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Newsletter from Mediadialogue.org, date: 27-10-2004 to 03-11-2004

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  • Newsletter from Mediadialogue.org, date: 27-10-2004 to 03-11-2004

    [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.
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