted the delivery of a special
lubricant used in the process. Prime Minister Andranik Markarian warned
as recently as Wednesday that this could delay the planned reactivation.

Mr. Markosian revealed, however, that the Metsamor management found
another Russian supplier and imported the substance by air.

The U.S. and the EU continue to provide substantial financial and
technical assistance to the plant despite their long-standing calls for
its closure on safety grounds. The Armenian government says it is safe
enough to operate for another decade.

3. NATIONAL ONCOLOGY CENTER IN THE LIMELIGHT OF STATE AND INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY

Source: Armenpress, September 30, 2004

Funded by US State Department, Community and Humanitarian Assistance
Project Armenian Office of Counterpart International have provided
medical equipment and medicine in the amount of 320,000 USD to Armenian
National Oncology Center. This is a donation of US National Oncology
Coalition.

The center hosted representatives of the organization and the project
today. Counterpart International has committed itself to continue
dispatch of medical equipment to the center with the total cost of
assistance for the running year exceeding 1mln USD. Since 2001, the
organization has supplied the center with medical items of about 12 mln
USD through its Community and Humanitarian Assistance Project.

According to Sergei Khomchenko, a representative of the organization and
the project, Counterpart international assists the most needy patients.
He argued that prevention of oncology illnesses is far easier than their
treatment. He said that smoking is widespread in Armenia that is one of
the major causes of the illness.

According to Hairapet Galstian, National Oncology Center Head, thanks to
Counterpart International the center is equipped with modern technology.
He said that they are particularly in need of diagnoses equipment that
cost 1mln USD and are not affordable neither for the state nor the
center.

The center head said that government also earmarks funds for the
operation of the center.

US national oncology coalition supports medical program in some 10
countries throughout the world.

4. CHINA ALLOCATES 100MLN. USD FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RUBBER-PRODUCING
PLANT

Source: Arminfo, October 4, 2004

China has allocated 100mln. USD for the construction of a plant to
produce chloroprene rubber by Armenian technology, stated Albert
Sukiasyan the Armenian participant in the project, Director of the
“Nairit 2”.

According to him, the construction of a plant with a designed capacity
of 30,000 tons of rubber a year in the province of Shaahsi was started a
year ago. The Armenian share in the authorized capital of the
“Shaansi-Nairit” CJSC is 40%, and that of China 60%. Sukiasyan pointed
out that the State Bank of China lent a credit, and the Armenian side is
to contribute with technologies and equipment. Sukiasyan pointed out
that a rubber-producing plan is already operating in Shaansi, but it was
closed for environmental reasons. The old plant is to be shut down after
the new one is put into operation, 50km. away from the city. Sukiasyan
reported that China’s yearly demand for rubber is 100,000 tons.

An agreement on the establishment of a JV was signed on October 2001
between the RA Ministry of Trade and Economic Development and the
Shaansi group of joint-stock companies of synthetic rubbers.

5. CAUSTIC SODA PRODUCTION TO BE SET UP IN ARMENIA

Source: Arminfo, October 4, 2004

A number of foreign companies are showing interest in a 30mln. USD
project of setting up the production of pure solid caustic soda in
Armenia initiated by the “Nairit-2” CJSC, stated Karen Karapetyan, Head
of the Information Department, Armenian Development Agency (AAA).

According to him, the project was submitted to the Eurasian Economic
Union (EAEU) in Moscow on September 20, 2004. US companies showed the
greatest interest in the project. Karapetyan pointed out that
investments are to be directed to the purchase of up-to-date equipment.
Production is expected to be organized at the “Nairit 2” CJSC. The
project envisages the production of 50 to 100 thousand tons of caustic
soda a year. Karapetyan reported that the principal raw material in the
production of caustic soda is table salt. Salt solution is leached from
under the ground, and the formed cavities are expected to be used for
storing fuel and oil products. The storage will allow oil-processing
enterprises to be established in Armenia. Karapetyan said that the
Rustavi-based “Azot” plant is a large consumer of caustic soda in the
region.

6. EXXONMOBIL FAILS TO FIND OIL IN THE CASPIAN SHELF

Source: CBN, October 6, 2004

Major U.S. oil company, ExxonMobil, has lost hope for finding a large
oil deposit with its Azeri flagship offshore, after its local venture
partner reported on Wednesday that the first ultra-deep well yielded
only gas. The drilling at the Zafar-Mashal offshore field had been
expected to produce a considerable clue as to whether the Caspian
country’s shelf contained more significant reserves, or if its overall
potential had been overestimated.

—
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)

Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL:

California Courier Online, October 7, 2004

1 – Commentary
Turkey Becoming More Repressive
On the Eve of EU Accession Report

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – FAPC Harvest Festival Celebrates
Blessings of San Joaquin Valley
3 – Armenian Youth Volunteers
Clean Little Armenia Streets
4 – 2004 ARPA Film Festival
Begins Screenings Oct. 5
5 – Atanian’s Art Works on Exhibit
Nov. 6-7 at St. Andrew Church
6 – St. James Ladies Are Cooking
For Annual Luncheon, Oct. 30
7 – Spending a Summer in
Armenia as a Nurse’s Aide
8 – USC’s Institute of Armenian Studies
Plans Inaugural Banquet for Feb. 6
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Turkey Becoming More Repressive
On the Eve of EU Accession Report

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Several unexpected developments took place in rapid succession last week on
the eve of the European Commission’s critical report, due on October 6, on
whether Turkey is finally ready — after a long wait of 40 years — to
begin talks for admission into the European Union (EU).
Prime Minister Receb Tayyip Erdogan has made the start of EU accession
talks his number one priority. To accomplish this, he has left no stone
unturned. He has made countless lobbying trips to various European
capitals. He has enlisted the help of the United States to pressure the
European countries into making a favorable decision on Turkey. He has also
whipped his party’s parliamentary majority into action at breakneck speed
to pass a large number of laws to comply with EU requirements, even though
most of them have not been implemented.
Just when Erdogan seemed to have all his ducks in order, he surprised
everyone by proposing an unexpected addition to the Turkish penal code —
the criminalization of adultery. He was severely criticized for that even
by his most ardent European supporters. Making mattes worse, Erdogan then
decided to withdraw the whole penal code from the Turkish parliament’s
agenda. Shocked EU officials strongly denounced his actions warning him
that unless the parliament immediately approved the revamped penal code
without the offensive adultery clause, Turkey would have no chance of
getting a date for EU accession talks.
Erdogan angrily rejected EU’s criticism as “interference in Turkey’s
internal affairs.” He bragged: “We are Turks, and we will make our own
decisions. EU membership is not indispensable.” EU officials did not back
down. They told him that Turkey had to adapt to Europe, rather than the
other way around. Erdogan immediately flew to Brussels and agreed to have
the Turkish parliament hold an emergency session and approve the new penal
code without the adultery clause.
Even though Erdogan was harshly criticized both at home and abroad for his
brash behavior, some analysts believe that he made a very shrewd move. EU
officials were so pleased and relieved by his backing down on the adultery
clause, that they immediately declared that Turkey had met all the
requirements to have a date set for the start of EU talks. By relenting on
the one issue that he had adamantly sworn that he would not, Erdogan was
able to trick the EU officials by diverting their attention away from
Turkey’s many other deficiencies in the fulfillment of EU requirements.
The EU commissioners turned a blind eye to the anti-democratic articles
found in the new penal code. These repressive clauses severely restrict the
Turkish citizens’ freedom of speech. For example: It is a criminal offense,
punishable by a lengthy jail term, to praise a person who has committed a
crime; to incite hostility against a particular group of people; to make
propaganda for a criminal organization; to reveal confidential information
related to a judicial inquiry; to insult the president, the parliament, the
government, the courts, the military, the flag, the national anthem, etc.
The most shocking restriction, however, is included in article 306 of the
new penal code that prescribes a jail term of up to 10 years for anyone who
receives a benefit from a foreign source to carry out activities against
the national interest of Turkey. The Parliamentary Committee of Justice
that had drafted this clause said that it would be illegal, for example, to
call for the withdrawal of Turkish soldiers from Cyprus or to declare that
the Armenians were actually subjected to “genocide following World War I.”
This article reveals the extent of the Turkish government’s intransigence
on the subject of the Armenian Genocide. At this most critical juncture,
when the Turks are supposed to be on their best behavior on the eve of the
release of the EU report setting a date for accession talks, they brazenly
pass a law making it a crime to speak of the Armenian Genocide! As if this
new draconian law was not enough, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul announced
last week that his Ministry had set up a committee to promote the denial of
the Armenian Genocide and to counter the planned commemorative events on
the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
All those naïve European and Armenian officials, who mistakenly believe
that by joining the EU Turkey would be a more democratic state, and
therefore, more willing to recognize the Armenian Genocide, now have to
explain why Turkey is becoming less tolerant about freedom of speech and
more eager to jail anyone who dares to speak about the Armenian Genocide!
If Turkey is not willing to recognize the Armenian Genocide at a time when
it is trying to impress the Europeans with its “impeccably democratic
credentials,” what incentive would it have for doing so once it is already
a member of the EU? Furthermore, if Turkey did not become a democratic
state decades after joining the Council of Europe and a becoming signatory
to scores of international treaties and covenants, why would it be more
democratic after joining the EU?
The blame must be equally shared by EU officials who had an absolute fit
over the adultery issue, but did not say one word against the law that
muzzles people from speaking about genocide. Apparently, Europeans are much
more troubled by the limitations placed on sexual escapades than denying
mass murder! Furthermore, the Turkish leaders, who are fond of saying that
historians and not politicians should deal with the Armenian Genocide, have
now made it impossible for Turkish historians to objectively study this
issue for fear of being locked up!
The European countries should not allow Turkey to join Europe until it
fully complies with all the requirements of the Copenhagen criteria. This
is not an ethnic, religious or geographic issue. The European Community is
a community of values. Until and unless Turkish society upholds these
values, they have no place in Europe. The mere act of adopting European
laws does not make a country European. The government of Turkey must fully
implement every one of these laws.
Finally, imagine if Germany had refused to acknowledge the Jewish Holocaust
and had passed a law making it a crime to even talk about it, would it have
had a chance to become a member of the EU? Turkey should be held to no less
a standard.
When the Turkish public adopts European values, Turkey could then qualify
to join the community of European nations!
**************************************************************************
2 – FAPC Harvest Festival Celebrates
Blessings of San Joaquin Valley
FRESNO – The First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno will host its
Third Annual Harvest Festival on October 31, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the
Church Fellowship Hall, 430 S. First Street, Fresno.
Admission is free and open to the public.
The Festival is designed for children ages Pre-School through the Sixth
Grade, their families, and for the young at heart. Activities will include
a gourmet hot dog dinner with accompaniments, bounce house, carnival games
with candy prices, nonstop popcorn machine, face painting, and contemporary
music. Children and adults are invited to wear friendly costumes and the
evening will include a Bible costume contest.
Chartered on July 25, 1897, FAPC is a member congregation of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Armenian Evangelical Union of North
America, an ecclesiastical confederation of churches, missions, and
fellowships in the United States and Dominion of Canada.
Reverend Mgrdich Melkonian is the Senior Pastor of the Church and Annette
Smurr is the Harvest Festival Coordinator.
More details about the October 31 celebration are available by calling
(559) 437-8704 or the church offices, (559) 237-6638.
**************************************************************************
3 – Armenian Youth Volunteers
Clean Little Armenia Streets
LOS ANGELES – Hundreds of Armenian youth gathered in Little Armenia on
Sept. 25 providing their volunteer service to the AYF’s 2nd Annual Little
Armenia Cleanup. Volunteers from all over Southern California and even
Fresno helped remove thousands of pounds of trash from major streets in
Little Armenia.
Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and cosponsored by Los Angeles
City Councilmember Eric Garcetti’s Office, the cleanup attracted volunteers
from the public at large and community organizations such as the AYF,
Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter, and the ARF Badanegan Organization.
Before the clean up began, Rev. Fr. Vicken Vassilian, representing
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Armenian Church, blessed
both the effort of the AYF and the volunteers’ willingness to serve the
community.
Councilmember Garcetti thanked the volunteers for their efforts and
welcomed the initiative of both the
volunteers and the AYF. Relaying the AYF Central Executive’s message,
Razmig Haroun encouraged the youth to display their ownership of Little
Armenia by increasing their involvement in the improvement of the
community.
“The AYF strives to serve the Armenian nation and Armenian people by every
possible means at its disposal,” said Shant Baboujian, Chairman of the AYF
Western Region. “The Little Armenia Cleanup is one of many such projects to
make this home away from home more reflective both of the Armenian people
and our homeland.”
In the coming weeks 24 “Welcome to Little Armenia” light-post banners will
be added to the existing 39 erected last year. With the depiction of the
Tri-color, Sardarabad Monument, and Mt. Ararat; banners have added a touch
of Armenia to the community.
Official sponsors of the Little Armenia Clean-Up were: Adin of California,
Asbarez Daily Armenian Newspaper, Arbat Grocery & Deli, Horizon Armenian
Television, Nor Hayastan Daily Newspaper, USA Armenian Life Magazine,
Closet World, Color Depot, Donoyan Insurance Agency, St. Vincent Jewelry
Center, Carpet Show, Aramco Imports, Jons Market, Eric Garcetti’s Office
and staff, and the A.R.F. Hollywood Karekin Njteh Gomideh.
To learn more about the AYF, log on to
**************************************************************************
4 – 2004 ARPA Film Festival
Begins Screenings Oct. 5
LOS ANGELES – The 2004 ARPA International Film Festival will be held
between Oct. 5-10 at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood.
This year’s festival theme is “Films Without Borders.”
The festival will feature over 60 films from 20 different countries,
including the United States, France, Italy, India, Iran, Germany, Croatia,
Mexico and Armenia.
Produced annually by the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA)
the Film Festival is dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding and
global empathy, creating a dynamic forum for international cinema with a
special focus on the work of filmmakers who explore the issues of Diaspora,
exile and multi-culturalism. It also celebrates the ideals of independent
thought, artistic vision, cultural diversity and social understanding.
Founded in 1995, the non-profit AFFMA promotes the arts and enhances the
cultural environment of the community, especially providing support to
filmmakers exploring subjects of social and cultural importance.
For further information about AFFMA, visit
**************************************************************************
5 – Atanian’s Art Works on Exhibit
Nov. 6-7 at St. Andrew Church
CUPERTINO, CALIF. – The St. Andrew Armenian Church Cultural Committee is
sponsoring a solo art exhibition sale of the works by Armenian-American
artist from Los Angeles Vladimir Atanian, on Nov. 6-7 at the Church’s
Amerian Hall, in Cupertino.
The opening reception will be held Nov. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. One work
Special Auction will take place at 9 p.m.
The exhibition will continue Nov. 7 from 12 non to 4 p.m.
Free admission. The church is located at 11370 S. Stelling Road, Cupertino.
For more information, call the Church office (408) 257-6743 or Viola
Uzunian-Choupak (408) 739-3888.
**************************************************************************
6 – St. James Ladies Are Cooking
For Annual Luncheon, Oct. 30
LOS ANGELES – The members of the St. James Ladies Society are canning,
cooking and collaborating on the variety of delicacies and gourmet items
that will be featured at their 37th Annual Luncheon and Country Store, Oct.
30, at the church’s Gogian Hall, 4950 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles.
The event opens with a champagne reception at 11 a.m. followed by the
luncheon at 12 noon.
Leann Stepanian, chair of the Ladies Society, said that the Country Store
and Annual Luncheon is always well attended. “We have been fortunate that
people look forward to purchasing our simit, choereg and apricot jam,
faithfully coming back year after year to support our efforts.
The Country Store is chaired by chefs Alice Gondjian and Arpi Barsam, the
Julia Childs of St. James Ladies Society. Guests have to come early to
purchase Gondjian’s choereg and Barsam’s simit.
Lucille Bogossian, chair of the Luncheon Committee, has selected a Western
Theme, and a menu that reflects western-style cooking, with an Armenian
touch.
The Raffle Committee, chaired by Madeline Taylorson (310) 337-1783; Stella
Marashlian (310) 473-5142; and Jeanette Rakoobian (310) 641-0162) promise a
selection of beautiful prizes, as well as a First Prize of $300. cash;
Second Prize. $200.; and Third Prize of $100. Tickets are six for $5 and
can be obtained by calling any of the three co-chairs.
Tickets are $25 and reservations can be made by calling Jean Barsam (310)
541-8406 or Alice Yacoubian (310) 546-3703.

**************************************************************************
7 – Experiences of a 16-year-old
Spending a Summer in
Armenia as a Nurse’s Aide
By Nathalie Astrid Kolandjian
As a 16-year-old Armenian-American from Houston, Texas, I embarked on a
unique adventure last summer. I volunteered to work at the Arabkir
Pedriatic Hospital in Yerevan.
I was afraid that I would be unable to communicate with anyone at the
hospital, since I spoke English and French, but no Armenian. My first day
at work was quite an experience. I was put in the hemodyalisis department.
Fortunately, two of the nurses, Amalya and Hasmig, spoke French. They
showed me around the patients’ rooms and introduced me to everyone.
Those on hemodialysis machines don’t have fully functioning kidneys. They
have to come to the hospital three times a week for four hours and have
their blood filtered by a machine. Since organ transplants are only legal
between family members, it is a rare occurrence. All the nurses become very
attached to their patients, because they see each other several times a
week. The atmosphere on the floor was surprisingly always happy. The
patients were surrounded by their families and almost everyone was cracking
jokes and making conversation.
As a nurse’s assistant, I learned to clean and set up the machines, take
the patients’ blood pressure, fill needles, and give small injections. I
stayed in the department for about three weeks, and in that time became
very close with everyone there.
>From the stories my father had told me about rushing in dialysis machines
for earthquake victims, I was hardly expecting such a hospital. From four
dialysis machines, and 5 doctors in 1988 the hospital now employs a medical
staff of 500, with four new Armenian doctors hired every year.
Out of three separate institutions (The Arabkir Pediatric hospital,
Republican Pediatric Hospital, and Centre of Uronephrology and Pediatric
Surgery), the “Arabkir” Joint Medical Centre and Institute of Child and
Adolescent Health was established.
The patients’ medical bills are covered either by state subsidies or by the
“Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation. The hospital now
encompasses branches from pediatric intensive care to radiology and
neurology and serves as a national standard for renal and urological
disease diagnosis and treatment as well as for neo-natal and pediatric
surgery. The hospital, through Dr. Ara Babloyan’s leadership and his
dedicated staff, along with the assistance from donors overseas, has come a
long way.
Amalya told me that when she first started as a nurse eight years ago, she
had seven people die in one year in her department. Now, due to better
technology, and better techniques, there is not even one death per year.
The key to the hospital’s success was the dedication of the medical staff
and their cooperation with other countries. Much of the development of the
hospital would not have been possible without the help of several generous
people. Switzerland, Belgium, France and many other countries have set up
foundations and exchange programs with the hospital. Many of the people who
work there could easily have chosen a different line of work or simply
moved out of the country as many do to Russia and America. Instead, they
chose to stay and help their own people. Dr. Ara Babloyan especially, could
easily have chosen to move to another country, but he hasn’t. He hasn’t
because he loves Armenia. He is a perpetually optimistic man who sees the
bright future that Armenia has in store.
Although the hospital has come a long way, there is still a long way to go.
In the joining of the three separate institutions, the department of
pathology became independent before the Joint Centre was formed. They very
seriously need a pathology lab. There are many services that require a
pathology laboratory (surgery, ENT, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology,
Rheumatology, etc.). A new Pathology lab would also provide services for
other medical institutions such as St. Nerses G. Medical Centre. Also, the
newly established Epilepsy department needs a lot more funding if they are
to afford the latest drugs. Now they are using outdated Russian drugs.
Hopefully, with the same cooperation and dedication, this problem too will
be conquered. The huge growth of this hospital shows that what started out
as seemingly small connections, or attempts to help can blossom into
full-blown projects.
If you would like to help, contact Dr. Ara Babloyan at: [email protected]
or visit the Arabkir website at:

It is places like this hospital that illustrate what a bright future
Armenia has in store.
Nathalie Astrid Kolandjian is a 16 yr. old Senior at St. Johns High Schoo
in Houston, TX.
**************************************************************************
8 – USC’s Institute of Armenian Studies
Plans Inaugural Banquet for Feb. 6
LOS ANGELES — Preparations are underway for the Inaugural Banquet of USC’s
Institute of Armenian Studies to be held on February 6, 2005 at Town and
Gown on the USC Campus.
The Steering Committee, led by Charles Ghailian, and the Banquet Committee
chaired by Savey Tufenkian, are hard at work planning for this grand
occasion that would involve the Armenian community, USC Alumni, supporters
and students.
In preparation for this festive event, committee members will be soliciting
gifts and donations toward an endowment in perpetuity, which would support
the Institute’s multifaceted activities for the present and future
generations.
Additional details about the February 6 Banquet will be made public in the
coming weeks. Banquet Committee members are: Elizabeth Agbabian, Sylva
Bezdikian, R. Hrair Dekmejian, Charles Ghailian, Hermine Janoyan, Mary
Kassabian, Shant Minas, Nora Sahagian, Harut Sassounian, Angele Sinanian
and Savey Tufenkian.
**************************************************************************
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The sounds of a musical legend
By Sarah Ryan

The Jordan Times
Monday, September 27, 2004

AMMAN – The clock ticks. Eight-thirty passes. The restless crowd of
3,500 people in seats at the Arena begin clapping, sporadic at first,
then insistent that Fairouz take the stage. Nine-fifteen passes. The
clapping takes on a thunderous note as the international singing
legend takes centre stage.

“She’s an angel, I think,” said Laila Sabbagh, a 16- year-old who
has seen Fairouz four times. “Her music is the food of my soul,”
added Sabbagh

Fairouz’s set-list at the Sept. 25 concert reflected her musical past
as well as her recent influences.

She played many of her standards composed by Assi and Mansour
Rahbani as well as more recent music influenced by her son, Ziad
Rahbani. Some of the big hits she sang included, `My home,’ and
`Last days of summer.’

“It’s a concert for a new generation,” said 25-year-old Samer Nahhas,
who has been listening to Fairouz for the past 10 years.

“It was amazing, literally amazing,” he said.

During the song, `I loved you in summer, I loved you in winter,’
Fairouz added a reference to the Jordan River to the cheers of the
crowd. Lighter flames dotted the Arena during the quieter moments of
the concert.

Wafa Jabour travelled all the way from Nazareth to see Fairouz sing
for the second time.

“You feel everything she says. If she speaks about love, you live
it. If she speaks about war, you feel it,” said Jabour.

During the entire concert Fairouz stood straight and proud, almost
immobile, in contrast to the orchestra conductor who had the musical
rhythms running through his veins.

Fairouz had no words for the audience, only songs.

Fairouz, who is approaching 70 years of age, sang an average of three
songs in a row, followed by two instrumental and choir songs while
she was backstage.

A 20-minute interval divided the concert into two parts. When
Fairouz walked on-stage after the intermission, she had traded in
her long black sparkling gown for a white dress, which glittered in
the spotlights.

The Lebanese icon came out for two encores to the delight of the entire
arena, displaying their appreciation with deafening roars and whistles.

The first encore had the crowd on their feet with a rendition of the
Lebanese national anthem.

Fairouz has been in Amman for the past five days rehearsing with her
orchestra from Syria, Lebanon and Armenia.

This was Fairouz’s fourth concert in Jordan. She sang in the musical
play `Petra’ in 1973, the Jerash Festival in 1983 and at the Arena
in 1999.

Fastlink sponsored the event and all proceeds from the concert will
go to the charity “Promise,” which gives scholarships to Jordanian
students in financial difficulty.

Monday, September 27, 2004

A1 Plus | 18:27:27 | 24-09-2004 | Social |

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE APPROPRIATED

One of international organisations has sent 650 tons wheat seeds as
assistance to the republic’s six regions stricken by frost in 2002 and 2003.

It became known recently that 2,100 kg of that amount were distributed
wrongly.

Journalists without borders organisation discussed that incident Friday.

The thing is that Lyudvig Khlghatyan, the headman of Armavir region’s
Dimitrov village, pocketed the aid using his levers.

A suit was filed against him. Villagers say wrongdoer Khlghatyan is backed
by more senior officials. In particular, territorial regulation an
industrial infrastructures minister Hovik Abrahamyan had been named very
often in this connection.

Assyrians make the village population’s 30 percent. That’s why the villagers
view the incident as ethnic minorities’ rights discrimination. The minister’
s deputy Gagik Aslanyan says his chief can’t tolerate persons like Hovik
Abrahamyan.

He promised that things will be put right.

Armenian PM’s adviser on ethnic minorities issues Hranush Kharatyan says
minority tinge will help to solve the problem. If the village was completely
Armenian, there would be less chances for solving the issue through court.