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TOP STORIES
06/14/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1) Reps. Schiff, Radanovich, Knollenberg, and Pallone Introduce Armenian
Genocide Legislation
2) Official Results of Lebanon's Third Round of Parliamentary Elections
3) Erdogan Questions Integrity of New York Times
4) Iran's Armenians Urged to Consider Welfare of Country and Community in
upcoming Presidential Elections
5) ARF Movement '88 Urges Karabagh's Citizens to Raise Their Voice
6) Expansion off The Agenda at EU Summit
1) Reps. Schiff, Radanovich, Knollenberg, and Pallone Introduce Armenian
Genocide Legislation
Resolution Reaffirms US Record on the Armenian genocide
WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--A bipartisan group of over 50 US Representatives
joined
on Tuesday with lead sponsors Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA),
and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI) in introducing the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the
House
of Representatives.
"We join with Armenian Americans across the United States in welcoming the
introduction today of the Armenian Genocide Resolution by Congressmen
Radanovich, Schiff, Knollenberg, and Pallone," said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian. "We look forward to working with our Congressional friends,
community partners, and the growing genocide-prevention coalition to build
bipartisan support for this measure and to help secure its timely adoption by
the House of Representatives."
The resolution, which will be referred to the House International Relations
Committee for consideration, enjoys the support of the ANCA, Armenian
Assembly,
and the entire Armenian American community.
The Radanovich-Schiff-Knollenberg-Pallone Resolution calls on the President
"to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate
understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights,
ethnic
cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the
Armenian Genocide." The resolution includes thirty detailed findings from past
US hearings, resolutions and Presidential statements on the Armenian genocide
from 1916 through the present, as well as references to statements by
international bodies and organizations.
After introduction of the measure, Rep. Radanovich noted, "By properly
acknowledging the Armenian Genocide, we recognize this atrocity and renew our
commitment to prevent other occurrences of man's inhumanity to man. I am proud
to have been a leader in this community for the past decade as one voice for a
people who were silenced for too long."
Members of Congress joining Representatives Schiff, Radanovich, Knollenberg,
and Pallone as original cosponsors of the resolution are: Rob Andrews (D-NJ),
Charles Bass (R-NH), Howard Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Jeb
Bradley (R-NH), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA),
Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), David Dreier (R-CA), Anna Eshoo
(D-CA), Bob Filner (D-CA) , Mark Foley (R-FL), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott
Garrett (R-NJ), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Steve Israel
(D-NY), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), James
Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Thaddeus
McCotter
(R-MI), Jim McDermott (D-WA), James McGovern (D-MA), Buck McKeon (R-CA),
Michael McNulty (D-NY), Marty Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Candice
Miller (R-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Mike Rogers
(R-MI),
Steve Rothman (D-NJ), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Ed Royce (R-CA), Jim
Saxton
(R-NJ), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), E. Clay Shaw (R-FL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), John
Shimkus (R-IL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mark Souder (R-IN), John Sweeney (R-NY),
Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Diane Watson (D-CA), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY).
The text of the resolution is similar to one introduced in 1999, during the
106th Congress, again led by Rep. Radanovich, spearheaded along with then
House
Democratic Whip David Bonior (D-MI) and the Congressional Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs. That bill secured the support of over 140 cosponsors and, following
extensive hearings, was overwhelmingly adopted by the House International
Relations Committee by a vote of 24 to 11, and scheduled for a floor vote.
Despite the clear bipartisan support for the measure, it was withdrawn from
the House calendar in October of 2000 by the Speaker of the House, under heavy
pressure from President Clinton.
2) Official Results of Lebanon's Third Round of Parliamentary Elections
BEIRUT (Aztagdaily.com)--Interior Minister Hassan Al Sabaa, on Monday
afternoon, announced the official results of Lebanon's third round of
Parliamentary elections.
Addressing the general atmosphere of the elections in the districts of Mount
Lebanon and Bekaa, he said they were positive and conducted democratically.
He praised the role of Lebanon's internal security forces and army in
ensuring
fair elections. "Their presence allowed Lebanese citizens to vote according to
their will, without outside pressures. It is, therefore, possible to say that
the government has succeeded in maintaining a neutral position, and in
organizing free, fair, open, and democratic elections."
The minister added that the government is responsible for--and will utilize
all security and administrative means at its disposal--to ensure that the
fourth round of elections, due to take place in Northern Lebanon, are also
transparent and conducted peacefully.
Following Sunday's elections, two Armenian Revolutionary Federation
candidates, Hagop Pakradouni and Georges Kasarji, were victorious in the Metn
and Bekka districts, successively.
In the Metn district, the eight vacant seats were filled by the following
candidates (votes): Hagop Pakradouni (53,272), Edgar Maalouf (55,017), Ghazan
Mkhaiber (56,906), Ibrahim Kaanan (56,840), Selim Salhab (54,776), Nabil
Nicola
(48,872), Michel Murr (48,662), Pierre Gemayel (29,421). Pakradouni gained 92%
of the 10,800 Armenian votes, while opponent Raffi Madeyan 8% (25,043 total
votes).
In the Zahle district, seven vacant seats were filled by the following
candidates (votes): Georges Kasarji (35,065), Elias Skaaf (38,035), Selim Aoun
(36,408), Camile Maalouf (34,108), Asem Araji (31,418), Hassan Yacoub
(31,920),
Nicola Fettoush (31,111). Kasarji gained 93% of the 2,500 Armenian votes,
while
opponent Antoun Nshanian got 7% (26,900 total votes).
3) Erdogan Questions Integrity of New York Times
NEW YORK (Combined Sources)--Following the New York Times's refusal to publish
a declaration prepared by 36 Turkish nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
denying the Armenian genocide, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
held
a meeting on June 13 with the paper's Editorial Board.
In a rejection letter to the Turkish NGOs, the New York Times advertising
department wrote, "We believe that the Armenian genocide took place.
Therefore,
we do not find it right to publish your advertisement."
Erdogan criticized the newspaper for "its paradoxical and erroneous
justifications."
In that meeting, the New York Times questioned Turkey's postponement of an
unprecedented conference on the Armenian genocide that was to be held at
Bogazici University in Istanbul, and criticized Justice Minister Cemil Cicek's
remarks about the Turkish scholars that were scheduled to participate.
Minister Cicek, speaking on the floor of the Turkish Parliament, called the
Turkish scholars "traitors" and accused them of "stabbing the Turkish
nation in
the back."
Erdogan said that Cicek's statements represented his personal viewpoint and
not that of the Turkish government. "I stated that there is no legal barrier
against such an Armenian conference in Istanbul. I support such a conference
although I do not agree with the notions that were to be expressed," Erdogan
clarified.
Reminding the editors of Turkey's "goodwill" as it allowed scholars access to
its archives, Erdogan invited the New York Times to visit the country and
study
the "open archives."
Zaman Daily reported that the editors had "difficulty in answering Erdogan's
question" and announced that they would state their reply later.
The prime minister's spokesman Akif Beki said the editors "merely
listened" to
Erdogan's remarks. "Then they said that they would study the said
advertisement, as well as the refusal by the head of the advertising
department, and would inform us of the results of their evaluation."
Turkish sources reported that The New York Times editors assured Erdogan that
they would "include his statements in upcoming articles."
4) Iran's Armenians Urged to Consider Welfare of Country and Community in
upcoming Presidential Elections
TEHRAN (Combined Sources)--Armenians were urged to vote their conscience in
the
upcoming June 17 presidential elections in Iran, in what is the most contested
presidential race in the country's history.
The chairman of Tehran's Armenian Prelacy's Representative Assembly Dr. L.
Tavtian, stressed the importance of voting, stating that what is at stake is
the quality of life, the future of children, as well as that of the people and
the country. As far as Tehran's Armenians are concerned, he emphasized the
importance of choosing a candidate who is familiar "with the issues."
"As a religious minority in Iran, we have a general responsibility to
vote. We
have various activities, as well as corresponding difficulties throughout our
communities [in Iran]. So as to overcome them, we must wholeheartedly
participate in the electoral process and elect that individual who is more
informed than others about our concerns, and will work to remedy them."
He urged the Armenian community to keep in mind the country's interests and
objectives, as well those of the Armenian community, and "vote for that
individual who will realize those goals."
It is unlikely that any of the eight candidates vying to replace President
Mohammad Khatami--who cannot run for a third term--will win the kind of
victory
that swept Khatami to office in 1997 and 2001 with hopes of political and
social change.
Voter apathy is threatening to deliver a low turnout, and recent polls
indicate that none of the candidates, which include clerics, generals, a
doctor
and Tehran's mayor, is likely to garner the 50 percent needed to avoid a
run-off.
5) ARF Movement '88 Urges Karabagh's Citizens to Raise Their Voice
STEPANAKERT--In a statement released on June 13, concerning the June 19
parliamentary elections in Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation "Movement '88" coalition appealed to all citizens to
use their voice to guarantee the dignity of the people of Artsakh.
"Once again, our country's future is endangered. Certain servants of our
ruling authorities~E now seek to place in parliamentary seats pro-government
candidates, and through them, prolong an atmosphere of acquiescence, license,
corruption, bribery, power, authority, etc," the statement read.
Recalling victory through solidarity, the unbreakable will of the young, and
at the price of blood shed by the country's freedom fighters, the coalition
urged all to "not be fooled by the empty promises of pro-government
candidates," and in order to steadfastly advance the people of Artsakh, "raise
our voice resolutely, and give votes to the ARF "Movement '88 coalition, both
in general and especially through its candidates, who have gone through the
path of war, and who have been forged in the crucible of battle."
6) Expansion off The Agenda at EU Summit
(The Guardian)--European leaders will not discuss expansion of the EU to
include Turkey or other countries at this week's EU summit, it was
confirmed on
June 14.
Senior officials stressed that previous agreements with Turkey and Croatia
were still valid and that earlier EU decisions to expand to Romania and
Bulgaria remained on track, but it will be the first time in many years that
the issue has been dropped from an EU summit declaration. There will only be a
single paragraph saying expansion was "necessary."
Analysts said the move was bound to send a negative signal to candidate
countries, which have been braced for a backlash following the rejection of
the
European constitution by France and the Netherlands.
Speaking during the weekend, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
brushed the matter aside.
"None of this has anything to do with us. Turkey is within the [European]
boundary. We have not wasted our years for nothing," he said.
European commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, has tried to water down
fears over expansion, saying it and the constitution "were not connected," but
an increasing number of senior European politicians continue to express public
doubts about the issue.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU's external affairs commissioner, told the
German newspaper Bild that enlargement of the EU should be slowed to give
people time to digest the Dutch and French no votes.
"We need to give our citizens time to breathe. We must fulfill what we have
said, but my idea is to reduce the speed of enlargement."
Austrian finance minister Karl-Heinz Grasser, said that Turkish membership
"would make excessive demands of Europe."
He said he saw the constitution's rejection in France and the Netherlands as
"a warning shot" in opposition to Turkey's membership.
Polls in France and the Netherlands showed that opposition to Turkey's
membership was one of the key reasons voters gave for opposing the European
constitution.
Diplomats in Luxembourg, where EU foreign ministers are meeting, confirmed
that several paragraphs on expansion to include Turkey and other candidates
were being dropped in the latest draft of the declaration due to be issued at
the end of this week's summit in Brussels.
At a summit in December last year, EU leaders set a conditional October 3
date
to open entry talks with Turkey, if it carried through on commitments to
implement economic and political reforms, and if it expanded its customs union
to include Cyprus.
The Dutch foreign minister, Ben Bot, however, continued to back the EU's
official position that entry talks would go ahead as planned.
"They are on track. If the Turks are on track then we are on track," he said.
In a move aimed at reassuring the Turks and the financial markets that the
expansion process had not be derailed, EU foreign ministers approved an
agreement today that will adapt its customs union with Turkey.
EU foreign ministers endorsed the protocol without discussion, sending it to
Turkey for signature. Once it has signed the accord, Ankara will have met all
the conditions set by the EU for opening membership talks.
Turkey's top EU negotiator, Ali Babacan, has said the country will sign the
document as soon as it receives it.
The foreign ministers also agreed today to review Croatia's progress towards
starting membership talks in mid-July in the light of its cooperation with the
UN war crimes tribunal on locating a key fugitive suspect.
They noted in a statement that the chief war crimes prosecutor, Carla Del
Ponte, had welcomed some progress by Zagreb but said it was still not fully
cooperating with the Hague tribunal on the former Yugoslavia.
"There is an agreement that the review will be in July," an official of
Luxembourg's EU presidency said, though some states - led by Britain--say
Croatia must locate and hand over Ante Gotovina before the EU can start
delayed
accession talks.
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TOP STORIES
06/14/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1) Reps. Schiff, Radanovich, Knollenberg, and Pallone Introduce Armenian
Genocide Legislation
2) Official Results of Lebanon's Third Round of Parliamentary Elections
3) Erdogan Questions Integrity of New York Times
4) Iran's Armenians Urged to Consider Welfare of Country and Community in
upcoming Presidential Elections
5) ARF Movement '88 Urges Karabagh's Citizens to Raise Their Voice
6) Expansion off The Agenda at EU Summit
1) Reps. Schiff, Radanovich, Knollenberg, and Pallone Introduce Armenian
Genocide Legislation
Resolution Reaffirms US Record on the Armenian genocide
WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--A bipartisan group of over 50 US Representatives
joined
on Tuesday with lead sponsors Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA),
and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI) in introducing the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the
House
of Representatives.
"We join with Armenian Americans across the United States in welcoming the
introduction today of the Armenian Genocide Resolution by Congressmen
Radanovich, Schiff, Knollenberg, and Pallone," said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian. "We look forward to working with our Congressional friends,
community partners, and the growing genocide-prevention coalition to build
bipartisan support for this measure and to help secure its timely adoption by
the House of Representatives."
The resolution, which will be referred to the House International Relations
Committee for consideration, enjoys the support of the ANCA, Armenian
Assembly,
and the entire Armenian American community.
The Radanovich-Schiff-Knollenberg-Pallone Resolution calls on the President
"to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate
understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights,
ethnic
cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the
Armenian Genocide." The resolution includes thirty detailed findings from past
US hearings, resolutions and Presidential statements on the Armenian genocide
from 1916 through the present, as well as references to statements by
international bodies and organizations.
After introduction of the measure, Rep. Radanovich noted, "By properly
acknowledging the Armenian Genocide, we recognize this atrocity and renew our
commitment to prevent other occurrences of man's inhumanity to man. I am proud
to have been a leader in this community for the past decade as one voice for a
people who were silenced for too long."
Members of Congress joining Representatives Schiff, Radanovich, Knollenberg,
and Pallone as original cosponsors of the resolution are: Rob Andrews (D-NJ),
Charles Bass (R-NH), Howard Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Jeb
Bradley (R-NH), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA),
Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), David Dreier (R-CA), Anna Eshoo
(D-CA), Bob Filner (D-CA) , Mark Foley (R-FL), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott
Garrett (R-NJ), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Steve Israel
(D-NY), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), James
Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Thaddeus
McCotter
(R-MI), Jim McDermott (D-WA), James McGovern (D-MA), Buck McKeon (R-CA),
Michael McNulty (D-NY), Marty Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Candice
Miller (R-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Mike Rogers
(R-MI),
Steve Rothman (D-NJ), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Ed Royce (R-CA), Jim
Saxton
(R-NJ), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), E. Clay Shaw (R-FL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), John
Shimkus (R-IL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mark Souder (R-IN), John Sweeney (R-NY),
Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Diane Watson (D-CA), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY).
The text of the resolution is similar to one introduced in 1999, during the
106th Congress, again led by Rep. Radanovich, spearheaded along with then
House
Democratic Whip David Bonior (D-MI) and the Congressional Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs. That bill secured the support of over 140 cosponsors and, following
extensive hearings, was overwhelmingly adopted by the House International
Relations Committee by a vote of 24 to 11, and scheduled for a floor vote.
Despite the clear bipartisan support for the measure, it was withdrawn from
the House calendar in October of 2000 by the Speaker of the House, under heavy
pressure from President Clinton.
2) Official Results of Lebanon's Third Round of Parliamentary Elections
BEIRUT (Aztagdaily.com)--Interior Minister Hassan Al Sabaa, on Monday
afternoon, announced the official results of Lebanon's third round of
Parliamentary elections.
Addressing the general atmosphere of the elections in the districts of Mount
Lebanon and Bekaa, he said they were positive and conducted democratically.
He praised the role of Lebanon's internal security forces and army in
ensuring
fair elections. "Their presence allowed Lebanese citizens to vote according to
their will, without outside pressures. It is, therefore, possible to say that
the government has succeeded in maintaining a neutral position, and in
organizing free, fair, open, and democratic elections."
The minister added that the government is responsible for--and will utilize
all security and administrative means at its disposal--to ensure that the
fourth round of elections, due to take place in Northern Lebanon, are also
transparent and conducted peacefully.
Following Sunday's elections, two Armenian Revolutionary Federation
candidates, Hagop Pakradouni and Georges Kasarji, were victorious in the Metn
and Bekka districts, successively.
In the Metn district, the eight vacant seats were filled by the following
candidates (votes): Hagop Pakradouni (53,272), Edgar Maalouf (55,017), Ghazan
Mkhaiber (56,906), Ibrahim Kaanan (56,840), Selim Salhab (54,776), Nabil
Nicola
(48,872), Michel Murr (48,662), Pierre Gemayel (29,421). Pakradouni gained 92%
of the 10,800 Armenian votes, while opponent Raffi Madeyan 8% (25,043 total
votes).
In the Zahle district, seven vacant seats were filled by the following
candidates (votes): Georges Kasarji (35,065), Elias Skaaf (38,035), Selim Aoun
(36,408), Camile Maalouf (34,108), Asem Araji (31,418), Hassan Yacoub
(31,920),
Nicola Fettoush (31,111). Kasarji gained 93% of the 2,500 Armenian votes,
while
opponent Antoun Nshanian got 7% (26,900 total votes).
3) Erdogan Questions Integrity of New York Times
NEW YORK (Combined Sources)--Following the New York Times's refusal to publish
a declaration prepared by 36 Turkish nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
denying the Armenian genocide, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
held
a meeting on June 13 with the paper's Editorial Board.
In a rejection letter to the Turkish NGOs, the New York Times advertising
department wrote, "We believe that the Armenian genocide took place.
Therefore,
we do not find it right to publish your advertisement."
Erdogan criticized the newspaper for "its paradoxical and erroneous
justifications."
In that meeting, the New York Times questioned Turkey's postponement of an
unprecedented conference on the Armenian genocide that was to be held at
Bogazici University in Istanbul, and criticized Justice Minister Cemil Cicek's
remarks about the Turkish scholars that were scheduled to participate.
Minister Cicek, speaking on the floor of the Turkish Parliament, called the
Turkish scholars "traitors" and accused them of "stabbing the Turkish
nation in
the back."
Erdogan said that Cicek's statements represented his personal viewpoint and
not that of the Turkish government. "I stated that there is no legal barrier
against such an Armenian conference in Istanbul. I support such a conference
although I do not agree with the notions that were to be expressed," Erdogan
clarified.
Reminding the editors of Turkey's "goodwill" as it allowed scholars access to
its archives, Erdogan invited the New York Times to visit the country and
study
the "open archives."
Zaman Daily reported that the editors had "difficulty in answering Erdogan's
question" and announced that they would state their reply later.
The prime minister's spokesman Akif Beki said the editors "merely
listened" to
Erdogan's remarks. "Then they said that they would study the said
advertisement, as well as the refusal by the head of the advertising
department, and would inform us of the results of their evaluation."
Turkish sources reported that The New York Times editors assured Erdogan that
they would "include his statements in upcoming articles."
4) Iran's Armenians Urged to Consider Welfare of Country and Community in
upcoming Presidential Elections
TEHRAN (Combined Sources)--Armenians were urged to vote their conscience in
the
upcoming June 17 presidential elections in Iran, in what is the most contested
presidential race in the country's history.
The chairman of Tehran's Armenian Prelacy's Representative Assembly Dr. L.
Tavtian, stressed the importance of voting, stating that what is at stake is
the quality of life, the future of children, as well as that of the people and
the country. As far as Tehran's Armenians are concerned, he emphasized the
importance of choosing a candidate who is familiar "with the issues."
"As a religious minority in Iran, we have a general responsibility to
vote. We
have various activities, as well as corresponding difficulties throughout our
communities [in Iran]. So as to overcome them, we must wholeheartedly
participate in the electoral process and elect that individual who is more
informed than others about our concerns, and will work to remedy them."
He urged the Armenian community to keep in mind the country's interests and
objectives, as well those of the Armenian community, and "vote for that
individual who will realize those goals."
It is unlikely that any of the eight candidates vying to replace President
Mohammad Khatami--who cannot run for a third term--will win the kind of
victory
that swept Khatami to office in 1997 and 2001 with hopes of political and
social change.
Voter apathy is threatening to deliver a low turnout, and recent polls
indicate that none of the candidates, which include clerics, generals, a
doctor
and Tehran's mayor, is likely to garner the 50 percent needed to avoid a
run-off.
5) ARF Movement '88 Urges Karabagh's Citizens to Raise Their Voice
STEPANAKERT--In a statement released on June 13, concerning the June 19
parliamentary elections in Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation "Movement '88" coalition appealed to all citizens to
use their voice to guarantee the dignity of the people of Artsakh.
"Once again, our country's future is endangered. Certain servants of our
ruling authorities~E now seek to place in parliamentary seats pro-government
candidates, and through them, prolong an atmosphere of acquiescence, license,
corruption, bribery, power, authority, etc," the statement read.
Recalling victory through solidarity, the unbreakable will of the young, and
at the price of blood shed by the country's freedom fighters, the coalition
urged all to "not be fooled by the empty promises of pro-government
candidates," and in order to steadfastly advance the people of Artsakh, "raise
our voice resolutely, and give votes to the ARF "Movement '88 coalition, both
in general and especially through its candidates, who have gone through the
path of war, and who have been forged in the crucible of battle."
6) Expansion off The Agenda at EU Summit
(The Guardian)--European leaders will not discuss expansion of the EU to
include Turkey or other countries at this week's EU summit, it was
confirmed on
June 14.
Senior officials stressed that previous agreements with Turkey and Croatia
were still valid and that earlier EU decisions to expand to Romania and
Bulgaria remained on track, but it will be the first time in many years that
the issue has been dropped from an EU summit declaration. There will only be a
single paragraph saying expansion was "necessary."
Analysts said the move was bound to send a negative signal to candidate
countries, which have been braced for a backlash following the rejection of
the
European constitution by France and the Netherlands.
Speaking during the weekend, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
brushed the matter aside.
"None of this has anything to do with us. Turkey is within the [European]
boundary. We have not wasted our years for nothing," he said.
European commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, has tried to water down
fears over expansion, saying it and the constitution "were not connected," but
an increasing number of senior European politicians continue to express public
doubts about the issue.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU's external affairs commissioner, told the
German newspaper Bild that enlargement of the EU should be slowed to give
people time to digest the Dutch and French no votes.
"We need to give our citizens time to breathe. We must fulfill what we have
said, but my idea is to reduce the speed of enlargement."
Austrian finance minister Karl-Heinz Grasser, said that Turkish membership
"would make excessive demands of Europe."
He said he saw the constitution's rejection in France and the Netherlands as
"a warning shot" in opposition to Turkey's membership.
Polls in France and the Netherlands showed that opposition to Turkey's
membership was one of the key reasons voters gave for opposing the European
constitution.
Diplomats in Luxembourg, where EU foreign ministers are meeting, confirmed
that several paragraphs on expansion to include Turkey and other candidates
were being dropped in the latest draft of the declaration due to be issued at
the end of this week's summit in Brussels.
At a summit in December last year, EU leaders set a conditional October 3
date
to open entry talks with Turkey, if it carried through on commitments to
implement economic and political reforms, and if it expanded its customs union
to include Cyprus.
The Dutch foreign minister, Ben Bot, however, continued to back the EU's
official position that entry talks would go ahead as planned.
"They are on track. If the Turks are on track then we are on track," he said.
In a move aimed at reassuring the Turks and the financial markets that the
expansion process had not be derailed, EU foreign ministers approved an
agreement today that will adapt its customs union with Turkey.
EU foreign ministers endorsed the protocol without discussion, sending it to
Turkey for signature. Once it has signed the accord, Ankara will have met all
the conditions set by the EU for opening membership talks.
Turkey's top EU negotiator, Ali Babacan, has said the country will sign the
document as soon as it receives it.
The foreign ministers also agreed today to review Croatia's progress towards
starting membership talks in mid-July in the light of its cooperation with the
UN war crimes tribunal on locating a key fugitive suspect.
They noted in a statement that the chief war crimes prosecutor, Carla Del
Ponte, had welcomed some progress by Zagreb but said it was still not fully
cooperating with the Hague tribunal on the former Yugoslavia.
"There is an agreement that the review will be in July," an official of
Luxembourg's EU presidency said, though some states - led by Britain--say
Croatia must locate and hand over Ante Gotovina before the EU can start
delayed
accession talks.
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