Author: Karabekian Emil

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Nov 27 2008

A New Paradigm Required in Turkish-Armenian Relations

by Lale Sariibrahimoglu

There are numerous benefits to be achieved as a result of the ongoing
dialogue between Turkey and neighbouring Armenia, whose enmity dates
back to World War I over Armenian claims of genocide at the hands of
the Ottoman Turks.

In addition to that historical dispute, another Caucasus state,
Azerbaijan, remains a stumbling block to furthering ties between
Turkey and Armenia.

Therefore, Turkey has been pursuing double-track diplomacy to help the
resolution of disputes over Nagorno-Karabakh between the two Caucasus
neighbours and to remove obstacles in its own path.

Turkey’s rapprochement with Armenia in early September, when Turkish
President Abdullah Gul paid a visit to Yerevan in a show of soccer
diplomacy, has made it possible for Ankara to be perceived as a
reliable mediator in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute,
which the Minsk Group within the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has long been attempting to solve.

As part of this rapprochement, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan
said after a meeting with his Armenian counterpart, Edward Nalbandian,
in Istanbul on Nov. 25 that the second round of three-way talks
between him and the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan may
take place in Helsinki during December on the sidelines of the OSCE
meeting, scheduled for Dec. 4-5 in the Finnish capital.

"The signals that we have been receiving have been positive for the
tri-party talks, and [they indicate] that Turkish-Armenian
rapprochement will have a positive reflection on relations between
Armenian and Azerbaijan," he added.

Tactically, improvement in relations between Baku and Yerevan will
make it easy for Turkey – whose foreign policy options have been
restricted by Azerbaijan for many years – to open, for example,
borders between Ankara and Yerevan as a first step.

Strategically, however, putting Turkey’s relations on track in the
long term with Armenia requires courageous steps and a new way of
creative thinking if Ankara wants to no longer be a nation that is
blamed for what its Ottoman ancestors did during World War I.

Ankara strongly denies genocide allegations and describes the 1915
events as a deportation of Armenians. But it keeps quiet when US
presidents describe the events as a massacre of Armenians rather than
as genocide.

Professor Taner Akcam, a scholar at US-based Clark University, who has
been one of the few Turkish academics who describe the 1915 events as
a massacre or a genocide, has joined in the current debate over
Turkish-Armenian rapprochement with two articles published in the
Taraf daily on Nov. 16 and 17.

In his first article, titled "Looking at Turkish-Armenian relations in
the shadow of 1915 events," Akcam argues that Turkish-Armenian
rapprochement has been possible due to the case against the Ergenekon
terror organization, under which 86 defendants including former
generals are being tried.

He indicated that if an investigation was not opened culminating in
the ongoing trial of those accused of, among other things, inciting
armed uprising to overthrow the current government, opening a new page
in the relations between Ankara and Yerevan would not have been
possible.

"If arrests had not taken place as part of the Ergenekon
investigation, a very serious campaign against Gul’s visit to Yerevan
would have had been launched," he asserts.

In his second article, published in Taraf on Nov. 17 and titled "What
would it mean if genocide were recognized?" Akcam suggested that the
adoption of a new paradigm in Turkish-Armenian relations is necessary.

"In general terms, the Turkish-Armenian conflict has been seen as a
problem that occurred among various ethnic or national groups during
the process of the dissolution of the [Ottoman] empire. It is known
that over time those problems turned into a conflict on territorial
claims and over borders among the ethnic groups and that massacres
took place during that process. The current Turkish-Armenian relations
are viewed within this perspective, and in this sense it is seen as a
problem inherited from the past," Akcam stated.

He, however, suggested that Turkish and Armenian societies should not
approach this matter simply as a problem inherited from the past, but
should also see it as part of the democratization process of today.

"The problem [genocide allegations and what happened during World War
I] is not one inherited from the past, but a problem of how a new
relationship can be built over it for tomorrow."

According to Akcam, this means that the two neighbours, Turkey and
Armenia, both of whom are in a transition period of democracy, should
approach the problem not only as part of their own democratization but
also as the democratization of relations in the region.

The main target should be to return human dignity to the victims of
the past, seeing them as human beings again and respecting their
memory, while creating conditions for living together in peace and
stability.

Thirdly, Akcam suggests setting up a network of relationships that
will result in the creation of a cultural basis that will stop the
repetition of the grievances of the past.

By shedding light on this historical event, Akcam has been working to
overcome prejudice and biases in order to initiate dialogue between
Turks and Armenians.

In this regard, his suggestions will serve to remove obstacles before
the development of a sound relationship between Turkey and Armenia.

Armenian prosecutor general thinks fighting corruption is not so much
effective

2008-11-28 13:27:00

ArmInfo. Armenian Prosecutor General Agvan Hovsepyan said at today’s
consultation on fighting corruption that fighting corruption is not so
much effective.

‘In future as well we shall organize similar state consultations the
results have been already noticed’, – Hovsepyan said and added that
every leader in the law-enforcement agencies should be responsible for
the actions in fighting corruption.

Hovsepyan also submitted the statistics of the practical action on
fighting corruption over 11 months of the current year. He said in
particular that 32 criminal cases on corruption were initiated in Lori
region, 10 – in Shirak, 17 – in Armavir, 12- in Kotayk, 2 – in Syunik
and 4 in Vayots Dzor regions of Armenia. At the same time he said that
law-enforcement agencies often fight corruption not so much effectively
and corruption facts are often hidden. He called up to enhance actions
and direct the efforts of the law-enforcement agencies to the needed
channel.

TURKISH AMBASSADOR ADMONISHES PRES. OBAMA ON ARMENIAN ISSUES
By Harut Sassounian

AZG Armenian Daily
27/11/2008

Armenian Genocide; Turkey-USA

Turkish officials are getting increasingly apprehensive about the
announced position of the incoming Obama administration on Armenian
issues. Consequently, they are trying to win over President-elect
Barack Obama and his inner circle by using high-priced lobbying
firms, dispatching delegations of senior diplomats, Prime Minister
Recep Erdogan meeting with Obama’s representatives in Washington,
and Pres. Abdullah Gul speaking with him by phone.

Even retired Turkish diplomats are getting into the act. Faruk
Logoglu, a former Turkish Ambassador to Washington, recently wrote a
lengthy "Open Letter" to Pres.-elect Obama, consisting of 23 points,
touching upon various aspects of U.S.-Turkish relations. The letter
was published in the Autumn 2008 edition of Private View, a publication
of the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD).

Amb. Logoglu has served as President of the Eurasian Strategic Studies
Center (ASAM), an influential Turkish think tank specializing in
international relations. More importantly, he is a member of the
board of the Strategic Studies Center of the Turkish Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. His letter to Pres. Obama, titled "Win Turkey as a
Key Partner," provides unique insights into the thinking and agenda
of the Turkish foreign policy establishment.

The Turkish Ambassador begins his letter with a vain attempt to
find similarities between the United States and Turkey. He falsely
claims that the two countries share "common values and converging
national interests" such as "democracy, the rule of law, human rights,
fundamental freedoms and market economy." Amb. Logoglu concludes that
the agendas, priorities and needs of the U.S. and Turkey overlap.

Not surprisingly, the Ambassador makes several references to Armenian
issues. In point 2 of his letter, he states that U.S.-Turkish relations
have improved after "the halting of the Armenian Genocide resolution
in Congress last year."

Amb. Logoglu’s letter, written in a patronizing tone, repeatedly tells
Pres. Obama what to do once in office. In point 6 of his letter,
the Ambassador demands that Pres. Obama, as one of the first tasks
of his administration, "implement a broad public diplomacy strategy
to win the hearts of the Turkish public," in view of the fact that
"surveys consistently indicate a very unfavorable opinion of the
U.S. in Turkey." In Logoglu’s twisted logic, since most Turks hate
Americans, it is Pres. Obama’s solemn obligation to take immediate
steps to make Turks like Americans!

In point 7 of his letter, Amb. Logoglu, treating Pres. Obama as
his junior clerk, orders him to "render harmless … the efforts of
the Armenian and other anti-Turkish lobbies to take our relationship
hostage. …You need to convince the Turkish public that you are being
fair and not giving in to the demands of special interest groups,
especially when those demands are at least questionable."

In point 8, Amb. Logoglu indicates that the Armenian Genocide
resolution and the fight against the Kurdish PKK are two concrete
issues that would require Obama’s attention in the early days of his
Presidency. These issues, the Ambassador warns, "literally constitute
the red buttons in the control deck of our relations. Any resolution
in Congress supporting Armenian claims would do substantial, if not
irreparable, damage to your standing in Turkey and upset the entire
chemistry of our relationship. Moreover, it would not help resolve
the problem and reverse the positive trends now in the making between
Turkey and Armenia. Instead, you should encourage the recent positive
trends between the two neighboring states in the direction of dialogue
and conciliation."

In point 12, Amb. Logoglu asserts that Turkey wants to become an
"energy hub" in order to "counter-balance Russian dominance in this
domain and provide alternative outlets to producer nations." This
statement exposes the Turkish government’s fake gestures of friendship
with Russia. Furthermore, this is the continuation of long-standing
Ottoman policy of pitting one great power against another, claiming
to be an ally to both, while exploiting both countries for its own
self-interest. In point 22 of his letter, the Turkish Ambassador
contradicts himself by urging Pres. Obama to keep "Turkey’s special
position" in mind when dealing with Russia, given Turkey’s substantial
relations with Moscow in terms of "trade, investments, tourism and
[ventures] in the field of energy. Our national interest dictates
that we maintain positive relations with Russia."

Finally, Amb. Logoglu invites Pres. Obama to visit Turkey at his
"earliest opportunity," so that the schmoozing can continue in a
warmer atmosphere!

Most probably, neither Pres. Obama nor any of his aides would have the
time to read this lengthy polemical letter. However, the Ambassador’s
words provide a window into the Turkish mindset and show how alarmed
Ankara is by Obama’s campaign promises and their likely implementation.

CLEAN COMMUNITY COALITION FORMED WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF COALITION BUILDING PROJECT

armradio.am
26.11.2008 17:25

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWV), the Armenian
Assembly of America (AAA) and the NGO Center, Civil Society Development
Organization (NGOC) have organized a Coalition Building educational
program for six local non-governmental organizations operating in the
Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions of Armenia. The goal of this program is
to provide and expand on existing skill sets for effective coalition
and cross-sector coalition building.

As a result of the program, the Clean Community Coalition was
formed, the mission of which is to promote environmental protection
and encourage healthy lifestyles. Advocating for improved garbage
collection has been selected as one of the priority activities of
the Coalition.

Anna Hovhannissian, Program Manager of the Armenian Young Women’s
Association, Yeghegnadzor Branch, said, "The Clean Community Coalition
has already met with the Mayors of Yeghegnadzor and Vayk. Both
welcomed this initiative and expressed their readiness to support
the Coalition."

Chairman of the Syunik Disabled People Support Organization, Voghji,
Kamo Davtian added that the motives in establishing the Coalition
were the dirty conditions at historical-cultural monuments in the
Kapan, Kajaran, Vayk and Yeghegnadzor communities and nearby areas,
the lack of information regarding the negative environmental impac
ts on people’s health, the low culture of ecological awareness of
community members, as well as low levels of social partnerships in
the Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions.

NGOs participating in the program colored maps of their towns according
to the levels of garbage collection. "The dirtiest areas are the
Voghji and Vachagan Rivers in Syunik, where household and construction
garbage is being thrown," said Mr. Davtian. He substantiated his
words by showing pictures capturing the real situation of garbage
collection in those towns.

Program Manager of the Women’s Association of Kapan Region Arine
Harutiunian presented future plans of the Coalition. "We wish to assist
in protecting the environment and advancing healthy lifestyles through
research, increasing awareness of ecological issues in schools and
other community establishments, and advocating for improved garbage
collection systems," she concluded.

ANKARA CAN SEND AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA IN EXCHANGE FOR CONSENT TO FORM COMMISSION OF HISTORIANS?

PanARMENIAN.Net
24.11.2008 16:43 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The talks between the Armenian and Turkish Foreign
Ministers, Edward Nalbandian and Ali Babacan, will focus on five
issues: formation of a joint commission of historians, the terms of
withdrawal of the Armenian troops from Nagorno Karabakh, opening of
the Armenian-Turkish border, preparation for the visit of Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan to Turkey and the Caucasus Stability and
Cooperation Platform, Cumhurriyet Turkish daily reports.

It is also reported that Ali Babacan will propose his Armenian
counterpart to send an envoy to Armenia without establishment of
diplomatic relations in exchange for Yerevan’s consent to form a
joint commission of historians.

The Ministers will not refer to the Armenian Genocide issue.

Edward Nalbandian is in Istanbul to attend a session of the BSEC
Secretariat.

ARMENIAN FM: ARMENIA READY TO LAUNCH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH TURKEY

Xinhua
Nov 25 2008
China

ANKARA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) — Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian
said Monday that his country was ready to launch diplomatic relations
and open its border with Turkey without any precondition, the
semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

Nalbandian made the remarks while holding a press conference in
Istanbul, adding that he was hopeful for such normalization process.

"Such developments would be for the benefit of both countries,"
said Nalbandian, adding that he believed there was no big obstacle
regarding the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

"Many neighboring countries had problems with each other in different
parts of the world, however they carried on with their diplomatic
relations and kept their borders open," he said.

Meanwhile, Nalbandian noted that the recent visit of Turkish President
Gul to Armenia in early September constituted a good foundation for
the normalization of relations between the two countries.

Nalbandian arrived on Monday in Istanbul where he attended a meeting
of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) as Armenia
holds the current BSEC rotating presidency.

Turkey severed its ties with Armenia and closed its border with the
landlocked country in 1993 as a sign of solidarity with Azerbaijan,
a Turkic-speaking ally which was fighting Armenian-backed separatists
over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Ankara says the normalization of relations depends on Armenia’s
withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh and an end to Yerevan’s support for
the Armenian diaspora’s efforts to win international recognition for
claims that Armenians were subjected to genocide at the hands of the
Ottoman Empire.

Armenia has claimed that up to 1.5 million Armenians died as a result
of "massacres" during the Turkish Ottoman Period between 1915 and 1923,
but Turkey categorically rejects the accusation.

IRAN, ARMENIA SEEK TO BOOST TIES

Fars News Agency
Nov 24 2008
Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Saeed
Jalili said that Tehran and Yerevan can further boost ties in the
different diplomatic, economic and security fields.

Speaking to reporters following his talks with Armenia’s National
Security Council Secretary Arthur Baghdasaryan, Jalili described his
talks with his Armenian counterpart as "very good".

"Iran and Armenia have had age-old, deep ties for years and today
Iran and Armenia as two friendly and neighboring countries share very
good interests in the different grounds, in bilateral, political,
security and economic areas in particular," he added.

Baghdasaryan, for his part, viewed his trip to Iran as "good" and
"fruitful", and stressed that his talks in Tehran have led into
"good conclusions".

"During negotiations my counterpart showed that he is fully aware of
regional and international matters," he said.

He said the 10 agreements made during the talks have reached practical
stages.

The Iranian and Armenian security official have agreed to expand
cooperation, he told reporters.

The Armenian official, who has conferred with Iran’s President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad on Sunday, invited Jalili to pay a visit to his country
whenever appropriate.

Earlier during the meeting with Jalili on Sunday, Baghdasaryan
underlined Armenia’s strong support for Tehran’s civilian nuclear
program.

"Armenia favors Iran’s fundamental stances," Baghdasaryan added and
called for Iran’s active cooperation for a collective measure to
provide Caucasus security.

IRAN, ARMENIA INK 10 AGREEMENTS, OFFICIAL

IRNA
Nov 24
Tehran

Iran-Armenia-Agreement

Secretary of the National Security Council of Armenia Arthur
Baghdasaryan told reporters on Monday that Iran, Armenia inked ten
agreements on security, political and economic cooperation.

In a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Saeed Jalili, Baghdasaryan
said that his talks with the Iranian officials have been fruitful.

Referring to his talks with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as promising,
Baghdasaryan said that the two sides conferred on issues of mutual
interest.

He also expressed pleasure with his acquaintance with Iran’s Secretary
of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili as a professional
man.

The Armenian official said that Iran and Armenia are two friendly
countries determined to boost mutual ties in security, political and
economic fields as well as legal cooperation.

He extended his invitation to Jalili to visit Armenia.

Meanwhile, Jalili said that Tehran and Yerevan enjoy longstanding
historical and friendly ties; therefore, they can develop those ties.

He added that the two countries would promote mutual relations and
hold consultations on international and regional cooperation as well.

Jalili said that the two sides’ talks focused on paving the way for
cooperation based on mutual interest.

Baghdasaryan arrived in Tehran on Sunday and was accorded formal
welcome by his Iranian counterpart.

IMF AND WB’S SUPPORT HELPS ARMENIA TO STAND CRISIS

ARKA
Nov 24, 2008

YEREVAN, November 24. /ARKA/. Armenia has managed to resist the first
blow of the global crisis thanks to World Bank and International
Monetary Fund’s support, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
said Saturday at his meeting with the delegation headed by Aristomene
Varoudakis, head of Armenian office of the World Bank.

The premier expressed appreciation of IMF and WB’s support saying it
is very important for Armenia.

He said it will be very difficult to meet the crisis-caused troubles.

Governmental press office quoted Sargsyan as saying that
increasingly-developing Armenia’s economy needs greater and greater
resources.

The premier said that, in accordance with agreements reached in
Washington, the financial assistance pledged by the World Bank will be
focused on three strategic segments – energy, drinking and irrigation
water and road construction.

A part of this money will be spent for implementation of education,
management, agriculture and social investment programs.

Sargsyan said that expected additional $250 million will target small-
and mid-scale business.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO ATTEND GAME OF CHESS TEAMS OF ARMENIA AND CHINA

Noyan Tapan

Nov 24, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian President, President
of the Chess Federation of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan left for Dresden
on November 24.

As NT was informed by the RA presidential press service, tomorrow he
will be present at the game of the Armenian and Chinese teams in the
last round of the 38th Chess Olympiad.