MosJan

TURKISH COMMISSION MEMBER REVEALS SINISTER INTENTIONS Three recent developments in Armenia and the Diaspora sharply countered laims by Armenian members of the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation CmmissionÓthat most Armenians supported their secret negotiations with Turkish deniers of the Armenian Genocide. Almost all of the political groups represented in the Armenian Parliament issued a joint statement on July 31 criticizing the Commission’s shadowy process which can endanger real possibilities for the establishment of relations between Armenia and Turkey. These parliamentary blocs, consisting of 83 out of 129 members or two-thirds of the Parliament, declared in their statement: “The attempt to weaken the process of garnering international recognition for the Armenian Genocide, split the efforts of the united Armenian front, and disrupt the process which has gained momentum within the international arena, is unacceptable. The signatories announce that Armenian-Turkish bilateral relations can be established only through authorized legal representatives.” The Foreign Ministry of Armenia issued its official position the following day: “It is noteworthy that the political forces holding the majority in the parliament have assumed a unified position over the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission.” The Ministry expressed its “concern over the fact that Armenian genocide-related issues which are of pan-national importance and have always been a uniting factor in both Armenia and the Diaspora can split the united Armenian front and suspend the Armenian Genocide recognition process. “It should also be noted that track two diplomacy cannot replace state-level discussions, and all existing problems between Armenia and Turkey can be solved only through an inter-state dialogue.” The third important development was the joint statement issued by 21 Armenian Church leaders and community organizations in the United States on August 9, condemning the creation of the Turkish Commission. The signatories, including the religious leaders of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic, the Catholic and the Evangelical churches, declared that the Commission’s undertaking could lead to results which do not correspond to the interests of the Armenian nation. A report issued by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on August 8 stated that “the reaction from the Armenian public has been largely negative so far.” It further reported that “many politicians, public figures and scholars in Armenia and the Diaspora say that Ankara wants to stem the wave of recognition by Western legislatures of the Armenian Genocide, by showing that it is engaged in a dialogue with the Armenians.” A statement issued by Ozdem Sanberk, a member of the Turkish Commission, confirmed Armenians’ worst fears. In an interview with the Azeri newspaper, 525- Gazet, on July 19, 2001, Sanberk made the following alarming revelation: “The basic goals of our commission is to impede the initiatives put forth every year in the U.S. Congress and parliaments of Western countries for the genocide issue and aimed at weakening Turkey. “The key goal is to prevent the genocide issue from being regularly brought into the agenda of the Western countries”. The significant matter for us is that the genocide issue is not discussed by the American Congress any more. Because, as long as we continue the dialogue, the issue won’t be brought to the Congress agenda. If it is not discussed in the Congress, we, being Turkey, will gain from that. The U.S. Congress will see that there is a channel of dialogue between Turks and Armenians and decide that there is no necessity for the Congress to take such decision while such a channel exists. To make matters worse, Cong. Robert Wexler, the co-founder of the newly-formed Turkish Caucus in the House of Representatives and one of the most pro-Turkish members of Congress, issued Dear Colleague letter last month welcoming the Turkish Commission and urging his House colleagues to support it. Cong. Wexler, in his letter, also lays all speculation aside by confirming that “the ten member commission [is] supported by the United States Department of State!” Prof. James Russell, the Mashtots Professor of Armenian Studies at Harvard University, in a letter to the Armenian News Network, issued the following warning about the Turkish Commission. “Reconciliation, without prior recognition, repentance, and restitution by Turkey is an empty word at best; at worst, another cynical ploy. I hope Armenians won’t fall for it!” The above developments indicate that as more and more Armenians are learning the true facts about the Turkish Commission, they are uniting in their opposition to this unholy dialogue.

PANTOMIME FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS: The Yerevan Pantomime Theater is preparing to hold an international pantomime festival early in autumn in the Armenian capital. The chairman of the organizing commission Jirair Dadasian told Armenpress that theatre companies from 11 countries have accepted invitations to perfomr at the festival without royalties. Travelling, accommodation and other expenses will be covered by the Soros Foundation.

USAID TO LAUNCH SECOND PHASE OF HOUSING PROGRAM IN EARTHQUAKE ZONE GYUMRI, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS: In a few days the US Agency of International Development (USAID) will launch the second stage of a program targeting homeless families in Armenia's second largest town of Gyumri who lost their apartments in the 1988 destructive earthquake. The program, which was designed by the Urban Institute in Washington and is a major component of the Armenian government's plans to resolve the housing problem in the earthquake zone was successfully tested in 2000-2001 in Gyumri and certificates for purchase of apartments in the local real estate market were provided to 217 families instead of originally chosen 150 ones. A smaller component of the program called Bridge provided another 80 families with apartments. The second stage of the major program will last two years involving a total of 3,000 families in the zone who will be granted certificates for purchase of new flats and also grants for improving housing conditions. Of them 2,400 certificates will be granted in Gyumri and 600 in Vanadzor, Spitak and Stepanavan.

DETAILS OF PUTIN'S VISIT TO YEREVAN DISCUSSED IN MOSCOW MOSCOW, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS: The first deputy foreign minister of Russia Vyacheslav Trubnikov met today with his Armenian counterparts Levon Mkrtchian and Rouben Shugarian who traveled to Moscow for a regular round of Russian-Armenian consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries. Russian Itar-Tass news agency said the two sides also discussed prospects for further development of Russian-Armenian relations in the light of Russian president Vladimir Putin's visit to Moscow, slated for mid-September. The sides have reportedly noted "coincidence of opinions" regarding the role of the so-called Caucasian Four,( Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Russia) in building a strong and stable cooperation in the Caucasus. Moscow and Russia have reconfirmed their positions regarding further strengthening of the CIS. The sides also discussed Karabagh conflict regulation.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIAN INTENDS TO VISIT GEORGIA 23.08.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II received the representatives of Armenian community of Georgia: deputy chairman of Armenian cultural charitable union of Georgia, deputy of the parliament of that country Van Bayburta and Armen Gevorkyan, the chairman of the union "Veratsnund" that unifies our nationals living in Ajaria. The patriarch has informed the guests that he intends to visit Georgia in the nearest future. Within the frameworks of his visit Catholicos will visit Tbilisi, Batumi and Georgia's other regions populated with Armenians. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

THE AMERICAN CONGRESSMAN WILL VISIT NKR 23.08.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today the delegation of the USA congress representatives led by member of the House of representatives Adam Shiff has arrived in Stepanakert. During their visit the guests will meet with NKR's president Arkady Ghukadyan, chairman of the National assembly Oleg Yesayan, vice Prime Minister Anushavan Danielyan, foreign minister Naira Melkumyan and the leaders of the parliament factions. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

CE APPEALED TO NKR AUTHORITIES TO REFRAIN FROM HOLDING ELECTIONS OF LOCAL AUTONOMOUS BODIES 24.08.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Council of Europe has appealed to the authorities of Nagorno Artsax to refrain from holding elections of the local autonomous bodies planned for September 5. The document, signed by Chairman of CE Minister Committee Ernst Valch, Chairman of CE Parliamentary Assembly lord Russell Johnston and CE Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer, says "the so-called elections cannot be considered legitimate". The authors of the declaration think that in case of holding the elections the position of the Artsax side will contradict to the obligations undertaken by Armenia and Azerbaijan while entering the Council of Europe. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ELIZABETH JONES CONSIDERS THAT NEGOTIATIONS ON NAGORNO Artsax CANNOT BE CONSIDERED AS FAILED 24.08.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Although the parties of the Artsax conflict have not come to agreement yet, it cannot be considered that the negotiations have reached an impasse," – stated US Deputy Secretary of State on Europe and Asia Affairs Elizabeth Jones, who had started her tour to a number of CIS countries. In her words, the United States, which is Co-Chairman of OSCE Minsk Group, is ready to render aid in continuation of the talks. As reported by "Arka" agency, Jones noted that the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan intend to meet again to continue the negotiations. In Elizabeth Jones's words, this means that "the talks should not be considered as failed". Let us note that Deputy Secretary of State will arrive from Kiev to Baku on August 26. Then she will leave for Tbilisi and Yerevan. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

POPULATION NATURAL GROWTH DOUBLED IN NKR 24.08.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to the information supplied by NKR State Department of Statistics, State Register and Analysis, in January-June 2001 increase in industrial production in the Republic made 154,6% in comparison with the same period previous year. Consumer goods production increased 91,3%, which is conditioned by growth in the light and food industries. Export increased 2,4 times and import – 5,6 times. Monthly average nominal wages of employees grew 1,3%. Population money incomes increased 111,4% and growth in money expenditure made 7%. In January-June 2001 natural population growth increased 39% related to the same period previous year and more than two times compared to that of the year 1999. Mechanical growth made 271,1%. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN CLIMBERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN MOUNTAINEERING ARARAT 24.08.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Mountain Climbing Federation of Armenia has received an invitation from Turkish Federation to participate in mountaineering Ararat, which will take place on August 25-31. As reported by "Arka" agency, Chairman of Mountain Climbing Federation Hayk Tonoyan and alpinist Martin Tadevosian will take part in the climb from the Armenian side. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

PANARMENIAN GAMES CONTINUE 24.08.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday contests of tennis players continued. In a pair game Aram Javadian and Smbat Sargsian, who have arrived from Romania, met with Yegor Matinian and Artur Poghosian from Yerevan. Envoys of Bucharest won 2:1. Smbat Sargsian proved to be excellent in a single game. He defeated Murad Asatrian from Yerevan 3:2. Armnine Makinian also from Yerevan beat Lusine Hovhannisian 3:0. Armnine Makinian together with Anna Poghosian defeated Lisine Hovhannisian and Liza Nazarian pair. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

A+ to Archik

Khodja , yes iyspes kaseyi , Mer Azgin Apagan yev Padiv@ merin tzerkn e. jamank kuga vor HAy Azg@ noren ver k@partsrana, yev iyd jamanak inchpes tun gses mer tshnamin yev mer paregamn al mer tzerkin glla. Iysorva mer kataradz lav yev vad kordzerun hamar, var@ merin zavagner@ patasxan pid dan, yev gam hpartanan. kyanqum amen mart iren lav yev vat orer@ uni, inchpes nayev amen Azg iren LAv yev vad jamanakner@, iysor mer Hye Azgin vijak@ lav che , sakayn orm@ pid qa vor menk al noren ver partsrananq, yev lav glla yete kidnanq te inch bid @enenq iyn andin, yev vorun hed@. husov em aiyn aden al iraru mis chuden inchpes verchin kani darinerun @enthatsqum.. MOvses

Schiff, ANCA-WR Hold Press Conference; Visit Dzidzernagerpert http://www.asbarez.com/images/0824b.jpg California Congressman voices serious concerns over Turkish-Armenian "Reconciliation" Commission, emphasizes support for Artsax self-determination YEREVAN—Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.-27) held a press conference at the Yerevan Simon Vratzian Headquarters of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Executive Council of Armenia, where he discussed with journalists his three-day visit as part of an official delegation of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region. Rep. Schiff, who participated in a number of high-level meetings with officials in Armenia and Artsax, fielded a variety of questions on the issues he had discussed in his visits with officials. The US Representative thanked the Armenian government and the Armenian people for their hospitality and warmth during his visit, and explained to the media representatives that he had added to his knowledge on the very crucial issues facing Armenia and Artsax. Congressman Schiff, in response to questions on the Turkish-Armenian "Reconciliation" Commission, expressed his serious concerns over the recently formed private group comprised of Turkish and Armenian individuals. Rep. Schiff said, "I really have three concerns about it. First, I think the membership of the commission is not representative of the broader Armenian community and if it is not representative of the community, then whatever its ultimate work product, it will not have any credibility in the community." At the same time, Schiff added, from his perspective the agenda of the commission was too narrow in scope, because "by unilaterally excluding a discussion of the Genocide, the work of any so-called reconciliation commission is doomed to failure. I don't see how you can have reconciliation, when the single greatest impediment to reconciliation is an area of non-discussion." Finally, Rep. Schiff added that the manner in which the "commission" was created "may have had the unintended or perhaps the intended result of derailing some of the efforts in the United States and elsewhere to recognize the Genocide. Because those who do not want to take up this issue in Congress, may use this commission as a justification for inaction. They make the argument that why is it important for the Congress of the United States to recognize the Armenian Genocide, when this commission made up of Armenians and Turks is willing to put this issue aside." Adding to his comments, Rep. Schiff told the journalists that he discussed the "commission" with both President Robert Kocharian and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian earlier in the week and that "common concerns" were expressed in varying degrees. "There is a considerable controversy among diasporans and here in Armenia as well, and…while I think that dialogue should be encouraged, I think that when you have a commission that is not representative and it's given a quasi public mission that it may very well be counterproductive and it ought to be completely reexamined," explained Rep. Schiff. In reference to his visit to Nagorno-Artsax Thursday and in response to a question on the Council of Europe's recent announcement discouraging the upcoming Artsax elections, Rep. Schiff said that he believed that Artsax is an independent state and currently involved in discussions on its status. "Ultimately, Nagorno-Artsax has realized it s self-determination and it should be supported in this, and I don't think that the people of Nagorno-Artsax need to stand and wait for anyone else in the world to recognize their legitimacy, and I would not suggest that any other country or outside party try to discourage Nagorno-Artsax from continuing to exercise its independent self-determination," said Rep. Schiff. He went on to say that "…the people of Nagorno-Artsax are not intent on sitting and waiting on the rest of the world, and nor do I think they should." In response to a question directed at Rep. issue, Rep. Schiff explained that while it was too early to tell how this administration would do in comparison to others preceding it, he was more concerned with the House of Representatives leadership, which has in the past blocked votes on the Armenian Genocide resolution. On the same question, Sardar explained that the Armenian National Committee of America would continue its work in the US on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and while, in the face of the ANCA post card campaign to President Bush, the US president retreated from his campaign pledge of recognizing the Genocide, the ANCA will continue to push this issue on all levels of Yerevan Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex—Dzidzernagabert—paying tribute to the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, reported the ANCA - WR. Rep. Schiff, who has been a strong advocate of the recognition and affirmation of the Armenian Genocide during his years in the California State Senate and now in the US House of Representatives, led the delegation in an emotional visit to the eternal flame at the Armenian Genocide monument, where the visitors stood for several minutes in silence honoring the memory of the martyrs of the Armenian nation. Rep. Schiff laid a flower arrangement at the foot of the monument, while visitors paid their tribute by leaving behind white carnations. Prior to the memorial ceremony, the US Representative visited the Armenian Genocide Museum on the Complex grounds, where he received a tour of the artifacts at the memorial museum, as well as a brief history of the Armenian Genocide. The Congressman also presented the director of the Dzidzernagabert museum with a copy of the Armenian Film Foundation's "Voices from the Lake," and a copy of the ANCA-WR "The Armenian Genocide 1915-1923—A Handbook for Students and Teachers." Rep. Schiff, during his tenure in the California State Senate helped procure the necessary public funding for the completion of "Voices from the Lake," which is the first installment in the landmark Genocide trilogy "The Witnesses." At the end of the tour, which concluded with the court of justice exhibit at the museum, Rep. Schiff spoke to Horizon Television correspondent Rita Sharoyan, expressing his deep emotions at the site of the eternal flame and the museum exhibits, and his revitalized fervor to press for the international recognition and affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. ANCA-WR Executive Director Alex Sardar, who accompanied Schiff as part of the delegation remarked at the conclusion of the tour, "This visit to the Dzidzernagabert complex has affected our delegation in a profound manner, reminding us that with the help of friends like Congressman Schiff, and others, we must continue to advocate for the recognition of the crime against humanity." In addition to Rep. Schiff and Sardar, the ANCA-WR delegation includes Glendale City Councilman Rafi Manoukian; Legislative Assistant to Rep. Schiff, Mannik Khatchatrian; ANCA-WR Board Member Raffi Kradjian and his wife Aline Kradjian; Rep. Schiff's interpreter Angela Achigozian. The delegation, led by Rep. Schiff will conclude its official visit on Saturday

HAdji qezi chem harstner te ANC inch gne kuzem kidnal te tun inch guses vor men@ @enenq iys hartsin ludzum@ inch e ??? MOvses

ahha el chem pari dzer achqits el mi ban chi plsta dzo dragon noren tun@ menak es mnatsel ??

LAv asenq du jisht es de hima mez asa te inch anenq ???

I have much respect for both Schif and Rogan. Both did a great deal of work for the Armenians and our case. I revere them equally. Anybody that helps us go forward with our holy case has a special place in my heart. Whether Rogan or Schif, makes no difference for me, they are both well deserved public servants. What I did not like about the whole situation during the elections was, a few scumbags disrespecting and dishoring Rogans name by labeling him as a liar and as a person who betrayed the Armenian case. Many of us Los Angeles Armenians know what I am talking about. One of our political parties had launched a wide campaign to dishonor this man (on tv and in newspapers). I am sure Rogan did all that was in his power to help us. Lets remember that each politician is limited in what he/she can do. In my reply to Armo I stated that I do not like him, she knows what I am talking about, it was an inside joke. Can't you see the smile next to my reply? My sister had spent three months campaigning for this man and everyday when I had to pick her up I waited 30min or so for her and her friends to finish their daily work; everyday I would come up with different jokes just to piss them off . That is what I was refering to in my response to Armo. My friend.. don't jump into conclusions as to whom I like or dislike. After all it is my personal choice. My opinion is my opinion, nobody should be offended by it. We have to respect one another's opinions. Movses [ August 25, 2001: Message edited by: MosJan ]

Harout yev dragon, dzez mi @enkerakan xndranq unem, xndrum em Hye Forumi mej turqeren chxosel. shnorhakal em . Movses

YES it's a personal business .i just dont liek him . i liek Rogan and Misakyan + Chaparyan.

Armo i do not like him !!! and you know Y

GROONG INTERVIEW WITH TURKISH-ARMENIAN RECONCILIATION COMMISSION (TARC) MEMBERS VAN Z. KRIKORIAN AND ANDRANIK MIGRANIAN GROONG: How were you approached to join the committee? Who approached you? What were the criteria for your selection? JOINT ANSWER: All four of the Armenian members of the Commission came together on this issue as a result of a number of conversations and knowledge of one another's background and work over the years. The two of us have known each other since 1991 when Van went to Moscow as a member of the U.S. delegation to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe meetings. With Raffi Hovannisian, who was in Moscow as a representative of the Assembly, the Assembly organized parallel NGO programs on Nagorno Karabagh and also arranged for congressional observers to travel to Armenia for the referendum on independence. When the idea for a Reconciliation Commission began to take form, we came together. We established the following minimum criteria for selecting Armenian Commissioners: * must have significant international and national political experience; * must be fluent in English; * must be willing to work as part of a team. Q: We've read that the imbalance of four Armenians and six Turks will be mitigated in the future. Why did we end up with four Armenians and six Turks to start with? JA: We began with three or four on each side. We may well increase to six Armenians or some other number. The process is explicitly intended to be flexible. But the most important criterion is that all participants have the ability to work well together. The chemistry and productivity of the current team have been highly successful. Q: Who else was approached to join, outside of the current commission members? Why are there no Armenians from Western Europe, South America or the Middle East on the commission? JA: We are open to including those who fit within the Commission's criteria. We certainly recognize that we need to include others and intend to do so. It is also important to point out that we do not pretend to speak for all Armenians. We hope to make recommendations. We intend to engage in activities promoting reconciliation and to be judged as Commission members on what we produce. We encourage others to engage in similar activities. Q: Ozdem Sanberk is quoted as saying: "The intent is not to find what the truth is, but it is to open new horizons for the future and enhance mutual understanding." Ilter Turkmen is quoted as saying: "The commission's task is not to come to a historical judgement." Gunduz Aktan is quoted as saying: "When it comes to qualifying events 85 years ago in the Ottoman, Empire, Turks around the table will not accept them as genocide." With only Turkish hard-liners and Armenian moderates on the Commission, one can see why Armenians feel uncomfortable about which way matters could be "reconciled." Why were Turkish scholars and dialogue advocates such as Akcam, Zarakolu and Berktay left out of the commission? Why is the Turkish side of the Commission full of only hard-liners who have career-long histories of denying the Armenian Genocide? JA: All three statements come from top diplomats and each is distinguishable. We all agree that this Commission is not focused on determining whether or not there was a Genocide. The international community and we already take that as a non-negotiable fact, and this fact is the basis for our discussions. How this Commission deals with it and what individual Commissioners say in their personal capacities are two different questions. We disagree with your premise that the Turkish side is full of only hard-liners. We note that we did not play a role in their selection and vice versa. However, we all believe the Turkish Commissioners deserve respect for joining this endeavor, which is not without risk. Q: The concerted effort of the advocacy groups in Washington has yielded powerful advances in the 90s, and should not be slowed down or abandoned until our goals are achieved. If Turks observe that Armenians relaxed just because a commission has been created, then commission and talk is all we will get. If we continue with the drive, then they will realize that the commission must achieve results - or they may face defeat. During conflicts, some of the fiercest battles continue on the field while peace talks are being held, in order to maneuver for maximal negotiating power. Does the Assembly plan to continue with the full-court press in Washington, to drive towards U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide? VAN KRIKORIAN: We disagree with your analysis and with your use of the term "recognition" for the United States. We use the term "reaffirmation" because as indicated in official government archives, the U.S. has recognized the Armenian Genocide in the past. The Assembly is and will continue to be the leading proponent of the issue in the U.S. and I can say categorically and proudly that in this regard, the Assembly's record is unsurpassed. Q: We are informed that for various reasons, the Assembly is planning to take a break from the active pursuit of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. government. Is this true, and if so, what are the reasons for it? Will the Assembly continue the aggressive pursuit of the passage of bills to recognize the Armenian Genocide? VK: Thankfully, most Armenians recognize nonsense when they hear it, and view the allegations used in your premise as such. Your information is false and we would appreciate learning its source. The Assembly continues to be more active than any other organization in pursuit of the reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. Government. President Bush's April 24th statement this year, while omitting the term "Genocide," was a textbook definition of Genocide and clearly surpassed in many ways what President Clinton said during the previous eight years. It is no small victory and is an example of the Assembly's practice of working aggressively but quietly and professionally. In so doing, the Assembly has established its well-earned reputation in Washington - among leaders on Capitol Hill, the White House and the Administration, as well as with think tank experts and professional journalists - as a skilled, tenacious and authoritative advocate. We publish our goals and our results. In addition, the work of the Armenian National Institute and the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial project, two blocks from the White House, are massive and speak volumes about our commitment. Q: So then, there is no truth to the statements that the Assembly approached Congressman Radanovich to request that he not re-introduce H. Res. 596 this year? VK: No, the Assembly did not approach Congressman Radanovich with the request that not he reintroduce H. Res. 596 this year. The Assembly and related organizations are implementing our broad-based genocide reaffirmation strategy. Until the TARC was announced, the ANC was in agreement with our congressional strategy. Q: In 1991 and 1992, you had business dealings with Turkey to develop a port in the city of Trebizond, but these plans were derailed because Turkey demanded that in exchange for access to this port, Armenians stop demanding recognition for the Genocide. Do you, or other Assembly leaders, currently have such business dealings with Turks or Turkey? As leaders of the Armenian community of America, are you willing to make public your financial and business dealings, to assure the community that there are no conflicts of interest? VK: Let me answer the second part first. I'm attaching a copy of the Assembly's Conflict of Interest Policy that was in effect before I became chairman and that addresses your concern. I can report that I am in compliance with it. Neither I, nor my family has financial or business dealings with Turks or Turkey. My primary source of income is as a partner in the law firm of Vedder Price. I am willing to let you examine my tax returns at my law office in New York or at the Assembly's office in Washington, DC. I am willing to fill out a financial disclosure sheet, including a listing of all my assets and liabilities, as well as those of my family, to establish that no possible conflicts exist. Those who are busy spreading false rumors to the contrary should be ashamed of themselves. In the interests of healthy debate, it would be valuable if you asked the same of the chairmen of the policy-making boards of other organizations but I do not condition my willingness to make these disclosures on their agreement. The Assembly and all of its related organizations are perfectly transparent in their finances, which are published annually and go through an independent audit by an outside firm. The firm's report is distributed at our annual meeting. We also publish the names of our members and the fact that the Assembly members are present in all fifty states, growing faster than any other similar organization. Although I am not the Assembly's Conflict of Interest Officer, I am not presently aware of any other Assembly leader who is in violation of our Conflict of Interest Policy. With regard to your first question, the information you have obtained is wrong. Hirair Hovnanian and I were asked to look at development of the Trebizond port as part of then-President Ter Petrossian's efforts to reach out to Turkey. We met with the Turkish foreign minister and other government officials, none of whom demanded that in exchange for access, the "Armenians stop demanding recognition for the Genocide." As I am sure you know, Armenia has a treaty right to open communication through Turkey to the Black Sea. The Trebizond project can be viewed as a trial balloon. Turkey failed that trial, and in so doing, President Ter-Petrossian's position was internationally recognized as reasonable and of long-term benefit to Armenia. Despite the rhetoric to the contrary, it is worth noting that most of the countries which have acknowledged the Armenian Genocide since independence, did so while Levon Ter-Petrossian was president and Alex Arzoumanian was foreign minister or United Nations ambassador. I also recognize that the Trebizond project has been the subject of numerous rumors and innuendo. The record is clear and Hirair Hovnanian and I have long since stopped worrying about those who resort to such smear tactics. Q: What do you think about statements that this commission in general, and the Assembly's presence on it specifically, may divide the Armenian-American advocacy groups? VK: Armenian-Americans are already divided. But the reaction from the mainstream members of our community has been overwhelmingly positive. It is clear that those who are opposed to the Commission have shown that they are only isolating themselves from the mainstream. More significantly, the ANCA began to distance itself from the mainstream community and the Assembly long before the Commission was announced. The Assembly is accused of being evangelical in our zeal to be inclusive. But, just as the Assembly refused to be held hostage when the ARF bolted from the Assembly years ago, we recognize that the interests of the overwhelming majority of Armenian-Americans cannot be held hostage to the ARF leadership today. Our agenda is public and we continue to welcome cooperation from the ANCA; the choice is theirs to cooperate or not. Q: The ARF is not happy with the creation of this Commission in a secretive manner and which excludes them. They've written that they're concerned with the commission's effects on Armenian national interests and intra-Diaspora relations, such as the possibility of a rift in the Armenian advocacy groups in Washington - primarily the Assembly and the ANCA. Why wasn't the ANCA invited to join the Commission also? VK: We are not presently aware of anyone within the ARF/ANCA ranks who can meet the criteria for membership. We are open to discussing the matter but it is clear that their official reaction confirms the wisdom of our judgment. The ARF/ANCA is a political party primarily interested in gaining power in Armenia and we felt that it would interfere with their designee's ability to act as a team player on the Commission. For example, one of the ARF's immediate and continuing reactions to the creation of the Commission is to call for the resignation of the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vartan Oskanian, and to replace him with one of their party members. The initial basis for this political tactic was the false accusation that the Foreign Minister knew about the Commission prior to the announcement, but that President Robert Kocharian did not. When the President's spokesman fairly acknowledged that, of course, the President knew about the Commission's formation, the ARF devised new grounds to criticize the Foreign Minister. The Armenians on this Commission must be above petty partisan behavior if this effort is going to have any chance of success. Second, the ARF leadership was advised of the Commission's formation before it was officially announced. The ARF leadership was offered the opportunity to meet in person so that its leadership could react based on factual information. Instead, the ARF leadership chose to attack first and ask questions later, and has yet to accept our offer to meet. As Alex Arzoumanian said, we are still open to reconciliation with the ARF but we feel that all Armenians, and certainly this effort, ought not to be held captive to partisan politics. Q: For the record, I have heard from ARF sources that they were advised of the commission's formation only short hours before it was announced by the New York Times. JA: When the Commission met in Geneva, we did not have agreement on the Terms of Reference or a public announcement. After negotiating the final terms, we agreed to wait before making an announcement. If we had not agreed, the proceedings would have remained confidential in accordance with our prior agreement. After we agreed, and before we announced the formation of the Commission, an official telephone call was placed to the ARF Bureau to alert it to the forthcoming announcement. The call was returned the following day, and the ARF representative expressed thanks for the notice. A substantive discussion took place and tentative dates for a meeting were set. Regrettably, as stated above, the ARF/ANCA chose a different course rather than following through with the meeting. I would also note that this is a very complicated issue. Aside from the above, there was an ARF Bureau Member who knew about the Vienna meetings, which preceded the Geneva meetings and announcement. This individual either did not share the information with his colleagues or has chosen not to acknowledge it at this time. Q: Do you and the Assembly have an "exit strategy" from the commission, that is, have you defined criteria to measure acceptable progress and success, or failure of this process, so that you can evaluate whether to continue or when to quit? What are these criteria? JA: The Commission's Terms of Reference anticipate a reevaluation after one year. We have defined criteria to measure acceptable progress but at this time will make no public comment on it. We want to repeat that reconciliation is a process and not an event. We all recognize that there are more reasons for this effort to failthan succeed. But, we believe in it and we deserve the right to a fair chance, which is why we are grateful for the individual and organizational support we have received. Q: This Commission is pretty much Track Two diplomacy, searching for a path to official recognition. Regarding government involvement in the work of the Commission, there have been statements admitting and denying involvement by the governments of Armenian, Turkey, and the U.S. State Department. Can you clarify where each came in, how they facilitated, suggested people, resources and options to the Commission? Would you say that their involvement amounts to an implicit or explicit approval of the process of this commission? What does each one want out of it? JA: Questions concerning the various governments should be addressed directly to them. We are grateful for all the support we have received. Regarding what each government wants, we expect it is maximum return with minimum risk - which is why Track Two is what it is. Q: Throughout the Clinton Administrations, the U.S. State Department was tuned to support Jewish claims for reparations from German industry which used slave labor, from Swiss banks which kept Nazi gold and other funds stolen from Nazi victims, and to facilitate bringing to justice war criminals during the Holocaust who resided in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Is the State Department envisioning such a role of support for the Armenian drive to a just recognition of the Genocide? VK: Jewish claims followed after Germany lost World War II and acknowledged the Holocaust. Two years ago, the Assembly thought to try to reverse the Holocaust process, believing that an attempt to work on the Ottoman bank accounts issue would be a step toward Turkish acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide. At that time, the Armenian National Institute, the Armenian Bar Association and the Assembly received a commitment from the State Department that it would raise the bank accounts issue with Turkey. We continue to believe that this and related issues need to be pursued. Q: How do you expect that this dialogue will make Turkish society more open in general, and better educated about 1915? ANDRANIK MIGRANIAN: If we succeed in convincing leading members of Turkish civil society, all of whom are well connected to their country's elite that acceptance of the Armenian Genocide is in Turkey's best interest, it would be the shortest road to reconciliation of our two peoples and two countries. Through and with the Turkish Commissioners, we will have direct access to Turkey's elite and public at large in order to prepare them for acceptance of the Genocide. If we accomplish that, I will consider that the Commission has delivered an invaluable service. If not, it means that neither the Turkish Government nor its civil society is ready for that kind of breakthrough at this time. It would harm Turkey's image on the international stage and support the notion that the Turkish government and its people are not yet ready to behave according to the norms of modern, civilized nations. Q: Irrespective of the label attached to describe 1915, what is the Turkish government ready to do, to remedy some of its consequences (overhaul genocide denial in history curricula, abandoned properties, architectural monuments), things to which President Kocharian referred to in his famous interview with CNN-Turk? What ideas have been considered? AM: While I could describe in general what our fellow Commissioners from Turkey are ready to recommend right now to their government, we have recently all agreed to refrain from publicly discussing ideas currently on the table. Their positions may change during the process, which is new and in its early stages of development. Eventually, if we come to mutual understandings, then I have no doubt that the recommendations of the Turkish members will provide a basis for future Turkish government policy. Q: Mr. Krikorian, You have mentioned talk about a special course being introduced in Turkish universities on the subject of the Genocide. Were concrete ideas floated around? Why should the Genocide, this dark chapter in Turkish history, not be taught earlier in the life of Turkish students, - Middle school, high school, etc. - and reach greater numbers, not only those who continue to higher-ed? VK: I will refrain from discussing ideas currently on the table. Regarding Genocide education in Turkish schools, it is clear that the state policy of denial and its impact on the Turkish education system has been destructive to the Turkish people. We believe that the more they know about the Armenian Genocide, including both the stories of individual Turks who saved Armenians and those which describe the evil that a government can perpetrate, the better. Q: You stated that the Turkish commission members pretty much agree that there is a three-generation-long nationwide brainwashing on the genocide issue in Turkey. However, we've read in many articles, including from the New York Times, that Turks and Kurds in Turkey know very well what happened to the Armenians during World War I. Is the problem with the Turkish nation, or the Turkish state? JA: We believe that the problem with Genocide denial is complex and does not fit easily within the two alternatives you have suggested. Clearly, there is a big difference between knowing what happened and calling it a "Genocide." In the past, substituting the word "massacres" for "Genocide" had been suggested in various resolutions and decrees, which would have assured easy passage. In the U.S., the Assembly rejected those at every turn, even though some in the community might have been willing to agree. We anticipate that a large part of the Commission's work will entail trying to determine the most effective way of dealing with these issues. However, we have agreed not to speak for the Turkish Commission members, and want to respect that. Q: What other issues, outside of the Armenian Genocide is on this commission's agenda? * Is a solution to Artsax discussed? * Is a territorial exchange between Armenia and Azerbaijan discussed? * Are the new demands imposed by Turkey on Armenia - such as the opening of a corridor through Meghri, to link Nakhichevan with Azerbaijan, - discussed? * Armenian monument preservation and attribution in Turkey? JA: Our Terms of Reference are public. Without violating our commitment not to disclose specific items on the Commission's agenda, we can state definitively that issues related to Nagorno Karabagh, territorial exchanges between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the "opening of a corridor through Meghri" are completely and explicitly outside the purview of the Commission. We disagree with those who might try to link the issues; our Commission has enough to address and a direct Armenian-Turkish dialogue is long overdue. Q: Will the commission have a secretariat? Where will it be based? JA: We thank the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna for structuring this process. We did not include plans for a secretariat in our terms of reference, but we acknowledge the possibility as the process develops. We have received positive messages encouraging us to open a web site, and based on the substantial popular support we receive, expect there will be many more good ideas that we did not have in mind. We encourage those as we believe that the Armenian people want progress and results rather than outdated rhetoric. author : AZG Daily #148

INFLUX OF TOURISTS TO ARMENIA CONTINUES YEREVAN, AUGUST 20, ARMENPRESS: Some 5,000 athletes, trainers and tourists have already arrived in Armenia from the Armenian Diaspora around the world to participate in and watch the Second Pan-Armenian Games, launched in Yerevan August 18. The influx of tourists is going on and hiring a hotel room in Yerevan has become a problem. Some of the athletes are being placed at the sporting complex in Armenian resort town of Tsakhkadzor, some 40 kilometers off the capital. Several dozens foreign reporters in addition to 79 local ones will be reporting from the Games.

SECOND PAN-ARMENIAN GAMES PROCEED NORMALLY YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS: Armando Didadurian, the head of the Argentina's delegation that has arrived in Armenia for participation in the Second Pan-Armenian Games told at a Tuesday's news conference that the ongoing economic crisis in their country has left a negative impact on sports development. The Armenian community of Argentine had sent a 180-member team to the first Games held in 1991, this year it was able to send only 45 people. But despite these hardships the community is trying to withstand them and develop sport within the community. One of the team's member tennis player David Nalbandian has already won international reputation. Mazhak Ohanian, the coach of Armenian basketball team in Istanbul said Turkish Armenian athletes are virtually in all kinds of sports, including professionals. He praised the Istanbul-based Ruben Semerjian sport union for helping develop sports within the community. The chairman of the Armenian Track and Field athletics Sergey Khachatrian said five new Games' records were set.

SUREN VAHUNI'S BUST STOLEN YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS: The relatives of the famous Armenian poet and translator Suren Vahuni informed Armenpress that unknown villains had stolen Vahuni's bronzed bust (he was buried in 1983 in the pantheon of Sovetashen cemetery). They said that some other graves were also defiled in the pantheon. Suren Vahuni was one of the distinguished figures in the Armenian art under the Soviets. He is an author to several collections of poems and it is due to his translations which made Armenian readers acquainted with world masterpieces such as Bokacio's "Decameron", Duma's "Count Monte Christo", Hashek's "Valorous Soldier Sveik's adventures", Lope de Vega's "Gardener's dog" etc.