Author: Yeghisabet Arthur

Armenian Assembly urges President Bush to honor the memory of Hrant Dink

ArmRadio.am
01.02.2007 15:15

In a letter to President Bush last week, the Armenian Assembly
strongly condemned the assassination of Hrant Dink, and called upon
the Administration to urge Ankara to address the prevailing climate of
intolerance, prejudice and repression in the country, which
precipitated this crime. The letter from Board of Trustees Chairman
Hirair Hovnanian further stated that we must act to ensure that
minorities at risk in Turkey are afforded every protection.
Hovnanian’s letter also called upon the Administration to support a
congressional resolution honoring the memory of Hrant Dink and
deploring his assassination.

‘Mr. Dink was assassinated for his political and civic views, and for
the courage to express them openly. As a citizen and journalist, he
championed the cause of democracy and freedom in Turkey. As a
prominent member of Turkey’s Armenian community, he worked to build
bridges between the two peoples and the two neighboring countries of
Armenia and Turkey through tolerance, goodwill, and dialogue,’ Hirair
Hovnanian wrote.

Mr. Hovnanian noted that in his State of the Union addresses President
Bush consistently places great emphasis on freedom. `Hrant Dink
embodied this ideal, which was violently extinguished. We must act
boldly in freedom’s cause and as you have indicated "challenge the
enemies of reform, confront the allies of terror, and expect a higher
standard from our friends." If the "advance of freedom" is truly "the
great story of our time" and America "will lead the cause of freedom,"
then in line with this vision, we must take action to ensure that
minorities at risk in Turkey are afforded every protection,’ the
letter continues.

The Assembly calls upon the Administration to bring its leadership,
weight and authority to urge Turkey’s compliance with these norms and
commitments. They call upon the President to support a Congressional
resolution honoring the memory of Hrant Dink and deploring his
assassination.

ARMENIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY DENIES RUMORS ABOUT OFFICIAL YEREVAN’S
INTENTION TO JOIN NATO

Yerevan, January 31. ArmInfo. Official Yerevan has no intention to
join NATO.

Colonel Seyran Shahsuvaryan, the press-secretary of the Armenian
Defence Minister, told ArmInfo that the information on behalf of the
J.Marshall European Center for Security Studies, saying that the Feb
5-7 seminar in Yerevan will cover the details of Armenia’s joining
NATO, is not true. Besides, such information doesn’t comply with the
Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan and Armenia’s
cooperation with the Marshall Center.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 29 2007

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visiting France

[ 29 Jan. 2007 13:32 ]

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has left for France at the
invitation of the President of France Jacques Chirac, APA European
bureau reports.

The president is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar
Mammadyarov, Emergencies Minister Kemaleddin Heydarov, Minister of
Economic Development Heydar Babayev and other members of the
government and businessmen. According to the visit schedule
Azerbaijani President will meet with his French counterpart and
banquet will be organized in honour of Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijani
President will have official dinner with Prime Minister of France
Dominique de Villepin, President of the French Senate Mr. Christian
Ponsele, Jean-Louis Debre, President of French National Assembly,
French Foreign Minister Phillip Dust-Blazi, French Defence Minister
Michele Alliot-Marie, Minister of Agriculture and Fishing Dominique
Bussereau, Minister Delegate for Veterans’ Affairs Hamlaoui
Mekachera, Mayor of Paris Bertran Delanoe on January 30.
On January 31 Ilham Aliyev will arrive in Lill, meet with Nord Pa d’
Kale region leadership and heads of enterprises and will return to
Baku.
French Foreign Ministry press secretary reported that current
relations between the two countries, situation in the Caucasus will
be discussed during the meetings. 7 bilateral documents on science,
civil defence, tourism, on family and women problems will be signed
within the visit. The information stresses the improvement of
cooperation of France-Azerbaijan relations, implementation of
mediation mission of France, Russia and the US in the settlement of
Nagorno Karabakh conflict within the framework of OSCE Minsk Group,
aviation in economic sphere and oil industry. France is the sixth
among Azerbaijan’s trade partners and the fourth among foreign
investors. The enterprises of the two countries are expected to sign
several contracts and agreements within the President’s visit. /APA/

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Jan 29 2007

Dialogue at Home, Dialogue in the World

Ali Aslan

The attendance of tens of thousands in the funeral of Turkish citizen
of Armenian descent and democracy martyr Hrant Dink demonstrated the
social dialogue attempts mostly led by religious civil initiatives
have started bearing fruits.

Turkey is in extreme need of dialogue at home and dialogue in the
world. And as a matter of fact, Turkey’s strategy of "zero problem
with the neighbors" contributed a great deal to our national security
by facilitating the dialogue and engagement with formerly hostile
regimes. However, the circle of peace is still missing some
indispensable parts.

Syria, an old times’ enemy of ours that we accused of protecting the
PKK and threatened with resorting to military means, is now a buddy.
Even our difficult-to-move President Sezer paid a visit to Damascus.
That is to say, establishing good ties with Syria is a ‘state
policy’. The rapprochement with Iran with which Turkey has long put a
distance because of its suspected support to PKK and eagerness to
export its Islamic regime is also striking. Old enemies Bulgaria and
Greece are now viewed as future partners in EU. It is pretty wise to
end tension policies that wasted Turkey’s energy and resulted in
allocation of our national wealth in defense expenditures. However,
Turkey is still suffering from lack of dialogue in regards to the
policies pursued vis-à-vis Iraq, Armenia and Cyprus.

Merely dialogue cannot guarantee to safeguard all mutual interests in
international relations. However, trying to stay connected with other
actors -friend or hostile- is the best strategy. In the long run,
dialogue would eradicate much of the hostilities. A Turkish saying
implies that sweet talk gets even the snake out of its nest. Dialogue
and sweet talk in foreign policy helps keeping the enemy in the nest?

Viewing dialogue attempts in advance as concessions is simply wrong.
Those who know the rules of foreign policy game for instance
criticize Bush administration for viewing dialogue and engagement
with Iran and Syria as a concession. Pragmatically, they even suggest
engagement with the Iranian regime, a vigorous enemy of U.S. They do
not think in the line of neo-cons who basically suggest, ‘We are a
super power, so we may talk whoever we like, and even without talking
U.S. can achieve its foreign policy goals.’ A Turkey fast advancing
towards being a

regional super power should draw lessons from policy failures of
U.S., a global super power.

Turkish foreign policy makers, under the bold initiative of the
current administration, has made a striking move in regards to Cyprus
policy by supporting the Annan plan which was essentially based on
dialogue and engagement. Some argue that Turkey did not benefit from
this move as the West did not sufficiently keep its promises to end
the isolation of Turkish Cypriots. However, the move essentially made
Turkey more prestigious in international arena and contributed to its
bilateral relations with especially some Western countries. Much of
the world does not see Turkey as responsible for the deadlock
anymore, since Greek side is now viewed as the uncompromising party.
The rigid stance of the Greek Cypriot government will sooner or later
hurt them.

Turkey has no diplomatic relations with Armenia. However,
constructive messages are exchanged between the parties through
unofficial means. Yet, the public opinions in both countries make it
hard to develop concrete dialogue and engagement projects. It was a
smart decision to invite leading figures from the Armenian
administration to Dink’s funeral as they had the opportunity to
witness the tolerant side of Turkish nation. Considering the positive
climate, the Armenians declared they were ready for unconditional
diplomatic negotiations. Those latest developments excited Washington
administration as well. They now wish if Turkey develops an offer and
publicly delivers it to Yerevan via a special representative. They
say such an act would also help with US administration’s efforts
against the Armenian genocide bill resolution expected to be
introduced in Congress.

Combating PKK and protecting national interests in Kirkuk also
require dialogue and engagement with especially Kurdish elements in
Northern Iraq. During the periods when Turkey was engaged with the
Kurdish leaders, it secured notable achievements in combating PKK in
Northern Iraq. However, today because we do not want to talk with the
Kurdish leaders, we constantly we constantly turn to US to address
the PKK issue. Of course, we have every reason to expect more from US
to alleviate Turkey’s security concerns. But eventually, PKK is not a
direct threat to the US interests; so it is only natural for them to
adopt a relatively lenient approach in this particular case.
Americans contend that Turkey’s direct engagement with Kurdish
leaders, including Barzani and Talabani, will be more fruitful for
both Turkey and the US. I agree.

In modern times permanent victories can only be achieved by surges of
dialogue. Real conquest is winning hearts and minds. Military tactics
are increasingly ineffective, since international law and global
public opinion increasingly tend to protect the weak. In the light of
these facts, Turkey should do better in implementing its strategy of
‘zero problem with neighbors’ in Armenia, Iraq and Cyprus.

UN expert on freedom of expression deplores murder of Turkish Armenian editor

ArmRadio.am
25.01.2007 12:36

An independent United Nations expert on freedom of opinion has added
his voice to the chorus of condemnation over the murder of the editor
of the Turkish Armenian-language weekly Agos, Hrant Dink, known for
his critical work on a specific period of the history of Turkey.

"The exercise of freedom of speech should always be guaranteed for
the consideration of historical events," the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression, Ambeyi Ligabo, said in a statement.

"Most unfortunately, extreme polarization of views, in conjunction
with a perverted sense of national identity, has again inspired
the accomplishment of an ominous act, which has curtailed the
practicability of debating, in a tolerant and open manner, a subject
of wide general interest," he added.

He stressed that safety of media workers remains one of the core issues
to ensure the full exercise of the right to freedom of expression,
a key component of all democratic societies.

"Governments and state institutions have the primary responsibility
of ensuring the safety and security of citizens, including journalists
and other media professionals," he said, adding that he was encouraged
by the prompt reaction of the Government of Turkey in investigating
"this heinous crime."

NATO Assessment Team to arrive in Armenia

ArmRadio.am
26.01.2007 16:55

January 29 – February 2 the NATO Assessment Team will work in Armenia.
The aim of the visit is to assess the process of accomplishment of
the Individual Partnership Action Plan with the alliance that came
into force in January 2006, Mediamax agency reports.

As part of the five-day visit members of the NATO mission will have
meetings with representatives of RA Ministry of Defense, Foreign
Ministry, the National Security Service, Ambassadors of NATO member
states and will visit the NATO Information Center in Yerevan.

Putin, Kocharian to mull joint projects, CIS problems, situation in Caucasus

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS General Newswire
January 23, 2007 Tuesday

President Vladimir Putin will play host to his Armenian counterpart
Robert Kocharian at his Bocharov Ruchei residence near Sochi on
Wednesday.

Top Kremlin aide Sergei Prikhodko told Interfax that the two
presidents will pay special attention to the fulfillment of top-level
understandings primarily in the fuel, energy and transport sectors.

He said the implementation of the projects should promote further
growth of trade (in 2006 it grew by over $200 million to about $500
million against 2005) and investment cooperation.

According to the Russian side, accumulated Russian investment in
Armenia amounts to $800 million, with the main investors being Gazprom
(RTS: GAZP), VimpelCom (RTS: VIMP) and RUSAL. Major projects are also
being carried out along the lines of Russian Railways.

Putin and Kocharian are also expected to pay much attention to the
CIS agenda. They will discuss the informal meeting of the CIS Council
of Heads of State due on June 10, simultaneously with the 11th St.

Petersburg international economic forum.

Prikhodko said that the sides will also speak of coordinating efforts
to improve the situation in the Caucasus, create an atmosphere of
confidence there and settle conflicts on that basis.

They will mull the problem of Nagorno Karabakh in this context,
Prikhodko said. Russia "welcomes the continuation of the Armenian-
Azerbaijani dialogue at different levels, primarily between the
presidents of the two countries," he said.

Last year Kocharian visited Russia three times. Putin was in Armenia
last in March 2005.

Terry Davis shocked with the assassination of Hrant Dink

ArmRadio.am
20.01.2007 14:50

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis is deeply
shocked and upset with the assassination of Turkish Armenian writer
and journalist Hrant Dink. `Like Prime Minister Erdogan I condemn this
vicious crime and welcome the Prime Minister’s promise to call the
criminals to responsibility,’ Terry Davis declared. He reminded that
Hrant Dink was bravely writing about the painful period in the history
of Turkey and the whole region. `His works were always filled with
the spirit of sincere reconciliation. Hrant Dink became the victim of
those who hated him for his free-thinking, for his aspiration to help
his own people meet the commitment of corresponding to European values
of tolerance and democracy, the Secretary General noted.

He added that Hrant Dink will be remembered as a fighter for progress
of freedom of speech in the country. `It’s extremely important for
citizens f any country to have the right to freely discuss the facts
of own history. I express my deep condolence with Hrant Dink’s family,
friends and colleagues,’ Terry Davis says in his statement.

Today, Azerbaijan
Jan 19 2007

OSCE Representative appalled by murder of Turkish journalist Hrant
Dink

19 January 2007 [23:45] – Today.Az

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti,
expressed profound shock today over the murder of the well-known
Turkish journalist Hrant Dink.

"I condemn the murder of Hrant Dink, one of Turkey’s outstanding
commentators on Armenian-community related affairs," said Haraszti.
"This is a cowardly act resulting in tragic loss."

According to reports, Hrant Dink, editor of the Armenian-Turkish
language weekly Agos Magazine, was shot dead in front of the Istanbul
offices of his newspaper.

In October 2005, Dink received a six-month suspended sentence on
charges of "insult to the Turkish identity", according to article 301
of the Penal Code.

"Those who commit violence against journalists cannot be allowed to
do so with impunity. Therefore, I call upon the Turkish authorities
to track down those responsible as quickly as possible. It is a basic
OSCE principle that acts of violence and intimidation must be
thoroughly investigated based on the rule of law. This is also a
vital element contributing to a climate genuinely allowing for
freedom of expression and discussion within a society," said Miklos
Haraszti.

The OSCE Representative has asked the Turkish authorities to remove
all criminal provisions, allowing the prosecution of anyone who
expresses opinions that differ from that of state institutions. OSCE

URL:

EUobserver.com
January 17, 2007 Wednesday 5:32 PM GMT

[Comment] Bulgaria is test case for Turkey’s place in EU

by Julian Popov

EUOBSERVER / COMMENT – Despite all doubts about its readiness and the
restrictions placed on the movement of labour, Bulgaria is finally a
member of the European Union. We can now stop wondering about whether
or not Bulgaria complies with pre-accession requirements and start
looking ahead.

Many enlargement sceptics think that Bulgaria’s membership is a
mistake. Others believe that Bulgaria has earned its place at the
table – Bulgarians feel proud of their ethnic tolerance and for
saving Jews in the Second World War, the country was an island of
calm during the Balkan upheavals in the 1990s, and it has shown an
impressive recent record of budgetary control and strong economic
growth for almost a decade now.

But there is another benefit that Bulgaria’s EU membership brings –
and that is a closer understanding of the social, economic and
demographic issues that confront Turkey in its aim to join the EU.

The future place of Turkey in Europe is by no means clear. In the
run-up to the French presidential elections nobody is expecting a
calm debate on the further enlargement of the Union. Sarkozy indeed
started his campaign by once again stressing his position that Turkey
does not have a place in Europe.

On the other hand, to boost support for Turkish membership in the EU,
a government in Ankara with a secure mandate could soften a notch its
position on Cyprus, accelerate its privatisation programme which is
unlikely to move forward before elections and make some concessions
towards political representation of the Kurdish minority, women’s
participation in education and employment, foreign investment and
even historical controversy such as the Armenian genocide.

On the security side, continuing tension in the Middle East and
Europe’s problems with Islamic terrorism at home will strengthen the
arguments for integrating a Muslim, if secular, state into the Union.

Turkish minority

What has all this got to do with Bulgaria?

Bulgaria could be taken as a test case for Turkish membership of the
EU. To start with, 10% of the Bulgarian population is Turkish, and
these are not German-style guest workers but an indigenous population
that has lived there for centuries.

Bulgaria has a Turkish political party, the Movement for Rights and
Freedoms (MRF), which has wielded power as a coalition member with
cabinet positions in two Governments since 2001. The current
Bulgarian coalition government was in fact formed under the mandate
of the MRF.

After the next European Parliament elections, there will be several
newly elected MEPs representing indigenous Turkish communities in the
European parliament.

Though well represented politically, Bulgaria’s Turkish population,
like Turkey’s, is predominantly rural, poor and heavily involved in
the production of tobacco. The more successful members of Bulgaria’s
Turkish business community are strong in the construction sector and
have benefited from public sector contracts over which the Turkish
party has influence, feeding the wrath of Bulgaria’s new racist
nationalist party, Ataka.

Bulgarian experience cannot offer solutions for the Kurdish issue,
the Cyprus question or the worries related to the border with Iraq.

There are however many similarities. Bulgaria and Turkey have similar
economies – moving out of agricultural dependency, without domestic
natural resources, supported by remittances and investment from
economic migrants to West.

Many similarities

Bulgaria is about 10 times smaller, but its GDP and GNI per capita
are very similar to those of Turkey, as is the economic growth in
recent years. (Though Turkey has to still prove that it is capable of
sustaining its growth over a longer period of time.) In both
countries the unemployment rate is around 10%, female life expectancy
is the same, Transparency International’s corruption index ranks the
countries close together (Bulgaria in 57th and Turkey in 60th place
for 2006).

In the 2006 Index of Economic Freedom the two countries score
differently (Bulgaria – 64, Turkey – 85), but in terms of government
intervention and regulations they have the same score (2.5 and 4
respectively).

Bulgaria is the EU member with the largest and only indigenous Muslim
population – 12%, with only France, with around 9%, near this figure.
If Turkey becomes a member of the EU then the Muslim population of
the EU will become 13-14% – roughly the proportion of the Muslim
population in Bulgaria.

It is just possible that having Bulgaria, with its Turkish and
Bulgarian Muslim minorities, politically and economically integrated
within the European Union might reassure the sceptics about Turkish
membership. Or might stiffen their opposition.

Julian Popov is a writer and journalist and a consultant on Eastern
Europe based in London. He is Chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian
School of Politics which trains senior civil servants and political
leaders from the Balkan region.