Author: Vasilian Manouk

NUMBER OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES DECLINES IN FIRST QUARTER COMPARED WITH
SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

YEREVAN, APRIL 11, NOYAN TAPAN. During the first quarter of 2005, the
number of criminal offences made 1,320, which constitutes a decline
compared with the same period of last year (1,507). Head of the RA
Police Criminal Investigation Department Hayk Militosian stated at the
April 8 meeting with reporters that the number of murders also
declined – 9 cases compared with 16 murders registered in the first
quarter of 2004. At the meeting, which was organized by the NGO Femida
with the European Commission’s sponsorship, the department head also
noted that the crime detection is high – 91-92% of the crimes are
discovered. According to H. Militosian, considerable work has been
done to find hidden arms and ammunition. The operation Arsenal is
underway, as a result of which a large number of arms have already
been found. The speaker indicated that during the first quarter, 74
weapons were confiscated and 162 ones were handed over. 612 various
types of ammunition, 32.9 kg of explosives, 505 m of detonator, as
well as 38,522 cartridges of different types were either confiscated
or handed over voluntarily.

California Courier Online, April 14, 2005

1 – Commentary
Turkish Leaders Going Berserk
With Anti-Genocide Obsession

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
2 – AEF Accepting Applications
For Tufenkian Scholarships
3 – Pasadena-Vanadzor Sister Committee
Presents Cultural Program on April 21
4 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Wins Second
Consecutive JUNO Recording Award
5 – Colorado Legislature Passes Resolution
On 90th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide
6 – Surmelian’s “I Ask You, Ladies and Gentlemen”
To be Performed at Alex Theatre in April
7 – Armenian Dairy Firm Wins US
Hispanic Cheese Competition
8 – Dickranian School 2005 Graduates
On Their Way to Universities
9 – Eyewitness Book on Genocide in English
To be Unveiled in Montebello, April 19
*************************************************************************
1 – Commentary

Turkish Leaders Going Berserk
With Anti-Genocide Obsession

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Turkish leaders are literally going out of their minds; desperately
searching for any and all possible ways to counter the commemorations of
the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Of course, it would have been much simpler and more honest for them to
simply face up to their own history and to tell the truth. Unfortunately,
that seems to be asking too much!

Last week, the Turks found a new ploy: holding a parliamentary hearing on
the Armenian Genocide. This was a very unusual hearing. They invited three
Turkish Armenians to testify. These Armenians knew full well that whatever
they say, can and will be used against them. Two of the three managed to
say as much as they could under the circumstances, and they were chastised
severely for “speaking like Diaspora Armenians!” The third Armenian was a
total sell-out. He probably did not want to take a chance with his life!
Not surprisingly, no one interrupted his speech.

The Turkish leaders’ obsession with the denial of the Armenian Genocide
totally blinded them to the fact that by holding such a sham hearing, they
were, first of all, undermining their own interests. For years, Turkish
officials have reacted with disdain toward the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by other countries, by saying that historians should deal with
this issue rather than politicians. Now that their own parliament has held
a hearing on this issue, the Turks have unwittingly accepted the Armenian
Genocide resolutions adopted by the legislatures of more than a dozen
countries, as well as the European Parliament, the United Nations, and
other international organizations.

To make matters worse, during the past couple of weeks, various Turkish
officials have made aggressive statements that further publicized the
commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Here are
some examples:

Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said in
Ankara on March 22: “I launch a call to countries who became a tool of the
Armenian allegations: Either you account for what you have done, or prove
the allegations [on the Armenian Genocide].” In the same speech, Gul
foolishly asked: “If it [genocide] had happened, so why the Armenian
churches still exist? Why there are Armenian citizens in Turkey?” For a
diplomat, Gul is amazingly ignorant of the fact that the UN defines
genocide as the killing of a people “in whole or in part.” Genocide does
not mean that all the members of a race have to be killed in order to
commit genocide. Otherwise, according to Gul’s definition of genocide, the
Holocaust also does not qualify as genocide, since there are still Jews
living in this world, and even in Germany! In addition, we don’t need to
remind Gul about the destruction of hundreds of Armenian, Greek and
Assyrian churches in Turkey, which is cultural genocide!
Threatening more aggressive actions against the Armenian “claims,” Gul said
the Turkish Parliament would hold a special session this week to announce a
new action plan. Interestingly, he now backs away from the Turkish
government’s announced intention of taking the Armenian issue to the United
Nations. One of his advisors must have finally reminded him that the U.N.
already dealt with this issue back in 1985 and categorized the Armenian
Genocide as a genocide! Fearing more embarrassment at the U.N., Gul said:
“The U.N. may make mistakes in voting. Individuals raising their hands to
vote may vote wrongly based on political gains and interests. History has
many examples of voting that proved to be fallacious.” Too bad. Gul wisely
sidestepped another humiliating experience for Turkey!
No to be outdone by Gul in displaying his nationalistic credentials, the
Turkish President, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, sternly warned the Europeans last
week that Turkey would not bow to European Union pressure to recognize the
Armenian Genocide, as a condition of joining the EU. Armenians, in
conjunction with the majority of Europeans who oppose Turkey’s EU
membership, have to make it crystal clear to the Turks that they would do
everything in their power to prevent Turkey from joining the EU, unless it
recognizes the Armenian Genocide and make appropriate amends for it.
Significantly, all of these developments on the Armenian Genocide have
taken place weeks before a single Armenian commemorative activity has been
held. Once the worldwide commemorative events start, the Turkish leaders
would probably go totally berserk!
**************************************************************************
2 – AEF Accepting Applications
For Tufenkian Scholarships
GLENDALE – The Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF) announced last week
that it is accepting applications for the Richard R. Tufenkian Scholarship
for the 2005 – 2006 academic year.
The Tufenkian Scholarship was established by Ralph and Savey Tufenkian in
memory of their son. Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to Armenian
undergraduate students at an accredited United States college/university.
To qualify for this scholarship, students must be of Armenian descent, have
a minimum 3.0 GPA, show financial need, and be actively involved in the
Armenian community.
Students who meet the above criteria are invited to submit a written
request for an application to the AEF Scholarship Committee, 600 West
Broadway, Suite 130, Glendale, CA 91204. Written requests for applications
can also be made by FAX (818) 242-4913 or E-mail [email protected]. All
completed scholarship application packages must be postmarked no later than
July 30, 2005. Applications are also available on

AEF was established in 1950 render financial assistance to Armenian
educational institutions, irrespective of their religious affiliation or
denomination; assist Armenian students in acquiring higher education; found
and aid in the establishment of Armenian educational institutions and
cultural centers; found and aid in the establishment of Armenian courses of
study and research programs.
*****************************************************************
3 – Pasadena-Vanadzor Sister Committee
Presents Cultural Program on April 21
PASADENA – Members and guests of the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee will
be entertained by the Vanadzor Sub-Committee with a cultural program
featuring Susan Ounjian, Armenian folk dance lecturer, performer and
educator. Her presentation will be held April 21 at the Pasadena Museum of
California Art, April 21 at 7 p.m. in the penthouse gallery.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.A. in Fine Arts
degree in Art Education, Ounjian who was trained from childhood in ballet,
modern jazz and folk dance, specializes in lecturing on the dance on the
elementary, high school and university level. She has appeared on
television and radio sharing her knowledge on the history of Armenian
dance. In her lectures, she bring slides on the costuming, music and dance
form to further education her audiences.
Serving on the Vanadzor Sub-Committee are Seda Marootian, president, Joan
Reyes, vice-president, Mary Terzian, secretary, Rose Avakian, treasurer,
Marguerite Hougasian, Forrest Turpen, Sylva Kazanjian, Angie Gomez, Vard
Khachatryan, Vigen Khojayan and Syuzy Avetyan.
The Pasadena Museum of California Art is located at 490 East Union Street,
half a block east of Los Robles. Complimentary parking is available on the
street level. Access to the lecture hall is by elevator to the penthouse.
Refreshments, served a la Armenia, will follow. There is no admission fee.
**************************************************************************
4 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Wins Second
Consecutive JUNO Recording Award
NEW YORK – Canadian-Armenian soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian was honored last
week by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences witha Juno award
for Best Classical Album of the Year (Vocal). Bayrakdarian was selected for
her performance on her CD Cleopatra with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra,
on CBC Records. This marks the second Juno award for Bayrakdarian in the
same category in two consecutive years. Her Juno award in 2004 – also Best
Classical Album of the Year (Vocal) – was for Azulão (CBC), a ravishing
collection of Spanish and Latin American music.
The October 2004 CBC Records release has garnered high praise from the
press. American Record Guide was unequivocal in its excitement over this
disc of Cleopatra arias by Handel, Mattheson, Hasse and Graun: “Buy this
disc!! Let me make clear from the outset – it is a gem! The singing is
simply stunning. Nobody who loves great operatic singing and great baroque
opera should miss this release.”
ClassicsToday was no less enthusiastic: “You easily can hear that this is
the work of a phenomenally gifted singer and an extraordinary artist who
possesses not only a voice of rare power and agility but who also has the
kind of interpretive instincts that separate the truly elite from the
merely great. Wow! This is singing that gives us no choice but to pay
attention! The real focus here is Bayrakdarian, who doesn’t disappoint for
a second.”
The New York Times wrote: “[Viardot’s] songs are delightful, and Ms.
Bayrakdarian does them vivacious justice. Ms. Bayrakdarian is a fine
interpreter of this music. She genuinely engages with what she is singing.”
**************************************************************************
5 – Colorado Legislature Passes Resolution
On 90th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide
DENVER, CO – On April 6, the Colorado State Legislature unanimously passed
a joint resolution commemorating the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.
During this period 1.5 million men, women, and children of Armenian descent
were annihilated accounting for more than half the Armenian population.
Senator Lois Tochtrop and Speaker Andrew Romanoff were the co-sponsors of
the lengthy resolution describing the Armenian atrocities and continued
denial of the events by the current Turkish government. “2005 marks the
90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and it is fitting that the
Colorado Legislature continue its tradition of designating April 24 as
Colorado Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide”, said Kim
Christianian, chairperson of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee
for Armenians of Colorado Inc, a non-profit cultural organization.
The 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorative events in
Colorado begins on April 21, at 7 p.m., at the Arapahoe Community College
Waring Theater, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive., Littleton.
The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society’s ACC Chapter with
co-sponsor Armenians of Colorado will host The Greatest Crimes of the 20th
Century: Genocide/Holocaust Commemoration.
Ken Allikian, whose parents survived the genocide, will be the guest
speaker as well as Walter Plywaski, a Holocaust survivor and scholar. Phi
Theta Kappa chapter president Simon Maghakyan will present briefly on the
cultural genocide that destroyed thousands of Armenian churches and
historical monuments in historic Armenia.
On April 24, at 12 Noon, Armenians of Colorado Inc., will host the
Commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at the
Memorial Plaque located in the N.E. Quadrant of the State Capitol grounds.
Guest speakers will include State Senator Lois Tochtrop and Speaker Andrew
Romanoff. The community is invited to participate in a joint commemorative
church service at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church beginning at 2 p.m.
There will be clergy from both the Armenian Apostolic Church of Denver and
from the Armenian Apostolic Church of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain
Region. Following the service there will be a reception of coffee and
sweets. At 4 p.m., Armenians of Colorado present a talk with Tatul
Sonentz-Papazian, long-time Armenian National Committee activist and
Armenian Relief Society International Office Publications Director and
Editor of “Hai Sird,” the multi-lingual periodical of the ARS. Papazian is
also the recipient of the St. Mesrop Mashtots Medal by Catholicos Aram I,
for meritorious contributions to the promotion of Armenian culture in the
Diaspora. The talk will be held in the church cultural center 4610 E.
Alameda Avenue, in Denver.
For directions and more information visit
**************************************************************************
6 – Surmelian’s “I Ask You, Ladies and Gentlemen”
To be Performed at Alex Theatre in April
GLENDALE – The Cornerstone Theater Company presents three community
performances of the late Leon Z. Surmelian’s “I Ask You, Ladies and
Gentlemen,” on April 24, 26, and 27, at Glendale’s Alex Theater. The stage
adaptation is by playwright-in-residence Yehuda Hyman, and directed by
founding member Christopher Liam Moore.
It is the true story of an Armenian orphan boy whose brave and poetic
spirit guides him through a tragic odyssey in his war-torn country and
propels him into a new life in America. History and literature come to
life, using text directly from Surmelian’s memoir about survival during the
Armenian genocide.
Actor Ludwing Manukian and puppeteer Michele Zamora are accompanied by live
music composed and performed by John Bilezikjian.
Performances will be held April 24, 2 p.m., April 26 at 8 p.m., and April
27 at 8 p.m.
Free admission to the Sunday afternoon performance as part of the Armenian
Genocide Remembrance Event sponsored by the City of Glendale and the Alex
Theater.
General admission for other days is $10 per person.
Proceeds benefit the Leon & Zarmig Surmelian Foundation, assisting orphans
and needy students in Armenia. Permission to adapt this work was granted by
the estate of Leon Z. Surmelian and executor Torcom Postadjian.
Tickets are available at the theater box office, or online at

***************************************************************************
7- Armenian Dairy Firm Wins US
Hispanic Cheese Competition
LOS ANGELES – If is not often that an Armenian-owned dairy firm wins a
United States Cheese Contest Championship. In fact, this may be a first on
several grounds:
This is the first time that a California-based Armenian dairy has swept the
first three places in the hotly contested national competition. What is
also surprising is the category: Hispanic Cheese category!
Karoun Dairies, Inc., with offices in Sun Valley, Calif., and a plant in
Central California’s Turlock, achieved these honors by taking Best of Class
First Prize award for “Queso Fresco;” Second place with “Queso Blanco;” and
third place with “Panela,” in the 2005 US Championship Cheese Contest.
“This is the second year in a row that we have received such high accolades
for our Hispanic cheese line,” explains Vars Injijian, Vice President of
Sales Marketing. “Last year, we received First, Second and Fifth places.”
Marketed under the Queso Del Valle brand as well as Karoun, product
distribution now includes many states across the United States.
Karoun is also recognized as a pioneer in the industry by developing and
launching its flavored Yogurt cheese spread, as well as innovative
developments in the traditional twisted Armenian string cheese line.
Owners Anto and Rostom Baghdassarian are at the helm of the fast-growing
Karoun Dairies, Inc.
**************************************************************************
8 – Dickranian School 2005 Graduates
On Their Way to Universities
By Richard Rocha
LOS ANGELES – The anticipation over university admissions within the senior
class at Arshag Dickranian Armenian School during the month of March
culminated with smiles, confidence, the ability of finally breathing easy,
and minor bits and pieces of frowns.
One hundred percent of the 2005 seniors will be attending a university or
college.
“I got used to rejections as much as acceptances,” said Haig Lafian,
laughting with a glimmer in his eyes, his best option a joint program with
double major in Dramatic Art and Engineering at UC Santa Cruz and UC
Berkeley. Not bad.
“I received a small envelope and it wasn’t a no,” says Lilit Nazaryan
proudly of her UCLA acceptance with a major in Comparative Literature.
As a class, the 2005 graduating seniors went for the stars during the
application process in the Fall of 2004, and they got them: 60% of the
senior class was accepted to the University of California. A decent,
average rate of acceptance to a UC for a California high school is 10-15%.
Last year’s Arshag Dickranian graduating class of 2004 garnered an
incredite 41% rate of admission to UC, including UC Berkeley, UC Riverside,
UC Irvine and other four-year universities such as USC.
The main difference with this year’s class is not ambition, SAT scores and
GPA’s.
A consistent, shared and applied philosophy between the School Principal
Vartkes Kouroyan, the high school teachers, counselors, parents and
students was strengthened this year: Arshag Dickranian is a college
preparatory institution. Its academic rigor that includes advanced
placement courses, an exceptional science laboratory, a drama program and
Armenian History, Culture and language, prepares students to attend a
four-year university and graduate competitively in the sciences and liberal
arts.
Students were encouraged to branch out to the highest levels of
competition. They applied and were accepted to some of the nation’s top
universities. New York University, UCLA, UC Berkeley or USC? These are
shared options for 2005 graduates Diana Ovsepian (undeclared major) and
Stepan Alexanian (civil engineering and business).
Fifty percent of the graduating seniors were accepted to UC Riverside, a
well respected institution, particularly in the sciences. Additional
acceptances include California State University, Northridge, UC Irvine, UC
Santa Barbara and Woodbury College.
“This youthful exuberance of well prepared, confident, competitive and
ambitious minds is something to be proud of, especially on the brink of the
school’s 25th anniversary in September, 2005,” school officials remarked.
***************************************************************************
9 – Eyewitness Book on Genocide in English
To be Unveiled in Montebello, April 19
LOS ANGELES – Armenian poet, educator and author Armen Anush Marashlian’s
compelling eyewitness accounts of the deportation and massacre of Armenians
by the Turks, “Passage Through Hell: A Memoir” (Aryan Chanaparhov), has
been translated into English and published by Hagop and Knar Manjikian.
The first presentation of “Passage Through Hell” will take place on
Tuesday, April 19, 8 p.m., at the Montebello Armenian Center, 420 E.
Washington Blvd., sponsored by the San Gabriel Valley Armenian National
Committee.
A second presentation, at Ferrahian High School’s Avedis-sian Hall in
Encino, will be announced shortly.
Armen Anush recounts the horrors of the genocide of the Armenians and its
psychological impact on the survivors with emotional intensity and profound
compassion.
Mesrobian Armenian School graduate Ishkhan Jinbashian renders a flawless
translation.
On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the genocide, Hagop and Knar
Manjikian, of Studio City, have dedicated the book to the memory of the 1.5
million Armenian victims of the Great Turkish Crime (Medz Yeghern) and to
the Generation of Desert Orphans.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at both presentations in
Montebello and in the San Fernando Valley.
The presentation will be conducted in Armenian and English for the facility
of the attending guests. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.
**************************************************************************
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Text of China-Azerbaijan joint statement on Azeri president’s visit

Xinhua news agency domestic service, Beijing
19 Mar 05

Text of joint statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of
Azerbaijan issued in Beijing on 19 March carried by official Chinese news
agency Xinhua (New China News Agency)

Beijing, 19 March: On 19 March, China and Azerbaijan jointly issued a Joint
Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan
signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev. The
following is the full text of the joint statement:

Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of
Azerbaijan

At the invitation of PRC President Hu Jintao, His Excellency President Ilham
Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan paid a state visit to the PRC from 17 to
19 March.

1. The two sides have pointed out: Peace and development continues
to be the main theme of the contemporary era; it is also the
common wish of the peoples of various countries in the world. The
international community should strengthen consultations, safeguard
the world’s diversity, and promote mutual exchanges and learning
between different civilizations and development models. The two sides
advocate establishing a new international political and economic order
that is peaceful, stable, equitable, and rational on the basis of the
UN Charter and universally recognized norms of international law and
support the efforts to strengthen the authority of the United Nations
and its core role in safeguarding world peace and security and in
promoting common development, and to advance the diversification of
development models.

2. The two sides have pointed out with satisfaction: Thanks to joint
efforts, the political, economic, and cultural foundations of relations
between China and Azerbaijan have been further consolidated. China
and Azerbaijan are willing to strengthen their traditional friendly
relations, expand exchanges in various fields, cooperate closely on
international issues, and devote themselves to safeguarding world
peace and stability.

3. The two sides emphasized have that reciprocal visits and
high-level meetings between leaders of the two countries carry
important significance, and that this tradition should be maintained
through the conduct of bilateral dialogues and consultations, including
meetings at the levels of state and government leaders, parliamentary
leaders, and government ministers, in order to further develop
political and economic relations and mutual cooperation between the
two countries. The two sides will devote themselves to expanding and
perfecting the treaty and legal foundations of bilateral cooperation
in various fields in accordance with the historically significant
Joint Statement Concerning the Basis of Friendly Relations Between
the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which
was signed on 7 March 1994.

4. The two sides agree that the governments of the two countries
should actively take measures to vigorously tap the potential for
cooperation in the economic and trade fields in order to create
favourable conditions for further establishing and developing direct
links between economic entities in the two countries.

The two sides encourage and support their respective enterprises in
their efforts to expand cooperation in the field of infrastructure
for petroleum, petrochemicals, light industry, machinery building,
agriculture, transportation, and communications on the basis of
equality and mutual benefit. The Economic Cooperation and Trade
Committee between the governments of China and Azerbaijan will play
an active role in this regard. The Chinese side welcomes the Azeri
side to participate in the great development of western China.

5. The Chinese side has a high opinion of the achievements scored
by Az erbaijan since regaining independence in maintaining social
stability and rapid economic development, and is pleased with the
achievements in economic cooperation and trade between China and
Azerbaijan in recent years. The Chinese side supports the Azeri
side in joining the World Trade Organization [WTO] at the earliest
possible date, believing that this will be instrumental in enhancing
the WTO’s universal and representative nature and in expanding the
influence of multilateral trade structures and conducive to cooperation
between China and Azerbaijan on the basis of common rules. Azerbaijan
admires the achievements scored by China since it introduced the
programme of reform and opening up, and recognizes China’s full
market-economy status. The Chinese side is willing to continue to
support the Azeri side in its efforts to promote national economic
and social development.

6. The two sides believe that in order to develop a
Europe-Caucasus-Asia transportation corridor, it is essential that
China and Azerbaijan strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation
with regard to transportation and various conveyances.

The two sides will encourage relevant agencies in their countries
to cooperate closely on new projects in the transportation sectors
in China and Azerbaijan and in carrying out those projects within
the framework of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific, in accordance with The Intergovernmental Agreement on
the Asian Highway Network, and within the framework of the plan to
develop a cross-Asia transportation network.

7. The two sides support expanding and perfecting cooperation in
the cultural field between the two countries and strengthening
cultural, educational, scientific, tourism, sports, and information
exchanges. The two sides will earnestly implement the various
agreements they have signed; carry out diverse forms of activities,
such as exchanges of youth and university students, the popularization
of languages, the training of experts, and exchanges of teaching
programmes; encourage colleges and universities as well as scientific
research institutes in the two countries to establish direct contacts;
and promote increased contacts between local and nongovernmental
organizations in the two countries.

The two sides will work hard to expand cooperation between the two
countries in the banking and financial industries and in carrying
out joint investment projects.

The two sides will foster and expand bilateral, regional and
international cooperation in environmental protection.

The two sides will maintain and expand exchanges and cooperation in the
military sphere. These exchanges and cooperation serve the security
interests of the two countries and do not violate the international
obligations of the two countries.

8. The two sides offer positive assessments of cooperation between
the two countries in the United Nations and its affiliated agencies
as well as in other international and regional organizations, and
are willing to continue to strengthen consultations on bilateral,
international, and regional issues of common concern.

9. The Azeri side reiterates that there is only one China in the
world, that the PRC Government is the sole legitimate government
representing all of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of
Chinese territory. The Azeri side reiterates that it will not establish
official ties in any form or engage in any exchanges of an official
nature with Taiwan and that it opposes any attempts to create “two
Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” as well as “Taiwan independence”
in any form. The Azeri side understands and supports China’s efforts
to oppose and curb “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, to bring
about the country’s peaceful reunification, and to safeguard peace
and stability in the Taiwan Strait and in the Asia-Pacific region,
including the passage of the Anti-Secession Law by the Chinese National
People’s Congress. The Chinese side thinks highly of this position
of the Azeri side.

10. The two sides stress that existing and growing terrorism,
separatism and extremism have seriously threatened the security of
sovereign countries as well as security and stability on a global
scale and that only joint efforts will lead to effective prevention.

The two sides support bilateral and multilateral cooperation in
responding to new global challenges and threats, including cooperation
in combating international terrorism, drug trafficking, precursor
chemicals, smuggling, money laundering, cross-border organized crime,
human smuggling and illicit trading in arms.

The two sides condemn with one voice and resolutely oppose any forms
of terrorism, separatism and extremism and are willing to strengthen
cooperation in combating these “three forces” within the framework of
the UN Charter and international treaties on combating terrorism, and
to support cooperation by relevant departments in the two countries.

11. The Chinese side reiterates its support for the Republic of
Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calls for abiding
by the resolution passed by the UN Security Council regarding the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, advocates peaceful resolution of the
conflict, and supports the international community in making efforts
in this connection.

12. Both sides advocate dialogue and cooperation in the realm of
international human rights and oppose double standards in international
politics. The two sides are committed to enhancing mutual understanding
through consultations and exchanges on human rights, strengthening
mutual support and cooperation on human rights on a multilateral basis
and jointly advancing the healthy development of bilateral relations
and the cause of international human rights.

13. During the visit, the two sides signed the following documents:

The Extradition Treaty of the People’s Republic of China and
the Republic of Azerbaijan; the Memorandum on the Provision of
Technical Assistance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
People’s Republic of China to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and
Trade Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the
Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Economic
and Technological Cooperation Between the Government of the People’s
Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
the Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Avoiding
Double Taxation on Income and Preventing Tax Evasion; the Agreement
on Mutual Assistance in Customs Affairs Between the Government of
the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of
Azerbaijan; the Protocol on Cultural Cooperation in the Years From
2005 to 2009 Between the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic
of China and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
the Agreement on Cooperation in Youth Affairs Between the All-China
Youth Federation and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Tourism of the
Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Cooperation Between China
Central Television and the Azerbaijan National Television and Radio
Broadcasting Company; the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation
Between the Ministry of Information Industry of the People’s Republic
of China and the Ministry of Communications and Information of the
Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Cooperation Between the China
Olympics Committee and the Azerbaijan National Olympics Committee;
and the Agreement on Cooperation Between the Ministry of Justice of
the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Justice of the
Republic of Azerbaijan.

14. The two sides indicate that maintaining and developing friendship
and cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the
Republic of Azerbaijan is not directed against any third country,
nor is it aimed at hurting the interests of a third country.

[Signed by] Hu Jintao

President of the People’s Republic of China

[Signed by] Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

[Dated] 17 March 2005, Beijing

DRAFT FOREST CODE DISCUSSED

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Director of the organization Forests
of Armenia Nazeli Vardanian stated at the April 6 discussion of
the new draft RA Forest Code that Illegal forest exploitation has
a mass character in Armenia and is threatening with disaster. The
papers presented at the discussion bear witness to the fact that
illegal deforestation makes about 1 mln cubic meters each year. Yet,
according to the reports drawn up, the annual volume of illegally
felled timber makes only 5-6 thousand cubic meters. Thus the state
budget loses millions of dollars (according to some estimates,
3-4 mln) and irreparable damage is caused to the environment. In N.
Vardanian’s opinion, the main amendments to the Forest Code should
be related to the right of property, the right to rent and forest
status change. She proposed that forests should continue being state
property within the same limits as they are now. If anyone plants a
forest on his/her own territory, it may become private property. As
regards forest status, N. Vardanian proposed distinguishing protection,
specially secured and industrial forests, which, in her view, will
reduce shadow forest exploitation.

An Ottoman autobiography
By George Rosie

Sunday Herald/Scotland
10 April 2005

THERE’S a passage in Orhan Pamuk’s latest book which pretty well
sums up what it is all about. “After the Ottoman Empire collapsed,”
he writes, “the world almost forgot that Istanbul existed. The city
into which I was born was poorer, shabbier and more isolated than
it had ever been in its 2000-year history. For me it has always been
a city of ruins and of end-of-empire melancholy. I’ve spent my life
battling with this melancholy, or (like all Istanbullus) making it my
own …” Well, maybe. I’ve a few Istanbullus in my time and most of
them seemed cheerful enough. There’s a tendency among writers to make
large generalisations from the particular of themselves. Essentially,
Pamuk’s book is a middle-aged novelist’s account of his childhood,
adolescence and student career in his home city of Istanbul Into this
autobiography he weaves the history – or at least some of the history –
of the ancient city which was once one of the most cosmopolitan places
on the planet.

Pamuk was born in 1952 into a family which had flourished hugely
under the late Ottomans but was on the skids due to his father’s
lack of business acumen. In describing his relations he offers a
fascinating insight into middle-class Turkey with its German nannies
and enthusiasm for the social ronde of Paris. He creates a portrait
of a family in decline, anxious to be Western but rooted in a culture
becoming steadily more “Turkified” (his word) and Islamic.

“Great as the desire to Westernise and modernise may have been,” he
writes in his opening chapter, “the more desperate wish, it seemed,
was to be rid of all the bitter memories of the fallen empire: rather
as a spurned lover throws away his lost beloved’s clothes, possessions
and photographs – the effect on culture was reductive and stunting,
leading families like mine, otherwise glad of Republican progress,
to furnish their houses like museums.”

It was in just such a museum-like household that Pamuk was raised.
Home was a large Ottoman villa converted into flats with his widowed
grandmother living above him and his father’s brother and his family
living below. Pamuk’s mother, Sekure, was a handsome, ambitious,
highly-strung woman who took years to discover her husband, Gunduz,
kept a mistress in another part of the city. She did her best to keep
Pamuk on track to be an architect while he aspired to be a painter
and then a writer. This tension between Pamuk and his mother is played
out in the very last chapter.

But if Pamuk’s book has a central character, it is Istanbul, known
as Constantinople and the heart of eastern Christianity until it
fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. “Like most Istanbul Turks, I had
little interest in Byzantium as a child,” Pamuk writes. “I associated
the word with spooky, bearded, black-robed Greek Orthodox priests and
with the lively Greek families who “Cran the shoe stores, patisseries,
and haberdashery shops of Beyoglu”.

According to Pamuk, the modern descendants of those Byzantine
Christians are less secure than they used to be. They’ve never
forgotten the Muslim mobs who rampaged through the Greek and Armenian
quarters of the city in 1953, killing, pillaging and raping. It seems
that more Greeks have abandoned Istanbul in the past 50 years than
fled after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans in 1453. Which
is a sorry comment on modern Islam.

For all Pamuk’s talk of hamuz and the “city of ruins”, he paints
an engaging picture of life in a great city getting along in the
modern world. Istanbul plainly fascinates him. He writes fondly of
the apartment blocks and art galleries, the cobbled streets and old
palaces, the bridges and the mosques, the battered old taxis and the
rusting old Bosphorus ferries, the cafes and cinemas. In the process
he serves up some surprising facts about Istanbul. I’d no idea that,
until recently, only Bollywood cranked out more movies than the
Turkish film industry. Or that Istanbul usually sees a week or two
of snow during the winter.

And Pamuk has been handsomely served by his translator, Maureen
Freely. Many a fine book has been damaged en route to another
language. Too many translations have a nasty habit of clunking
along . But Maureen Freely is one translator who knows how to turn
a phrase. She deserves to be congratulated for her work here.

Which, however, is not without its faults. It would have benefited
from some picture editing. I’ve never seen a book with quite so many
pointless photographs, all of them in black and white and most of
them grainy. They come from a variety of sources, including the Pamuk
family. There are far too many of Orhan Pamuk himself as an infant,
toddler, and schoolboy. Most are neither interesting nor revealing,
and they give the book an unfortunate air of self- indulgence.

And while many of the Istanbul street-scenes are interesting
(particularly the older ones) I got a bit tired of looking at
similar-looking courtyards, lanes and buildings, none of which were
captioned. I became seriously irritated by not knowing where I was.
I found myself longing for a street map to locate the places that
Pamuk describes so vividly. Given that the book is rooted entirely
in Istanbul, a map of the city strikes me as pretty essential. For
all that, an absorbing, and so far as I can tell, well-written book.

Armenian minister says Council of Europe may mediate Karabakh talks

Arminfo
29 Mar 05

YEREVAN

“I am not a messiah to rule out the possibility of involving other
international structures in negotiations on a peaceful settlement to
the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. This is not likely but cannot be ruled
out either,” Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan told today’s
parliamentary hearings on the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict.

The minister did not rule out that the Council of Europe could be put
in charge of mediating the negotiating process. There has been a trend
recently towards discussing the Karabakh problem in other structures,
which the minister believes is natural as the problem worries many
people. Moreover, Azerbaijan has been intensively raising this issue
with other structures where the principle of territorial integrity
prevails over the principle of self-determination.

“At present, the Karabakh issue is being discussed at the political
level, not at the legal, emotional or historic levels. Bearing all
this in mind, both our government and parliament have so far managed
to avoid consequences that are detrimental to us,” the minister said.

At the same time, he ruled out the possibility of expanding the format
of [the OSCE] Minsk Group and having four mediators [instead of
three], bringing in, for example, a British representative.

“Expanding the format is meaningless. However, changes could be
discussed if any of the current mediators opts out of the mission,”
Oskanyan said.

BBC Sports
March 28 2005

Darchinyan keeps flyweight title

Australia’s Vic Darchinyan retained his IBF flyweight title with an
eighth-round stoppage of South Africa’s Mzukisi Sikali in Sydney on
Sunday.
The 29-year-old Darchinyan, making the first defence of the title he
won in December, was ahead on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

It was the Armenian-born fighter’s 23rd straight win and his 18th by
knockout.

After the fight, Darchinyan called out WBA champion Lorenzo Parra.
The Venezuelan is unbeaten in 25 fights.

Kyrgyzstan to send troops to Tajik-hosted CIS military exercises

ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow
26 Mar 05

Dushanbe, 26 March: The Kyrgyz side has confirmed that it will
participate in the large-scale Rubezh-2005 military and staff exercises
of the Collective Security Treaty Organization [CSTO; members are
Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia],
which will be held from 29 March to 6 April, the head of the Tajik
Defence Ministry international department, Maj-Gen Maruf Hasanov,
told an ITAR-TASS correspondent today.

He said an agreement had been reached with the Kyrgyz military
leadership that both stages of the drills – command and staff training
and the military stage would be held at the southern Tajik firing
range of Eshak Maydon.

Training drills are currently under way at the firing range, with
subunits of the Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Russian armed forces
taking part. The Kyrgyz side is represented by 30 servicemen and two
helicopter crews.

The Tajik general stressed that the main goal of the drills was to work
out the collaboration of and raise the preparedness of the CSTO member
states to counteract international terrorism and other challenges.

The manoeuvres will also involve military sub-units, air squadrons,
armoured vehicles and a total of more than 1,000 servicemen.

Tajik Defence Minister Col-Gen Sherali Khayrulloyev has been entrusted
with commanding the exercises.

Agence France Presse
24 mars 2005 jeudi 12:39 PM GMT

Poutine à Erevan pour s’assurer de la fidélité de son allié dans le
Caucase (ECLAIRAGE)

Par Olga NEDBAEVA

EREVAN 24 mars 2005

Le président russe Vladimir Poutine devait arriver jeudi soir à
Erevan pour une visite de travail visant notamment à s’assurer de la
fidélité de son meilleur allié dans le Caucase, alors que la Géorgie
voisine et d’autres pays de l’ex-URSS se tournent vers l’Occident.

“Les positions de la Russie dans la Caucase se sont affaiblies vu le
tournant pro-occidental pris par la Géorgie. Poutine tentera de
sauver l’Arménie de l’influence américaine et d’obtenir d’Erevan un
voeu de fidélité”, souligne l’analyste Viktor Kremeniouk de
l’Institut USA-Canada à Moscou.

L’Arménie, en conflit avec ses voisins (l’Azerbaïdjan à propos de
l’enclave de Nagorny Karabakh, territoire azerbaïdjanais peuplé
majoritairement d’Arméniens, et la Turquie avec laquelle elle n’a pas
de relations diplomatiques à cause du génocide arménien de 1915),
reste l’alliée la plus fidèle de Moscou dans la région, et abrite une
importante base militaire russe.

“Tout gouvernement arménien fera des concessions politiques et
militaires à la Russie tant que ces deux problèmes ne seront pas
levés”, souligne l’analyste arménien Alexandre Iskandarian.

La tendance pourrait changer, selon M. Kremeniouk et l’Arménie sous
l’influence d’une importante diaspora qui vit aux Etats-Unis et en
Europe pourrait se tourner vers l’Occident comme la Géorgie,
l’Ukraine ou la Moldavie.

Le problème du Nagorny Karabakh ainsi que la construction d’un
gazoduc entre l’Arménie et l’Iran, vu d’un mauvais oeil par Moscou,
devraient également être abordés au cours de cette visite.

“Poutine pourrait donner des garanties à Erevan que la Russie
soutiendra la position de l’Arménie” pour laquelle l’indépendence du
Karabakh n’est pas négociable, souligne M. Kremeniouk.

Le Karabakh a proclamé son indépendance en 1991, avec le soutien
d’Erevan qui l’a défendu durant une guerre de trois ans, faisant près
de 30.000 morts et un million de réfugiés.

Un cessez-le-feu a été signé en 1994, mais un traité de paix est
toujours en cours de négociation.

La Russie co-préside avec la France et les Etats-Unis le groupe de
Minsk chargé par l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en
Europe (OSCE) de trouver une solution négociée à ce conflit.

Le gazoduc que l’Arménie et l’Iran ont commencé à construire en fin
de l’année dernière en dépit de l’opposition de Moscou et de
Washington “inquiète la Russie qui craint de perdre son monopole sur
le marché gazier arménien”, souligne M. Iskandarian.

Ce gazoduc pourrait à l’avenir être utilisé pour faire transiter le
gaz iranien vers la Géorgie et l’Ukraine, deux ex-républiques
soviétiques désormais pro-occidentales et qui dépendent de livraisons
de gaz russes.

M. Poutine accompagné de son épouse Lioudmila aura jeudi un dîner
avec le couple présidentiel arménien avant d’aborder l’essentiel de
son programme le lendemain.

Vendredi le président russe s’entretiendra avec son homologue Robert
Kotcharian et le catholicos arménien Karékine II. Il participera
également à la cérémonie d’ouverture de l’Année de la Russie en
Arménie alors que Mme Poutine inaugurera pour sa part avec la
première dame arménienne un centre du livre russe dans cette
république caucasienne qui abandonne progressivement la langue de
Pouchkine depuis la fin de l’URSS en 1991.

–Boundary_(ID_/3Jt/TqaR3JQ6iGleNL81g)–

PanArmenian News
March 25 2005

DEMONSTRATION ON 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE HELD
NEAR TURKISH EMBASSY IN WARSAW APRIL 22

25.03.2005 06:31

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A demonstration on the 90-th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey will be held near the Turkish
embassy in Warsaw April 22, archimandrite of Krakov Monastery Tadeush
Isahakian-Zalezsky told PanARMENIAN Network correspondent. In his
words, a lecture devoted to the role of Armenians in the political
and other spheres of the Polish state, will be organized in Warsaw on
31 March. A meeting of the clergy of Poland and Armenia will be held
in Warsaw on 10 April. In the archimandrite’s words, the events will
continue on 13 and 14 April in Lyublino, and on 17 April at Krakov
St. Mikolaj church, in whose yard a liturgy to the Genocide victims
will be served near an Armenian Khachkar (cross-stone), erected in
spite of the efforts of Turkish diplomats to prevent it. Then pupils
of the Armenian Musical School will perform a concert program for the
guests, organized by Tadeush Isahakian-Zalezsky himself. The events
will finish at the Blessed Virgin church in Olava, where a
commemoration mass will be offered May 22.