US congresswoman Katherine Clark urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from the territory of Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports she wrote on her Twitter page.
‘’Azerbaijan’s military forces must withdraw from Armenian lands immediately and stop the violence that has already cost multiple lives. Proud to have voted for Chairman Frank Pallone’s amendment to cut off military funding to Azerbaijan and to stand with the Armenian people’’, Katherine Clark wrote.
Read more at:
US congresswoman urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from Armenian territories and stop violence | ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency
Showing posts with label Azerbaijan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Azerbaijan. Show all posts
7/31/21
11/17/20
Turkey: How Turkey’s use of military power furthers Erdoğan’s ambitions - by Scott Peterson
The cease-fire agreement ending six weeks of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh was greeted in Turkey as a “sacred success” for “brotherly Azerbaijan” in its fight with Armenia.
For Turkey, the outcome was also the latest successful example of its assertive and game-changing use of military hard power, which has so far redrawn geopolitical realities from Libya and Syria to the southern Caucasus.
Read more at: How Turkey’s use of military power furthers Erdoğan’s ambitions
For Turkey, the outcome was also the latest successful example of its assertive and game-changing use of military hard power, which has so far redrawn geopolitical realities from Libya and Syria to the southern Caucasus.
Read more at: How Turkey’s use of military power furthers Erdoğan’s ambitions
1/14/18
Christianity under threat: ‘Worst Year Yet’: The Top 50 Countries Where It’s Hardest to Be a Christian: by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra
For decades, North Korea has clearly been the world’s worst persecutor of Christians. But now, another nation nearly matches it.
Overall in 2014, pressure on Christians increased in 29
countries, decreased in 11, and remained stable in 7. Three
countries—Mexico, Turkey, and Azerbaijan—were added to the watch list
this year.
To get the complete report click go to: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/2018-world-watch-list-report/
Read more: ‘Worst Year Yet’: The Top 50 Countries Where It’s Hardest to Be a Christian | News & Reporting | Christianity Today
Open Doors recently released its 2018 World Watch List
(WWL), an annual ranking of the 50 countries where it is most dangerous
to follow Jesus. Approximately 215 million Christians now experience
high, very high, or extreme levels of persecution; that means 1 in 12
Christians live where Christianity is “illegal, forbidden, or punished,”
according to Open Doors researchers.
Kim Jung-un’s country hasn’t moved from the No. 1 spot
on the list for 16 years in a row. “With more than 50,000 in prison or
labor camps, such a ranking is little surprise for the totalitarian
regime that controls every aspect of life in the country and forces
worship of the Kim family,” Open Doors reported.
But rivaling it this year is Afghanistan, which ranked No. 2 by less
than a point. North Korea’s total score was 94 (on a 100-point scale),
pushed above Afghanistan’s 93 by a 0.6 difference in their
Open Doors recently released its latest World Watch List
(WWL). The annual list ranks the top 50 countries "where Christians face
the most persecution," aiming to create "effective anger" on believers' behalf.
“This year, the threshold was higher for a country to
make the list, indicating that worldwide levels of persecution have
increased,” stated
Open Doors in announcing its analysis of the "significant trends" in
2014 that drove persecution higher worldwide, "even in places where it
has not been reported in the past."
So while countries such as Sri Lanka and the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) fell significantly in rank on this year's watch list
(Sri Lanka dropped 15 spots to No. 44, and the UAE dropped 14 spots to
No. 49), their level of persecution dropped only slightly from last
year's list (by four points and two points, respectively, on a 100-point
scale).
Bahrain, Morocco, and Niger—were
removed from the list this year, the level of persecution in each
remained virtually the same from 2013 to 2014.
To get the complete report click go to: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/2018-world-watch-list-report/
10/9/17
Armenia and Azerbaijan are Stuck with Russia and the U.S.
Over the years, Russia has served as the main arbitrator for
the territorial dispute between Armenians and Azerbaijanis over the
Nagorno-Karabakh region. The most vivid explanation lies in the past
relationship of Russia with these two countries both of which have been
former members of the Soviet Union. The collapse of the Soviet regime
unleashed an economic, social, and political chaos across the regions of
former member states. The end of the Soviet era granted independence to
every single member state of the Union. The absence of Soviet
supervision prompted the revitalization of old disputes between
countries that had centuries long territorial, religious, and cultural
conflicts.
The encounter between Armenia and Azerbaijan turned into an active military warfare in 1988 when the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh region – that historically has been populated by Armenians of Artsakh – declared its willingness to join with the neighboring Republic of Armenia. Azerbaijani government opposed to this scenario and the war became inevitable. The conflict started in 1988 and rapidly escalated to a full-scale war. In 1993, the newly independent Armenians deployed military forces composed of local Armenians as well as Armenians from diaspora that captured geographically significant corridor of Lachin that provided a passage from Karabakh to Armenia. Other successful military operations included the recapturing of Shusha, Kalbajar, Qubadil, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Agdam, and Fuzuli.
Russia played a critical role in prevention of more violence in this war that lasted nearly six years within the Nagorono-Karabakh region. In May of 1994, the Russian government extenuated the ceasefire between Armenian and Azerbaijani governments. The decree nurtured by Russia became provisioned as satisfactory by both Armenian and Azerbaijani forces that reached an armistice. The problem that Russia left unsolved was that there was no definite and internationally agreed resolution on the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The territories captured by Armenian fighters were proclaimed as Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which is a de facto state but is recognized as de jure by majority of international community as still part of the Azerbaijan.
The circumstances are not favorable for any of the former Soviet Union member states to make a swift transition from Russia’s patronage into the Western democracy. Even though the strings are invisible, however, Russia’s steeled hand still manipulates the strings that move the internal and external activities of its post-Soviet proxy states.
As it stands, the government of Armenia has formed an illusory acquaintance in Russia and they believed that Moscow represents the best interests of Armenian people. However, on numerous occasions, the Russian government representatives and deputies such as Vladimir Zhirinovsky (who many consider to be a controversial figure) have been outspoken about Russia’s true image of Armenia as a country and an ally. More specifically, when asked about the situation with Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Zhirinovsky announced – “I could spit on Armenia and never look back. If Armenians try to find another ally (other than Russia) we will cut ties with them. If Armenians get on the way, Russia will let Turkey and Azerbaijan run over Armenians. Armenia has no prospects of economic growth.” Zhirinovsky is one of the many politicians who have undermined the importance of Republic of Armenia as Russia’s ally.
In order to enhance the already existing economic cooperation with Russia and its allies, and provide new avenues of military empowerment, Armenia welcomed the invitation to join the Customs Union and became a complete member in 2015. This step took the Russo-Armenian relations to a higher degree and instilled more trust and sense of loyalty in the eyes of Moscow administration.
The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet regime in most communist countries of Asia and Europe did not necessarily represent an end of the rivalry between Russia and the democratic West. The Western countries never hesitated to take a backlash on Putin’s foreign policies and his decisions during recent international crises such as, 1) the Syrian Civil War that led to a chaotic situation in Northern Middle-East, 2) the Ukraine-Crimea territorial dispute where Russia intervened by claiming to resolve the issue but ended up annexing Crimea, and finally, 3) the Nagorno-Karabakh land dispute, where Russia protected the interests of the Armenians occupying those lands and meanwhile sold firearms to both parties in war.
The final, yet nonetheless significant explanation of lack of pro-Western diplomatic ties for Armenia is rooted in the reality of Azerbaijan’s positive relations with the United States, European Union member states and to a considerable degree also with Russia. Azerbaijan was able to promote its pro-Western tendencies by re-shuffling the deck of its cards that it used in global arena. It realized that since Turkey, its big brother and guardian is one of the vital NATO members, a crucial ally for the United States, and a possessor of an incredible military and economic power in the region, then it should also begin building similar connections with all of Turkey’s allies that can potentially become Azerbaijan’s new sponsors for regaining the Nagorno-Karabakh area.
Given this narrative, Azerbaijan was able to attract the attention of then Senator Barack Obama, who visited the country in 2005. By that time, the Section 907 implemented by the U.S. Congress in 1992 has been waived by President Bush, and further prolonged by Barack Obama during his presidency. The Section 907 prohibited any form of direct aid to or assistance to the Azerbaijani government. The relations further strengthened during U.S war against the terror in Afghanistan and Iraq when Azerbaijan provided intelligence information, airspace access, and refueling of U.S. aircrafts.
Azerbaijan also active participated in the NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.
In the economic sphere, Azerbaijan primarily currently cooperates with the US in the exportation of its energy resources to global markets, and particularly in Western Europe. The United States realizes the potential economic gain from the natural resources such as oil and gas available in Azerbaijan, as well as the geographical location of Azerbaijan and the access to Caspian Sea.
The United States will continue to create stable ties with Azerbaijan in order not to lose a potential important ally to Russia. Also, the United States does not rest on the matters pertaining to the security of the Azerbaijani people.
Within the context of Nagorno-Karabakh territorial dispute, it can reasonably be argued that Russia pulls the strings on Armenia as a “marionette,” whereas, the United States implements the same tactic with Azerbaijan. Ultimately, both superpowers defend their own security interests by offering partnership to the disputing states in the Caucasus, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
It becomes paradoxical when one realizes that in this situation these two conflicting states do not have any alternative options that can bring the resolution of the conflict in their favor, with Azerbaijan desiring to regain Karabakh enclave, and Armenia dearly holding on to every inch of the soil with the last drop of the blood. Alas, serving for the advancement of the global superpowers and their regional interests is the only way of survival for Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Read more: Armenia and Azerbaijan are Stuck with Russia and the U.S.
The encounter between Armenia and Azerbaijan turned into an active military warfare in 1988 when the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh region – that historically has been populated by Armenians of Artsakh – declared its willingness to join with the neighboring Republic of Armenia. Azerbaijani government opposed to this scenario and the war became inevitable. The conflict started in 1988 and rapidly escalated to a full-scale war. In 1993, the newly independent Armenians deployed military forces composed of local Armenians as well as Armenians from diaspora that captured geographically significant corridor of Lachin that provided a passage from Karabakh to Armenia. Other successful military operations included the recapturing of Shusha, Kalbajar, Qubadil, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Agdam, and Fuzuli.
Russia played a critical role in prevention of more violence in this war that lasted nearly six years within the Nagorono-Karabakh region. In May of 1994, the Russian government extenuated the ceasefire between Armenian and Azerbaijani governments. The decree nurtured by Russia became provisioned as satisfactory by both Armenian and Azerbaijani forces that reached an armistice. The problem that Russia left unsolved was that there was no definite and internationally agreed resolution on the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The territories captured by Armenian fighters were proclaimed as Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which is a de facto state but is recognized as de jure by majority of international community as still part of the Azerbaijan.
The circumstances are not favorable for any of the former Soviet Union member states to make a swift transition from Russia’s patronage into the Western democracy. Even though the strings are invisible, however, Russia’s steeled hand still manipulates the strings that move the internal and external activities of its post-Soviet proxy states.
As it stands, the government of Armenia has formed an illusory acquaintance in Russia and they believed that Moscow represents the best interests of Armenian people. However, on numerous occasions, the Russian government representatives and deputies such as Vladimir Zhirinovsky (who many consider to be a controversial figure) have been outspoken about Russia’s true image of Armenia as a country and an ally. More specifically, when asked about the situation with Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Zhirinovsky announced – “I could spit on Armenia and never look back. If Armenians try to find another ally (other than Russia) we will cut ties with them. If Armenians get on the way, Russia will let Turkey and Azerbaijan run over Armenians. Armenia has no prospects of economic growth.” Zhirinovsky is one of the many politicians who have undermined the importance of Republic of Armenia as Russia’s ally.
In order to enhance the already existing economic cooperation with Russia and its allies, and provide new avenues of military empowerment, Armenia welcomed the invitation to join the Customs Union and became a complete member in 2015. This step took the Russo-Armenian relations to a higher degree and instilled more trust and sense of loyalty in the eyes of Moscow administration.
The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet regime in most communist countries of Asia and Europe did not necessarily represent an end of the rivalry between Russia and the democratic West. The Western countries never hesitated to take a backlash on Putin’s foreign policies and his decisions during recent international crises such as, 1) the Syrian Civil War that led to a chaotic situation in Northern Middle-East, 2) the Ukraine-Crimea territorial dispute where Russia intervened by claiming to resolve the issue but ended up annexing Crimea, and finally, 3) the Nagorno-Karabakh land dispute, where Russia protected the interests of the Armenians occupying those lands and meanwhile sold firearms to both parties in war.
The final, yet nonetheless significant explanation of lack of pro-Western diplomatic ties for Armenia is rooted in the reality of Azerbaijan’s positive relations with the United States, European Union member states and to a considerable degree also with Russia. Azerbaijan was able to promote its pro-Western tendencies by re-shuffling the deck of its cards that it used in global arena. It realized that since Turkey, its big brother and guardian is one of the vital NATO members, a crucial ally for the United States, and a possessor of an incredible military and economic power in the region, then it should also begin building similar connections with all of Turkey’s allies that can potentially become Azerbaijan’s new sponsors for regaining the Nagorno-Karabakh area.
Given this narrative, Azerbaijan was able to attract the attention of then Senator Barack Obama, who visited the country in 2005. By that time, the Section 907 implemented by the U.S. Congress in 1992 has been waived by President Bush, and further prolonged by Barack Obama during his presidency. The Section 907 prohibited any form of direct aid to or assistance to the Azerbaijani government. The relations further strengthened during U.S war against the terror in Afghanistan and Iraq when Azerbaijan provided intelligence information, airspace access, and refueling of U.S. aircrafts.
Azerbaijan also active participated in the NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.
In the economic sphere, Azerbaijan primarily currently cooperates with the US in the exportation of its energy resources to global markets, and particularly in Western Europe. The United States realizes the potential economic gain from the natural resources such as oil and gas available in Azerbaijan, as well as the geographical location of Azerbaijan and the access to Caspian Sea.
The United States will continue to create stable ties with Azerbaijan in order not to lose a potential important ally to Russia. Also, the United States does not rest on the matters pertaining to the security of the Azerbaijani people.
Within the context of Nagorno-Karabakh territorial dispute, it can reasonably be argued that Russia pulls the strings on Armenia as a “marionette,” whereas, the United States implements the same tactic with Azerbaijan. Ultimately, both superpowers defend their own security interests by offering partnership to the disputing states in the Caucasus, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
It becomes paradoxical when one realizes that in this situation these two conflicting states do not have any alternative options that can bring the resolution of the conflict in their favor, with Azerbaijan desiring to regain Karabakh enclave, and Armenia dearly holding on to every inch of the soil with the last drop of the blood. Alas, serving for the advancement of the global superpowers and their regional interests is the only way of survival for Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Read more: Armenia and Azerbaijan are Stuck with Russia and the U.S.
6/8/16
Azerbaijan- EU seeks to soon sign new partnership deal with Azerbaijan - By Laman Ismayilova
The European Union hopes to soon sign a new strategic partnership agreement with Azerbaijan, head of the EU delegation in Azerbaijan, Malena Mard told Trend.
She said that the process is underway for obtaining an appropriate mandate from the EU Council.
“After the mandate is received, it will be possible to begin negotiations with the Azerbaijani side,” she noted.
“As you know, we have already held two meetings in this regard. We hope it will be possible to start negotiations in the near future
Baku has recently announced that the sides finalized joint consultations on the scope of Strategic Partnership Agreement, voicing hope that the EU will come up with an official mandate to launch negotiations soon.
Currently, the bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan are regulated on the basis of the partnership and cooperation agreement, which was signed in 1996 and came into force in 1999.
The new agreement will envisage bringing Azerbaijan's legislation and procedures closer to the most important international and trade standards of the EU.
This process is meant to improve the access of Azerbaijani products to the EU markets.
READ MORE: Today.Az - EU seeks to soon sign new partnership deal with Azerbaijan
She said that the process is underway for obtaining an appropriate mandate from the EU Council.
“After the mandate is received, it will be possible to begin negotiations with the Azerbaijani side,” she noted.
“As you know, we have already held two meetings in this regard. We hope it will be possible to start negotiations in the near future
Baku has recently announced that the sides finalized joint consultations on the scope of Strategic Partnership Agreement, voicing hope that the EU will come up with an official mandate to launch negotiations soon.
Currently, the bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan are regulated on the basis of the partnership and cooperation agreement, which was signed in 1996 and came into force in 1999.
The new agreement will envisage bringing Azerbaijan's legislation and procedures closer to the most important international and trade standards of the EU.
This process is meant to improve the access of Azerbaijani products to the EU markets.
READ MORE: Today.Az - EU seeks to soon sign new partnership deal with Azerbaijan
3/27/14
Energy Supplies: 'EU`s choosing Azerbaijan as main energy source positive factor for Malta also'
Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat has said
the European Union`s choosing Azerbaijan as the main energy source is a
positive factor for his country too.
Maltese Enemalta Corporation chose Electro Gas consortium, part of whose shares belong to SOCAR, for construction of a new power plant, AzerTAc reports.
Read more: News.Az - 'EU`s choosing Azerbaijan as main energy source positive factor for Malta too'
3/2/14
Russia: Putin's Playbook - "Soft Annexation" - The Strategy Behind Russia's Takeover of Crimea -by Uri Friedman
 |
| President Vladimir Putin |
But terminology matters here. Take the word "uncontested": The southern peninsula of Crimea, which the Soviet Union transferred to Ukraine in 1954 and which now hosts the Russian military's Black Sea Fleet, is the only region in the country where ethnic Russians are a majority (60 percent of a population of 2 million). And a good number of them favor closer relations with, if not outright annexation by, Moscow; according to one recent poll, 42 percent of Crimean residents want Ukraine to unite with Russia.
That doesn't mean there aren't Ukrainian nationalists or Kremlin opponents in Crimea—there certainly are—but it does mean many people in the autonomous republic, spooked by the ouster last week of Ukraine's pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych, welcome Russian military intervention.
Or take the word "arrival": If this is an invasion, it's a disorienting and not yet fully formed one. There were the shadowy, Russian-speaking gunmen who fanned out across Crimea on Friday, seizing government buildings and airports. And then there was the series of seemingly orchestrated events on Saturday:
Crimea's freshly minted prime minister pleading for Russian help; Russia's lower house of parliament urging Vladimir Putin to "stabilize" Crimea, the Russian president obliging; the upper house swiftly granting him the authority to use force in Ukraine. Putin is pledging to make his next move soon, as his military masses and the White House fumes. All told, we're now witnessing what Reuters is calling the "biggest confrontation between Russia and the West since the Cold War."
So what should we call the worrying developments in Ukraine? And what is Putin thinking?
Back in 2008, Thomas de Waal, an expert on the South Caucasus, argued that Putin's greatest legacy is something de Waal called "soft annexation," which, at the time, was underway in Georgia's breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The idea, expressed in various forms over the years, is that Russia is pulling political, economic, and military levers—all of which fall short of traditional invasion—to exploit ethnic conflicts in countries that used to be in its orbit. And the goal is to leverage these tensions, which are often relics of the Soviet Union's messy consolidation and collapse, to gain influence in former Soviet states, while preventing these countries from moving closer to the West.
Read more: Putin's Playbook: The Strategy Behind Russia's Takeover of Crimea - Uri Friedman - The Atlantic
Turks, Azerbaijans and friends of Azerbaijan commemorate Armenian Khojaly genocide victims in Fort Lauderdale - by RM
The Florida Turkish Center in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday evening, March 1, 2014 commemorated the cruel Armenian genocide of innocent Azerbaijan civilians at Khojaly..Following an introduction by Mrs Tohfa Eminova, President of the Florida Azerbaijan Association, Mr Samir Bejanov, Political Officer of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Washington DC, provided the audience with a comprehensive report illustrated with slides and a video presentation of the actual sequence of events surrounding the Khojaly genocide.
 |
| Mrs. Tohfa Eminova - (photo MB) |
Some 613 people were killed, 487 people were injured. Some 1275 residents were taken hostages. Most of them did not return from captivity. Their fate still remains unknown.
The Khojaly genocide is considered a crime not only against Azerbaijani people, but also against humanity, since it is fully consistent with the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted on December 9, 1948.
According to this Convention, any crime against people based on their ethnicity is called genocide. And in Khojaly people were killed just because they were Azerbaijanis.
 |
| Mr. Samir Bejanov (photo MB) |
Following the establishment of the
Soviet rule in Armenia in late 1920, the Armenians were presented with a
real opportunity to fulfill their age-old dream of creating an Armenian
State on the territories of other nations.
During the 70-years of Soviet
rule, the Armenians succeeded in expanding their territory at the
expense of Azerbaijan and using every possible means to expel the
Azerbaijanis from their lands.
Also during this period, the policy to expel the
Azerbaijanis from their lands was implemented systematically and methodically.
In 1920
the Armenians declared Zangezur and a number of other Azerbaijani lands
to be part of the territory of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.
In 1923 they managed to secure the status of an autonomous province for
the mountainous part of Karabakh within Azerbaijan. Consequently this created an artificial entity within the territory of Azerbaijan, while the
Azerbaijani population living in the territory of Armenia at that time were not given similar rights.
 |
| Florida Turkish American Association members (photo MB) |
Before the adoption of this decision, basically at the end of 1987, the Azerbaijanis became subject of attacks in Khankendi (during the Soviet/Russian period ) and this
resulted in a flood of Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons.
On 22 February 1988 near the settlement
of Askeran on the Khankendi-Aghdam highway, the Armenians opened fire on
a peaceful demonstration by the Azerbaijanis protesting against the
above-mentioned decision of the Soviet People’s Deputies of the
Nagorny Karabakh Autonomous Province. As a consequence two Azerbaijani youths lost their
lives, becoming the first victims of the conflict.
In 1991 central law-enforcement agencies
of the then USSR apprehended dozens of the Armenian armed groups that
operated outside Nagorny Karabakh. As a result, the Chaykend village of the
Khanlar district of Azerbaijan was turned by the Armenian armed groups
into a criminal hub from which they bombed and shelled surrounding
villages and roads, terrorizing the local Azerbaijani population. From
1989 to 1991, in Chaykend and adjacent areas 54 people fell victim
to the Armenian armed groups. In 1992 Azerbaijan regained its control
over the Goranboy district.
At the end of 1991 and the beginning of
1992 the conflict turned into a military phase. Taking advantage of the
political instability as a result of the dissolution of the Soviet Union
and internal squabbles in Azerbaijan, Armenia initiated by giving external military assistance to combat operations in Nagorny Karabakh.
In February 1992, an unprecedented
massacre was committed against the Azerbaijani population in the town of
Khojaly. This bloody tragedy, which became known as the Khojaly
genocide, involved the extermination or capture of thousands of
Azerbaijanis as their town was razed to the ground.
During that fatal night of 25 to 26 February 1992 the Armenian armed forces, with the help of the infantry guards regiment No. 366 from the former USSR implemented the seizure of Khojaly - a small town situated in the small Nagorny Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan with a population of 23,757, and cruelly decimated them.
During that fatal night of 25 to 26 February 1992 the Armenian armed forces, with the help of the infantry guards regiment No. 366 from the former USSR implemented the seizure of Khojaly - a small town situated in the small Nagorny Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan with a population of 23,757, and cruelly decimated them.
The large number of question from the audience during the question and answer period, following Mr. Bejanov's presentation, showed how much much the talk had impressed the audience.
Given the present invasion of Russian troops into the Crimea area of Ukraine, the Fort Lauderdale Turkish Center presentation also provided an actual insight as to Russian historical political strategies concerning their former territories. and spheres of influence
The informative event at the Florida Turkish Center in Fort Lauderdale was concluded with Azerbaijan food and refreshments.
3/28/13
European Energy Supplies: Azerbaijani-Turkish gas ambitions
The Nabucco consortium have signed a cooperation deal with Turkey’s Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP).
he two parties had agreed to exchange technical and other strategic information to support the development of their projects, which will connect at the Turkish-Bulgarian border if the Nabucco project is chosen.
The agreement also highlights the need for further diversification of natural gas transportation routes to improve reliability and diversification of gas supplies to the European Union and the South Eastern Europe regions.
Whatever is the statement above, the deal was made to oust Russia from the Southern Gas Corridor. Turkey aims to earn as much as possible for gas transit to Europe. The wish is quite understandable, however hardly feasible. The two pipeline projects will never be implemented. Nabucco, widely advertised several years ago with the help of Azerbaijan and Turkey, is becoming a past matter never having a chance to become implemented. Baku sought for new ways to transport gas, with Nabucco, which was meant to decrease Europe’s dependence on Russian gas suppliers, having come in handy.
However, companies, involved in implementing the project thought it much too costly, with actual spending assessed at Euro 15 billion. Also, project participants would never manage to secure enough contracts to replace Russian supplies. Thus, expert forecasts of Nabucco’s failure came true, no one willing to take risks.
There’s another project aimed against Russian gas supplies to Europe. Azerbaijan and Turkey inked a deal for TANAP project in June 2012, with the pipeline to be annexed to those leading to Central Europe or Italy.
TANAP project envisages construction of a pipeline from Turkey's eastern border to the western border to transport gas from Azerbaijan's offshore Shah Deniz field to Europe. Initial capacity of the pipeline will be 16 billion cubic meters. Some 6 billion cubic meters of the volume will be supplied to Turkey, while the rest will be transported to European markets. According to preliminary estimates, the project cost might range from 7 to 10 billion euros.
The agreement stipulates for Azerbaijan's state energy firm SOCAR to hold 80 percent in the TANAP project, while Turkey's BOTAS and TPAO have a 20 percent share.
Read more: Azerbaijani-Turkish gas ambitions - PanARMENIAN.Net
he two parties had agreed to exchange technical and other strategic information to support the development of their projects, which will connect at the Turkish-Bulgarian border if the Nabucco project is chosen.
The agreement also highlights the need for further diversification of natural gas transportation routes to improve reliability and diversification of gas supplies to the European Union and the South Eastern Europe regions.
Whatever is the statement above, the deal was made to oust Russia from the Southern Gas Corridor. Turkey aims to earn as much as possible for gas transit to Europe. The wish is quite understandable, however hardly feasible. The two pipeline projects will never be implemented. Nabucco, widely advertised several years ago with the help of Azerbaijan and Turkey, is becoming a past matter never having a chance to become implemented. Baku sought for new ways to transport gas, with Nabucco, which was meant to decrease Europe’s dependence on Russian gas suppliers, having come in handy.
However, companies, involved in implementing the project thought it much too costly, with actual spending assessed at Euro 15 billion. Also, project participants would never manage to secure enough contracts to replace Russian supplies. Thus, expert forecasts of Nabucco’s failure came true, no one willing to take risks.
There’s another project aimed against Russian gas supplies to Europe. Azerbaijan and Turkey inked a deal for TANAP project in June 2012, with the pipeline to be annexed to those leading to Central Europe or Italy.
TANAP project envisages construction of a pipeline from Turkey's eastern border to the western border to transport gas from Azerbaijan's offshore Shah Deniz field to Europe. Initial capacity of the pipeline will be 16 billion cubic meters. Some 6 billion cubic meters of the volume will be supplied to Turkey, while the rest will be transported to European markets. According to preliminary estimates, the project cost might range from 7 to 10 billion euros.
The agreement stipulates for Azerbaijan's state energy firm SOCAR to hold 80 percent in the TANAP project, while Turkey's BOTAS and TPAO have a 20 percent share.
Read more: Azerbaijani-Turkish gas ambitions - PanARMENIAN.Net
11/5/12
Azerbaijan: EBRD updates projections for economic growth in Azerbaijan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has updated forecasts for economic growth in Azerbaijan, according to which the real GDP growth at the end of 2012 is expected to be two percent and forecast is three percent for 2013, the bank said on Monday.
"Diversification of the economy is important, as the risks associated with dependence on the oil sector became apparent when oil prices in the world markets decreased. However, unexpected macroeconomic risks continue to mitigate a very strong financial position of Azerbaijan," the bank says.
According to experts of the Bank, the decline in oil production in Azerbaijan was partially offset by strong growth in the non-oil sector, which was mainly stimulated by the budgetary expenditure.
According to the report, the volume of foreign direct investment is projected at 1.4 percent of GDP in 2012.
Current account surplus of the balance of payments is expected for the year in the amount of 26.5 percent of GDP.
EBRD forecasts consumer inflation at 1.5 percent in 2012.
Read more:EBRD updates projections for economic growth in Azerbaijan - Trend.Az
"Diversification of the economy is important, as the risks associated with dependence on the oil sector became apparent when oil prices in the world markets decreased. However, unexpected macroeconomic risks continue to mitigate a very strong financial position of Azerbaijan," the bank says.
According to experts of the Bank, the decline in oil production in Azerbaijan was partially offset by strong growth in the non-oil sector, which was mainly stimulated by the budgetary expenditure.
According to the report, the volume of foreign direct investment is projected at 1.4 percent of GDP in 2012.
Current account surplus of the balance of payments is expected for the year in the amount of 26.5 percent of GDP.
EBRD forecasts consumer inflation at 1.5 percent in 2012.
Read more:EBRD updates projections for economic growth in Azerbaijan - Trend.Az
9/2/12
Armenia Furious After Azerbaijan Pardons Convicted Killer
Armenia broke off diplomatic ties with Hungary after an Azeri military officer sentenced to life in prison here for killing an Armenian officer was sent back to his homeland and, despite assurances, immediately pardoned and freed.
Lieutenant Ramil Safarov was given a life sentence in 2006 by the Budapest City Court after he confessed to killing Lieutenant Gurgen Markarian of Armenia while both were in Hungary for a 2004 NATO language course.
In response to Safarov's release, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said his country was "halting diplomatic relations and all official ties with Hungary."
Hungary returned Safarov, 35, to Azerbaijan only after receiving assurances from the Azeri Justice Ministry that Safarov's sentence, which included the possibility of parole after 25 years, would be enforced.
"The Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan has further informed the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice of Hungary that Ramil Sahib Safarov's sentence will not be modified but will immediately continue to be enforced, based on the Hungarian judgment," the Hungarian ministry said in a statement issued before the news of Safarov's release was known.
The ministry said it based its decision on the 1983 Strasbourg Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Lieutenant Ramil Safarov was given a life sentence in 2006 by the Budapest City Court after he confessed to killing Lieutenant Gurgen Markarian of Armenia while both were in Hungary for a 2004 NATO language course.
In response to Safarov's release, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said his country was "halting diplomatic relations and all official ties with Hungary."
Hungary returned Safarov, 35, to Azerbaijan only after receiving assurances from the Azeri Justice Ministry that Safarov's sentence, which included the possibility of parole after 25 years, would be enforced.
"The Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan has further informed the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice of Hungary that Ramil Sahib Safarov's sentence will not be modified but will immediately continue to be enforced, based on the Hungarian judgment," the Hungarian ministry said in a statement issued before the news of Safarov's release was known.
The ministry said it based its decision on the 1983 Strasbourg Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
7/14/12
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Russian Federation Council denies information in Armenian media
Russia has stated that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only be resolved through peaceful negotiations. Its participants must be guided by international law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, the Russian Federation Council said in connection with the information of Armenian media about a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh, allegedly made by Valentina Matvienko in Yerevan.
According to some Armenian media publications, chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko made alleged remarks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. It necessary to clarify Russia's position on this issue, which was voiced by the speaker at meetings with representatives of Armenian leadership and during the conversation with journalists within an official visit of the delegation of the Federation Council in Yerevan on July 11, 2012, a statement said.
"The solution of the conflict must take into account the interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan," the statement said today. "It must be based on the observance of well-known principles - non-use of force, respect for territorial integrity, equality and respect people's right to self-determination. Therefore, we believe it is important for the parties to consistently bring positions together, while overcoming the accumulated deficit of trust."
Read more: Russian Federation Council denies information in Armenian media - Trend
According to some Armenian media publications, chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko made alleged remarks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. It necessary to clarify Russia's position on this issue, which was voiced by the speaker at meetings with representatives of Armenian leadership and during the conversation with journalists within an official visit of the delegation of the Federation Council in Yerevan on July 11, 2012, a statement said.
"The solution of the conflict must take into account the interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan," the statement said today. "It must be based on the observance of well-known principles - non-use of force, respect for territorial integrity, equality and respect people's right to self-determination. Therefore, we believe it is important for the parties to consistently bring positions together, while overcoming the accumulated deficit of trust."
Read more: Russian Federation Council denies information in Armenian media - Trend
4/19/12
Azerbaijan: Human Rights - Russian Expert says European Parliament’s Resolution is Success for Azerbaijani Diplomacy?
The European Parliament's resolution on EU negotiations on an association agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia is as a result of aggressive Azerbaijani diplomacy, deputy dean of the History Department of Moscow State University and member of the Trend Expert Council, political analyst, Alexei Vlasov said.
"Of course, the moral success has been achieved by the Azerbaijani side especially regarding the issue of illegal settlement," he told Trend.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on EU negotiations on an association agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia which reflects the respect for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, spokesman for Foreign Ministry Elman Abdullayev told journalists on Wednesday.
Note EU-Digest: Despite these obvious kind words Mr. Alexei Vlasov on behalf of Azerbaijan the country still has a very long way to go when it comes to cleaning up their act on human rights abuses.
For more: Russian Expert: European Parliament’s Resolution is Success for Azerbaijani Diplomacy, 19 April 2012 Thursday 13:35
"Of course, the moral success has been achieved by the Azerbaijani side especially regarding the issue of illegal settlement," he told Trend.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on EU negotiations on an association agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia which reflects the respect for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, spokesman for Foreign Ministry Elman Abdullayev told journalists on Wednesday.
Note EU-Digest: Despite these obvious kind words Mr. Alexei Vlasov on behalf of Azerbaijan the country still has a very long way to go when it comes to cleaning up their act on human rights abuses.
For more: Russian Expert: European Parliament’s Resolution is Success for Azerbaijani Diplomacy, 19 April 2012 Thursday 13:35
'Eurovision Song Festival Azerbaijan: Singing for democracy'
The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Azerbaijan's capital Baku in late May. Human-rights activists are hoping to point the spotlight at the state of human rights in the country.
In early March 2012 Ismailova received an anonymous letter containing explicit photos of her and her boyfriend that had apparently been shot with a hidden camera in her apartment. It included a note: "Slut, behave yourself, otherwise you will be exposed." Unfazed, she continued her research, and published the threatening letter. A week later, private videos were published on the Internet. The authorities refused to investigate the case. Löning calls this "unacceptable."
The case of journalist Ismailova is just the latest example, says Hugh Williamson, Director for Europe and Central Asia at rights organization Human Rights Watch. Some six journalists are currently detained in Azerbaijan, and the number has increased in the course of the last year. Williamson describes how the Azerbaijan justice system intimidates journalists: "A journalist who works for Iranian media was invited to a police station to answer some questions. He was told to take off his jacket. He went to another room. When he returned, he discovered a small quantity of drugs in his jacket."
For more: 'Singing for democracy' | Europe | DW.DE | 18.04.2012
4/16/12
Azerbaijan: Germany caught in Eurovision crossfire
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| Baku Azerbaijan |
Relations have cooled between the two countries after criticism began appearing in German newspapers two months ago, calling on musicians and viewers to boycott the event in Baku.
Last year's hosts Germany have played an important role in preparations for the show, which will be watched by between 115 million and 120 million people worldwide. "Brainpool" comedian Stefan Raab’s Cologne-based firm will produce the TV show, and German, Swiss and Austrian construction firms have helped build the new "Crystal Hall" venue in record time.
A scandal broke when Human Rights Watch claimed up to 20,000 people were forced out of their homes when they were demolished to make way for the venue. And Amnesty International recently ramped up the pressure on Azerbaijan, demanding the release of all non-violent political prisoners in a social media campaign.
In response Azerbaijani state media has launched a propaganda war against its critics – including the German government's human rights representative Markus Löning, who has repeatedly criticized Azerbaijan's poor record on press freedom. While accompanying German foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on a recent visit to the country, Löning was denounced by the media as a drunkard who had had sex with a local civil rights activist, the Frankfurter Rundschau noted.
Azerbaijan - which always ranks poorly on world press freedom, corruption and democracy indices - is hoping Eurovision will boost its image abroad, pulling out all the stops to promote itself.
For more: Germany caught in Eurovision crossfire - The Local
2/6/12
Israel to vote for Turkey at Eurovision Song Contest 2012
It is unclear whether Israel and Turkey will improve their relations in the near future, but it is obvious that Israeli TV-watchers will vote for Turkish singer Can Bonomo at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku in May 2012.
The popular rock singer Bonomo will represent Turkey at the contest. The 25-year old singer is of Jewish origin and has visited Israel on numerous occasions, he has many relatives living there. Moreover, he will sing a Jewish song at the contest. All Israeli media sources published information about the singer’s part in the contest with a short biography. Bonomo was born in Izmir, he started playing guitar when he was 8. He became popular as a singer, host of Radio 101 and the Turkish channel MTV.
The press secretary of the United Natives of Turkey in Israel, Rafael Saadi, said Bonomo’s Jewish origin was not a problem to represent Turkey. It proves that Turkish-Israeli social relations are above political ones. Saadi added that they are proud of the singer and would vote for him just as any Israelis would.
For more: Israel to vote for Turkey at Eurovision Song Contest 2012 | Vestnik Kavkaza
The popular rock singer Bonomo will represent Turkey at the contest. The 25-year old singer is of Jewish origin and has visited Israel on numerous occasions, he has many relatives living there. Moreover, he will sing a Jewish song at the contest. All Israeli media sources published information about the singer’s part in the contest with a short biography. Bonomo was born in Izmir, he started playing guitar when he was 8. He became popular as a singer, host of Radio 101 and the Turkish channel MTV.
The press secretary of the United Natives of Turkey in Israel, Rafael Saadi, said Bonomo’s Jewish origin was not a problem to represent Turkey. It proves that Turkish-Israeli social relations are above political ones. Saadi added that they are proud of the singer and would vote for him just as any Israelis would.
For more: Israel to vote for Turkey at Eurovision Song Contest 2012 | Vestnik Kavkaza
5/14/11
Azerbaijan takes the top spot at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Dusseldorf
Some 125 million people worldwide tuned in to see duo Ell and Nikki from Azerbaijan crowned Eurovision winners at this year's festival in Dusseldorf with 221 points. Their romantic ballad "Running Scared" beat runner-up Italy represented by Raphael Gualazzi with his slow-burn jazz number "Madness of Love" while Sweden came in third with 20-year-old Saade, from Helsingborg in southern Sweden and his club hit "Popular".
It was a breathtaking first class dazzling live show from the Düsseldorf Arena with 25 performers from the 25 finalist countries. Twenty of these had qualified from the two Semi-Finals on Tuesday and Thursday, while host nation Germany and the rest of the so-called 'Big Five' - France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom - were automatically set for the final. After all 43 countries had voted, it was Ell/Nikki from Azerbaijan who were the lucky winner with their song Running Scared.
Azerbaijan has only competed in the Eurovision song festival since 2008. This was the country's first win. Its highest previous placing came in 2009 when AySel and Arash reached the top three.
EU-Digest
It was a breathtaking first class dazzling live show from the Düsseldorf Arena with 25 performers from the 25 finalist countries. Twenty of these had qualified from the two Semi-Finals on Tuesday and Thursday, while host nation Germany and the rest of the so-called 'Big Five' - France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom - were automatically set for the final. After all 43 countries had voted, it was Ell/Nikki from Azerbaijan who were the lucky winner with their song Running Scared.
Azerbaijan has only competed in the Eurovision song festival since 2008. This was the country's first win. Its highest previous placing came in 2009 when AySel and Arash reached the top three.
EU-Digest
4/14/08
Today.Az - Italian ambassador to Azerbaijan: "Italian entrepreneurs are interested both in tourism and other business sectors of Azerbaijan"
For the complete report from Today.Az click on this link
Italian ambassador to Azerbaijan: "Italian entrepreneurs are interested both in tourism and other business sectors of Azerbaijan"
"Azerbaijan should use Italy's potential for development of the tourism sector", said Gianluidji Masha, Italian ambassador to Azerbaijan.According to the diplomat, the people, working in the tourist sector of the country, may practice in Italy, as it is one of the countries, which are most frequently visited by tourists and have specialists in all spheres of this sector. It should be noted that Italian representatives will take part in the tourist exhibition to open in the Sport and Concert Complex named after Heydar Aliyev late this week.
Trend Capital : Greece Interested in Azerbaijan’s Energy Corridor – Christos Folias Greek Minister (video)
For the complete report from Trend Capital click on this link
Greece Interested in Azerbaijan’s Energy Corridor – Christos Folias Greek Minister (video)
Greece is interested in providing the availability of energy corridor to Azerbaijan, Turkey, Greece and Italy, Christos Folias- Greek Development Minister, said during the meeting with Natik Aliyev- Azerbaijani Industry and Energy Minister, in Baku. “There are common interests between Azerbaijan and Greece and these interests were discussed during the meeting,” the Greek Minister said. Folias said Greece has already ratified the energy agrement signed with Azerbaijan.
The Greek delegation to Azerbaijan includes -Creek Development Minister, as well as Secretary General of Sea Transport Ministry, president of National Strategy and Energy council, Directors Council of company DEPA, head of the Centre on Alternative Energy Sources and chairman of Greek Food organization.
10/6/07
Azerbaijan"Trend" news agency - "We should Develop Relations between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Israel says Turkish diplomat
For the complete report from the Azerbaijan "Trend" news agency click on this link
"We should Develop Relations between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Israel says Turkish diplomat
In a Trend’s interview with Namik Tana, the Turkish Ambassador to Israel the Turkish diplomat on the question: "You were one of those who supported the establishment of Diaspora organizations like the Congress of Azerbaijanis in Near East. What are your views on prospects of this idea? The ambassador answered: "Relations with Azerbaijan are of strategic importance for us like the relations with Israel. We should develop and encourage relations and cooperation on trilateral basis. Azerbaijanis are our brothers worldwide, including in Israel. Though several years ago we did know each other, now we speak and understand each other in the same language. It indicates to historical heritage of our nations and we are proud of that. I see real and loyal representatives of the Turkish lobby in the Congress, who are prepared to protect interests of Azerbaijan and Turkey in the region. As an ambassador of Turkey to Israel I am prepared to render all assistance to support prospective projects of the organization which will promote trilateral cooperation and partnership between Turkey, Israel and Azerbaijan.
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