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[31-01-2005 'Karabagh Conflict']
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BAKU IS OPEN FOR DIALOGUE WITH THE ARMENIANS OF MOUNTAINOUS KARABAGH
Source : `Zerkalo' newspaper (Azerbaijan)
Author: R. Mirkadirov
But only after liberation of the occupied territories, Deputy Foreign
Minister Araz Azimov states.
OSCE mission, currently in Baku, will study illegal settlement of
population on occupied territories of Azerbaijan. As `Trend' agency
reports, facts gathered by official Baku were presented to the Mission
at January 28 meeting in MFA.
Personal representative of current OSCE Chairman, Anjey Kasprshik and
OSCE experts participated in the meeting. "During our discussions with
Azerbaijani representatives, we studied a great number of
materials. At present, we have to investigate', Russian Co-chairman of
Minsk Group, Yuri Merzlakov informed the journalists after the
meeting.
In accordance with the agreement of the Mission with official Baku,
the experts will visit all the 7 regions around Mountainous
Karabagh. In this respect, Y. Merzlakov pointed out that no
Azerbaijani representative will accompany the mission in the trip.
As a reminder, the mission includes experts from Finland, Italy,
Sweden and Germany, alongside the co-chairmen. Head of the mission is
representative of German MFA, expert on OSCE issues, Emilia Margaret.
Today, January 29, the Mission will leave for Armenia and further on
to occupied territories. According to French Co-chairman of OSCE
Minsk Group, Bernard Fassier, the Mission will work on the occupied
territories for over a week. "Later on, the experts will prepare a
technical report to submit it to the Co-chairmen. In case of
necessity, the co-chairmen will make a statement about the studied
facts", B. Fassier said.
Settlement of the population on occupied territories of Azerbaijan is
implemented with direct involvement of Armenia. As `Turan' reports,
Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan declared about it at yesterday's
press conference, commenting on the results of the January 27 meeting
in MFA of OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmen with the members of the
International Mission on establishing facts about populating the
occupied territories.
In the course of the meeting, the Azerbaijani side presented to the
Mission video and audio materials, serving as evidence of populating
the occupied territories, geographic maps. According to A. Azimov,
about 23 thousand people are illegally settled on the occupied
territories. The populating policy is implemented in various forms, up
to implementation of target economic and infrastructure projects.
The mission was also provided with the information on using the
occupied territories for illegal drug traffic and organized criminal
activity.
A. Azimov also expressed his attitude towards PACE resolution on
Mountainous Karabagh. He emphasized the objective reflection the
resolution provides on the issue of occupation of Azerbaijani
territories and ethnic cleansing. The diplomat stated that current
negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia discuss the issues of
suspension of the military conflict and elimination of its
consequences. Based on the results of the discussions, an agreement is
to be drafted and signed A. Azimov continued.
In due time, the negotiation will include discussions with the
representatives of the Armenian community of Mountainous Karabagh,
together with the Azerbaijani community, returned by the time. "In the
course of discussing the issue of the communities, Azerbaijani
government will hold discussions with its citizens and the society
should perceive it", A. Azimov stated.
`Turan' reports that yesterday President Ilham Aliev received OSCE
Minsk Group Co-chairmen and the Mission on establishing facts about
illegal settlement on occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
Besides, he pointed out that illegal settlement of the population on
the occupied territories by the Armenian side is one of most serious
obstacles on the way to a long-term peace. I. Aliev expressed
confidence that the Mission's studying of the real situation on the
occupied territories will impede Armenia's illegal activity on these
territories.
[29-01-2005 'Karabagh Conflict']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VAHAN HOVHANNISSIAN DOES NOT THINK THAT THE ARMENIAN DIPLOMACY WAS DEFEATED
Source : `Azg' newspaper (Armenia)
Author: Tatul Hakobian
Vice-Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Vahan Hovhannisian
believes that the PACE document on Mountainous Karabagh contains a
number of unpleasant, dangerous definitions. `But the most dangerous
thing is that David Atkinson blames the Minsk Group for everything",
Hovhannisian said yesterday in National Press Club.
In the interview given to BBC Atkinson noted with regret that the
10-year activity of Minsk Group turned out to be useless: `As the past
ten years have shown, the efforts of the Minsk Conference turned out
to be insufficient. And we thought that we might have definite ideas
that can be used in the Minsk process to resolve the conflict. I have
stressed repeatedly that the proposals that we make on behalf of the
Council of Europe are not a replacement for the Minsk Group and will
certainly not damage its cause. We only aim at expanding the Minsk
process'.
Vahan Hovhannisian, who represents `Dashnaktsutiun' party, reminds
that since 1998 not a single proposal was dismissed by Armenia - even
if accepted with reservations. Thus, according to Hovhannisian, OSCE
cannot be at fault. Azerbaijan realized that when specialized
structures deal with Karabagh issue, it loses ground. For this reason,
Hovhanissian says, Baku tries to move the issue to other organizations
that have not been specialized in Karabagh conflict; besides, in the
Council of Europe Azerbaijan has Turkey and a number of other
countries at its side.
Hovhannissian found a part of the interview to be particularly
unacceptable - the one in which the British MP said: `Obviously the
authorities of Azerbaijan will never agree to the independence of
Karabagh. For this reason the Council of Europe cannot assist the
independence of Mountainous Karabagh'.
`How do you know' was the rhetoric question asked by the Vice-Speaker
of the National Assembly, who added that by this statement Atkinson
did not only defend the Azerbaijani position but allows it to make its
stance stronger.
Hovhannisian also noted that the PACE document has a number of parts
favoring Armenia, but 'they are merely parts'. In particular, the
Vice-Speaker welcomes the section in which the Azerbaijani authorities
are called on to establish contacts and dialogue with the
administration of Karabagh. `We would be glad to contribute to this
dialogue here in Strasbourg', Atkinson said in his interview to BBC.
The Vice-President of the National Assembly, while acknowledging the
overall negative nature of the document for Armenia, does not think
the Armenian parliamentary diplomacy was defeated.
Hovhannisian supposes that Armenia and Karabagh must not object to the
visit of fact finding mission to territories controlled by Mountainous
Karabagh. NA Vice-Speaker reminded that on this territories Armenian
refugees from Baku, Sumgait, Dashkesan and other districts of
Azerbaijan currently reside. `What should these people do? If this
(settlement at these territories) is a crime, then nothing has changed
in the world since the 20th century', he said.
The representative of `Dashnaktsutiun' party thinks the
non-involvement of the Mountainous Karabagh in the process to be
conventional, rather - `the Karabagh party was uninvolved in one stage
of the negotiations process', when in Paris and key West the
unification of Karabagh and Armenia was discussed, however, Aliev
Sr. later went back on his promise. Naturally, Hovhannissian said,
Karabagh party must take an active part at this stage of negotiations.
[28-01-2005 'Region']
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TURKISH BUSINESS `ON THE LOOSE' IN THE BLACK SEA
Source : `Akhali Taoba' newspaper (Georgia)
Author: Mamuka Bakashvili
Since the day of coming to power, the new government of Georgia has
promised the society to fully promote development of the national
business. Many people, having believed this promise, started restoring
the deserted industries but they immediately faced the familiar red
tape, a no less common problem of `roof' and other barriers.
Murman Kharabadze, for restoration of fish processing factory, has
invested 1 million dollars, without involving the Georgian
government. His company `Kapadokia' produces fish oil and
flour. `Kapadokia' produce is on great demand in Turkey. At the
initial stage, the business thrived despite traditional problems of a
Georgian entrepreneur. However, a much more serious problem soon
emerged - the water area of Poti was suddenly navigated by Turkish
fishing seiners. Their hot and rapid activity led to closure of two
Georgian fish processing factories. Kharabdze has serious concerns
over the future of his `Kapadokia'. In his opinion, Turkish fishermen
get rich at the expense of the Georgian ones. `Turkish fishing
vessels penetrate our waters with the help of Georgian intermediary
firms. The intermediary gets about 50 thousand USD for each vessel. It
is very little money compared to the profit the Turks get', Kharabadze
declared to `Akhali Taoba' newspaper.
The khamsa caught in Poti waters is sold in Turkey for 4 USD per kilo,
whereas Georgia gets only 2% of total cost for its own fish caught by
the Turkish seiners, and the Turks get the rest 98%. Georgian
government recently raised taxes on the resources (khamsa in this case
is viewed as a resource) from 7 to 25 lari per tone. However, tax
rising primarily hit the poor Georgian fishermen, whereas the more
well-to-do southern neighbors could fully afford it. The experts
already counted: if the Turkish fishermen do not reduce the intensity
of their activity, in 2-3 years there may be no khamsa left in Poti
region.
Murman Kharabadze asserts that if the government puts an end to the
actually uncontrolled activity of Turkish fishing companies and
enables its fishermen to supply the fish processing factories with
their produce, the state profit from the taxes and reduction of the
production prime cost may increase fourfold. Besides, new job places
may emerge, which is of no small importance to Georgia. Kharabadze
confirms the calculations, bringing the example of his own enterprise.
He applied to the Ministry of Environmental Protection with the
request to provide a catch quota for 18 thousand tones of khamsa. He
has to pay for it 25 lari per tone to the budget, which totally makes
450 thousand lari. Besides, as a result of processing of 18 thousand
raw produce the enterprise will get 2800 tone of fish flour and 1440
tones of fish oil. The profit from sale of these products will make
1,5 million dollars. About 40% of this sum will be allotted to the
budget in form of taxes. `The Turks pay only for the caught khamsa,
whereas the main profit goes to their own country', Murman Kharabadze
says.
However, the problems of Georgian fishermen do not appear to concern
anyone. In particular, head of Georgian sea transport administration
Valerian Imnaishvili ordered to launch 37 more Turkish vessels to Poti
water area. Considering the fact that each seiner, as a rule, is
accompanied by 2-3 transporting vessels, it may be counted that up to
100 Turkish vessels will soon be navigating the Poti waters. Georgian
fishermen are horrified - there will not be enough khamsa for them.
Valerian Imnaishvili explained to `Akhali Taoba' newspaper that the
Turkish vessels expected in Poti waters navigate under Georgian
flag. However this does not stop the caught fish and future incomes
from going to Turkey?! Georgian ecologists pay attention to the
circumstance that the nets of the Turkish fishermen are much larger
than the Georgian ones, which should become a separate topic for
discussion. Besides, the Turks thoroughly sort the caught fish,
throwing the off-grade fish, according to their standards, right into
the sea. The Georgian ecologists assert that the Turkish standards
view as proper no more that 20% of the caught fish, whereas the
discarded 80% rot in the sea, obviously damaging the
environment. Meanwhile, the Georgian fishermen use all the fish
caught.
The Turkish partner of Murman Kharabadze, Altan Izim is also against
Turkish vessels in Georgian waters, `I am a Turk but I want to do
something for Georgia. The state should also help us in it, given the
fact that a million dollars are invested in our enterprise. The
Turkish coastline is more than 2 thousand kilometers. However, there
is practically no fish left there. Therefore, the Turkish vessels
enter the Georgian waters. We almost have to ask them for leaving us
at least 20-30 thousand tones of khamsa for our enterprise to
function. However, this situation cannot last long. Mass `attack' of
Turkish seiners will result in disappearance of khamsa in Georgian
waters as well'.
The situation is so serious and threatening that the Georgian
fishermen decided to impede the Turkish vessels from entering the Poti
water area. They are ready to block the port of Poti. The problem
caught the attention of Georgian Parliament and a special hearing was
held there on this issue. At the session, the Chairman of the
Parliamentary Committee on Protection of the Environment and Natural
Resources Tamaz Khidesheli promised the fishermen that the Turkish
vessels will not be allowed to Poti waters. However, time showed that
the promise was nothing more than a promise. At present, the Georgian
fishermen are ready to defend their interests by their own forces and
possibilities.
[25-01-2005 'Armenia-Turkey']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
YEREVAN: WE RECOGNIZE THE KARS TREATY. ANKARA: WE
ARE WAITING FOR ACTIONS, NOT WORDS TO PROVE IT
Source : `Zaman' newspaper (Turkey)
Author: Jumaly Onal, Suleyman Kurt
As Armenian Foreign Minister Oskanian stated in his interview to
`Zaman' newspaper, Armenia recognizes the Kars Treaty, thus meeting
the condition put forward by Turkey.
Armenian Minister, answering the questions of `Zaman', noted that for
Armenia Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's statement on Kars Treaty,
defining the borders between the two countries, was
unexpected. Oskanian, declaring that none of Armenian leaders has yet
questioned the validity of this agreement, stated, `We are one of the
countries-assignees of the Soviet Union. All the agreements, signed
between the Soviet Union and the third countries, are invalid.'
A high-ranking official in the interview to `Zaman' characterized
Oskanian's words as a `statement smelling of opportunism'. According
to the Turkish diplomat, `Armenian Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence refer to the eastern regions of Turkey as `Western
Armenia'. Ararat is depicted on the State Emblem. Armenia, through
the Armenian Diaspora, keeps putting accusations to Turkey of
committing the so-called Genocide. No concrete steps were taken
towards liberation of the occupied Armenian territories.
Reconciliation may be discussed only after concrete steps in these
three directions.'
The statement made by Prime Minister Erdogan on January 12 upon return
from Moscow concerned the Kars Treaty and the necessity for concrete
steps of Yerevan for opening of the border between Turkey and
Armenia. Foreign Minister of Armenia Vartan Oskanian answered the
questions of `Zaman' on a large specter of issues, starting form the
Kars Treaty up to the accusations of the so-called Genocide.
- Prime Minister Erdogan stated that Armenia does not recognize the
Kars Treaty, and it is one of the obstacles on the way to
normalization of relations. Why doesn't Armenia recognize this treaty?
- For me this statement of Prime Minister on Kars Treaty is fully
unexpected. No Armenian leader has ever declared about ignoring this
Treaty by Yerevan. We are one of the countries-assignees of the
Soviet Union. All the treaties, concluded between the Soviet Union and
the third countries, are valid until the new agreements, replacing the
old ones, are signed or a declaration about non-recognition of these
treaties is made.
- What is your attitude to the Turkey's condition on suspension of
Armenian occupation of the Azerbaijani territories?
- Turkey cannot reduce the Mountainous Karabagh problem exclusively to
the territorial aspect. The issue is manifold: territory, refugees,
security, stability. The main problem is the status. Prior to Karabagh
problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there were no Azerbaijani
territories under Armenian control. The Armenian control over these
territories was settled as a result of Karabagh conflict. The Turkish
side does not have a clear perception of the cause and effect
relation. It is impossible to attempt solving this problem, separating
the cause from the effect. The problem is that Baku does not make any
steps on the way to discussion of the issues. Consequently, Turkey is
unable to put any territorial problems as a precondition. We aspire to
solving the problem, however, we hold that it should be viewed in a
complex.
- What is your opinion about Turkey's becoming a mediator in Karabagh
problem?
- As Turkey is an interested party, it cannot be a mediator in
resolution of Karabagh problem. Thus, Russia has no preconditions on
the conflict resolution; therefore it is neutral, whereas Turkey
expressed its interest many times. If Turkey reconsiders its positions
on the issue of diplomatic relations, its mediation will be of large
significance. We constantly participate in bilateral meetings, however
the issue of mediation is in another plane.
Russian-Turkish Cooperation Will Not Facilitate the Solution
- How will Ankara's cooperation with Russia impact the solution of the
problem?
- Discussion of the issue by Turkey and Russia does not worry us,
however I don't think that joint steps of these two countries will
facilitate the solution.
- One-fifth of Azerbaijani territory is occupied by Armenia. When will
this occupation be over?
- Mountainous Karabagh has always been an Armenian territory. The
problem of other territories is the problem of Karabagh and
Azerbaijan. In USSR times, Karabagh was under Azerbaijani
control. However, when the war started between Azerbaijan and
Karabagh, Armenia naturally helped Karabagh. The reason for the
issue's discussion between Armenia and Azerbaijan is that Azerbaijani
side does not wish to sit at negotiations table with Karabagh.
- Are the territories or compensation from Turkey the end goal of your
Genocide accusations put to Turkey, in which you aspire to get the
support of the West and primarily USA?
- Look at the map. You can see Turkey's geography, economy,
population, whereas Armenia is a small and poor country. Our foreign
policy agenda excludes territorial claims or compensation. We just
aspire to recognition of the Genocide by the international community
and Turkey. The events of 1915 are open genocide. The opinions of the
Turkish side differ on this issue. Let people openly discuss this
issue. We are democracies. No need to worry about Armenians' including
this issue on the agenda of third countries. The Turks may also
conduct lobbying activity in other countries. However, Armenia has
never proposed Turkey's recognition of the Genocide as a precondition
for normalization of relations between the two countries. The issue
may be resolved by a dialogue. Without diplomatic relations in place
what solution may be offered to this problem? When no solution is
proposed on the governmental level, the search is started through
other channels.
- Do you think Turkey will recognize the genocide for the sake of
accession to EU?
- There are two important problems in our relations with Turkey:
opening of the borders and Genocide. Recognition of the Genocide is
not a precondition for normalization of the relations but opening of
the borders is naturally essential. There can be no proper relations
between the countries with closed borders. However, the relations
between these two countries may be normalized even without Genocide
recognition. We included the problem of border opening in EU agenda,
whereas the Genocide problem is of a more general and moral nature -
EU demands solution of the problem in the future. We hope these
problems will be included on the agenda, however it will take 10-15
years. Until Turkey becomes a EU member, we cannot hope for a rapid
opening of the border with Turkey.
- Armenians, living in Turkey, do not agree with the Diaspora on the
accusations of Genocide. What side does Armenia take in this dispute?
- Naturally, Diaspora Armenians are lobbying for this issue more
actively. They are the children of Genocide victims. Their fathers
were deported to Syrian deserts, Arab countries; further on they
migrated to Europe and USA. They grew up on the Genocide stories told
by adults. However, it is not their problem in particular, but
Armenia's in general. No difference here.
The Historians Have Nothing to Quarrel About
- Wouldn't it be easier to find the solutions if the historians
discuss the issue first? Is it essential to include the issue on the
agenda?
- Nothing new can be mentioned on this problem. There were a number
of various works, and the events of 1915 are clearly illustrated. If
the scientists sit at a negotiation table, nobody's opinion will be
altered. The scientists have already finished their share of work. The
Turkish government should get involved at the moment. Why are you
anxious over discussion of this issue? Such problems exist among
various countries: Japan - South Korea, South Korea - China, Japan -
USA, USA - Mexico and others. These countries discuss their historical
problems, preserving their relations - and very stable relations
indeed.
--
Yerevan Press Club of Armenia presents `MediaDialogue Web Site as a
Regional Information Hub' project. As a part of the project
www.mediadialogue.org web site is maintained, featuring the most
interesting publications from the press of Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia and Turkey on issues of mutual concern. The latest updates on
the site are weekly delivered to the subscribers.
------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
BAKU IS OPEN FOR DIALOGUE WITH THE ARMENIANS OF MOUNTAINOUS KARABAGH
Source : `Zerkalo' newspaper (Azerbaijan)
Author: R. Mirkadirov
But only after liberation of the occupied territories, Deputy Foreign
Minister Araz Azimov states.
OSCE mission, currently in Baku, will study illegal settlement of
population on occupied territories of Azerbaijan. As `Trend' agency
reports, facts gathered by official Baku were presented to the Mission
at January 28 meeting in MFA.
Personal representative of current OSCE Chairman, Anjey Kasprshik and
OSCE experts participated in the meeting. "During our discussions with
Azerbaijani representatives, we studied a great number of
materials. At present, we have to investigate', Russian Co-chairman of
Minsk Group, Yuri Merzlakov informed the journalists after the
meeting.
In accordance with the agreement of the Mission with official Baku,
the experts will visit all the 7 regions around Mountainous
Karabagh. In this respect, Y. Merzlakov pointed out that no
Azerbaijani representative will accompany the mission in the trip.
As a reminder, the mission includes experts from Finland, Italy,
Sweden and Germany, alongside the co-chairmen. Head of the mission is
representative of German MFA, expert on OSCE issues, Emilia Margaret.
Today, January 29, the Mission will leave for Armenia and further on
to occupied territories. According to French Co-chairman of OSCE
Minsk Group, Bernard Fassier, the Mission will work on the occupied
territories for over a week. "Later on, the experts will prepare a
technical report to submit it to the Co-chairmen. In case of
necessity, the co-chairmen will make a statement about the studied
facts", B. Fassier said.
Settlement of the population on occupied territories of Azerbaijan is
implemented with direct involvement of Armenia. As `Turan' reports,
Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan declared about it at yesterday's
press conference, commenting on the results of the January 27 meeting
in MFA of OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmen with the members of the
International Mission on establishing facts about populating the
occupied territories.
In the course of the meeting, the Azerbaijani side presented to the
Mission video and audio materials, serving as evidence of populating
the occupied territories, geographic maps. According to A. Azimov,
about 23 thousand people are illegally settled on the occupied
territories. The populating policy is implemented in various forms, up
to implementation of target economic and infrastructure projects.
The mission was also provided with the information on using the
occupied territories for illegal drug traffic and organized criminal
activity.
A. Azimov also expressed his attitude towards PACE resolution on
Mountainous Karabagh. He emphasized the objective reflection the
resolution provides on the issue of occupation of Azerbaijani
territories and ethnic cleansing. The diplomat stated that current
negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia discuss the issues of
suspension of the military conflict and elimination of its
consequences. Based on the results of the discussions, an agreement is
to be drafted and signed A. Azimov continued.
In due time, the negotiation will include discussions with the
representatives of the Armenian community of Mountainous Karabagh,
together with the Azerbaijani community, returned by the time. "In the
course of discussing the issue of the communities, Azerbaijani
government will hold discussions with its citizens and the society
should perceive it", A. Azimov stated.
`Turan' reports that yesterday President Ilham Aliev received OSCE
Minsk Group Co-chairmen and the Mission on establishing facts about
illegal settlement on occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
Besides, he pointed out that illegal settlement of the population on
the occupied territories by the Armenian side is one of most serious
obstacles on the way to a long-term peace. I. Aliev expressed
confidence that the Mission's studying of the real situation on the
occupied territories will impede Armenia's illegal activity on these
territories.
[29-01-2005 'Karabagh Conflict']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VAHAN HOVHANNISSIAN DOES NOT THINK THAT THE ARMENIAN DIPLOMACY WAS DEFEATED
Source : `Azg' newspaper (Armenia)
Author: Tatul Hakobian
Vice-Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Vahan Hovhannisian
believes that the PACE document on Mountainous Karabagh contains a
number of unpleasant, dangerous definitions. `But the most dangerous
thing is that David Atkinson blames the Minsk Group for everything",
Hovhannisian said yesterday in National Press Club.
In the interview given to BBC Atkinson noted with regret that the
10-year activity of Minsk Group turned out to be useless: `As the past
ten years have shown, the efforts of the Minsk Conference turned out
to be insufficient. And we thought that we might have definite ideas
that can be used in the Minsk process to resolve the conflict. I have
stressed repeatedly that the proposals that we make on behalf of the
Council of Europe are not a replacement for the Minsk Group and will
certainly not damage its cause. We only aim at expanding the Minsk
process'.
Vahan Hovhannisian, who represents `Dashnaktsutiun' party, reminds
that since 1998 not a single proposal was dismissed by Armenia - even
if accepted with reservations. Thus, according to Hovhannisian, OSCE
cannot be at fault. Azerbaijan realized that when specialized
structures deal with Karabagh issue, it loses ground. For this reason,
Hovhanissian says, Baku tries to move the issue to other organizations
that have not been specialized in Karabagh conflict; besides, in the
Council of Europe Azerbaijan has Turkey and a number of other
countries at its side.
Hovhannissian found a part of the interview to be particularly
unacceptable - the one in which the British MP said: `Obviously the
authorities of Azerbaijan will never agree to the independence of
Karabagh. For this reason the Council of Europe cannot assist the
independence of Mountainous Karabagh'.
`How do you know' was the rhetoric question asked by the Vice-Speaker
of the National Assembly, who added that by this statement Atkinson
did not only defend the Azerbaijani position but allows it to make its
stance stronger.
Hovhannisian also noted that the PACE document has a number of parts
favoring Armenia, but 'they are merely parts'. In particular, the
Vice-Speaker welcomes the section in which the Azerbaijani authorities
are called on to establish contacts and dialogue with the
administration of Karabagh. `We would be glad to contribute to this
dialogue here in Strasbourg', Atkinson said in his interview to BBC.
The Vice-President of the National Assembly, while acknowledging the
overall negative nature of the document for Armenia, does not think
the Armenian parliamentary diplomacy was defeated.
Hovhannisian supposes that Armenia and Karabagh must not object to the
visit of fact finding mission to territories controlled by Mountainous
Karabagh. NA Vice-Speaker reminded that on this territories Armenian
refugees from Baku, Sumgait, Dashkesan and other districts of
Azerbaijan currently reside. `What should these people do? If this
(settlement at these territories) is a crime, then nothing has changed
in the world since the 20th century', he said.
The representative of `Dashnaktsutiun' party thinks the
non-involvement of the Mountainous Karabagh in the process to be
conventional, rather - `the Karabagh party was uninvolved in one stage
of the negotiations process', when in Paris and key West the
unification of Karabagh and Armenia was discussed, however, Aliev
Sr. later went back on his promise. Naturally, Hovhannissian said,
Karabagh party must take an active part at this stage of negotiations.
[28-01-2005 'Region']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TURKISH BUSINESS `ON THE LOOSE' IN THE BLACK SEA
Source : `Akhali Taoba' newspaper (Georgia)
Author: Mamuka Bakashvili
Since the day of coming to power, the new government of Georgia has
promised the society to fully promote development of the national
business. Many people, having believed this promise, started restoring
the deserted industries but they immediately faced the familiar red
tape, a no less common problem of `roof' and other barriers.
Murman Kharabadze, for restoration of fish processing factory, has
invested 1 million dollars, without involving the Georgian
government. His company `Kapadokia' produces fish oil and
flour. `Kapadokia' produce is on great demand in Turkey. At the
initial stage, the business thrived despite traditional problems of a
Georgian entrepreneur. However, a much more serious problem soon
emerged - the water area of Poti was suddenly navigated by Turkish
fishing seiners. Their hot and rapid activity led to closure of two
Georgian fish processing factories. Kharabdze has serious concerns
over the future of his `Kapadokia'. In his opinion, Turkish fishermen
get rich at the expense of the Georgian ones. `Turkish fishing
vessels penetrate our waters with the help of Georgian intermediary
firms. The intermediary gets about 50 thousand USD for each vessel. It
is very little money compared to the profit the Turks get', Kharabadze
declared to `Akhali Taoba' newspaper.
The khamsa caught in Poti waters is sold in Turkey for 4 USD per kilo,
whereas Georgia gets only 2% of total cost for its own fish caught by
the Turkish seiners, and the Turks get the rest 98%. Georgian
government recently raised taxes on the resources (khamsa in this case
is viewed as a resource) from 7 to 25 lari per tone. However, tax
rising primarily hit the poor Georgian fishermen, whereas the more
well-to-do southern neighbors could fully afford it. The experts
already counted: if the Turkish fishermen do not reduce the intensity
of their activity, in 2-3 years there may be no khamsa left in Poti
region.
Murman Kharabadze asserts that if the government puts an end to the
actually uncontrolled activity of Turkish fishing companies and
enables its fishermen to supply the fish processing factories with
their produce, the state profit from the taxes and reduction of the
production prime cost may increase fourfold. Besides, new job places
may emerge, which is of no small importance to Georgia. Kharabadze
confirms the calculations, bringing the example of his own enterprise.
He applied to the Ministry of Environmental Protection with the
request to provide a catch quota for 18 thousand tones of khamsa. He
has to pay for it 25 lari per tone to the budget, which totally makes
450 thousand lari. Besides, as a result of processing of 18 thousand
raw produce the enterprise will get 2800 tone of fish flour and 1440
tones of fish oil. The profit from sale of these products will make
1,5 million dollars. About 40% of this sum will be allotted to the
budget in form of taxes. `The Turks pay only for the caught khamsa,
whereas the main profit goes to their own country', Murman Kharabadze
says.
However, the problems of Georgian fishermen do not appear to concern
anyone. In particular, head of Georgian sea transport administration
Valerian Imnaishvili ordered to launch 37 more Turkish vessels to Poti
water area. Considering the fact that each seiner, as a rule, is
accompanied by 2-3 transporting vessels, it may be counted that up to
100 Turkish vessels will soon be navigating the Poti waters. Georgian
fishermen are horrified - there will not be enough khamsa for them.
Valerian Imnaishvili explained to `Akhali Taoba' newspaper that the
Turkish vessels expected in Poti waters navigate under Georgian
flag. However this does not stop the caught fish and future incomes
from going to Turkey?! Georgian ecologists pay attention to the
circumstance that the nets of the Turkish fishermen are much larger
than the Georgian ones, which should become a separate topic for
discussion. Besides, the Turks thoroughly sort the caught fish,
throwing the off-grade fish, according to their standards, right into
the sea. The Georgian ecologists assert that the Turkish standards
view as proper no more that 20% of the caught fish, whereas the
discarded 80% rot in the sea, obviously damaging the
environment. Meanwhile, the Georgian fishermen use all the fish
caught.
The Turkish partner of Murman Kharabadze, Altan Izim is also against
Turkish vessels in Georgian waters, `I am a Turk but I want to do
something for Georgia. The state should also help us in it, given the
fact that a million dollars are invested in our enterprise. The
Turkish coastline is more than 2 thousand kilometers. However, there
is practically no fish left there. Therefore, the Turkish vessels
enter the Georgian waters. We almost have to ask them for leaving us
at least 20-30 thousand tones of khamsa for our enterprise to
function. However, this situation cannot last long. Mass `attack' of
Turkish seiners will result in disappearance of khamsa in Georgian
waters as well'.
The situation is so serious and threatening that the Georgian
fishermen decided to impede the Turkish vessels from entering the Poti
water area. They are ready to block the port of Poti. The problem
caught the attention of Georgian Parliament and a special hearing was
held there on this issue. At the session, the Chairman of the
Parliamentary Committee on Protection of the Environment and Natural
Resources Tamaz Khidesheli promised the fishermen that the Turkish
vessels will not be allowed to Poti waters. However, time showed that
the promise was nothing more than a promise. At present, the Georgian
fishermen are ready to defend their interests by their own forces and
possibilities.
[25-01-2005 'Armenia-Turkey']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
YEREVAN: WE RECOGNIZE THE KARS TREATY. ANKARA: WE
ARE WAITING FOR ACTIONS, NOT WORDS TO PROVE IT
Source : `Zaman' newspaper (Turkey)
Author: Jumaly Onal, Suleyman Kurt
As Armenian Foreign Minister Oskanian stated in his interview to
`Zaman' newspaper, Armenia recognizes the Kars Treaty, thus meeting
the condition put forward by Turkey.
Armenian Minister, answering the questions of `Zaman', noted that for
Armenia Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's statement on Kars Treaty,
defining the borders between the two countries, was
unexpected. Oskanian, declaring that none of Armenian leaders has yet
questioned the validity of this agreement, stated, `We are one of the
countries-assignees of the Soviet Union. All the agreements, signed
between the Soviet Union and the third countries, are invalid.'
A high-ranking official in the interview to `Zaman' characterized
Oskanian's words as a `statement smelling of opportunism'. According
to the Turkish diplomat, `Armenian Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence refer to the eastern regions of Turkey as `Western
Armenia'. Ararat is depicted on the State Emblem. Armenia, through
the Armenian Diaspora, keeps putting accusations to Turkey of
committing the so-called Genocide. No concrete steps were taken
towards liberation of the occupied Armenian territories.
Reconciliation may be discussed only after concrete steps in these
three directions.'
The statement made by Prime Minister Erdogan on January 12 upon return
from Moscow concerned the Kars Treaty and the necessity for concrete
steps of Yerevan for opening of the border between Turkey and
Armenia. Foreign Minister of Armenia Vartan Oskanian answered the
questions of `Zaman' on a large specter of issues, starting form the
Kars Treaty up to the accusations of the so-called Genocide.
- Prime Minister Erdogan stated that Armenia does not recognize the
Kars Treaty, and it is one of the obstacles on the way to
normalization of relations. Why doesn't Armenia recognize this treaty?
- For me this statement of Prime Minister on Kars Treaty is fully
unexpected. No Armenian leader has ever declared about ignoring this
Treaty by Yerevan. We are one of the countries-assignees of the
Soviet Union. All the treaties, concluded between the Soviet Union and
the third countries, are valid until the new agreements, replacing the
old ones, are signed or a declaration about non-recognition of these
treaties is made.
- What is your attitude to the Turkey's condition on suspension of
Armenian occupation of the Azerbaijani territories?
- Turkey cannot reduce the Mountainous Karabagh problem exclusively to
the territorial aspect. The issue is manifold: territory, refugees,
security, stability. The main problem is the status. Prior to Karabagh
problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there were no Azerbaijani
territories under Armenian control. The Armenian control over these
territories was settled as a result of Karabagh conflict. The Turkish
side does not have a clear perception of the cause and effect
relation. It is impossible to attempt solving this problem, separating
the cause from the effect. The problem is that Baku does not make any
steps on the way to discussion of the issues. Consequently, Turkey is
unable to put any territorial problems as a precondition. We aspire to
solving the problem, however, we hold that it should be viewed in a
complex.
- What is your opinion about Turkey's becoming a mediator in Karabagh
problem?
- As Turkey is an interested party, it cannot be a mediator in
resolution of Karabagh problem. Thus, Russia has no preconditions on
the conflict resolution; therefore it is neutral, whereas Turkey
expressed its interest many times. If Turkey reconsiders its positions
on the issue of diplomatic relations, its mediation will be of large
significance. We constantly participate in bilateral meetings, however
the issue of mediation is in another plane.
Russian-Turkish Cooperation Will Not Facilitate the Solution
- How will Ankara's cooperation with Russia impact the solution of the
problem?
- Discussion of the issue by Turkey and Russia does not worry us,
however I don't think that joint steps of these two countries will
facilitate the solution.
- One-fifth of Azerbaijani territory is occupied by Armenia. When will
this occupation be over?
- Mountainous Karabagh has always been an Armenian territory. The
problem of other territories is the problem of Karabagh and
Azerbaijan. In USSR times, Karabagh was under Azerbaijani
control. However, when the war started between Azerbaijan and
Karabagh, Armenia naturally helped Karabagh. The reason for the
issue's discussion between Armenia and Azerbaijan is that Azerbaijani
side does not wish to sit at negotiations table with Karabagh.
- Are the territories or compensation from Turkey the end goal of your
Genocide accusations put to Turkey, in which you aspire to get the
support of the West and primarily USA?
- Look at the map. You can see Turkey's geography, economy,
population, whereas Armenia is a small and poor country. Our foreign
policy agenda excludes territorial claims or compensation. We just
aspire to recognition of the Genocide by the international community
and Turkey. The events of 1915 are open genocide. The opinions of the
Turkish side differ on this issue. Let people openly discuss this
issue. We are democracies. No need to worry about Armenians' including
this issue on the agenda of third countries. The Turks may also
conduct lobbying activity in other countries. However, Armenia has
never proposed Turkey's recognition of the Genocide as a precondition
for normalization of relations between the two countries. The issue
may be resolved by a dialogue. Without diplomatic relations in place
what solution may be offered to this problem? When no solution is
proposed on the governmental level, the search is started through
other channels.
- Do you think Turkey will recognize the genocide for the sake of
accession to EU?
- There are two important problems in our relations with Turkey:
opening of the borders and Genocide. Recognition of the Genocide is
not a precondition for normalization of the relations but opening of
the borders is naturally essential. There can be no proper relations
between the countries with closed borders. However, the relations
between these two countries may be normalized even without Genocide
recognition. We included the problem of border opening in EU agenda,
whereas the Genocide problem is of a more general and moral nature -
EU demands solution of the problem in the future. We hope these
problems will be included on the agenda, however it will take 10-15
years. Until Turkey becomes a EU member, we cannot hope for a rapid
opening of the border with Turkey.
- Armenians, living in Turkey, do not agree with the Diaspora on the
accusations of Genocide. What side does Armenia take in this dispute?
- Naturally, Diaspora Armenians are lobbying for this issue more
actively. They are the children of Genocide victims. Their fathers
were deported to Syrian deserts, Arab countries; further on they
migrated to Europe and USA. They grew up on the Genocide stories told
by adults. However, it is not their problem in particular, but
Armenia's in general. No difference here.
The Historians Have Nothing to Quarrel About
- Wouldn't it be easier to find the solutions if the historians
discuss the issue first? Is it essential to include the issue on the
agenda?
- Nothing new can be mentioned on this problem. There were a number
of various works, and the events of 1915 are clearly illustrated. If
the scientists sit at a negotiation table, nobody's opinion will be
altered. The scientists have already finished their share of work. The
Turkish government should get involved at the moment. Why are you
anxious over discussion of this issue? Such problems exist among
various countries: Japan - South Korea, South Korea - China, Japan -
USA, USA - Mexico and others. These countries discuss their historical
problems, preserving their relations - and very stable relations
indeed.
--
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