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Situation still tensed in Tsalka

posted: May 14, 2004

The situation is still tensed in the Tsalka region, Georgia. The regional
Prosecutor launched a criminal investigation against the individuals, who
participated in the swoop-on-raids in the villages settled mostly by
Adjarans with the paragraph on hooliganism.

The investigators of the police and the prosecutor’s have been working in
Tsalka for 4 days already, though have not traced down the suspected
rowdies.

The Adjarans, whose houses were raided by the local Armenians, are demanding
punishing of the ruffians.

Nodar Kinkladze, the deputy chief of the Kvemo Kartli regional police, said
that the Armenian population is against the interior forces to stay on the
region, whilst the Adjarans are protesting against the withdrawal of the
military units, threatening they will leave the region.

Turkey should get rid of the Genocide burden

Yerkir
12.05.2004 14:32

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Speaking at a roundtable discussion Wednesday in
Yerevan, European Parliament member Per Garton said Turkey should
admit the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

“Turkey should get rid of that burden. The European Union has
reinstated this year its decision recognizing the Genocide and calling
on Turkey to do so too,” Garton said at the discussion titled “Wider
Europe. New Neighborhood.”

It makes no sense for Turkey to deny the Genocide, according to
Garton, since immediately after the Genocide was perpetrated, the
Istanbul courts sentences to death the Turkish officials accountable
for it. Where would Germany be now hadn’t it admitted the Holocaust
against the Jews, the European diplomat asked?

Meanwhile, he mentioned he supported Turkey’s accession to the EU,
saying it would contribute to settling regional issues, including
the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pennsylvania recognizes Armenian Genocide

Yerkir
14.05.2004 13:39

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives
unanimously passed a resolution designating April 24, 2004 as
“Pennsylvania’s Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of
1915-1923,” reported the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of
Pennsylvania.

The resolution identifies the Ottoman Empire as the perpetrators of
a genocide that claimed the lives of one and a half million Armenian
men, women, and children from 1915 to 1923. It also acknowledges
that modern Turkey continues to deny and distort the facts of the
Armenian Genocide.

In addition to the Pennsylvania House Resolution, the Pittsburgh
City Council passed a proclamation declaring April 24, 2004 “A Day
of Remembrance” for the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Armenian National Committee of Albany
7 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
May 14, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Antranig Karageozian
[email protected]

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE COMMEMORATED IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

TROY, NY–On April 23, over 100 individuals from around upstate New
York gathered at Troy City Hall to commemorate the Armenian Genocide,
reported the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Albany. Among the
dignitaries who participated in the remembrance were Congressman
Michael McNulty (D-NY), Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian, and Watervliet
Mayor Robert Carlson.

During the commemoration, Congressman McNulty spoke about the
devastating impact of the Armenian Genocide, which is still felt by
Armenians worldwide–89 years after the fact–and commended Armenian
Americans for being able to establish prosperous communities across the
US. The Congressman, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues, also touched upon his record of support on issues of concern
to Armenian Americans, noting that he is a current cosponsor of the
House Genocide Resolution (H.Res.193). Congressman McNulty closed his
remarks by informing the gathering that he would continue to support
Armenian Genocide recognition efforts.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian, the first-term mayor of the City of Troy,
described the recent progress on the international recognition of
the Armenian Genocide–the recognition of this great crime against
humanity by the Canadian Parliament, Switzerland, New York Times,
and several states across the United States. He continued by stating
that Armenians are a proud people who work hard and do not give up.
The Mayor further remarked that Armenians are looking for a better
future but refuse to forget the past.

Following Mayor Tutunjian, Watervliet Mayor Robert Carlson presented
a proclamation recalling the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during
the first genocide of the 20th Century.

Community leaders also spoke during the ceremony at Troy City Hall.
Among those speaking were: Co-Chairman of the ANC of Albany Antranig
Karageozian, Chairman of the Albany Homenetmen Leo Ohanian, and
Chairman of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Shoushi” Albany
Chapter Aramig Barkamian. Following the commemoration, the Albany
Homenetmen Chapter hosted a memorial dinner. During the dinner,
Raffi Mahserdjian of the ANC of Albany presented a slide show on the
Armenian Genocide.

The ANC Albany also hosted several other events, including a movie
night on April 24. Apo Torosyan’s “Discovering My Fathers Village”
and J. Michael Hagopian’s “Germany and the Secret Genocide,” were
shown at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church. Over 75 community
members attended the screening. Following the movies, Stepan and His
Band performed a concert of revolutionary songs.

On April 25, after the annual Requiem Service, in memory of the
victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide, at Holy Cross,
the Albany AYF held a memoriam where each AYF member read brief
descriptions of specific events, which occurred during 1915 and 1923.

Finally, on April 26, Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY), several State
Assembly members, and the Armenian American community of upstate New
York attended a rally at the State Capitol building steps.

“Unfortunately, and sadly, the Armenian Genocide was a precursor to
some of the worst horrific treatments of human beings in mankind’s
history: the Holocaust, Cambodia, and Rwanda are all the unwanted
stepchildren of the Turkish massacre of the Armenians” stated
Congressman Sweeney, one of two Congressional Members who is of
Armenian descent.

A member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Congressman
Sweeney has and continues to support numerous Armenian American
concerns. A cosponsor of H.Res.193, he most recently cosigned a
Congressional letter urging President George W. Bush to keep his
campaign pledge to properly characterize the Armenian Genocide as
“genocide” in his annual April 24 statement.

Closing the rally was Assemblymember Ronald Canestrari (D-Albany)
who presented the Armenian American community with a resolution,
passed by the New York State Senate and Assembly, in recognition of
the Armenian Genocide.

“All our events could not have been successful if it wasn’t for the
support of the community,” said ANC of Albany Co-Chairman Antranig
Karageozian. “Although we are a small community, we remain active. All
the Armenian American organizations work well together which makes
us a strong
community.”

“We thank Congressmen Michael McNulty and John Sweeney, Mayor Tutunjian
and Carlson, along with all the State Assembly members, who took the
time out of their busy schedules and attended the various commemoration
events. We also thank these officials for their continued support of
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” continued Karageozian.

“As Mayor Tutunjian commented, we look towards the future but we
do not forget the past. Hitler once said ‘Who now remembers the
Armenians?’ Each year, the community in upstate New York can answer
him unequivocally that we do and we will not forget,” concluded ANC
of Albany Co-Chairman Leo Ohanian.

The Armenian National Committee is the largest Armenian American
grassroots political organization in New York and nationwide. The ANC
actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2004
CONTACT: David Zenian
E-mail: [email protected]

ASSEMBLY PRAISES ACTIVIST FOR ROLE IN
“KANSAS-ARMENIA PARTNERSHIP DAY” PROCLAMATION

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly this week praised Kansas
Armenian activist Alex Kotoyantz for his single-handed efforts and
role in securing a proclamation designating June 18 as “Kansas-Armenia
Partnership Day.”

“It is often true that a handful of dedicated people can be more
effective than a large group which remains passive. In the case of
Kansas, where no more than a few hundred Armenians live, the efforts
of one man, Alex Kotoyantz, made a profound difference and we thank
him for his hard work and determination,” Assembly Executive Director
Ross Vartian said.

Kotoyantz, a retired geologist and engineer who worked for the Kansas
Department of Transportation for 39 years, is an Armenian immigrant
from Iraq – the country he left 54 years ago to settle in the United
States.

Kotoyantz worked closely with Assembly activists and Minnesota
State Chair Lou Ann Matossian and several Assembly staff members in
Washington to secure the “Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day” proclamation
recognizing the importance of the recently-forged relationship between
the Kansas National Guard and Armenia within the framework of the
State’s Partnership Program.

His efforts paid off, and on April 27, Kansas State Governor Kathleen
Sebelius issued a special proclamation which said in part:

“Whereas, Kansas is proud to partner with Armenia in
military-to-military, military-to-civilian, and civilian-to-civilian
contacts and development, and

“Whereas, the Kansas National Guard hopes that this endeavor will
foster goodwill between Kansas and Armenia and achieve a secure,
prosperous and dignified future for the citizens of Armenia, and

“Whereas, Kansas is grateful for the contribution of Armenian Americans
who have chosen Kansas as their adopted homeland; they have employed
wisdom, courage, and centuries-old traditions to enrich the character
of our state.

“Now, Therefore, I, Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of the State of Kansas,
salute the modern nation of Armenia and Armenians everywhere, and do
hereby proclaim June 18, 2004, as: Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day.”

The governor’s proclamation was signed at a special ceremony which
was held at the Capitol in Topeka, Kansas. Alex Kotoyantz was the
only Armenian present at the ceremony which was attended by state
legislators and ranking Kansas National Guard officers.

In a statement, Kansas National Guard’s Adjutant General Maj. Gen. (KS)
Tod M. Bunting hailed the event and said:

“The National Guard is a shining example for the rest of the world of
how military and civilian authorities work together to protect citizens
at home and help preserve peace around the world. This partnership
with Armenia is a great opportunity for the Kansas National Guard not
only to be teachers – sharing the skills and knowledge we have – but
to be students, as well, as we learn more about Armenia, its people
and its rich cultural heritage.”

“It was a very happy and emotional moment for me,” Kotoyantz said
after witnessing the proclamation signing ceremony.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization

NR#2004-053

CAPTION: L to R: Barbara Craft (Rep. 65th District), Randy Mettner
(Special Assistant to Lt. Governor), Senator Lana Oleen (Majority
Leader of the Senate), Ron Thornburgh (Secretary of State), Alex
Kotoyantz, Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Adj. Gen. Todd Bunting (Kansas
National Guard), Lt. Col. Joe Knowles (Coordinator, State Partnership
with Armenia), Col. Joe Wheeler, Maj. Kim Smith, Lt. Col. Charles
Brown.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/13/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Opposition No-show for Negotiations
2) Karabagh on Rice’s Moscow Agenda
3) Ambassadors Ordway, Dryukov Meet with ARF
4) Armenia and Iran Seal Pipeline Deal

1) Opposition No-show for Negotiations

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–Scheduled dialogue between Armenia’s ruling coalition
representatives and the opposition was halted, when the opposition was a
no-show for negotiations that were to take place Thursday.
The opposition canceled the planned crisis talks with the governing
coalition,
saying that President Robert Kocharian has not stopped the month-long
crackdown
on his opponents.
Opposition representatives were scheduled to meet on Thursday with leaders of
the three ruling coalition parties. The meeting was supposed to be the first
official “negotiation” between the two sides that have held a series of
unofficial consultations over the past week.
According to Artarutyun’s Victor Dallakian, the opposition will resume the
contacts only after the authorities take “practical steps” stemming from the
resolution adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(PACE). “We have nothing to discuss with the coalition now,” he said.
Parliament majority leaders said the decision to pull out of the talks was
not
immediately communicated to them as they waited for opposition representatives
inside the parliament building in the evening.
The boycott followed Artarutyun’s and the National Unity Party’s (AMK)
decision to resume their joint rallies in Yerevan on Friday. The opposition
says it is only prepared to discuss with the authorities ways of ensuring
Kocharian’s resignation “without upheavals,” suggesting in particular a
referendum of confidence in the Armenian leader.
The international community has strongly encouraged both sides to try to
bridge their differences through negotiations, with the PACE resolution
calling
for a “dialogue without preconditions.” The head of the Yerevan office of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Vladimir Pryakhin, echoed
the calls on Wednesday.
“I encourage both sides to engage in a meaningful and genuine dialogue in
order to resolve, within the constitutional framework, the continuing
difficulties,” Pryakhin said in a statement.
Pryakhin also urged the Armenian authorities to “review the cases” of all
those detained during recent opposition demonstrations and end the
controversial “administrative detentions” repeatedly condemned by the Council
of Europe and other human rights organizations. “This practice is incompatible
with European human rights standards,” the Russian diplomat said.

2) Karabagh on Rice’s Moscow Agenda

MOSCOW (Armenpress/Itar-Tass)–US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice
told Russian newspaper Itar-Tass on Wednesday that she will discuss possible
resolutions to the Mountainous Karabagh conflict while in Moscow May 14-16.
“Along with Russia, we are trying to settle a range of conflict situations. I
think we are disappointed to some degree that we have not succeeded in the
case
of Karabagh,” Rice said.
She said that the issue has become “too protracted,” and has had a negative
political and economic impact on both Armenia and Azerbaijan. She stressed
that
the two governments must resume seeking a settlement with a “serious
attitude.”
Rice is expected to focus on the situation in Iraq during her talks with
Russian officials. “Whatever differences the two countries might have had in
the past, now the accomplishment of success in Iraq is of key importance;
stable, democratic, and prosperous Iraq meets bilateral interests,” Rice told
journalists.
Rice was last in Moscow in April 2003 to discuss bilateral relations in
connection with the US military campaign in Iraq.
The upcoming talks will also focus on the common fight against international
terrorism, as well as bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

3) Ambassadors Ordway, Dryukov Meet with ARF

YEREVAN (Yerkir/A1Plus)–US Ambassador to Armenia John Ordway met with the
leadership of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Armenia on Thursday
to review the political situation of the country and ways to remedy the
situation. The ARF also met with the Russian Ambassador to Armenia Anatoly
Dryukov on the same day.
The ARF emphasized that dialogue is key to reaching a political agreement,
and
that the authorities and the opposition must meet each other halfway to
jointly
tackle critical issues vital to the welfare of the people.
They agreed that destabilization of the situation in Armenia jeopardizes not
only the development of the republic, but also in the entire region.
Discussions were along the same lines between Ambassador Druykov and ARF
Armenia Supreme Body representative Armen Rustamian, who said that the ARF and
the other coalition partners are determined to resolve current tensions
through
dialogue with the opposition.
Druykov praised the push for dialogue, pointing to Armenia’s stability as key
to that of the region.
Armenian-Russian relations were also discussed.

4) Armenia and Iran Seal Pipeline Deal

YEREVAN (Armenpress/RBC/RFE/RL)–After more than a decade of negotiations, the
Armenian and Iranian governments took the final step and signed an
agreement on
Thursday to begin construction of a pipeline which will be operational before
January 1, 2007, and will continue to operate for at least 20 years.
“Negotiations on this agreement have lasted for about 12 years and it has
become a reality today,” Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisian said at the
signing ceremony, attended by Iran’s visiting Oil and Gas Minister Bijan
Zanganeh.
The Armenia-Iran intergovernmental agreement covering the route of the 141
kilometer pipeline was signed in 1995.
The construction of the Armenian part of the pipeline linking the city of
Meghri with Yerevan at a length of 100 kilometers is estimated at $96-100
million.
The Iranian portion of the pipeline will be 41 kilometers, and is
estimated to
cost $120 million.
Each of the two countries is responsible for constructing its part of the
pipeline.
According to Movsisian, Iran has agreed to deliver no less than 1.1billion
cubic meters of natural gas to Armenia, which will pay for gas with electric
energy supplies.
The minister declined to comment on possible sources of financing the
construction. His Iranian counterpart Zanganeh declined to name the agreed
price of gas supplies. He stressed that under the 20 year agreement, Iran
is to
deliver 36 billion cubic meters of gas to Armenia.
Some estimate that the cost of gas supplies agreed to is $84 per 1,000 cubic
meters.
The Iranian minister said that the Iranian part of the pipeline will be
constructed by the National Gas Export Company. Movisian only said that
construction of Armenia’s portion would be financed by Armenians, and that
proposals put forth by Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, China, and the US would be
considered.
Zanganeh arrived in Yerevan and met with President Robert Kocharian
earlier in
the day. A statement by the presidential press service said the gas project
will double the volume of Armenian-Iranian trade, which stood at $90 million
last year.
Armenian leaders say the pipeline will be of strategic importance for their
country as it will provide it with an alternative source of natural gas, which
is used for meeting approximately 40 percent of its energy needs. Russia has
been Armenia’s sole supplier of the vital fuel since the mid-1990s and was,
until recently, uneasy about having a major competitor in the Armenian energy
sector 80 percent of which is controlled by Russian firms. “We regard this
project as a serious question for Armenian energy security,” the President
Kocharian stressed.
Armenia imported about 1.2 billion cubic meters of Russian gas last year
through a single pipeline running through Georgia, which is reportedly in poor
condition and needs urgent repairs. The agreement commits it to buying almost
as much Iranian gas in 2007. The annual volume of Iranian deliveries is due to
jump to 2.3 billion cubic meters in the future, raising the question of
whether
there will be that much demand for the fuel inside Armenia.
Armenian and Iranian officials have indicated in the past that Armenia could
serve as a transit route for Iranian gas exports to third countries, notably
Georgia and Ukraine–an option reportedly opposed by Russia. The Ukrainian
government has shown interest in the project ever since its inception, and the
issue was on the agenda of Prime Minister Andranik Markarian’s visit to Kiev
this week. Markarian was reported to call for Ukrainian involvement in the
pipeline’s construction.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE

Kurt Chesko
HALO USA
850 Seventh Avenue #506
New York, NY 10002
T: 212-581-0099
F: 212-581-2029
Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HALO Trust to Brief Los Angeles Community on Landmine Problem in
Karabakh

Kurt Chesko, Program Officer for the HALO Trust, will speak about his
recent visit to Nagorno Karabakh and discuss the impact that landmines
and unexploded ordnance (UXO) have on the Armenian population. He
will share photographs and give a mine clearance demonstration. All
are welcome to attend.

The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian landmine clearance
organization and operates a 200-person program in Karabakh, one of the
most mine-affectied regions in the world. HALO’s dedicated Karabakhi
staff have destroyed 2,300 antipersonnel landmines, 1,000 antitank
mine and over 26,000 items of UXO since 2000. HALO also provides mine
risk education to the goverment authorities and residents of Karabakh.

This briefing will occur at 10:30 AM on Saturday, 15th at The Glendale
Public Library’s Central Auditorium (222 East Harvard Street, Glendale,
CA 91205). We hope to see you there.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU PRESS OFFICE
55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone (212) 319-6383
Fax (212) 319-6507
Email [email protected]
Webpage

Thursday, May 13, 2004

LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN AGBU TORONTO AND ARMEN-ONTARIO OF AGBU

Toronto, Canada – The Central Board of the Armenian General Benevolent
Union (AGBU) is pleased to announce that Ms. Knar Basmadjian will be
serving as Chairperson of the AGBU Toronto Chapter. Ms. Basmadjian
will be succeeding Mr. Hagop Altounian, effective June 1, 2004.

AGBU extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Altounian for his
leadership and valued service for the past two years in establishing
new initiatives and promoting AGBU’s activities in the ever-growing
Canadian Armenian community of Toronto. Mr. Altounian has been an
active member of AGBU over many years, an organization which he has
served with full devotion, commitment and care.

On this occasion, Mr. Setrakian, President of AGBU, expressed the
organization’s deepest gratitude for Mr. Altounian’s lifelong service
and dedication to the Union. Mr. Setrakian further stated that he
welcomes Knar Basmadjian, in her new role as chairperson. We are
confident that Ms. Basmadjian will provide her committee with the
dynamism and vision to meet the new challenges lying ahead. We consider
Toronto a pivotal and important community of the Diaspora that could
assume an important leadership role in these fast-changing times,
Mr. Setrakian added.

Ms. Basmadjian, a professional engineer who holds an MBA, is
currently an Investment Advisor and Associate Portfolio Manager at
CIBC Wood Bundy, one of Canada’s largest investment dealers. She is
past-president of the Canadian Armenian Business Council of Ontario and
has been a board member since 1993. She is also an advisory committee
member of the Canada Armenian Parliamentary Friendship Group and a
trustee member of the Endowment Fund for the Holy Trinity Armenian
Church of Toronto. She will bring her extensive and successful
business experience in the financial services industry to her new
role as Chairman. We look forward to her leadership.

AGBU Armen-Ontario Corporation

The Central Board is also pleased to announce that Barry Berge
Papazian and Eugene Karadjian will be serving as President and
Treasurer/Secretary respectively of the Armen-Ontario Corporation.

Mr. Papazian will be succeeding Hrant Bardakjian as President of the
Corporation. Mr. Setrakian thanked Bardakjian for his leadership and
noted that he has been serving AGBU faithfully for many decades with
dedication and commitment. Mr. Bardakjian will continue as a member
of the Corporation and will serve as Chair of the AGBU Central Games
Committee.

Mr. Papazian is currently a managing partner at Papazian, Heisey &
Myers Law firm. Has bas been a barrister and solicitor since 1971. He
has been appointed to Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 1984 and is certified
by law society of Upper Canada (Ontario) as a specialist in civil
litigation since 1990. Mr. Papazian is the Director and Secretary of
Burger King Restaurants of Canada since 1982 and has served on the
Board of the University of Toronto from 1954-1985. He is the recipient
of the 2001 Man of the Year award at Holy Trinity Armenian Church and
has been the Secretary/Treasurer of Armen Ontario since December, 2003.

Mr. Karadjian has been a life-long member and has served AGBU well in
various capacities including his membership on the executive committee
of AGBU Toronto from 1986 to 1993.

Given this remarkable new leadership, the Central Board of AGBU is
confident that the AGBU Toronto Chapter and Armen-Ontario will ensure
the continued growth and success of AGBU in the greater Toronto area.

FEDERATION EURO-ARMENIENNE
pour la Justice et la Démocratie
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B–1000 BRUXELLES
Tel./Fax : +32 (0) 2 732 70 27
E-mail : [email protected]
Web :

COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
13 mai 2004
Contact: Talline Tachdjian
Tel.: +32 (0)2 732 70 27

ELECTIONS EUROPEENNES: LES TETES DE LISTES S’EXPRIMENT DEVANT LA COMMUNAUTE
ARMENIENNE

Lyon, France – Dimanche 9 Mai 2004, lors d’un meeting organisé à l’occasion
de la Journée de l’Europe à la Bourse du Travail de Lyon par le Comité de
Défense de la Cause Arménienne (CDCA) et la F.R.A Tachnagtsoutioun, les
têtes de listes de la circonscription du Sud-Est de la France pour les
Européennes ont eu l’occasion de s’exprimer sur l’entrée de la Turquie en
Europe: étaient présents Thierry Cornillet (UDF), Gérard Benhamias (Verts),
Patrick Louis (UPF). Le débat était animé par Frédéric Bourgade, journaliste
à France Inter, avec la participation de Franck Bianchieri du Think Tank
Europe 2002 et Hilda Tchoboian, de la Fédération Euro-Arménienne.
Absents en raison du lancement de la campagne électorale de leur parti,
Françoise Grossetête (UMP) et Michel Rocard (PS) se sont exprimés par des
interviews filmées.
Franck Bianchieri a témoigné de la préoccupation et de l’opposition
grandissantes à l’adhésion de la Turquie, constatée lors des débats qu’il a
animés dans 100 villes européennes.

Devant un auditoire attentif de plus de mille personnes, Thierry Cornillet
et Patrick Louis ont exposé leur opposition formelle à l’adhésion turque,
pour des raisons géographiques, culturelles et démographiques, promettant de
poursuivre cette politique lorsqu’ils seraient élus au Parlement européen.
De même, Françoise Grossetête, dont le parti a fait un revirement
spectaculaire depuis peu sur la question, a préconisé un statut de
partenariat privilégié pour la Turquie. A gauche, Gérard Benhamias, du parti
des Verts, a rappelé qu’il fallait intégrer la Turquie rapidement, et faire
confiance aux démocrates turcs pour l’amélioration de la situation des
Droits de l’Homme, ainsi que la reconnaissance du génocide qui serait le
résultat de la démocratisation du pays.
Pour sa part, Michel Rocard, a souligné l’importance stratégique de l’
adhésion turque, en raison des liens ethniques et culturels de la Turquie
avec les pays turcophones d’Asie Centrale dont les réserves pétrolières ne
sauraient laisser l’Europe indifférente ; selon lui, la reconnaissance du
génocide des Arméniens viendrait naturellement lorsque la Turquie se
sentirait « ridicule» pour son négationnisme.

Hilda Tchoboian a rappelé que c’est à l’occasion de l’examen de la
candidature de la Turquie que le Parlement européen a commencé depuis 2000 à
considérer, sous l’impulsion de la Fédération Euro–Arménienne, les questions
du génocide et du blocus. Rappelant les rapports Morillon et Lamassoure,
elle a dénoncé les incohérences entre les déclarations des partis opposés
à l’adhésion turque et leur refus de dire la vérité à la Turquie dans les
rapports annuels du Parlement Européen.
Pour les positions de la Gauche, Hilda Tchoboian a démenti l’exemplarité de
l’adhésion de la Turquie pour le monde musulman, en raison des relations
conflictuelles qui régissent le rapport de ce pays avec ses voisins arabes.
Elle a également dénoncé l’argument de la laïcité, fondée en Turquie non sur
la pluralité, et la séparation de la religion et de l’état, mais sur la
protection par l’état turc de la religion musulmane devenue majoritaire
après l’extermination des citoyens non musulmans.

« Si elle n’impose pas ses valeurs à la Turquie comme condition préalable à
son adhésion, l’Europe sera forcément amenée à intégrer les valeurs
négationnistes de la Turquie, et donner libre cours aux négationnismes des
autres génocides » a affirmé la Présidente de la Fédération Euro–Arménienne.
Elle a souligné qu’au delà d’une reconnaissance formelle, l’Europe doit
rendre possible les réparations du génocide, permettant notamment à la
Turquie de donner à l’Arménie et au peuple arménien les garanties de sa
sécurité.
« La Turquie doit promettre de renoncer à sa politique agressive vis à vis
de l’Arménie ; cette politique n’est pas le fait d’un régime, mais découle d
‘une doctrine d’état qui se poursuit aussi bien sous les régimes militaires
ou civiles, que sous celui des Islamistes » a conclu Hilda Tchoboian.

Avant un concert du groupe Bratch, en faisant la synthèse du débat, Georges
Kepenekian a déclaré que les Arméniens resteraient vigilants, et ne
donneraient pas de carte blanche aux partis dont les actions futures
resteront au centre de l’attention des citoyens européens.

#####

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 1) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 1) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

May 13, 2004

National Minority Rights on ACNIS Agenda

Yerevan-The fourth specialized policy seminar of the Armenian Center for
National and International Studies (ACNIS) and the Council of Europe’s
Confidence-building Measures Program convened today at the Armenia Marriott
Hotel. Held within the framework of the “Coordination among National
Minorities and Information Exchanges on Minority Rights in Armenia” Project,
the meeting was entitled “The Key Provisions of the Draft Law on National
Minorities: Old End or New Beginning?,” and brought together the leaders of
national minority and NGO communities, relevant government officials, human
rights advocates, academic circles, politicians, diplomats, public figures,
and representatives of mass media and international organizations concerned
about minority issues in Armenia.

Karapet Kalenchian, ACNIS’s director of administration, greeted the capacity
audience with opening remarks on behalf of the Center, wishing the
participants a productive deliberation. “Armenia should be the guarantor of
the national minorities residing here and we, as full members of society,
should support final resolution of these problems.” Kalenchian called on the
audience to engage in a robust and open discussion.

ACNIS analyst and project director Stepan Safarian underscored the
importance of the adoption of a law on national minorities, which is a
public imperative today in several aspects. “Though the national minorities
residing in Armenia are granted rights stipulated in the Constitution, laws,
and international agreements and treaties, they are often deprived of the
mechanisms and procedures to enjoy them. In addition, the law will promote
the precise definition of the state’s obligations in the fields of culture,
education, language, and the protection of traditions. Finally, it will
delineate minority problems, means and competent levels of resolution, and
decision- making mechanisms,” he said.

During the first session, entitled “Defining ‘National Minority’ by Law,”
Shavarsh Khachatrian, minorities expert at the Helsinki Committee of Armenia
and research fellow of Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, reflected
on the difficulties one encounters in applying the definition of national
minority found in the legislation of European states. In his paper, titled
“Defining ‘National Minorities’ in the International and National Arenas:
The European Experience,” he presented the contradictory perceptions of the
definition of “national minority” against the backdrop of European
experience, as well as the trends that are assumed and should be considered
while applying the law. “There are several key issues to pay attention to:
the Framework Convention does not provide a universally accepted definition
of ‘national minority’, and then the definitions used today by states are
very often arguable, since no agreement has been reached on the criteria for
such definitions by the consultative committee set up by the Framework
Convention,” said Khachatrian.

“Major risks of the law on national minorities and means to overcome them”
constituted the focus of an address by Hranush Kharatian, chairperson of the
National and Religious Minorities Board of the Government of Armenia. She
expressed concern that the referenced law might also bring forth certain
limitations, as a result of which rights relating to the language and
culture of individual representatives of the national minorities or persons
finding themselves out of the “community” group will remain solely within
the framework of individual rights. “In any case, this or that manifestation
of the right may be viewed as advantageous for some, and ‘risky’ for
others,” Kharatian concluded.

Armenian ombudsperson Larisa Alaverdian, who concentrated mainly on the
mechanisms that can effectively provide the rights protection of national
minorities, was of the opinion that the problem should be comprehensively
discussed and a consequent concept paper should be worked out before
adoption of such a law. “No matter how hard it is, we should have the law if
there is a demand for it. Otherwise it can turn into a formal document
without force, unable to protect the group rights of the community,” noted
the rights defender.

The second session on “Active State Policy in the Educational and Cultural
Life of National Minorities and Its Stipulation in Armenian Legislation”
began with the presentation by Nouridjan Manoukian, chief of the Control
Department at the Board of Secondary Education of the Ministry of Education
and Science, on “The Key Provisions of Active State Policy in the Sphere of
National Minorities’ Education.” The major obstacle one encounters while
receiving education in a mother tongue, he maintained, is not the lack of
the law but the lack of educators and textbooks which results a close
circle. “For want of educators there is a lack of graduates, for want of
graduates there is a lack of applicants to higher educational institutions,
for want of applicants to higher educational institutions there is a lack of
educators,” stressed the government official.

The session concluded with a paper on “The State’s Cultural Policy in
Preserving, Developing, and Disseminating the Culture of National Minorities
Residing in Armenia” delivered by Garnik Guyumdjian, chief of the Department
for State Programs, Cultural Cooperation, Education and Science of the
Ministry of Culture and Youth Issues. In his view, the following benchmarks
are of importance in this field: encouraging creative activity, preserving
cultural heritage, disseminating cultural values, realizing human potential,
and the legally and economically regulating cultural development. As to the
need for a law on national minorities, Guyumdjian argued that sufficient
protections already exist. “We moreso need today to support the cultural
organizations and compatriotic unions of national minorities with clear-cut
programs and to make them participants in policy making and implementation
processes.”

The seminar was followed by a lively roundtable of views among Siaband
Bakoyan, chairman of the “Ezdikhana” association’s political council;
Alikhan Shababian, representative of Nor Nork district council; Hasan
Hasanian, head of the Yezidi religious organization “Followers of Sharfadin”
; Rabbi Gersh Bourstein, head of the Mordekhay Navi Jewish Community of
Armenia; Arsen Mikhailov, chairman of the “Atur” Assyrian union; Irina
Gasparian, representative of the Assyrian community; Charkyaze Mstoyan,
chairman of the “Kurdistan” committee; Slava Rafaelidis, representative of
the Greek community and chairman of the Council of Armenian Nationalities;
Romania Yavir, chairperson of the Ukrainian community in Armenia; Aida
Haroutiunian, chairperson of “Harmony” NGO; ACNIS analyst Hovsep
Khurshudian; Armenouhi Hovannisian, executive director of Junior Achievement
of Armenia; Vardan Astsatrian, the coordinator on national minorities and
religious issues of the social department of the Armenian government;
parliamentarian Vazgen Khachikain; Gayane Terzian, representative of the
“Mkhitar Sebastatsi” educational complex; Mara Sahakian, chairperson of the
Civitas NGO; Avetik Ishkhanian of the Armenian Helsinki Committee; and
Gayane Markosian of the “Harmonious World” NGO.

Despite some reservations, the discussants underlined the importance of the
law on national minorities, and made practical proposals for enforcement of
national policy in educational, academic, and cultural life and in other
domains.

The fifth and final seminar in ACNIS’s minorities series, entitled “The
Rights of Armenian National Minorities in 2003: An Annual Report to the
Council of Europe,” will take place in June, and will be followed by
preparation of a comprehensive report on Armenia’s minorities for the
Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2004, the Center focuses
primarily on public outreach, civic education, and applied research on
critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the state and the nation.

For further information on the Center and its activities, call (3741)
52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax (3741) 52-48-46; e-mail [email protected] or
[email protected]; or visit at