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TOP STORIES
05/25/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
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1) Rep. Markey Leads Congressional Opposition to Recall of Ambassador Evans
2) Amnesty International Criticizes Turkey for Slowing Reforms
3) International Mediators Urge for Karabagh Peace
4) Armenian Independence Day Festival to Be Held May 28
1) Rep. Markey Leads Congressional Opposition to Recall of Ambassador Evans
--Letter Signed by 60 US Representatives Sent on Eve of White House
Announcement of Ambassador's Replacement
WASHINGTON, DCOver 60 Members of Congress, led by Representative Ed Markey
(D-MA), sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asking for
clarification on reports of US Ambassador to Armenian John Evans' recall over
his forthright remarks about the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
The letter was sent on the eve of a May 23rd White House announcement
nominating Richard Hoagland to serve as the new Ambassador to Armenia.
Ambassador Evans will be relieved of his duties as soon as Hoagland's Senate
confirmation process is completed.
The Administration has recalled Ambassador Evans over his February 2005
statements at Armenian American community functions, during which he properly
characterized the Armenian genocide as 'genocide.' Following his statements,
Ambassador Evans was apparently forced to issue a statement clarifying that
his
references to the Armenian genocide were his personal views and did not
represent a change in US policy. He subsequently issued a correction to this
statement, replacing a reference to the genocide with the word "tragedy."
The American Foreign Service Association, which had planned to honor
Ambassador Evans with the "Christian A. Herter Award," recognizing creative
thinking and intellectual courage within the Foreign Service, reportedly
rescinded the award following pressure from the State Department a few days
before Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan traveled to Washington, DC
to meet with President Bush.
"Ambassador Evans has been recalled for doing nothing more than honoring the
forsaken pledge of his president," said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "We want to thank Congressman Markey and his 59 colleagues for
calling for a clarification and rejecting the Armenian genocide 'gag-rule'
imposed by the Turkish government and, sadly, enforced by our own State
Department."
"Armenian Americans truly regret that the Administration lacks the courage to
speak honestly about its reasons for firing Ambassador Evans," added
Hamparian. "We call upon the Senate Foreign Relations Committee--the
Congressional panel constitutionally charged with oversight of diplomatic
appointments--to hold a hearing thoroughly examining the reasons behind this
firing, the role of the Turkish Government, and the broader implications for
the future of the Foreign Service that a senior American diplomat's career has
been ended simply for speaking the truth."
The 60 Members of Congress expressed special concern about the destructive
precedent of recalling a US diplomat for speaking truthfully on matters of
historical record. They wrote that, "We must not allow the perception to
linger that he [Ambassador Evans] is being required to vacate his position
early for accurately labeling the cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide."
The
Representatives, noting President Ronald Reagan's references to the Armenian
genocide, reminded Secretary Rice that Ambassador Evans "did nothing more than
succinctly repeat the conclusions enunciated by those before him."
The Congressional signatories also expressed concern about the role of the
Government of Turkey in the impending removal of Ambassador Evans from his
posting. "Were the United States to allow the views or beliefs of a third
country to interfere with our diplomatic postings to the Republic of Armenia,"
wrote the House members, "it would establish a dangerous precedent and be
injurious to the long-standing relationship built on trust and friendship
between the two countries."
"I am seriously concerned at the early departure of Ambassador Evans," stated
Representative Markey. "I hope that this sudden action by the State Department
is not related to comments made by Ambassador Evans about the Armenian
genocide. 60 members of Congress have signed on to a letter to Secretary Rice
asking questions about whether or not Ambassador Evans was forced out of his
post. I look forward to a response from the State Department."
On March 8, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian expressed grave disappointment at
reports that Ambassador Evans would be penalized for speaking the truth about
the Armenian genocide. In a letter to Secretary Rice, Hachikian wrote that,
"the prospect that a US envoy's posting--and possibly his career--has been cut
short due to his honest and accurate description of a genocide is profoundly
offensive to American values and US standing abroad--particularly in light of
President Bush's call for moral clarity in the conduct of our international
affairs."
Subsequently, several Members of Congress, including Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) and
Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA) have each called on Secretary Rice
for a
clarification of the State Department's position on this issue. The Los
Angeles Times, in a strongly worded March 22 editorial, made direct reference
to Ambassador Evans' impending dismissal, calling on the Turkish Government
and
US State Department to end their policies of genocide denial.
Members of Congress joining Representative Markey in cosigning the letter to
Secretary Rice were: Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Bass
(R-NH), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Howard Berman (D-CA),
Jeb Bradley (R-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Capuano
(D-MA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Barney
Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Charlie Gonzalez
(D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), Rush Holt (D-NJ),
Michael Honda (D-CA), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Sue Kelly (R-NY), Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nita
Lowey (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Betty McCollum
(D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA),
Candice Miller (R-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Devin
Nunes (R-CA), John Olver (D-MA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ),
Collin Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Mike Rogers (R-MI), Steven
Rothman (D-NJ), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA),
Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Mark Souder (R-IN), Ted
Strickland
(D-OH), 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), and Anthony
Weiner (D-NY).
The full text of the Congressional letter follows:
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
May 22, 2006
The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary
United States Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice:
We are writing to express our concerns regarding recent information
indicating
that U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans would be departing early this
summer
from his assignment as a result of declaring in February 2005 that `the
Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the twentieth century,' during
public exchanges with Armenian-American communities. It is our hope that
these
announcements are inaccurate given Evans' service to his country - in the
Foreign Service and as a well-respected ambassador - in a region of strategic
importance to the United States.
Ambassador Evans issued a `clarification' and then a `correction' of his
remarks. Last June, the American Foreign Service Association originally
intended to honor the Ambassador for his `constructive dissent' and
intellectual courage and initiative with the Christian A. Herter Award as a
result of his recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but later withdrew the
distinction.
It now appears that Evans is being forced out of his post. We must not allow
the perception to linger that he is being required to vacate his position
early
for accurately labeling the cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide.
By employing the proper term last year, the Ambassador was only building on
previous statements by our leaders in government, as well as the repeated
declarations of numerous world-renowned scholars. In 1981, President Reagan
issued a presidential proclamation that said in part: `like the genocide of
the
Armenians before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it and
like too many other persecutions of too many other people the lessons of the
Holocaust must never be forgotten . . .' In effect, Ambassador Evans did
nothing more than succinctly repeat the conclusions enunciated by those before
him.
We have also heard that concerns raised by the Government of Turkey regarding
Ambassador Evans' remarks may have played a role in this affair. We certainly
hope that this was not the case. Were the United States to allow the views or
beliefs of a third country to interfere with our diplomatic postings to the
Republic of Armenia, it would establish a dangerous precedent and be injurious
to the long-standing relationship built on trust and friendship between the
two
countries. In addition, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried recently
stated his friendship and support for Evans.
At this critical time in U.S. history and the South Caucasus region, we
respectfully request your clarification regarding the current status of
Ambassador John Evans. It is our hope that that he will not be forced to
prematurely end his exemplary service to the United States and the Republic of
Armenia because of his reaffirmation of the U.S. record on the Armenian
Genocide.
Sincerely,
2) Amnesty International Criticizes Turkey for Slowing Reforms
LONDON (Anadolu/BIA)According to a report released by London-based Amnesty
International (AI), the pace of reforms being implemented in Turkey has slowed
down since it started negotiations to join the European Union (EU).
The report notes that, the attempt at bringing Turkey's laws in line with
international standards has slowed, while "torture and ill-treatment continue
to be reported, [and] law enforcement officers continued to use excessive
force."
Despite reforms of its Penal Code, Turkey still restricts basic rights and
individuals expressing peaceful opposition still face prosecution and
sanctions, reported AI.
Regarding torture and ill-treatment of detainees, the organization says that
it continued to receive reports about such practices in 2005. "Those detained
for ordinary crimes particularly at risk," reads the report.
In the report, AI also says that security forces continue to use excessive
force during demonstrations, citing the death of four protestors during a
demonstration in November as an example. It notes that investigations into
these kinds of events was insufficient.
The report also criticizes Turkey's restrictions on freedom of expression,
such as Article 301, which makes it a punishable crime to insult
"Turkishness,"
the state, or its institutions, and is "frequently applied arbitrarily to
target a wide range of critical opinion."
The report also mentions the cancellation and postponement of last year's
conference in Istanbul about the Armenian genocide as another example of
restriction on freedom of expression.
AI goes on to detail many more examples of human rights violations in Turkey.
It says that human rights mechanisms in the country do not work effectively
and
that institutions charged with safeguarding these rights do not have the
sufficient authority to investigate and report on any violations.
3) International Mediators Urge for Karabagh Peace
YEREVAN (RFE/RL/Armenpress)--International mediators urged Armenia and
Azerbaijan on Thursday to take the final step towards a resolution of the
Karabagh conflict, saying that a framework peace accord is now within their
reach.
Diplomats from France, Russia, and the United States made the appeal as they
wrapped up a joint visit to Baku and Yerevan, which produced agreement on the
next Armenian-Azeri summit on Karabagh.
A spokesman for President Robert Kocharian said that the Armenian leader and
his Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, will meet on the sidelines of a summit of
Black Sea nations which is scheduled to take place in Romania's capital
Bucharest on June 5.
In a joint statement read out to the media after their talks with Kocharian,
US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
Grigory Karasin and a top French diplomat, Pierre Morel, said that "now is the
time for the sides to reach agreement on the basic principles of a
settlement." The three men accompanied the American, French, and Russian
diplomats co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group on their latest trip to the
region.
The statement said that the Karabagh conflict "can be resolved in no other
way
than a peaceful one. Both countries should prepare their publics for peace and
not for war."
"A joint mission such as this one is a special event," Fried, Karasin, and
Morel said in their statement. "It must be taken as a sign of the seriousness
with which we approach the issue and, in particular, a belief that we are at
the point where a mutually beneficial agreement is achievable. What happens
now
will up be up to Armenia and Azerbaijan."
The three officials described as "constructive" their meetings with Kocharian
and Aliyev, which took place on Thursday and Wednesday respectively. But they
did not divulge any details of the talks.
The representatives will now return to their capitals and brief their leaders
about the developments. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will then report the
results to the OSCE and international community.
4) Armenian Independence Day Festival to Be Held May 28
The Armenian Cultural Foundation and Armenian Youth Federation - Western
Region
(AYF-WR) have organized a festival celebrating Armenian Independence Day to be
held on Sunday, May 28, in the heart of Little Armenia.
This year, Hollywood Blvd. will be blocked off between Vermont and Alexandria
just for the event. A variety of vendors, diverse entertainers, live
performers, writers and organizations will be on hand from 10 AM to 6 PM to
celebrate Armenian culture.
For more information on the festival, please contact the AYF Western Region
office at (818) 507-1933 or visit <http://www.ayfwest.org/>www.ayfwest.org.
A ll subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier
and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and
subscription requests.
(c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved.
ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for
academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through
mass media outlets.
TOP STORIES
05/25/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM
1) Rep. Markey Leads Congressional Opposition to Recall of Ambassador Evans
2) Amnesty International Criticizes Turkey for Slowing Reforms
3) International Mediators Urge for Karabagh Peace
4) Armenian Independence Day Festival to Be Held May 28
1) Rep. Markey Leads Congressional Opposition to Recall of Ambassador Evans
--Letter Signed by 60 US Representatives Sent on Eve of White House
Announcement of Ambassador's Replacement
WASHINGTON, DCOver 60 Members of Congress, led by Representative Ed Markey
(D-MA), sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asking for
clarification on reports of US Ambassador to Armenian John Evans' recall over
his forthright remarks about the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
The letter was sent on the eve of a May 23rd White House announcement
nominating Richard Hoagland to serve as the new Ambassador to Armenia.
Ambassador Evans will be relieved of his duties as soon as Hoagland's Senate
confirmation process is completed.
The Administration has recalled Ambassador Evans over his February 2005
statements at Armenian American community functions, during which he properly
characterized the Armenian genocide as 'genocide.' Following his statements,
Ambassador Evans was apparently forced to issue a statement clarifying that
his
references to the Armenian genocide were his personal views and did not
represent a change in US policy. He subsequently issued a correction to this
statement, replacing a reference to the genocide with the word "tragedy."
The American Foreign Service Association, which had planned to honor
Ambassador Evans with the "Christian A. Herter Award," recognizing creative
thinking and intellectual courage within the Foreign Service, reportedly
rescinded the award following pressure from the State Department a few days
before Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan traveled to Washington, DC
to meet with President Bush.
"Ambassador Evans has been recalled for doing nothing more than honoring the
forsaken pledge of his president," said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "We want to thank Congressman Markey and his 59 colleagues for
calling for a clarification and rejecting the Armenian genocide 'gag-rule'
imposed by the Turkish government and, sadly, enforced by our own State
Department."
"Armenian Americans truly regret that the Administration lacks the courage to
speak honestly about its reasons for firing Ambassador Evans," added
Hamparian. "We call upon the Senate Foreign Relations Committee--the
Congressional panel constitutionally charged with oversight of diplomatic
appointments--to hold a hearing thoroughly examining the reasons behind this
firing, the role of the Turkish Government, and the broader implications for
the future of the Foreign Service that a senior American diplomat's career has
been ended simply for speaking the truth."
The 60 Members of Congress expressed special concern about the destructive
precedent of recalling a US diplomat for speaking truthfully on matters of
historical record. They wrote that, "We must not allow the perception to
linger that he [Ambassador Evans] is being required to vacate his position
early for accurately labeling the cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide."
The
Representatives, noting President Ronald Reagan's references to the Armenian
genocide, reminded Secretary Rice that Ambassador Evans "did nothing more than
succinctly repeat the conclusions enunciated by those before him."
The Congressional signatories also expressed concern about the role of the
Government of Turkey in the impending removal of Ambassador Evans from his
posting. "Were the United States to allow the views or beliefs of a third
country to interfere with our diplomatic postings to the Republic of Armenia,"
wrote the House members, "it would establish a dangerous precedent and be
injurious to the long-standing relationship built on trust and friendship
between the two countries."
"I am seriously concerned at the early departure of Ambassador Evans," stated
Representative Markey. "I hope that this sudden action by the State Department
is not related to comments made by Ambassador Evans about the Armenian
genocide. 60 members of Congress have signed on to a letter to Secretary Rice
asking questions about whether or not Ambassador Evans was forced out of his
post. I look forward to a response from the State Department."
On March 8, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian expressed grave disappointment at
reports that Ambassador Evans would be penalized for speaking the truth about
the Armenian genocide. In a letter to Secretary Rice, Hachikian wrote that,
"the prospect that a US envoy's posting--and possibly his career--has been cut
short due to his honest and accurate description of a genocide is profoundly
offensive to American values and US standing abroad--particularly in light of
President Bush's call for moral clarity in the conduct of our international
affairs."
Subsequently, several Members of Congress, including Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) and
Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA) have each called on Secretary Rice
for a
clarification of the State Department's position on this issue. The Los
Angeles Times, in a strongly worded March 22 editorial, made direct reference
to Ambassador Evans' impending dismissal, calling on the Turkish Government
and
US State Department to end their policies of genocide denial.
Members of Congress joining Representative Markey in cosigning the letter to
Secretary Rice were: Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Bass
(R-NH), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Howard Berman (D-CA),
Jeb Bradley (R-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Capuano
(D-MA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Barney
Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Charlie Gonzalez
(D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), Rush Holt (D-NJ),
Michael Honda (D-CA), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Sue Kelly (R-NY), Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nita
Lowey (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Betty McCollum
(D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA),
Candice Miller (R-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Devin
Nunes (R-CA), John Olver (D-MA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ),
Collin Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Mike Rogers (R-MI), Steven
Rothman (D-NJ), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA),
Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Mark Souder (R-IN), Ted
Strickland
(D-OH), 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), and Anthony
Weiner (D-NY).
The full text of the Congressional letter follows:
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
May 22, 2006
The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary
United States Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice:
We are writing to express our concerns regarding recent information
indicating
that U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans would be departing early this
summer
from his assignment as a result of declaring in February 2005 that `the
Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the twentieth century,' during
public exchanges with Armenian-American communities. It is our hope that
these
announcements are inaccurate given Evans' service to his country - in the
Foreign Service and as a well-respected ambassador - in a region of strategic
importance to the United States.
Ambassador Evans issued a `clarification' and then a `correction' of his
remarks. Last June, the American Foreign Service Association originally
intended to honor the Ambassador for his `constructive dissent' and
intellectual courage and initiative with the Christian A. Herter Award as a
result of his recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but later withdrew the
distinction.
It now appears that Evans is being forced out of his post. We must not allow
the perception to linger that he is being required to vacate his position
early
for accurately labeling the cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide.
By employing the proper term last year, the Ambassador was only building on
previous statements by our leaders in government, as well as the repeated
declarations of numerous world-renowned scholars. In 1981, President Reagan
issued a presidential proclamation that said in part: `like the genocide of
the
Armenians before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it and
like too many other persecutions of too many other people the lessons of the
Holocaust must never be forgotten . . .' In effect, Ambassador Evans did
nothing more than succinctly repeat the conclusions enunciated by those before
him.
We have also heard that concerns raised by the Government of Turkey regarding
Ambassador Evans' remarks may have played a role in this affair. We certainly
hope that this was not the case. Were the United States to allow the views or
beliefs of a third country to interfere with our diplomatic postings to the
Republic of Armenia, it would establish a dangerous precedent and be injurious
to the long-standing relationship built on trust and friendship between the
two
countries. In addition, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried recently
stated his friendship and support for Evans.
At this critical time in U.S. history and the South Caucasus region, we
respectfully request your clarification regarding the current status of
Ambassador John Evans. It is our hope that that he will not be forced to
prematurely end his exemplary service to the United States and the Republic of
Armenia because of his reaffirmation of the U.S. record on the Armenian
Genocide.
Sincerely,
2) Amnesty International Criticizes Turkey for Slowing Reforms
LONDON (Anadolu/BIA)According to a report released by London-based Amnesty
International (AI), the pace of reforms being implemented in Turkey has slowed
down since it started negotiations to join the European Union (EU).
The report notes that, the attempt at bringing Turkey's laws in line with
international standards has slowed, while "torture and ill-treatment continue
to be reported, [and] law enforcement officers continued to use excessive
force."
Despite reforms of its Penal Code, Turkey still restricts basic rights and
individuals expressing peaceful opposition still face prosecution and
sanctions, reported AI.
Regarding torture and ill-treatment of detainees, the organization says that
it continued to receive reports about such practices in 2005. "Those detained
for ordinary crimes particularly at risk," reads the report.
In the report, AI also says that security forces continue to use excessive
force during demonstrations, citing the death of four protestors during a
demonstration in November as an example. It notes that investigations into
these kinds of events was insufficient.
The report also criticizes Turkey's restrictions on freedom of expression,
such as Article 301, which makes it a punishable crime to insult
"Turkishness,"
the state, or its institutions, and is "frequently applied arbitrarily to
target a wide range of critical opinion."
The report also mentions the cancellation and postponement of last year's
conference in Istanbul about the Armenian genocide as another example of
restriction on freedom of expression.
AI goes on to detail many more examples of human rights violations in Turkey.
It says that human rights mechanisms in the country do not work effectively
and
that institutions charged with safeguarding these rights do not have the
sufficient authority to investigate and report on any violations.
3) International Mediators Urge for Karabagh Peace
YEREVAN (RFE/RL/Armenpress)--International mediators urged Armenia and
Azerbaijan on Thursday to take the final step towards a resolution of the
Karabagh conflict, saying that a framework peace accord is now within their
reach.
Diplomats from France, Russia, and the United States made the appeal as they
wrapped up a joint visit to Baku and Yerevan, which produced agreement on the
next Armenian-Azeri summit on Karabagh.
A spokesman for President Robert Kocharian said that the Armenian leader and
his Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, will meet on the sidelines of a summit of
Black Sea nations which is scheduled to take place in Romania's capital
Bucharest on June 5.
In a joint statement read out to the media after their talks with Kocharian,
US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
Grigory Karasin and a top French diplomat, Pierre Morel, said that "now is the
time for the sides to reach agreement on the basic principles of a
settlement." The three men accompanied the American, French, and Russian
diplomats co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group on their latest trip to the
region.
The statement said that the Karabagh conflict "can be resolved in no other
way
than a peaceful one. Both countries should prepare their publics for peace and
not for war."
"A joint mission such as this one is a special event," Fried, Karasin, and
Morel said in their statement. "It must be taken as a sign of the seriousness
with which we approach the issue and, in particular, a belief that we are at
the point where a mutually beneficial agreement is achievable. What happens
now
will up be up to Armenia and Azerbaijan."
The three officials described as "constructive" their meetings with Kocharian
and Aliyev, which took place on Thursday and Wednesday respectively. But they
did not divulge any details of the talks.
The representatives will now return to their capitals and brief their leaders
about the developments. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will then report the
results to the OSCE and international community.
4) Armenian Independence Day Festival to Be Held May 28
The Armenian Cultural Foundation and Armenian Youth Federation - Western
Region
(AYF-WR) have organized a festival celebrating Armenian Independence Day to be
held on Sunday, May 28, in the heart of Little Armenia.
This year, Hollywood Blvd. will be blocked off between Vermont and Alexandria
just for the event. A variety of vendors, diverse entertainers, live
performers, writers and organizations will be on hand from 10 AM to 6 PM to
celebrate Armenian culture.
For more information on the festival, please contact the AYF Western Region
office at (818) 507-1933 or visit <http://www.ayfwest.org/>www.ayfwest.org.
A ll subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier
and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and
subscription requests.
(c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved.
ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for
academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through
mass media outlets.