Month: November 2009

ALEXEY VLASOV: UNSETTLED KARABAKH CONFLICT SHOWS THE USELESSNESS OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

news.az
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

Alexey Vlasov Interview News.Az with Alexey Vlasov, director of the
Russian Center on Post-Soviet Area Studies.

Baku and Yerevan are accusing each other of the unwillingness to make
compromises. Is the situation in the conflict area dangerous as the
negotiation process is delayed?

The situation is really very complex and it is difficult to make any
unambiguous predictions over prospects of its further development. If
the settlement process is lingered, it will inevitably lead to the
further growth of the threats of conflicts in the region. But even
if the issue of the return of five regions of Azerbaijan is settled
soon, this step will create a visibility of deep advancement in the
resolution of the conflict only for a short period.

UN seems a more amorphous and passive structure

Alexey Vlasov Azerbaijan tries to keep the Karabakh problem the
center of UN’s constant attention, thus causing Yerevan’s concerns
about Baku’s attempts to withdraw the negotiation process from the
OSCE format. How can the United Nations contribute to the resolution
of this conflict?

I think it is time for political negotiations to be enriched with a
wider format of public dialogue between Yerevan and Baku. A systematic
involvement of not only EU and OSCE but also the United States is
more possible in this context. As for the practical influence on the
situation, OSCE has more instruments than the United Nations. Another
question is that these instruments should be used correctly and the
systematic differences between the main participants of international
organizations should be removed.

What is the problem of non-execution of the four well-known resolutions
of the UN Security Council on Karabakh, to your mind?

In this sense, the UN seems a more amorphous and passive structure.

However, this is an ideal area for political declarations that
is maximally used by Azerbaijan’s leadership. But as Kazakhstan
will chair the OSCE next year, I suppose Astana in the face of its
President Nursultan Nazasbayev will have to use the potential of the
organization more effectively, which is proven by his recent statement
over Nagorno Karabakh.

Baku is criticizing the position of the mediating countries in the
Karabakh settlement "agree and we will support the solution". Does such
conflicts settlement have prospects without elements of forcing the
parties to execute the established norms, principles and resolutions
of international organizations?

In fact, Azerbaijan’s claims are absolutely clear as it is tired of
numerous resolutions, negotiations and discussions that prove to be
ineffective. But we should take into account that the mediators also
have no single views. And, probably, the formula that you listed above
is a result of the clear understanding of impossibility to attain the
desired end on basis of consensus. It is unclear how to act further.

Therefore, they first followed the logics of a frozen conflict and
after the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, the mediators seemed to
transfer the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement to the sphere of
lobby agreements. But then you can ask – what is the importance of
the international organizations that must engage in the resolution
of such conflicts? Here, we make a conclusion that the architecture
of international security and institutions, that ensure it, fail to
catch up with the changing state of affairs and the situation around
Nagorno Karabakh is just worsening it.

BRITAIN’S FM IN TURKEY CALLS FOR QUICK SETTLEMENT TO CYPRUS ISSUE

Nov 6 2009
Turkey

Miliband, who is in the Turkish capital for talks, said Thursday
Turkey was a global actor.

British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David
Miliband, who is in the Turkish capital for talks, said Thursday
Turkey was a global actor.

At a news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu,
Miliband said Turkey and Britain had efforts to resolve "problems"
in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Asked about British government’s stance over the Armenian incidents
of 1915, Miliband said his government’s stance remained the same,
adding that Britain strongly supported Turkish policies.

He also said Turkey’s EU perspective was full membership. He said
Turkey’s membership would be a significant symbol as EU was "a union
of values".

Moreover, Miliband called for a quick settlement to Cyprus problem
and stated that progress in Cyprus peace talks was also very important
for relations between EU and NATO.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN NEW YORK HOSTS CONFERENCE ON 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF AZERBAIJAN’S DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

APA
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Lachin Sultanova – APA. Columbia University in New York
hosted a conference entitled "Azerbaijan in 21st century: prospects
and challenges" on Thursday, organized by the permanent mission of
Azerbaijan to UN and Harriman Institute. Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov, permanent representative of
Azerbaijan to UN, Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to
the United States Yashar Aliyev, Professor of International Diplomacy,
Ambassador Stephen Sestanovich, Professor Timothy Frye and others
attended the conference, the permanent mission of Azerbaijan to UN
told APA.

Azimov delivered report about the Azerbaijan’s security policy in
changing environment. Mehdiyev’s report was about the ways led to
independent, united, prosperous and democratic Azerbaijan. Ambassador
Aliyev delivered report about the Azerbaijani-U.S. relations.

Then reporters answered the questions of the participants and made
additional comments.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan submitted the collection
of UN documents about the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh
conflict, as well as books containing details about the conflict to
the participants of the conference.

TURKEY-ARMENIA RAPPROCHEMENT GIVES IMPETUS TO RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: U.S. EMBASSY OFFICIAL

Today
57250.html
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

U.S. embassy Public Relations Office Chief tarry Davidson visited
Azerbaijan’s Ganja city on Nov. 5.

Davidson met with Ganja Mayor Eldar Azizov.

Davidson told reporters that they discussed a number of important
issues at the meeting.

"This is my first visit to Ganja. We discussed mostly education issues
with head of Ganja executive power. I was proud that one of the Ganja
residents studies in the United States, in the state where I was born.

We decided to invite certain people from the United States to Ganja
and to create opportunity for Ganja students to get education in
the U.S.. Such relations are promote understanding between the two
peoples," Davidson said.

"U.S. understands that this issue is very important for Azerbaijani
people. Washington makes efforts for peaceful and fair solution to
this conflict and supports peaceful solution within the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton place great importance on this issue," Davidson said.

Davidson said Turkish-Armenian rapprochement gives technical impetus
to the solution of Nagorno Karabakh problem.

"Washington keeps on making efforts towards the solution to the
conflict," he added.

AZERBAIJAN REPORTS TO U.S. ABOUT LEGAL ASPECTS OF ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI CONFLICT

APA
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

Washington – APA. U.S. law experts learned the reports about the
legal aspects of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Within the framework of 11th Azerbaijan-U.S. security dialogue in
Washington, Azerbaijan submitted a report describing legal aspects
of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh conflict to the United
States, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov
said at a briefing at the U.S. National Press Center, APA reports
quoting Azertac news agency.

Azerbaijan-U.S. security dialogue launched in 1996 is contributing as
a framework mechanism in the determination of directions of defense
and security cooperation between the sides. Azerbaijani deputy
foreign minister Araz Azimov and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for
political and military affairs Andrew Shapiro co-chaired the next
round of the dialogue in Washington, where they discussed prevention
of proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction, drug trafficking
in the region, war on terror, strengthening of security in the Caspian
basin, U.S. interests in the region and other issues, as well as ways
of extension of the bilateral cooperation opportunities in this sphere.

The deputy minister said law experts in Washington learned the report
prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the legal aspects
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. They unanimously supported the
settlement of the conflict on the basis of the principle of territorial
integrity. Azimov noted that the principle of self-determination,
Armenian argument in the negotiations, can not be contradictory
to the principle of territorial integrity. Azerbaijan is ready,
as a concession, to review the status of 50 000 Armenian community
living in the Nagorno Karabakh region within its state borders,
but this process can not be realized without participation of 70 000
Azerbaijani community displaced from the region.

The deputy foreign minister said he was hopeful that the United
States, as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, would make more efforts
for the solution to the conflict. "We are living at the time which
requires results for the stability and security of the region".

Azimov recommended to those, who don’t link the opening of the
Turkish-Armenian borders with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, to
carefully approach the processes in the region.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HOSTS CONFERENCE ON AZERBAIJAN

Trend
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

On Nov.5, the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN and Harriman
Institute held a conference on "Azerbaijan in the 21st century:
prospects and challenges" dedicated to the 90th anniversary of
Azerbaijan’s diplomacy at the Columbia University in New York, the
Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN reported.

The conference was attended by Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister
Araz Azimov, Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to the UN,
Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to U.S Yashar
Aliyev, Ambassador Stephen Sestanovich and Professor Timothy Frye.

Azimov made a report on "Azerbaijan’s security policy in a changing
environment", Mehdiyev – on "The path leading to the independence,
integrity, prosperous and democratic Azerbaijan" and Aliyev – on
"Azerbaijan-US relations".

Then, the Azerbaijani deputy foreign minister, permanent representative
to the UN and the country’s ambassador to the U.S responded to
questions of participants.

"At the end of the event, all the participants were distributed
collection of documents concerning the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict developed by the Foreign Ministry, as well
as presented a book with information about the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the same source added.

ROBERT P. FINN: IT’S HARD TO SAY THERE WILL BE A SOLUTION SOON BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA

news.az
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

Robert P. Finn Finn is the Ertegun visiting professor in the Near
East Studies Department of Princeton University.

He was the U.S. ambassador to Tajikistan in 1998-2001. His other
diplomatic postings include Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir in Turkey,
Lahore in Pakistan and Zagreb in Croatia.

Finn opened the U.S. embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 1992. He has
received numerous awards from the U.S. government, including one
for heroism.

Do you think real soon progress in Karabakh settlement?

The Karabakh problem has been going for so long, it’s hard to say
there will be a solution soon.

Do you think that war in Georgia had influence on Azerbaijan and
Karabakh settlement and (if yes) what kind of influence it is?

Obvious, the relations between Georgia and Russia will have some
effect on how people look at this, as well as the relations between
Turkey and Armenia.

Does misunderstanding between US and Russia in security sphere makes
problems in Karabakh settlement?

The bilateral relations between Russia and the U.S. may have some
effect on Karabakh, but will not determine the settlement. That has
to be done among the people of the region. And, as you know all of
these things are in a state of change right now.

Could the radiolocation station in Azeri Gabala be useful for US-
Russia cooperation?

The Gabala station became part of the dialogue about protection, but I
honestly don’t know if it’s technically up to the level that’s needed.

And again, the larger question of U.S.-Russian relations is the issue,
rather than Gabala itself.

Do you share thoughts that there is big threat coming from Iran to
whole world including its neighbors, especially Azerbaijan?

I think that Iran needs to find itself and its place in the world,
and the world community needs to help it do so. In this context,
acting honestly and making positive commitments in different areas
could help Iran to create a better image for itself, so that other
nations perceive it as a partner and not as a threat.

TURKISH GOODS INFLUX IN ARMENIA

news.am
Nov 6 2009
Armenia

An influx of Turkish goods is expected in Armenia once the
Armenia-Turkey Protocols are ratified and the border is opened.

"The Chairman of RA Parliament’s Committee for National Revenues,
Armen Alaverdyan, said during a legislative session Nov. 5 that
customs checkpoints are preparing to handle goods exported from
Turkey," Eurasianet e-source informs.

As NEWS.am informed early, according to Armenia-Turkey Business
Development Council, the trade turnover between Turkey and Armenia
presently totals to $100m. It is expected that it will grow to $500m
once the border opens. Currently Armenia maintains transit routes
with Georgia and Iran.

TERRY DAVIDSON: THE NORMALIZATION OF TURKEY-ARMENIA RELATIONS WILL ALSO HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON THE SOLUTION TO NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT

news.az
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

Terry Davidson Public Relations Officer of the U.S. Embassy in
Azerbaijan Terry Davidson, who is visiting Ganja, met with head of
the executive power Eldar Azizov and rector of Agriculture Academy
Mirdamed Sadigov.

The diplomat visited American corner in Ganja Central Library and
Community Information Center. Terry Davidson held a press conference
in the center. He said the White House and the Department of State
attaches great importance to the partnership with Azerbaijan.

"The US and Azerbaijan are cooperating in three main spheres. One
of them is security cooperation. As you know we are living in a very
dangerous world. We are trying to make the world less dangerous with
cooperation. The second sphere is the cooperation with Azerbaijan in
the field of oil and gas. We want Azerbaijan to be a stronger, more
independent and sovereign state in the sphere of energy supply and
do our best for this. Moreover, we support Azerbaijan in the field
of democratization," he said.

The diplomat said they understand the difficulties, which Azerbaijan
has been facing for 20 years.

"The US is also cooperating with the Armenian President and trying to
find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno Karabakh problem. As you know,
the protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia caused some concern.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton supported the normalization
of the relations between these two countries. We consider that the
normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations will not have a negative
influence on the region, on the contrary, the normalization of these
relations will have an influence on the solution to the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict," he said.

SHOCK AND JUBILATION AT FINAL 21
By Lara de Matos

Tonight
icleId=5233461&fSectionId=434&fSetId=251
N ov 6 2009
South Africa

‘Any age, any act." It’s the maxim that has underpinned the local
talent series from the start, and one which the show has undoubtedly
stuck to throughout.

>From transvestite Tina Turners, seven-year-old Brenda Fassie
impersonators and white-boy Rastas who rock the didgeridoo, to
dog trainers, jugglers and comedy acts, the first SA’s Got Talent
has truly provided a platform for some of our country’s best (and
downright bizarre) acts.

After six week of auditions, during which the three judges cast
their scrutinising gaze over thousands of South African hopefuls,
the numbers have now been whittled down to the Top 21.

And, much as we at Tonight were, you may just be surprised – or even
shocked – at some of the selections.

The remaining contenders will have an opportunity to revisit their
respective talents when the show shifts into "live gear" next week,
as they strive to prove to the public and the adjudicators why they’re
deserving of the title.

Ultimately, however, only one act will walk away with the R250 000
and our money (pardon the poor pun) is on this sizzling sextet:

TONIGHT’s TOP SIX SIZZLERS

Kalon Badenhorst

There are accomplished contemporary dancers in this world, just as
there are gifted hip hoppers. But seldom does one see a meshing of
the two forms.

Especially when executed so superbly. With his elastic-like limbs
and emotive movements, it’s astounding to consider Kalon, 12, only
started his official training two years ago.

Louis & Willem van der Merwe

As with many acts throughout the show Louis, 27, and older bro’
Willem’s, 33, appearance belied their latent talents: that such
poignant operatic sounds could emerge from the mouths of these
seemingly run-of-the-mill Mother City siblings left even the judges
with jaws hanging in wonder.

And yes, that their main motivation for entering was to help Louis
regain his ex-girlfriend’s affections, makes you want them to win.

Hey, who among us isn’t a sucker for a good love story?

George Avakian

He may not have made quite the impression he’d hoped for in the Idols
auditions (he only placed among the Top 75), but this 19-year-old
Joburger of Armenian descent has not allowed that minor set-back to
deter him from his beat-boxing dreams.

And the boy certainly dreams big. George’s growing reputation as one of
the country’s foremost entertainers is on the up and up, following a
"career in its infancy" coup, which saw him open for Wyclef Jean in
December last year.

Cameron Lombard and Natasha Jacobs

Between Cameron’s comical facial expressions and Natasha’s
hips-that-don’t-lie, this dynamic ballroom dancing duo from Retreat
and Mitchells Plain are definitely ones to watch.

And to think, they’re only eight years old!

Cleo Filander

A darling of the judges from the moment she first stepped on stage and
stunned them with her angelic voice, many are already touting Cleo,
8, as the likely winner of the competition.

Interestingly enough, however, it’s her ballet achievements rather
than her singing skills that this youngster from Vereeniging is most
proud of.

Darren Rajbal

He may claim that his hearing disability has left him with few friends,
but as his mom reveals, the ladies still love this 19-year-old
Durban boy.

His first attempt at hip hop came on the back-end of a mime act, which
he subsequently choreographed into a dance routine in his early teens.

As Darren has already proven, while he may not be able to actually
hear the music, the lad surely knows how to move to it!

THE REMAINING TOP 21

Adino Trapani, 12, of Johannesburg, with Ventriloquism for Dummies;

Cadence, 17 to 20, all-female hip hop group hailing from Johannesburg;

Daniel Petersen, 40, and Daniel Petersen III, 7, Cape Town based
father-son keyboard and drum duo;

Faith Ndukwana, 40, Mother City singer;

Gregory Mabusela, 21, keke horn player, hailing from Soweto;

Ingrid Rosendahl, 48, and Yvonne Burger from Jozi, with Musical
Freestyle Dogs;

Julian Hepburn, 14, a Pretoria-based singer;

Jody Kleinhans, 28, physical comedian, from Cape Town;

Louis Cason, 22, a Bloemfontein juggler;

Louwtjie Rothman, 18, of Cape Town, with Guitar Medley;

Roses, 14 to 17, a Joburg-based hip hop crew;

Show Stopaz, 17 to 24, a Johannesburg dance troupe;

Siphiwe Boyce, 19, and Nkumbuzo Nkonyana, 20, Cape Town magicians
with Soccer Mania;

Tshwaraganang Youth Group, 11 to 24, traditional dancers from the
North West;

Umbumbano, 28 to 38, Margate-based choir group.

FINAL COUNTDOWN

The final four episodes will work as follows:

SA’s Got Talent will go live on SABC2 from Monday.

On Monday through to Wednesday, seven acts will perform each night.

There will then be a one-hour interval.

At 9.30pm, the programme returns for the results show, during which
two acts will be chosen – one by the judges and one by the viewers –
every evening, to perform in the finale on Thursday.

The ultimate (and inaugural) winner of SA’s Got Talent will then be
elected by public vote alone – the outcome of which will be announced
during the concluding Thursday night results broadcast.

Viewers can vote for their favourite candidate all of next week
(when prompted to do so by the presenters, that is) either via SMS,
or by calling the IVR line.

SMSes should be prefaced by the word "talent", followed by the number
of your preferred act each evening, and sent to 34768.

Alternatively, you can call the IVR line at 083 913 4768 and follow
the voice prompts.

SA’s Got Talent, Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm. Results show at 9.30pm.

WIN WIN WIN

PREDICT the Winner and stand a chance to win big!

Four lucky readers stand to win R5 000 each, simply by predicting
the victor of the inaugural SA’s Got Talent competition.

Simply *SMS the keyword SABC2 followed by the name of the person you
think is going to win to 33120.

Predict the Winner competition winners will be announced on Friday,
November 13, in The Star, Cape Argus, Pretoria News and Isolezwe
newspapers.

SMSes will be charged at R2 each. Competition closes on Thursday,
November 12, at 7.30pm

Terms and conditions apply.