Commissioner Hammarberg calls on the Armenian government to lift emergency measures, ensure media freedom and initiate an impartial investigation into recent violent acts
Strasbourg 18.03.2008 - "The State of Emergency should be lifted in Armenia and an independent, impartial and transparent inquiry initiated to clarify what actually happened during the confrontations in Yerevan between the police and opposition demonstrators on 1 March", said Council of Europe Commissioner on Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg after a three-day visit to Armenia.
He held discussions with the President, the Prime Minister and President-elect, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor General and the Head of Police. He also met the President of the National Assembly, representatives of political parties including those in opposition and had a separate meeting with former President and presidential candidate Ter-Petrosian.
Commissioner Hammarberg visited places of detention and interviewed persons recently arrested. Furthermore, he visited hospitals and met policemen and civilians who had been injured during the violence on 1 March. He also met with the National Human Rights Defender (ombudsman), defence lawyers, representatives of the media, non-governmental organisations as well as foreign diplomats and representatives of international and regional organizations in Yerevan.
"The censorship which was introduced with the state of emergency has contributed to rumours and anxiety among the population about what was happening, at a time when measures to rebuild trust should have been promoted. The fact that some pro-government media tended to demonise the opposition while opposition papers were out of circulation did not contribute to a constructive atmosphere", said Thomas Hammarberg. He suggested that all limitations on the media and freedom of expression now be lifted.
"Seven civilians and one policeman were killed and many others were injured. There is a need to clarify what actually happened and what provoked the outbreak of violence. The two sides describe the events very differently and it is important, also in a human rights perspective, to establish the basic facts. This can only be done through a comprehensive inquiry which is independent, impartial and transparent and perceived as credible by the whole population."
"Such an investigation should also aim at drawing lessons and giving recommendations on how similar situations should be handled in future. For instance, it seems clear that the Armenian police needs more training in acceptable riot control measures, serious mistakes were made."
"The establishment of an inquiry of this kind will not be easy in the present polarised climate in Armenia. The international community has expressed its willingness to offer participation or other assistance to such a comprehensive investigation into the 1 March events in order to contribute experience, professionalism and credibility".
"Demonstrators who committed violent acts should be held accountable, as should policemen who used excessive force. However, the arrests and prosecutions should not target people for having merely been present at the demonstrations or expressed anti-government opinions. The Commissioner also calls for the release of all apprehended children under 18 years in this connection.
It appears that some articles of the Criminal Code are interpreted broadly by the prosecutors, banning in practice all strong criticism and agitation against the government. This is not consistent with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms."
Commissioner Hammarberg also stressed the importance of preventing any improper treatment of those arrested. There were cases after 1 March when the detainees had difficulties to contact family members and to have access to a lawyer. Also, the registration of their arrest was not done in accordance with national rules in some instances.
The Commissioner was also told about cases of ill-treatment during arrests and in a few cases during transport to the police station. He welcomes the decision of the Prosecutor General to investigate ex officio all acts of violence committed by police forces against demonstrators and passing civilians on 1 March. The Commissioner underlines the absolute importance of ensuring respect for agreed safeguards against torture and ill-treatment as well as the procedural rights of the accused.
The Commissioner welcomed the statement by the President that the current human rights restrictions would be gradually reviewed and lifted. He stressed the importance of now bringing the state of emergency to an end.
Cardinal: Azerbaijan a Model of Religious Coexistence
Vatican Official Analyzes Trip to 2 Ex-Soviet Nations
ZE08031805 - 2008-03-18
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-22099?l=english
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 18, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's secretary of state described Armenia and Azerbaijan as two model countries for ecumenical and interreligious relations.
By invitation of the religious and civil authorities of the two former-Soviet countries, and in the name of the Pope, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone visited the neighboring nations from March 4 to 9.
Upon his return to Rome , he offered a review of his trip in an interview with L'Osservatore Romano and Vatican Radio and Television. The complete interview was transcribed in Sunday's issue of L'Osservatore Romano.
The cardinal described Armenia as characterized by the "coexistence of the ancient Armenian Apostolic community and the Catholic community of Armenians," and a "very developed" ecumenical dialogue.
Cardinal Bertone visited Karekin II, supreme patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on March 4 at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.
In the interview after the trip, the Pope's secretary of state recalled hallmarks in the relationship of the Armenian Apostolic Church with the Catholic Church, notably the visit to Rome of Karekin I. Cardinal Bertone said the relationship of John Paul II and Karekin I, and later Karekin II, could be considered a friendship.
"We await soon the visit to Rome of Catholicos Karekin II," he affirmed. "There is an intense, positive dialogue, a great sense of collaboration, a reciprocal esteem."
Exportable
For its part, in Azerbaijan "a large Muslim community coexists with two small communities, Catholic and Orthodox," the cardinal affirmed.
He noted in particular the relationship of the chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office, Sheik Allashukur Pashazade, with the Church and the Pope.
"The esteem that this great Muslim authority shows for the Catholic Church, for the Pope, is very high and has not wavered. Also in these recent times, it has been shown in his public addresses, before the leaders of the Muslim communities of Azerbaijan and of the Caucasian [office]."
Both countries, according to an ancient tradition that Cardinal Bertone cited, "were evangelized by the Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus." And, he said, in this capital "of a Muslim country […] the archeological remains are conserved with respect, signs of the remains of the first Christian evangelization."
Regarding Armenia , the cardinal said he would cherish, among other things, "the unforgettable memory of the devotion and the religiosity of the Armenian people […] a recollection that becomes also a prayer, that becomes a communion of intentions, collaboration in the ecumenical field and the interreligious field."
And in Azerbaijan , the Vatican official affirmed, "I have concretely seen the esteem that the little Churches enjoy -- the Russian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. We're talking about some 390 or perhaps 400 Catholics. It is a model of coexistence, because, for example, the president, with the agreement of the Muslim sheik, offered the land for the reconstruction of the church of the Catholic community that had been destroyed under the Communist regime."
"It is a sign that gives proof of a respect for other religions, both on the part of the political authorities and on the Muslim religious authorities" in a country where "certainly the traits of a modern, lay society can be seen, but that nevertheless recognizes the public value of religions for the development and peaceful coexistence in a political community," he added. "It seems to me, then, that below this profile is an imitable model, I would say, an exportable one, naturally with peaceful means, because if not, we would go against the principle of liberty."
Azerbaijan is to be imitated as well, Cardinal Bertone affirmed, "because it's not about mere 'tolerance' in the negative sense," as "a forced attitude" but rather a "positive tolerance that helps the other religions to express themselves, even publicly."
DEVELOPMENTS IN AZERBAIJAN AND AROUND IT
President Ilham Aliyev appeals to Azerbaijani people on March 31 - Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide
29 Mar 2008 20:51
Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev-APA. President Ilham Aliyev appealed to Azerbaijani people on the occasion of March 31 - Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide, President's press service told APA.
The president noted that Armenian aggressors pursued genocide policy against our people within the two centuries, the genocide policy was accompanied by mass slaughters and military operations. The president said in 1988 Armenian nationalists incited by the USSR leadership and foreign supporters started open aggression to unite Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia by force, it was followed by large-scale military operations, he underlined that Khojaly massacre committed by Armenian military units in February 1992 was the most merciless act of genocide in the history and it would remain in the history of the mankind as a black spot.
According to the head of state, Armenian nationalists continue to pursue propaganda against our country and people, try to mislead the world community and make them forget the occupation of Azerbaijani territories.
"But the aggressive policy of Armenian state and lobby is fated to fiasco. The recent experience shows that the opportunities of Armenian aggressors and their supporters are not unlimited and are reducing. Azerbaijani state having broad economic potential, its political image, solidarity of the world Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijan's friends and strong Azerbaijani army oppose to this policy. We are effectively cooperating with great states having serious influence on the world policy, trying to destroy the stereotypes and wrong approaches and succeed in most cases. Despite double standards and pressures of pro-Armenian forces, international community seeing the facts is often obliged to confess the truth. The victims of the genocide are commemorated all over the world," he said.
The president said Azerbaijan was as a state dynamically developing in the region and world and accepted as a country of cooperation and tolerance and noted that there was social and national-religious solidarity in the country.
"We only want the restoration of historical justice and truth. We want to be sure that such tragedies will not happen any more. Economic and political regress is getting deeper, social problems and demographic situation are deteriorating in the aggressive Armenia. The political crisis and anti-democratic processes in the country are the results of short-sighted, aggressive policy of the country's leadership and distrustfulness of Armenian people in the government. The sooner Armenian authorities refuse aggressive and conflicting policy and establish relations with its neighbors basing on cooperation and mutual respect, the better it would be for them," he said.
I assure you that with the hospitality, unity and solidarity of our people, and political will of Azerbaijani leadership we will achieve all our goals, as well as restoration of our territorial integrity and sovereignty and expose those who committed genocide and stirred up discord and enmity among peoples.
I commemorate the victims of the genocide once more, wish patience to their relatives and happiness and prosperity to our people.
Azerbaijani President signs executive order on awarding National Security Ministry officers
29 March 2008 20:25
Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev-APA. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has signed an executive order on conferring high military titles on the officers of National Security Ministry, President's press service told APA. Under the order, National Security Minister of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Alasgarov Vali Mamish, chief of National Security Ministry's Intelligence Department Bagirov Namig Sahib and chief of National Security Ministry's Department to Combat Transnational Crimes Tagiyev Ramiz Sadig have been promoted to Major-General.
President Ilham Aliyev has also signed an executive order on conferring medal "For Motherland" on 12 officers, medal For bravery" on 7 officers and medal "For military service" on 11 officers of National Security Ministry.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev receives President of International Canoe Federation
29 Mar 2008 16:19
Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev - APA. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has today received President of International Canoe Federation Ulrich Feldhoff, the President's Press Service told APA that they had spoken about the state care for sport in Azerbaijan and noted that all kinds of sport, as well as canoe was developing in the country. They also underlined the importance of reconstructing the canoe training base in Mingachevir in line with the world standards and expressed their confidence that it would make it available to hold international tournaments there.
Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko to visit Baku in April
29 Mar 2008 11:42
Baku. Lachin Sultanova -APA. Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko will pay an official visit to Azerbaijan in April, Stepan Volkovetski, Ukrainian ambassador
to Azerbaijan told APA. (http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=46063 )
Bishkek to host next meeting of CIS heads of states, September 26
29 Mar 2008 13:32
Baku. Lachin Sultanova - APA. The next meeting of CIS heads of states will be held in Bishkek on September 26 this year, APA reports.
The preparation for the summit was discussed at the meeting of CIS Foreign Ministers' Council in Moscow. The ministers discussed over 20 issues, most of them were related to social-humanitarian sphere.
Draft document on celebrating the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War was confirmed at the meeting. The document envisages holding events reflecting the role of CIS peoples in this victory and improving social provision of veterans as from 2009.
Speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament Ogtay Asadov to attend plenary session of CIS PA
29 Mar 2008 13:15
Baku. Tamara Grigoryeva - APA. Plenary session of CIS Parliamentary Assembly will be held in St. Petersburg on April 3-4. APA reports that PACE President Llu?s Maria de Puig will also attend the plenary session. He is also expected to address the plenary session. Heads of Parliaments of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Tajikistan will also partake at the session. PACE President is planned to have one-on-one meetings with the speakers of these countries. CIS Parliamentary Assembly and PACE plan to hold a joint conference on globalization of migration processes. Human Rights and issues of social policy will also be discussed at the conference.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to leave for NATO Bucharest Summit on April 2
29 Mar 2008 13:12
Baku. Lachin Sultanova- APA. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will visit Romania on April 2. Press-Service of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told APA, he would attend the NATO Bucharest Summit. Energy security in the Euro-Atlantic space is among the main issues put on the summit's agenda, which also included the NATO enlargement, NATO peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo, situation in the Eastern Balkans and etc.
Elmar Mammadyarov is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings within the visit until April 4.
Chairman of Caucasian Muslims Office to visit Strasbourg
29 Mar 2008 19:38
Baku. Fuad Gulubayli, Elbrus Seyfullayev - APA. Chairman of Caucasian Muslims Office, Sheikhulislam Haji Allahshukur Pashazade will visit Strasbourg on April 8. APA's Europe bureau reports that within his one-day visit Allahshukur Pashazade will attend the international conference "Dialogue among religions and cultures" in Strasbourg.
The situation in the religious sphere among the European countries will be discussed at the conference. Along with Allahshukur Pashazade, religious leaders of a number of states will attend the conference.
UN Human Rights Council adopted resolution on missing people during conflicts
29 Mar 2008 13:29
Baku. Tamara Grigorieva -APA. UN Human Rights Council adopted in its 7th session in Geneva the Azerbaijan-initiated resolution on missing people during the conflicts.
Azerbaijan's Permanent Mission to UN Geneva Office told APA, the document has been adopted unanimously. The resolution urged the sides of conflicts to provide comprehensive cooperation with the International Red Cross Committee (IRCC) for identifying of missing people's fates. Addressing the session, Azerbaijani Permanent Representative in the UN Geneva Office Elchin Amirbeyov called on the international community to put more emphasis on this problem.
The draft resolution will be taken to open discussions in September and High Commissioner will prepare a brief report on the results of these discussions.
Defense Ministry's spokesman: No one can threaten Azerbaijan with rhetoric to break off negotiations on Nagorno Karabakh conflict
29 Mar 2008 19:31
Baku. Mahbuba Gasimbayli-APA. "No one can threaten Azerbaijan with the statements to break off the negotiations on the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict," taking a stance on Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan's statement that the probability of breaking off the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia increases, spokesman for Defense Ministry Eldar Sabiroghlu told APA. (http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=46122 )
Armenians broke ceasefire in several directions
29 Mar 2008 12:09
Nagorno Karabakh. Mahbube Gasimbeyli -APA. Divisions of Armenian armed forces have brought fire from their positions in the Noyemberyan region, Armenia on the positions of Azerbaijani Army in Mazamli and Ashagi Eskipara villages of the Gazakh Region, as well as from the Azatamut and Vazashen villages of the Idjevan Region, Armenia on Jafarli village and unnamed heights of the Gazakh Region, Azerbaijan and from Mosesgekh village of Berd Region, Armenia on Alibayli village of the Tovuz Region of Azerbaijan and from the Parakavar village of Berd on the opposite positions of Azerbaijani Army in the territory of Azerbaijan on March 28-29. They used automatic weapons and machine-guns.
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told APA, enemy was retaliated in all cases. No casualties reported.
Armenian-captured Azerbaijani soldier wants to return to Azerbaijan
29 Mar 2008 14:55
Baku. Mahbube Gasimbeyli, Hafiz Heydarov -APA. Representatives of the International Red Cross Committee (IRCC) last visited Armenian-captured Azerbaijani soldier Yagub Allhaverdi oglu Mukhtarov on March 18, Press-Service of IRCC Office in Azerbaijan told APA.
The captive's mother Ulduz Mukhtarova told APA Shaki-Zagatala Bureau, IRCC Azerbaijan Office informed them that Yagub Mukhtarov had already received a letter from the parents. IRCC told captive's parents that his son wanted to return to Azerbaijan.
Yagub Mukhtarov, 20, was taken prisoner on March 8 in the direction of Tovuz Region. So far his family has received only one letter from him.
Polish citizens advised to avoid Nagorno Karabakh
29 Mar 2008 12:04
Baku. Tamara Grigoryeva-APA. Polish Foreign Ministry has called its citizens to avoid visiting Armenia, APA reports quoting Polish Foreign Ministry.
Official Warsaw called its citizens to avoid visiting Armenia, because of tense situation in Armenia on March 6. Moreover, Polish Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid visiting Nagorno Karabakh. The Ministry stated that this recommendation was a character of information and could not be a base for any criticism.
International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities' Executive Committee to hold meeting in the capital of Azerbaijan
29 Mar 2008 17:41
Baku. Mahbuba Gasimbayli-APA. International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities' Executive Committee will hold meeting in the capital of Azerbaijan, Justice Ministry's press service told APA. Government officials of 15 countries, as well as heads of Prosecuting and Anticorruption bodies will visit Azerbaijan. (http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=46110 )
Working Group on Human Rights to hold next meeting in Azerbaijan early in April
29 Mar 2008 16:33
Baku. Mahbuba Gasimbayli-APA. Working Group on Human Rights represented by Human Rights defenders and government representatives will hold next meeting early in April, Chingiz Ganizadeh, Chairman of Democracy and Human Rights Committee, member of Working Group told APA. To him, last pardon decree will be discussed at the meeting. Human Rights defender noted that they would state their position on the release of journalists, ill prisoners as usual.
Azerbaijan extends deadline for average monthly salary to IDPs who lost their jobs due to reasons not depending on them
29 March 2008 16:34
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA-Economics. The Cabinet of Azerbaijan has passed a decision to extend the deadline for provision of average monthly salary to internally displaced persons who worked for the state budget-funded enterprises and organizations and lost their jobs because of the reasons not depending on them.
Under the decision, the ministries of education, health, culture and tourism and other relevant bodies have to intensify activities to hire and employ internally displaced persons and report to the Cabinet quarterly.
The ministry of labor and social protection was instructed to take measures for employment of IDPs who applied to the placement agencies. According to the move, the deadline was extended until January 1, 2009
Azerbaijani and Georgian transport officers to meet for Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Project on March 31
29 March 2008 13:33
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA-Economics. Azerbaijani and Georgian transport officers will come together in Tbilisi on March 31 to have discussion on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway Project.
Azerbaijan's Ministry of Transport said the draft of Akhalkalak Station (Georgia) will be focused on at the meeting.
Georgia-suggested draft reportedly overstated the costs for the project. In order to cut the costs, Azerbaijan suggested deferring some works to the second phase and remove some works that are not vital from the draft. The draft was prepared by Turkey's Yüksel Domonic Engineering Ltd.
The three countries agreed in February 2007 to build a rail line linking the Azerbaijani capital Baku, the Georgian capital Tbilisi and the Turkish city of Kars. Construction work commenced on November 21, 2007.
As per the agreement, Azerbaijan undertook to extend a $200mln loan to Georgia's Marabda-Kartsakhi Railroad LLC for 25 years at 1% interest rate annually. The loan will be spent on construction of a 29km long railroad in Georgia, a ST-2 wheel base in Turkish-Georgian border and rehabilitation of old railway.
The project costs more than $600 million. Azerbaijan's Azerinshaatservis is the contractor for Marabda-Karsakhi part (Georgia) of the railroad. Construction of railroads is slated for operation in late 2011.
Azerbaijan to buy Russian-made metro railcars worth $31 million
29 March 2008 13:56
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA-Economics. Under an agreement between Baku Metro and Russian Metrovagonmash, 10 metro rail cars will be delivered to Azerbaijan in late April or early May.
Taghi Ahmadov, Chief of Baku Metro, said upfront payment of AZN 1.5 million has been made to Metrowagonmash.
According to the $31 million agreement, Azerbaijan will purchase 36 railcars in total.
10 more railcars will be delivered in November and 16 in December.
Azerbaijan-based banks rank in terms of net profit growth rate
29 March 2008 16:51
Baku. Elnur Huseynguluyev - APA-Economics. APA-Economics provides ranking of Azerbaijan-based bank organizations for their various figures and financial performance in 2007. (http://economics.apa.az/en/news.php?id=33228 )
World Bank to extend a $476 million loan to Azerbaijan
29 March 2008 16:21
Baku. Nijat Mustafayev - APA-Economics. The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved loans for financing three projects in Azerbaijan.
The World Bank's Office in Baku said US$450 million has been approved for the Rail Trade and Transport Facilitation Project that aims to improve railway services in Azerbaijan, as well as the competitiveness, financial sustainability, operating and cost efficiency, and capacity of Azerbaijan Railway- ADDY- in particular along the transport corridor toward Georgia (east-west corridor).
US$15 million will come in Additional Financing for the ongoing Rural Investment Project (AzRIP) that aims at improving living standards and increasing the use of infrastructure services for households in rural communities.
US$11 million has been approved for the Corporate and Public Sector Accountability Project that aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in financial reporting for the public and corporate sectors in line with international best practices.
Azerbaijan joined the World Bank in 1992. With the three projects, commitments to the country will rise to $1.548 billion from US$1.072 billion.
Baku to host the 2nd International Environmental Project Olympiad
29 March 2008 19:33
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA-Economics. The 2nd International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO-EUROASIA) will be held in Baku from April 1 to 6, said the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).
The event is supported by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural resources, the Ministry of Education, SOCAR, and Cag Oyretim.
School teams from 31 countries, including Albany, Argentina, the US, Costa-Rica, Indonesia, Iraq, Macedonia, Mexico, Pakistan, Romania, Slovakia, Niger, and the CIS countries will join the competition.
The event brought together teams of 17 countries last year. 78 of the 200 projects submitted via www.inepo-euroasia.com have been approved for the final.
The winners will be awarded on April 5.
World Bank, SOCAR launch Small Grants Program
29 March 2008 18:04
Baku. Nijat Mustafayev - APA-Economics. The World Bank's Office in Baku and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) have launched application process for the Small Grants Program.
Civil society organizations can apply for a grant. The topic of the grant projects is "Participation of the Civil Society in Environmental Clean-up and Problem Solution". The application deadline is April 18. The grant winners will be announced by May 15.
Azerbaijan OKs the conceptual plan of Oil Museum
29 March 2008 19:17
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA-Economics. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has had discussion on the conceptual plan of the establishment of Oil Museum.
Rovnag Abdullayev, President of SOCAR, said the go-ahead has been given to the establishment of the Oil Museum that will characterize 160-year legendary oil industry of Azerbaijan.
Ilgar Aliyev, the company officer for museums, added that the establishment of the museum is slated to have three overlapping phases. The museum is planned to be built in the 65 hectares of land that was purified from oil contamination in Bibiheybat.
"At the first phase, a master plan of the museum will be drafted. And, a thematic plan will be prepared at the next phase. Then, through a competition, architectural design and implementation of the project will be achieved," he added.
After discussion, the conceptual plan was approved.
Azerbaijani volleyball team defeats Slovakia and Belgium
29 Mar 2008 12:22
Baku. Kanan Hasanov -APA-Sport . Azerbaijani volleyball team defeated Slovakia (3:1) in an international tournament in Brussels, Belgium, APA-Sport reports quoting Volleyball Federation' s Press Service.
Our team led by specialist Feliks Mammadov defeated Belgium (3:0) in the second round. Our team will compete with Italy, Croatia, Serbia and Czechia.
Azerbaijani National Judo Team announced squad for European Championship
29 Mar 2008 16:48
Baku. Kenan Hasanov -APA-Sport. Azerbaijani National Judo Team has announced its squad for the European Championship to take place on April 11-13 in Lisbon, Portugal. APA-Sport reports, five men and two women will represent Azerbaijan in the last qualifying tournament. Agayar Akhundzadeh, coach of the national team said that Ramil Gasimov (66 kg), Elnur Mammadli (73 kg), Mehman Azizov (81 kg), Elkhan Mammadov (90 kg), Movlud Miraliyev (100 kg), Kifayat Gasimova (57 kg) and Ramila Usubova (63 kg) would attend the tournament. Quadruple European Champion Elchin Ismailov has not been involved in the squad despite he planned to participate in 60 kg category.
So far only E. Mammadli among the Azerbaijani judoists has been qualified for Beijing Olympic Games.
Ennio Falsoni: "We are planning grandiose kickboxing tournament in Baku"
29 Mar 2008 14:20
Baku. Aqshin Aliyev -APA-Sport. Azerbaijan Kickboxing and Muay Thai Federation held a press-conference on the first Azerbaijan professional championship and fights for the European Champion and Intercontinental Belt. (http://sport.apa.az/en/news.php?id=28343 )
Tarkan to perform together with Crimean singer Zarema in Baku
29 Mar 2008 16:44
Baku. Ulkar Gasimova-APA. Turkish megastar Tarkan will give a concert in Green Theatre in Baku on May 9-10. Organizer of the concert, head of "SES organization" Nahid Emiloglu told APA.
The organizer said that tickets for two-day concert would cost AZN 50-350. To him, the posters and advertising have been prepared. Advertisements will be demonstrated in TV Channels in the fist ten days of April. Crimean singer Zarema will perform before Tarkan. Emiloglu stressed that Zarema was a new popular singer. He noted that Zarema's clip "Atak" was the most expensive clip in Crimea. Organizer added that Zarema would sing 6 songs within the framework of the two-day concert. Special dance group will accompany the singer. 050-510-96-26 is a contact telephone number for those, who want to buy tickets.
APA Information Agency provides information support to the concert.
Azerbaijan is switching to daylight saving time
29 March 2008 15:42
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA-Economics. Azerbaijan will switch to the summer time, by adjusting clocks one hour forward at 04.00 am on March 30, said Akif Ali, Press Secretary of the Cabinet.
Under a government decision dated 1997, Azerbaijan moves to daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March. Summer time will last until the last Sunday of October, when clocks are turned back one hour.
Lawyers of Azerbaijani deputy's son appealed Russian Prosecutor General and Federal Security Service
29 Mar 2008 14:48
Baku. Ramil Mammadli -APA. Lawyers have appealed the Russian Prosecutor General and Chief of the Federal Security Service on the case of Etimad Ismailov, son of the Chairman of Azerbaijan Justice Party and Parliament Member Ilyas Ismailov.
(http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=46089)
Human Rights Watch: "Armenian government should allow peaceful demonstrations"
29 Mar 2008 16:20
Baku. Tamara Grigoryeva-APA. Human Rights Watch made a statement in connection with the situation in Armenia, APA reports quoting the organization's website. The organization calls on the Armenian government to allow peaceful demonstrations, not ban them. Human Rights Watch also calls on the Armenian government to lift new restrictions on freedom of assembly and cease detaining opposition supporters participating in peaceful protests. The statement condemns the detention of 80 people during "public walks" in Yerevan. Human Rights Watch considers that orders and laws restricting freedom of assembly contradict the international commitments undertaken by Armenia.
Armenians attack office of Benelux Azerbaijanis Congress
28 Mar 2008 16:53
Baku. Elnur Mammadli - APA. Attack was made on the office of Benelux Azerbaijanis Congress in Rotterdam on the night of March 26-27. Chairman of the congress Sahil Gasimov told APA that the attack was made at midnight, the office was destroyed.
The attackers broke the window of the office with the flag of Azerbaijan on it. Gasimov said the police came to the site and started investigating the case. The congress chairman said basing on the witnesses' testimonies one could think that Armenians had attacked the office.
"It is not accidental that the attack was made on the eve of the meeting of Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora organizations in Berlin and March 31 - Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide," he said. Sahil Gasimov noted that Rotterdam police was controlling the office
Diaspora organizations of Turkish-speaking peoples in US to support one and the same candidate in the country's presidential elections
[ 28 Mar 2008 13:18 ]
Berlin-APA. Diaspora organizations of Turkish-speaking countries in the US will make a joint decision in connection with the candidate they will support in the presidential elections in this country, says the final declaration of the meeting of the Coordination Council of World Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora Organizations in Berlin, APA reports quoting the State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad.
According to the declaration, extension of the activity of Armenian Diaspora and lobby in connection with the presidential elections in the US and attempts to influence separate candidates to recognize Armenian genocide claims caused this. Taking all this into account, a Working Group will be composed of the members of Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora organizations in the US. The Working Group will prepare a document determining tactics and strategy of joint activity of Turkish-speaking peoples' Diaspora organizations in connection with the elections in April, the document will be presented to all communities. A joint decision will be made basing on the document. The decision will determine the candidate, whom the Diasporas of Turkish-speaking peoples in the US will support. The presidential candidate will be informed of this decision and measures will be taken for the active participation of the communities in the election campaign of the candidate.
Meeting of Coordination Council of World Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora Organizations ends in Berlin
[ 28 Mar 2008 12:55 ]
Berlin-APA. The meeting of the Coordination Council of World Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora Organizations ended in Berlin. Press service of the State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad told APA that the chairman of the committee Nazim Ibrahimov made a speech on "The role of Diasporas in the development of the relations among Turkish-speaking states". (http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=46053 )
Moscow hosts meeting of CIS Foreign Ministers' Council
[ 28 Mar 2008 12:55 ]
Moscow - APA. The next meeting of CIS Foreign Ministers' Council has today started in Moscow. APA reports that the meeting will be held in the conference hall of President-hotel. Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Karabayev will chair the meeting.
15 issues have been included into the agenda of the meeting. Here include preparation for the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, increasing efficiency of work of the TV and radio company Mir, plan of multilevel foreign-political consultations within the framework of CIS, confirmation of the Action Plan for 2008 and other issues. The issue on the appointment of new commander of the forces carrying out peacekeeping mission in Abkhazia will also be considered at the meeting.
Major-General Sergei Chernomirdin has been nominated for this post.
Foreign ministers will also approve the agenda of the meeting of CIS Council of Heads of Governments.
The place and date of the next meeting of CIS Foreign Ministers' Council will be determined at the end of the meeting.
Matthew Bryza: No body in Azerbaijan has agreed on the vote about Nagorno-Karabakh future status
[ 27 Mar 2008 14:34 ]
For the first time OSCE Minsk Group US co-chair announced the main items of basic document on the solution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict which have not been accepted by Azerbaijan.
OSCE Minsk Group US co-chair Matthew Bryza's interview with
APA (http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=46041 )
South Korean Prime Minister to visit Azerbaijan
[ 27 Mar 2008 12:57 ]
Baku. Zaur Nurmammadov -APA. The Prime Minister of South Korea Han Seung Soo will visit Azerbaijan in May. According to APA, Azerbaijan and South Korea are expected to extend energy cooperation.
Korean government officials and businessmen will begin their visit to the South Caucasus and Central Asia on March 29. They will visit Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan and discuss the prospects of cooperation in the sphere of energy.
Khalaf Khalafov receives Deputy Foreign Minister of Mexico visiting Azerbaijan
[ 28 Mar 2008 14:52 ]
Baku. Tamara Grigoryeva - APA. Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov received Deputy Foreign Minister of Mexico Maria de Lourdes Aranda Bezaury, the ministry's press service told APA.
The Deputy Minister Khakaf Khalafov said the visit of the Mexican official would contribute to the development of the relations between Azerbaijan and Mexico and noted the importance of using current opportunities to extend the cooperation. Speaking about Azerbaijan's leading role in the region, regional energy and transport projects initiated by our country, their role in increasing the importance of the South Caucasus in the world, reforms carried out in political, economic and defence spheres Khalaf Khalafov said Azerbaijan pursued multiple policy and extended the relations with American states within the framework of this policy. Ms. Bezaury said her country was interested in this cooperation and highly appreciated opening of Azerbaijani embassy in Mexico. Taking into account that both states were energy producers, Maria de Lourdes Aranda Bezaury said there was interest in exchanging experience in this sphere, especially in studying the experience of proper exploitation of energy resources and use of oil incomes.
Following this, the sides discussed establishment of the relations between the parliaments, development of agrobusiness, small and medium-sized entrepreneurship, education, health and social development, exchange in scientific-technical and cultural spheres and prospects of cooperation
