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07/21/2005
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1) Armenian Genocide Legislation Set for Committee-Level Consideration
2) ANCA Welcomes Legislation Blocking US Aid for Caucasus Railroad Projects
that Excludes Armenia
3) Karabagh's Independence Not Subject to Discussions, Says Foreign Minister
4) Lockheed Martin Receives Contract to Start Upgrade Program for Turkey's
F-16s
5) Shootout Ends Georgian Manhunt for Grenade Suspect
6) ARF Hai Tad Committee of South America Praises Venezuela's Armenian
Genocide
Resolution
7) US House Calls on Azerbaijan to Hold Free Elections
1) Armenian Genocide Legislation Set for Committee-Level Consideration
-- Members of the International Relations Committee
Coming Under Pressure from Turkey's Lobbyists
-- Cosponsor List for H.Res.316 Reaches 102
WASHINGTON, DC-The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is working
in Washington, DC and in communities around the nation to generate support for
Armenian genocide legislation that is slated to come before the House
International Relations Committee. It appears likely at this time that the
Armenian genocide measures (H.Res.316 and H.Con.Res.195) currently before
Congress will be considered and acted upon by the influential panel.
"We welcome the willingness of Chairman Hyde and the International
Relations Committee to formally consider and act upon Armenian genocide
legislation," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "We especially would like to
express our gratitude to George Radanovich for leading the effort and building
on his decade-long record of principled and energetic leadership on this
issue,
to voice our gratitude to the Co-Chairs of the Armenian Caucus--Joe
Knollenberg
and Frank Pallone--for generating a powerful, bipartisan constituency, and to
share our special appreciation for Adam Schiff's vital role in ensuring
Committee level action on Armenian genocide legislation."
"We look forward to working with our friends in focusing our collective
energies on defeating Turkey's genocide denial machine, to ensuring favorable
consideration of these measures by the International Relations Committee, and
to securing final passage of legislation reaffirming the Armenian genocide by
the House of Representatives," added Hachikian.
H.Res.316, which was introduced by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA),
Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), calls upon the President to ensure US
foreign policy reflects appropriate understanding of the Armenian genocide.
The
resolution includes thirty detailed findings from past US hearings,
resolutions
and Presidential statements, as well as references to statements by
international bodies and organizations. As of today, a bipartisan group of
over
ninety-eight Representatives have already agreed to cosponsor this measure.
H.Con.Res.195, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff, was offered following direct
negotiations with House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde
(R-IL). The Chairman agreed to Committee-level consideration of Armenian
genocide legislation in return for Rep. Schiff tabling a planned June 8
Armenian genocide amendment to the House Foreign Relations Authorization bill.
The agreement addressed serious concerns on the part of the Administration and
Congressional leaders that the Schiff Amendment--which had strong prospects of
passing--would overshadow the White House meeting, held that same day, between
President Bush and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. This measure, which is in
the process of being amended, reaffirms the Armenian genocide within the
broader context of regional relationships and addresses Turkey's efforts to
join the European Union.
According to Capitol Hill sources, the Turkish Ambassador and his
lobbyists--including the Livingston Group--are actively making the rounds to
members of the International Relations Committee, seeking to block any action
on US reaffirmation of the Armenian genocide. As part of this effort, the
Livingston Group has been distributing a four-page genocide-denial document to
Congressional offices.
A third, non-Genocide related resolution that may also be considered by the
International Relations Committee deals with Turkey's illegal blockade of
Armenia. This measure, H.R.3103, introduced by Rep. Schiff, calls on Turkey to
"comply with the long-standing position of the United States that in order to
restore economic, political, and cultural links with Armenia, Turkey should
immediately lift its ongoing blockade with Armenia." In addition, it would
require that, "Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate Congressional
committees a report that outlines the steps taken and plans made by the United
States to end Turkey's blockade of Armenia." The ANCA supports the adoption of
this measure by the US House at the earliest opportunity.
In addition to Reps. Radanovich, Schiff, Pallone and Knollenberg, those who
have agreed to cosponsor H.Res.316 are: Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Tom Allen
(D-ME),
Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Bass (R-NH), Howard
Berman
(D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R- FL), Tim Bishop (D-NY), Jeb Bradley (R-NH),
Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Dennis
Cardoza (D-CA), William Clay (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA),
Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA), John
Dingell (D-MI), Mike Doyle (D-PA), David Dreier (R-CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY),
Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Bob Filner (D-CA), Mark Foley (R-FL), Barney Frank (D-MA),
Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Mark Green (R-WI), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey
(D-NY), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Darrell
Issa (R-CA), Jesse Jackson (D-IL), Sue Kelly (R-NY), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI),
Dale Kildee (D-MI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin
(D-MI), John Lewis (D-GA), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nita
Lowey (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Markey
(D-MA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN),
Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Jim McDermott (D-WA), James McGovern (D-MA), John
McHugh (R-NY), Buck McKeon (R-CA), Cathy McMorris (R-WA), Michael McNulty
(D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Candice Miller (R-MI),
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Eleanor
Holmes Norton (D-DC), Devin Nunes (R-CA), John Olver (D-MA), Donald Payne
(D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Richard Pombo (R-CA), Mike Rogers (R-MI),
Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Edward Royce (R-CA),
Bobby
Rush (D-IL), Paul Ryan (R-WI), H. James Saxton (R-NJ), Allyson Schwartz
(D-PA),
Joe Schwarz (R-MI), E. Clay Shaw (R-FL), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Brad
Sherman
(D-CA), John Shimkus (R-IL), Christopher Smith (R-NJ), Mark Souder (R-IN),
Pete
Stark (D-CA), Ted Strickland (D-OH), John Sweeney (R-NY), John Tierney (D-MA),
Mark Udall (D-CO), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Visclosky (D-IN),
Diane
Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Frank Wolf (R-VA),
and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).
2) ANCA Welcomes Legislation Blocking US Aid for Caucasus Railroad Projects
that Excludes Armenia
--Measure Would Protect US Taxpayers from having to Subsidize High-Cost Route
Circumventing Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomes
the
introduction of legislation in the House of Representatives prohibiting US
assistance for the building of railroads traversing the Caucasus that
circumvent Armenia. The measure, entitled the "South Caucasus Integration and
Open Railroads Act of 2005," is being introduced by Congressman Joe
Knollenberg
(R-MI), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and George Radanovich (R-
CA).
"We welcome this effort to protect US taxpayers from subsidizing an
ill-advised and over-priced railroad project that--at the insistence of Turkey
and Azerbaijan--has been designed to exclude Armenia," said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director of the ANCA. "Constructing this railroad around Armenia
runs
directly counter to US foreign policy and--as if that wasn't bad enoughmakes
absolutely no financial sense--which is precisely why its sponsors will surely
turn to the American taxpayer to foot the bill."
The text of the legislation notes "the exclusion of Armenia from regional
economic and commercial undertakings in the South Caucasus undermines the
United States policy goal of promoting a stable and cooperative environment in
the region. "In its operative section, the legislation prohibits US assistance
"to develop or promote any rail connections or railway-related connections
that
do not traverse or connect with Armenia, but do traverse or connect Baku,
Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey. Specific forms of US
assistance
prohibited would include: foreign economic and development aid, Overseas
Private Investment Corporation, Trade and Development Agency, and the
Export-Import Bank.
The ANCA raised this issue publicly as early as June 10 of this year when
Communications Director Elizabeth S. Chouldjian posed a question to the
Foreign
Minister of Armenia, Vartan Oskanian, during his briefing at a National Press
Club. Minister Oskanian expressed the Armenian government's "concern about
this
recent consideration by Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey to build a new
railroad from Kars to Tbilisi, linking to an existing Azerbaijani line. They
are planning on spending something from $600 million to $1 billion to put that
railroad in place. The problem is that there is such a railroad in the region.
There is an existing Kars, Gyumri, which is an Armenian city, Tbilisi, and
next
to Azerbaijan. The railroad is sitting there rusting, now for fifteen years,
because Turkey, for political reasons, does not allow the trains to cross the
Turkish Armenian border. Having that in place and thinking of building a new
one and spending $600 million is nonsense." He closed his comments, by
stressing that, "It is in no one's interest--not the US or European Union or
the countries involved. I have raised this issue with the Administration and
they understand, they promised to follow this, and to try to talk them out of
engaging in this type of senseless, useless activity."
In May of this year, the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Georgian
President Mikhail Saakashvili, and Turkey's President Akhmed Nedget Sezer
announced their intention to construct the railway corridor linking Turkey,
Tbilisi, and Baku. The project would effectively replace the Kars-Gyumri
railroad route, which has been blockaded by Turkey for more than a decade. The
governmental and commercial interests involved in the project, estimated at
between $600 million and $1 billion, will almost certainly turn to the US
government for financial support, subsidies, favorable lending terms, and
low-cost risk insurance, as they did for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline
route.
3) Karabagh's Independence Not Subject to Discussions, Says Foreign Minister
YEREVAN (Armenpress/RFE/RL)--The idea of holding a referendum to decide
Mountainous Karabagh's status is not up for discussion a senior Karabagh
official said on Thursday.
"Karabagh's independence is of supreme value for our people and is not
subject
to discussions," said Arman Melikian, the foreign minister of Mountainous
Karabagh Republic (MKR).
There was speculation earlier this month that the parties are close to
agreeing on a peace formula that would require the population of MKR to
determine its status with a referendum to be held in the next 10-15 years. But
Melikian stressed that it is "senseless" to contemplate the option since the
"issue is not on the table."
International mediators refused to confirm the news during their visit to
Baku, Stepanakert, and Yerevan last week. They said only that an agreement
ending the long-running dispute could be signed by the end of this year.
Melikian added that the country's status and a peace plan are two separate
issues, and that a settlement to the conflict, and the consequences of the war
should be considered under international norms.
The minister also said that only time would show whether there would be one
state or two as a result of a settlement. He said that though the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairs are working effectively, principles for a settlement have not
yet been formulated.
Melikian dismissed suggestions that the MKR leadership may not be informed
about details of the peace talks. "I think we are sufficiently informed about
the course of the negotiations and are in a position to react to them," he
told
reporters.
4) Lockheed Martin Receives Contract to Start Upgrade Program for Turkey's
F-16s
FORT WORTH (PRNewswire-FirstCall)--Lockheed Martin received a long-lead
contract, valued at approximately $67.7 million, from the US Air Force to
begin
development of a major systems upgrade of Turkish Air Force F-16 aircraft. The
total contract is valued at approximately $800 million and is expected to be
issued in mid-2006.
The upgrade program will create a robust, common avionics configuration for
the Turkish Air Force's F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 aircraft, plus a modest
modification to their Block 30 aircraft.
"We have long-term relationships with the Government of Turkey, the Turkish
Air Force and Turkish industry, and we are pleased to be expanding those
relationships," said June Shrewsbury, vice president of the F-16 programs.
"The
Turkish Air Force is taking advantage of a cost-effective upgrade program to
their F-16s. This program is based on a similar approach by the US Air Force;
therefore, much of the design and development effort has already been
accomplished, and our task will be to address unique aspects of the Turkish
configuration. Other countries have expressed interest in a similar upgrade
package for their F-16s."
The Turkish configuration being integrated consists of the APG-68(V)9
multimode radar (currently being installed on new Advanced Block 50/52 F-16s),
color cockpit displays and recorders, new core avionics processors, the Joint
Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, Link 16 data link, advanced
interrogator/transponder, integrated precision navigation, an upgraded version
of the Self-Protection Electronic Warfare System (SPEWS II) and compatibility
with a number of new weapons and targeting systems.
Acquisition of the SPEWS II hardware and installation beyond the
lead-the-fleet kits [those for installation validation and flight test]
will be
accomplished on a separate contract. Acquisition of the APG-68(V)9 radar
upgrade kits beyond those required for development integration testing is not
currently planned.
Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor for the program. Tasks include
the
development effort, kit accumulation, technical assistance for kit
installation, upgrades to pilot training systems, and logistics support and
training. The baseline program includes kits for 37 Block 30s, 76 Block 50s
and
four Block 40s. There is an option for 100 more Block 40 kits.
Kit installation will be performed by TUSAS Aerospace Industries (by separate
agreement) with technical assistance from Lockheed Martin.
Program milestones include modification kit trial verification installation
beginning in early 2007 and continuing about two years. Flight testing will
begin in early 2009 and will last approximately two years. The Turkish Air
Force is expecting to achieve initial operational capability with the new
configuration in 2011.
The program, titled Peace Onyx III, is being processed as a Foreign Military
Sale through the US government and follows Peace Onyx I (160 new F-16s in late
1980s to mid-1990s) and Peace Onyx II (80 new F-16s in late 1990s).
The F-16 is the choice of 24 countries. More than 4,000 aircraft have been
delivered worldwide from assembly lines in five countries. The F-16 program
has
been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among
governments, air forces and aerospace industries. Major upgrades to all F-16
versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable
over the aircraft's long service life.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a
leader in the design, research and development, systems integration,
production
and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its
customers include the military services of the United States and allied
countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF,
F-117, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2. The company produces major
components for the F-2 fighter, and is a co-developer of the C-27J tactical
transport and T-50 advanced jet trainer.
5) Shootout Ends Georgian Manhunt for Grenade Suspect
TBILISI (RFE/RL/Reuters)--Georgian police announced the arrest of a
27-year-old
Armenian on July 20 suspected of throwing a live hand grenade towards
President
George Bush during a visit to the former Soviet republic in May.
Vladimir Arutyunian was captured overnight following a shootout that claimed
the life of a senior police officer who specialized in counterintelligence.
The final stage of Arutyunian's capture was broadcast live on Georgia's main
television channels.
Addressing reporters during an impromptu news briefing, Interior Minister
Vano
Merabishvili said Arutyunian was apprehended in the Vashlijvari suburb of the
Georgian capital Tbilisi.
Arutyunian resisted arrest, opening fire on police officers. Merabishvili
said
the head of the Interior Ministry's counterintelligence department, Zurab
Kvlividze, was killed in the shootout.
"As [police] went to the house of the suspect, Vladimir Vladimirovich
Arutyunian, he opened fire, causing the death of one of our men, Zurab
Kvlividze," Merabishvile said. "Arutyunian was wounded in the shootout that
followed and, a few minutes later, detained by a special police unit."
Arutyunian sustained wounds in the leg and chest and was rushed to Tbilisi's
Republican Hospital for treatment, where his condition is reportedly not
life-threatening.
Asked by an official whether he threw the grenade, Arutyunian, who looked
calm, replied: "Yes."
Deputy Health Minister Irakly Giorgobiani said, "Doctors, who talked to (him)
yesterday, said that he had confessed that he had thrown a grenade. But they
also said that he may not have been in control of himself at the time."
Merabishvili told a briefing, however, that the investigation was continuing
and that a reward of about $83,000 would be split among several people who
helped the investigation. Insisting that Arutyunian was still considered a
suspect, Merabishvili said that police would need a few more hours, perhaps
days, to determine whether he is the man who allegedly threw the grenade.
The incident was not reported until President Bush left Georgia after
addressing tens of thousands of people on Tbilisi's Freedom Square on May 10.
Georgian authorities reported then to the US Secret Service that someone in
the crowd had thrown a hand grenade folded in a red handkerchief toward the
stage where Bush and Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili were standing.
Officials said the Russian-made grenade landed within 30 meters of both
leaders, but failed to go off due to an apparent malfunction. A Georgian
security officer reportedly picked up the device and removed it from the
area.
Reward Offered
Georgian police had since been engaged in a nationwide manhunt that also
involved US investigators.
Georgia's Interior Minister initially offered a reward worth 20,000 laris
($11,000) to anyone with information leading to the arrest of a suspect.
Georgian television channels showed photographs of a dark-haired man that
were
taken while he was attending Bush's address. Police said the man shown in the
pictures is Arutyunian, an unemployed ethnic Armenian who lives alone with his
mother.
Arutyunian's mother, Anzhela, who was briefly detained for questioning, told
reporters her son had disappeared for the past three days before returning
home
overnight.
"He hasn't been home for the past three days," she said. "Before that, he was
always here."
US Involvement in Hunt
The US Secret Service said it was monitoring the investigation conducted by
the Georgian authorities. It also denied being involved in Arutyunian's
arrest.
Georgia's Imedi television, however, said that FBI agents were searching
Arutyunian's apartment for further evidence.
Unconfirmed Georgian news reports quote Interior Ministry officials as saying
explosives and detonators, as well as chemical substances that could possibly
serve to make a bomb, were found at Arutyunian's home.
The Georgian presidential administration said that following the news of
Arutyunian's arrest, Saakashvili has decided to cut short his vacation in the
Netherlands and return to Tbilisi.
6) ARF Hai Tad Committee of South America Praises Venezuela's Armenian
Genocide
Resolution
YEREVAN (Yerkir)--The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Hai Tad
Committee
of South America welcomed the Venezuelan Parliament's adoption of a resolution
that recognizes the Armenian genocide.
On July 14, the Parliament adopted a resolution that recognizes the Armenian
genocide and asks the European Union (EU) to place preconditions on
Turkey's EU
bid. By adopting this resolution, Venezuela joined Uruguay and Argentina,
which
have passed similar resolutions in 1965 and 1985 respectively.
"The Hai Tad Committee of South America welcomes Venezuela National
Assembly's
step which characterizes the supportive spirit of South America brotherly
nations, demanding from Turkey to stop its denial policies," the Committee's
statement read.
The Committee specifically praised the part of the resolution which calls on
the European Union leadership to deny Turkey membership in the Union unless it
recognizes the Armenian genocide.
The resolution was introduced by Parliament Member Victor Hugo Morales and
attorney Janet Madris.
7) US House Calls on Azerbaijan to Hold Free Elections
ANCA welcomes effort to press Baku to meet international democratic standards
"Our measure is necessary after Azerbaijan disenfranchised its citizens and
made a mockery of its promises to the international community to hold a free
and fair presidential election in October 2003." --Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA)
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed
the
adoption on Wednesday of legislation in US House calling on Azerbaijan to hold
free and fair parliamentary elections this November.
The measure, introduced by Congressman Elton Gallegly, Chairman of the
International Relations Subcommittee on Europe, raises serious concerns about
patterns of Azerbaijani government voter fraud, intimidation, and restrictions
on the opposition. It was adopted by vote of 416 to 1 this evening under the
suspension calendar.
"We want to thank Chairman Gallegly for his leadership in securing the
adoption of this timely and important legislation encouraging free and fair
elections in Azerbaijan," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "For
the
people of Azerbaijan, democratic elections will provide a long overdue
opportunity to live under a government of their own choosing; for Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh, free and fair elections will hopefully help Azerbaijan
transform itself into a better neighbor and more reliable partner in the
search
for peace."
Speaking in favor of the resolution during debate on the House floor earlier
this week were several members of the International Relations Committee,
including its Ranking Democrat Tom Lantos (D-CA). In his remarks, the San
Francisco Democrat stressed that, "our measure is necessary after Azerbaijan
disenfranchised its citizens and made a mockery of its promises to the
international community to hold a free and fair presidential election in
October 2003. After a campaign troubled by intimidation and countless
irregularities and violent incidents on election day, election observers
concluded that the vote in 2003 was one which was fraudulent and it
resulted in
an illegal government."
Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Chairman of the International Relations
Subcommittee dealing with human rights, offered detailed remarks in favor of
the measure's adoption. He shared with his colleagues that he is "deeply
convinced that the stability we all seek in Azerbaijan is only possible
through
democracy. For that reason, the November election must be free and fair.
Whoever wins, it is essential that Azerbaijan's citizens and the international
community see the outcome as legitimate."
Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) noted that, "in the most recent
elections in Azerbaijan, the 2003 presidential elections, international
election observers concluded that they fell well short of international
standards. The observers found numerous instances of voting fraud,
restrictions
on political rallies, and intimidation against political opponents."
Congressman Ben Cardin (D-MD), the Ranking Democrat on the US Helsinki
Commission, in stating his support for the resolution, noted a troubling
incident, in May of 2005, in which Azerbaijani officials "arrested and
incarcerated a group of peaceful protesters in the capital city of Baku."
Representative Joe Crowley (D-NY) pointed out that Azerbaijan "has yet to meet
its full potential and its poor human rights record constantly overshadows any
positive steps that the government has taken."
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TOP STORIES
07/21/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1) Armenian Genocide Legislation Set for Committee-Level Consideration
2) ANCA Welcomes Legislation Blocking US Aid for Caucasus Railroad Projects
that Excludes Armenia
3) Karabagh's Independence Not Subject to Discussions, Says Foreign Minister
4) Lockheed Martin Receives Contract to Start Upgrade Program for Turkey's
F-16s
5) Shootout Ends Georgian Manhunt for Grenade Suspect
6) ARF Hai Tad Committee of South America Praises Venezuela's Armenian
Genocide
Resolution
7) US House Calls on Azerbaijan to Hold Free Elections
1) Armenian Genocide Legislation Set for Committee-Level Consideration
-- Members of the International Relations Committee
Coming Under Pressure from Turkey's Lobbyists
-- Cosponsor List for H.Res.316 Reaches 102
WASHINGTON, DC-The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is working
in Washington, DC and in communities around the nation to generate support for
Armenian genocide legislation that is slated to come before the House
International Relations Committee. It appears likely at this time that the
Armenian genocide measures (H.Res.316 and H.Con.Res.195) currently before
Congress will be considered and acted upon by the influential panel.
"We welcome the willingness of Chairman Hyde and the International
Relations Committee to formally consider and act upon Armenian genocide
legislation," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "We especially would like to
express our gratitude to George Radanovich for leading the effort and building
on his decade-long record of principled and energetic leadership on this
issue,
to voice our gratitude to the Co-Chairs of the Armenian Caucus--Joe
Knollenberg
and Frank Pallone--for generating a powerful, bipartisan constituency, and to
share our special appreciation for Adam Schiff's vital role in ensuring
Committee level action on Armenian genocide legislation."
"We look forward to working with our friends in focusing our collective
energies on defeating Turkey's genocide denial machine, to ensuring favorable
consideration of these measures by the International Relations Committee, and
to securing final passage of legislation reaffirming the Armenian genocide by
the House of Representatives," added Hachikian.
H.Res.316, which was introduced by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA),
Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), calls upon the President to ensure US
foreign policy reflects appropriate understanding of the Armenian genocide.
The
resolution includes thirty detailed findings from past US hearings,
resolutions
and Presidential statements, as well as references to statements by
international bodies and organizations. As of today, a bipartisan group of
over
ninety-eight Representatives have already agreed to cosponsor this measure.
H.Con.Res.195, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff, was offered following direct
negotiations with House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde
(R-IL). The Chairman agreed to Committee-level consideration of Armenian
genocide legislation in return for Rep. Schiff tabling a planned June 8
Armenian genocide amendment to the House Foreign Relations Authorization bill.
The agreement addressed serious concerns on the part of the Administration and
Congressional leaders that the Schiff Amendment--which had strong prospects of
passing--would overshadow the White House meeting, held that same day, between
President Bush and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. This measure, which is in
the process of being amended, reaffirms the Armenian genocide within the
broader context of regional relationships and addresses Turkey's efforts to
join the European Union.
According to Capitol Hill sources, the Turkish Ambassador and his
lobbyists--including the Livingston Group--are actively making the rounds to
members of the International Relations Committee, seeking to block any action
on US reaffirmation of the Armenian genocide. As part of this effort, the
Livingston Group has been distributing a four-page genocide-denial document to
Congressional offices.
A third, non-Genocide related resolution that may also be considered by the
International Relations Committee deals with Turkey's illegal blockade of
Armenia. This measure, H.R.3103, introduced by Rep. Schiff, calls on Turkey to
"comply with the long-standing position of the United States that in order to
restore economic, political, and cultural links with Armenia, Turkey should
immediately lift its ongoing blockade with Armenia." In addition, it would
require that, "Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate Congressional
committees a report that outlines the steps taken and plans made by the United
States to end Turkey's blockade of Armenia." The ANCA supports the adoption of
this measure by the US House at the earliest opportunity.
In addition to Reps. Radanovich, Schiff, Pallone and Knollenberg, those who
have agreed to cosponsor H.Res.316 are: Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Tom Allen
(D-ME),
Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Bass (R-NH), Howard
Berman
(D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R- FL), Tim Bishop (D-NY), Jeb Bradley (R-NH),
Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Dennis
Cardoza (D-CA), William Clay (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA),
Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA), John
Dingell (D-MI), Mike Doyle (D-PA), David Dreier (R-CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY),
Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Bob Filner (D-CA), Mark Foley (R-FL), Barney Frank (D-MA),
Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Mark Green (R-WI), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey
(D-NY), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Darrell
Issa (R-CA), Jesse Jackson (D-IL), Sue Kelly (R-NY), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI),
Dale Kildee (D-MI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin
(D-MI), John Lewis (D-GA), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nita
Lowey (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Markey
(D-MA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN),
Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Jim McDermott (D-WA), James McGovern (D-MA), John
McHugh (R-NY), Buck McKeon (R-CA), Cathy McMorris (R-WA), Michael McNulty
(D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Candice Miller (R-MI),
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Eleanor
Holmes Norton (D-DC), Devin Nunes (R-CA), John Olver (D-MA), Donald Payne
(D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Richard Pombo (R-CA), Mike Rogers (R-MI),
Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Edward Royce (R-CA),
Bobby
Rush (D-IL), Paul Ryan (R-WI), H. James Saxton (R-NJ), Allyson Schwartz
(D-PA),
Joe Schwarz (R-MI), E. Clay Shaw (R-FL), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Brad
Sherman
(D-CA), John Shimkus (R-IL), Christopher Smith (R-NJ), Mark Souder (R-IN),
Pete
Stark (D-CA), Ted Strickland (D-OH), John Sweeney (R-NY), John Tierney (D-MA),
Mark Udall (D-CO), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Visclosky (D-IN),
Diane
Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Frank Wolf (R-VA),
and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).
2) ANCA Welcomes Legislation Blocking US Aid for Caucasus Railroad Projects
that Excludes Armenia
--Measure Would Protect US Taxpayers from having to Subsidize High-Cost Route
Circumventing Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomes
the
introduction of legislation in the House of Representatives prohibiting US
assistance for the building of railroads traversing the Caucasus that
circumvent Armenia. The measure, entitled the "South Caucasus Integration and
Open Railroads Act of 2005," is being introduced by Congressman Joe
Knollenberg
(R-MI), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and George Radanovich (R-
CA).
"We welcome this effort to protect US taxpayers from subsidizing an
ill-advised and over-priced railroad project that--at the insistence of Turkey
and Azerbaijan--has been designed to exclude Armenia," said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director of the ANCA. "Constructing this railroad around Armenia
runs
directly counter to US foreign policy and--as if that wasn't bad enoughmakes
absolutely no financial sense--which is precisely why its sponsors will surely
turn to the American taxpayer to foot the bill."
The text of the legislation notes "the exclusion of Armenia from regional
economic and commercial undertakings in the South Caucasus undermines the
United States policy goal of promoting a stable and cooperative environment in
the region. "In its operative section, the legislation prohibits US assistance
"to develop or promote any rail connections or railway-related connections
that
do not traverse or connect with Armenia, but do traverse or connect Baku,
Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey. Specific forms of US
assistance
prohibited would include: foreign economic and development aid, Overseas
Private Investment Corporation, Trade and Development Agency, and the
Export-Import Bank.
The ANCA raised this issue publicly as early as June 10 of this year when
Communications Director Elizabeth S. Chouldjian posed a question to the
Foreign
Minister of Armenia, Vartan Oskanian, during his briefing at a National Press
Club. Minister Oskanian expressed the Armenian government's "concern about
this
recent consideration by Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey to build a new
railroad from Kars to Tbilisi, linking to an existing Azerbaijani line. They
are planning on spending something from $600 million to $1 billion to put that
railroad in place. The problem is that there is such a railroad in the region.
There is an existing Kars, Gyumri, which is an Armenian city, Tbilisi, and
next
to Azerbaijan. The railroad is sitting there rusting, now for fifteen years,
because Turkey, for political reasons, does not allow the trains to cross the
Turkish Armenian border. Having that in place and thinking of building a new
one and spending $600 million is nonsense." He closed his comments, by
stressing that, "It is in no one's interest--not the US or European Union or
the countries involved. I have raised this issue with the Administration and
they understand, they promised to follow this, and to try to talk them out of
engaging in this type of senseless, useless activity."
In May of this year, the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Georgian
President Mikhail Saakashvili, and Turkey's President Akhmed Nedget Sezer
announced their intention to construct the railway corridor linking Turkey,
Tbilisi, and Baku. The project would effectively replace the Kars-Gyumri
railroad route, which has been blockaded by Turkey for more than a decade. The
governmental and commercial interests involved in the project, estimated at
between $600 million and $1 billion, will almost certainly turn to the US
government for financial support, subsidies, favorable lending terms, and
low-cost risk insurance, as they did for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline
route.
3) Karabagh's Independence Not Subject to Discussions, Says Foreign Minister
YEREVAN (Armenpress/RFE/RL)--The idea of holding a referendum to decide
Mountainous Karabagh's status is not up for discussion a senior Karabagh
official said on Thursday.
"Karabagh's independence is of supreme value for our people and is not
subject
to discussions," said Arman Melikian, the foreign minister of Mountainous
Karabagh Republic (MKR).
There was speculation earlier this month that the parties are close to
agreeing on a peace formula that would require the population of MKR to
determine its status with a referendum to be held in the next 10-15 years. But
Melikian stressed that it is "senseless" to contemplate the option since the
"issue is not on the table."
International mediators refused to confirm the news during their visit to
Baku, Stepanakert, and Yerevan last week. They said only that an agreement
ending the long-running dispute could be signed by the end of this year.
Melikian added that the country's status and a peace plan are two separate
issues, and that a settlement to the conflict, and the consequences of the war
should be considered under international norms.
The minister also said that only time would show whether there would be one
state or two as a result of a settlement. He said that though the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairs are working effectively, principles for a settlement have not
yet been formulated.
Melikian dismissed suggestions that the MKR leadership may not be informed
about details of the peace talks. "I think we are sufficiently informed about
the course of the negotiations and are in a position to react to them," he
told
reporters.
4) Lockheed Martin Receives Contract to Start Upgrade Program for Turkey's
F-16s
FORT WORTH (PRNewswire-FirstCall)--Lockheed Martin received a long-lead
contract, valued at approximately $67.7 million, from the US Air Force to
begin
development of a major systems upgrade of Turkish Air Force F-16 aircraft. The
total contract is valued at approximately $800 million and is expected to be
issued in mid-2006.
The upgrade program will create a robust, common avionics configuration for
the Turkish Air Force's F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 aircraft, plus a modest
modification to their Block 30 aircraft.
"We have long-term relationships with the Government of Turkey, the Turkish
Air Force and Turkish industry, and we are pleased to be expanding those
relationships," said June Shrewsbury, vice president of the F-16 programs.
"The
Turkish Air Force is taking advantage of a cost-effective upgrade program to
their F-16s. This program is based on a similar approach by the US Air Force;
therefore, much of the design and development effort has already been
accomplished, and our task will be to address unique aspects of the Turkish
configuration. Other countries have expressed interest in a similar upgrade
package for their F-16s."
The Turkish configuration being integrated consists of the APG-68(V)9
multimode radar (currently being installed on new Advanced Block 50/52 F-16s),
color cockpit displays and recorders, new core avionics processors, the Joint
Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, Link 16 data link, advanced
interrogator/transponder, integrated precision navigation, an upgraded version
of the Self-Protection Electronic Warfare System (SPEWS II) and compatibility
with a number of new weapons and targeting systems.
Acquisition of the SPEWS II hardware and installation beyond the
lead-the-fleet kits [those for installation validation and flight test]
will be
accomplished on a separate contract. Acquisition of the APG-68(V)9 radar
upgrade kits beyond those required for development integration testing is not
currently planned.
Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor for the program. Tasks include
the
development effort, kit accumulation, technical assistance for kit
installation, upgrades to pilot training systems, and logistics support and
training. The baseline program includes kits for 37 Block 30s, 76 Block 50s
and
four Block 40s. There is an option for 100 more Block 40 kits.
Kit installation will be performed by TUSAS Aerospace Industries (by separate
agreement) with technical assistance from Lockheed Martin.
Program milestones include modification kit trial verification installation
beginning in early 2007 and continuing about two years. Flight testing will
begin in early 2009 and will last approximately two years. The Turkish Air
Force is expecting to achieve initial operational capability with the new
configuration in 2011.
The program, titled Peace Onyx III, is being processed as a Foreign Military
Sale through the US government and follows Peace Onyx I (160 new F-16s in late
1980s to mid-1990s) and Peace Onyx II (80 new F-16s in late 1990s).
The F-16 is the choice of 24 countries. More than 4,000 aircraft have been
delivered worldwide from assembly lines in five countries. The F-16 program
has
been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among
governments, air forces and aerospace industries. Major upgrades to all F-16
versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable
over the aircraft's long service life.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a
leader in the design, research and development, systems integration,
production
and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its
customers include the military services of the United States and allied
countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF,
F-117, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2. The company produces major
components for the F-2 fighter, and is a co-developer of the C-27J tactical
transport and T-50 advanced jet trainer.
5) Shootout Ends Georgian Manhunt for Grenade Suspect
TBILISI (RFE/RL/Reuters)--Georgian police announced the arrest of a
27-year-old
Armenian on July 20 suspected of throwing a live hand grenade towards
President
George Bush during a visit to the former Soviet republic in May.
Vladimir Arutyunian was captured overnight following a shootout that claimed
the life of a senior police officer who specialized in counterintelligence.
The final stage of Arutyunian's capture was broadcast live on Georgia's main
television channels.
Addressing reporters during an impromptu news briefing, Interior Minister
Vano
Merabishvili said Arutyunian was apprehended in the Vashlijvari suburb of the
Georgian capital Tbilisi.
Arutyunian resisted arrest, opening fire on police officers. Merabishvili
said
the head of the Interior Ministry's counterintelligence department, Zurab
Kvlividze, was killed in the shootout.
"As [police] went to the house of the suspect, Vladimir Vladimirovich
Arutyunian, he opened fire, causing the death of one of our men, Zurab
Kvlividze," Merabishvile said. "Arutyunian was wounded in the shootout that
followed and, a few minutes later, detained by a special police unit."
Arutyunian sustained wounds in the leg and chest and was rushed to Tbilisi's
Republican Hospital for treatment, where his condition is reportedly not
life-threatening.
Asked by an official whether he threw the grenade, Arutyunian, who looked
calm, replied: "Yes."
Deputy Health Minister Irakly Giorgobiani said, "Doctors, who talked to (him)
yesterday, said that he had confessed that he had thrown a grenade. But they
also said that he may not have been in control of himself at the time."
Merabishvili told a briefing, however, that the investigation was continuing
and that a reward of about $83,000 would be split among several people who
helped the investigation. Insisting that Arutyunian was still considered a
suspect, Merabishvili said that police would need a few more hours, perhaps
days, to determine whether he is the man who allegedly threw the grenade.
The incident was not reported until President Bush left Georgia after
addressing tens of thousands of people on Tbilisi's Freedom Square on May 10.
Georgian authorities reported then to the US Secret Service that someone in
the crowd had thrown a hand grenade folded in a red handkerchief toward the
stage where Bush and Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili were standing.
Officials said the Russian-made grenade landed within 30 meters of both
leaders, but failed to go off due to an apparent malfunction. A Georgian
security officer reportedly picked up the device and removed it from the
area.
Reward Offered
Georgian police had since been engaged in a nationwide manhunt that also
involved US investigators.
Georgia's Interior Minister initially offered a reward worth 20,000 laris
($11,000) to anyone with information leading to the arrest of a suspect.
Georgian television channels showed photographs of a dark-haired man that
were
taken while he was attending Bush's address. Police said the man shown in the
pictures is Arutyunian, an unemployed ethnic Armenian who lives alone with his
mother.
Arutyunian's mother, Anzhela, who was briefly detained for questioning, told
reporters her son had disappeared for the past three days before returning
home
overnight.
"He hasn't been home for the past three days," she said. "Before that, he was
always here."
US Involvement in Hunt
The US Secret Service said it was monitoring the investigation conducted by
the Georgian authorities. It also denied being involved in Arutyunian's
arrest.
Georgia's Imedi television, however, said that FBI agents were searching
Arutyunian's apartment for further evidence.
Unconfirmed Georgian news reports quote Interior Ministry officials as saying
explosives and detonators, as well as chemical substances that could possibly
serve to make a bomb, were found at Arutyunian's home.
The Georgian presidential administration said that following the news of
Arutyunian's arrest, Saakashvili has decided to cut short his vacation in the
Netherlands and return to Tbilisi.
6) ARF Hai Tad Committee of South America Praises Venezuela's Armenian
Genocide
Resolution
YEREVAN (Yerkir)--The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Hai Tad
Committee
of South America welcomed the Venezuelan Parliament's adoption of a resolution
that recognizes the Armenian genocide.
On July 14, the Parliament adopted a resolution that recognizes the Armenian
genocide and asks the European Union (EU) to place preconditions on
Turkey's EU
bid. By adopting this resolution, Venezuela joined Uruguay and Argentina,
which
have passed similar resolutions in 1965 and 1985 respectively.
"The Hai Tad Committee of South America welcomes Venezuela National
Assembly's
step which characterizes the supportive spirit of South America brotherly
nations, demanding from Turkey to stop its denial policies," the Committee's
statement read.
The Committee specifically praised the part of the resolution which calls on
the European Union leadership to deny Turkey membership in the Union unless it
recognizes the Armenian genocide.
The resolution was introduced by Parliament Member Victor Hugo Morales and
attorney Janet Madris.
7) US House Calls on Azerbaijan to Hold Free Elections
ANCA welcomes effort to press Baku to meet international democratic standards
"Our measure is necessary after Azerbaijan disenfranchised its citizens and
made a mockery of its promises to the international community to hold a free
and fair presidential election in October 2003." --Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA)
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed
the
adoption on Wednesday of legislation in US House calling on Azerbaijan to hold
free and fair parliamentary elections this November.
The measure, introduced by Congressman Elton Gallegly, Chairman of the
International Relations Subcommittee on Europe, raises serious concerns about
patterns of Azerbaijani government voter fraud, intimidation, and restrictions
on the opposition. It was adopted by vote of 416 to 1 this evening under the
suspension calendar.
"We want to thank Chairman Gallegly for his leadership in securing the
adoption of this timely and important legislation encouraging free and fair
elections in Azerbaijan," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "For
the
people of Azerbaijan, democratic elections will provide a long overdue
opportunity to live under a government of their own choosing; for Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh, free and fair elections will hopefully help Azerbaijan
transform itself into a better neighbor and more reliable partner in the
search
for peace."
Speaking in favor of the resolution during debate on the House floor earlier
this week were several members of the International Relations Committee,
including its Ranking Democrat Tom Lantos (D-CA). In his remarks, the San
Francisco Democrat stressed that, "our measure is necessary after Azerbaijan
disenfranchised its citizens and made a mockery of its promises to the
international community to hold a free and fair presidential election in
October 2003. After a campaign troubled by intimidation and countless
irregularities and violent incidents on election day, election observers
concluded that the vote in 2003 was one which was fraudulent and it
resulted in
an illegal government."
Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Chairman of the International Relations
Subcommittee dealing with human rights, offered detailed remarks in favor of
the measure's adoption. He shared with his colleagues that he is "deeply
convinced that the stability we all seek in Azerbaijan is only possible
through
democracy. For that reason, the November election must be free and fair.
Whoever wins, it is essential that Azerbaijan's citizens and the international
community see the outcome as legitimate."
Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) noted that, "in the most recent
elections in Azerbaijan, the 2003 presidential elections, international
election observers concluded that they fell well short of international
standards. The observers found numerous instances of voting fraud,
restrictions
on political rallies, and intimidation against political opponents."
Congressman Ben Cardin (D-MD), the Ranking Democrat on the US Helsinki
Commission, in stating his support for the resolution, noted a troubling
incident, in May of 2005, in which Azerbaijani officials "arrested and
incarcerated a group of peaceful protesters in the capital city of Baku."
Representative Joe Crowley (D-NY) pointed out that Azerbaijan "has yet to meet
its full potential and its poor human rights record constantly overshadows any
positive steps that the government has taken."
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