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[02-11-2004 'Azerbaijan-Turkey']
------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
THERE IS A COUNTRY NEARBY
Source : "Yeni Safak" newspaper (Turkey)
Author: M. Karaalioglu
The power of the country is determined not only by the values within
the country. There is an enormous world beyond its borders. Finally,
it is difficult and even inappropriate to be confident in one's
security and welfare unless you are unable to show your worth beyond
your country. In this sense, Turkey is not a superpower and cannot
reach superiority in the region because of its economic potential.
However, from the angle of political and economic possibilities around
the region, it is evident that historically Turkey is endowed by the
higher powers with the influence no less than the opportunities of
superpowers. The countries whose population speaks the same language
and professes Islam, is a most favorable action ground for Turkey.
Naturally, these countries have similar opportunities.
Thus, for Turkey Azerbaijan is an important political and economic
territory, and the possibilities of Turkey are a gate to a larger
world for Azerbaijan to be used for no return. In the streets,
restaurants and houses - everywhere the Turkish influence is
evident. The singers listened, TV channels watched, the goods in the
shops are all from Turkey... Being in Baku it is easier to understand
the reason of Azerbaijani sympathy for Turkey.
By the end of the last week, on the occasion of the first anniversary
of Ilham Aliev presidency, we participated in several events in
Baku. Among the participants were experts from various countries, from
Bulgaria to Russia: from Turkey - a lecturer of Istanbul University
Irfan Chiftchi, Avni Ozgurel from `Radical' newspaper, Ibrahim Kiras
from `Gerchek Hayat'. In the course of the meetings, the results of a
large-scale social survey on the first year of Aliev's presidency were
presented and discussed.
The significance of this research is not so much in the results as in
the fact that such work is implemented in Azerbaijan for the first
time - the state pays attention to the demands, complaints and
political views of the people for the first time ever. This is a
promising start for Azerbaijan.
The research shows that Azerbaijani people aspires to stability,
welfare and freedom and therefore, the trust for President,
Parliament, press and other main institutions is very high, which may
be compared with the indicators of Western democracies.
This step testifies to the possibility of serious achievements on the
way to democracy. The demand for it is also present...
Democracy, meeting international standards, is the most suitable
regime for Azerbaijan, whose population is distinguished by a high
level of development, possessing vast cultural legacy, especially in
the sphere of music and art. It is easier to develop democratic
institutions in the country populated by democratic and peaceful
people.
Doubtlessly, the fact that a part of the territory is still under
Armenian control makes the conditions of this country specific,
however all democratic initiatives give Baku advantage in regional
politics. In particular, on the background of Armenia, closed and
isolated, democratization will open more opportunities for Azerbaijan.
We should not forget that Turkey gained power and influence in the
region not due to the population and economy but democracy. Azerbaijan
also has this potential; it may become an example for democracy in the
region. If the new president Aliev adequately uses this potential, it
will stand the country in good stead. For this breakthrough, achieved
by non-Turkic republics as well, Azerbaijan has a favorable ground.
In essence, we understand that Aliev understood it. The atmosphere in
the country testifies to the fact that Ilham Aliev prepares ground for
such a breakthrough, creating a model of a more democratic
country. The democratic breakthrough of Azerbaijan in its significance
may be equivalent to the liberation from the Soviet captivity.
[29-10-2004 'Azerbaijan-Turkey']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
AGREED!
Source : "Echo" newspaper (Azerbaijan)
Author: F. Rizaeva
Turkish Saka-Korkmaz company and Azerbaijani government finally come
to an agreement
The joint memorandum between the Azerbaijani government and Turkish
private Saka-Korkmaz Pazarlama company, concerning payment by the
Azerbaijani company of the debt in 1992-1993 on investments of the
Turkish company in Gyanja spinning factory, was signed in Istanbul
yesterday. President of Saka-Korkmaz Pazarlama, Firudin Korkmaz
informed `Echo' yesterday.
"By the end of this week the Azerbaijani side will pay the Turkish
company 5 million dollars in several transfers", F. Korkmaz said. He
stated that from the Azerbaijani side, plenipotentiary representatives
of Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture and AZAL state company signed
the joint memorandum. Consul General of Azerbaijan in Istanbul,
Ibrahim Nabioglu also signed the document. From the Turkish side, the
document was signed by F. Korkmaz himself. "Immediately after the
payment of the debt by the Azerbaijani side, the Azerbaijani
transportation means detained in Turkish ports will be set free',
F. Korkmaz stated.
As Azerbaijani government reported, the money will be paid from the
Azerbaijani reserve fund in compliance with the special decision of
the Cabinet of Ministers. "The Turkish side demanded payment of over 9
million dollars, although the Ministry of Agriculture had a debt of
about 3 million dollars. In the course of negotiations, it was agreed
to pay 5 million dollars. We hold that the document fully meets the
interests of the Azerbaijani side. This agreement resolves the debt
problem; neither of the sides will ever refer to this incident",
according to a source in the government of the Republic.
We will note that earlier the Azerbaijani side already paid the
Turkish company 871 thousand dollars to cover the debt, therefore
4,129 million dollars need to be transferred for the present. As ANS
reported, the payment will be made through International Bank of
Azerbaijan.
In its turn, the government source emphasized that the suits of state
companies KASPAR and AZAL versus Saka-Korkmaz will be withdrawn. As a
reminder, Azal and KASPAR estimated the moral damage at 10 million
dollars (5 million dollars per each) and property damage - at 578000
and 3424680 dollars respectively. The suits of the state companies are
considered by the Commercial Court of Azerbaijan. `The companies are
state-owned, and if the government of the country makes a decision on
withdrawal of the suits, it will be implemented", the government
representative stated.
[29-10-2004 'Karabagh Conflict']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BAKU MADE CERTAIN ACHIEVEMENTS ON KARABAGH ISSUE IN UN
Source : "Azg" newspaper (Armenia)
Author: Tatul Hakobian
OSCE Minsk Group does not welcome the initiative of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan makes consecutive attempts to distract the attention of
international community from the essence of Karabagh conflict
settlement - MKR status. This time, Azerbaijan used a new tribune for
this purpose -UN.
On October 27, General Commission of UN General Assembly made a
recommendation: to include the issue of the `situation on the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan' in the agenda of 59th session. On
Azerbaijani initiative, 9 out of 28 countries voted `for' the issue
included in the agenda of the Commission, 14 abstained, none of them
voted `against' and 5 more countries did not take part in voting. In
particular, `pros' were Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia. The
issue of the `situation on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan'
entered the agenda of the General Commission of UN General Assembly
based on the letter previously disseminated by the permanent
representative of Azerbaijan in UN. The letter reads, in particular,
that despite the fact that Karabagh problem settlement is the
competence of OSCE Minsk Group, the Co-chairmen did not succeed. At
the same time, Azerbaijani Ambassador to UN thought it necessary to
remind that strange things happen on the occupied territories around
Mountainous Karabagh, in particular illegal resettlement is underway
for artificial changing of the demographic situation in these regions.
Prior to the approval of the Azerbaijani initiative, RA MFA press
secretary Hamlet Gasparian said that Azerbaijan always insists on
alleged resettlements and brings similar accusations. `Armenian side
has always refuted these statements and invited the representatives of
international community to make sure the statements are groundless
right on the spot. As a rule, Azerbaijan itself blocks our proposals
in the international organizations. We state once again that there is
no state policy of resettlement'. Mr. Gasparian also noted that `on
these territories there are occasional migrants - refugees from
Shahumian and Getashen districts'. `We repeatedly stated and once
again assert that separate issues, raised by Azerbaijan from the
entire package of debates concerning the Mountainous Karabagh status
and submitted to the attention of international community, should be
considered directly with Mountainous Karabagh. We hold that the recent
initiative of Azerbaijan in UN does not concern us', Mr. Gasparian
noted. Yesterday, after it became clear that Azerbaijani initiative
in UN was a success, RA MFA disseminated another statement, `Indeed,
on the initiative of Azerbaijan, the General Commission of UN General
Assembly passed a resolution - to include the issue of the `situation
on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in the agenda of 59th
session. This step by Azerbaijan is viewed by us as another attempt to
distract the attention of the international community from the main
issue of Karabagh settlement - Mountainous Karabagh status'.
Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs thought it necessary to state
that representative of France in his speech on behalf of the OSCE
Minsk Group stated that UN General Assembly session is not a forum for
raising such issues.
The representative of France on behalf of Russia and USA noted in his
speech that putting the issue on the agenda of UN General Assembly
session may have negative consequences, particularly hampering the
peaceful settlement of Karabagh problem. Representative of France
noted also that UN General Assembly 59th session is not a suitable
tribune for debates.
Ambassador of Armenia to UN, Armen Martirosian reminded in his speech
that former autonomous region of Mountainous Karabagh was populated
and now is also populated by Armenians. Martirosian stated that the
territory around MKR passed under the control of Karabagh Armenians as
a result of war waged by Azerbaijan. Martirosian noted that on the
territories under the control of Karabagh forces there are no
settlements beyond Karabagh territory, and Armenia does not conduct
policy of resettlement on these territories.
Irrespective of the explanation given by official Yerevan, it is
evident that Azerbaijan succeeds in separating certain details from
the Karabagh issue and organizing discussions in reputable
international organizations around these issues. The resolutions of
UN general Assembly are not binding but are important from the
political and propaganda aspects. We will also add that UN Security
Council adopted 4 resolutions on Karabagh issue in 1993 and after
Ilham Aliev's coming to power, Baku makes regular attempts to put
these resolutions in force.
--
Yerevan Press Club of Armenia, 'Yeni Nesil' Journalists' Union of
Azerbaijan and Association of Diplomacy Correspondents of Turkey
present 'Armenia-Azerbaijan-Turkey: Journalist Initiative-2002'
Project. As a part of the project www.mediadialogue.org web site has
been designed, featuring the most interesting publications from the
press of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey on issues of mutual
concern. The latest updates on the site are weekly delivered to the
subscribers.
------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
THERE IS A COUNTRY NEARBY
Source : "Yeni Safak" newspaper (Turkey)
Author: M. Karaalioglu
The power of the country is determined not only by the values within
the country. There is an enormous world beyond its borders. Finally,
it is difficult and even inappropriate to be confident in one's
security and welfare unless you are unable to show your worth beyond
your country. In this sense, Turkey is not a superpower and cannot
reach superiority in the region because of its economic potential.
However, from the angle of political and economic possibilities around
the region, it is evident that historically Turkey is endowed by the
higher powers with the influence no less than the opportunities of
superpowers. The countries whose population speaks the same language
and professes Islam, is a most favorable action ground for Turkey.
Naturally, these countries have similar opportunities.
Thus, for Turkey Azerbaijan is an important political and economic
territory, and the possibilities of Turkey are a gate to a larger
world for Azerbaijan to be used for no return. In the streets,
restaurants and houses - everywhere the Turkish influence is
evident. The singers listened, TV channels watched, the goods in the
shops are all from Turkey... Being in Baku it is easier to understand
the reason of Azerbaijani sympathy for Turkey.
By the end of the last week, on the occasion of the first anniversary
of Ilham Aliev presidency, we participated in several events in
Baku. Among the participants were experts from various countries, from
Bulgaria to Russia: from Turkey - a lecturer of Istanbul University
Irfan Chiftchi, Avni Ozgurel from `Radical' newspaper, Ibrahim Kiras
from `Gerchek Hayat'. In the course of the meetings, the results of a
large-scale social survey on the first year of Aliev's presidency were
presented and discussed.
The significance of this research is not so much in the results as in
the fact that such work is implemented in Azerbaijan for the first
time - the state pays attention to the demands, complaints and
political views of the people for the first time ever. This is a
promising start for Azerbaijan.
The research shows that Azerbaijani people aspires to stability,
welfare and freedom and therefore, the trust for President,
Parliament, press and other main institutions is very high, which may
be compared with the indicators of Western democracies.
This step testifies to the possibility of serious achievements on the
way to democracy. The demand for it is also present...
Democracy, meeting international standards, is the most suitable
regime for Azerbaijan, whose population is distinguished by a high
level of development, possessing vast cultural legacy, especially in
the sphere of music and art. It is easier to develop democratic
institutions in the country populated by democratic and peaceful
people.
Doubtlessly, the fact that a part of the territory is still under
Armenian control makes the conditions of this country specific,
however all democratic initiatives give Baku advantage in regional
politics. In particular, on the background of Armenia, closed and
isolated, democratization will open more opportunities for Azerbaijan.
We should not forget that Turkey gained power and influence in the
region not due to the population and economy but democracy. Azerbaijan
also has this potential; it may become an example for democracy in the
region. If the new president Aliev adequately uses this potential, it
will stand the country in good stead. For this breakthrough, achieved
by non-Turkic republics as well, Azerbaijan has a favorable ground.
In essence, we understand that Aliev understood it. The atmosphere in
the country testifies to the fact that Ilham Aliev prepares ground for
such a breakthrough, creating a model of a more democratic
country. The democratic breakthrough of Azerbaijan in its significance
may be equivalent to the liberation from the Soviet captivity.
[29-10-2004 'Azerbaijan-Turkey']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
AGREED!
Source : "Echo" newspaper (Azerbaijan)
Author: F. Rizaeva
Turkish Saka-Korkmaz company and Azerbaijani government finally come
to an agreement
The joint memorandum between the Azerbaijani government and Turkish
private Saka-Korkmaz Pazarlama company, concerning payment by the
Azerbaijani company of the debt in 1992-1993 on investments of the
Turkish company in Gyanja spinning factory, was signed in Istanbul
yesterday. President of Saka-Korkmaz Pazarlama, Firudin Korkmaz
informed `Echo' yesterday.
"By the end of this week the Azerbaijani side will pay the Turkish
company 5 million dollars in several transfers", F. Korkmaz said. He
stated that from the Azerbaijani side, plenipotentiary representatives
of Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture and AZAL state company signed
the joint memorandum. Consul General of Azerbaijan in Istanbul,
Ibrahim Nabioglu also signed the document. From the Turkish side, the
document was signed by F. Korkmaz himself. "Immediately after the
payment of the debt by the Azerbaijani side, the Azerbaijani
transportation means detained in Turkish ports will be set free',
F. Korkmaz stated.
As Azerbaijani government reported, the money will be paid from the
Azerbaijani reserve fund in compliance with the special decision of
the Cabinet of Ministers. "The Turkish side demanded payment of over 9
million dollars, although the Ministry of Agriculture had a debt of
about 3 million dollars. In the course of negotiations, it was agreed
to pay 5 million dollars. We hold that the document fully meets the
interests of the Azerbaijani side. This agreement resolves the debt
problem; neither of the sides will ever refer to this incident",
according to a source in the government of the Republic.
We will note that earlier the Azerbaijani side already paid the
Turkish company 871 thousand dollars to cover the debt, therefore
4,129 million dollars need to be transferred for the present. As ANS
reported, the payment will be made through International Bank of
Azerbaijan.
In its turn, the government source emphasized that the suits of state
companies KASPAR and AZAL versus Saka-Korkmaz will be withdrawn. As a
reminder, Azal and KASPAR estimated the moral damage at 10 million
dollars (5 million dollars per each) and property damage - at 578000
and 3424680 dollars respectively. The suits of the state companies are
considered by the Commercial Court of Azerbaijan. `The companies are
state-owned, and if the government of the country makes a decision on
withdrawal of the suits, it will be implemented", the government
representative stated.
[29-10-2004 'Karabagh Conflict']
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BAKU MADE CERTAIN ACHIEVEMENTS ON KARABAGH ISSUE IN UN
Source : "Azg" newspaper (Armenia)
Author: Tatul Hakobian
OSCE Minsk Group does not welcome the initiative of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan makes consecutive attempts to distract the attention of
international community from the essence of Karabagh conflict
settlement - MKR status. This time, Azerbaijan used a new tribune for
this purpose -UN.
On October 27, General Commission of UN General Assembly made a
recommendation: to include the issue of the `situation on the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan' in the agenda of 59th session. On
Azerbaijani initiative, 9 out of 28 countries voted `for' the issue
included in the agenda of the Commission, 14 abstained, none of them
voted `against' and 5 more countries did not take part in voting. In
particular, `pros' were Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia. The
issue of the `situation on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan'
entered the agenda of the General Commission of UN General Assembly
based on the letter previously disseminated by the permanent
representative of Azerbaijan in UN. The letter reads, in particular,
that despite the fact that Karabagh problem settlement is the
competence of OSCE Minsk Group, the Co-chairmen did not succeed. At
the same time, Azerbaijani Ambassador to UN thought it necessary to
remind that strange things happen on the occupied territories around
Mountainous Karabagh, in particular illegal resettlement is underway
for artificial changing of the demographic situation in these regions.
Prior to the approval of the Azerbaijani initiative, RA MFA press
secretary Hamlet Gasparian said that Azerbaijan always insists on
alleged resettlements and brings similar accusations. `Armenian side
has always refuted these statements and invited the representatives of
international community to make sure the statements are groundless
right on the spot. As a rule, Azerbaijan itself blocks our proposals
in the international organizations. We state once again that there is
no state policy of resettlement'. Mr. Gasparian also noted that `on
these territories there are occasional migrants - refugees from
Shahumian and Getashen districts'. `We repeatedly stated and once
again assert that separate issues, raised by Azerbaijan from the
entire package of debates concerning the Mountainous Karabagh status
and submitted to the attention of international community, should be
considered directly with Mountainous Karabagh. We hold that the recent
initiative of Azerbaijan in UN does not concern us', Mr. Gasparian
noted. Yesterday, after it became clear that Azerbaijani initiative
in UN was a success, RA MFA disseminated another statement, `Indeed,
on the initiative of Azerbaijan, the General Commission of UN General
Assembly passed a resolution - to include the issue of the `situation
on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in the agenda of 59th
session. This step by Azerbaijan is viewed by us as another attempt to
distract the attention of the international community from the main
issue of Karabagh settlement - Mountainous Karabagh status'.
Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs thought it necessary to state
that representative of France in his speech on behalf of the OSCE
Minsk Group stated that UN General Assembly session is not a forum for
raising such issues.
The representative of France on behalf of Russia and USA noted in his
speech that putting the issue on the agenda of UN General Assembly
session may have negative consequences, particularly hampering the
peaceful settlement of Karabagh problem. Representative of France
noted also that UN General Assembly 59th session is not a suitable
tribune for debates.
Ambassador of Armenia to UN, Armen Martirosian reminded in his speech
that former autonomous region of Mountainous Karabagh was populated
and now is also populated by Armenians. Martirosian stated that the
territory around MKR passed under the control of Karabagh Armenians as
a result of war waged by Azerbaijan. Martirosian noted that on the
territories under the control of Karabagh forces there are no
settlements beyond Karabagh territory, and Armenia does not conduct
policy of resettlement on these territories.
Irrespective of the explanation given by official Yerevan, it is
evident that Azerbaijan succeeds in separating certain details from
the Karabagh issue and organizing discussions in reputable
international organizations around these issues. The resolutions of
UN general Assembly are not binding but are important from the
political and propaganda aspects. We will also add that UN Security
Council adopted 4 resolutions on Karabagh issue in 1993 and after
Ilham Aliev's coming to power, Baku makes regular attempts to put
these resolutions in force.
--
Yerevan Press Club of Armenia, 'Yeni Nesil' Journalists' Union of
Azerbaijan and Association of Diplomacy Correspondents of Turkey
present 'Armenia-Azerbaijan-Turkey: Journalist Initiative-2002'
Project. As a part of the project www.mediadialogue.org web site has
been designed, featuring the most interesting publications from the
press of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey on issues of mutual
concern. The latest updates on the site are weekly delivered to the
subscribers.