Author: Navasardian Karapet

Roj TV, Denmark
Feb 5 2005

Turkey first in asylum rates to Germany

Whilst a fall has appeared in refugee counts who applied to take
refuge in Germany in 2004, Turkey has grabbed the first rank with
among those countries from which citizens have been seeking refuge in
Germany.

The statistics show that the number of refugees 35.607 people
appealed for asylum in Germany, when the count is compared with that
of last year it is seen that the refugee count has been decreased by
14.956. In spite of reduction in the refugee number from other
countries to Germany, Turkish citizens have still the first rank in
going into exile in Germany.

As to the numbers of refugees coming from foreign states to Germany,
Turkey comes out on the top with 6.301 refugees, Serbia and Karabagh
takes the second rank with 4.900. Other countries included in the
list are as such: Russia, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Iraq, China, India and
Nigeria.

In January and February, Germany entitled 960 refugees 389 of whom
are Turkish citizens to take shelter in the country and, covered
1.107 people comprising 211 Turkish citizens in accordance with
Article 51 of The Foreigners Law in the scope of “not being able to
been deported.”

U.N. Diplomat Reportedly Sought Iraqi Oil Deals for Egyptian

The New York Times
February 4, 2005

By SUSAN SACHS

Benon V. Sevan, a career United Nations diplomat who headed the
oil-for-food program for Iraq, solicited favors from Saddam Hussein’s
government on behalf of an Egyptian trader who made more than $1.5
million in profits from his privileged access to Iraqi oil contracts,
according to an investigative report released yesterday.

The trader, Fakhry Abdelnour, who is based in Geneva, also paid an
illegal surcharge of $160,000 to the Iraqis, in violation of the
United Nations sanctions against Iraq, while he and Mr. Sevan were
lobbying for more business, said the report, which was issued by a
United Nations-appointed panel headed by Paul A. Volcker.

In securing the oil contracts for Mr. Abdelnour, Mr. Sevan introduced
him into one of the byways of the giant program, one that enriched a
small group of traders while pouring money that was meant to buy food
and medicine into secret Iraqi slush funds, it said.

Through the intercession of Mr. Sevan, the report said, Mr. Abdelnour
was put on a list of individuals who received coupons, or allocations,
that gave him the right to buy millions of barrels of Iraqi crude oil,
starting in 1998.

The allocations were of little use to people who were not in the oil
business and did not have the means, or desire, to lease tankers to
ship the oil to refineries and other users. But they were valuable to
Mr. Abdelnour, as the profits on his dealings with Iraq demonstrated.

Oil companies were hungry for Iraqi crude oil, especially in the early
years of the oil-for-food program when prices for Iraqi oil were below
world market prices. But Iraq did not sell oil to just anyone.

Under the guidance of Taha Yassin Ramadan, an Iraqi vice president,
and the Revolutionary Command Council, headed by Mr. Hussein, a large
portion of the oil allocations were handed out to a select group that
included businessmen, politicians, journalists and diplomats who were
perceived to be sympathetic to Iraq. According to traders and Iraqi
officials, many people who received allocations sold them to an oil
company at a premium.

Mr. Abdelnour did the same, the report said, selling his first
allocation of 1.8 million barrels in the fall of 1998 to two oil
companies for a $300,000 profit and selling another 5.5 million
barrels for a $1.2 million profit over the next three years.

His company stopped buying oil in late 2000, the report added, after
Iraq started demanding that oil buyers pay under-the-table surcharges
on each barrel of oil they received. Many other traders in Mr.
Abdelnour’s situation have said they also pulled out around the same
time because paying the surcharges meant that they could not make as
much profit from selling their allocations as they previously had
done.

By telling senior Iraqi officials like Mr. Ramadan that he wanted to
“help a friend” get into the business of buying their oil, Mr. Sevan,
played an important role, the investigators said.

“At that time in the program, it was highly unlikely that Iraq would
sell oil to a company such as AMEP unless sponsored by a beneficiary
that Iraqi officials wished to favor,” the report said, referring to
Mr. Abdelnour’s oil-trading company, African Middle East Petroleum.

Senior Iraqi officials, the report added, were pleased with the chance
to do Mr. Sevan a favor.

“He was a man of influence,” the former Iraqi oil minister, Amir
Muhammed Rashid, told investigators, and the government hoped, in vain
as it turned out, that he had the power to speed up United Nations
approval for Iraq to acquire spare parts for its oil industry.

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Putin Presents Condolences over Georgian PM’s Death

Civil Georgia (Tbilisi)
2005-02-03

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a letter of condolences to
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili regarding the death of Prime
Minister Zurab Zhvania, RIA Novosti news agency reported on February
3.

Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania was found dead, apparently by
gas poisoning in his friend’s apartment in Tbilisi on early hours of
February 3, Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili said.

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Jan 29 2005

Conference On Turkey – E.U. – U.S.A.

Anadolu Agency: 1/29/2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AA) – European Union Commission Washington, D.C.
Representative Jonathan Davidson has stated that the EU is firmly
determined to find avenues that will lead to the resolution of the
Cyprus problem.
The American-Turkish Council (ATC) and Atlantic Council
organized a conference, titled ”Turkey’s Acceptance into the EU: The
Impact on the USA relations with Turkey and EU,” in an office of the
American Senate yesterday.
In a speech delivered, Davidson said that a new step must be
taken in Cyprus for a solution. ”We expect an increase in the number
of efforts made to find a solution. We also expect the UN to re-start
the meetings after the April elections in Northern Cyprus,” told
Davidson. Davidson indicated that the issues of Cyprus and Armenians
are not a part of the upcoming negotiations.
Asked to evaluate the Turkish Land Forces Commander General
Yasar Buyukanit’s recent comments that ”not a single Turkish soldier
will be pulled out of Cyprus prior to a lasting agreement,” Davidson
did not provide a direct answer. However, Davidson noted that this
situation shows once again how important it is to have a
comprehensive solution in Cyprus.
Davidson remarked that Turkey, to a large extent, has fulfilled
its requirements under the Copenhagen criteria. ”Turkish-American
ties will not be (negatively) affected by Turkey’s full membership in
the EU. Turkey’s membership in the EU will benefit American
interests,” commented Davidson.
Turkish General Secretary for EU Affairs Murat Sungar stated
that certain circles look at Turkey as a ”Trojan Horse” of Islam in
Europe and some others view Turkey as a ”Trojan Horse” of the west
in an Islamic world. ”None of these assumptions are valid. Such
theories are unacceptable,” said Sungar.
In a brief speech, U.S. Department of State Europe Desk Director
Scott Marciel has indicated that the EU membership process have
helped the realization of reforms in Turkey. ”Turkey’s journey
towards full membership in the EU will be difficult, but at the same
time healthy,” remarked Marciel. Marciel added that Turkey does not
necessarily have to make a selection decision between the EU and
U.S.. ”The U.S. has always been supportive of Turkish membership in
the EU. Turkey’s membership is not only important for Turkey, but for
the whole region as well,” expressed Marciel.
Marciel further stressed that the Europeans criticize the U.S.
for meddling in EU business and supporting Turkey’s bid to join the
EU. ”We do not want special privileges and treatment for Turkey.
Surely, Turkey must meet the requirements of the EU. However, once
Turkey fulfills the EU requirements, it must be admitted into the
union,” noted Marciel.

WORLD-FAMED BARITONE RENATO BRUZON TO PERFORM WITH ONLY CONCERT IN
YEREVAN ON FEBRUARY 5

YEREVAN, January 28 (Noyan Tapan). World-famed baritone Renato Bruzo
will perform with the only concert at the “Aram Khachatourian” concert
hall in Yerevan on February 5. The Yerevan concert of the famous
singer, who arrives in Armenia for the first time, was initiated by
Eduard Topchian, the head conductor of the State Philharmonic
Orchestra of Armenia. David Terzian, the Deputy Director of the
orchestra, told NT’s correspondent that the negotiations with Bruzo
started last year, but the agreement was recently reached. Arias and
overtures from Juzeppe Verdi’s operas will be performed at the
concert. According to D. Terzian, the cost of tickets for the concert
will make from 3,000 to 10,000 drams (6-20 dollars). “We have
established all the conditions for the Armenian spectators to have an
opportunity to hear the world-famed baritone,” he said. The State
Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia is also going to organize a concert
of world-famed tenor Placido Domingo in Yerevan dedicated to the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The negotiations are being
carried on between Eduard Topchian and the manager of the famous
singer for several months now. The performance of the operas of Verdi
and Donizetti brought fame to Renato Bruzon. For the first time he
appeared on the scene in Spoletto in 1961 in the role of count de Luna
(“Troubadour”). Bruzon performed in almost all the famous opera
scenes. The singer is the soloist of “La Scala” and “Metrapoliten”
theaters. In 2004, Bruzon acquired the title “The Best Performer of
the Role of Simon Bokanegra for the Recent Years”.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Professionals Network of Western Diocese
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank,CA 91504
Contact:Vahe Ashjian
Tell.818-558-7474
Fax.818-558-6333

[email protected]
An evening with our candidates
February 24,2005

On Thursday, February 24th, 2005, the Armenian Professional Network of
the Western Diocese would like to invite the public, community leaders
and members of the media to spend an evening with the Armenian
candidates running for various municipal level positions throughout
the Los Angeles area. This event will be held at the Western Diocese
(3325 North Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91504).

It will give participants the opportunity to learn more about those
members of the Armenian community who are hoping to make an impression
on our civic society, to learn about their platforms and what they
have to offer the Armenian and the larger Los Angeles community.

This event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a reception (including light
fare), with the candidate’s forum to follow at 8:00p.m. Sharp. This
event is being sponsored by Mr. Onnik Mehrabian (Owner of Glendale Kia
at 2242 San Fernando Rd.; Los Angeles, CA 90065) and is open and free
to all.

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Jan 27 2005

US ambassador criticizes PACE resolution on Garabagh

Russia is playing both negative and positive roles in resolution of
the Upper Garabagh conflict, along with many other conflicts in the
former Soviet Union, US ambassador to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish told
journalists. Russia’s role in the Garabagh conflict is undeniable, he
said.
Harnish said, however, that the conflict resolution does not depend
only on US and Russia and that the Azerbaijani and Armenian
presidents should step up efforts in this area.
Touching upon the passed PACE resolution on Upper Garabagh, the
ambassador said that it is of `decorative’ nature, saying that he
disagrees with the conclusions made in the document.
In reply to a question whether US will continue providing aid to
Armenia, which was recognized as aggressor in the resolution, Harnish
said that Washington has always pursued a consistent policy.
`From this standpoint, the aid being provided is aimed at achieving
peace in the region.’
Touching upon President Aliyev’s visit to Iran, Harnish said that the
US is not concerned over this. As for establishing US ties with Iran,
he said that three issues need to be resolved first.
`First, Iran must abandon developing weapons of mass destruction,
second, stop supporting international terrorism and third, end its
efforts at hampering development in the Middle East.’*

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Jan 27 2005

Khatami states support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity

President Ilham Aliyev’s long-awaited visit to Tehran represents a
particular importance in terms of regional security and major
economic projects between the two countries. Iranian President
Mohammad Khatami said

in his meeting with Aliyev on Monday that Iran is interested in
expanding ties with Azerbaijan in all areas. He said the Azerbaijani
President is one of the few officials whose visit is closely followed
by the Iranian media and public.
“I have been looking forward to this visit and this finally came
true”, President Aliyev said in reply. He gave a high assessment to
the Azerbaijan-Iran relations and voiced confidence that the
documents to be signed will be beneficial.

Aliyev told a press conference following the meeting that bilateral
relations are developing rapidly and their current level meets the
two countries’ interests. He also pointed out that there is a
potential to further strengthen the ties in an efficient manner.
Khatami said with regard to the Upper Garabagh conflict that Iran
supports Azerbaijan’s stance.
“Our position is clear and Iran is one of the very few countries that
support Azerbaijan’s position. We support a conflict resolution not
by force but through talks and diplomacy.”
Khatami also said Iran is ready to cooperate with the conflicting
sides in resolving the Garabagh problem.
In reply to a question about reasons for Iran’s expressing a firm
position on the Palestine issue but not on the Garabagh problem,
Khatami said he condemns occupation by any country.
“Israel has completely occupied the Palestine territory . However,
unlike Israel, Armenia has not occupied a large portion of
Azerbaijan’ land.”
President Aliyev’s Tuesday meetings with the chairman of the Iranian
Islamic Council Assembly Haddad Adil and chairman of the State
Advisory Council, Iran’s former President Alakbar Hashimi Rafsanjani
focused on the Upper Garabagh conflict.
“Azerbaijan’s biggest problem is the Armenian aggression,” said
President Aliyev, expressing his disappointment with the fact that
peace talks have been fruitless so far.
The President also voiced his satisfaction with the approach of
regional countries, including Iran, to the conflict settlement issue.
He said, however, that “regional countries should be more actively
involved in the conflict resolution.” Afterwards, President Aliyev
had a meeting with Iran’s high religious leader Ali Khamnei, who
remarkably spoke Azeri.
Khamnei stated that certain countries are opposed to the
Iran-Azerbaijan friendship.
“We will always be friendly neighboring countries regardless of what
happens around the world.”
President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan, as a sovereign country,
pursues an independent policy. Developing relations with Iran meets
Azerbaijan’s interests and no force may impede this, he said.
On the same day, President Aliyev visited the Khodro automobile
plant. The leadership of the plant, which produces small and large
buses along with Mercedes and Peugeot cars, presented a ‘Samand’ car
to the Azerbaijani President.
Aliyev also met with Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani and
visited the Azerbaijani embassy in Iran.
On Wednesday, the President will hold another meeting with Khatami to
be followed by signing of about 10 documents covering the political,
economic, transport, energy and cultural fields.
A $1 million grant to be allocated by Iran will be spent on building
the Shahtakhti-Poldashti bridge over the Araz River in the Nakhchivan
Autonomous Republic. Iran also plans to allot $4 million in loans for
the construction of the Astara-Baku highway.
President Aliyev will wrap up his visit to Iran after visiting
Azerbaijan’s Chief Consulate in Tabriz.

RUSSIAN EMBASSY IN ARMENIA PLANS EVENTS TO CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY
OF WWII VICTORY

YEREVAN, JANUARY 26. ARMINFO. The Russian Embassy in Armenia is
planning a series of events in Yerevan and the regions to celebrate
the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Involved in the celebrations will be Armenian and Russian artists,
scientists and other intelligentsia representatives. Festivities will
be held May 8-9 in the central parks and squares with the
participation of veterans and schoolchildren. Also planned are
scientific-historical conferences, archive exhibitions, university and
school contests on the subject.

The Embassy is convinced that the celebrations will contribute to the
further strengthening of the Armenian-Russian friendship. The
festivities in Moscow will show the whole significance of the victory
over Fascism for the present-day world.

Armenian veterans will also be presented at the Moscow
celebrations. The May 9 Victory is a great historic event for not only
Russia but all the CIS nations who made their personal contributions
to the overall defeat of Fascism. This date is important for the whole
world especially now that humanity is facing new threats and
challenges. On the initiative of Russia and the CIs countries the UN
General Assembly has proclaimed May 8-9 as Days of Memory and
Reconciliation.

Agence France Presse
20 janvier 2005 jeudi 9:03 AM GMT

Les rivaux arménien et azerbaïdjanais en Irak pour plaire aux
Etats-Unis (PAPIER D’ANGLE)

BAKOU 20 jan

Chez elles, les armées arménienne et azerbaïdjanaise ne se voient
qu’à travers les lunettes de leurs fusils pointés le long d’une des
lignes de cessez-le-feu les plus dangereuses du monde, mais en Irak
elles combattent pour une cause commune: gagner la sympathie des
Etats-Unis.

Cette semaine, un groupe de 46 soldats arméniens se sont joints à la
coalition dirigée par les Etats-Unis en Irak, où sont déployés depuis
2004 une centaine de soldats de la paix de l’Azerbaïdjan, ennemi de
longue date de l’Arménie.

Bien qu’officiellement Bakou et Erevan soient présents en Irak pour
aider à stabiliser la situation dans le pays, pour les deux rivaux il
s’agit surtout d’une opération de charme auprès de l’Oncle Sam.

L’Arménie comme l’Azerbaïdjan ont beaucoup à gagner d’une bonne
relation avec les Etats-Unis dans leur quête pour faire pencher la
communauté internationale en leur faveur dans le conflit qui les
oppose au sujet de l’enclave azerbaïdjanaise à majorité arménienne du
Nagorny Karabakh, aujourd’hui contrôlée de facto par Erevan.

Les deux anciennes républiques soviétiques ont mené une guerre
sanglante au début des années 1990 qui s’est soldée par 30.000 morts
et quelques deux millions de déplacés.

Depuis la signature d’un cessez-le-feu en 1994, les deux nations du
Caucase se livrent une guerre des mots en même temps qu’ils naviguent
dans des eaux diplomatiques difficiles entre Moscou et Washington,
lequel a renforcé son influence dans l’ex-URSS depuis deux ans.

“L’Arménie a envoyé des troupes en Irak après que les Etats-Unis lui
aient dit ¨ou vous êtes avec nous, ou vous êtes un (Viktor)
Ianoukovitch”, affirme un ancien chef de la diplomatie
azerbaïdjanaise, dans une référence au candidat ukrainien pro-russe
qui a perdu fin décembre la présidentielle ukrainienne face à un
candidat pro-occidental.

Depuis que des candidats qui n’étaient pas appuyés par Moscou ont été
portés au pouvoir dans la république séparatiste géorgienne
d’Abkhazie en janvier, en Ukraine le mois dernier et en Géorgie il y
a un an, le président arménien Robert Kotcharian a commencé à
chercher des appuis en Occident pour garder le pouvoir dans son pays,
estiment des experts.

“La question irakienne pousse l’Arménie à réfléchir sur un choix:
soit elle poursuit une politique pro-russe, soit elle se retire de la
zone d’influence russe”, estime Agasi Enkoïan, politologue à Erevan.

En ce qui concerne l’Azerbaïdjan, “nous sommes ennemis, mais cela ne
nous empêche pas de nous battre ensemble dans un pays tiers”, ajoute
M. Enkoïan.

Un analyste militaire basé à Bakou estime quant à lui que les deux
nations pourront bénéficier de leur expérience avec les missions de
paix en Irak si jamais un accord est trouvé concernant le Karabakh.

“Un jour les militaires devront comprendre la différence entre une
ligne de front et une frontière nationale, ce qui n’est pas le cas
aujourd’hui”, soutient Azad Iasazadé.

Mais le bilan de la coopération entre les deux pays depuis la
signature du cessez-le-feu n’est guère brillant et M. Iasazadé craint
que les passions encore très intenses ne provoquent d’autres
violences entre Arméniens et Azerbaïdjanais en Irak.

L’Azerbaïdjan et l’Arménie coopèrent avec l’Otan au sein du
Partenariat pour la Paix, mais des exercices prévus l’an dernier en
Azerbaïdjan avaient dû être annulés après ce dernier eût jugé
indésirable la présence de militaires arméniens sur son territoire.

Un officier azerbaïdjanais est jugé en Hongrie pour le meurtre à
coups de hache d’un officier arménien qui suivait une formation
financée par l’Otan à Budapest.

“Ils n’avaient pas de fusils là-bas, mais en Irak ils en auront”, met
en garde M. Isazadé.