Month: September 2013

AZERI PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TARGET WEST IN TV DEBATE

ITV, Baku, Azerbaijan
Sept 21 2013

At their third TV debate, which took place on 21 September, Azerbaijani
presidential candidates targeted foreign countries, Western media
and international organizations for their “negative” role in ongoing
political processes in Azerbaijan. Public TV aired the debate live.

USA, CNN, BBC

The candidate of the opposition alliance National Council of Democratic
Forces, Camil Hasanli, repeated his earlier remarks that President
Ilham Aliyev should explain his reported purchase of foreign properties
for his family.

Self-nominated candidate Zahid Oruc said that an anti-Azerbaijani
campaign was launched after US President Barack Obama’s visit to
Turkey in 2011. He added that certain steps were required at the time
for the ratification of Turkish-Armenian protocols on the opening of
borders between these two countries, which had been signed in Sweden.

“Mr Aliyev was invited to that event, [former US Secretary of State]
Mrs Clinton made four phone calls, the head of the country [Aliyev]
did not join the event thinking about the country’s national
interests. After they saw that the project failed to work, a war
involving compromising materials against Azerbaijan started,”
Oruc said.

He also said that media outlets, such as CNN and BBC, are the main
tools of fight in the modern world.

“What he [Hasanli] has said [at election debates] is not specifically
against the Azerbaijani president. His remarks are mostly part of
a plan to weaken the Azerbaijani state… At present, generally in
the world the fight to seize states and capture countries is not
conducted using tanks or artillery. The main weapon used in the fight
today is information. Today, the main tanks and artillery are CNN,
BBC and other major, giant information systems,” Oruc said.

The deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party,
Siyavus Novruzov, who represented President Aliyev, described Hasanli’s
accusations as unfounded. He accused the opposition of passing
“materials” to the OSCE, the US Department of State and forming
“wrong” opinions about Azerbaijan.

Mais Gulaliyev, proxy of presidential candidate Ilyas Ismayilov, said
that the US policy on the South Caucasus, especially on Azerbaijan,
stands behind “negative” things in the economy, finance, health and
education in his country.

“Super powers, particularly US special organizations, control
Azerbaijan’s economy, health and education today, even developments
on our TV channels, events related to our morality, and the state of
our non-governmental organizations and political parties,” he said.

Russia, Turkey, OSCE

Farac Quliyev, leader of the National Awakening Movement Party,
said that Azerbaijan should make some changes to its foreign policy.

“Armenia has occupied Azerbaijani lands and Russia stands behind this.

They cooperate within the Collective Security Treaty Organization
[of which Azerbaijan is not a member]. Every day, we hear this
organization’s threats when Azerbaijan expresses some opinion against
Armenia… Azerbaijan is an associate member of NATO and we do not
think that it needs to maintain simply symbolic ties with NATO, but
[should] make use of its opportunities,” Quliyev said.

He urged closer military ties with Turkic states and also called for
the establishment of a new military bloc “on the axis of Azerbaijan
and Turkey, including Moldova and Georgia”.

He added that Russia and France should be replaced with Turkey and
Georgia as two of the three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group which
mediates a peaceful solution to the Karabakh territorial dispute
between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“If this is not the case, no result will be achieved,” he said.

In turn, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party Araz Alizada said
that the Karabakh problem should be solved using a strong army,
not through using the OSCE Minsk Group.

“The OSCE Minsk Group should be rejected. We need to form a
professional army. This army should be an army of men over 25.

Azerbaijan should win this war [referring to Karabakh conflict],”
he added.

Alizada said that not only Azerbaijani oligarchs, but also Russian
oligarchs finance the National Council to “cause chaos in Azerbaijan
and to ensure that Azerbaijan fails to conduct an independent foreign
policy and solve its social problems”.

Presidential candidates Qudrat Hasanquliyev, Sardar Calaloglu and
Iqbal Agazada pledged to fight corruption and to develop the country’s
agrarian, health and education sectors.

[Translated from Azeri]

AZERBAIJANI FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER: ARMENIA IS A STRUCTURE RATHER THAN COUNTRY

Trend, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2013

Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 26 / Trend M. Aliyev /

Armenia is a structure rather than a country, the first deputy speaker
of the Azerbaijani Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary
Committee on Security and Defence Ziyafat Asgarov told the media today.

According to him, Armenia is an outpost in strange hands.

“Personally, I do not consider Armenia as a country and stress this
with full responsibility,” he added. “Armenia is just a structure,
an outpost in someone’s hands.”

“Armenia does not have an independent foreign policy,” he said. “There
is no normal person with whom one could negotiate in international
law and decisions taken by the UN Security Council.”

“Armenia’s economic situation is getting worse and worse every year,”
he said. “Around 100,000 people leave the country annually. The pension
policy is in a very poor condition. If Armenia as a particular country
would conduct a specific policy, then one could negotiate with it.”

“Armenia, having no common border with any country which is a member
of the Customs Union, joined this organisation,” he added.

“All this is just a game,” he concluded.

BROK: ARMENIA & AZERBAIJAN ARE HOSTAGES OF MOSCOW?S POLICY

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijan
September 24, 2013 Tuesday

Brussels /23.09.13/Turan : Moscow uses the Karabakh conflict as an
instrument of pressure on Armenia and Azerbaijan, and is not interested
in its settlement, according to Elmar Brok, head of the Committee
for External Relations of the European Parliament, at a meeting on
Saturday with a group of journalists from the “Eastern Partnership”.

“Moscow uses protracted conflicts to realize its interests in a
particular region. The priority for Russia is to implement its own
interests, rather than the conflict, as in Transnistria and Nagorno-
Karabakh,” he said. The best recent example of this is the case of
Armenia, when Yerevan was actually forced to join the Customs Union
with Russia.

“We respect the choice of the country, but if it is a free choice.

However, Armenia’s decision was dictated by the condition to Yerevan,
namely, in the case of the signing the Association Agreement with
the European Union, you will lose Karabakh,” said Brok.

He expressed regret regarding that specific Kremlin policy, which
historically holds a similar policy towards its neighbors and
partners. “Russia promised Angela Merkel to solve the Transnistrian
conflict, to remove the tension in the center of Europe, but did
not do anything,” Brok said, noting the same behavior from Moscow in
relation to the settlement in Karabakh.

When asked how he assesses the prospects of the Karabakh settlement
in a similar situation, Brok said that Armenia and Azerbaijan have
no choice but to make concessions to each other.

“To break this vicious circle both sides should make joint and
simultaneous steps towards each other. The situation in Azerbaijan
is better, it has some serious resources. However, if the conflict
resumes, both sides will be in the position of the losers. Therefore,
the parties need to seek rapprochement and reconciliation,” said
Elmar Brok. -02Â-

From: Baghdasarian

MIKHEIL SAAKASHVILI: “MOSCOW WANTS NEITHER AZERBAIJAN, NOR ARMENIA TO WIN THE NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT”

APA, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2013

[ 26 September 2013 14:52 ]

Baku – APA. “Russia is continuing the policy to annex Georgia’s
territories and weaken our country,” said President of Georgia Mikheil
Saakashvili addressing the session of the UN General Assembly, APA
reports quoting Armenia today.

He said that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych also complained
about Russia’s pressure.

Saakashvili stated that strengthening of former Soviet republics –
Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Armenia is unfavorable for
Russia: “Do you think that Putin wants Armenia to win the conflict
with Azerbaijan? No. This would turn Armenia into a powerful and
independent country. Or, do you think that Moscow wants Baku to prevail
over Yerevan? No, they don’t want anyone to win. The conflict is their
goal, because it impedes the people’s independence and integration
into the European Union.”

RUSSIA INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PERSONNEL OF MILITARY BASE IN ARMENIA

APA, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2013

[ 26 September 2013 15:32 ]

Baku – APA. Russia has decided to increase the number of personnel
of its military base in Armenia, said Armenian newspaper “Aykakan
Jamanak”, APA reports.

The newspaper says that a large number of Russian servicemen will
arrive in Armenia with their families soon. Their number will be
about 3000. The servicemen will serve in Russian 102nd military base
in Gyumri.

The Armenian Defense Ministry neither refuted, nor confirmed this
report.

Preparations are underway for the arrival of the Russians in Gyumri.

Dozens of Armenian families living in the 8th quarter mainly
inhabited by Russian troops that is known as “vosmoy Gorodok” are
being relocated.

Russian 102nd military base is operating within the CIS United Air
Defense System. According to the contract signed between Russia and
Armenia in 2010, dislocation term of the base has been extended by
2044. The base is supplied with S-300 anti-aircraft missile complexes
and MiG-29 fighter jets. The number of personnel of the base is about
5 000.

From: A. Papazian

CRISIS GROUP WARNS AGAINST ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE OVER KARABAKH CONFLICT

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2013

26 September 2013, 18:34 (GMT+05:00)

By Sara Rajabova

The international Crisis Group has recently prepared a report on the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“Confrontation, low-intensity but volatile, between Armenia and
Azerbaijan has entered a period of heightened sensitivity,” the
report said.

According to the report, the peace talks on Nagorno-Karabakh bogged
down in 2011, which lead to strident rhetoric.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict emerged in 1988 when Armenia made
territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since a lengthy war in the early
1990s that displaced over one million Azerbaijanis, Armenian armed
forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally
recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent
regions.

“An immediate concern is military miscalculation, because their
consequences will be quite dangerous, as the South Caucasus, a region
where big powers compete for influence, is now also a major energy
corridor. Vigorous international engagement is needed to lessen chances
of violent escalation during coming weeks and months,” the report said.

According to the authors, the strong and coordinated international
pressure needed to break the diplomatic deadlock is lacking.

“There is scepticism in both capitals, as well as among
third-countries, that the officially designated mediators from the
OSCE Minsk Group – led by Russia, the U.S. and France – can deliver
results,” the report said.

Recall that peace talks, through the OSCE Minsk Group, are underway
on the basis of a peace outline proposed by the Minsk Group co-chairs
and dubbed the Madrid Principles. The negotiations have been largely
fruitless so far.

The report authors criticized the arms supplies to the sides of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The report also included the recommendation for the reducing tension
and settlement of the conflict.

According to the authors, diplomacy by the Minsk Group co-chairs, the
European Union (EU) and others should be accompanied by international
engagement highlighting the risk of miscalculations and the huge
costs for both sides of resumed hostilities.

It also said intensified regular contacts as well as meetings between
ministers and parliamentarians can help in this regard.

Furthermore, the report said that as a modest confidence builder,
Armenia and Azerbaijan should step up efforts via the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address prisoner of war issues.

Finally, according to the authors, Russia, which is highly influential
in all aspects of the conflict, should act more decisively to broker
an agreement.

The document authors believe that Moscow should announce a suspension
of arms supplies to both sides. Other suppliers, including South
Korea and Israel, should be encouraged to do the same, the report said.

SAAKASHVILI IN UN: THE CURRENT RISE OF A MODERNIZED, DYNAMIC AZERBAIJAN IS A NIGHTMARE FOR THE RUSSIAN LEADERS

Azerbaijan Business Center
Sept 26 2013

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Mikheil Saakashvili, the President of Georgia,
who is leaving his post, had a speech at the General Assembly of
UN where he expressed consolidated estimation of Russian policy by
Russia’s neighbors and Georgian Government.

In his words, the threat of tyranny and confrontation exists
today because “old Empire” wants “to reclaim its bygone borders”,
or “margins”. Saakashvili said that he was speaking in the name of
one of such “margins” and accused Russian Federation that it has no
interest in having stable states around it and rejects the very idea
of strong governments there.

“Do you think that Vladimir Putin wants Armenia to decisively triumph
over Azerbaijan, for instance? No. This would make Armenia too strong
and potentially too independent. Do you think then that the contrary
is true, that Moscow wants Baku to prevail over Yerevan? Obviously
not. The current rise of a modernized, dynamic Azerbaijan is a
nightmare for the Russian leaders, as it can lead to integration into
the European common space”, – Saakashvili said.

He also accused Russia that it’s preparing to divide Ukraine into
parts after it signs Association Agreement with UN.

“The current Russian authorities know perfectly well that as soon
as strong institutions are built, they will reflect and enforce the
will of their people, which is to become fully independent and move
towards Europe”, – Saakashvili said.

Saakashvili said that Eurasian Union is just a concentration of
“efforts to roll back the advances of the EU and NATO in our region”.

It makes him sick “when KGB officer Vladimir Putin lectures the world
about freedom, values and democracy – this is the least of the things
he can do to the world”. The President of Georgia considers such
lectures to be a dictatorial approach.

The main target of Saakashvili’s speech was to tell why people should
not make a choice in favor of Eurasian Union.

“Unity should be our rule in Eastern Europe, including in the
Caucasus”, – Saakashvili said.

FRENCH ENVOY TERMS BLACKLISTED PERSONS’ VIOLATIONS OF AZERBAIJAN’S INTEGRITY AS UNINTENTIONAL

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2013

26 September 2013, 12:25 (GMT+05:00)
By Sara Rajabova

French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Pascal Monnier has commented on the
inclusion of French citizens into the ‘black list’ released by Baku
over illegal visits to the Armenian-occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

According to Monnier, it would be better if people who are on the
‘black list’ of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry came to Azerbaijan,
saw the people, realized the realities of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and understood that this is a very significant and sensitive issue
for the country’s population. In that case, those persons would have
not a one-sided, but a balanced opinion, the ambassador said.

“I know that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a very sensitive issue
for Azerbaijan,” Monnier said.

He said France recognizes Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity.

“Some politicians are invited to Armenia from where they are taken
to Nagorno-Karabakh,” Monnier said, noting that those actions were
taken unintentionally.

Unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions of Azerbaijan
occupied by Armenia are deemed illegal and individuals paying such
visits are “blacklisted” by the Foreign Ministry. Earlier, the ministry
released a list of 331 people declared persona non grata over illegal
visits to the Armenian-occupied territories.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly warned foreign officials and diplomats over
visits to its territories occupied by Armenia, saying this contradicts
international law. The Foreign Ministry has stated that such visits,
paid without prior notification of the relevant authorities of
Azerbaijan, are illegal and damaging to the settlement process on
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

A precarious cease-fire has been in place between Azerbaijan and
Armenia since a lengthy war in the early 1990s that displaced over
a million Azerbaijanis. Armenian armed forces have occupied over
20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian
withdrawal from the Azerbaijani territory, but they have not been
enforced to this day.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJANI FM: NAGORNO-KARABAKH MAY HAMPER COMPLETION OF SOUTHERN GAS CORRIDOR

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2013

26 September 2013, 13:00 (GMT+05:00)

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has said that
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict hinders the completion of the Southern Gas
Corridor (SGC).

“Regional conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is not a “frozen”
conflict. It might be a problem on the way of completion of the
construction,” Mammadyarov said during panel discussions of Caspian
Forum in New York.

“Armenian armed forces occupied Azerbaijani territories, committed
ethnic cleansing. But I have a positive view, how we should keep up
the sustainable development. The question is not only oil and gas,
in general, it is related to the development of the region. It is a
message to our Armenian neighbors “, Mammadyarov said.

He said Azerbaijan is ready to assist Armenia, if this country obeys
the norms of the international law.

Armenia occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally
recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent
regions, after laying territorial claims against its South Caucasus
neighbor that caused a brutal war in the early 1990s. Long-standing
efforts by US, Russian and French mediators have been largely fruitless
so far.

As a result of the military aggression of Armenia, over 20,000
Azerbaijanis were killed, 4,866 are reported missing and almost
100,000 were injured, and 50,000 were disabled.

The UN Security Council has passed four resolutions on Armenian
withdrawal from the Azerbaijani territory, but they have not been
enforced to this day.

FIERCE CLASHES BETWEEN KURDS AND ISIL IN ALEPPO, UAE EMIR KILLED

[ Part 2.2: “Attached Text” ]

Local Editor

The opposition UK-based Syrian Observatory reported fierce clashes
took place Wednesday evening between the Kurdish People’s Protection
Units and militants of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Levant
in the region separating between Jenderes in Aleppo countryside and
the Atma area in rural Idlib province.

“An emir of ISIL was killed during clashes erupted in ‘Aleppo State’
holding the Emirati nationality, amid continued sporadic clashes,”
the Observatory said.

ISIL gunmen have first attacked at dawn Tuesday two checkpoints for
the Kurd People’s Protection Units, which provoked clashes between
the two sides and left several casualties in ISIL ranks.

The Syrian Opposition Observatory announced that the militants who
belong to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fractured
the Cross of a Roman Catholic church in the city of Raqaa.

The militants also erected ISIL flag on an Armenian church, which
lies near al-Rashid Park, after descending the Cross.

Recently, fierce clashes erupted between the ISIL, Al-Qaeda-affiliated
Al-Nusra Front terrorist group and the so-called free Syrian army
in the wake of disputes on power and control sharing over areas not
reclaimed so far by the Syrian army.

The Syrian national military launched a wide-scale military operation
in May 2013 in the country’s main provinces to restore security and
release citizens from terrorist threats.

Syria was hit by a violent unrest since mid-March 2011, where the
Syrian government accuses foreign actors of orchestrating the conflict
by supporting the militant opposition groups with arms and money.

Source: Websites

26-09-2013 – 20:04 Last updated 26-09-2013 – 20:56 | 804 View

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress