TM-12-09

www.teas.eu September 2012

03 / 2012

THE AZERBAIJANI PARALYMPIC TEAM DEMONSTRATES ITS ABILITYAlso in this issue:TEAS meets paralympian Ilham Zakiyev, a world-class Judoka, blinded by an Armenian sniperEU Energy Commissioner Oettinger acknowledges Azerbaijan’s significanceEC supports justice and migration reformUS Ambassador Morningstar takes up his roleStandard & Poor’s predicts real GDP growth

CULTURE | BUSINESS | PUBLIC AFFAIRS

09 / 2012www.teas.eu

September 2012 www.teas.eu

The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a pan-European organisation dedicated to promoting Azerbaijani culture, business and public affairs to international audiences. TEAS is also actively involved in helping create a sense of community amongst expatriate Azerbaijanis.

TEAS was launched in November 2008, having initially been established as the London Azerbaijan Society four years earlier. The organisation now has offices in the UK, Belgium, France and Germany, together with a representative office in Azerbaijan.

TEAS has three main façets to its operations:

• Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre. • Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the region. • Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinion formers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders.

TEAS is focused on achieving the following:

• The establishment of strong links between key Azerbaijani and European stakeholders, thereby helping Azerbaijan to integrate fully into the European family of nations.• Strengthening ties between Azerbaijan and key economic, political and social structures across Europe.• The promotion of Azerbaijan as a modern, secular, Western-facing country with tremendous economic opportunities and a strong cultural heritage.• Creating a community spirit amongst expatriate Azerbaijanis in Europe.• Increasing awareness of the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the plight of the 875,000 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

TEAS is always bringing the latest news, views and interviews on all aspects of Azerbaijan, and is launching a biweekly free e-newsletter. To find out more, please sign up at www.teas.eu.

Forthcoming Azerbaijani event25 SeptemberRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra plays Amirov and StravinskyCadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ19.30hrs (18.15hrs film Mountains of Gabala) This landmark concert will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Azerbaijani composer Fikret Amirov (1922–84) and will include his Azerbaijan Capriccio and Piano Concerto after Arabian Themes. The soloist in the piano concerto will be Farhad Badalbeyli, the renowned composer, conductor and director of the Baku Music Academy. The conductor will be Dmitry Yablonsky, who co-directs the annual Gabala International Music Festival alongside Mr Babalbeyli, for which the Royal Philharmonic was the resident orchestra this year. Friends of TEAS may purchase the best available tickets on the day of booking for just £15 (normally £15–45). Call +44 (0)20 7730 4500, quoting ‘The European Azerbaijan Society’.

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Outreach and EngagementThe TEAS Facebook page is your chance to learn about the latest TEAS news, events, campaigns and other items of interest to the Azerbaijani community. Please ‘like’ the page at http://bit.ly/TEASFB

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03

Energy Commissioner: Azerbaijan is a significant EU partnerGünther Oettinger, Commissioner for Energy, European Union (EU), has acknowledged the current and future importance of Azerbaijan in his declaration on the country. He said that Azerbaijan’s co-operation with the EU is built on solid principles, reflecting clear common interests. This message was communicated via Otto Hauser, Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan in Stuttgart.

According to Oettinger, the participation of Azerbaijan in the EU Eastern Partnership is an historic milestone: “By signing the Southern Corridor Declaration, Azerbaijan has confirmed its essential role, and reaffirmed its commitment to the EU. The country, at the western shores of the Caspian Sea, offers an important basis for Europe’s energy diversification, due to its abundant oil and gas resources.”

Oettinger simultaneously stressed that it is in EU interests to develop relations with energy-producing countries, such as Azerbaijan. He also related this to the unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, stating: “It is necessary for Europeans to play a more active role. As an important energy partner for the EU, Azerbaijan also has to be listened to and supported in its problems. There are clear resolutions by the UN and other international organisations that the region of Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of the sovereign Republic of Azerbaijan.”

Ex-US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Bryza welcomed to Jamestown FoundationThe Jamestown Foundation, a US-based independent research institution focusing on political and strategic developments, has announced that Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, is to join its board. Over almost 20 years, Bryza has played an integral role in shaping US policy across the South Caucasus region. Throughout, he has championed an active US foreign policy in this area, which has pivotal significance for US national security. Glen Howard, President,

Jamestown Foundation, noted that Bryza’s ascendance to the Jamestown board would assist in determining its future research strategy and analysis of events across Eurasia. Michael Hayden, Board Member, Jamestown Foundation, and former Director, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), stated that: “Matthew Bryza brings the right blend of scholarship, experience, and integrity to the Jamestown board. He will be a great addition to further Jamestown’s important work.”

Bryza recently concluded a 23-year career as a US diplomat, most of which was devoted to policy-making and international negotiations on major energy infrastructure projects and regional conflicts across Eurasia. Prior to this, from 2005–09, Bryza served as Deputy Assistant Secretary-of-State for Europe and Eurasia, being responsible for Eurasian Energy, the South Caucasus, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. Bryza simultaneously served as US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, charged with establishing a negotiated peace of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and as the US mediator for the Cyprus, South Ossetia and Abkhazia conflicts.

Bryza currently resides in Istanbul, where he works as a consultant, specialising in business and democratic development, and is a board member of several private companies. He is also the Director for the International Centre for Defence Studies in Tallinn, Estonia.

Morningstar arrives in BakuThe newly-appointed US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Richard Morningstar, arrived in Baku on 28 August. The diplomat was previously the US Secretary-of-State for Eurasian Energy, and was nominated as US Ambassador to Azerbaijan by US President Obama. He has visited Azerbaijan more than 20 times, and the

Senate approved his appointment on 29 June.

He commented: “I’m looking forward to working with the Government of Azerbaijan, and getting to know the people of Azerbaijan, and the country, together with dealing with important issues. I’m very excited to be here and starting this post in Baku. We will be working on critical issues, such as regional stability, democracy, and making Azerbaijan very strong, very transparent and on issues related to counter-terrorism. Of course, energy will also be an important issue.”

Politics and News

Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for Energy, EU, pledged his support for Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring EU energy security

Former US Ambassador Bryza’s extensive experience made him the ideal candidate for the Jamestown Foundation board

US Ambassador Morningstar presented his credentials to Azerbaijani President Aliyev

Azerbaijan’s population continues to increaseThe Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee

(SSC) has reported that, as of 1 July, the

Azerbaijani population rose to 9,294,400

people. During the first six months

of 2012, the Azerbaijani population

increased by 58,364 citizens. The

SSC also reported that the population

of Baku reached 2,137,200 people.

Spanish Parliament throws out ‘Armenian Genocide’ billAccording to José María Beneyto,

Spokesman for the ruling Spanish Socialist

Workers’ Party, the Cortes Generales

(Spanish Parliament) has refused to table

a proposed bill on the ‘Armenian Genocide’

of 1915. The decision followed a deputies’

vote against the motion of 36:3. María

Beneyto explained: “The discussion of such

subjects would have a negative impact,

both across Turkish-Spanish relations, but

also on South Caucasian regional stability.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

See the new TEAS website at

www.teas.eu


04 Politics and News

Azerbaijan supports Iranian earthquake victimsAli Alizade, Azerbaijani Consul-General to Iran, has pledged that his country will continue to help the victims of the earthquake in the East Azerbaijan Province of Iran, which claimed the lives of over 300 people and injured around 2,500. He explained that Iran supported the Azerbaijani people in difficult times, and Azerbaijanis should help Iran’s earthquake victims today.

The humanitarian cargo, delivered by 25 vehicles, was transferred to the Iranian Red Crescent Society in Bilasuvar, being joined by three more vehicles in Julfa. These then travelled to the earthquake zone. The humanitarian aid includes around 3,000 blankets, 1,000 sleeping kits, 460 tents, 40 tonnes of flour, 20 tonnes of rice, nine tonnes of tea, 10 tonnes of sugar, 19 tonnes of oil, and 10 tonnes of pasta, juices, water and other essential goods. The earthquake measured 6.2 on the Richter scale.

Environmental taxation imminentNew legislation is to be implemented to penalise those who are responsible for environmental damage. The comments were made in an article by Akif Musayev, Director, Department for Tax Policy and Strategic Research, Azerbaijani Taxation Ministry in the official Taxation publication. He justified the move, saying: “The problem of environmental pollution is very serious for Azerbaijan. This increases the imperative to tax individuals and legal entities that have caused damage to the environment.” He explained that countries across the world are developing economic policy instruments aimed at preventing environmental pollution.

Musayev continued: “For this purpose, a ‘green’ tax policy is being formed. Taxes related to the environment are amongst the most effective in terms of economic and environmental policies. For example, in the past, Sweden was the world’s worst polluter regarding emissions of nitrogen oxides. In 1992, a tax on this type of emissions was introduced, and they were reduced by a third in two years.” He explained that similar taxes have been successfully implemented in China, Japan, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, UK and Israel.

He concluded: “According to research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the correct use of economic policy instruments will enable developed countries to reduce the volume of gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.”

WB notes Azerbaijani achievementsSamir Sharifov, Azerbaijani Finance Minister, met Henry Kerali, the new Regional Director for the South Caucasus, World Bank, and his accompanying delegation, in Baku. During their conversation, they discussed the socio-economic development of Azerbaijan, the current state of World Bank-funded agriculture, health, and infrastructure projects, and outlined the trajectory of the country’s economic development strategy. The sides expressed satisfaction with the excellent level of co-operation that has been achieved, to date.

MEPs visit AzerbaijanAccording to a statement from the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament), a delegation of 16 Members of the European Parliament (MEP) visited Azerbaijan from 30 August–3 September. On 31 August, they met Ali Hasanov, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); Gulmammad Javadov, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Industry and Energy; Elshad Nasirov, Vice-President, State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR); Mahmud Mammadguliyev, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister; and the Azerbaijani delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly. On 1 September, the MEPs visited the IDP village in

the Aghdam region and travelled to Shamakhi and other regions.

40 new archaeological sites discoveredAround 40 archaeological and ethnographic excavations are currently taking place across Azerbaijan. Najaf Seidli, Head, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, explained that the number of expeditions had doubled since Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991. He commented: “There has been state support for such excavations We have begun work to create an archaeological park in Goytepe in the Tovuz region, and found the remains of Aynian, an ancient city, which is currently being excavated. We found another ancient city amongst the remains of the Shamkir fortress dating from the 11th–12th Centuries, which provides evidence of the early urban culture of Azerbaijan.”

According to the expert, the excavations in the Gabala region served to confirm its standing as the historic capital of Caucasian Albania. Seidli continued: “The Azerbaijani archaeological expeditions have involved scientists from Japan, Korea and other countries. Our ongoing expeditions have enabled us to reveal new archaeological sites and create museums, which are of potential interest to tourists.”

Azerbaijan has provided humanitarian assistance to the Iranian earthquake victims

Samir Sharifov, Azerbaijani Finance Minister

Estonian Ambassador to Azerbaijan appointedEstonian President Toomas Hendrik

I lves has signed a decree regarding

the appointment of Miko Hal jas as the

Estonian Ambassador to Azerbai jan,

wi th concurrent accredi tat ion to

Turkey. Hal jas has worked in the

Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry

s ince 1995, having previously held

diplomat ic posi t ions in the Estonian

embassies in Finland and the US.

Tourism potential to be showcased at London trade fairThe glories of Azerbaijan are be showcased

at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) trade

fair for travel industry professionals, to be held

from 5–8 November in London. During the

event, leaflets, brochures and DVDs focusing

on Azerbaijani tourist attractions, cultural

and historical monuments will be distributed,

supplied by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture

and Tourism and various tourist companies.

NEWS IN BRIEF

The residue of ongoing pollution from the oil and gas industries is a major problem in AzerbaijanPhoto: Sim

on Chauvin


05Politics and News

Broadband internet ushers in new PPP eraAccording to Galib Gurbanov, Director-General, Azerin, the Azerbaijani government-led ‘action plan’ for development of broadband internet across Azerbaijan will serve to promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) in other economic sectors. Azerin prepared this action plan in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies (ICT), which has allocated around AZN350m (£278.9m) from the State Oil Fund of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOFAZ) towards its implementation during the next three years.

Gurbanov revealed that one of the most important aspects would be to establish PPPs to introduce broadband in every village. He also explained that a fund would be established to develop broadband services to meet the needs of the population regarding such services as the development of e-learning, e-medicine, e-banking and e-commerce. In order to develop computer literacy, free connection points will be launched near state and municipal buildings. According to experts, the launch of the Azerspace-1 telecommunications satellite in early 2013 will play an essential role in improving connections to remote areas.

Azerbaijani ICT Ministry to support ‘Electronic Village’ projectThe Azerbaijani ICT Ministry has supported the installation of internet kiosks, manufactured by US supplier IREX in rural areas of the country. These will form part of the IREX ‘Electronic Village’ Project.

The internet kiosks will be located in Azerpost’s 30 regional post offices, located in villages and settlements. Alesker Mammadli, Lawyer, IREX, stated: “According to the project, IREX will provide access to the internet network and maintenance for one year, paid for via additional funds attracted by the organisation. Thereafter, the ICT Ministry will undertake these operations. Aztelekom will provide 24 kiosks with internet, with the remainder being supplied by mobile access operators. However, if Aztelekom expands broadband throughout the country by late 2012, it will be the preferred supplier.”

Altogether, the Chinese-made kiosks have cost around $100,000 (£62,552), the costs of which have been minimised due by a US–Azerbaijani intergovernmental agreement, which exempts imports for humanitarian purposes from customs duties. The kiosks are equipped with touchscreen displays, keyboards, USB ports, and phone handsets. Skype has been installed in all instances.

Azerbaijan refuses Russian 49-year lease on radar stationAccording to a report in Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Azerbaijan has decided against entering into an agreement to extend its lease to Russia on the Soviet-era early warning radar system in Daryal, Gabala region, for an additional 49 years. Instead, Azerbaijan has ratified a lease extension on the 52ha site for just 5–7 years. In turn, the Russian Defence Ministry has decided to downsize the area of the station and its subsidiary facilities, drastically reducing staffing, and entirely dispensing with ‘non-core’ institutions, aimed at supporting Russian military personnel and their families over a long period. Instead, Russian soldiers will be posted to Gabala on a rotational basis. Russia is currently paying $7m (£4.4m) per annum to rent the station, which has a range of 6000km. It has been suggested that the Russian military may disassemble the facility and move it to another country.

The broadband ‘action plan’ will heighten internet use across Azerbaijan

Photo: US Peace C

orps

It seems likely that Russia will relocate the Soviet-era radar station in Gabala to another country Photo: Eurodialog

Plan, including streamlining of the visa application process, which will help increase mobility for Azerbaijani people.

The EC also outlined that support for regional development would continue in order to reduce social and economic differences, promoting growth through job creation. Europe will also endorse Azerbaijan’s developments in this field in the form of policy advice, assistance, study or training, which will be provided regarding the socio-economic development of the regions.

The Annual Action Programme 2012 for Azerbaijan provides €19.5m (£15.4m) for the country through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). The new support will focus on implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan priorities and institutional reforms. Several instruments will be used to implement these goals, including twinning operations between EU and Azerbaijani institutions, and technical assistance and co-operation with international organisations under the Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme.

Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Belgium, commented: “TEAS is particularly satisfied about the swift implementation of crucial instruments to increase co-operation between the EU and Azerbaijan as part of the EU–Azerbaijan Action Plan. It heralds increased beneficial co-operation and intensified knowledge exchange between the EU and Azerbaijan in the future.”

This statement makes it clear that the EC recognises the potential of Azerbaijan regarding justice and migration. Not only will it move forward in these areas, but this decision should also open doors regarding other types of EU–Azerbaijani co-operation.

E-mail: [email protected]

On 23 August, the European Commission (EC) made an insightful statement relating to the provision of new funding in order to support justice and migration reforms in Azerbaijan.

In particular, the EC endorsed a plan for Azerbaijan to help reform those institutions responsible for bilateral relations with the EU, making reference to the areas of justice and migration. This should contribute towards implementation of the actions agreed within the EU–Azerbaijan Action

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS


Ilham Zakiyev – triumphant in the face of adversityThe story of Ilham Zakiyev, aged 32 years, is remarkable. Born in Sumgayit, he was always interested in martial arts, and began to study judo from the age of 11 years, at which he became proficient. At the age of 18 years he was called up to perform his military service, but he was shot in the head by an Armenian sniper on the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijan and the occupied territories and subsequently blinded.

Fortunate to survive, Ilham subsequently underwent a lengthy period of rehabilitation, before he was spotted by the Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee. He then retrained as a blind judoka, and has since achieved gold medals in the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games (100kg+ category). He first won gold in the European Championships in 2005 in Vlaardingen, being the first of his four golds in that competition. Ilham was also World Champion in 2007 and 2010. This year, he attained a bronze in the London Paralympic Games. In 2009, he received the Shohrat Order (Order of Glory) from Azerbaijani President Aliyev. TEAS caught up with Ilham whilst he was resting with his coach, Ahmaddin Rajabli, in the Olympic Village in Stratford, East London.

At what age did you initially become interested in judo? I became interested in sports thanks to my brother, Fikret, who is three years older than me and is himself a wrestler. So, at the age of 11, I started to practice freestyle wresting. In 1995, when I was 15, I began my judo training in the town of Sumgayit.

What level did you reach in judo before being drafted into the Azerbaijani army? I trained as a judoka from 1995–98 before being drafted to undertake my national service. During those three years, I managed to win some tournaments in Azerbaijan. I became a champion in my town several times, won medals at a national tournament and my final major trophy as an able-bodied athlete was the Azerbaijan Cup, won in June 1998. In July of that year, I turned 18, and went to do my military service, as is the case for every Azerbaijani youth.

What happened whilst you were serving in the army?I had been a successful judoka, but what happened in the army turned my life and

plans upside-down. As I had trained in martial arts, I was assigned to serve in ‘special forces’ on the ‘contact line’. On 4 February 1999, during my military duty in the part of the Fizuli region that remains under Azerbaijani control, an enemy sniper shot me. The bullet penetrated my left temple, went through my head and exited from my right temple. I remained in a coma for five days, and the doctors told my family and friends that I was certain to die, and asked them to prepare for my funeral. Five days later I came out of the coma, awakening to the sound of my mother’s voice.

In which area of Azerbaijan were you serving? I was in the Fizuli region, the majority of which remains under Armenian military occupation.

After you were shot, how soon did you begin rehabilitation? It took a long time for me to start coming back to life. When I awoke, five days

after being shot, all I could see was total darkness around me. I was only an 18-year-old youngster, and my life was turned upside-down. At the time, it was pure fantasy to even consider a return to sports. However, on 1 November 2002 that fantasy became a reality following my discovery by the Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee. From that day onwards, I trained as a paralympic judoka.

How did the idea to retrain as a blind judoka come about? I asked the Azerbaijani Ministry of Sports and the head of the National Olympic Committee, President Ilham Aliyev, for assistance in my rehabilitation and recovery. They arranged for me to visit Moscow to be seen by doctors. Following my return, I enquired about the paralympic movement and if any wrestling disciplines existed in the paralympics. A delightful gentleman in the Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee smiled and told me that my destiny was to become a paralympic champion. So, from that

06 Personalities – Ilham Zakiyev

Blind judoka llham Zakiyev (white) performs a throw on Wilians Silva of Brazil in the bronze medal contest semifinal

Ilham with Ahmaddin Rajabli, his coach, in the Olympic Village


memorable encounter onwards, I focused on judo again. The Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee took good care of me, and provided everything I needed to become a judoka, so I became the first paralympic judoka in Azerbaijan.

How did it feel to return to sports? I was full of joy, and happy that I could return to being an athlete. It was very difficult to be back on the tatami (Judo mat) again. However, the Almighty gave me strength to overcome the challanges. The following year, in 2003, I went to perform in my first major tournament in Canada. Only a trophy in that tournament would gain my country a license for the 2004 Paralympic Games. I won a bronze medal, thus qualifying for my pass to Athens.

What sort of training régime do you have?We train six days a week, both in the morning and in the evening. Sunday is my only day off, and I spend two hours of my time training almost each day.

What are your achievements so far? In 2004, as i said, I became the first paralympic judoka to represent my country at the Athens games, and this was a huge responsibility for me. I thank God that I came back home with a gold medal, becoming the first paralympic champion in Azerbaijani history. I managed to repeat my Athens success four years later in Beijing. I won the European Championships in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011, have twice been World Champion, and hold a fifth dan in judo.

How do you feel about your performance at the London Paralympic Games? I remain content and happy, although Azerbaijan has become accustomed to me only achieving gold medals. This time I only managed to get a bronze, but I believe that receiving any paralympic medal, be it gold, silver or bronze, is a victory in its own right. In 1450 days I am hoping to repeat my Athens and Beijing

victories in Rio de Janeiro.

Your blindness was a direct result of the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. If you were in a position to send a message to the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents, what would that be? Nearly 20 per cent of our lands are still occupied, and 875,000 internally

displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees were expelled from their homes. I’d say to the Azerbaijani President that I’m happy that I lost my health defending my country. As for the Armenian President, I would ask him to withdraw from our occupied lands.

Azerbaijan achieves four Paralympic gold medalsThe Azerbaijani judoka Ramin Ibrahimov (60kg) won gold on the first day of the Paralympic Games in London on 31 August. In the first round, he beat Min Jae Lee (South Korea) and made his way to the quarterfinal. He then destroyed Kevin Willmont (France) before battling Takaaki Hirai (Japan) in the semifinal. In the final,

he beat Lee Ksiaodong (China) to secure his medal. On the same day, Azerbaijani female judoka Afag Sultanova (57 kg) took gold, beating Lucia da Silva Teixeira (Brazil) by scoring ippon, the highest score possible in a martial arts contest. In the previous rounds, she subdued Duygu Cete (Turkey) and Marion Coadou (France).

On the penultimate day of the Games on 8 September, Azerbaijan dominated the medal table in the men’s triple jump, with Oleg Panutin taking gold for a jump of 15.02m, closely followed by his compatriot

Vladimir Zayets, who achieved silver with 15.01m.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old swimmer Natali Pronina chalked up an amazing five medals, with one gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke and four silver medals in the 50m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle, and 200m individual medley. Azerbaijan also scored three bronze medals, achieved by Huseyn Hasanov in the long jump, Ilham Zakiyev in judo (100kg+), and the men’s 4×100m relay.

07Personalities – Ilham Zakiyev

Ilham was delighted to return to judo after his traumatic injury

The Azerbaijani Paralympic Team enters the Olympic Stadium in London, headed by Ilham Zakiyev, accompanied by his trainer Ahmaddin Rajabli

Photo: Mark H

aggan

To see an AFP interview with Ilham Zakiyev, goto http://bit.ly/zakiyev


Baroness Ashton reiterates need for peaceIn response to a question from Maltese MEP David Casa (PPE), Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President, European Commission (EC), has reiterated her request for peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. She commented: “I have repeatedly called for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On 8 June, my spokesperson expressed my concern about the reported serious armed incidents on 4, 5 and 6 June. I called on both sides to strictly respect the ceasefire and to exercise restraint, both on the ground and in public statements, in order to prevent further escalation of the situation. The statement further recalled that the threat or use of force does not contribute to conflict resolution.

“These incidents highlight the importance of a functioning incident investigation mechanism, as proposed by the OSCE. Moreover, they reinforce the need for progress in the negotiation process. Consequently, I urge Armenia and Azerbaijan, as partner countries, to step up their efforts to reach agreement on the Madrid Principles, as a basis for peace, and to fully implement the commitments made by their Presidents in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. The EU fully supports the OSCE Minsk Group and the efforts of its co-chairs aimed at a peaceful conflict resolution.”

Fuzuli and Jabrayil occupation rememberedOn 23 August, the 19th anniversary of the occupation of the Fuzuli and Jabrayil regions by Armenian armed forces was commemorated. On this day, 51 villages and the centre of the Fuzuli region were seized, resulting in more than 55,000 inhabitants becoming internally-displaced persons (IDPs).

The Fuzuli region, covering 1386km2, encompasses the territory from the south-eastern slopes of the Karabakh Mountain range to the Araz River. It also borders the Azerbaijani regions of Khojavand, Jabrayil, Agjabadi and Beylagan, along the Araz River. Azerbaijanis

are currently located in 13 settlements in 20 villages in this region, which were liberated from Armenian occupation. Of the 13 settlements in the region, 12 were constructed post-occupation and are currently used to house IDPs.

Since 1988, the Fuzuli region has been subjected to constant attack from Armenian snipers, resulting in the death of 1100 inhabitants, the taking of 113 prisoners and disablement of 1450 people.

The Jabrayil region remains under occupation, covering 1050km2, encompassing 72 secondary school buildings, eight hospitals, five mosques, two museums, 129 historical monuments and 149 cultural centres. Currently, 61,100 IDPs from the Jabrayil region reside in more than 2000 settlements across 58 regions of the country.

N a g o r n o - K a r a b a k h under the microscopeIn an interview with EurActiv.com, Diogo Pinto, Secretary-General, European Movement International, Brussels, has indicated the need for greater impetus towards achieving a negotiated Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. He commented: “Apart from the violations of the ceasefire that very often end with deaths on both sides of the ‘contact line’, this conflict has a huge impact on the economic, political and social situation in the two countries. It is hampering what could be a harmonious development and a successful regional integration process, together with a progressive ‘Europeanisation’ of the entire region, which has been defined as ‘vital’ to European interests.

“I recently chaired a meeting that brought together representatives of European Movement International from the three countries in the Southern Caucasus region – Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – which is aimed at starting direct dialogue between the two sides. The meeting took place in Tbilisi, as Georgia is seen as neutral ground and the only country with good relations with both neighbours, making it easily accessible to citizens from both sides.

“After the initial tension was overcome, two aspects emerged as the most striking. On one hand, there is the tremendous impact that the conflict has on both Armenia and Azerbaijan, be

it economic (in Armenia more than in Azerbaijan) or social (more in Azerbaijan than in Armenia), together with the quality of democracy and the respect for individual and collective freedoms. On the other hand, it was almost shocking how little one side knows about the other, and how much of it is based on propaganda-induced prejudices.

“One of the outcomes of this meeting was that it would not be the last. The decision was made to pursue the dialogue, with the next meeting being scheduled to take place in November, this time in Baku. Initiatives, such as this, deserve to be supported by the European Union (EU). The EU has a lot to gain from increasing its efforts and commitments towards peaceful resolution of the conflict, and by getting more decisively and more visibly behind the civil society actors from the region that are willing to work for change.”

Armenia will remain weak until conflict resolutionGerard Libaridian, a Senior Advisor to the former Armenian President, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, has stated that Armenia will continue to be the weakest country in the South Caucasus until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved. In an interview with Trend News, he commented: “We are in conflict with two neighbouring countries – Turkey and Azerbaijan. Armenia will not develop until these conflicts are resolved.”

Libaridian had travelled to Baku to participate in a conference entitled Joint Efforts for the Future of the Caucasus: Lessons of the Past 20 Years. This was jointly organised by the Centre for Strategic Studies under the Azerbaijani President (SAM), together with the Caucasus International and Turkish Policy Quarterly magazines.

08 Nagorno-Karabakh

Baroness Ashton stressed the need for peaceful conflict resolution

One of the devastated buildings in the occupied Fuzuli region

Azerbaijani soldier dies in hospitalAccording to the Azerbaijani Defence

Ministry, an Azerbaijani soldier who was shot

by an Armenian sniper in the Nakhchivan

Autonomous Republic on 13 July died

in hospital on 7 September. Named as

Rabbi Jafarov, he was the 14th soldier to

have been killed this year on either side.

Azerbaijani prisoner-of-war takenOn 26 July, 20-year-old Firuz Farazov crossed

the north-eastern section of the ‘contact line’

and was captured by Armenian troops. A

statement from the Azerbaijani Ministry of

Defence announced that: “While in the Tovuz

section of the army frontline, Firuz Farazov

became lost and accidentally fell into captivity.”

NEWS IN BRIEF


09Nagorno-Karabakh

N a g o r n o - K a r a b a k h volatility recognised by USAREUR HeadThe US periodical Foreign Policy has published a report entitled Security and Conflict in the Caucasus Region – Not Frozen by General Mark Hertling, Head of the US Army Europe (USAREUR). He commented: “While the Minsk Group spearheads the OSCE’s efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia and Azerbaijan both remain frustrated with the lack of political resolve. European Command’s strategy of Theatre Security Co-operation – and USAREUR’s contribution, as part of that strategy, in training and exercising with the militaries and engaging with military and political leaders – is bearing significant results. The four nations of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey (GAAT) are integrating forces in NATO out of theatre and in peacekeeping operations in places like Afghanistan and Kosovo, and the potential for peaceful management of the region’s substantial security challenges is improving.

“The Caucasus’ position as a geographical, cultural, and political epicentre means that movements – positive and negative – in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan reverberate well beyond the local region. With the continued support of the US, the Caucasus will remain a source of stable, reliable, interoperable partners who are the foundation of future regional and global security.”

UNSC to analyse proposed illegal resettlement of Syrian ArmeniansFollowing protestations by Azerbaijan, the UN Security Council (UNSC) will examine the reliability of Armenian media reports that Yerevan is planning or already involved in resettling Armenian refugees from war-torn Syria and Lebanon in Nagorno-Karabakh. In an interview with Lider TV, Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN, commented: “We have raised this issue at the UNSC and asked the relevant Security Council bodies dealing with Syria to draw attention to this. If the reports are confirmed,

then we can demand that the OSCE Minsk Group takes certain measures and raises this issue at the UNSC in a different way.”

Mexico City square renamed after KhojalyA monument to the 613 victims of the Khojaly Massacre has been unveiled in Mexico City following the reconstruction of the former Tlakskoake Square, located near the renamed Tlakskoake-Khojaly Park. The unveiling was attended by Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister; Ilgar Mukhtarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Mexico; Marcelo Ebrard, Mayor of Mexico City; Porfirio Munoz Ledo, MP, Head, External Relations Committee, Mexican Parliament; and various Mexican MPs.

Ambassador Mukhtarov explained that a medieval church had also been renovated in the renamed Tlakskoake-Khojaly Square, and acknowledged the adoption by the Mexican Parliament of a resolution recognising the Khojaly Massacre. Ali Hasanov stated that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict had resulted in nearly 875,000 Azerbaijani internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees being unable to return to their homeland for nearly 20 years, and outlined the details of the Khojaly Massacre. The evening concluded with a concert to commemorate the victims.

Armenian military training proves provocativeElman Abdullayev, Spokesman, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, has condemned recent Armenian military manoeuvres in the occupied territories. He commented that these reflect the aggressiveness of Yerevan and its reluctance to peacefully resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He continued: “The fact that Armenia is holding these exercises on internationally-recognised Azerbaijani territory speaks for itself.”

Abdullayev noted that the international community remains fundamentally indifferent to these actions by the Armenian government, yet: “After this, the world community speaks about justice.” The Spokesman revealed that the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers would potentially meet at the opening of the UN General Assembly in September.

International organisation supports Azerbaijani communityOn 3 September, the Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh hosted a meeting with Gyorgy Tatar, Chairman, Budapest Centre of the Foundation for International Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities, and Enzo Maria Cervini, Deputy Chairman of the Foundation.

Orkhan Akbarov, Chairman, Co-ordinating Council, Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh, initially provided detailed information about the conflict, explaining how around 875,000 Azerbaijanis have continued to be IDPs and refugees over the past 20 years. He went on to outline the implications of the ongoing ethnic cleansing policy of Armenia in the region. The delegates were informed of the objectives of the Foundation, which pledged to investigate the Khojaly Massacre in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting its significance amongst the international community.

Noting the importance of undertaking investigations into the Khojaly Massacre under unbiased and mutual co-operation, the guests voiced concern over the atrocities faced by Azerbaijan. Elchin Ahmadov, Head, Analytical Department, Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh, went on to give further information on the Massacre. The meeting concluded with an agreement for future co-operation.

General Mark Hertling, Head, USAREUR, explained the Caucasus’ strategic importance and the necessity of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

The new Khojaly memorial in the renamed Tlakskoake-Khojaly Square, Mexico City

Lebanese Armenians undertake military trainingAccording to the Regnum agency,

mi l i tary spor ts featur ing 20 members

of the Lebanese–Armenian youth

movement have been organised by

the unrecognised régime in Nagorno-

Karabakh. Dur ing their t ime on

Azerbai jani terr i tory, they resided at

the army encampment and under took

mi l i tary t ra in ing and target pract ice.

Turkey urges France to be active in conflict resolutionEgemen Bagis, Turkish Minister for

EU Affairs, has requested that greater

pressure f rom France should be

exer ted towards sett l ing the Nagorno-

Karabakh conf l ict . He cont inued:

“Current ly, near ly 20 per cent of

Azerbai jani lands are occupied. Such

a s i tuat ion threatens regional stabi l i ty.”

NEWS IN BRIEF


10 Culture and Sport

Azerbaijani team seeks 2014 World Cup qualificationPlaying at home in Baku, the Azerbaijani national football team earned its first point in the World Cup qualification competition in a match against Israel. The Israelis achieved the first goal, when Bebras Natcho scored in the 50th minute of the match. However, Azerbaijani defender Ruslan Abishov managed to equalise in the 64th minute. The match ended in a 1:1 draw.

Earlier, Elkan Mammadov, Secretary-General, Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) explained that the national side had the task of scoring more than seven points in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualification Contest. He said: “During the previous World Cup qualification, the Azerbaijani team scored seven points, which was a record for the team. This time, we aim to equal or surpass that record.”

Azerbaijan has been placed in Group F where, according to Mammadov, the favourites are Portugal, Russia and Northern Ireland. However, he remained optimistic, commenting: “It is not out of place to recall that, during the Euro 2012 qualification, the Azerbaijani team defeated Turkey, the leading contender.” He said that, over the past four years, Azerbaijani football had achieved some progress at national team and club level. He continued: “Of course both we and the fans would like to see our national team qualify for the final stage of the World Cup. However, we must also realise that, without the stadia and adequate infrastructure, this is impossible.”

He noted the developments that had started to pay dividends, and that six Premier League clubs have acquired their own stadia over the past six years. With regard to the team prospects, Mammadov highlighted that the team consists of players with an average age of 23 years. He concluded: “This team may play for another four or five years and achieve a result.”

Unfortunately, Azerbaijan’s run of success did not continue on 11 September in their

match against Portugal, in Braga. Despite fierce defence by the Azerbaijani side, particularly on the part of goalkeeper Kamran Agayev, who deflected goals from Bruno Alves and Raul Meireles, Silvestre Varela broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. This was rapidly followed by goals from Helder Postiga and Alves. The match finished with a resounding defeat of 3–0.

Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestlers top the medal tallyYoung Greco-Roman wrestlers from around the world flocked to Baku to participate in the World Youth Wrestling Championship, which took place from 21–27 August. The final day of the competition saw Azerbaijani sportsmen win four gold medals. In the 46kg category Mikail Rahmanov beat Batukhan Bozkurt (Turkey), Alexander Boychuk (US), Balbay Dordokokva (Kyrgyzstan) and Ramaz Zoidze (Georgia). Kerim Jafarov, in the 54kg category, disposed of Ion Lefter (Moldova), Adrian Dumitru (Romania), Rustam Teishov (Kyrgyzstan) and Bakuri Gogoli (Georgia).

In the 63kg category, Ruhin Mikailov beat Krystof Meyer (Poland), Ruslan Agamaliyev (Belarus), Ensar Karabachak (Turkey) and Gela Bolkvadze (Georgia) to bring the third gold medal to Azerbaijan. Islam Abbasov won the final gold in the 76kg classification, following his destruction of Christopher Berg (Sweden), Sterio Sterew (Bulgaria) and Mahirbek Adigenov (Russia). This remarkable day brought the final score for Azerbaijan to 84 points, placing it in first position, second place being occupied by Georgia (62 points), closely followed by Russia (61 points).

Soviet-era Azerbaijani films to be brought back homeThe Azerbaijani Filmmakers’ Union is to purchase the original prints of Azerbaijani films from the Russian State Film Fund that were made during the Soviet period. Altogether around 300 films produced from 1923–89 will be repatriated, following the payment of storage expenses incurred since the fall of the Soviet Union. It is expected that work to release restored prints of the films will begin in 2013.

Amina on the world stageThe Bakuvian pianist Amina Figarova, now resident in New York, after many

years in Rotterdam, is continuing her tour to promote her new CD, entitled Twelve. On 21 September, her trio will feature the legendary drummer Winard Harper in a concert at the Deer Head Inn in Delaware, Pennsylvania. Winard has a considerable track record, having previously collaborated with Johnny Griffin and Dexter Gordon, amongst others. The following day she will perform with the Italian guitarist Enrico Granafei and his Quartet at Trumpet’s Jazz Club in Montclair, New York. At the end of September, Amina will sit on the jury for the Jazz Hoeillaart International Jazz Contest in Belgium. To see Amina’s touring schedule, go to www.aminafigarova.com.

Relive Barbara Dennerlein’s Baku concertAs jazz fans across the world are aware, German organist Barbara Dennerlein is ‘Queen of the Pedals’ and one of the very few to give performances on the traditional church pipe organ, in addition to Hammond electronic instruments. In February 2011, she played on the new pipe organ in the restored Lutheran Church of the Saviour, built by German émigrés in the late 19th Century.

Barbara has just released a new CD containing five of the compositions performed during the concert, most of which are written by Barbara, including the impressionistic Spiritual Movement No.1, the ethereal New York Impressions and a remarkable version of Chano Pozo’s Tin Tin Deo. To order a copy, go to www.barbaradennerlein.com.

Jazz diva Diana Hajiyeva takes up London residencyFollowing her appearances at the Baku International Jazz Festival, Baku Jazz Centre and the Chinar Lounge, vocalist Diana Hajiyeva is to give thrice-weekly concerts at the new Maiden Tower Lounge Bar at 75 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0NE. Launching her residency on 11 August with a mix of British and US jazz, soul and pop standards, Diana demonstrated her remarkable microphone technique and mastery of Western idioms to a capacity audience. Diana’s three-month residency coincides with her studies at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London. To see Diana sing My Funny Valentine at the Baku Jazz Centre, go to http://bit.ly/Myfunnyvalentine.

Ruslan Abishov celebrates his goal against Israel on home turf


Najafzade’s artwork displayed in Washington D.C.The US-based Karabakh Foundation is presenting an exhibition entitled Azerbaijani Artist in Every Sense, honouring the artist Kamil Najafzade (1929–2011), at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery, Washington D.C. from 28 August–27 September. This comprises around 50 paintings, together with memorabilia relating to the artist’s ongoing love for his family and country.

Najafzade’s lifetime spanned the Soviet period and the first 20 years of its regained independence. During his time as a film production designer, or director of photography, he also worked on some 40 feature films. After deciding to focus on being an artist, Najafzade aimed to capture the vibrant beauty of Azerbaijan, including the Caspian Sea, the regions and the historic sights of Baku. Other subjects included the 16th century poet Fizuli, the Khojaly Massacre of 1992 and the turmoil of regaining independence.

Steppe Man shown at Kinoshock FestivalAzerbaijan is to be represented by Steppe Man (Çölçü), directed by Shamil Aliyev, at the 21st International Kinoshock Film Festival competition, held in Anapa, Russia. The festival serves to support gifted filmmakers concentrating on aesthetic achievements and spirituality; promoting national cinema; and to emphasise cultural exchange and mutual understanding amongst nations, developing co-operation between directors from the former Soviet states. The selection committee decides on the films screened at the festival.

Steppe Man focuses on a young man who lives in a rural environment, in harmony with nature. Before his death, his father teaches him the wisdom of the steppe life but, after this, he meets a young woman who came from the village. This represents a new chapter in his life, and a huge step into an unfamiliar future. To see the trailer, go to http://bit.ly/Steppeman. The Azerbaijani films Lighthouse (Mayak) by Fariz Ahmadov, The Aim by Samir Kerimoglu, and The 40th Door by Elchin Musaoglu will be shown during the festival, although they will not be in competition.

Musical Olympus Festival comes to BakuThe young classical musicians participating in the Musical Olympus Festival for winners of recent competitions will perform on 18 and 21 September in the Muslim Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall and on

20 September at the International Mugham Centre. The festival will be organised under the auspices of the third Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival. This is organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The collaboration between the two festivals was the brainchild of the Azerbaijani conductor Ayyub Gulyev, who achieved First Prize in the Giuseppe Sinopoli Award at the Arturo Toscanini International Conducting Competition, Parma, in 2010. The concerts in Baku will feature French violinist Solenne Paidassi, who won First Prize in the Long-Thibaud Competition in Paris; the German Signum Saxophone Quartet, First Prize winner at the Torneo Internazionale di Musica in Verona in 2010; US saxophonist Ashu, First Prize winner at the International Salon de Virtuosi Career, New York in 2008; Swiss Cellist Christoph Croise, winner of the Grand Prix at the IBLA Foundation Competition, Ragusa, in 2010; and Russian pianist Ilya Maksimov, Second Prize winner and Public Prize winner at the Maria Canals Competition, Barcelona, 2010. All concerts will feature the Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, which will be conducted by Ayyub Guliev on 21 September.

Irina Nikitina, President, Musical Olympus Foundation, commented: “The Musical Olympus Festival in St Petersburg gives a sneak peek into the future of classical music. This year, the concert presentations of the festival will première in Azerbaijan, and we hope that they will become a regular occurrence, as is the case with our traditional performances in Carnegie Hall in New York, in Zürich, the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, or the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore.”

TEAS has announced the launch of a photography competition for professional and amateur photographers from across the world, entitled Azerbaijan Through the Lens. All types of photographs are most welcome, from portraits and landscapes to action and architectural – the only criterion is that they relate to Azerbaijan. The closing date for entries is 15 October.

In addition to a selection of fantastic prizes, the winners will be exhibited at the prestigious La Galleria Pall Mall, London in November 2012, to which the international media and public will be invited. The exhibition will then be presented at galleries in Paris, Berlin, Brussels and other European cities during late 2012–early 2013.

Prizes:• 1st prize – £2,000 (€2,526) worth of travel

vouchers or a 15” Macbook Pro• 2nd prize – £1,000 (€1,263) worth of travel

vouchers or a 13” Macbook Air• 3rd prize – £500 (€631) worth of travel

vouchers or an iPad

The winning photos will be selected by a panel of internationally-recognised experts. For more information and Terms and Conditions, go to http://teas.eu/photography-competition.

11Culture and Sport

Azerbaijan Through the Lens – enter now!

Kamil Najafzade’s adoration of his homeland was evident in every brushstroke of Mirror Pond (detail) (1997)


Standard & Poor’s anticipates slow real growthIn a statement, Standard & Poor’s ratings agency has revealed that it expects real growth in Azerbaijan to increase again, achieving 3 per cent this year and 5 per cent in 2013. The agency explained that this rate of growth would be attributable to increased oil production and prices, leading to stronger inflows from exports; a growth in household disposable income; and enhanced credit conditions, which supports domestic demand. The agency stated that the GDP growth per capita would be 3.2 per cent in 2012–14, placing it in the ‘BBB’ rating category.

The agency stated: “We expect GDP per capita to increase to $7,063 (£4,447) in 2012, significantly lower than in Kazakhstan and Russia, as well as the ‘BBB’ median of $11,697 (£7,365), but comparing well with Morocco, Colombia, and Peru.” The agency experts explained that, as before, GDP growth in Azerbaijan will be stimulated by foreign direct investments (FDI) in the oil sector, resulting in increased production, greater oil and gas exports, and significant public spending.

Standard & Poor’s acknowledged that Azerbaijan has effectively tackled the impact of the global economic downturn, yet maintenance issues on the Azeri–Chirag–Guneshli (ACG) field reduced oil production by over 10 per cent. Consequently, real GDP growth slowed to an estimated 0.1 per cent in 2011. The ratings agency explained that the oil and gas sectors were responsible for 40 per cent of GDP in 2011, with another 35 per cent being contributed via ancillary industries and services.

BP to purchase TANAP stakeBP has announced that it intends to become a shareholder in the proposed Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), acquiring part of the SOCAR stake in the project. Bud Fackrell, BP Representative in Turkey, made these comments in an interview with the Anadolu agency, stating: “The TANAP project is of

interest to the entire region, and therefore we support it. BP has received an offer from SOCAR to purchase part of its share, and we intend to acquire this.” The final decision regarding the proportion of the SOCAR share to be obtained will be made by mid-2013.

Fackrell also stressed that the TANAP and South Stream projects are not competitors, as both are necessary to secure future European energy security. Prior to this, Rovnag Abdullayev, President, SOCAR, stated that TANAP is interested in attracting additional participants that could supply gas to the pipeline. He explained that many companies have made proposals regarding Azerbaijani gas field development, and the gas volumes that various companies could potentially transport would determine pipeline capacity.

He said that, despite the fact that Azerbaijan’s share will be distributed, SOCAR intends to retain control over the pipeline. Azerbaijan and Turkey signed an intergovernmental agreement regarding implementation of TANAP on 26 June. BOTAS currently holds a 20 per cent stake in TANAP, whilst SOCAR holds an 80 per cent stake. The initial pipeline capacity will be 16bn m3 (bcm), of which 6bcm will be supplied to Turkey, with the remainder coming to the EU.

Germany to expand Azerbaijani co-operationSpeaking during the 14th Azerbaijani–German Business Forum in Baku, Dr Harald Augter, President, Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber-of-Commerce, has spoken of the high rate of economic growth in Azerbaijan, and its subsequent attraction for German exports. Huseyn Pashayev, Representative, Azerbaijani Economic Development Ministry, went on to explain that bilateral trade between the countries reached $936m (£585.7m) during January–July 2012. Azerbaijan’s total trade turnover in this period was $19.8bn (£12.4bn), where $14.5bn (£9.1bn) fell to exports and $5.3bn (£3.3bn) was imports.

Pashayev added that, during the past eight years, credit investments and capital investments in the Azerbaijani economy had increased by 14.8 times and 3.7 times, respectively. Turnover had increased seven-fold, whilst exports increased 10.3 times. He also outlined that investments in the non-oil sector had increased 9.7 times.

The World Economic Forum recognises the competitiveness of AzerbaijanThe Global Competitiveness Report 2012–13, published by the World Economic Forum, has recognised Azerbaijan’s economy as being the most competitive of the former Soviet republics. Azerbaijan received 4.41 points on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), placing it on the same level as Lithuania and Malta in 46th position. Kazakhstan took 51st place, with 4.38 points; Latvia was in 55th position, with 4.35 points, and Russia occupied 67th position (4.2 points). Armenia only achieved 82nd place, with 4.02 points. During the past year, Azerbaijan’s position has improved by nine places.

12 Business News

Standard & Poor’s is optimistic about the future of the Azerbaijani economy

Dr Harald Augter, President, Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber-of-Commerce, commented on the need for greater co-operation between Azerbaijan and Germany

Azerbaijani unemployment falls by six per centThe Azerbai jani State Stat ist ics

Commit tee (SSC) has revealed that,

on 1 August, some 37,800 people were

off ic ia l ly registered as unemployed,

equat ing to a decrease of 5.7 per cent

year-on-year. The country ’s employed

populat ion total led 4.6m, of which

849,400 people work in the publ ic

sector and 523,900 in the pr ivate sector.

Al together, 36,900 people work in the oi l

sector, wi th 1.3m in the non-oi l sector.

Indo–Azerbaijani relations developAccording to Vinod Kumar, Indian

Ambassador to Azerbai jan, numerous

documents are being prepared for

rat i f icat ion between Azerbai jan

and India. He explained: “There

are 15 agreements al together,

including contracts and Memoranda

of Understanding. These concern

such aspects as el iminat ing visas for

those holding off ic ia l and diplomat ic

passpor ts, the el iminat ion of double

taxat ion, mutual promot ion of

investments, and co-operat ion in the

ICT sector. The signing of these legal

documents is necessary to develop

longstanding, sustainable relat ions.”

NEWS IN BRIEF


Nabucco West remains on the tableAn executive from the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) has revealed that the proposed Nabucco West pipeline retains a chance of winning the contest to transport Azerbaijani gas to the EU, despite a rival consortium signing a funding deal. Next year, the partners in the Shah Deniz Consortium (SDC) are expected to decide on the route for Shah Deniz II gas. They will determine whether the last stage of the journey will take a southern route through Italy, via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), or be conveyed using a more northern route into Austria, through the Nabucco West project.

The TAP project recently reached a funding deal with some of the leading companies in the SDC – BP, SOCAR and Total – thereby boosting its chances of winning the contest. Elmar Mamedov, Director, SOCAR Germany, commented: “The agreement with TAP gives the partners more legal and planning security – it is not a decision against Nabucco West.” He added that SOCAR wanted to agree the same deal with the Nabucco West consortium.

SOCAR vice-president meets MEPsDuring their visit to Baku, a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) visited the headquarters of SOCAR, where they met Elshad Nasirov, Vice-President, SOCAR. During the meeting, he praised the current level of Azerbaijani–European Union (EU) co-operation, pledging that it would further develop.

Nasirov briefed the MEPs on the energy projects implemented in Azerbaijan in recent years, explaining that these projects, initiated by Azerbaijan, would play an integral role in ensuring European energy security. Boris Zala, Slovakian MEP, went on to describe Azerbaijani–EU co-operation as “fruitful,” and the MEPs revealed that they would use the information about the buoyant Azerbaijani economy during future meetings.

Wastewater treatment plants in six regionsThe Agency for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of the Azerbaijani Occupied Territories (ARRA) has announced a tender for supply and installation of wastewater treatment facilities in the Agstafa, Tovuz, Zagatala, Oguz, Goranboy and Goygol regions.

According to ARRA, the tender comprises three lots, related to the Agstafa and Tovuz regions; Zagatala and Oguz regions; and the Goranboy and Goygol regions. Tenders must be received by 16.00hrs on 10 October. Contact Akhmed Akhmedov, Operating Manager, ARRA, on +994 5617281 for more information.

TAP funding achievedThe TAP consortium has announced that its existing shareholders – EGL, Statoil and E.ON Ruhrgas – have reached an agreement with members of the SDC to secure funding. This will contribute towards continued work in the period running up to the final routing decision, which is expected in 2013. This agreement includes an option for SDC shareholders to take up to 50 per cent equity in TAP.

Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director, TAP, commented: “The signing of this agreement is a significant vote of confidence from key industry players regarding the quality of TAP’s technical and commercial solutions, underpinning the Co-operation Agreement that was signed between TAP and Shah Deniz in June. Our co-operation with Shah Deniz is now even closer and more far-reaching than before, and we remain confident of a positive outcome.”

TAP will transport natural gas from the Shah Deniz II development in Azerbaijan, via Greece and Albania, across the Adriatic Sea to Southern Italy, and further into Western Europe. Initial transportation capacity will range from 10 to 20bn m3 (bcm) per year. If constructed, TAP will open up the Southern Gas Corridor, enhancing Europe’s energy security by contributing towards gas supply diversification.

Turkey to establish SEZ in AzerbaijanZafer Çaglayan, Turkish Minister of the Economy, has revealed that Turkey may establish a special economic zone (SEZ) in Sumgayit, the third largest city of Azerbaijan. The statement was made during a press conference in Baku during a meeting of economy ministers, organised by the Co-operation Council of Turkic Speaking States (CCTS). Çaglayan said: “Turkey has rich experience in the creation of industrial zones, and is willing to share this with Azerbaijan. To this end, our delegation will visit Azerbaijan again to discuss this issue.”

Çaglayan outlined that Turkey and Azerbaijan had discussed a range of possible joint projects, including investments, trade, and activities in third countries. An Azerbaijani trade delegation led by Shahin Mustafayev, Minister of Economic Development, will visit Turkey in the near future to discuss issues related to industry, tourism and energy.

Currently, Turkish investments in Azerbaijan amount to $6.5bn (£4.1bn). From January to April, Turkey’s exports to Azerbaijan amounted to $785m (£490.9m), equating to an increase of 38.5 per cent on the same period last year. Turkey’s imports from Azerbaijan during the period grew by 24 per cent to reach $631m (£394.6m).

Life insurance premiums increase by 60 per centThe three companies approved to trade in life insurance in Azerbaijan – Pasha Heyat, Ateshgah Heyat and Qala Heyat – received AZN15.5m (£12.4m) in life insurance premiums during the January–July period, according to the Azerbaijani Finance Industry. This equates to an increase of 60.5 per cent, year-on-year. Payouts also increased, and compensation of AZN1.9 (£1.5m) was paid during the same period, which is 7.9 times more than the same period last year. This was partially attributable to an increased requirement for compulsory life insurance premiums, which increased 5.6 times over the year, reaching AZN8.5m (£6.8m).

13Business News

Nabucco, in amended form, may still bring Azerbaijani gas to Europe

Zafer Çaglayan, Turkish Minister of the Economy, outlined the Turkish plan to construct a special economic zone in Sumgayit


During the past three years, TEAS has opened branches located in Baku, Berlin, Brussels and Paris. Each has different strategic objectives and is experiencing challenges that are specific to their political environment. This piece takes a glance at TEAS Azerbaijan, where TEAS Magazine spoke to Taleh Baghiev:

Why was it important for TEAS to establish an office in Azerbaijan?Although TEAS’ mission is to promote interest in and knowledge of Azerbaijan to the wider world, it clearly needed a base in the home country, primarily to keep fully abreast of developments there. Ultimately, information about Azerbaijan should originate from the source, and our base in Baku enables us to have relatively easy access to the many informed and inspiring individuals that should be brought to the attention of the world. The Visions of Azerbaijan magazine is also published from this office.

The Baku office enables us to assist guests and other visitors in making the most of their stay in Azerbaijan. It can be quite daunting to arrive in a country for the first time, and our office in Baku can point visitors in the right direction, regardless of whether they are interested in tourism, academia, business, culture, politics, sport, or any other subject.

What are the main objectives for your office?One of our main responsibilities is to disseminate information to the rest of the world, which remains relatively unaware of the history and nature of the country. Many of the sources are in Baku, of course, but we have also researched the archives of other countries. Naturally, our major focus has been on raising awareness of the continuing Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding districts, which is the single greatest hindrance to the region’s development. However, we are also producing books and films on Azerbaijani history and culture. The best way to understand a country and its people is to meet them, and TEAS is keen to encourage westerners to visit Azerbaijan and to experience the magic for themselves. The office in Baku is responsible for ensuring that delegations arriving here are provided with

every facility to enjoy a productive visit. This may necessitate setting up meetings with experts in their respective fields, influential political figures, or arranging excursions to popular tourist locations.

What type of projects does TEAS Azerbaijan focus on?There is quite a range – in the past year, TEAS Azerbaijan has published two books – Years of Blood by Mammad Said Ordubadi and The Armenian Question in the Caucasus, compiled from Russian State archival sources. A book of Azerbaijani plays is in progress, as is a foreigner’s overview of Azerbaijan, and we are currently revising our book on Khojaly and updating Azerbaijan: 100 Questions Answered. Two documentary films are currently at the editing stage – one is about the sophisticated music of mugham and how it is learned and passed on through the generations, and the other concerns the country’s development since regaining independence, as seen through foreigners’ eyes. Another film is also ready, which concerns the return visit of Yvonna Botto-Shirmammadova to France after 63 years in Azerbaijan. The office also supports cultural events, and has a working relationship with such figures as Isfar Sarabsky, the outstanding jazz pianist, who won the Jazz Piano Prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival 2009. We are also looking to help other young artists.

In February this year, there was an exhibition of pictures by French photographer Frederique Lengaigne, taken shortly after the Khojaly Massacre in 1992. She made a remarkably moving and dignified presentation. In May, we presented distinguished international visitors with a taste of Azerbaijani cuisine, music and art at a reception to commemorate the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. In October, there will be a symposium in Baku, organised in collaboration with Yahad-In Unum, the organisation researching Holocaust by Bullets, regarding Azerbaijan’s role in the outcome of World War II.

Visits by parliamentarians of different countries are a regular occurrence, and TEAS Azerbaijan ensures that they are able to meet their counterparts here, and visit various parts of the country to gain a broader understanding of the society and its situation.

The most recent large-scale project was the establishment of a secondary school – this was built from scratch and opened in September 2011. A primary school was opened in September 2012.

How do you support the operations of TEAS’ other offices in the UK, France, Belgium and Germany?In this respect, we are a resource base, supplying books, films and Visions of Azerbaijan magazine, and have developed close relations with colleagues in other countries. We have co-operated with and hosted many visitors from all four countries: journalists, politicians, academics, artists and others. The Yvonna Botto-Shirmammadova story was a joint Baku-Paris effort; and we helped organise the Azerbaijani contribution to the Royal Windsor Horse Show in the UK, where the wonderful Karabakh horses were displayed during an event to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. We have also assisted Isfar Sarabsky in presenting his music, to the delight of audiences across Europe. TEAS Azerbaijan is also helping Paris to publicise their initiative with artist Tilmann Grawe – look out for the Ulduz Buta, which is a jewelled doll that will be sold to raise funds for UNICEF.

What does Azerbaijan need to do in order to ensure that the realities of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict are fully understood across Europe? Under international law, the current position is that this is clearly defined as an ‘occupation.’ However, there is little impetus from the international community towards achieving resolution. One of the Caucasus region’s principal resources is the fuel that Azerbaijan is pumping across to Europe, but it is not clear how far Europe understands the threat that the conflict represents to this resource. The ceasefire barely holds, and the consequences of all-out resumption of war would be catastrophic. TEAS continues to emphasise the human cost; visitors are brought face-to-face with the refugees who are still bewildered at having to flee from the bullets shattering their homes.

We also emphasise that, in contrast to its condition today, Nagarno-Karabakh was formerly the hearth of a tremendous culture, giving the Caucasus the best of its musicians, composers and writers. The beautiful Karabakh carpets are no longer made in their homeland; the golden Karabakh horse no longer roams those uplands. What will it take for the world to understand and act upon the resolutions it passed 20 years ago? In Baku we will keep writing, speaking and showing, for the sake of justice and humanity.

14 TEAS AROUND EUROPE: AZERBAIJAN

TEAS Azerbaijan has forged ties with jazz pianist Isfar Sarabsky, who has performed at popular events organised by TEAS across Europe

Photo: Gleam

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To contact TEAS Azerbaijan, e-mail: [email protected]


Sounds of surprise – Diana HajiyevaBakuvian vocalist Diana Hajiyeva, aged 24 years, is one of the most promising stars on the Azerbaijani jazz scene. A mainstay of the Baku Jazz Centre, the Baku International Jazz Festival, and the Chinar Lounge, she has attracted a considerable personal following, and also performs in numerous musical groups. Diana is currently spending three months in London whilst she studies at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, during which she will also be in residence at the recently-opened Maiden Tower Lounge Bar in Charing Cross Road, London. TEAS caught up with her after her opening gig:

Do you come from a musical family?Neither of my parents are professional musicians, but they are both big fans of music.

Where did you study? Which instruments do you play?I graduated from the Mstislav and Leopold Rostropovich Music School, where I studied piano and vocals, and from Baku Music Academy as a choir conductor.

What prompted you to focus on singing jazz?When I entered Music School, I auditioned for the Bary Bakh jazz-pop ensemble, with which I performed for 11 years. My love for jazz music was encouraged by Rauf Babayev, my teacher.

In which countries and venues have you performed, to date?Its very hard to remember them all, but I have performed in various festivals and concerts in Belarus, Egypt, France, Russia, Turkey, the UK and the US.

Which overseas performers have you collaborated with?I have participated in workshops given by the US jazz singer Coco York and German singer and educator Michael Schiefel.

Your repertoire exclusively comprises western compositions. Have you ever performed jazz-mugham?Actually, I really like this genre, but I think it’s necessary to really feel and understand what you’re performing. I don’t think my voice is suited to this style, and it is better for me to perform in the genre that I feel is most suitable.

Do you undertake your own compositions or arrangements?I am also a songwriter, lyricist and instrumentalist, but my songs are not particularly jazzy. In the near future, I think you will hear a few of them. Publishing and promoting your own compositions has never been easy.

How did you become a member of the Rast Jazz Group? How would you describe its appeal?I have been friends with Rashad Gashimov, who leads, arranges and composes for the Rast Jazz Group, since my childhood. He offered me the opportunity to sing with the Group, although I am not a regular member. In Baku, I normally perform in the band at the Hezz Club and Restaurant, which contains some of the best musicians in the city. It is a great pleasure and experience to work with them.

You participated in the Azerbaijani selection contest for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. How would you describe this experience?This was a kind of marathon, lasting five days, and each day I had to sing a new

song. I enjoyed participating and it was great fun.

Is the jazz scene flourishing in Azerbaijan? Which genres of jazz are most popular?The standard of jazz performance is constantly evolving in Azerbaijan. The most popular genre remains jazz-mugham, but audiences also listen to soul, funk, and mainstream jazz with great pleasure.

You have collaborated extensively with Ulviyya Rahimova-Jones. Which songs have you performed?Ulviyya and I have been friends since we both performed in the Bary Bakh ensemble.We are really close friends, but we are not officially duettists, although we sometimes share a stage in the Baku Jazz Centre and sing standards together.

You are currently in residence for three nights a week at the Maiden Tower Lounge Bar in London. What has the response been to your performances, and are your studies developing your technique?I was delighted when I was invited to sing there, and I think the audience quite likes me. I am glad to be studying at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, which is the finest modern music institution in Europe. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Adalat Aliyev, President, Lider TV and Jazz FM in Azerbaijan for sponsoring my participation. Attending the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is serving to develop my skills and is increasing my overall knowledge of the music industry around the world.

How do you see your career progressing? I hope that I will be successful, and believe in myself and my ability. I am a musician, and am not regretting this for a moment.

15Personalities – Diana Hajiyeva

Last year, Diana performed as part of the Rast Jazz Group during the concert in London to celebrate the 20th anniversary of regaining Azerbaijani independence

To contact Diana, e-mail: [email protected], and to hear her sing The Look

of Love at the Baku Jazz Centre, go to http://bit.ly/Lookoflove.

Diana prepares for another gig

TM-12-09

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Transcript of TM-12-09