Author: Zakarian Garnik

Associated Press
Sept 25 2005

Forum examining Armenian massacre is a first for Turkey
Sunday, September 25, 2005

Benjamin Harvey
Associated Press
Istanbul, Turkey- Scholars held the first-ever public discussions in
Turkey on Saturday about the early 20th-century massacre of
Armenians, choosing words carefully, avoiding emotional language and
picking apart history year by year at a gathering that nationalists
denounced as traitorous.

The European Union called the academic conference a test of freedom
of expression in Turkey, which is hoping to begin talks for
membership in the bloc next month.

The participants were all Turkish speakers and included members of
Turkey’s Armenian minority like Hrant Dink, the editor-in-chief of
Agos, a weekly Armenian newspaper in Istanbul. Some 70,000 Armenians
are living in Istanbul.

The academic conference had been canceled twice, once in May and
again on Thursday when an Istanbul court ordered the conference
closed and demanded to know the academic qualifications of the
speakers. Organizers skirted the court order by moving the
conference.

Several governments around the world have recognized the killings of
as many as 1.5 million Armenians in the late Ottoman Empire as
genocide.

Turkey vehemently denies the charge, admitting that many Armenians
were killed, but saying the death toll is inflated and that Armenians
were killed along with Turks in civil unrest and intercommunal
fighting as the Ot toman Empire collapsed between 1915 and 1923.

Dozens of officers in riot gear kept hundreds of shouting protesters
at bay. Some protesters pelted arriving panelists with eggs and
rotten tomatoes.

Inside, the audience of more than 300 people was restrained, as only
those invited by the organizing committee and preapproved members of
the media were allowed past security.

The issue has been taboo for many years in Turkey, with those who
speak out against the killings risking prosecution by a Turkish
court. But an increasing number of Turkish academics have called for
a review of the killings in a country where many see the Ottoman
Empire as a symbol of Turkish greatness.

The panelists, all Turkish speakers, carefully avoided any emotional
language during the first day of the two-day conference.

“Everyone waits for you to pronounce the genocide word – if you do,
one side applauds and the other won’t listen,” Halil Berktay, program
coordinator of the history department at Sabanci University, said at
the conference Saturday.

Anatolian Times, Turkey
Sept 24 2005

Turkish People Is At Peace With Its History, Gul

ISTANBUL – ”The Turkish people is at peace with itself and with its
history,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

Sending a message to the opening session of the Conference entitled
”The Armenians during the Collapse of the Ottoman Empire”, Gul
said, ”the approaches of our government and our people towards our
past, including Turkish-Armenian relations, constitute an indication
of our confidence in ourselves and our future.”

In his message, Gul said, ”the last era of the Ottoman Empire is
subject to discussion and research in academic circles, with
increased interest. Nearly every day new documents from the era
emerge and new books, articles and research papers are published.
Yet, it is not possible to say that all data and documents related to
those times have been properly analyzed. With an aim to help redress
this shortcoming, our government is in the process of taking
important steps to enable the Ottoman Archives to serve researchers,
in modern conditions. Our Archives have begun to serve scientists
through documents converted to a digital medium since 2003. Within
this context, many researchers, coming from 75 different countries
have completed their research on the Ottoman Archives. These
activities are ongoing.”

-HISTORICAL COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO ARMENIA-

”We want not only our own archives but at the same time all other
archives that will shed light on the history of the day to be opened
in an organized fashion, that will serve all researchers. We believe
that deeper research into that era will bring new historical facts to
light and serve an improvement in relations between countries and
peoples. Thus, we have proposed to the Government of Armenia to
establish a historical commission between our two countries, which
will research the joint Turkish-American history and which will make
its findings public. We hope to reach a conclusion on this subject,”
indicated Gul.

Gul also said, ”The history of Turkish-Armenian relations is one of
co-existence and common life of almost 1,000 years. During the course
of this period, the Turkish and Armenian peoples have contributed to
each other’s culture, prosperity and security. We should not ignore
this reality when we examine the tragic period when the Ottoman
Empire was crumbling and the Turks and Armenians were deeply
suffering, like all other peoples of the Empire.”

-EVEN IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETIES…-

”It is a fact that in some chapters of history, or even today, some
societies cannot tolerate one other’s language, religion, identity or
even very existence. It is an unfortunate reality that such
intolerance can turn into a deep-rooted and destructive ideology,
which gets ingrained in the social subconscious. Some serious and
very dangerous trends, from xenophobia to racism and from
anti-Semitism to attitudes against Muslims are present and are on the
rise today, even in societies which represent the highest level of
contemporary civilization,” underlined Gul.

Gul stressed, ”it is a source of pleasure that such a psychology
does not exist between the Turks and Armenians. This also constitutes
a major advantage for the future of relations between the two
peoples.”

”Another issue I want to draw your attention to is that, many
studies so far held on the theme of the Conference, particularly
outside Turkey, have been conducted with political motivations, in a
manner inconsistent with scientific ethics and objectivity.
Regretfully, humanitarian issues have been sacrificed to political
designs, and double standards have been applied in determining and
presenting human suffering. There were attempts to impose subjective,
non-legal and artificial claims upon Turkey and the Turkish people,
with political motivations. Furthermore, there have been situations
in which some foreign circles could not even tolerate scientific
skepticism,” said Gul.

Gul concluded, ”young generations from all nations must know and
draw lessons from the facts that during the last era of the Ottoman
Empire the imperialist-colonial powers ruthlessly exploited peoples’
ethno-religious sensitivities for their own gains and that some
elements, knowingly or unknowingly, became instruments to these
provocations. I hope that your Conference will be a contribution to
raise awareness on this issue. The Turkish people is at peace with
itself and with its history. The approaches of our government and our
people towards our past, including Turkish-Armenian relations,
constitute an indication of our confidence in ourselves and our
future. I convey my best wishes to all participants and hope that the
Conference will be a success.”

La Communaute De Sant’Egidio

http:// a.htm

_EN.htm

Karekine II
Catholicos of All Armenians

Dear Spiritual Brothers and Sisters,

We offer thanksgiving to God, Who granted us the opportunity through
the invitation of His Eminence Cardinal Barbarin, to stand in prayer
with you in this International Prayer for Peace gathering organized by
the initiative of the community of Saint Egidio, under the
incense-filled arches of this sanctuary, with the mighty and merciful
intercession of the Holy Mother of God. We have come from Armenia, the
biblical land of Ararat, and we bring with us blessings from the first
sanctuary built by the state in the first Christian country seventeen
centuries ago Holy Etchmiadzin. On behalf of the Armenian nation, we
greet you and offer our prayers to heaven, asking that peace become a
reality and bloom in all corners of the world, in the life of all men
and people.

The paths of peace have often gone astray in the history of mankind,
however peace has been and remains today the aspiration of all peoples
and all faiths. For us Christians, to be peacemakers means to witness
Christ. With the praising call of Peace on earth and goodwill towards
men, the Son of God our Savior and our Lord, came into the world and
called upon men to love and be reconciled with one another, as
testament to our love and reconciliation with God.

Have peace, one to another (Mark 9:50) is the message Christ gives to
us. Loving God means making peace, creating peace. The mystery of a
reconciled soul with God is peace among men, and its fruit is the love
of life and work done for the sake of mankind. If we have faith in
God, then we also have a responsibility to be peacemakers, by
teaching, doing righteous works, defending rights, and by choosing the
good. Within peace is the blessing of God, within peace is the hope
for the future the progress and happiness of life. On the path of
peace, all works are great. This is our conviction and our teaching.

>From the inception of the Meeting of Prayer of the Community of Saint
Egidio, many realities have changed; specifically, new relationships
between states are being shaped and developed, characterized by even
closer cooperation. Nevertheless, today the world is troubled by
inter-state, national and religious disputes. Present are many social,
health, environmental and other issues. Today also there are the evils
of poverty and lawlessness. Violence, bloodshed, terrorism and wars
darken the life of societies. The need is felt for universal concern
and universal efforts to improve our common home. Times have changed
and will continue to change, the knowledge and possibilities of
mankind will continue to grow, and the urgency will always be timely,
that the most important and eminent factors be the societal
comprehension sustained by the spiritual-moral source. The spiritual
as the vital unending strength and pure beginning of knowing God will
assist in the reparation of the life of mankind to its true nature,
call and purpose. We are different peoples, different individuals, but
we are all children of the one God, called to have peace, one to
another. We all live in the house of the Lord, and we are not the ones
that established life, however we are collaborators with the Creator,
so that it blossoms and is filled with happiness and glory.

Finding the paths of peace is not easy, but always possible if we
truly have the desire for peace, as a value and expression of true
humanitarianism. Peace, freedom, justice and love go hand-in-hand and
reinforce one another. Europe, which bears and testifies the Christian
faith and culture, shall continue to be the guardian of those values
of humanitarianism and human rights, for which it has struggled and
sacrificed. With difficulty, through the constant efforts of the
people of France as well, the standards of freedom and rights of men
and nations were brought to life and recorded in the international
legislative realm, so that they serve the common good of humanity and
its hopes for a peaceful, creative life and new day.

The Armenian people as well, throughout the crossroads of its
difficult history, never ceased hoping in the bright dawning of a
century of peace, rights and justice; and this year raises prayers for
peace on earth and the security of human life, commemorating the
solemn 90th Anniversary of the Genocide of the Armenians which was
implemented in Ottoman Turkey. Armenians living in many countries are
the participants and witnesses to dialogue between cultures, and
believe that through the will and efforts of men, the words of the
prophet will come true, when nations will no longer learn warfare and
will no more lift up sword against each other. (Isaiah 2:4)

>From this holy sanctuary of our sister Catholic Church, where our hope
in peace is strengthened, we extend our greetings of brotherly love to
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and the spiritual leaders of sister
Churches and religious communities. May our prayers be combined,
giving thanks and praise to the Most High and to ask with humility
from His All-provident Strength:

Creator and sustainer of all that exists, listen to our plea, through
which we appeal to You, first help those in want and danger, console
the grieving and grant peace to regions suffering in conflicts and
wars.

Beneficent, Merciful and Grace-Bestower, may Your heavenly peace
descend upon the world. May our human souls be illuminated with Your
Creators love, to find the paths of reconciliation in all places, to
do works of peace and to create peace. Strengthen us O God in our
mission and bless all efforts directed toward peace and the
brotherhood of peoples, for the sake of life, for the sake of hope,
today and always. Amen.

INTERVENTION DE SA SAINTETE KAREKINE II
PATRIARCHE SUPREME ET CATHOLICOS DE TOUS LES ARMENIENS

BASILIQUE NOTRE DAME DE FOURVIERE
DIMANCHE 11 SEPTEMBRE 2005
19EME RENCONTRE INTERNATIONALE POUR LA PAIX
ORGANISEE PAR LA COMMUNAUTE DE SANT’EGIDIO

Chers frères et s`urs en Christ,

Nous rendons grce à Dieu de l’occasion qui nous est donnée de prier avec
vous en ce jour à l’invitation de son éminence le cardinal Philippe Barbarin et
de la communauté de sant’ Egidio qui a organisé cette assemblée consacrée à la
Paix, en ce sanctuaire dans lequel nous vivons intensément l’intercession de la
très sainte Mère de Dieu. Nous venons d’Arménie pour vous apporter la
bénédiction de saint Etchmiadzin, depuis cette terre biblique du “pays
d’Ararat” où, il y a plus de 17 siècles, la première des cathédrales a été
btie au c`ur du premier état chrétien de l’histoire. Au nom du peuple de nos
fidèles, nous voulons vous saluer et élever avec vous nos prières pour demander
que la Paix se répande sur la terre tout entière, sur tous les hommes et tous
les peuples.

Tout au long de l’Histoire, la recherche de la Paix a souvent été
difficile mais elle est toujours demeurée un idéal pour tous les peuples et
toutes les religions. Pour le chrétien, aimer la paix, “être artisan de paix”,
signifie tout d’abord témoigner au nom du Christ. “Paix sur la terre parmi les
hommes de bonne volonté”. C’est par ces mots qu’a été annoncé notre Seigneur et
Sauveur, le fils de Dieu, venu nous inviter à l’amour et à la concorde au nom
d’une alliance renouvelée avec le Père.

Le Christ nous le demande: “Soyez en paix les uns avec les autres” (Marc
10, 49). Œuvrer pour la paix, contribuer à sa construction, c’est donc avant
tout aimer Dieu. Celui qui, du fait de cette alliance, est en paix avec Dieu,
l’est avec son prochain et avec tout homme. L’`uvre entreprise au nom de
l’Homme et de la Vie est le fruit de cette alliance. Si nous croyons en Dieu,
nous devons alors aimer la Paix, la proclamer, travailler avec rectitude et
zèle à son avènement, défendre le Droit, choisir le Bien. La Paix est une
bénédiction de Dieu comme tous les autres bienfaits de la Vie. Dans cette quête
de la Paix il n’est ni de grandes, ni de petites tches, toutes sont importantes
car toutes nos espérances d’avenir se trouvent dans la Paix. C’est notre
conviction et c’est ce que nous proclamons sans cesse et partout.

Beaucoup de choses ont changé depuis la naissance de la communauté de sant’
Egidio, d’autres changements se produiront encore dans les années à venir, les
plus significatifs de ces changements concernent les relations entre les états
qui sont désormais marquées par une collaboration plus étroite. Néanmoins, de
nombreux antagonismes opposants des états, des peuples, voire des religions,
continuent de meurtrir le monde. Des questions importantes comme les grands
problèmes sociaux, la recherche médicale, l’écologie, restent encore sans
solution. La pauvreté, les innombrables violations du Droit, les conflits et
les guerres et bien d’autres méfaits comme le terrorisme continuent de ronger
des sociétés entières. Un besoin impérieux et la volonté d’`uvrer ensemble pour
aménager notre “maison commune” ont émergé. Les temps changent, la science ne
cesse de se développer et avec elle les nouveaux moyens qu’elle génère. Plus
que jamais, le primat d’une conscience morale fondée sur la spiritualité et
l’éthique demeure d’actualité. Dans ce contexte, la spiritualité apparaît comme
la source unique d’une énergie vitale et inépuisable venue de Dieu qui permet à
l’homme de se renouveler dans le respect de sa nature, de sa vocation,
conformément aux desseins de Dieu. Nous vivons tous dans la maison du Seigneur.
Nous n’avons certes pas créé la vie mais nous sommes des “collaborateurs”, des
“assistants” du Créateur qui oeuvrent pour que cette vie se développe en
procurant joie et bonheur. Nous sommes autant de personnes et autant de peuples
mais tous enfants du même Dieu appelés à travailler les uns avec les autres, les
uns pour les autres, tous “artisans de paix”.

La quête de la Paix n’est pas chose facile mais elle est toujours
fructueuse dès lors qu’existe un authentique désir de l’atteindre. La Paix, la
Liberté et l’amour de la Justice sont intimement unis en un triptyque et se
confortent mutuellement. L’Europe en tant que fondateur et témoin de la Foi
chrétienne et de sa culture doit continuer de promouvoir les valeurs humanistes
et le Droit pour lesquelles elle a combattu et consenti de si lourds sacrifices.
De la même manière, c’est au prix d’efforts importants et opinitres que le
peuple français a réussi à inscrire dans les normes du Droit international les
“droits de l’Homme” et ceux des peuples, contribuant par là-même au bien de
toute l’humanité et à la réalisation de ses idéaux.

Malgré d’innombrables vicissitudes historiques, le peuple arménien n’a lui
aussi jamais cessé d’espérer en l’avènement de la Paix, du Droit et de la
Justice. En cette année 2005 durant laquelle nous commémorons le 90ème
anniversaire du génocide des Arméniens de l’Empire ottoman, nous voulons aussi
prier pour la Paix et pour la sécurité des personnes. De nombreux arméniens à
travers le monde sont aujourd’hui des acteurs agissants du dialogue
interculturel et de véritables témoins, convaincus comme le prophète Isaïe
“qu’aucune nation ne tirera plus l’épée contre une autre et que l’on
n’apprendra plus la guerre” (Isaïe 2, 4).

Alors que nous nous trouvons en ce sanctuaire de Fourvière, où nos espoirs
de Paix se sont aujourd’hui renforcés, nous voulons adresser notre salut
affectueux et fraternel à sa sainteté le Pape Benoît XVI ainsi qu’à l’ensemble
des chefs spirituels des Eglises-s`urs et des diverses communautés religieuses.
Que nos prières s’unissent afin de rendre grce et de glorifier le Très-Haut en
lui demandant humblement d’étendre sur nous sa bienveillante protection.

Seigneur,
Toi qui est le créateur de tout et le dispensateur de toute vie,
entends notre supplique:
protège en tout premier lieu ceux qui sont dans la peine et le danger,
console les affligés et accorde la Paix aux régions meurtries
par les conflits et les guerres.

Toi qui est bienveillant, miséricordieux et empli de Grce,
fais abonder ta paix céleste sur notre monde.

Que ton amour créateur illumine nos mes
afin qu’elles retrouvent en tous lieux les chemins de la concorde
et que nous oeuvrions ensemble pour la Paix.

Renforce-nous Seigneur dans notre engagement et bénis
les efforts que nous faisons au nom de la Paix et de la concorde,
au nom de la Vie et de l’Epérance, maintenant et toujours.

Amen.

Los Angeles Times, CA
Sept 23 2005

Turkish forum on Armenians halted
Issue seen as key to membership process for EU
By Amberin Zaman, Los Angeles Times | September 23, 2005

ANKARA, Turkey — A court yesterday ordered the cancellation of a
conference at which Turkish academics were expected to challenge the
official history of the events surrounding the mass deaths among the
nation’s Armenians during and after World War I.

The gathering scheduled to be held today in Istanbul had been seen as
a first and important step in Turkey’s efforts to confront its
troubled past as it seeks membership in the European Union.

The case to block the conference was brought by the Turkish Lawyers
Union and other lawyers. Court officials declined to comment on why
the conference was canceled. But several conference participants and
Western diplomats in Ankara, the capital, said the decision was part
of a broader campaign by ultranationalist elements within the state
who oppose Turkey’s membership in the EU.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey swiftly condemned the
ruling. ”I cannot approve of this decision, especially at a time
when we are seeking a more democratic Turkey,” he said.

Hrant Dink, managing editor of the Armenian language weekly Agos, who
had been scheduled to address the gathering, said: ”The aim is
clear: It is to derail the EU process. But they will fail.”

Armenians say 1.5 million of their people died between 1915 and 1923
in a genocide carried out by Ottoman Turks. Turkey has instead
maintained that several hundred thousand Armenians died of starvation
and exposure during forced deportations after they collaborated with
invading Russian forces in eastern Turkey.

Turkey is expected to open EU membership negotiations on Oct. 3, a
process that would probably continue for at least a decade. The EU
has long cited Turkey’s human rights record as an obstacle to
membership and there are growing calls within the European bloc for
Turkey to set aside its prickly nationalism and apologize for the
annihilation of its once thriving Armenian community.

The state-run Anatolian news agency reported that the court had
demanded various documents from conference participants, including
their resumes and proof that they were competent to address the
Armenian issue. The court also reportedly sought details on the
financial backers of the conference. ”The demands are so laughable.
I am left speechless,” said a prominent Ottoman historian, Halil
Berktay, who is among organizers.

Conference organizers said they would appeal the rule and hope to
proceed with their work as early as Sunday.

The forum was originally set for May but had to be postponed after
Justice Minister Cemil Cicek denounced participants, saying they were
”stabbing Turkey in the back.”

RICE: INTERVENTION AGAINST PKK IS A MATTER OF TIMING

Anatolian Times, Turkey
Sept 22 2005

NEW YORK – “Intervention against PKK terrorist organization in Iraq is
a matter of timing, not principle,” U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice said at a meeting with Turkish FM & Deputy PM Abdullah Gul.

Iraq, PKK, and Cyprus were mainly discussed during Gul-Rice meeting
in NYC, Turkish diplomatic sources said.

Gul expressed Turkey`s views on Iraq, Afghanistan, Middle East,
Caucasus, Armenian-Azeri conflict, terrorism, Cyprus question,
Central Asia, Balkans and European Union (EU).

-MORE PREPARED-

It was reported that Secretary Rice said her country shared the views
of Turkey as regards to the presence of terrorist PKK organization
in northern Iraq, and stated that U.S. was determined to take action
against PKK which was considered as a terrorist organization.

Diplomatic sources said Rice stressed that taking action against the
PKK was not “a matter of principle but a matter of timing”.

“U.S. is more prepared to take concrete steps against PKK,” diplomatic
sources reaffirmed.

“Improvement of bilateral relations were also reviewed at the meeting,”
the sources said, and noted that, “both parties have assessed that
they are in a comprehensive partnership.”

Sources said some critical issues like Kirkuk, PKK, and Tal Afar
were also discussed, stating that “it was observed that views on the
mentioned issues were parallel”.

-U.S. THINKS OF TAKING NEW STEPS ON CYPRUS-

According to diplomatic sources, Gul informed Rice about the ongoing
EU membership process and she said that the Bush Administration would
maintain its support to Turkey in this respect.

What could be done further was also discussed while reviewing the
steps which U.S. tries to take to remove the blockade against TRNC,
sources said.

Sources said Rice expressed her satisfaction over the information
given by the Turkish officials and the policies pursued. “It has
been assessed that U.S. could better understand Turkey on many issues
today,” they noted.

-REACTION OF GUL TO EU DECLARATION-

Meanwhile, Gul as a reaction to the EU`s Cyprus declaration, did not
attend the reception hosted by foreign ministers of NATO and the EU.

YEREVAN AND MINSK HAVE NO PROBLEMATIC ISSUES TO SOLVE

Pan Armenian News
21.09.2005 04:11

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Celebrating the 14-th anniversary of independence
our country can be proud of the results it achieved”, Armenian
Ambassador to Belarus Suren Harutyunian stated. “Last year Armenia
joined the WTO leaving behind the other CIS member-states from the
viewpoint agricultural growth and the living standards of the people
raised”, he noted. When commenting on the Armenian-Belarusian relations
Suren Harutyunian said, “Yerevan and Minsk have no problematic issues
to solve. The turnover between Armenia and Belarus during recent 5
years has become 5 times as much. Belarusian BelAZes have “adapted”
to the Armenian roads. Besides, the performances of the Armenian
theater groups and exhibitions of Armenian art are always welcomed
in Belarus,” Belarus Today reported.

Pan Armenian News

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO VISIT MOSCOW AND ST. PETERSBURG IN JANUARY 2006

15.09.2005 02:34

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In the course of yesterday’s meeting with Saint Petersburg
Governor Valentina Matvienko Armenian President Robert Kocharian stated he
planed to visit Moscow and Saint Petersburg within the opening of the Year
of Armenia in Russia in January 2006. It should be reminded that prospects
of cooperation between Armenia and St. Petersburg were discussed at the
meeting. Mr. Kocharian seconded Petersburg and Yerevan intention to conclude
and agreement on cooperation, reported IA Regnum.

Armenpress

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ADVERTISE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS: Several Armenian non-governmental
organizations denounced today the country’s political forces for
‘monopolizing’ the process of constitutional reforms and slammed the
opposition for advocating a ‘no’ vote to the package of constitutional
amendments that will be put on a national referendum approximately in the
second half of November, saying they were ready to assume the task of
explaining to the people the positive core of the changes.
Elinar Vardanian, the head of the Center for Public Dialogue and
Development that is coordinating the non-governmental organizations’ efforts
to make voters aware of the reform process, said only well-informed citizens
would be able to make a right choice. “Many people want to politicize this
issue, we do not want this as speculations may result in further
polarization of the society,’ she said.
Two of these organizations have received already money from the budget to
advertise the package of constitutional reforms through a series of
seminars, also for local mass media.

ARMENIAN MOD HEAD POSITIVELY ASSESSED ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN MILITARY COOPERATION LEVEL

Pan Armenian News

13.09.2005 03:35

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “There are no obstacles on the way of promotion of
the Armenian-Russian military cooperation,” Secretary of the National
Security Council at the Armenian President, Armenian Defense Minister
Serge Sargsyan stated. It should be noted that the Armenian MOD head
takes part in the final phase of the annual joint Armenian-Russian
military and tactical exercises that are held on the ground after
marshal Baghramyan in Armavir region of Armenia. The Minister
also added that no misunderstanding is available concerning these
matters. “I assess the level of Armenian-Russian military cooperation
as positive. Main indicator of this are the joint Armenian-Russian
military exercises held today and their efficiency,” he emphasized. In
his turn CSTO Sec. Gen. Nikolay Bordyuzha, who has also observed
the exercises, stated the joint exercises were a success. “However,
not the effect of exploding bombs, but efficient cooperation of the
Armed Forces of the two countries is the thing that is important,”
he said. “We observed exercises held at a high level,” Bordyuzha
remarked. At that in his words, there is always space for expansion
of joint activities. “It might be as well for the special forces to
take part in the next exercise to work out counter-terror tasks,”
he summed up, reported IA Regnum.

KARABAKH CONFLICT MAY BE SETTLED ONLY IF ALL PARTIES ARE REALISTIC

Pan Armenian News
13.09.2005 08:11

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On September 11, in the NKR Permanent Representation
in the RA, Arman Melikian, the NKR Foreign Minister, received the
delegation of the International Crisis Group (ICG) Non-Governmental
Organization headed by Alain Deletroz. Mr. Deletroz presented the
organization’s activity to the NKR FM noting their aim in general is
to contribute to the peaceful settlement of international conflicts
and war prevention. In this context, the ICG prepared a report on
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict titled Nagorno Karabakh: Viewing the
Conflict from the Ground. According to Mr. Deletroz, the report is
aimed to assist the Armenian and Azerbaijani parties, as well as the
mediators to find acceptable solutions at the bargaining table. Mr.
Melikian emphasized the importance of the international community’s
involvement in the process of establishing lasting peace in the
region. He noted that the conflict may be settled only if all the
parties involved are realistic and clearly understand that the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijani Republic are the main
parties to the conflict and any effort to present the conflict as a
territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan could be interpreted
as intentional distortion of the reality. Having handed the NKR
Foreign Minister the text of the report at the end of the meeting,
the ICG delegation head informed it will be published on September 14.
Thanking the ICG representatives, Mr. Melikian assured them that the
provisions of the report would be carefully examined in Stepanakert.