ARMENIAN NGO NEWS IN BRIEF
Volume 2, No. 41
January-February, 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

*** RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES

*** EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION
FOR CITIZENS

*** BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM

*** LET’S HELP DEBED RIVER

*** WORKING TOGETHER – BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

*** SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

*** ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR

*** ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

*** ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED

*** RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES

The Open Medical Club NGO’s Raising the Population’s Awareness on the Right
to Free Medical Services project is coming to its end. As a result of a
preliminary survey, only ten per cent of the population is informed about
their right to free medical services. The 5,000 booklets published contained
basic information on free medical services. Educational activities were
carried out through two video films produced by the NGO and aired by Yerevan
TV Channel, as well as discussions held with NGO representatives. Upon
completion of the project, another survey will be conducted, which will form
the basis for a new awareness-raising project on 2004 decrees. The project
is being implemented through funding support received from World Learning
Organization through USAID.

Contact:
Zaruhi Janibekyan
Open Medical Club NGO
60 Abovyan St.; Children’s University Hospital #1
Tel.: (374-1) 54-44-17; 54-44-18
E-mail: [email protected]

*** EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION
FOR CITIZENS

The final roundtable of the above mentioned project by the Anna National
Association of Consumers and Consumers Rights Protection Union NGOs was held
on January 29, 2004. Project staff presented to representatives of NGOs,
state structures, international organizations and Mass Media a summary of
the activities they implemented: survey to reveal the population’s awareness
of the law; booklets, brochures and Consumer newsletter published; radio
and TV programs aired; and seminars and consultancies provided. Within the
framework of the subproject, the Union of Consumer Rights Protection
developed and published Comments on Articles on the ROA Law on Consumers
Rights Protection, encompassing not only the general provisions of the Law,
but also issues related to protection of consumers rights during service
provision, and state and social protection of consumers rights. The Union
developed and launched their website – the
electronic version of the book is available, along with a number of other
legal acts related to the issue. The project was implemented with funding
support received from Eurasia Foundation through USAID.

Contacts:
Melita Hakobyan
Anna National Association of Consumers NGO
23 David Anhaght St., 3rd Floor
Tel.: (374-1) 24-92-04

Abgar Yeghoyan
Consumer Rights Protection Union NGO
10 Hanrapetutian St.
Tel.: (374-1) 46-08-24; 56-37-73
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website:

*** BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM
This forum was organized by the International Council on Social Welfare
(ICSW) and Mission Armenia NGO from January 15-17, 2004 in Yerevan.
Representatives of more than 50 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from
Black Sea Economic Cooperation nine member states (Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation and
Ukraine), ROA Ministries (Foreign Affairs, Social Security and Healthcare)
and international organizations participated in the event. The Black Sea
Regional Civil Society Forum anticipates establishing collaboration among
the regional CSOs and advocating to the BSEC that its mandate be expanded to
include social welfare issues. During the plenary sessions, the attention of
the Forum participants was drawn to problems of sustainable development,
poverty reduction, healthcare, human rights, global population aging,
migration, and more. Participants discussed the social priorities of the
region, which served as bases for a Draft Policy Paper. In this paper,
participants presented the ways and mechanisms of anticipated BSEC-CSO
collaboration to solve regional social problems. The Draft Paper will be
further developed during the coming two months before submission to the BSEC
General Assembly in April 2004. Another major result of the Forum was the
creation of the CSO Network. Headed by a Coordination Council, it has focal
points in all participating countries. Mission Armenia NGO has undertaken
the responsibilities of the Network Secretariat. The participants also
selected a Lobbying Team which will undertake necessary activities to
establish BSEC-CSO collaboration.
Contact: Hripsime Kirakossyan
Mission Armenia NGO
42 Garegin Nzhdeh St.
Tel.: (374 1) 44-47-92; 44-47-93; 44-47-61; 44-47-32
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

*** LET’S HELP DEBED RIVER

On January 13, 2004, the Vanadzor based Trichk (Flight) NGO organized a
discussion within the framework of Appeal for Consciousness project.
Leading specialists from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of
the Lori Regional Governor’s Office and the Center for Monitoring Hygiene
Epidemiology, pedagogues-biologists and representatives of NGOs dealing with
environmental issues participated in the discussion. They presented
suggestions related to environmental education, tree planting, improving
utilities and fighting against illegal utilization of forest land
contributing to landslides. Participants expressed their concerns about the
increasing levels of ammonium in the Debed River, as a result of which, many
fish have died.

Contact: Hovhanness Nikoghosyan
Trichk (Flight) NGO
Tel.: (374-51) 4-49-28; 2-16-75; 4-46-26
E-mail: [email protected]

*** WORKING TOGETHER – BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe, in cooperation with the All
Armenian Women’s Union and the Armenian Committee of Helsinki Citizens
Assembly NGOs, together are implementing the Working Together-Building
Community Connections project in Armenia. The goal of the project is to
promote dialogue between local authorities and the community, increase
community involvement in solving local problems and explore ways of
cooperation. Within the project framework, in January 2004, forums were held
in Yerevan’s Nor Nork and Arabkir communities with representatives of local
self-governing bodies (LSGB), mass media, schools, scientific and research
institutes and community members participating. During the forums entitled
Do We Contribute to the Establishment of Dialogue between LSGB and Society?
and Could We Jointly Improve our Community?, participants analyzed barriers
of cooperation between LSGB and society and suggested ways of overcoming
those obstacles. During the forum, recommendations were made. To implement
them, action plans were developed and initiative groups formed. Similar
forums are planned to be held in eight towns of Armenia. Civic Initiatives
newsletter will also be published and seminars on the Promoting Civic
Initiatives will be organized. The project is being implemented with
financial assistance from the US Department of State Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs.

Contact:
Natalia Martirossyan
All Armenian Women’s Union
Tel.: (374-1) 52-09-74
E-mail: [email protected]

*** SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

On February 3, 2004, six local NGOs presented their projects implemented
within the framework of Trans-boundary Grants Programme of the Regional
Environmental Center (REC.) Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation, the projects were designed to solve regional environmental
problems with the cooperation of NGOs. Brief descriptions of the projects
are presented below:

ž Tapan Eco-Club and its partners have developed an explanatory dictionary
of major ecological terms in Azeri, Armenian, English, Georgian and Russian
languages. The dictionary was distributed to interested NGOs and government
bodies and can be accessed at the website

ž Center of Bird Lovers and its Georgian partner studied the quantity and
seasonal composition of wetland biotypes and the ornithological fauna of
Armenia and Georgia. They developed a list of rare and endangered biotopes,
short and long-term plans for the protection of birds and recommendations
for creating protected areas. All of these materials were submitted to the
Ministries of Ecology in Armenia and Georgia. In addition, the NGOs
conducted ecological education activities among citizens of all ages.

The Association for Human Sustainable Development, with its Azeri and
Georgian partners, identified problems within the sustainable development
framework in two towns in each of the three republics. Solutions were
suggested to the local authorities and the NGOsoffered specific guidelines
for adopting Local Agenda-21 in each town studied.

ž Union of Consumers Rights Protection and its partners conducted
preliminary monitoring of selected foods in each country to reveal
potentially dangerous foods. They then carried out laboratory testing of
foods, and publicized the results in newspapers, and on radio and TV
programs. The NGOs also prepared a comparative analysis of laws relating to
food security in the three countries and developed recommendations to
harmonize this legislation in each country. These recommendations were
introduced to relevant state structures.

ž Armenian School and its partners developed a CD and the website
, which introduces environmental problems of the
South Caucasus countries through stories, animations, games and quizzes. The
CD, available in Armenian, Azeri, English and Georgian, was distributed
among schoolchildren and environmental NGOs.

ž Greens Union of Armenia and its partners studied international legislation
and standards related to pipeline construction. They assessed the current
and anticipated impact on the ecological situation along the planned
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Erzrum pipeline routes. Their reports were
disseminated among NGOs and society, thereby bringing them into the Caucasus
Network of Public Observers.

REC Caucasus is currently developing a publication which will highlight
success stories. When completed, this will be available for all interested.

Contact:
Hovhanness Ghazaryan
REC Caucasus Information Point, Armenia
1 Charents St., 2nd floor
Tel.: (374-1) 57-47-43
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

*** ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR

Lori Regional Office of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems
(IFES) organized Interests Protection seminar in Vanadzor on February 4-6,
2004. The seminar had two objectives: 1) transfer theoretical knowledge and
practical skills to participants and 2) form groups which would actually
carry out interests protection activities. Representatives of various
Vanadzor based NGOs and universities, as well as individuals concerned with
the issues of accessibility of information and freedom of speech in
communities participated in the seminar. During the training, some
participants decided to direct their activities towards contributing to the
provision of transparency and accessibility of information in condominiums.
Others chose to form a youth club/board, which will attempt to organize the
leisure time of young people and act as a link between the youth and local
self governing bodies, thus providing an opportunity for young people to
participate in decision making processes. The groups developed action plans.
The initiative groups began their activities on February 14. Preliminary
meetings have already been held and timetables set.

Those interested in the activities of the initiative groups or wishing to
get involved, may contact Lori Regional Office of the International
Foundation for Education Systems (IFES) at telephone number (374-51) 4-29-68
or by e-mail at [email protected].

*** ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

On February 11-12, 2004, the issue of legislative regulation of volunteer
activities was discussed in Tsakhkadzor. World Learning NGO Strengthening
Program and AAA NGO Training and Resource Center jointly organized the
workshop, with USAID support. The event brought together lawyers,
professionals from various backgrounds and NGOs. The workshop accurately
reflected the situation with Volunteerism in Armenia, both in the sense of
attitudes by government and public need. During the discussions, NGOs raised
the problems they face in this field, especially related to tax and social
welfare issues. The Draft Law on Volunteers and Volunteer Activities also
was discussed in detail. All participants emphasized the need for legal
regulation and suggestions were made regarding content and technical
structure. At the end of the second working day, participants decided to
form a working group of lawyers and NGOs, who will further develop the draft
legislation. Once completed, the draft will be presented to such interested
structures as ROA Ministry of Justice, the State Fund for Social Welfare, as
well as to a wider public. Future actions will then be defined.

Contacts:
Yan Karpovich
World Learning NSP
24 Moskovian St., #1
Tel.: (374-1) 58-26-20, 52-08-51, 54-35-76
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

AAA NGO Training and Resource Center
39 Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

*** ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED

The Vanadzor based Lusastgh NGO is implementing their White Stick project to
educate on the need for protecting the rights of the blind. Designed to
contribute to the betterment of social conditions of the blind, the project
will reveal needs of beneficiaries and suggestions on solving their
problems. Within the framework of the project, events have been organized to
disseminate information and highlight problems faced by the blind. One of
these events was the February 24 roundtable devoted to the discussion of the
Annual Program on Social Protection of the Disabled, with a particular focus
on issues of the blind.

As prescribed by Article 5 of the ROA Law on the Disabled, the Government is
authorized to include an Annual Program on Social Protection of the
Disabled. The programs may include activities directed at social and legal
protection of the disabled and particularly ensuring education and
requalification of the blind. The discussion highlighted a number of
suggestions in this regard.

Contact:
Nune Pepanyan
Lusastgh NGO
Tel.: (374-51) 4-29-14
E-mail: [email protected]

__________________________________________________________________________

Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource
Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for
electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Primary funding for the
NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by
the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Individual
NGOs are welcome to submit information for publication to the NGOC. The NGO
Center is not responsible for the clarity of information provided by
individual NGOs.

Dear Readers,

The not-for-profit, non-governmental sector of Armenia is rich with diverse
civic initiatives and activities. This electronic publication, though far
from covering all activities of the sector per any given period of time, is
intended to contribute to raising awareness, both inside and outside
Armenia, of the activities of Armenian not-for-profit, non-governmental
organizations.

Your comments and feedback about this electronic publication are greatly
appreciated.

Thank you.
NGOC staff.

Contact Information:

In Armenia:Armenian Assembly of AmericaNGO Training and Resource Center39
Yeznik Koghbatsi St.,Yerevan 375010Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13;
53-92-04Fax: (374-1) 54-40-15E-mail: [email protected]:
In the United States:Armenian Assembly of AmericaNGO Training and Resource
Center122 C Street NW, Suite 350Washington, DC 20001 USATel: (202)
393-3434Fax: (202) 638-4904E-mail: [email protected]:

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

March 10, 2004
___________________

EMOTION-DRENCHED SERVICE IS CULMINATION OF WORK FOR NEW PRIEST

By Jake Goshert

Tears came to the eyes of parishioners gathered at St. James Church of
Richmond, VA, on February 22, 2004. It was the second day of the two-day
ceremony, during which Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), ordained a new priest for the
Armenian Church: Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan.

“Fr. Hovsep has waited a long time for this moment,” the Primate said to
more than 180 parishioners and friends during the service. “He considered
carefully what road God was calling him to. And God’s plan for his life led
him here, to this moment. This is a lesson for us all, for God has a
purpose for each one of us.”

LONG ROAD

Fr. Hovsep, baptized as Tigran, was born in Armenia in 1972, to Ruben and
Tamar Karapetyan. His father was the athletics teacher at the seminary of
Holy Etchmiadzin, and that is where Fr. Hovsep first met and learned about
seminarians. From there he would study in Jerusalem, and then in New York,
after moving to the United States in 1997.

“My journey and longtime aspiration of becoming an ordained servant of God
has become fulfilled,” Fr. Hovsep said. “It is an incomprehensible joy for
me, as I finally and fully receive the call and accept the vow of the holy
priesthood.”

When he was in New York, studying at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, he was
befriended by Mary Bahadurian, a member of the St. Vartan Cathedral
community. She stayed a constant supporter of his ministry when he moved to
Richmond in 2000, to become deacon-in-charge of the St. James Church. Ms.
Bahadurian served as godmother during the ordination service.

“I feel very special and happy to be his godmother,” she said. “He has
always been quiet, modest, and fun-loving. And as the years have passed he
has become more reflective and committed to his vocation. Tigran’s parents
as well as his young wife are equally pious and sacrificing in their love of
God.”

Also helping in the ordination were Fr. Arakel Aljalian and Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, who served as the sponsors of Fr. Hovsep. Bishop Vicken Aykazian,
diocesan legate, offered a prayer during the banquet following the
ordination.

A FIRST FOR RICHMOND

For most people in the Richmond parish, this was the first Armenian priestly
ordination they had ever witnessed. Yeretzgin Jennifer Karapetyan said the
emotion of the event brought tears to the eyes of many. And, she added, it
brought the Holy Spirit to the eyes of Fr. Hovsep.

“It was very moving. I had seen a tape of an ordination, but this was
incredible witnessing it. A lot of people came up and said they were moved
to tears,” she said. “And you could see something in his face. I saw a
difference, he had an expression of complete humility in the process he was
going through. I could tell he was very emotional.”

Now Fr. Hovsep is in seclusion — traditional for 40 days after an
ordination — at St. Nersess Seminary. He will celebrate his first Divine
Liturgy with the St. James parish on Palm Sunday, April 4, 2004. And when
he does return, Yn. Jennifer, whom he married last year, is ready to stand
by him in his ministry.

“I look forward to being a help to Der Hovsep. The Armenian Church has
become a spiritual light for me, and I feel very fortunate to be embraced by
the community and to be serving,” she said. “The community is excited, too,
to have its own, newly ordained priest.”

— 3/10/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, joined by Fr. Arakel
Aljalian and Fr. Mardiros Chevian, ordains Dn. Tigran Karapetyan as Fr.
Hovsep during a two-day ordination ceremony, February 21 and 22, 2004, at
St. James Church, Richmond, VA.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian anoints Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan
during his priestly ordination on February 22, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian ordains Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan at
the St. James Church in Richmond, VA.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Mary Bahadurian, godmother of Fr. Hovsep’s ordination,
holds his new priestly vestments during the ordination ceremony on February
22, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (5): Archbishop Barsamian joins Fr. Hovsep and Yn. Jennifer
Karapetyan, and Fr. Hovsep’s parents, Tamar and Ruben.

PHOTO CAPTION (6): The Primate blesses Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan during the
ordination of her husband, Fr. Hovsep, at St. James Church in Richmond, VA,
on February 22, 2004.

# # #

PRESS RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina NG Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

March 10, 2004
____________________

FAR BOARD PREPARING TRANSITION PLAN

New York, (March 10, 2004): The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
Executive Director, Simon Y. Balian, informed the Board of Directors
that he intends to step down this year and requested that a process
begin to appoint a successor. According to Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
and Mr. Kevork Hovnanian, respectively the President and the Chairman of
the FAR Board, Mr. Balian will stay on until the successor is named and
will help the new Executive Director through a transition period to
ensure the continued smooth operation of the organization and its many
projects.

Mr. Balian explained that it was a difficult decision because of his
profound attachment to FAR and to the people of Armenia. “I have been
very fortunate to have had this opportunity and feel honored to have
worked with a distinguished and dedicated Board of Directors. I am
grateful for the support and guidance I have received during my tenure
as Executive Director,” stated Mr. Balian, who also praised and thanked
the staff in New York and Armenia for their passionate commitment and
constant source of inspiration, making FAR a successful institution.

He explained that unlike most Diaspora-based Armenian organizations, FAR
has grown exponentially since its birth, which arose from the tragic
earthquake of 1988. The organization has completed every project it has
undertaken in Armenia. “I believe,” said Mr. Balian, “that this is a
good time to make a transition to a new Executive Director. It is also
a good time for me personally after 11 years at the helm of the
organization to move on to new challenges that, I hope, will continue to
be focused on Armenia in different ways.”

Archbishop Barsamian expressed his appreciation to Mr. Balian for
“guiding the organization through its tremendous expansion in the past
decade” and acknowledged Mr. Hovnanian’s extraordinary leadership and
the Board’s instrumental role in the growth of the organization.
Echoing the Archbishop’s sentiment, the Board also thanked Mr. Balian
for working to provide the necessary transition to a new Executive
Director. Understanding Mr. Balian’s reasons to step down, the Board
wished him the best and assured him of its continued support for
whatever he decides to do.

Mr. Hovnanian, one of FAR’s key founders, said of Mr. Balian, “he is an
outstanding person who turned FAR into the pre-eminent organization in
Armenia through hard work and by fostering a culture of integrity in the
operations of the organization.” Then he revealed, “I have enjoyed
working with him. Along with the rest of the Board, I will miss him.”

The Board appointed a Search Committee led by Mr. Hovnanian to seek and
review potential candidates for the position. The Search Committee will
be assisted by Randolph S. Gulian, President of InSearch Worldwide, an
executive recruitment firm. Mr. Gulian is volunteering his services to
the organization.

The organization’s administration and projects will continue without any
slowdown during the period of the search for a new Executive Director
and during the transition period. The Board will remain fully engaged
and Mr. Balian will continue to manage the daily affairs of the
organization. The Board, once again, expressed its gratitude to the
thousands of donors and supporters who have entrusted FAR with carrying
out their mission of helping the people of Armenia.

— 03/10/04

# # #

A1 Plus | 20:28:27 | 10-03-2004 | Politics |

PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN MET WITH STUDENTS

On Wednesday, speaking before students at Yerevan State University,
president Kocharyan said 19-percent economic growth is recorded in Armenia,
Azatutyun radio station reports.

He intends to continue his presidency under “welfare for citizens” banner.

Answering the questions the students put to him, Kocharyan said he found the
new bill on military service is too premature, as universities’ system
legislative field is still put in order.

It should be reminded that the government-proposed bill has sparked vigorous
protest from students and as a result been withdrawn from the National
Assembly floor.

Kocharyan said he backed the idea of compulsory national service for all
young men, including his two sons.

Answering the question about Armenia’s external debt, the president said
there are no reasons to worry.

—

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
March 10 2004

ILLEGAL BROADCASTING TO BE STOPPED
[March 10, 2004, 17:15:37]

In connection with broadcasting of Armenian TV programs in several
regions of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Communications and Information
Technologies has raised the problem before the regional communication
organization functioning within the framework of the Commonwealth of
Independent States. At he organization’s invitation, officials of the
Communication Ministry visited Moscow, where representatives of
Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia through the mediation of the regional
communication organization, have negotiated on elimination of the
problem emerged due to coordination of TV channels broadcasting.

The meeting participants have reached the agreement on suppression of
Armenian TV channels’ broadcasting in the territory of Azerbaijan,
and signed appropriate protocol.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
March 10 2004

PRESS CONFERENCE AT CLERICAL OFFICE OF CAUCASIAN MUSLIMS HELD
[March 10, 2004, 18:18:52]

Chairman of the Clerical Office of the Caucasian Muslims sheikh
ul-Islam hajji Allahshukur Pashazadeh has conducted a press
conference for media to speak of the results of the Inter-religious
Peacemaking Forum in Moscow. Mr. Pashazadeh noted that over 300
religious leaders from CIS countries had participated in the forum.
He said the major purpose of the event was forming CIS
Inter-religious Council to strengthen peace between nations and
religions, to achieve solidarity and stability in the society,
develop dialogue among religious leaders, unite efforts against the
common danger, co-ordinate joint activity for revival of the
traditional spiritual values.

The forum participants elected a Board of the CIS Inter-religious
Council consisted of 22 religious figures. Two of them – Patriarch
Aleksiy II and Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh – were
conferred special powers of honorary co-chairs. An executive
committee consisted of 19 Council members was also elected.

Within the frameworks of the international forum, sheikh ul-Islam A.
Pashazadeh and Aleksiy II held one-on-one meeting and discussed
bilateral relations and main goals facing religious leaders of CIS
countries. Moreover, a meeting of religious leaders of Caucasus
countries – sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, all Georgian
Catholicos-patriarch Iliya II, Catholicos of all Armenians Garigin II
and Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Aleksiy II – was also held
during the forum.

Within the frames of the meeting the `round table’ discussion mainly
revolved around `Experience of inter-religious cooperation expansion
at the regional level’, `Problems of religious education’, `Religion
and Media’, `Peacemaking efforts of religious organizations’.

In conclusion, head of the clerical office responded to the
journalists’ questions.

Anadolu Agency
March 10 2004

Tusiad Asks France To Support Turkey’s E.U. Bid

PARIS – Omer Sabanci, the Chairman of the Association of Turkish
Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSIAD) asked on Tuesday France’s
support for EU’s starting full membership negotiations with Turkey.

TUSIAD’s Paris Office was opened the same day in a ceremony in which
State Minister Ali Babacan, French Minister of Economy, Finances, and
Industry Francis Mer and Chairman of Association of French
Industrialists and Businessmen (MEDEF- Mouvement des Entreprises de
France) Antoine Seilliere participated.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Sabanci said that ”we firmly
believe that France will appreciate the historical, strategic and
political significance of helping Turkey join the EU.”

Sabanci stated that ”with the start of the negotiations early next
year, we expect an influx of foreign direct investment. This should
enhance the intensification of economic activities in our country.
Our economic dynamism is helping the economies of neighbouring
countries. We expect Armenia to soon join Syria, Iraq, Georgia,
Russia, Iran and other regional countries as a viable trade partner
of Turkey when the border is opened.”

”By the beginning of the next decade Turkey will be an energy
corridor as gas and oil pipelines cross the country north to south
and east to west. The EU would be one of the beneficiaries of such a
development since these multiple pipelines will enable it diversify
its sources of energy,” Sabanci noted.

Referring to the historical and cultural bonds between Turkey and
France in his speech, Sabanci also mentioned the importance of France
in modernization period of Ottoman Empire noting that ”it was the
philosophers of enlightenment, the literature and political thought
of France that attracted the reformers in Ottoman Empire.”

”The Turkish Republic was designed in large measure after French
political and administrative example. Kemal Ataturk’s private library
includes many well-thumped meticulously annotated works by French
thinkers, notably Rousseau and Montesqieu,” he said.

Sabanci said that the strong historical and intellectual bonds
between the two countries gave Turkey the assurance that France would
understand Turkey’s aspirations about EU membership.

TUSIAD Chairman said that important steps were taken in Turkey during
the last two years to meet Copenhagen criteria and remarked that the
economic system was being restructured.

Referring to the devastating economic crisis of 2001, Sabanci said
that ”with the guidance of a program supported by the IMF, and then
admirably managed by State Minister Babacan we have finally reached
calm waters. From now on the Maastricht criteria and the Lisbon
Strategy of the European Union are also our main guidelines.”

”As of this month, the rate of inflation dropped to single digit
levels. Growth has been restored to the economy even if employment
figures have not yet caught up with the rebound. Interest rates are
at their lowest since a quarter century ago and budgetary discipline
has been mostly restored. Turkish companies are emerging as
world-class competitors in sophisticated industrial products,” he
said.

Sabanci stated that he believed that Turkey would reach its goals in
privatization and administrative reforms, adding that TUSIAD aimed to
bring Turkey’s economy to the standards of most competitive countries
in terms of its technological sophistication.

Sabanci noted that TUSIAD worked hard and long for Turkey’s
democratization, adding that TUSIAD was the watchdog of the reform
process.

”What we ask from our partners in the EU is encouragement and a fair
assessment when December arrives. Turkey is ready for the process of
negotiations, which we know will take several years to successfully
conclude. By that European Council, Turkey will have done its part in
securing a Cyprus resolution. We hope that our Greek counterparts,
particularly in the island, will do the same,” Sabanci said.

”September 11 and the conduct of the war against Iraq led all of us
to a reassessment of Transatlantic relations,” he said adding that
Turkey would continue to play an important role strategically in the
new world order.

”We all have a common interest in not allowing a so-called clash of
civilizations. Just as much we have a common interest in stabilizing
the Middle East and assure the emergence of a secular, representative
political order in that critical region. I am sure you share my view
that such a task would be almost impossible without Turkey’s
participation and contribution. Developments of the past year and a
half particularly the context of the Iraq war have highlighted the
commonality of interests for Turkey and the EU. We should work to
deepen our dialogue and understanding. And this can only be achieved
as our partnership evolves to full membership in an EU that becomes a
full player in world politics just as France desires,” he added.

Anadolu Agency
March 10 2004

Roth: Resolution of Cyprus Question is very important for Turkey

BERLIN – Claudia Roth, the chairwoman of the German government`s
human rights board and the Turkish-German Parliamentary Friendship
Group, has said that resolution of the Cyprus question was very
important for Turkey.

Roth had a meeting on Tuesday in Berlin with Parliamentary Commission
for Adjustment Into European Union (EU) members headed by former
Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis.

Speaking at the meeting, Roth said that end of human rights
violations and removal of regional economic differences were
important for Turkey`s EU membership.

Although it was not among the Copenhagen criteria, resolution of the
Cyprus question was very important and if it was not resolved, Turkey
would have difficulties because those who were against Turkey`s
membership might show it as a pretext, she said.

Noting that she completely supported the German government`s attitude
toward opening of membership negotiations with Turkey in case of
fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria, Roth said that also German
Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer believed that Turkey might play a
key role in securing peace and fight against terrorism.

Stressing that as the Green Party, they attributed great importance
especially to human rights, Roth said that she would have meetings in
Ankara, Diyarbakir, Mardin and Istanbul during her one-week visit to
Turkey in May.

Recalling that the Turkish press had harshly criticized her during
some periods, Roth said that criticism did not mean you were always
against something and her party believed in principle of equality
while other parties had concerns whether a Muslim country could
change them. Noting that there had been lobbying efforts in the
German assembly to bring so-called Armenian genocide onto the agenda,
Roth said she could not know how much those efforts would be
effective but Armenian issue might come to the agenda of the
assembly.

Defending that release of Leyla Zana would be positive for Turkey,
Roth added that Zana was well-known in international area.

ArmenPress
March 10 2004

POLICE IDENTIFIES CEMETERY VANDALS

KRASNODAR, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS: The weekly Yerkramas, published
by the Armenian community in the southern Russian province of
Krasnodar, said the local police have identified a group of
youngsters, who profaned Armenian gravestones at the Slavonic
cemetery of the city on March 2 overnight. The weekly said the group
was made of 8 youngsters, aged between 13 to 16. The local police
said their parents will have to compensate the damages and restore
the broken tombs.
A similar act of vandalism was reported in 2002 April that was
strongly condemned by Armenian government and leading politicians,
who voiced their serious concern over escalating ethnic tensions in
the southern Russia.
On April 18, 2002 about 50 youths went on a rampage through the
Armenian cemetery in the city of Krasnodar vandalizing gravestones
and monuments. Though the local police announced then the arrest of
three Russian youngsters, aged between 14 and 17, on suspicion of
involvement in the rampage, all of them avoided any punishment.

ArmenPress
March 10 2004

MURDERER OF ARMENIAN OFFICER SENDS MESSAGE TO HIS NATION

BAKU, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS: The defense ministry of Azerbaijan has
committed to pay a Hungarian attorney Peter Zala, hired by the
official Baku to defend Ramil Safarov, an Azeri officer who hacked to
death an Armenian classmate, Gurgen Margarian in Budapest on February
19.
An Azeri lawyer, Adil Ismailov, who is steering a committee,
founded in Azerbaijan to defend Safarov, told in Baku upon his return
from Hungary that Safarov was recognized guilty after a test to
identify whether he was suffering from a mental disorder, produced a
negative result. Ismailov said the defense will be based on the
assumption that “as long as the Armenian-Azeri opposition over
Karabagh remains unresolved, similar incidents are likely to happen.”
He said he was assured by the authorities that “president Aliyev is
following closely the case of Safarov.”
Azeri prosecutors are traveling next week to Budapest to meet with
Hungary’s chief prosecutor and hand over all required documents.
According to Ismailov, the investigation into the murder will be
finished in 2 months and only then the date of the trial will be set.
He said Safarov is charged with premeditated murder, facing a prison
term from 15 years to life imprisonment, but did not rule out that
Safarov may be handed over to Azerbaijan to serve his term in his
home country. He also said the government is prepared to defend its
citizen, and added that Safarov addressed a message to his
compatriots, which will be unveiled soon. The commission in defense
of Safarov is said to have collected $25,000 to take care of all
necessary expenses.