TWO CITIZENS EVADED THE TRAGEDY BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS WITH PASSPORTS

ArmRadio.am
03.05.2006 14:33

The Yerevan-Sochi airplane of the “Armavia” Company that crashed
this night had 113 passengers on board, including 5 children and 8
crewmembers. The list of the passengers has been already publicized. It
came out, however, that despite the fact that the names of Georgian
citizen Georgi Hakobyan and RA citizen Gagik Sahakyan were included
in the list, they were not allowed to fly because of problems with
their passports.

SWISS PROSECUTOR ASKS 6 MONTHS FOR PERINCEK OVER ‘GENOCIDE’ DENIAL

The New Anatolian, Turkey
May 2 2006

A Swiss prosecutor yesterday requested six months in prison for
Turkish Workers Party (IP) leader Dogu Perincek for his denial of
the Armenian genocide claims in a speech delivered in Winterthur,
Switzerland last year.

The prosecutor claimed that the speech Perincek made while denying
the genocide claims was “racist.”

Swiss law stipulates that those who deny, underestimate or support
genocide or other crimes against humanity are liable to fines or
imprisonment.

Following his statements in Winterthur, Perincek was detained last
July 23 and after testifying he was released.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKISH PARLIAMENT SPEAKER URGES FRENCH DEPUTIES

The New Anatolian, Turkey
May 2 2006

Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc yesterday sent a letter to his
French counterpart, asking him not to take sides in the controversial
Armenian genocide matter.

Underlining that judging history should be left to historians,
not parliaments, Arinc said that the French bill, which stipulates
punishing those who deny the Armenian genocide claims, is anti-freedom
of expression and thought, referring to the leading role played by
France in the implementation of basic human rights on the international
stage.

Armenian organizations in France announced last week that a bill
stipulating prison sentences would be brought by the Socialist Party
(PS) to the French Parliament’s floor for debate on May 18. Later last
week the bill also won the support of 100 deputies in the government,
which increased the possibility of Parliament’s approval.

In accordance with the French Parliament’s 2001 recognition of the
Armenian genocide claims, the law could punish “genocide” deniers
with up to a year behind bars.

In related news, the Turkish press reported Monday an exchange of
words between Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and his French
counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazy on the sidelines of last week’s NATO
foreign ministers meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria. According to reports,
Gul asked Douste-Blazy whether he would be punished for denying the
genocide claims. “What if I or the Turkish president were to visit
France and state ‘the Armenian genocide is a lie’? What would you
do? Would you put us in prison?” asked Gul, the press reported.

EU’S POLAND SUGGESTS MEDIATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA

ABHaber, Belgium
May 2 2006

Warsaw conveys to Ankara list of proposals aiming to assist
normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. Turkish govt
welcomes Polish offer, which includes mediation between Turkish and
Armenian govts, conference on genocide claims with participation of
Turkish, Armenian and Polish scholars

AYHAN SIMSEK

Poland recently offered Ankara its services to act as a mediator
between Turkey and Armenia to overcome their differences over genocide
claims and to normalize relations, The New Anatolian learned yesterday.

Diplomats said that Warsaw’s proposals include the Polish government
acting as a mediator between the Turkish and Armenian governments,
organizing meetings and conferences between Polish, Turkish and
Armenian scholars and further sharing Polish experience in conflict
resolution and reconciliation with neighbors.

European Union member Poland is also an important ally to Turkey in
NATO. The Polish Parliament’s decision in April last year to adopt a
resolution backing the Armenian claims of genocide triggered a sharp
response from Ankara at the time. Later statements by Polish government
officials disassociating themselves from the resolution and further
steps by the two countries prioritizing their common foreign policy
goals brought relations back to an even keel. Poland has become one of
the main supporters of Turkey’s EU accession process, and Turkey has
offered humanitarian assistance as well as transportation to Polish
troops in Iraq.

According to diplomats, Polish Foreign Minister Stefan Meller, during
his visit to Ankara two weeks ago, conveyed to his Turkish counterpart
Abdullah Gul a list of proposals including mediation by Poland aimed
at a normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. Foreign
Minister Gul reportedly responded positively to Meller’s ideas and
stressed that Turkey is willing to overcome differences over genocide
claims and normalize its relations with Armenia. Gul further said
that Ankara’s suggestions so far have not received positive response
from Yerevan but also added that he is willing to go forward with
the Polish proposals if they will facilitate proper grounds for the
normalization of relations with Armenia.

Diplomatic sources told TNA yesterday that due to talks of a new
coalition government in Poland and the foreign minister handing in
his resignation, Ankara now waits for the new government before having
more detailed talks on the issue.

DARFUR PROTEST IN WASHINGTON ELICITS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE COMPARISON

Hurriyet, Turkey
May 2 2006

At a Washington, DC protest to gather support for stopping the violence
and killing in Darfur, Sudan, an American pastor from the Evangelical
National Foundation, Richard Cizik, told crowds that there was a
similarity between what was happening in Darfur, and what Turkey had
done to the Armenians at the beginning of the 20th century. Said

Cizik, “The world remained silent before the genocides of the
Armenians, the Jews, the Cambodians, and the Rwandans. On the global
agenda, there can be no item more pressing than saving the people of
Darfur from extermination.”

The White House has already said that it acknowledges what is happening
in Darfur as a genocide, while the United Nations has not yet used
that term.

TURKISH COURT REJECTS EDITOR’S APPEAL

Hurriyet, Turkey
May 2 2006

An Armenian editor, who lives in Turkey and was found guilty under
article 301 of insulting Turkishness last year when he described
Turkish blood as dirty in relation to the so-called Armenian genocide,
has had his appeal turned down. Hrant Dink was given a six-month
suspended sentence last October for writing an article which discussed
the so-called genocide.

In February, the case was interpreted by the Appeals Court of which
the chief prosecutor stated that the remarks made by Dink were in no
way insulting, however, the court has ignored its previous statements
and now said that the charge is still valid.

Hrant Dink is said to be very distressed by the entire episode and has
even gone as far as saying should his name not be cleared in Turkey,
he would have to leave the country for good.

The case is being closely watched by the European Union, as it holds
concerns over Turkey’s freedom of speech laws. Something which will
need to be addressed as Dink is not the only person being scrutinized
under the infamous article 301.

OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS SET UP CONSULTATIONS IN MOSCOW
Author: E.Huseynov

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
May 2 2006

OSE Minsk Group co-chairs started consultations on the peaceable
resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Moscow on 2 May, Russian
Ambassador Yuriy Merzlyakov, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, told Trend.

The co-chairs from France, Russia and the United States, as well
as special envoy of the OSCE chairman-in-office, Andjey Caspzyk
are discussing the current stage of negotiation process and further
steps. The mediators will also mull the aspects of the next visit to
the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Earlier the co-chairs stated that after the Moscow consultations they
plan to tour Armenia and Azerbaijan.

VISIT OF ALIYEV TO USA SUCCESSFUL

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
May 2 2006

‘Visit of the Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to the Untied States
of America has been successful. The Untied States has large and
constructive links with Azerbaijan and last week it became possible
to discuss these relations more widely, commenting the visit, Jason
Hyland, charge d’affaires of USA in Azerbaijan said.

Noting security, energy carriers and development of democracy as
major aspects in the USA-Azerbaijan relations, the diplomat stressed
necessity of expansion of ties in all spheres. ‘Should we deepen the
positive aspects of our ties, we would see that Azerbaijan is an
important partner in global combat against terrorism. Azerbaijani
soldiers serve within the international peacemakers in Iraq,
Afghanistan and Kosovo’.

Emphasizing necessity of strengthening of relations in all fields
after this visit, Mr. Hyland said: ‘I hope in the coming months the
sides will think over expansion of these relations’.

The American diplomat said after visit of President Aliyev, President
George Bush highly assessed the role of Azerbaijan in the field of
energy safety. ‘The BTC oil pipeline is about completions. This will
be historical date in region. Several years ago it was a mere idea.

And this is a reality today’, he stressed.

Jason Hyland conveyed gratitude of his country to Azerbaijan in
realization of the huge project. Currently, the world is interested
in development of other hydrocarbons in Caspian and delivery from
Azerbaijan to the world markets, he said, expressing confidence for
further decisive role of Azerbaijan in this cause.

Speaking of security of BTC, Mr. Hyland said the involved countries
would ensure security of the pipeline. “Safety of BTC is highly
ensured in the territory of Azerbaijan’.

Noting the human rights and development of democracy are the important
elements in the USA-Azerbaijan relations, the diplomat said their
cooperation would continue in this field. He estimated the meeting
of President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to USA with heads of NGOs
functioning in Azerbaijan as positive and constructive step.

Speaking of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Mr.

Hyland said the problem should be settled in the frame of OSCE Minsk
Group. ‘During the visit of Azerbaijan President, the United States
once again disclosed its position in this cause’.

Commenting the situation connected to Iran, the diplomat said after
the visit, both presidents announced they adhere settlement of the
problem by diplomatic means.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

‘SELF-MADE’ CANDIDATE TO GIVE STUDENTS A STRONGER VOICE
By Mike Norys
Eye on ASI Presidential Candidates

The Poly Post, CA
California State Polytechnic Univ. Pamona
May 2 2006

Photo courtesy of Arno Keshishian

If you ask senior Arno Keshishian what he brings to office in the
upcoming Asssociated Students Incorporated elections, he responds
unflinchingly.

“We think experience and continuity is what we bring,” said Keshishian.

The 22-year-old self-made man has put himself through college
after working the past two years and now has his eyes set on the
ASI presidency.

“I feel like I can make a difference. I am experienced,” said
Keshishian. “I know how stuff works in here. Starting July 1, I don’t
need to associate myself and learn what ASI is. That’s what I did
this year.”

Keshishian has gained valuable experience this year as ASI Treasurer
and the year before as the attorney general of the Elections Committee.

He has also been the president of Cal Poly’s Mock Trial Association
for the past two years and an active member in the Armenian Student
Association since he has attended Cal Poly four years ago.

“I had the opportunity to do whatever I wanted to do,” said
Keshishian. “There was nothing holding me back. I’ve always had a
drive to do what I wanted.”

Keshishian’s stance is simple; students need a voice.

A prime example is with the parking structure where university
committees are making decisions without student voice. “We want to work
on communication between university and the school,” said Keshishian.

If elected, Keshishian wants to develop a relationship with the
chamber of commerce of Pomona.

Cal Poly is a corporation and Keshishian thinks there are networking
opportunities to be sought.

“We know exactly what we want to do and exactly how we want to do
it,” said Keshishian. “We want to make it as a productive year as
possible.” We locked down our goals and we realized how much work it
would take to accomplish these goals.”

All of the incumbents have pushed Keshishian in the direction he is
now going to continue the current cabinet’s legislation on textbook
prices and making free tutoring available to students.

“We’ve done a lot this year, in terms of goals we want to accomplish
that we set forth at the beginning of the year. We haven’t gotten to
those goals yet, but we’ve made leaps and bounds,” said Keshishian.

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DEFACE TO WIPE OUT HERITAGE
A Staff Reporter

Calcutta Telegraph, India
May 2 2006

– Delist bid alleged

Ornamentation on terrace of 2, Camac Street, a heritage building
under threat. Picture by Sanjoy Chattopadhyaya About three days ago,
tenants of 2, Camac Street, listed as a heritage structure by the
Calcutta Municipal Corporation (CMC), saw some workmen defacing some
heritage features of the building.

Early on Sunday, scaffolding was erected all around the building and
workmen, armed with crowbars, once again attacked the distinguishing
features of the building, such as the arches at the gateway and
other ornamentation.

The tenants fear that the landlord is up to no good – trying to get
delisted the building in which lived Arathoon Stephen, the Armenian
millionaire who founded Grand hotel. They have complained to the
mayor and the Shakespeare Sarani police station and it remains to
be seen what action is taken. Knocking down heritage features is a
dirty trick by which landlords get their buildings delisted.

Earlier, this was done at Alexandra Court, the huge apartment block
on Chowringhee Road opposite the Calcutta Port Trust guest house and
officers club.

Here, too, the first thing the promoter did was to remove all
the distinguishing features and embellishments. Now, it lies
half-demolished.

The same was done at 5, Russell Street, the old residence of the
bishop of Calcutta. One of the most striking features of this building,
next to the ITC glass box, was its arched gateway. It was demolished
on the night of August 25, 2001.

Some ornaments of 2, Camac Street after they were knocked down.

Picture by Sanjoy Chattopadhyaya G.M. Kapur, convener, INTACH, says
these bungalows, including Meghalaya House and 5 and 6, Middleton Row,
all part of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, represent an architectural
typology which will vanish now that they have been delisted.

About three weeks ago, the residence of pioneering film director
Pramathesh Barua on the street named after him was demolished. The
local executive engineer was suspended by the CMC but he was just
a fall guy. Neighbours were just bystanders. Which is why Banani
Kakkar of PUBLIC feels markers should be put up in front of heritage
structures for local involvement.

Promoters have struck once again at La Martiniere for Boys. Plans are
reportedly afoot to knock down the masters’ quarters on the excuse
that these buildings have a Moira Street address. The monstrosity
called Constantia has already been foisted on the school compound
that is a listed heritage precinct. Earlier, the building department
of CMC did not have a list of heritage buildings. Now it does, but
that makes no difference.

G.M. Kapur says the CMC has been a “mute spectator” of these acts of
vandalism. What is the use of the “protected list” when no protection
can be provided?

The laws operative in Bengal are weighed against landlords, who are
barred from taking advantage of their properties. Most landlords
are wary of the “heritage” tag, for it turns their properties into
burdens. In lieu of forgoing development of a heritage building,
the owner should get transferable development rights in the form of a
negotiable instrument in any other location in the city, as was done
in Mumbai long ago.