Jen Schefft Joe Waterman and her husband welcomed their second child this summer, people confirmed. The former reality star, 35, three months pregnant.

“Jen and her husband Joe are thrilled to be pregnant again,” a source told People.

“They are willing to expand their family, and his daughter [Elizabeth Mae, 14 months] is particularly excited about being a big sister.”

Schefft Andrew Firestone won the heart of “The Bachelor” in 2003, then the star in his own season of “The Bachelorette” two years later.

The Chicago Schefft met Waterman, a trader at a blind date in 2008 and the couple married in May 2009. They welcomed their first child November 13, 2010.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/25/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/jen-schefft-pregnant-second-ppl/index.html

The screams of the large, three-time champion Maria Sharapova and No. 3 worldwide Slam Victoria Azarenka was the source of much conversation in the Australian Open in Melbourne this week – the first Grand Slam year.

“Something About Mary, I mean, what can I say?” eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska said in a press conference after his defeat in the quarterfinals Tuesday Azarenka of Belarus.

“Of course, it’s pretty boring and is just too high.”

Who will win the Australian Open 2012 ‘s?

Throughout his career – which included reaching the rank of 1, an advance of 17 years to win Wimbledon in 2004 and two Grand Slam titles – Sharapova has been recognized by the volume of their vocalizations in the field.

“I heard a few times during my career,” said Russia’s 24. “You’ve lived, you’ve seen me play tennis.

“I was the same throughout my career. No one told me important enough to change or do something else.

“Right now there is no change in the rules. Not knowing that there will be, so it does not matter what my answer would be, right? ”

At present, there are no rules prohibiting direct WTA grunts. Women’s tennis body, “however, have rules against obstacles.

Rivals reunited: Kvitova face Sharapova in the semifinals

A barrier consisting of involuntary helmet of a player drops a ball from his pocket. In this case, one called and the point is repeated. No obstacles deliberately considered by the referee would result in the loss of a point.

Although the subject of grunts is not mentioned in the year 2012 the International Tennis Federation rules, the WTA said they are trying to form the features of the next generation of players.

“Everyone who looks grunt knows tennis is a part of the game, and we are aware that some fans are annoying,” read a statement WTA.

“We are currently exploring ways to reduce excessive grunting, especially for young players who are new, without adversely affecting the players who have developed their game in the current training

“We believe we have to address the concerns expressed by some fans and have a close look at our policies and educational policies.”

Switzerland’s Martina Hingis withdrew in 2007 after a playing career of 13 years, claims she saw her five Grand Slam titles, including three consecutive victories in the Australian Open between 1997 and 1999.

The former world number 1, which plays in the main event in Melbourne, said the noise is more annoying for the fans and viewers and largely unnoticed by the players.

Djokovic plays down injury scare ahead of Murray contrast

However, Hingis admitted to being confused by some noises coming from the opposite end of the court.

“It’s just sometimes when it extends a little more, you’re like,” What are you doing? “The more you have to stretch the higher it got,” 31-year -old said.

“Or sometimes it is as strong and a grunt in the service line and the ball has no weight on it. But I think it’s more of a problem with the audience.”

Due to the volume and nature of calls Azarenka unique number 3 worldwide, the Rod Laver Arena crowd took to its imitation in the second round victory over Casey Dellacqua of Australia.

“Of course I understand. I mean, I’m not deaf,” joked the age of 22. “But it’s okay for me. I mean, I respect the people, what they do. I try to focus on my game.”

Therefore, the training focused on the WTA grunts of the next generation of talent, it seems that the opponents of Sharapova and Azarenka will have to endure the deafening cries for the foreseeable future.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/25/sport/tennis/tennis-sharapova-azarenka-grunt/index.html?hpt=isp_t3

The Fed, which issued a statement at the end of a policy of noon, two days of the meeting on Wednesday, had previously said it would keep rates low until mid-2013.

Main tool for the Fed to stimulate the economy, the federal funds rate is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. Keep historic lows since the Fed has done since 2008, is intended to stimulate spending by lowering interest rates on everything from mortgages to auto loans and student.

After the announcement of the Fed, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) gained 83 points, or 0.7%, after losing as much as 95 points earlier in the day. The S & P 500 (SPX) added 11 points, or 0.9%, after losing 7 points above.
Fed to keep rates low until 2014

The Nasdaq (COMP), followed by reverse, adding 32 points, or 1.1%. The software company CA (CA) and Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) are among the biggest winners of the technology heavy index, by better than expected earnings.

“Investors are certainly encouraged by the promise of the Fed to remain accommodative for the coming years, but they also ask why the Fed is so conservative that we have not seen economic data quite well recently,” said Mark Lamkin, CEO Lamkin Wealth Management.

In addition to keeping rates low, the Fed chief, Ben Bernanke, also left the door open for further stimulus policies, including a third round of the purchase of bonds, a policy known as quantitative easing or QE3.

At a press conference after the statement, Bernanke said “the expansion of the balance sheet is certainly an option” for the Fed, and the central bank would consider “very carefully whether, in particular, progress towards full employment – has become more and more inadequate, or if inflation remained unusually low. ”

“The Fed is in a wait and see mode,” said Lamkin. “They say they are encouraged by the signs, but not so convinced that they are willing to take the economy and juice markets. ”

Apple earnings Wednesday provides a positive effect, especially in the technology sector.
With $ 97.6 billion, Apple has more money than …

Tuesday night, the manufacturer of the iPhone and the iPad posted a quarterly profit of a whopping $ 13000000000 – the best quarter ever of a technology company. The company said sales for the quarter hit $ 46.3 billion, sending share rose 6.2% Wednesday. Apple beat earnings helped Exxon Mobil (XOM, Fortune 500) that the most valuable U.S. company.

Meanwhile, investors are also looking to the ongoing negotiations in Greece with representatives of private sector creditors to reduce debt. Officials resume informal talks on Thursday in Athens.

Greece is in desperate need of an agreement to receive additional funds to rescue the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. Without these funds, the country may not be able to make a debt payment of € 14 billion that are due March 20.

U.S. stocks finished mostly in red Tuesday as investors went through the business results and the expected progress of Greece.

Global markets: Europe ended the day mixed. UK FTSE 100 (UKX) lost 0.5%, the DAX (DAX) for Germany rose slightly, and the French CAC 40 (CAC40) decreased by 0.3%.
U.S. inches closer “Europe today

The British government reported a 0.2% decline in fourth quarter gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic activity due to the weakness of the productive sectors and construction.

Meanwhile, the German IFO index, a closely watched indicator of business confidence rose in January, indicating that the German economy may be gathering steam. The positive relationship is an auction of 30-year bonds attracted strong demand in Germany.

Markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai were closed Wednesday for the Chinese New Year. Nikkei in Japan (N225) finished 1% higher.

Economy: The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged from 0.25% as analysts expected.

The Fed also announced future projections for the federal funds rate for the first time Wednesday, and their outlook on the economy and the labor market.
Anticipation of the Fed is innovating

The central bank said it expects the unemployment rate falls to between 8.2% and 8.5% in 2012, an improvement over what was expected in November.

But the Fed also expects the economy to grow between 2.2% and 2.7% this year, slightly slower than previously thought.

For this reason, most of the policies of the Fed funds rate should remain close to zero for the foreseeable future.

The pending home sales for December fell 3.5% after rising 7.3% the previous month. Economists had expected sales to decline by 3%.

Companies: Shares of Boeing (BA, Fortune 500) was higher than the aircraft manufacturer has reported an increase in quarterly profit and revenue. Previous actions have been reduced because the company issued a disappointing full-year earnings guidance.

Delta (DAL, Fortune 500) reported quarterly earnings well above expectations, sending shares in the airline later.
The world is more and more private capital

Shares of Ericsson (ERIC) plunged after the maker of Swedish telecommunications equipment declined by 66% in quarterly profit, driven by the network of weak sales.

Yahoo (YHOO, Fortune 500) reported quarterly significantly quieter than Apple, posting gains in line with analysts’ expectations after the close of Tuesday. The shares fell.

Shares of Nvidia (NVDA) fell one day after the graphics chip maker cut fourth-quarter sales outlook, citing a shortage of hard drives.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD, Fortune 500) also reported earnings on Tuesday, posting earnings that missed expectations. But the actions of the semiconductor company increased slightly.

After the closing bell, Netflix (NFLX) said it has begun to add new customers last quarter, a sign that the company is recovering from a series of failures damaged its reputation with consumers and investors. Netflix also beat earnings and sales estimates in the corner, and the share rose 10% in after-hours trading.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/25/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm?iid=HP_LN&hpt=ibu_c2

It was not immediately clear what caused the collapse – a 20-storey building and the stories of other 10 – or the extent of the victims clear.

Paes did not rule out the possibility of a gas leak, but other statements, including the possibility of structural failures in buildings, behind the Municipal Theatre.

Fire officials said at least four people were injured, according to a post on the Twitter account of city government.

“I started to hear a click. I thought they were gunshots. When I looked down I saw the upper floors, “maintenance worker Julio Cesar de Oliveira, told.

A fire broke out after the explosion, told Agencia Brasil. Police and firefighters were to isolate the area and looking for victims, the news agency.

Cars parked on the street near buildings were covered with dust, and there was a strong smell of gas in the region, officials said the fire, according to news agency. The lobby of one of the buildings include a bank and a bakery, Agencia Brasil said.

Witnesses said the band news that shook nearby buildings, as if there had been an earthquake. One witness said many people were inside one of the buildings when it collapsed.

The buildings are in a lively shopping and business district of Rio de Janeiro.

The electrical engineer, said Jorge Draußen Record TV was drinking juice at a nearby restaurant when he saw the little stones that fall from the top of a building.

“I thought it was someone to make a hole for air conditioning,” he said. “From time to time, the building began to fall.”

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/25/world/americas/brazil-building-collapse/index.html?hpt=ila_c1

However, statements made during a telephone conversation with a friend earlier this month, the captain Francesco Schettino said managers pressured him to steer the boat to where the collision occurred, two Italian newspapers reported Wednesday.

Both Costa Cruises and the authorities have criticized the behavior of Schettino. He is under house arrest and faces charges of murder is possible, and leave the sinking ship when the ship struck rocks and rolled on its side in the waters of the island on January 13.

A body was found Tuesday 16 in the boat. Another sixteen were lack of some 4,200 people on board the ship – 3200 passengers and 1000 crew – at the time of the collision.

“I hit the projection of the rock, which seems almost stuck on the ship, but it was my mistake,” Schettino said in the transcript of 126 pages “. … There is nothing I can say, I was convinced that the transition 0.28 a mile, there would be no problem.

The captain also dismissed the idea that at 15 knots, it went too fast, as prosecutors allege.

“There is no speed limit,” he said. “… We had more or less the speed necessary to achieve a time of Savona.”

According to the transcript, ran aground Schettino maintained to prevent sinking. “That’s what allowed me to limit the tilt,” he said.

Maritime attorney Jim Allsworth told CNN the operation is “fairly common” in the case of a vessel taking on water and in danger of sinking or capsizing. “The best thing to do is leave stranded.”

Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera on Wednesday extracts Schettino had a telephone conversation with a friend after his arrest Jan. 14.

The captain called his friend of the prosecutor’s office, and officials touched the phone, the newspaper said. Antichi lawyer Alessandro Schettino wiretaps confirmed, but declined to comment on the conversation. Information should not have been published, he says, because it is part of the investigation.

“In my place, someone else would not have been so kind to have gone right under there, because it bothers me, come on,” said Schettino, in an apparent reference to approach the island, according to the newspapers. “The lowlands were there, but not reported by the instruments he had and I have been … to control what managers want.”

The man behind the wheel, Jacob Rusli Bin, told investigators that after the ship hit the rocks, cursed and Schettino said he had not seen, La Repubblica.

Speaking on Wednesday before the Senate of Italy, Costa CEO Pier Luigi Foschi has realized what happened as documented by Roberto Ferrarini, director of maritime operations of the company.

The first contact between Ferrarini Schettino and occurred about 15 minutes after the collision at 9:57 pm in the call, Schettino said Ferrarini the accident and said the ship had lost power, but assured him that the ship could sail and situation was under investigation. In subsequent calls, Ferrarini said Schettino Foschi update on the ship taking on water, but insisted he could still navigate.

Foschi told MPs that Schettino Ferrarini reported calm during calls. The last call in which the captain reported the situation was under control at 22:33 increases, he said. Two minutes later, Schettino Ferrarini called to say that the vessel was evacuated, Foschi said, adding that Ferrarini was surprised by the sudden change.

Ferrarini Schettino and continued talking during the evacuation, Foschi said, but provided no details.

Costa can not perform an independent investigation because prosecutors have seized the ship data recorder or “black box”. The recorder had trouble connecting, but it works, Foschi said. Contains recordings of conversations and navigation system data, he said.

Defense attorney Schettino, Bruno Leporatti, Wednesday filed an appeal against the decision of a judge instead of a captain in office Leporatti arrest in a statement. Both the prosecution and defense appealed the decision – Schettino tax, believing it should be in prison, and the defense because he thought he should have been released without restrictions on their movements.

In his statement, Schettino defended his decision not to evacuate the ship immediately.

“It’s not like I can have a blackout and immediately say,” Let’s all get out of here, “he said.” Where I can send? I need to have certainty and reaching my decision on the fact that the boat is like this (no longer able to float). I will not endanger the lives of 4,000 people. ”

Cruise passengers described a scene of panic and confusion, as they rushed to the lifeboats. Some have said that the crew seemed overwhelmed and do not have accurate information about what was happening.

In the transcript, Schettino also described the chaos, saying he helped the passengers in the lifeboats and some were trapped due to the angle of the call of the ship. He said he was trying to launch a lifeboat when he realized he was no longer aboard.

“Then I was in the lifeboat. Not that I had gone up,” he said. “Look, I fell on the roof.”

However, in listening to the conversation, Schettino said the friend, “When I heard that the boat heeled, I decided to leave, and left” the Corriere della Sera.

A captain left the ship passengers still on board is difficult to defend, said defense lawyer Ugo Italian Meucci, which is not Schettino.

“It’s a very difficult situation, because our law is very strong, and the risk is too high for the captain,” who could face a prison term of 15 years, Meucci said.

Schettino has strongly defended his actions after the ship hit the rocks, insisting on keeping their heads in Costa fully informed of the seriousness of the accident.

“The first class (the boat) was huge,” said the captain of the conversation turned. “There was a projection of the rock, and then all I did after I did with my career, and this may help alleviate or at least gives me the illusion of being at peace with my conscience.”

He says the friend. “I am proud that we have saved almost all (passengers). … I turned to pick up people at sea and I am at peace.”

Schettino also tells his friend: “I do not want to go back to the boat.”

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/25/world/europe/italy-cruise-ship/index.html?hpt=ieu_c2

Syrian government launched 21 years his father Mzaik Obada Wednesday night, said his uncle, Firas Nashef. Mzaik was detained after the flight from Detroit to Damascus on January 3 Nashef said.

“We are delighted he is back with his family, and we are grateful for the community to show their support for the family during the difficult days,” said Nashef in a statement on behalf of the family. No further details has been published.

Mzaik is a dual US-Syrian who has been studying civil engineering at a private university in the Syrian capital, said his uncle. Born in Columbus, but moved with his family in Syria as a child.

Mzaik had enrolled in a seasonal program at a university in Michigan, the community and plans to study a master in the United States, Nashef said. He had to fly to Damascus with his younger brother to visit relatives and get ready for the new semester starts when he was detained for questioning by security guards, said Nashef, a dentist in the Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills.

His brother was released soon, but Mzaik was arrested for questioning over – the second arrest by the security forces in mid-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, according to his uncle.

Nashef said his nephew was arrested last summer and held for 37 days for “distributing brochures about the revolution,” and his family feared the worst after being arrested again.

The U.S. State Department said Tuesday he was trying to confirm the well-being and place Mzaik. There was no immediate reaction to the release of news.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/25/us/syria-missing-american/index.html?hpt=us_c2

James died Friday of complications from leukemia and her husband, Artis Mills, and the son and DONTO Sametto James at his side.

A public consultation is planned for Friday night at Inglewood Cemetery in Inglewood, California, the family said.

Funeral at 10 am Saturday at the Grand City Bethany Community Church in Gardena refuge “is private for immediate family and friends,” according to spokeswoman Rachel Noerdlinger. Plans are made to the “media limited access.”

The family has requested donations be sent to The Rhythm & Blues Foundation.

James was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C. She died at a hospital in Riverside, California. It would have been 74 on Wednesday.

His assertion, earthy voice turned hits like “The Wallflower”, “Something has a hold on me” and the wedding favorite “At Last”.

The giant singer, known as “Miss Peaches,” lived an eventful life. She first hit the charts as a teenager, taking “The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry)” – a “record response” to Hank Ballard’s “Work with Me, Annie” – the No. 1 R & B charts in 1955. She joined Chess Records in 1960 and had a string of R & B and pop, a lot with lush string arrangements. After a fade mid-decade, it reappeared in 1967 with a clearer, the sound soul.

Throughout his career, James has overcome a heroin addiction, opened for the Rolling Stones, won six Grammy Awards and was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite its ups and downs – including a number of health problems – it has maintained an optimistic attitude.

“Most of the songs I sing, they have this feeling blue for her. They have this feeling sorry. And I do not know what I’m sorry, “she told CNN Denise Quan in 2002. “I’m not!”

Through it all, she was loved by contemporaries and Spitfire young up-and-comers.

“Etta James is unmanageable, and I am the closest thing she has ever had a manager,” Lupe De Leon, the manager of more than 30 years, told CNN in admiration.

British singer Adele James named as one of his favorite singers, with Aretha Franklin.

“If you were watching” singer “of the word in the dictionary, you would see their names,” Adele said in an interview.

Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles for a teenage mother and unknown father. (She suspects her father was Rudolph Wanderone Jr., The famous pool hustler known as Minnesota Fats.)

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/24/showbiz/etta-james-funeral/index.html

The four-time champion Roger Federer reached his 30 th Grand Slam semifinal with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 against Argentina World No. 11 Juan Martin del Potro in the game early in the day.

Ten times Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal – who beat Federer in epic final to claim his victory in the 2009 Australia Open – then you have a hard-fought victory over Czech Tomas Berdych seventh seed.

The Spanish came from behind to win 6-7 (5-7) and 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 6-3 in a grueling match that lasted over four hours.

Former world number two 1s met in Grand Slam nine games – eight of them after its final meeting in the first semifinal of the French Open in 2005. Nadal won the match and six others.

Won 17 of 26 matches in the pair of all, their most recent clash with Federer wins in straight sets last year’s ATP World Tour.

Melbourne this year, the event is the first time since Roland Garros six years ago Federer and Nadal were on the same side of a tie for the Grand Slam.

“It’s been a long time,” Federer told reporters after reaching the semifinals of the largest opening for the ninth consecutive year of the tennis season.

“I think it’s a good change up. Well, it allows a hand in the final here, if (Andy) Murray to play Novak (Djokovic). But I think it’s good for tennis changes a little.”

Nadal said his 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3) 3-6 6-2 win over Federer in the 2009 tournament was a showcase of the “unforgettable” experience.

“Seriously, the latter is one of the memories that will always be in my mind,” he told journalists in 25 years.

Said Federer, who has not dropped a set during the tournament, would be preferable to the hard surface of the court.

“He does well and plays great, and had a fantastic end of season last year. Therefore, it comes with confidence. It will be a very, very difficult for me,” said Nadal.

“I always play on these surfaces is the favorite. Its level is fantastic, and today won a fantastic match against one of the best players in the world, Del Potro. So it’s very, very well.”

The other semifinal could see a rematch between the defending champion Novak Djokovic and 2011 finalist Andy Murray.

World No. 1 in Spain Djokovic plays the fifth seed David Ferrer Wednesday, while Murray # 4 – was also losing finalists in 2010 – Japan faces Kei Nishikori incredible deal.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/24/sport/tennis/tennis-nadal-federer-australia/index.html?hpt=isp_c2

Trade Deficit Y2.49tn ($ 32 million) represents a radical break with the large surpluses that Japan has suffered more than 50 years.

Some analysts see it as a small extent understandable. After the earthquake and tsunami in March, exports of automobiles and electronics have been affected by the damaged plants and infrastructure. In the second half of the year, floods in Thailand eliminated the Japanese production capacity, while total shipments were affected by a stronger yen, up 17% against the euro during this period.

During the decommissioning of nuclear facilities in Japan caused to be more dependent on fossil fuels, expensive imports.

“The trade deficit is likely to continue expanding, with the exception of oil prices continue their upward trend,” said Masaki Kuwahara, an economist at Nomura in Tokyo.

The monthly trade seems to support this theory. Between January and March, Japan posted a trade surplus of Y357bn. Exports during this period were Y16.4tn, 2.4 percent more than last year.

But others argue that the trade deficit could last, thanks to the slow growth of Japan’s trading partners, a persistent decline in the terms of trade, a measure of the price of imports over exports and a steady increase in the yen.

The Bank of Japan Tuesday acknowledged “serious tensions” in international financial markets downgrade its growth forecast for this fiscal year and next, while keeping interest rates virtually to zero.

If the trade balance remains in deficit, which could have disturbing consequences for the country’s balance of current account – the sum of the trade and investment, which represents the excess of global liquidity in Japan.

Many fear that if the trade deficit continues to increase, the excess of investment may be insufficient to cancel, resulting in a current account deficit in general.

This would have enormous implications for bond markets and currency, that Japan would become a net importer of capital. The budget deficit, at the margin, would be financed by foreigners.

The current account surplus fell to Y139bn Japan ($ 1.8 million), the lowest since the post-Lehman crisis.

The surplus for the year 2011 should be 2.2% of GDP, the lowest since 2001.

Masaaki Kanno, chief economist at JPMorgan in Tokyo, expects a “persistent” current account deficit in 2015, arguing that the fall in net savings in Japan, caused by demographic changes are obscured by the year 2007 by a wave of global growth and a weaker yen. Concern for the government, most of the rest of the analyst seems to differ only in time to go to Japan, the current account deficit.

This puts the political debate about the rising level of consumption taxes – the centerpiece of tax reform efforts by Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister – in much sharper relief.

Azumi June, the finance minister told parliament on Tuesday to allow the country’s finances deteriorate currently a “significant threat to stable economic growth.”

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/25/business/japan-trade/index.html?hpt=ibu_c2

“Hung in History” and “Guillotine thought,” echoed the first two pages of Turkish newspapers. “He killed the democracy,” said another newspaper, Hurriyet, next to a picture on the front page of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

In the race for Monday night’s vote in the French Senate, the Turkish government has made no secret that he was fiercely opposed to the French law, the alert can cause permanent damage to the Franco-Turkish relations.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement before dawn on Tuesday condemning the law. Later, however, Turkey angry prime minister surprised some observers when he called a “period of patience” in a televised speech.

“There was an error … the story can not be found or written by parliament,” said Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his speech to lawmakers of his party in political power.

Report the French law as racist and a “slaughter of freedom of thought,” Erdogan added: “We have lost our hope also that this error can be corrected.”

The Turkish leader said his government would push a petition with 60 signatures from French lawmakers to block the law by the Constitutional Council of France.

Under French law, “those who have publicly denied or trivialized crimes of genocide”, he could face one year imprisonment and / or a fine of 45,000 euros.

The law does not specifically mention World War I slaughter of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Armenians by Ottoman Turks. But most of the debate of seven hours Monday in the French Senate report focused on the Armenian genocide.

A few minutes after the vote of 127 to 86 in favor of the law, in Paris, Foreign Minister of Armenia issued a statement of gratitude to France, said that “a true defender of universal human values.”

“This day will be written in golden letters,” writes Edward Nalbandian.

Every year, Armenians worldwide commemorate the 1915 slaughter of more than 1.2 million people of Armenian origin.

The Turkish government rejects the term “genocide” to refer to this dark and bloody chapter in history. Many Turkish politicians and historians argue that the Muslim Turks were killed by Armenian militia in the last days of the Ottoman Empire.

Instead, Ankara goes political issues of paramount importance and threats to try to block initiatives in the U.S. Congress long-term formally the killings of Armenians as “genocide.” The United Nations defines genocide as death, injury, or removal of members of a national, ethnical, racial or religious group with intent to destroy the group.

After the French parliament’s lower house approved the Law on Genocide in December, Turkey has temporarily withdrawn its ambassador in Paris and has suspended military relations with France.

Turkish politicians have warned of new sanctions against France if Sarkozy allows the new law comes into force.

But in an interview with CNN on Monday, the head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Parliament deliberately avoided saying what those measures might be.

“There is always an ambiguity in politics and diplomacy,” said Volkan Bozkir. “There will be some (measures) … This will hurt France more than Turkey,” he said.

Turkey and France with experience of more than $ 14 billion in bilateral trade last year. They are also partners in the NATO military alliance.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/24/world/europe/turkey-france-armenia/index.html?hpt=ieu_c2