Author: Kanayan Tamar

Azerbaijan: Mafia State

by Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich

Global Research , March 17, 2012

A 2009 U.S. embassy political dispatch
compared Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev to a mafia crime boss. An apt comparison given that
Aliyev and the Azeri political elite have been living under the
protection of the Capo Crimini
– Israel . The protection
does not come cheap; and the manufacture of the recent lie — the
arrest of 22 Azerbaijani citizens

allegedly `trained in Iran ‘ to carry out terrorist acts against the
U.S. and Israel , is the latest protection payment.

Capo Crimini’s protection is noteworthy. Aliyev, a corrupt dictator
who came to power through election fraud in 2003, managed to make his
rounds in Washington in 2006, including a private meeting with
President Bush, thanks to the full weight
of the
Israeli lobby in Washington . The promotion of the Azeri cause in
Washington by the Israeli lobby (which included lobbying against
Armenians), reinforced the notion that `the way to Washington leads
through Jerusalem ‘1 while benefitting various players – to the
detriment of some others.

Although much of Israel ‘s oil comes from Azerbaijan , Israel was more
interested in the control of the oil. With this in mind, despite the
fact that oil companies in the Caspian region favored the much shorter
and cheaper oil pipeline that would transit Iran, Israel relentlessly
pushed for the alternate, more expensive and impractical
Baku-Tblisi-Cehan pipeline which pipeline had over 1000 miles of it
going through mountainous territory bypassing Russia and Armenia.
This expensive venture also served to send the message to Turkey that
alliance with Israel pays off.

Lord Browne, former chief executive of BP, was quoted as saying that
the whole scheme was launched in the interest of Israel.2 Brenda
Shafffer who was
instrumental in promoting the pipeline, put it this way: `There’s
growing demand in Asia . If Israel is clever about it, it could market
this not only commercially but also politically in a way that could
improve regional security
and
stability.” ( JTA, NY , Oct 21, 2005). Shaffer is also of the opinion
that Caspian oil (specifically non-OPEC members Azerbaijan and
Kazakhstan ) makes Saudi Arabia and the OPEC cartel nervous because
they do not coordinate their policies with the cartel.

These plans were made possible thanks to the aftermath of September
11. 9/11 changed everything – as a leading Azeri foreign policy
specialist opined: “But the situation changed after Sept. 11, with
American presence in Central Asia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ,” he
explains. “Our being under the shadow of America means Russia and Iran
will not meddle. We are able to be more courageous.” (Greene, Richard
Allen. Jewish Telegraphic Agency. New
York
:Apr 29, 2002. p. 4)

More courageous, perhaps but the newfound courage lacks rationale and
the needs of the people of Azerbaijan have been neglected. Asim
Mollazadeh, first Chairperson of the Party for Democratic Reforms
prominent Azeri opposition candidate, states that Azerbaijan receives
only 10 percent of oil loyalties. He argues that with 42 percent of
the country living below poverty lines, the oil income
does
not trickle down.3 A heavy price to pay for Washington to feign
welcome to the Azeri dictator.

In 2002, JTA reported that Israel ‘s ambassador to Azerbaijan had a
favorite local joke: “Are you Jewish? No, I just look intelligent.”
(JTA Apr 29, 2002). Insulting as the joke may be, inarguably, actions
which alienate the Russians, compete with Saudis, and magically pull
`22 Iran-linked terrorists’ out of a hat do not `look intelligent’.

Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich has a Master’s degree in Public Diplomacy from
USC Annenberg for Communication and Journalism and USC School of
International Relations. She is an independent researcher and writer
with a focus on U.S. foreign policy and the role of lobby groups in
influencing US foreign policy.

Notes

1 Netty C. Gross; `The Azeri Triangle’, The Jerusalem Post, July 10,
2006, p. 24

2 Cited by Andrew l. Killgore, `Ideology Trumps Economic Efficiency, as The
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Opens’, The Washington Report on Middle East
Affair, Aug 2005, Vol. 24, iss. 6, p.32

3 Netty C. Gross; `The Azeri Triangle’

Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich is a frequent contributor to Global Research.
Global Research Articles by Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich

Gagik Tsarukyan’s Tough Remarks

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 16:57:45 – 17/03/2012

The leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party made a tough speech in the
congress of the party today. His speech sounded like an accusation of
the government.

`Today we must ask the question why our compatriots working outside
Armenia have considerable success, in foreign countries the Armenians
find their way quickly, find jobs, create jobs but in their own
country they cannot do the same things. The answer is one – the lack
of a corresponding environment,’ he said.

According to Gagik Tsarukyan, the country is facing a goal of
paramount importance. It must create opportunities not to have people
think about leaving and to enable them to support their families.

`A working man must not be poor, and if we cannot resolve the problem
of unemployment, we will have to fight poverty. If the problem of
employment is not resolved soon, we will face a higher percentage of
emigration,’ he stated.

The leader of the PAP is worried about the lack of the business
climate. `We must do everything we can to change the economic and
social situation in the country and improve the business climate,
create jobs. Armenians will never leave their homeland unless they
have jobs, they can support their family,’ he says, adding that small
and medium-sized businesses must enjoy preferences.

One of the important issues is not to hinder a working person.
According to Gagik Tsarukyan, it will lead to economic growth.

`The strongest weapon of our country is the dignified life and welfare
of people. The Armenian people must be the main hero of the country
and not the officials,’ he underlined.

Gagik Tsarukyan says the PAP has included all the resolutions of these
problems in its program for the upcoming 5 years.

The slogan of the PAP will be, `Peace in the country, peace at the
borders.’ There cannot be hostility in the country.

The upcoming parliamentary elections must be conducted peacefully and
honestly, says the PAP leader. `We don’t need hostility, we need fair
competition. We will do everything we can to protect the votes and the
right to vote,’ he said, adding that their ally will be the forces
which are ready for a fair competition.

ARMENIAN AGRICULTURE MINISTRY EXPECTS IN 2012 INCREASE OF THE USED AGRICULTURAL TERRITORIES

/ARKA/
MARCH 15, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, March 15. /ARKA/. Armenian Agriculture Ministry expects
that in 2012 the used agricultural territories will be increased,
said Deputy Agriculture Minister Samvel Galstyan.

He said that of 450 thousand ha agricultural territories in the
country, in average 300 thousand ha have been used, and it is expected
that this year this figure will be 325 thousand and 400 thousand ha –
in future.

Galstyan reminded that for supporting the farms, Armenia imported from
Ukraine nitric fertilizers which are sold by the price of 6 thousand
drams per 50 kg sack.

Galstyan said that of the planned 25 thousand tons of fertilizers, over
2.8 thousand tons have been already provided to the farmers in Ararat
and Armavir regions of Armenia. Another six tons are still in the
port in Poti and will be delivered to Armenia in the nearest future.

He said that the delivery becomes difficult due to unfavorable weather
conditions and added that today other delivery ways are being discussed
which are envisaged for all the regions of Armenia.

The farmers are also provided diesel fuel by low prices (350 drams
per liter) and of the envisaged 12.6 thousand tons 2689 tons has
already been provided. ($1 – 389.67 drams).

ARMENIA DOESN’T NEED DEGRADED ELITE

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 17:21:45 – 16/03/2012

The leader of the Free Democrats Party Khachatur Kokobelyan announced
in the congress of their party today that sustainable development
is impossible without liberalism. “Yes, a lot of parties committed
to these values during the history of independent Armenia but the
history of twenty years showed that they take other steps proceeding
from the political conjuncture,” he said.

According to Khachatur Kokobelyan, there is demand for a real liberal,
democratic political force. The Free Democrats intend to meet this
demand together with their allies.

The Free Democrats are a new force for new Armenia, said the party
leader. Unfortunately, our political system is dominated by hypocrisy,
weak will, flattery, which results in imitation. It is not in the
interests of the Armenian society and state.

The Free Democrats think the mistakes of the past must be reviewed
to meet the public demand. The society does not have to adjust to
the political system. The political system must be able to meet the
demands of the political system.

The state is facing a deep social and economic, as well as public
administration crisis. It is the obvious and bitter truth. I am
deeply convinced that the reasons are first of all the lack of real
competition and an independent judicial system.

Lack of competition is in all the spheres, resulting in the oligarchic
economy. The coalescence of business and government created an
environment typical of the feudal system where wild rules dominate.

There is no need to invent the bicycle to ensure a competitive
economy. It is necessary to ensure proper enforcement, observe human
rights, create a liberal and competitive environment, Khachatur
Kokobelyan announced. People do not need reforms, people need
improvement of the quality of their life. “We know how to make that
change and we will make it,” he said.

Armenia needs scientific, cultural, economic and political elite,
not degraded elite. Democracy is nothing without freedom of man. Only
free Armenia can ensure the quality of life and security. There is
no freedom without justice. Justice requires equality of rights and
opportunities.

“Everyone speaks about a bright future but we must ensure wellbeing
now. We must take care of daily and dynamic development of Armenia
where a citizen must be the basis of basis. It is time to understand
that we need a human-centered policy, otherwise the country will
never become a state. Only state can resist the challenges facing
the society, stop the horrifying emigration. The government must be
changed, not the home country,” Kokobelyan said.

The Free Democrats consider elections as the best way of change of
government, thus they have a responsible approach to the parliamentary
election and are ready to shape ideological unions. In this context,
Khachatur Kokobelyan touched upon the interaction with the Heritage
Party. He spoke about an equal bloc which the society needs and which
will be free from political ambitions. We must have the political
will and we have that will and courage to lend a hand and shape a
new political culture. We find that the Heritage is an honest force,
it is adequate to the international developments, so we think our
cooperation with the Heritage will be useful to Armenia, help meet
the challenges facing the society, said the party leader.

In the end, Khachatur Kokobelyan told the participants of the congress
that they are determined to win and they will win by way of their
ideas and their mind.

KURDISH MAYOR LEARNS ARMENIAN

Panorama.am
16/03/2012

Armenian language classes have launched in the Municipality of Suri,
province of Diarbekir, Turkey, website Sondakika reported.

According to a statement released by Municipality of Suri the classes
will be held three month. Currently, Mayor of Kurdish origin Abdullah
Demirbash and 40 staff members are taking Armenian language classes.

NEW AGREEMENTS TO BE SIGNED BETWEEN ARMENIA AND GERMANY

ARMENPRESS
MARCH 16, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. High level dialogue exists between
Armenia and Germany, Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian
said at a joint news conference with his German counterpart Guido
Westerwelle.

“During the negotiations we referred to the bilateral relations. This
year we are marking the 20th anniversary of establishment of
bilateral relations. During this period we have made important
steps in reinforcing and deepening our cooperation,” Nalbandian
said. Referring to the economic relations, the minister said the
trade turnover between the two countries reaches 400 million USD. “Our
opportunities are greater: with joint efforts we may do more,” he said.

“Nalbandian stressed that there exists quite important legal agreement
field between the two countries, there are about 30 agreements. Today
we are working over new agreements and projects to be signed in the
near future,” the minister said.

He thanked Germany for the assistance displayed to Armenia
since independence. “The countries have established dynamic
inter-parliamentary ties, we have decentralized cooperation as well,”
Nalbandian stressed.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF ZAMANLU’S RAILWAY BRIDGE TO END IN APRIL

ARMENPRESS
MARCH 16, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. The construction of Zamanlu’s railway
bridge to end in April of 2012 according to the schedule.The South
Caucasian railway company started the construction of the new bridge
in 2010. At present the main works have already been done.

The works on the surface structure of the line in the guard area,
communication network, lighting and power systems, communications
engineering, construction, power line construction, as well as the
renovation works are continuing.

Zamanlu Gorge Bridge was built in 1898. It is considered to be the
largest bridge built in the Russian Empire. Bridge length is 256
meters, the height is 26 m. At present the new bridge is being built
parallel to the old one, the lines will be 161 meters in length. The
total cost of the works is 1.7 billion AMD. The old bridge Zamanlu
will be used as a museum.

GERMANY IS FOR BALANCE IN PRINCIPLES OF TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND PEOPLE’S RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION

news.am
March 16, 2012 | 11:32

YEREVAN. – Germany supports peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, German FM Guido Westerwelle said at a joint press conference
with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian in Yerevan on Friday.

In response to the question whether the conflict had been discussed
during his visit to Baku, the German Minister said that the Karabakh
issue was discussed in Azerbaijan as well. He said that the German
government is for the balance in the principles of territorial
integrity and the right of nations to self-determination.

“Peaceful resolution is what we all strive to and are working on it
together,” he said.

Westerwelle also stated that the status-quo in the conflict cannot
be longstanding, while peaceful resolution will provide dividends to
everyone in the region, including Armenia.

According to him, the sides must seek for compromise within the
frameworks of the OSCE Minsk Group.

FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA ON AZERBAIJAN’S WEAPONRY PURCHASE

news.am
March 16, 2012 | 14:48

YEREVAN. – French Ambassador to Armenia Henri Reynaud commented on
the purchase of weapons by Azerbaijan.

In response to the question by the Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent
how France, being OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair dealing with Karabakh
peace process, assesses the fact of weaponry purchase by one of the
conflicting sides – Azerbaijan, the French diplomat said the following:

“As a Co-Chair state in the OSCE MG, France wishes to remind the
statement adopted by the Presidents Sarkozy, Medvedev and Obama during
the G8 summit in Deauville last May. They confirmed, in particular,
that only settlement achieved through talks cab lead to peace as
well as stability and reconciliation and provide opportunity for the
development and cooperation in the region. In the meantime, Presidents
of the conflicting sides are called upon to prepare their population
to peace and not to war.”

In addition, the Ambassador said that France pays attention to the
fact that during the recent meeting in Sochi initiated by Medvedev,
Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents stated that they agree to double
efforts towards the agreement on the Basic Principles, taking into
account the work done so far.

GERMAN FM AVOIDS COMMENTING ON BAKU’S AGGRESSIVE STATEMENTS

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 16, 2012 – 13:50 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – German Foreign Minister commented on Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement, calling for its resolution.

“It is high time Karabakh conflict was settled. We show respect for
both the principles of self-determination of nations and territorial
integrity. A compromise should be reached through mutual concessions,”
Guido Westerwelle said.

Asked about aggressive statements by Baku, German FM refrained from
giving a precise answer, instead calling for exclusively peaceful
resolution of the conflict.

On March 14, prior to visiting Armenia, the German official commented
on possible contribution of Germany to Karabakh conflict settlement
noting, “Conclusion drawn by Council of the European Union, as well
as the mandate issued by the Special EU Special Representation for
the South Caucasus are a solid base for intensified involvement.”

“The participation is aimed at providing support to OSCE Minsk Group,
for instance in the field of confidence building measures. It is high
time this conflict was resolved, a conflict that hampers prosperity
and peaceful development of the region,” he said.