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  • ASBAREZ Online [03-01-2005]

    ASBAREZ ONLINE
    TOP STORIES
    03/01/2005
    TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
    WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM

    1) Ambassador Evans's Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy
    2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims
    3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus
    4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany
    5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks
    6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation
    7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement

    1) Ambassador Evans' Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy

    ANCA voices community outrage over Administration's inability to withstand
    Turkish pressure over Ambassador's statements

    WASHINGTON, DC--US Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans, only days after
    completing an official tour of Armenian American communities during which he
    repeatedly gave recognition to the Armenian genocide, has noted that these
    comments were his private views and do not reflect a change in US government
    policy. His statement on this subject was posted Tuesday on the Embassy's
    website: www.usa.am.
    "Armenian Americans are profoundly disappointed by those influential
    officials
    that remain within the Administration who--against all facts and contrary
    to US
    interests--are still able to impose their agenda on every front of the
    increasingly untenable and lop-sided US-Turkey relationship. This is
    particularly troubling, coming at a time when Turkey has obstructed US
    regional
    objectives, deceived US policymakers, and fostered an unprecedented level of
    anti-American sentiment among its citizens. As a community, we vigorously
    condemn the ongoing policy of US complicity in Turkey's shameful campaign of
    genocide denial," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
    "Regardless of the disappointing outcome of this episode, we commend Amb.
    Evans for his courage in coming forward and publicly stating his views on the
    Armenian genocide, views that are shared by all but the Turkish government and
    its surrogates. In so doing, the Ambassador has placed this issue prominently
    on America's public agenda. For our part, as Armenian Americans, on this year
    of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, will pursue this matter with
    renewed vigor--with the White House, Congress, and the entire foreign policy
    community," added Hamparian.
    Ambassador Evans comments were made at a series of public Armenian American
    community outreach events in Boston, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los
    Angeles, Fresno, and Washington, DC. During his presentations in these cities,
    the Ambassador spoke with a level of candor on the Armenian genocide that was
    specifically welcomed by Armenian Americans.
    During his public presentation at the University of California, Berkeley,
    hosted by Armenian Studies Program Executive Director, Prof. Stephan
    Astourian,
    Evans announced, "I will today call it the Armenian Genocide." The Ambassador,
    who has studied Russian History at Yale and Columbia universities and Ottoman
    History at the Kennan Institute, argued, "We, the US government, owe you, our
    fellow citizens a more frank and honest way of discussing this problem. Today,
    as someone who's studied it...There's no doubt in my mind what happened." He
    explained that he had also consulted with a State Department lawyer who
    confirmed that the events of 1915 were "genocide by definition."
    Amb. Evans' commitment to moral clarity came through in further remarks,
    stating, "I think it is unbecoming of us as Americans to play word games here.
    I believe in calling things by their name."
    During a speech to schoolchildren at the Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los
    Angeles, Amb. Evans cited with pride that 37 US states had recognized the
    Armenian genocide.


    2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims

    Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board member Paul Krekorian announced that
    March 16 is the absolute deadline to submit a claim for payment under the
    class
    action settlement in Marootian v. New York Life Insurance Co.
    The Marootian case was a class action suit filed in United States District
    Court by the heirs of Armenians who had purchased life insurance from New York
    Life in the Ottoman Empire between 1875 and 1915. The heirs contend that on
    the
    deaths of the policyholders, many of whom were murdered by Turks during the
    Armenian genocide, New York Life did not pay the benefits on these policies.
    Last year, New York Life agreed to settle the class action suit by paying a
    total of $20 million, including up to $11 million for the heirs of the
    policyholders and at least $3 million for specified Armenian charities.
    "The beneficiaries of these policies have waited 90 years for justice," said
    Settlement Fund Board member Krekorian, an attorney who also serves as Vice
    President of the Burbank Board of Education. "It would be a great tragedy if
    their efforts were frustrated now because they missed a simple deadline and
    waived their legitimate legal rights," Krekorian said.
    The heirs of policyholders may be considered for a share of benefits under
    this settlement only if they submit a Notice of Claim form by March 16. The
    form may be obtained by calling the toll free information line at
    1-866-422-0124 or visiting the settlement fund website at
    <http://www.armenianinsurancesettlement.com/>www.armenianinsurancesettlemen
    t.com. Claims may come from anywhere in the world, and it is not necessary
    that
    complete documentation be included with the Notice of Claim form. After the
    Settlement Fund Board receives the Notice of Claim form, the claimant will be
    informed about other steps that are required in the process.
    The settlement fund website includes a partial list of New York Life
    policyholders from the relevant era, and those who believe they may be heirs
    can search for their ancestors on this list. However, it is not necessary that
    their ancestor appear on the list in order to submit a claim. A claim might
    still be approved if the heir has some other evidence that their ancestor
    was a
    policyholder and payment was not made, even if the ancestor does not appear on
    the list.
    The Settlement Fund Board is an independent panel of three Armenian community
    leaders appointed by California State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi.
    The Settlement Fund Board is not affiliated in any way with the lawyers who
    handled the class action suit, and the Board members were not involved in
    negotiating the terms of the settlement. The Settlement Fund Board is an
    entirely independent panel that will evaluate all of the claims of individual
    heirs and award the funds to those who meet the qualifications of the
    agreement. The three members of the Board are Paul Krekorian; attorney and law
    professor Berj Boyajian; and physician and health care activist Viken
    Manjikian.
    Under the terms of the settlement agreement, $3 million has already been
    distributed in equal shares to the AGBU, the Armenian Relief Society, the
    Armenian Education Foundation, the Armenian Missionary Association, the
    Armenian Catholic Church, the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian
    Church of North America, and the Eastern and Western Prelacies of the Armenian
    Apostolic Church.


    3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus

    LONDON (International Herald Tribune)--The European Union warned Turkey on
    Monday that it must recognize Cyprus soon if it wants to begin talks to join
    the Union in October. The view reflects mounting concern within the EU that
    Turkey may not meet its promise to tacitly recognize Cyprus, which was the
    condition agreed to by EU leaders last December for talks to begin on Oct. 3
    this year.
    "The member states of the European Union expect Turkey to sign the protocol
    regarding the adaptation of the Ankara agreement as soon as possible," said
    Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, which currently holds
    the EU
    presidency.
    "There is no possibility for Ankara to start commenting on what has already
    been negotiated," he added after talks in Luxembourg with President Tassos
    Papadopoulos of Cyprus. After tense negotiations at a summit meeting with EU
    leaders last December, Turkey agreed to tacitly recognize Cyprus, although at
    the time Turkey insisted that did not represent formal political recognition.
    Ankara agreed to sign a protocol that extended an existing customs union with
    the EU to the 10 new countries that joined the EU last May, including Cyprus.
    The landmark agreement appeared to end months of uncertainty about whether
    Europeans could accept Turkey within the EU's borders. It also appeared to
    pave
    the way for Turkey to join the Union at the end of negotiations, which were
    set
    to last for 10 to 15 years. But since December, Ankara has not moved to sign
    the protocol, leading EU officials Monday to warn that a delay jeopardized the
    December agreement.
    "Obviously the protocol has to be ratified before it can enter into force. If
    Turkey does not sign soon we will have a problem with the ratification
    process," a spokesman for the Luxembourg government said. "The clock is
    ticking."
    Earlier Monday, Nicolas Schmit, the foreign affairs and immigration minister
    of Luxembourg, said that Turkey's EU membership efforts had lost momentum.
    "After the Brussels summit there has been a loss of enthusiasm," he said
    during
    a visit to Turkey. "That has created certain worries" about Ankara's
    determination to join the EU, Schmit said in a television interview ahead of a
    meeting with Abdullah Gul, the Turkish foreign minister. "We cannot say there
    has been a very good atmosphere" in Turkey, Schmit said.
    Schmit underlined the necessity for Turkey to continue its pro-European
    momentum and to fully implement the reforms already proposed by Turkey in its
    campaign to join the EU. However, Abdullah said Monday that EU membership
    remained Turkey's "top priority." "The process of democratization will be
    followed with the same determination," Gul was quoted as saying by the Turkish
    news agency Anatolia.
    During the past five years, Turkey has undertaken a raft of reforms to meet
    requirements for EU membership. However, it has stopped short of recognizing
    Cyprus, a key condition for EU countries. Cyprus has been divided since 1974,
    when Turkey occupied the northern part of the island following a Greek Cypriot
    coup that sought to unite the island with Greece.
    In December, EU countries agreed that the final goal of negotiations with
    Turkey would be membership of the EU but they offered no guarantees that the
    talks would necessarily end in Turkey joining the EU. They also stipulated
    that
    Turkey could face strict long-term restrictions on the migration of Turks into
    Western Europe. The safeguards would be the toughest yet faced by a nation
    aspiring to join the EU. The Union also said it would break off talks if
    Ankara
    broke promises on human rights and democratic reforms.


    4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany

    (Combined Sources)Turkey has new reason to vent its frustration over the
    manner
    in which various German circles have been treating the issue of the Armenian
    genocide. The German opposition Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social
    Union (CDU/CSU) last week issued a statement calling for the immediate
    recognition of the genocide perpetrated under the Ottoman regime. Turkey's
    Ambassador to Germany, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, immediately swung back by
    labeling the opposition as the "spokesman for fanatical Armenian nationalism."
    Now, Turkey has discovered that some Armenians are interested in converting
    German historian Johannes Lepsius's home into an Armenian genocide museum.
    Born in Potsdam, Germany in 1858, Lepsiusan evangelical pastor--was, from the
    onset, interested in documenting the persecution of Ottoman Armenians. After
    the first wave of massacres struck in the mid-1890s, Lepsius set up the
    Deutsche Orient Mission with the aim of assisting Armenian orphans.
    In an attempt to publicize the atrocities, Lepsius in 1896 published
    "Armenians and Europe"the first report documenting the large-scale massacres
    directed by Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Soon after, the German philanthropist
    established the "Lepsius Foundation," and participated in the diplomatic
    conferences on the Armenian question in Constantinople, Paris, London and
    Bern.
    During the first state of the genocide, Lepsius arranged to meet privately
    with Minister of War Enver Pasha, who disregarded the German's pleas. Within
    the following year, Lepius authored and privately published "The Condition of
    the Armenian People in Turkey," copies of which were censored and confiscated
    by the German government.
    Prior to his death in 1926, Lepsius took refuge in Holland, where he
    published
    yet another volume, "Germany and Armenia 1914-1918," in which he thoroughly
    documented German complicity in the Genocide. After the assassination of
    former
    Minister of Interior Talaat Pasha, Lepsius appeared as an expert witness on
    behalf of Soghomon Tehlirian.
    Turkish officials have told the German Ambassador in Ankara that the move to
    establish the genocide museum could seriously impact the relations between the
    two countries.


    5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks

    YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The next and potentially crucial round of Armenian-Azeri
    peace talks on Karabagh, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed due to
    Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian's illness, officials in Yerevan said on
    Tuesday.
    A spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Sedrak Bejanian, said the
    meeting between Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov may still
    take place in Prague later this week. "Everything depends on the minister's
    health condition," he said.
    Oskanian is said to be suffering from an acute cold. He has not been seen in
    public since returning from a visit to Equatorial Guinea a week ago.
    Meanwhile, Mammadyarov was already in Prague on Monday. Azeri media, citing
    the Foreign Ministry in Baku, said the meetings mediated by the French,
    Russian, and US co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group will take place in
    Paris on
    Thursday.
    Bejanian did not confirm or refute the information. "Nothing can be ruled
    out," he said.
    The planned talks are part of "the Prague process." It began last year and
    raised new hopes for a breakthrough in the protracted search for Karabagh
    peace. Speaking after his most recent encounter with Mammadyarov in the Czech
    capital on January 11, Oskanian said the "second phase" of that process could
    prove decisive.
    The mediators are also cautiously optimistic. "We hope that there will be
    progress," the chief French negotiator, Bernard Fassier, said on February 8.
    For his part, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans remarked in a recent speech
    in California that the current situation bodes well for the conflict's
    resolution as neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan is nearing an election.
    Addressing
    a group of Armenian-Americans, Evans also stated that "Karabagh can't be
    given
    back to Azerbaijan."
    The remark drew protests from Azerbaijan. Baku's ambassador in Washington,
    Hafiz Pashaev, said he was assured by senior US State Department officials
    that
    Evans had expressed his personal opinion.
    In a statement on Monday, the US envoy said he regrets "misunderstandings"
    caused by his comments but did not retract them.


    6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation

    Galveston, TX--The City of Galveston issued a proclamation last week, marking
    the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian National
    Committee of Texas (ANC-TX). The city adds its name to the growing list of
    states, counties, and towns who have joined the Armenian American community in
    commemorating this crime against humanity.
    "Armenians in Galveston and throughout Texas join together in thanking Mayor
    Lyda Ann Thomas for her proclamation commemorating the Armenian Genocide, for
    her leadership in the Galveston-Armavir sister city program, and for all of
    her
    outreach to the Armenian community," said ANC-Texas representative Vatche
    Hovsepian. "This is a kick-off of the 90th anniversary commemoration events in
    Texas. We recognize the important role Texas plays in national politics. We
    hope to build on this and other successes, catapulting 'Texahye' concerns on
    the state-wide level."
    Since 2001, Galveston has been developing a special relationship with Armenia
    and the Armenian American community. Through the efforts of the University of
    Texas and widespread support by local Armenian community organizations,
    including the ANC, Galveston established a sister-city relationship with
    Armavir, Armenia. The University worked on healthcare and disaster
    preparedness
    projects in Armavir through a collaboration of the American International
    Health Alliance (AIHA) and the US Agency for International Development
    (USAID.)
    To read more about the University of Texas Medical Branch Community Outreach
    Partnership Program between Armavir, Armenia / Galveston, Texas, visit:
    <http://www.utmb.edu/km/ArmavirPartnership/Default.asp>www.utmb.edu/km/Arma
    virPartnership/Default.asp


    7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement

    Congressional Armenian Caucus organizes special order speeches

    WASHINGTON, DC--Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
    and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) were joined by Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ),
    Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and Michael McNulty (D-NY), last week, in
    commemorating
    the 17th anniversary of the Mountainous Karabagh liberation movement, reported
    the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) The House Members stressed
    their commitment in ensuring a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Karabagh
    conflict.
    "We join with the people of Nagorno Karabagh, Armenians around the world, and
    throughout the United States in thanking Representatives Frank Pallone, Joe
    Knollenberg, Rush Holt, Carolyn Maloney, and Michael McNulty for helping to
    mark the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabagh liberation movement," said
    ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "In 1988, the people of Nagorno
    Karabagh--at great sacrifice--were the first to rise up against Soviet
    misrule,
    sparking powerful pro-democracy movements that would bring an end to the Cold
    War and ultimately make the United States and the entire world safer."
    In Special Order speeches organized by the Congressional Armenian Caucus, the
    Representatives called attention to Mountainous Karabagh Republic's commitment
    to self-determination and regional peace. In his remarks, Congressional
    Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone reviewed Karabagh's efforts to end
    Soviet-era oppression of its citizenry.
    "During the seven decades of Soviet rule, the Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh
    repeatedly stated to each successive Soviet regime their desire to be joined
    against with Armenia. These peaceful and legal maneuvers were met with violent
    repression and forced settlement of ethnic Azeris into Nagorno Karabagh,"
    explained Rep. Pallone. He noted that on the fall of the Soviet Union, the
    "Nagorno Karabagh population overwhelmingly voted to establish an independent
    Nagorno Karabagh Republic, currently known as Nagorno Karabagh Republic."
    Noting his participation in an election-monitoring group for the Karabagh
    presidential elections, he praised the strengthening of democracy in the
    state.
    "This process is astounding considering that Nagorno Karabagh Republic is not
    recognized internationally; that they still must deal every day with Azeri
    aggression, and that their economy is still devastated from the war," stated
    Pallone.
    New York Democrat Carolyn Maloney remarked that "The people of Nagorno
    Karabagh courageously defended their right to live freely on their ancestral
    lands." She went on to cite the importance of ongoing US assistance to Nagorno
    Karabagh, "which has a vital role in achieving a peaceful and stable South
    Caucasus region."
    Rep. McNulty noted that "Nagorno Karabagh continues to strengthen its
    statehood with a democratically elected government, a capable armed forces and
    independent foreign policy. I stand with the people of Nagorno Karabagh in
    celebrating their continuing freedom and democracy."
    Rep. Holt cited the importance of finding a peaceful and lasting
    resolution to
    the Karabagh conflict. "Just as the people of Nagorno Karabagh saw the
    necessity of a peaceful secession from Azerbaijan seventeen years ago, so too
    must a peaceful resolution be achieved with this current conflict. . .The
    United States will continue to promote the cause of our democratic friends in
    Nagorno Karabagh, not yielding until the goals set forth on February 20, 1988,
    have been fully realized."
    Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg
    sent
    a congratulatory letter to Karabagh President Arkady Ghoukasian, commending
    the
    Karabagh people on the 17th anniversary of the liberation movement and
    pledging
    support for continued efforts to find a lasting peace in the region.
    The complete texts of the Congressional statements may be found on
    the ANCA website at the following link:
    www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=709


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    Subject: ASBAREZ Online [03-01-2005]
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    ASBAREZ ONLINE
    TOP STORIES
    03/01/2005
    TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
    WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM

    1) Ambassador Evans's Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy
    2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims
    3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus
    4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany
    5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks
    6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation
    7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement

    1) Ambassador Evans' Statements Do Not Represent a Formal Change in US Policy

    ANCA voices community outrage over Administration's inability to withstand
    Turkish pressure over Ambassador's statements

    WASHINGTON, DC--US Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans, only days after
    completing an official tour of Armenian American communities during which he
    repeatedly gave recognition to the Armenian genocide, has noted that these
    comments were his private views and do not reflect a change in US government
    policy. His statement on this subject was posted Tuesday on the Embassy's
    website: www.usa.am.
    "Armenian Americans are profoundly disappointed by those influential
    officials
    that remain within the Administration who--against all facts and contrary
    to US
    interests--are still able to impose their agenda on every front of the
    increasingly untenable and lop-sided US-Turkey relationship. This is
    particularly troubling, coming at a time when Turkey has obstructed US
    regional
    objectives, deceived US policymakers, and fostered an unprecedented level of
    anti-American sentiment among its citizens. As a community, we vigorously
    condemn the ongoing policy of US complicity in Turkey's shameful campaign of
    genocide denial," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
    "Regardless of the disappointing outcome of this episode, we commend Amb.
    Evans for his courage in coming forward and publicly stating his views on the
    Armenian genocide, views that are shared by all but the Turkish government and
    its surrogates. In so doing, the Ambassador has placed this issue prominently
    on America's public agenda. For our part, as Armenian Americans, on this year
    of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, will pursue this matter with
    renewed vigor--with the White House, Congress, and the entire foreign policy
    community," added Hamparian.
    Ambassador Evans comments were made at a series of public Armenian American
    community outreach events in Boston, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los
    Angeles, Fresno, and Washington, DC. During his presentations in these cities,
    the Ambassador spoke with a level of candor on the Armenian genocide that was
    specifically welcomed by Armenian Americans.
    During his public presentation at the University of California, Berkeley,
    hosted by Armenian Studies Program Executive Director, Prof. Stephan
    Astourian,
    Evans announced, "I will today call it the Armenian Genocide." The Ambassador,
    who has studied Russian History at Yale and Columbia universities and Ottoman
    History at the Kennan Institute, argued, "We, the US government, owe you, our
    fellow citizens a more frank and honest way of discussing this problem. Today,
    as someone who's studied it...There's no doubt in my mind what happened." He
    explained that he had also consulted with a State Department lawyer who
    confirmed that the events of 1915 were "genocide by definition."
    Amb. Evans' commitment to moral clarity came through in further remarks,
    stating, "I think it is unbecoming of us as Americans to play word games here.
    I believe in calling things by their name."
    During a speech to schoolchildren at the Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los
    Angeles, Amb. Evans cited with pride that 37 US states had recognized the
    Armenian genocide.


    2) Deadline Nears for Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Claims

    Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board member Paul Krekorian announced that
    March 16 is the absolute deadline to submit a claim for payment under the
    class
    action settlement in Marootian v. New York Life Insurance Co.
    The Marootian case was a class action suit filed in United States District
    Court by the heirs of Armenians who had purchased life insurance from New York
    Life in the Ottoman Empire between 1875 and 1915. The heirs contend that on
    the
    deaths of the policyholders, many of whom were murdered by Turks during the
    Armenian genocide, New York Life did not pay the benefits on these policies.
    Last year, New York Life agreed to settle the class action suit by paying a
    total of $20 million, including up to $11 million for the heirs of the
    policyholders and at least $3 million for specified Armenian charities.
    "The beneficiaries of these policies have waited 90 years for justice," said
    Settlement Fund Board member Krekorian, an attorney who also serves as Vice
    President of the Burbank Board of Education. "It would be a great tragedy if
    their efforts were frustrated now because they missed a simple deadline and
    waived their legitimate legal rights," Krekorian said.
    The heirs of policyholders may be considered for a share of benefits under
    this settlement only if they submit a Notice of Claim form by March 16. The
    form may be obtained by calling the toll free information line at
    1-866-422-0124 or visiting the settlement fund website at
    <http://www.armenianinsurancesettlement.com/>www.armenianinsurancesettlemen
    t.com. Claims may come from anywhere in the world, and it is not necessary
    that
    complete documentation be included with the Notice of Claim form. After the
    Settlement Fund Board receives the Notice of Claim form, the claimant will be
    informed about other steps that are required in the process.
    The settlement fund website includes a partial list of New York Life
    policyholders from the relevant era, and those who believe they may be heirs
    can search for their ancestors on this list. However, it is not necessary that
    their ancestor appear on the list in order to submit a claim. A claim might
    still be approved if the heir has some other evidence that their ancestor
    was a
    policyholder and payment was not made, even if the ancestor does not appear on
    the list.
    The Settlement Fund Board is an independent panel of three Armenian community
    leaders appointed by California State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi.
    The Settlement Fund Board is not affiliated in any way with the lawyers who
    handled the class action suit, and the Board members were not involved in
    negotiating the terms of the settlement. The Settlement Fund Board is an
    entirely independent panel that will evaluate all of the claims of individual
    heirs and award the funds to those who meet the qualifications of the
    agreement. The three members of the Board are Paul Krekorian; attorney and law
    professor Berj Boyajian; and physician and health care activist Viken
    Manjikian.
    Under the terms of the settlement agreement, $3 million has already been
    distributed in equal shares to the AGBU, the Armenian Relief Society, the
    Armenian Education Foundation, the Armenian Missionary Association, the
    Armenian Catholic Church, the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian
    Church of North America, and the Eastern and Western Prelacies of the Armenian
    Apostolic Church.


    3) EU Warns Turkey That Talks Hinge on Quick Recognition of Cyprus

    LONDON (International Herald Tribune)--The European Union warned Turkey on
    Monday that it must recognize Cyprus soon if it wants to begin talks to join
    the Union in October. The view reflects mounting concern within the EU that
    Turkey may not meet its promise to tacitly recognize Cyprus, which was the
    condition agreed to by EU leaders last December for talks to begin on Oct. 3
    this year.
    "The member states of the European Union expect Turkey to sign the protocol
    regarding the adaptation of the Ankara agreement as soon as possible," said
    Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, which currently holds
    the EU
    presidency.
    "There is no possibility for Ankara to start commenting on what has already
    been negotiated," he added after talks in Luxembourg with President Tassos
    Papadopoulos of Cyprus. After tense negotiations at a summit meeting with EU
    leaders last December, Turkey agreed to tacitly recognize Cyprus, although at
    the time Turkey insisted that did not represent formal political recognition.
    Ankara agreed to sign a protocol that extended an existing customs union with
    the EU to the 10 new countries that joined the EU last May, including Cyprus.
    The landmark agreement appeared to end months of uncertainty about whether
    Europeans could accept Turkey within the EU's borders. It also appeared to
    pave
    the way for Turkey to join the Union at the end of negotiations, which were
    set
    to last for 10 to 15 years. But since December, Ankara has not moved to sign
    the protocol, leading EU officials Monday to warn that a delay jeopardized the
    December agreement.
    "Obviously the protocol has to be ratified before it can enter into force. If
    Turkey does not sign soon we will have a problem with the ratification
    process," a spokesman for the Luxembourg government said. "The clock is
    ticking."
    Earlier Monday, Nicolas Schmit, the foreign affairs and immigration minister
    of Luxembourg, said that Turkey's EU membership efforts had lost momentum.
    "After the Brussels summit there has been a loss of enthusiasm," he said
    during
    a visit to Turkey. "That has created certain worries" about Ankara's
    determination to join the EU, Schmit said in a television interview ahead of a
    meeting with Abdullah Gul, the Turkish foreign minister. "We cannot say there
    has been a very good atmosphere" in Turkey, Schmit said.
    Schmit underlined the necessity for Turkey to continue its pro-European
    momentum and to fully implement the reforms already proposed by Turkey in its
    campaign to join the EU. However, Abdullah said Monday that EU membership
    remained Turkey's "top priority." "The process of democratization will be
    followed with the same determination," Gul was quoted as saying by the Turkish
    news agency Anatolia.
    During the past five years, Turkey has undertaken a raft of reforms to meet
    requirements for EU membership. However, it has stopped short of recognizing
    Cyprus, a key condition for EU countries. Cyprus has been divided since 1974,
    when Turkey occupied the northern part of the island following a Greek Cypriot
    coup that sought to unite the island with Greece.
    In December, EU countries agreed that the final goal of negotiations with
    Turkey would be membership of the EU but they offered no guarantees that the
    talks would necessarily end in Turkey joining the EU. They also stipulated
    that
    Turkey could face strict long-term restrictions on the migration of Turks into
    Western Europe. The safeguards would be the toughest yet faced by a nation
    aspiring to join the EU. The Union also said it would break off talks if
    Ankara
    broke promises on human rights and democratic reforms.


    4) Turkey Finds New Reason to Condemn Germany

    (Combined Sources)Turkey has new reason to vent its frustration over the
    manner
    in which various German circles have been treating the issue of the Armenian
    genocide. The German opposition Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social
    Union (CDU/CSU) last week issued a statement calling for the immediate
    recognition of the genocide perpetrated under the Ottoman regime. Turkey's
    Ambassador to Germany, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, immediately swung back by
    labeling the opposition as the "spokesman for fanatical Armenian nationalism."
    Now, Turkey has discovered that some Armenians are interested in converting
    German historian Johannes Lepsius's home into an Armenian genocide museum.
    Born in Potsdam, Germany in 1858, Lepsiusan evangelical pastor--was, from the
    onset, interested in documenting the persecution of Ottoman Armenians. After
    the first wave of massacres struck in the mid-1890s, Lepsius set up the
    Deutsche Orient Mission with the aim of assisting Armenian orphans.
    In an attempt to publicize the atrocities, Lepsius in 1896 published
    "Armenians and Europe"the first report documenting the large-scale massacres
    directed by Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Soon after, the German philanthropist
    established the "Lepsius Foundation," and participated in the diplomatic
    conferences on the Armenian question in Constantinople, Paris, London and
    Bern.
    During the first state of the genocide, Lepsius arranged to meet privately
    with Minister of War Enver Pasha, who disregarded the German's pleas. Within
    the following year, Lepius authored and privately published "The Condition of
    the Armenian People in Turkey," copies of which were censored and confiscated
    by the German government.
    Prior to his death in 1926, Lepsius took refuge in Holland, where he
    published
    yet another volume, "Germany and Armenia 1914-1918," in which he thoroughly
    documented German complicity in the Genocide. After the assassination of
    former
    Minister of Interior Talaat Pasha, Lepsius appeared as an expert witness on
    behalf of Soghomon Tehlirian.
    Turkish officials have told the German Ambassador in Ankara that the move to
    establish the genocide museum could seriously impact the relations between the
    two countries.


    5) Oskanian's Illness Delays New Round of Karabagh Talks

    YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The next and potentially crucial round of Armenian-Azeri
    peace talks on Karabagh, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed due to
    Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian's illness, officials in Yerevan said on
    Tuesday.
    A spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Sedrak Bejanian, said the
    meeting between Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov may still
    take place in Prague later this week. "Everything depends on the minister's
    health condition," he said.
    Oskanian is said to be suffering from an acute cold. He has not been seen in
    public since returning from a visit to Equatorial Guinea a week ago.
    Meanwhile, Mammadyarov was already in Prague on Monday. Azeri media, citing
    the Foreign Ministry in Baku, said the meetings mediated by the French,
    Russian, and US co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group will take place in
    Paris on
    Thursday.
    Bejanian did not confirm or refute the information. "Nothing can be ruled
    out," he said.
    The planned talks are part of "the Prague process." It began last year and
    raised new hopes for a breakthrough in the protracted search for Karabagh
    peace. Speaking after his most recent encounter with Mammadyarov in the Czech
    capital on January 11, Oskanian said the "second phase" of that process could
    prove decisive.
    The mediators are also cautiously optimistic. "We hope that there will be
    progress," the chief French negotiator, Bernard Fassier, said on February 8.
    For his part, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans remarked in a recent speech
    in California that the current situation bodes well for the conflict's
    resolution as neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan is nearing an election.
    Addressing
    a group of Armenian-Americans, Evans also stated that "Karabagh can't be
    given
    back to Azerbaijan."
    The remark drew protests from Azerbaijan. Baku's ambassador in Washington,
    Hafiz Pashaev, said he was assured by senior US State Department officials
    that
    Evans had expressed his personal opinion.
    In a statement on Monday, the US envoy said he regrets "misunderstandings"
    caused by his comments but did not retract them.


    6) Galveston, Texas Issues Armenian Genocide Proclamation

    Galveston, TX--The City of Galveston issued a proclamation last week, marking
    the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian National
    Committee of Texas (ANC-TX). The city adds its name to the growing list of
    states, counties, and towns who have joined the Armenian American community in
    commemorating this crime against humanity.
    "Armenians in Galveston and throughout Texas join together in thanking Mayor
    Lyda Ann Thomas for her proclamation commemorating the Armenian Genocide, for
    her leadership in the Galveston-Armavir sister city program, and for all of
    her
    outreach to the Armenian community," said ANC-Texas representative Vatche
    Hovsepian. "This is a kick-off of the 90th anniversary commemoration events in
    Texas. We recognize the important role Texas plays in national politics. We
    hope to build on this and other successes, catapulting 'Texahye' concerns on
    the state-wide level."
    Since 2001, Galveston has been developing a special relationship with Armenia
    and the Armenian American community. Through the efforts of the University of
    Texas and widespread support by local Armenian community organizations,
    including the ANC, Galveston established a sister-city relationship with
    Armavir, Armenia. The University worked on healthcare and disaster
    preparedness
    projects in Armavir through a collaboration of the American International
    Health Alliance (AIHA) and the US Agency for International Development
    (USAID.)
    To read more about the University of Texas Medical Branch Community Outreach
    Partnership Program between Armavir, Armenia / Galveston, Texas, visit:
    <http://www.utmb.edu/km/ArmavirPartnership/Default.asp>www.utmb.edu/km/Arma
    virPartnership/Default.asp


    7) House Members Honor 17th Anniversary of Karabagh Liberation Movement

    Congressional Armenian Caucus organizes special order speeches

    WASHINGTON, DC--Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
    and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) were joined by Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ),
    Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and Michael McNulty (D-NY), last week, in
    commemorating
    the 17th anniversary of the Mountainous Karabagh liberation movement, reported
    the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) The House Members stressed
    their commitment in ensuring a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Karabagh
    conflict.
    "We join with the people of Nagorno Karabagh, Armenians around the world, and
    throughout the United States in thanking Representatives Frank Pallone, Joe
    Knollenberg, Rush Holt, Carolyn Maloney, and Michael McNulty for helping to
    mark the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabagh liberation movement," said
    ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "In 1988, the people of Nagorno
    Karabagh--at great sacrifice--were the first to rise up against Soviet
    misrule,
    sparking powerful pro-democracy movements that would bring an end to the Cold
    War and ultimately make the United States and the entire world safer."
    In Special Order speeches organized by the Congressional Armenian Caucus, the
    Representatives called attention to Mountainous Karabagh Republic's commitment
    to self-determination and regional peace. In his remarks, Congressional
    Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone reviewed Karabagh's efforts to end
    Soviet-era oppression of its citizenry.
    "During the seven decades of Soviet rule, the Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh
    repeatedly stated to each successive Soviet regime their desire to be joined
    against with Armenia. These peaceful and legal maneuvers were met with violent
    repression and forced settlement of ethnic Azeris into Nagorno Karabagh,"
    explained Rep. Pallone. He noted that on the fall of the Soviet Union, the
    "Nagorno Karabagh population overwhelmingly voted to establish an independent
    Nagorno Karabagh Republic, currently known as Nagorno Karabagh Republic."
    Noting his participation in an election-monitoring group for the Karabagh
    presidential elections, he praised the strengthening of democracy in the
    state.
    "This process is astounding considering that Nagorno Karabagh Republic is not
    recognized internationally; that they still must deal every day with Azeri
    aggression, and that their economy is still devastated from the war," stated
    Pallone.
    New York Democrat Carolyn Maloney remarked that "The people of Nagorno
    Karabagh courageously defended their right to live freely on their ancestral
    lands." She went on to cite the importance of ongoing US assistance to Nagorno
    Karabagh, "which has a vital role in achieving a peaceful and stable South
    Caucasus region."
    Rep. McNulty noted that "Nagorno Karabagh continues to strengthen its
    statehood with a democratically elected government, a capable armed forces and
    independent foreign policy. I stand with the people of Nagorno Karabagh in
    celebrating their continuing freedom and democracy."
    Rep. Holt cited the importance of finding a peaceful and lasting
    resolution to
    the Karabagh conflict. "Just as the people of Nagorno Karabagh saw the
    necessity of a peaceful secession from Azerbaijan seventeen years ago, so too
    must a peaceful resolution be achieved with this current conflict. . .The
    United States will continue to promote the cause of our democratic friends in
    Nagorno Karabagh, not yielding until the goals set forth on February 20, 1988,
    have been fully realized."
    Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg
    sent
    a congratulatory letter to Karabagh President Arkady Ghoukasian, commending
    the
    Karabagh people on the 17th anniversary of the liberation movement and
    pledging
    support for continued efforts to find a lasting peace in the region.
    The complete texts of the Congressional statements may be found on
    the ANCA website at the following link:
    www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=709


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