"sIDe-tALKs" Azerbaijan

DEBORAH NETLAND OF THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATES VISIT IEPF OFFICE IN TERTAR REGION

2009-10-29T17:07:00.000+04:00

The official of the US DOS PM/WRA, Ms. Deborah Netland who was accompanied by an official of the US Presidential Management Fellowship -Mr. Darren Manning, paid a visit to the IEPF office in Tertar to ascertain the extent of progress made on the project activities of the “Establishment of Vocational Training Center (VTC) for the mine victims and the retired de-miners” in Tertar region of Azerbaijan. She also used the opportunity to evaluate the present progress report on the activities of the Azerbaijan Mine Victims Association (AMVA) which was formed by IEPF after the completion of series of projects in Tertar, Fizuli and Aghstafa.

Activities have already begun on erecting of the proposed Vocational Training Center (VTC) by the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF). The VTC structure is to be constructed based on an approved and funded project by the US Department of States, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Weapon Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA). The project has enjoyed tremendous support from Mr. Vidadi Isayev, the Head of Authorities of the Executive Committee of the Tertar region who has pledged his office full collaborative assistance in kinds to the achievement of the project success.

The Chairman of IEPF, Umud Mirzayev in his speech welcoming the guest at the IEPF office premises expressed appreciation to the US DOS PM/WRA towards the continued support to her activities for the mine victims: “It’s been 3 years now since the beginning of the first project “Establishment of the Azerbaijan Mine Victims Association in Tertar region of Azerbaijan” and over these years, there are good results shown as evidence of achievement of IEPF with the various activities conducted”. Over series of discussion, the visitor got acquainted with the activities thus far on the VTC. They were also shown the proposed sketch plan for the VTC. The VTC would be a 2 storey building that consists of training rooms, offices, conference hall, lodging room, warehouse, kitchen and toilet. The site upon which the VTC would be constructed was acquired through the great support of the office of the Executive Committee of the Tertar region. In the provision of the location, the Executive Authorities considered all necessary factors as to: nearness to main road, source of water, electricity, and accessibility to already acquired land set aside for agricultural practices for the mine victims.

Ms. Netland the GOR also got brief report on the successes recorded with the Eurasia Credit LTD on the provision of micro-credit to the mine victims, the IDPs/refugees and the members of the community living in poor circumstances in the regions. Based on report presented, the portfolio of the Eurasia Credit LTD which started with the seed capital from the US DOS PM/WRA within the project activity of the AMVA has grown with about 100%. Besides, various additional funds have been added to the Eurasia Credit LTD capital through the effort of IEPF seeking out potential avenues to expand the crediting capacity.

The GOR was pleased with the report and the success story so far recorded with the mine victims and also the activities of Eurasia Credit LTD. In her exact words: “I’m full of confidence with the professional activity of the IEPF”. The GOR was also delighted with the extent of work already done with the VTC. Before leaving the IEPF office premise, the visitors got acquitted with various beneficiaries from the micro-crediting activities of Eurasia Credit LTD. Those on sight were the Advertisement Center, the Carpet Weaving Center and the soon to be completed Bakery Center.

The visit was finalized with a visit to the office of the Head of Executive Authorities of Tertar region. The GOR and the Chairman of IEPF expressed their gratitude to the Authorities for his support, and in return Mr. Vidadi Isayev reiterated his office pledge of support to the initiative. The meeting at the office of the Head of Executive Authorities was followed thereafter by the formally cutting of the ribbon at place of construction of the VTC. The ceremony which was covered by the press-men was witnessed by the project working group, staff of IEPF, AMVA members and people of the community.

NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA MEETS WITH PRESIDENT IHAM ALIYEV IN BAKU

2009-10-24T16:44:00.000+05:00

I was elated to see Ms. Iweala the Managing Director of World Bank in Azerbaijan. My excitement was seeing an achieved Nigeria visit a country where I reside. She is representing World Bank on an official assignment, but I also think she is representing Nigeria.

Mrs. Iweala who was one time Ministry of Finance in Nigeria had helped put Nigeria on a good path of financial recovery from the many years of corrupt government system in Nigeria. As the Minister of Finance then, Mrs. Iweala helped Nigeria achieve a multimillion dept cancelation by the Paris Club. It was upon her achievement with the Nigeria system that she was elevated to the position she currently hold haven previously worked with the World Bank.

So Azerbaijan would definitely benefit from the wisdom of Mrs. Ngozi Iweala and the President Ilham Aliyev is right to express this believe. Although a relatively small country, Azerbaijan has got large revenue derived from the sales of its Oil and Gas. However it still needs directions and guidance with the developmental process.

IS AZERBAIJAN SHORTCHANGED IN THE TURKEY – ARMENIA AGREEMENT?

2009-10-11T23:08:00.002+05:00

Turkey has agreed to finally open the border between her and Armenia and start diplomatic relations between both nations after a long time of enmity. What seems like a never ending dispute has gained tremendous momentum and a path towards peace is almost near sight. Turkey has closed its border to Armenia in 1993 because of the Armenia aggressive war towards a section of Azerbaijan and a consequential occupation of the Azerbaijan territory.

Turkey show of solidarity towards Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh occupied territories was expected because of the bond both nations share. Azerbaijan and Turkey, both nations share a lot of cultural identities and therefore it is expected that they would most likely feel a sense of solidarity towards each other.

Of course Armenia suffered greatly during the whole period of the closure of the borders. Both the Azerbaijan end and the Turkey ends of the border meant that Armenia had very limited access to the global community particularly to the rest of Europe. Azerbaijan has seen this as an effective weapon towards pressurizing the Armenians in freeing its occupied territory.

Turkey in recent years especially in the last 2 years has indicated it would like to relax it stringent measures towards Armenia. Although it can be concluded that the Turkey good gesture has been because of the influence of the EU; Turkey quest to join the EU has always met a roadblock because of the territorial issues with Armenia including that of Cyprus. One of the terms for likely acceptance into EU is that Turkey should recognize that there was an act of genocide towards the ethnic Armenians in the Ottoman Empire war of 1915. The US has also pressured Turkey to this regard and the push by US has increased with the Obama administration.

Although there is no sign that Turkey would accept the recognition of the Armenia genocide, but what it could do best is to re-open its border and diplomatic ties with Armenia even at the detriment of it brotherly neighbor Azerbaijan.

Sure Azerbaijan feels shortchanged in the Turkey government recent moves. Azerbaijan has always seen Turkey as the main and only key support in her repossession of the occupied territory. Turkey has remained the strong support in the region for Azerbaijan and not Russia and not Iran. That’s why this move by Turkey has left the Azerbaijani with mouth agape.

Not like Azerbaijan did not see this coming. Even though most people in the nation have expressed strong views that the agreement between government officials of Turkey and Armenia will not be accepted by a majority vote in the Turkish parliament, but the influence of US, Russia, and the EU who were there to witness the signing would still put pressure to see the fixed time of April 2010 is realized. It is very right for Azerbaijan to wonder at this time as to where is her support.

Despite the vast supply of Oil and Gas to the Europe market by Azerbaijan, but there is no real sign to show that Azerbaijan has enjoyed favorable judgment regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh with the powers that be in global politics particular from Europe.

THE BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPERATION (BBC) SIGNS CONTRACT WITH BAKU SLAVIC UNIVERSITY

2009-10-03T14:31:00.003+05:00

The BCC has signed a contract with the Baku Slavic University, Azerbaijan in order to conduct a set of activities within a project geared towards the development of good journalists in Azerbaijan. The exact date for the implementation of the project is already set and the 29^th of September endorsement of signatures on the contract by the Rector of Slavic University, Prof. Dr. Kamal M. Abdullayev and the Director of the BBC World Service Trust, Ms. Caroline Nursery signals the official commencement.

The signing ceremony which was held in the conference hall of the university was witnessed by both students and staff. Majority of the students present were students of the faculties of International relations and the department of Journalism.

Prof. K. M. Adullayev in his opening remarks highly praised the initiative of the BBC World Service in conducting such an activity in Azerbaijan. He also appreciated the effort of other partners within the project such as the Council of Europe –represented there by Mr. Ibrahim Ilgar, the Norwegian government –the principal financer of the project, and the Turkish government –joint financer. The rector also went further to state the consensus appreciation of the school management for the selection of Slavic University as point of implementation. “Slavic University is standing out in Azerbaijan and beyond as one of the best places for academic excellences and moreover, the journalism department is one of the shining leading light in this charge”. Prof. K. M. Adullayev expressed his desire for long time cooperation between the BBC and the Slavic University in this direction.

Ms. Caroline Nursery briefly talked about the essence of the project and what it is aimed to achieve. The crown of all activities is to “advance journalism towards the bologna direction”. It should be stated that the Azerbaijan system of education was crafted in line with the Russia curriculum and in recent years there has been ongoing reformation within the system in order to advance more towards the Bologna system which is the European adopted system of education. Ms Nursery also mentioned the other institutional partners within the project: Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), and the Norwegian Institute of Journalism (NIJ). These two institutes would work with the BBC World Service in various degrees in order to achieve the objectives as set out within the project.

The BBC World Service carries out various activities such as in healthcare, climate change and assisting refugees and IDPs -particularly the Dafur refugees, in about 80 different countries of the world. However, this project in Baku Slavic University is the first time the world service is going to implement a project in Azerbaijan. In her speech, Ms. Caroline Nursery who was in Azerbaijan for the first time was delighted with the beauty of the capital city –Baku. She also was pleased with the great hospitality she has received right immediately at the airport on arrival.

BBC World Service is a division of the British Broadcasting Corperation, a public service company regulated by the British Government. The BBC world service is primarily in charge of the charity trust of the BBC. Beside the Service Trust, the other divisions of the BBC are the: Public Service broadcasting and the World Service broadcasting.

RAISING CONCERNS ON GENDER INEQUALITIES IN AZERBAIJAN

2009-09-08T11:13:00.005+05:00

Azerbaijan is still very young in its democratic practices; this is the excuse that is first stated to counter any genuine questions raised on affairs of the nation. True that the many years under communism has not helped the proper development of the country democracy, but addressing gender inequality should be a priority for any society that want to be taken seriously in the globe. It doesn't matter what part of the world one may reside, recently, the clamor for gender equality is resonating even louder. In the dark corners of Kabul -Afghanistan to the bright streets of New York –USA, people are becoming more concerns with the challenges of gender balance.

Azerbaijan should not be left behind. Men and women, there is a need to engage in the debate on gender inequalities because it exists. Not to say that there is no effort achieved on gender matters. The law of the republic clearly provides for equal right between women and men. Even over the recent years so many activists, civil society oriented organizations and Non-Governmental-Organization have been pivotal in promoting the gender issues to a top agenda. However these efforts and the law in place, there are still large proportionate elements of gender disparity, particular against the women folks. The recent report of the gender balance by the UN shows an unhealthy statistics in Azerbaijan. A country where only a about 11 women as members of parliament and only 2 women in the ministerial role, is a telling that women are relegated to the back seat. Also based on other reports ascertained by agency dealing with the issue, there is a predominantly disregard to the plight of the Azeri women. These reports are not just observed from the cities but it is even more prominent in the hinterland of the Nation.

Perhaps these gender challenges have persisted and remain a concern because of the low level of sensitivity of the society to the need for gender balance; or possible the lack of proper orientation of the population due to inadequate governmental approach on addressing the issue. Not to say government is not doing anything at all, but more actions is needed to be focused on the issue so that gender disparity can be eradicated in Azerbaijan.

Somehow gender inequalities in Azerbaijan maybe rooted in the structure of the society. The Azerbaijan society is based on the eastern, oriental way of living. The eastern culture has great respect for the institution of marriage. Therefore the man is primarily seen as the main provider for the family needs. In the ancient times, when farming was the in-trade, the men do the farming considered as a very tedious activity while the women stay at home. Besides doing home chores, the responsibility of taking care of the kids primarily stays with the womenfolk.

Over time, despite the evolution of culture, but the eastern way of living, particular the family based ideology has not totally evolved. Another reason why the ideology has remained considerable unchanged is the religion angle. This is not just a concern for a particular religion: Christian, Judaism, Muslim, et al; faith emphasis on the family has somehow portrayed the man as the head of the family while the woman is a subject to the man.

Sampling opinions of Azerbaijani youths, it is observed that the problems that exist with gender balance are not unfamiliar. But the logical conclusion is that the issue is not sufficiently talked about but remained suppressed. The youths identifies the problem with gender balance even in their micro small family homes where the girls wonder why some of them can not exercise equal freedom and opportunity that their brothers enjoy. The question remains among the girls as to on what basis the boy folks should get the pass to free expression while the society has given them -the girls, very little opportunity for expression.

The issue is not based on what is moral or immoral; the concerns raised by the girls is on general issues as to: where to get high education, ability to travel abroad for furtherance of self, the ability to choice particular on issue about life partners, right to decisions on matters concern the home, and even duration of time permitted to hang out with friends. Whereas the boys have countered these concerns raised by the girls as non-issue, and irrelevant; irrelevant as they may have seemed to the boys, these concerns are genuine and are actual evidence of gender disparity.

It starts from the small families, then it is expressed in the lager community and then it becomes a societal problem. True today so many women are beginning to take over top positions. We have seen women rise to political peaks, but the proportion is still an alarming one. As has been earlier stated based on the proportion of men to women in the parliament and the cabinet of ministers in the republic it's a glaring pointer that there is no gender balance in the political system of the country. Another illustration of gender imbalance in the nation is in the academic spheres where the proportion of male university rectors to their female counterpart is in the proportion of about 9: 1.

The fibers of every economy to some extent depend on the equal right for men and women. Although not totally the yardstick for measuring development, but the growth of a nation or simple say the democratic practice of a nation is observed through the "focal lens" of gender balance. Kofi Annan, the past UN Secretary General was very correct to say that more countries have understood (are understanding) that women's equality is a prerequisite for development.

Note: The Baku International Students Club (BISC) is implementing a project titled: "Identify potential gender problems in Azerbaijan and proffering solutions through engaging youths on multiple debates/discussion sessions in 2 different Baku Universities". The goals to be achieved within the project are:

The youths are sensitized to the issue of gender inequalities
There is an awakening within the nation on a collective societal approach towards addressing the issue on gender inequalities
Youths become the champions of gender equality in various sections of the country
The youths would have provided a blueprint solutions to the issues of gender inequality

The project is to be implemented for a period of 5 months and financed by the World Bank through her office in Baku, Azerbaijan.

INSECURED NIGERIA WATERS: REAL CAUSE FOR CONCERN!

2009-08-05T11:25:00.003+05:00

The rise in the hideous crime of kidnapping carried out in the deep Nigeria waters is simply an evidence of the failed Nigeria system.

The practice has escalated over this decade with the perpetrators not only restricted to the Niger areas of the nation. It has spread and it's still spreading far and beyond. The recent is the 2^nd August incident where a Turkish ship supplying rice to Lagos and Port Harcourt was hijacked. Those on the ship were citizens from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Nigeria.

Citizens of various nations all across the globe have fallen victims: Europeans, Asians and Americans, the kidnappers do not have any nation as target. Before, the aim was to hijack oil ships and tankers and demand for ransom from the companies who run these businesses, but presently, every ship is a target, it doesn't matter what commodity is transported.

The Nigeria government is doing little or nothing to put an end to these ugly incidents. The government which cannot provide for its citizens the basic commodity, it is obvious that issues like this will be way beyond them. Nigerians live constantly in darkness, the level of unemployment is in great height, the level of literacy is in abysmal, crimes and disorder has taken over the society.

Nigeria is one of the world largest producers of oil with the Nigeria crude as one of the finest in demand globally, yet the Nigeria government has not tapped this great potential. The Nigeria militants who are agitated, and rightly to be agitated, has helped wreck the existing oil and gas sector of the Nigeria economy with its activity of pipeline vandalism, bunkering, and disrupting offshore drillings.

Successive Nigeria government has done little or nothing to uplift the life of the people of Niger Delta whose territory is the source of the wealth Nigeria prides in.

In the 21^st century oil and gas is now the focus of national policy. Security, prosperity, development, foreign relations are all reliance on energy -oil and gas. Across Europe billions of dollars are invested into deals in all corners; laying of pipelines to transport the vast Caspian oil and gas to Europe (from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan). Even China, United States and Russia are investors in the diverse projects. Russia and US participation is a revelation that the strong nations, all want to remain an important player considering the strategic priority of global energy in today's world.

But as long as Nigeria waters remain insecure, investments of these magnitudes will almost never come. The Nigeria leaders have taken their people so much for a ride and the ordinary people deserves better life improvement. Nigeria leaders must stop looting the people collective wealth. For assured all round national growth, national revenue must be channeled to the people and development must be put in par with the wealth of the nation.

NABUCCO GAS PIPELINE AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

2009-07-13T17:51:00.003+05:00

EU nations will put pen to paper in Turkey on the finalizing of the agreement towards the commencement of the US backed Nabucco gas pipeline.

The pipeline has been conceived over a long period of time but the need to hasten the process was warranted after Russia had shut off its gas supply to Europe that passes via Ukraine. EU to an extent was at the recieving end and had felt the harsh consequence of Russia wrath towards Ukraine.

Suffice it to say that the Nabucco gas pipeline is a worthy project because it allows for more gas supply into the global market. But Russia who is a major player in the region will not fold its arms without influencing the impact of the project. Just recent, Russia had agreed to buy a large part of the Azerbaijan oil and gas and to involve Azerbaijan in another pipeline alternative that passes from Russia to Italy.

Azerbaijan despite rich with oil and gas deposit is not a part of the major supplies through the Nabucco pipeline. The supplying nations will be Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The Azerbaijan oil minister has recently expressed willingness of Azerbaijan to join in the supplying nation while the Turkey minister is pushing for Iran to be included.

The major signees in the agreement are Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Turkey. The 3,300km pipe will carry gas directly to Austria by passing Russia. The project is expected to become fully operation by 2014 and is estimated to cost about 10.6 Billion USD.

TWO INFLUENTIAL FIRST LADIES - MEHRIBAN ALIYEVA AND ASMA-AL-ASAD

2009-07-09T17:04:00.007+05:00

The Syrian president is visiting Azerbaijan with his wife as guests to the Azerbaijan president Iham Aliyev and his wife -Mehriban Aliyeva. Mr. Bashir al-Assad with his wife Mrs. Asma-al-Asad and their entourage will be in Azerbaijan for a 2 days working visit.

Both Iham Aliyev and Bashir al-Assad have got prominent women by their sides who are re-defining women of the East. In a wider perspective, both are good advocate in the promotion of the role of Islamic women in politics. Besides involvement in politics, both women had already to their credentials successful career paths; Mrs. Aliyeva is a qualified medical doctor, while it is well known that Mrs. al-Asad was born, bred and educated in London.

Yes, both first ladies are very beautiful. But that is only an added characteristic to the influence and power Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and her counterpart Mrs. Asma-al-Asad command in their respective countries. Both first ladies champion various courses in their various nations. Mehriban Aliyeva is the UNESCO representative for Azerbaijan, she is the president of the Heydar Aliyev fund and she is also a parliamentarian; while Asma-al-Asad is an advocate for various rights, including rights for Syrian women. Another correlated action with both first ladies is that they are both spokesperson for the Islamic agenda of their respective nation.

Comparing the Baku meeting of the first ladies to the global attention that Michelle and Carla Bruni the spouses of the US president, Barack Obama and the French president, Nicholas Sarkozy, Mehriban and Asma may not have attracted that magnitude of global attention as they stood side by side, but one thing is certain is that their role in the political spheres of this part of the globe is of noteworthy.

RUSSIA STRATEGICALLY EXPANDS ITS ENERGY STRENGTHS

2009-07-03T16:58:00.001+05:00

Early this year in the peak of winter, Russia had closed its flow of gas passing into Europe from Ukraine. The temporary closure saw most part of Europe without gas, despite the severe winter that Europe was experiencing at that period in time.

Gazprom, the national oil and gas Company of Russia federation is a big player in the energy industry globally; but particular its influence in the determination of the energy market prospects of its immediate competitors, for example the Azerbaijan national oil and gas Company called SOCAR is well-known. The EU national had thought out Azerbaijan as an alternative to the Russia energy, which of course it is a good move because of the vast deposit Azerbaijan has got over the Caspian basins. However, the EU is not forth coming with a strong intent towards engaging the Azerbaijan government in formidable partnership. There are various pipelines proposed to be laid from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan into the wider community market but all these ventures are in one way or the other undermined by Russia influence.

The Russia strategy that was in display this week as they signed a gas agreement with Azerbaijan is one of good foresight and strategy. Despite the independence of Azerbaijan from the Soviet Russia, Russia continues to wedge a strong influence in its former republics. Same is also observable in the other republics in proximity with Russia with probably the exception of Georgia.

Russia expansion is not just in the region Caucasus. The recent visit of Mr. Dimitir Medvedev to some selected Africa nations including Nigeria with one of the world highest deposit of oil and gas; Russia friendliness with Iran; the positive advances of Kremlin towards Venezuela; all these are signals that Russia is strategizing globally to become a force in terms of energy. Categorically, with moves such as the gas agreement with Azerbaijan, Russia is fully placed to influence most policies that will come out from the Caucasus because the EU had dragged its feet over the years.

As nations continue to depend on each other in the absent of energy independence, Russia will one day hold a vital key to greatly influence global matters. In the event of the spat between Russia and Ukraine, there was little the world community particularly EU could do to convince Russia to re-consider in its action on closing its gas pipes. Instead, what was observable was that Russia held the directives and could detect the conditions.

UPDATED: VOTE ON NGO BILL LIVES TO SEE ANOTHER DAY!

2009-07-02T17:44:00.001+05:00

The Azerbaijan parliament is proposing a bill to regulate the NGO sector of the nations. If the bill is passed, new laws will be put in place that many have presumed as a means to curtail civil society activity in Azerbaijan.

Some of the new laws in the proposed bill include that: NGOs are required to limit their funds from abroad to about 50% of total finical requirements; foreigners will be prohibited from creating NGOs; any NGO found in violating the new rules will be penalized with outright ban or in some cases years of prohibited operations.

A lot of International NGO operates in Azerbaijan and most enjoy a considerable degree of support from the national government. The government support for civil society over the years had also encouraged various national NGOs to spring up. The positive development in the sector was reflected in the summer report of 2009 by the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC).

Update: A bill has recently been passed in the Assembly based on NGO reforms. But the strict measures in the initial bill for operation of NGO was entirely jetisoned due to pressure exactly on paliarmentaries from various quarters including extablished INGO and civil society groups.

IRAN HURTS HER “NOT SO” CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS NEIGHBOR AZERBAIJAN

2009-06-30T18:21:00.003+05:00

Iran has temporary recalled its Ambassador to Azerbaijan as a protest to the visit of Israeli president Mr. Shimon Perez to the Azerbaijan territory. The Iran officials have based its reason for the withdrawal on an inflammatory statement made by the Israeli president towards Iran.

Prior to Perez visit to the Azerbaijan territories, the Iranian chief of staff was in Azerbaijan to persuade the Azerbaijan government on a need to block the visitation the Israeli officials. No concrete reason was provided by the Iranian chief of staff other than Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president wants the meeting to be called off. It is also on record that Mr. Ahmadinejad had once called for the arrest of his opposition in the last contested election simple because Mr. Hossein Mousavi had question his judgment over Israel. The reason given then was nobody has the permission to insult a president.

The Israeli president was in Azerbaijan on his tour to some selected nation around Asia and Eastern Europe. Since Mr. Ahmadinejad became the president of Iran, the relationship between both nations Iseal/Iran has become so tensed that Mr. Ahmadinejad has in so many occasion voiced outright hatred towards Israel.

Azerbaijanis in Iran is estimated at about 60% of the total Iranian population. The Iranian government has never strongly supported Azerbaijan with its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. A vast number of the Azerbaijani population living in Azerbaijan views this as Iranian support towards the Armenians.

AZERBAIJAN PARLIAMENT PASSES A BILL OF IMPROVEMENT TO THE EDUCATION SECTION

2009-06-24T15:06:00.000+05:00

Last week the Azerbaijan parliament passed a bill of improvement with the education system of the country. The bill was initially passed in December of 2008 but was considered for slight changes before it is finally passed into law.

The particular aspect of the new bill that was considered for improvement was on establishment of educational institutions especially by foreigners. Foreigners and foreign entities are allowed begin schools, colleges and institutes, but licenses are granted for only 3 year period upon which the beneficiaries of license must re-apply. The foreigner or foreign entities must have a legal domestic agency that has to jointly coordinate the entire process of applying. Furthermore, upon the grant of license to operate, staff of the institute must comprise at least 85% of locals.

Another aspect in the improved bill is geared towards the moderation of private institutes. Whereas state run institutes operate with no duration in focus, institutes created by private citizens are granted license for duration of 5 years. Upon its license expiration, these private institutes are to re-apply for license.

Other aspects of the education law remains, for instance, the secondary duration remains 9 compulsory years, and 2 optional years wherein a person can decide to opt for a 2 year vocational school.

The Azerbaijan educational system hasn’t change much and is still largely based on the soviet system of education. But some government universities such as Baku State University and most private universities are beginning to introduce the Bologna system as is practiced in Europe. It should be said that teachers did not have it so good during the communist USSR, and as such, even today, the teachers and lectures are still not well paid. Despite the tremendous positive improvement in their financial status, but a lot still need to be done in other to keep them in bracket with other sectors of the economy.

AZERBAIJAN GOVERNMENT REVIEWS ITS MIGRATION LAWS

2009-06-22T16:32:00.002+05:00

The Azerbaijan immigration laws are undergoing a major review recently and come 1^st July, a new set of laws would be put in place for all persons coming into Azerbaijan for different purposes.

Monitoring the UK website Azerbaijan, migrants will observe that UK citizens will now require obtaining VISA from the Azerbaijan embassy in London before they are granted entrance into the country. This has not been the case before, as VISA can previously be granted from the point of entry.

The same new measures also apply to the US citizens and the EU citizens. Irrespective of purpose of entry to Azerbaijan, all migrants are expected to be dully granted entrance permission from respective country embassies. Additionally, the VISA durations is fixed for no more than 30 days, and can only be extended upon prove that persons need to stay beyond the 30 days.

Other nations, such that has not fallen into EU, UK or US, who had not in the past enjoyed the privilege of obtaining VISA at point of entry, the situation remains unchanged as they will still be required to obtain VISA from the nearest Azerbaijan Embassy to their country of origin or resident.

It should be noted that over time, the Azerbaijan government continues to review its general laws. The reason is because at the commencement of its democracy in 1992 so many loopholes were created due to the haste at which the government of that time seeks to stabilize the nation. The war with Armenia over the Azerbaijan occupied territory was also a big diversion.

There are various other measures to be implemented with the new migration law. Areas such: as work permit, number of extension of VISA, total years permitted to reside in the country, mode of VISA renewal, etc.

However, not all foreigners presently residing view the law as very favorably. There is a school of thought among expert workers that the laws are means to discourage more migrants into the nation. Whatever is the case, the issue is that the new migrations laws would be a more stringent process than the previously existing laws.

Azerbaijan located in the Caspian shores is a striving nation due to the large revenue derived from the sales of its large deposit of Oil and Gas. The total population of the nation is estimated at approximately 8 million persons.

AS IRAN DISINTEGRATES, THE WORLD COMMUNITY MERELY WATCHES?

2009-06-20T15:22:00.004+05:00

Iran is witnessing a protest its leader had not foreseen, not even in the distant future. The protest is a show of displeasure over the election between the current president Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the country former prime minister, Mr. Hossein Mousavi. Mr Ahmadinejad who is everything about the Islamic revolution and also an anti-Israel has the support of the ruling council made up of mullahs and headed by supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but Mr. Mousavi, a reformist has rallied the support of youths including a large portion of the women.

Suffice it to say that the protesters are largely made of youths and are outrage about the election result that has Ahmadinejad winning the election with as high as 64% of the total vote.

The protest has taken the mullahs unawares because they probably might have thought that the hard path that has been the approach of the leadership and the subjugation of the peoples will and freedom over time should have discouraged this type of scenario. The protest is an indication that the people and not the government have the ultimate and final say over the direction of the nations. Over the years in Iran, the youths, including women have watched as their freedom was taken away from them. Women were compelled to hijab even against their wish, satellite cables were confiscated as such depriving youths access to the global events; entertainment, a thing for the youths was clamped down, and the people were pressed towards taking the hard lines. Furthermore, the continuous disgust of Ahmadinejad towards Israel was also seen as unwarranted by the youths who think it wise that the world presently desire to be at peace with one another.

So as Iran disintegrates, the Iranians look up to other nations for help. The US president Obama has come up with the strongest statement on the issue, stating that the world is watching. However the brave Iranians desire more from the world community besides just watching. The totalitarian government of Iran will implore any means, including very harsh measure to silent the voice of these protesters. This is why the world community must come up with emphatic statement about the issue and not just stand by and watch as innocent people get punished for demanding their God given right to all mankind.

YOUTHS PROTEST FLOWER DAY IN AZERBAIJAN

2009-05-11T14:24:00.001+05:00

Some youths protested at various spots where the “Flower day” holiday was been celebrated mainly at “Sahil bagi” and the central Boulevard of the capital city -Baku. The 10^th of May has been marked annually as flower day in Azerbaijan and has been declared as a national holiday. Coincidentally, the 10^th of May is also a day that marks the birthday of the father of the president –Ilham Aliyev. His father Heydar Aliyev was the past leader of the nation.

The youths who protested were questioning the reason for the celebration when nothing tangible has been achieved in the investigation of the shooting at the Oil Academy that claimed lots of innocent lives. The protest is the first of its kind in modern Azerbaijan.

Most of the protesters were arrested at the Heydar Aliyev Park, in Baku which is located just opposite the Azerbaijan Central Bank. The statue of Heydar Aliyev is boldly visible to any onlooker around the area. The protesters had comprised of both boys and girls, and it’s been reported that about 15 – 20 persons were arrested.

Azerbaijan has over the years experienced a relatively calmness with the popularity of the president very high among the citizens. The country is experiencing a relative prosperity from the revenue derived from the sales of its abundant Oil and Gas resources. To the credit of the government, a lot of developments have been achieved during the period of the administration. This is why any unrest that will agitate the people will easily be clamped down by the security personnel.

LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM SHOOTING AT THE AZERBAIJAN OIL ACADEMY

2009-05-09T13:54:00.000+05:00

On the 30th of April, 2009, the entire Azerbaijan was thrown into turmoil as the population heard the news of shootings at the State Oil Academy. The incident had occurred in the early hours of Thursday between the periods of 9 – 10am. Students were already seated for their early morning classes when the horrified incidents took place. Until now there is no definite story as to what happened. The killer is known. The most popular story has it that the killer shoot himself after trigger happily killing dozens of others, both staff and students.

As we sympathize with the families of those who have lost their love ones, it is wise to put some questions in perspective. It could be anybody, but why is there no concrete news as to what actually happened? Why is there still no defined motive for the killings? Who were those involved? And to what extent has investigations revealed other “assumed” accomplice?

The first story that was popularized just immediately after the news broke out was that the killer was from African descent. In as much as it has already been proven to be false, but why did the media not verify a fact before reporting? I have followed this same incident from BBC, Euronews and CNN, but none of these International news agencies reported the Azerbaijan press version. The scenario simple portrays the degree of professionalism of some in the Azerbaijan news reporters, obviously low. A sensitive issue as that should be thoroughly verified as facts before it is put in the public domain. The reporters of the media organization that broke the false news should burry its head in shame. Until now, they haven’t even repudiate or put out an open apology for the false information. Let us hope that they learn a lesson though and next time, they think through to ensure that only facts are put into the public domain.

It is also shameful that a university as popular and as famous as the Oil Academy has no installed surveillance camera in and around the premises. Because based on eye witness account, there were strange persons who left the scene unidentified but these information can’t be followed through in the absence of actual video evidence to back the eye witness claims. The advantage of technology is to simplifier life and life issues, so it should be sufficiently used.

It is hoped the government learns from the incident. High security measures are to be put in place at the university premises. Not just universities, but in all public institutions and organizations.

REMEMBERING THE MARTYRS OF JANUARY 20TH IN AZERBAIJAN

2009-01-21T13:12:00.005+04:00

Its now 19 years since the sons and daughters of Azerbaijan gave their life for freedom. These martyrs were victims of the then Kremlin aggression. A defeat on human freedom was a typical characteristic of the communism ideology. Therefore on every hint on the people’s inclination to emancipation, Kremlin had acted with severe military actions.

On that faithful, the 20th of January 1990, the Azerbaijan population woke up to witness a great number of the Russia army in their capital Baku. The direct order wasn’t exact but the consequences of the day was so clear –there were hundreds of innocent civilians -men, women and children killed particularly in the center of the capital city. There were fathers went to work and never returned; children went to school, bidding their parents good bye without realizing that that was the last good bye they will ever wish them. Women went to market and never returned; wives and husbands were separated by death prematurely.

Today as America celebrates the inauguration of Barack Husein Obama, the first black president in the history of the USA; it shows the extent human freedom has come. That “all man is created equal and that no man, race, or tribe is more superior to another” is a God’s free gift to mankind and must be enjoyed by all.

Irrespective of where it happened, an injustice anywhere is injustice to mankind. This is why the whole world ought to join Azerbaijan and remember these freedom fighters. They gave their life not just for Azerbaijan but that the whole world will live in freedom. Like every other freedom fighters through out history, these Azerbaijan martyrs died for the simple believe that the good legacies they fight for will one day be reaped by the generations to come after them.

So, remembering the martyrs of January 20th creates an opportunity for good reflection by the Azerbaijan government, the Azerbaijani population and the entire world. The food for thought here comes in the form of a self intended question which is “am I living my life so as to preserve the good fight people before me had fought so I can live in freedom and still live a better place for the generations to come?”

AZERBAIJAN THE ANTIDOTE TO RUSSIA ENERGY THREATS

2009-01-13T18:09:00.002+04:00

It is no news that Russia has decided to block the supply of gas to Ukraine over the reason that Ukraine owes her -Russia so much debt.

This is not the first time Russia is using this means on Ukraine. In 2006, the same scenario played out and with the intervention of the world community especially Europe, the dispute was resolved. However this time around, the EU nations are also a victim.

Russia is accusing Ukraine of siphoning the fuel made for the EU nations that was route through Ukraine. Because of this Russia said it is blocking the flow of gas. The consequence is that much of Europe including Ukraine is without gas despite Europe having to face one of the harshest winter for about two decades.

This new development once again leaves Europe at the mercy of Russia. It only emphasis the threat Russia still remains to the collective goal of the EU.

Although, what the situation creates is that it allows EU to consider its policies with Russia.

As an advice to the EU community: Azerbaijan, Russia’s near neighbor has a vast gas deposit in the Caspian Sea. If the EU can channel its focus on how to better inculcate Azerbaijan into its policies, establish a stronger relationship with the Azerbaijan nation and pursue a wide national development, there is way Russia will not feel threatened and as a result the Russia threat can well be nullified.

ENCOUNTER WITH THE AZERBAIJAN IDPs RESIDING IN NEW KHOJALY

2009-01-09T15:57:00.006+04:00

Together with 22 other youths, I traveled to the hinterlands of Azerbaijan. The purpose was based on a project “New Aprroach to the Refugees Problems” initiated by the Baku International Students Club (BISC). The project activity was financed by the Azerbaijan NGO support fund from the presidential office and BISC was assisted technically by International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF).

The trip took us to Fizuli, Agdam, Tartar, and Goranbouy regions of Azerbaijan. The purpose was to learn the experiences of the Internal Displaced Persons of Azerbaijan who live their lives as Refugees in own country and as a result publish a book based on written essays on learned experiences. These IDPs were victims of the Azerbaijan/ Armenia war of 1992 that brought about the occupation of the Azerbaijan territorial land by Armenia up until today.

On this trip I and my other friends who were from China, Turkey, Iraq, France, Germany, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt and the Azeri locals were told lots of eyewitness stories of the incident. A particular case was our encounter with the Displaced Persons from Khojaly and Azerbaijanis who were forcefully removed from Armenia. We meet these groups of IDPs in the Agcakend region of Azerbaijan also referred to as new khjoaly.

Personal I was astonished by the beauty of the place where they present reside –New Khojaly. The snow that covered the entire mountain made the environment seems heavenly, but the inhabitants were quick to tell me that this beauty was nothing to be compared to the homeland –the presently occupied Khojaly territory.

We were also at the Zovchiq I & II settlements in the Horandis District of Azerbaijan. These settlements are relatively new, constructed by the Azerbaijan government and awarded to the refugees who all the while since after the war had been living in deplorably tents and camps.

Of course from what I saw, I can personal say that the Azerbaijan government is indeed doing a good job to better the living conditions of the refugees. Although much more remains to be done though to ensure that the refugees are well integrated into the main Azerbaijan society.

Despite this good effort of the government and the up to modern standard living homes provided, these IDPs still feel that they are not yet at home. It entail that more orientation has to be carried out, more government provisions in the spheres of creating employment opportunities and then finally a peaceful solution has to be reached on the re-acquisition of the Azerbaijan territories.

Pictures showing various events on the trip

CAN THIS BE A JOURNEY TO SOME WHERE FOR PEACE IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH?

2008-11-04T11:40:00.000+04:00

Yesterday the Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev and the Armenia president Serzh Sarksyan, both signed a document agreeing to follow a new proposed pathway to peace prepared by the government of Russia. The president of Russia Federation Dmitry Medvedev was a witness to this signature.

The signed document contains a part that states that Azerbaijan was prepared to consider allowing Nagorno-Karabakh some measure of self-determination ", this is based on the statement of Khazar Ibrahim a spokesman for the Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign affairs. If that is the case, hence we can conclude that a compromise from both parties is within arms reach.

Dmitry Medvedev, since after his assumption as the president of Russia has been trying to negotiate a new peace in the Karabakh region. This intent has seen him travel to both Azerbaijan and Armenia. Of course many people will judge his real objective as an aim to keep Russia as a factor in the region. If that is true, then Russia will want to parley with Azerbaijan because of it vast oil resource; therefore using the Nagorno-Karabakh as a bait will be a very good tactical approach.

Russia is regaining it highest popularity since after the fall of the Soviet USSR. Again the factors that has help it rise is the world surge in oil prices, the over dependence of the west on oil, coupled with the recent Russia intimidation of small Georgia with US and its allies unable to raise an eyebrow. Other than Georgia that Russia is seen as a pro-Western and US heavily backed, Russia will try as much as it can to keep Azerbaijan and Armenia within its confines so as to still retain it regional influence.

Compromise will be the only true way to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh. In a situation where both sides decide to play adamant, there will ultimately be no break through. The European group has tried to mediate the crisis but no major progress has been achieved; even the UN Security backed MINSK group have not also come out with any tangible results. The role Russia is about to play is a worthy step.

However it is also wise to add that Russia has all the while been part of the MINSK group. More so, with justified benefits of doubts, many passionate followers of the events from both sides will view the Russia role as a “non-necessary”; Russia based on its strategic position coupled with the Russia role in creating the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Russia shouldn’t have waited these many years to begin a meaningful step towards returning final peace to the Nagorno-Karabakh regions.

Whatever useful steps towards resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is a welcome one. The effect of the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia is still felt on both sides; the about many hundreds of thousand refugees living as displaced person in the country, the victims of unexploded mines and military ordinances, the freeze trade or border interactions between both countries and the vast stagnate land that was once farmlands to the inhabitants of the Nagorno-Karabakh territories (including the warfront zones).

A peaceful Nagorno-Karabakh will eventually be a starting point towards resolving some of the problems and challenges faced by the South Caucasus regions.

IHAM ALIYEV WINS ANOTHER TERM AS THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN. –WHAT’S NEXT?

2008-10-16T11:54:00.003+05:00

Yesterday October the 15th, the Azerbaijan republic had a presidential election to elect who will become the next president for the next five years. Although the final results of the election has not been released (as at the time of posting) by the National Election Commission (NEC) but there is no need for an official release because obviously Ilham Aliyev won the election.

Observers of the Election, both Local and International agreed that the election atmosphere was calm and peaceful; in most standards the election can be scored as been free and fair. There was no violence experienced, there was availability of election materials in polling stations and turn out was quite impressive. All across the nation there was no report of disfranchised groups as local monitors says that all across the nation people were turning out to vote.

However some people will persist to ask the question: how fair can an election be that has already set the national legislations to support the incumbent? For instance; how can you expect a strong opposition when the opposition parties have been reaped of all their political strength? How can a challenge become possible with a legislative law that permits campaigning only a month prior to election? It is true that most voters had voted for Ilham Aliyev but again how could they have voted otherwise when in actual fact he is the only candidate they know?

Democracy entails more than providing the necessary amenities such as roads, electricity, and housings. It is true that that the government of Ilham Aliyev has done quite well in this area but again that has to be considered in the context that Azerbaijan has experienced tremendous wealth gain with its oil boom. This wealth has not been distributed across as more than a half percentage of the masses remains under the poverty line.

The government owes the masses good governance. It has to look into the national health system. Affordable good health should be a benefit for all not only for the affluence and relatives of the rich. The doctors and hospital administrators in the public hospitals deserve good wages accompanying with good hospital equipping. Furthermore, the media has to be granted freedom and there should be less government interference with the media activities. Government has to look into the unemployment statistics; there should be diversification of employment opportunities into other areas other than constructions and oil and gas.

The government has to also review the Educational system. Teachers and academicians deserve good pay; the youths are entitled to good education so as not to jeopardize the future of the nation. It is very glaring that presently there is a great drain in the intellectuals in the nation. It is true that government has to spend on the military, but it makes no sense diverting larger portion of the national income into arms purchase while neglecting very vital areas as good education, job creation, good health care, etc.

These are the challenge facing Ilahm Aliyev. If he is to consolidate his election victory, he has to begin to give the people of Azerbaijan good returns for democracy. Azerbaijanis wants more; they want more than peace and stability. This is what the government has to make a priority; to better the democratic system of the nation and allow for equal opportunity for all the masses so that the gains of the nation can become a collective gain.

THE TURKEY ROLE IN SOUTH CAUCASUS PEACE

2008-09-20T12:03:00.002+05:00

Just recently the President of the Turkey –Abdullah Gul was in Armenia based on an invitation by his Armenia counterpart -Serzh Sargsyan. The reason for the invitation was because of a fifa scheduled world cup qualification between Armenia and Turkey. It is no secret that a friction exists in the relationship between Turkey and Armenia and the consequence is that both nations had cut contacts for more than 8o years. Therefore, a historical visit of this kind is worthy of good acclamation.

Turkey neighbors virtually all the South Caucasian nations: Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The events of the region somehow has involved Turkey; for instance –the problem between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory. The Armenia views Turkey, a close ally to Azerbaijan because both share same historical origin, as an enemy. Also, Armenia and Georgia has got its own share of problems over territory divide and the Georgians incline more to the Turks for relationship due to the good relationship Armenia already enjoys with the mighty Russia Republic.

With the increase in status of Turkey nation, the Turkey is invariably assuming a reconciling role in the South Caucasus. Turkey role is very encouraging because Russia who should be in a better position to establish the South Caucasus peace is quite still nursing grudges over the failed Soviet Republics and feels threatened by the more than normal friendliness between the nations of the South Caucasus and the West.

Turkey is trying to join to the European Union, and it must be said that the Turks stand a very good chance to become a member. The practice of its democracy is quit recommendable, order than the noticeable corruption in Turkey nation, the societal fundamental principles is a good example for Islamic nations to emulate. However, the Turkey problem with the Armenia has remained a negating factor to their EU pathway. Armenia has been good in convincing the major EU player like France and UK to consider the Turkey/Armenia conflict as a one way aggression –Genocidal act over the minority Armenians.

The new Turkey role goes a long way in creating a South Caucasus peace and such movies should be exploited by those who have tried to establish peace in this part of the world. Armenia sees Turkey as a strategic partner that’s why it stretches a friendly gesture. Azerbaijan recognizes itself as a Turkish nation and therefore has a very cordial relationship with Turkey. This relationship is the reason for the high respect the Azerbaijan Republic has for its Turkey neighbor. It is only Turkey that has the ability to bring the Armenians, the Georgians, and the Azerbaijan in unity. The role of the OSCE, the Minsk groups, the EU, etc, though recommendable, we can only truly see how very vital Turkey is to the long presumed peace of the South Caucasus region.

DEMOCRATS –OBAMA OR REPUBLICAN –MC CAIN: WHO SHOULD AZERBAIJAN TRUST?

2008-09-04T14:55:00.002+05:00

There is no doubt that the United States election is generating heat all across the globe just as it is in the USA. Cutting across continents divides: Australia, Canada, China, Norway, Nigeria, Venezuela and even Azerbaijan; everyone is keenly following the outcomes of the election.

Democrat or Republican, they have always had different ideas and policies for the Caucasus region of Europe. Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia are the southern Caucasians in this region.

The south Caucasus is very strategic to the USA foreign policies. Georgia and Armenia is a Christian populated nations. With particular reference to Armenia, it has a big population of Armenians in the USA with many of them good lobbyist in the political system of the United States. Georgians too are quite sizeable in the United States; a good reference is the current president of the Georgia Republic -Saakasvili who is a darling son of the US government and had his education in the United States.

However Azerbaijan is different and does not possess the above characteristics. Azerbaijan has Islam as its state religion with about 98% of its population as Muslims; other than the Azerbaijan Republic itself, another place where you will find the Azerbaijanis in large number is the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even the Iranian Azerbaijan is about 5 times the total population of the present day Azerbaijan Republic which is national population is estimated at about 8million.

Therefore who should the Azerbaijan trust between Obama and Mc Cain to protect its interest?

Azerbaijan is a major exporter of oil; in fact, the Azerbaijan territory is able to supply Europe with a large quantity of Oil and gas to effectively nullify the Russia stronghold on oil and gas sector and European dependency on Russia supply. Azerbaijan is a good partner with the European allies of the United States in this regards.

Also Azerbaijan is an ally in the USA fight against terror through its troop activities in the Afghanistan and Iraq war.

There is however the re-occurring straining factors in the America relationship with Azerbaijan and that is the un-resolved conflict between her neighbor Armenia. Although with recent development form this part of the world, that is, Russia bullish acts against Georgia, Azerbaijan will not mind to strongly court the America relationship in respective of the unresolved territorial dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijan remains passionate about its territory under occupation by Armenia and hopes to reclaim it back, but with the recent Russia aggressive policies, a more bounded relationship with the world most powerful nation will be a step not to flinch away from.

So Republican -Mc Cain or Democratic –Obama; which of these will ensure that Azerbaijan benefits from the America strength and still not be short-changed on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue?

Mc Cain has spoken vehemently against Russia during the Russia brief attacks on Georgia and has openly criticized Russia. On the other hand, Obama has tried to play politics with the issue and try to sound as safe as he can in his statements regarding the issue. The Azerbaijanis views Obama as a politician who depicts the exact United States politicians, perhaps democrats, who will always tell the people what they like to hear instead of coming out categorically on issues and remain on the stands. A good example that resurfaces in the minds of the Azerbaijanis is that Obama during his early campaigns had met a group of Armenians Community in USA and had promised them to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh as an Armenia territory.

The Azerbaijan government and its general population clearly know who will defend her territory and yet still not make Azerbaijan to compromise. Even if the element of doubt exist though over the religious issue on the support of the United States in this region, the Azerbaijan people know that a Republican -Mc Cain who is not afraid to make bold proclamation against Russia over the Georgia incident will also not fail to support Azerbaijan should they face a similar crisis. Not to say that Russia is all that matters most in the Azerbaijan society but its still holds a top priority in the issues from this part of the world.

AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2008: HOW FAIR?

2008-08-23T13:14:00.004+05:00

In October the Republic Azerbaijan with a total population of about 9 million persons will go to the boots across the country to elect their president for a period of five years. This will be the 6th presidential Election of the republic after it got its independence from Russia in 1992.

It’s less than two months to the fixed day of election, precisely on the 15th of October, yet not much events in the country to portray the upcoming election. It will be a great misjudgment to compare the Azerbaijan election with the USA election, but whereas the USA presidential election coming up in November has since become a top news for the media bodies, making headlines not just in USA but all across the globe, the Azerbaijan presidential election is passing on as quiet with little or no mention even in the National medias as if it is of no significance having one in the first place.

For many other foreigners who reside in Azerbaijan, not much is known concerning the election. For instance, asking the question to some foreigners residing in Azerbaijan: “apart from Ilham Aliyev, who else is contesting the presidential election in Azerbaijan?” The answers will not be far from the expected; of course they will have no Idea.

Ilham Aliyev is the incumbent president and is contesting for a second term in office. His party the “Yeni Azerbaijan Parti -YAP” had nominated him unanimously to be the party flag bearer. Ilham Aliyev, who was elected in 2003, took over as president of the Republic from his father Heydar Aliyev.

Initially, opposition parties had shown interest to participate in the coming presidential elections. Parties as the “Musavat” and “Azadliq -a bloc of parties” who are well known oppositions had candidates to field for the elections, but prior to the official commencement of the election activities, these oppositions withdrew form the election. The oppositions had stated among many reasons for the withdrawal as connected to unfavorable condition in the electoral system, non confidence in the Electoral conducting body.

Nonetheless, the ruling party YAP is structurally robust as compared to these other parties. From America to the United Kingdom, successes in election are pretty well determined on the availability of fund; the YAP party has got fund in essence. Although it is a wide assumption that state fund is channeled to the YAP party activities which obviously is an illegal act. Other assumptions by the opposition is that the government has help suppress the opposition therefore the consequence is that it has enabled the YAP to portray itself as having a great grassroots base.

Whatever the argument maybe, it is noteworthy to state that sampling opinions of the electorate, the common choice for presidency is Ilham Aliyev. Pressing these electorates further on why their choices are Ilham Aliyev, they simply say there is no opposition. Some although speak favorable concerning the achievements of the president Ilham Aliyev during his first ternure, while others see no positive achievements and simply expect a change.

Depending on what side the arguments come from, a truly free and fair election can only be possible in a battle where two persons of equal strength, equal opportunity and equally playing field contest. It is a no contest in a scenario where one party is by far stronger than the other party. In as much as the outcome of the election on 15th October is already onesided, it will definitely be seeking credibility just because of the single act that the opposition did not participate and that there was no real test on the ability of the YAP candidate Ilaham Aliyev to pull many votes.

NAKCHIVAN: A PEOPLE’S HERITAGE, A PEOPLE’S PRIDE AND A HOME OF BEAUTY

2008-08-20T10:40:00.001+05:00

I visited the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan for the first time courtesy of an invitation from a dear friend -Elmira. I made the trip with my wife Lala and our 5 months old son Joel. It was to be my first time to this part of Azerbaijan and same for my wife. The journey of about I hour from Baku to Nakchivan was a smooth fly; from an aerial view, it reveals how on a very fast rate the Azerbaijan capital Baku is developing with a great number of high rising building and good road networking. Descending from the plane on arrival in Nakhchivan, we were greeted with the purest serenity of athmosphere; my wife observed how very pure the atmospheric air felt in Nakhchivan as compared to the congested capital Baku.

To me Nakchivan is one of the most beautiful spots in the Caucasus and to a larger extent on Earth. I have been to other regions of Azerbaijan, but whereas occupational related activities took me to these parts, my trip to Nakhchivan was based on relaxation. Of course Fizuli, Tartar and the occupied Azerbaijan territories of Karabakh are all beautiful; however I will not fail to add that my perceptions for these different places are based on different perspectives. Among the things that fascinated me on this particular trip to Nakhchivan were the surroundings full of high mountains; the long stretches of low green lands; the people’s customs, traditions and general way of life; the valleys, vegetations, springs and pools; not forgetting the meals, natural diary consumption and fruits consumed directly from the gardens.

Nakhchivan has a strategic role in history. Besides that it is presently a place for Islam religious sojourners who visit the Ashabi cafe, it is also a significant part of the Christian belief. After all, going by the ancient history, the Mount Ararat, that is just a stone throw from the hinter areas of Nakhchivan but presently located in today Turkey, Ararat is believed to be the place where Noah’s Ark had settled. In essence, a new phase of human origin is traceable to this part of the world and all mankind can lay claim to a root in this region.

A brief insight on Nakchivan; the exclave has its capital as the Nakhchivan city. Other regions within the Autonomous republic are: Babek, Julfa, Kangarli, Ordubad, Sadarek, Shakhbuz and Sarur. Iran, Turkey, Armenia and the River Aras surround this Azerbaijan exclave on various sides. Another visible surrounding of the Nakhchivan exclave is the Caucasian mountains.

The Autonomous Republic is a very historical place in the history of Azerbaijan. Nakchivan is the birth place of prominent sons and daughters of the larger Azerbaijan. The larger Azerbaijan in context means including the Southern Iranians who are Azerbaijanis by origin but are now part of the Iran based on an agreed treaty of 1828 (treaty of Turkmanchay -agreed between Russia and Iran after the Russo-Persian war). Among the prominent sons from the exclave include Meami Aceami (world renowned builder of his generation) Karoglu (a national warrior), Husein Cavid (a poet and a national hero) and of course Herdar Aliyev (one of the 20th century elder statesman and great politician).

The majority of persons of this exclave are predominantly farmers and herdsmen. In the past, the hinterlands of Nakchivan had been food basket of its surrounding settlements including the Armenia. Our host family in Nakchivan, Baba who is a native of the Sarur region, had explained to me how during the peaceful coexistence between Azerbaijan and Armenia, he and many other farmers of his village were constantly transporting their farm produce to the Armenians but after the Armenia invasion of the Azerbaijan territories, these practice are now a thing of history. Also Baba in own words had told me how the whole extent of the Sarur villages has been a plantation of vines and grapes extending the whole length to Turkey in the West, Armenia to the South, to the River Aras and Iran to the North the North central respectively. But these entire vineyards were destroyed during the Russia occupation of the Azerbaijan territory. At that time, Gorbachev who had characterized these as immoral to the communist beliefs had ordered the destruction.

The Nakchivan land is rich with nutrients and very fertile for all types of crops; potatoes, tomatoes, apples, melons, corns, to mention a few, all these crops are all very productive on the Nakchivan soil. Other than the food crops, Nakchivan rear all sorts of animals; goats, sheep, cows, donkeys and horses. The Azerbaijan exclave is also very rich in minerals such as Salt and Molybdenum.

My trip provided to me the privilege to get a view of Momine Khatun –a 14th century monument built to symbolize love; the Zangazur Mountains –that separates the Armenia territories from Azerbaijan; the Aras River –that runs through Armenia, Iran and Azerbaijan; the Mount Kapydhik –the highest point of the Nakhchivan mountains, it is also believed to a spot upon where Noah’s Ark anchored for a while; the illandag Mountain –translated as the snake mountain. Other places that were so fascinating to me include the Herdar Aliyev museum, the museum of Huseyn Cavid, and the Nakhchivan main meseum. More so, all over Nakhchivan, there is a gush of pure water; the territory is so blessed with spring water that a spring is found virtually on all corners of the republic.

Among the prominent places that I visited that will remain a life time memory was the Ashabi café. The Ashabi café is translated to be a café for wishes. According to the story I was told, the café was proclaimed as sacred based on outcome of the events of many centuries ago. Three friends who were fleeing from a cruel king hid in the café for safety. According to the story, the event had occurred even before Christianity or any other religion was practiced. The three friends with the knowledge of a supreme being prayed to God for protection upon which God subjected them to a deep sleep. After many centuries had passed, the three men woke up from their slumber, in their process to relate with the community they discovered that they’ve been sleeping for up to three centuries. Legends have it that they were later transformed to pieces of stones in the Ashabi café.

In Islam, the Ashabi café was quoted in the words of the Quran (Qurani-Karem Kehf suresi 18). It was recognized as one of the holy places on Earth; no wonder I could observe so many foreigners who had come to make the holy trip to the Ashabi café. Thanks to the present government of the Azerbaijan republic, journey through the café is made much easier with the erecting and renovation of the stair and walk ways. Also, the surroundings around the café have been beatified. To my opinion, if this singular place is well harnessed, it can turn out to be an important Azerbaijan tourist destination for foreigners and consequently become a source of revenue generator for the government just as is practiced all around the globe, a common reference is Mecca of Saudi Arabia.

Besides the natural beauty, Nakchivan main city is by far a very clean place and peaceful serene. Despite it bubbling with life, it’s free of what characterizes a big city such as traffic congestions, environmental pollutions and poor sanitation. According to my wife, the Nakhchivan city depicts a picture of modern day cities.

During my stay in Nakhchivan, I was trilled to learn a proud people way of life. The natives of Nakhchivan are so proud of their heritage. The pride is sometimes mistaken for arrogance but as proud persons, they firstly identify themselves as a citizen of Azerbaijan but never forgetting where their heritage lies. These characteristics of the natives of Nakhchivan has rubbed into their co-existence and further solidifying their brotherly fondness that is easily identified with them irrespective of which part of the world they presently settle at. Another lasting impression I had acquired from Nakhchivan is that there is a great value for the institution of family and the people’s customs and tradition are well preserved and passed on to the younger generation. This can also be a case that is peculiar with the entire Azerbaijanis. Just as the Nakhchivan natives are proud of their heritage, the Autonomous republic of Nakhchivan will ever remain a reference of pride to the entire Azerbaijan republic.