TEAS Magazine July 2013 (English)

CULTURE | BUSINESS | PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OLYMPIC HERO MO FARAH MANAGES THE ARSENAL LEGENDS IN TEAS CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH Also in this issue: Shah Deniz Consortium opts for the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs call for peace at G8 Summit Azerbaijan Through the Lens travels to the European Parliament Five Roads Back Home highlights faces of IDPs to a Paris audience New UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan announced www.teas.eu

07 / 2013

www.teas.eu July 2013

Welcome to the TEAS Magazine The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European organisation dedicated to raising awareness of Azerbaijan and fostering closer economic, political and cultural links between that country and the nations of Europe.

As well as promoting the positive aspects of Azerbaijan, TEAS also highlights the plight of the 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the country. These people are unable to return to their homes and lands because of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions by Armenia’s armed forces – in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions.

TEAS has three main facets to its operations: • Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre.

• Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the regions.

• Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinionformers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders.

In pursuit of its objectives TEAS: • Organises meetings with interested parties, opinion-formers and decision-makers • Arranges roundtables, seminars, lectures and conferences • Publishes pamphlets, reports, bulletins, books and films.

• Facilitates fact-finding trips by politicians and business people

Mailing List

TEAS is always bringing the latest news, views and interviews from Azerbaijan. Sign up to our mailing-list to receive the latest information straight to your inbox: www.teas.eu

Facebook

The TEAS Facebook page is your chance to learn about the latest news, events, campaigns and other Azerbaijan-related items. Visit and ‘like’ our page at: http://bit.ly/TEASFB.

Membership and Sponsorship

TEAS offers a range of corporate and individual membership packages, providing such benefits as advertising, trade missions, networking, business sector advice and hotel discounts.

TEAS also offers numerous sponsorship opportunities throughout the year for its events and conferences. To find out more, e-mail: membership@teas.eu.

Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcoming-events 15 September Liberal Democrat Party Conference TEAS Jazz Reception Argyll II Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Congress Road, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8QT Main speaker: Lord German 22.00–23.30. Free admission (inside secure area) 22 September Labour Party Conference TEAS Jazz Reception Charlotte Room, The Grand Brighton, 97–99 King’s Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW Main speaker: Gerry Sutcliffe MP 21.00–23.00. Free admission (conference pass required) 1 October Conservative Party Conference TEAS Jazz Reception Alexandria A, The Midland, Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS Main speaker: Christopher Pincher MP 21.30–23.00. Free admission (conference pass required) TEAS’ presence at the three main party conferences this year will comprise sophisticated jazz receptions, featuring Sabina Rakcheyeva and the Deco Ensemble. Azerbaijani violinist Sabina has been resident in London for several years, having previously studied and resided in Brussels and New York, where she was the first Azerbaijani to graduate from the Juilliard School. To date, she has performed in more than 40 countries around the world. The CD UnVeiled was her “excellent debut album” – Songlines magazine – and she is also Cultural Advisor to TEAS. At the jazz receptions, Sabina and the London-based Deco Ensemble will perform a vibrant mix of standards, tangos and their own compositions.

Refreshments will be served at all receptions. For more information, e-mail Orkhan Amashov on orkhan.amashov@teas.eu.

Latest Member Please see website for more members

July 2013

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Politics and News

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

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(from left) Fabrice Muamba, Tony Adams and Mo Farah were three of the sporting legends that contributed to the match

From the TEAS Director TEAS celebrity football match turns the spotlight

Our role here at TEAS is to raise awareness of Azerbaijan – and that involves talking about both the problems and the opportunities.

The opportunities are many. The country is blessed with enormous oil and gas reserves. Other minerals are present in great abundance. The soil is fertile, and the climate benign. The economy is booming, and poverty rates have tumbled from over 50 per cent to just 6 per cent in six years.

Despite all this, Azerbaijan has severe problems, and needs the help of the West.

Currently, Armenia occupies around 18 per cent of Azerbaijani territory, in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions. As a result, Azerbaijan has to care for approximately 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

We realise that the West – and the world at large – has other problems and other priorities. That is why TEAS does not restrict itself to political lobbying to highlight the conflict with Armenia and the plight of the refugees and IDPs. We facilitate trade missions and meetings between representatives of Azerbaijani and European businesses and organisations, and hold business forums in the capitals of Europe.

We also hold cultural events – concerts and exhibitions – to showcase Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage.

However, sometimes we need to reach out to a different audience. That is why we were so pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor the charity football match between the Arsenal Legends and a World Refugee IDP (WRIDPs) XI. Such Arsenal football legends as Tony Adams and Ian Wright played against a team that included refugees and IDPs from Azerbaijan and various African countries. The guest managers were Mo Farah and Fabrice Muamba.

The result was a great day out for over 3,500 fans, a terrific game of football – and tens of thousands of pounds raised for refugees and IDPs. Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS www.teas.eu

on IDPs and refugees

On 23 June, a charity football match, sponsored by TEAS, took place between the World Refugee Internally Displaced Persons (WRIDPs) XI and the Arsenal Legends at Barnet FC’s Underhill Stadium, attended by a crowd of 3,600. Mo Farah, the Olympic double gold medal-winning British athlete, managed the Arsenal Legends, and Fabrice Muamba, the former Bolton Wanderers footballer, managed the WRIDPs XI. The match generated considerable media interest.

in the WRIDPs XI, and Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, presented the trophies at the end.

Mo Farah demonstrates his famous ‘Mobot’ at the presentation ceremony, watched by Theresa Villiers MP

Fabrice Muamba recalled: “You always achieve more if you are very disciplined and organised. As a refugee myself, I have always had a winning attitude, and this made me into the person I am today.”

The press conference was led by actor and football pundit Tom Watt

The match raised much-needed funds for The Refugee Council, in addition to providing assistance to some of the approximately 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan, whose lives were disrupted by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Tony Adams said: “Hopefully this match will generate awareness of the IDPs and refugees across the world, in addition to raising funds for The Refugee Council.”

Mo Farah commented: “We’re making a difference and are making people aware of what’s happening and the current situation.

All the players and myself are happy to help out.” Ian Wright said: “The more we can do

The cause was close to the heart of Mo, originally from Somalia, and Fabrice, who comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, both of whom have built new lives in the UK. TEAS sponsored the event to commemorate UN World Refugee Day, which fell on 20 June.

The Arsenal Legends team included former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Paul Davis, Ray Parlour, Perry Groves and Michael Thomas. Syed Kemall MEP also demonstrated his footballing skills

The match attracted a high level of media attention July 2013

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Politics and News Both teams demonstrated an excellent level of play

to arrange events like this, the better. If you get a good turnout like this, the match can certainly help increase awareness.”

The game was very competitive, with both teams demonstrating huge passion for the match, which ended in a 1–1 draw. There was some excellent creative tactical work in the midfield from the WRIDPs XI, with Azerbaijani IDP Vurghun Hasanzade taking his chance and scoring towards the end of the first half. Each time England and Arsenal

legend Tony Adams appeared, an ecstatic crowd demonstrated their appreciation, only topped by the applause for Mo Farah himself, when he appeared in an Arsenal strip. Arsenal adopted a 4–4–2 formation throughout, a time-honoured approach that paid dividends, particularly with the equalising goal from Ömer Riza.

midfield. The match also featured some inspired goalkeeping on both sides, providing prime entertainment for the crowd.

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS said: “There are many more IDPs than refugees worldwide, and we wanted to use this match to highlight that point, as well as for raising money for IDPs and refugees around the world.”

Arsenal nemesis Mickey Thomas also appeared for the WRIDPs XI, and was a sprightly thorn in the side of the Arsenal

To see a short video about the match, visit http://bit.ly/teasfootball

Mo Farah signing autographs for a few of his fans

Tony Adams, nicknamed ‘Mr Arsenal’, meets the public

Mo Farah dons an Arsenal strip

Tony Adams shows his delight at sharing the pitch with his former Arsenal teammates

The WRIDPs XI team discuss their strategy

Syed Kemall MP with one of his WRIDPs XI teammates

July 2013

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

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Around 200 people attended the European Parliament opening

Stunning images shown to Brussels political and business audiences On 24 June, the soul of Azerbaijan was taken to the heart of Europe in Brussels when around 200 guests attended the opening of the Azerbaijan Through the Lens exhibition in the European Parliament, organised by TEAS. The event, hosted

by Slovakian MEP Katarína Neved’alová, attracted the attention of many Members of the European Parliament, senior politicians, EU officials and diplomats.

The exhibition showcased photographs of contemporary Azerbaijani people, culture, landscapes and architecture in the magnificent Yehudi Menuhin space.

Previously presented in London, Paris and Berlin, these photographs were selected from around 750 submissions received from photographers based in Azerbaijan and across the world for a competition run

by TEAS. Katarína Neved’alová MEP remarked: “This is a wonderful exhibition about a beautiful country. I recently visited Azerbaijan and, when I saw the photos, asked why the exhibition has not been called The Colours of Azerbaijan. Just by walking in the streets, I immediately saw the colours of the country and people. Organisation of this exhibition is an event of friendship and solidarity.

“Whilst I was in Baku, I spoke to Asim Talib, who photographed Old Men, the winning image, and he expressed pride that his

picture would be shown in the European Parliament premises. Azerbaijan is a magnificent country. Although it is possibly insufficiently known across Europe, it is a modern and open nation. Azerbaijan Through the Lens will definitely attract the attention of European policy-makers. One can say that this exhibition is now in its right place, in the very heart of Europe, building the necessary bridges between European and Azerbaijani culture.“

H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the European Union, said: “This cultural event demonstrates our common values. I am pleased to represent a country of many different colours, ethnicities and religions.

I am proud of my country and the bridges that it creates between cultures. Enjoy the beautiful colours of Azerbaijan with us.”

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, said: “Azerbaijan Through the Lens is a unique project, not only with its ambition, but definitely with its result. This exhibition certainly captures Azerbaijan at its best, and presents this beautiful country on the Caspian shores to the public. These pictures show the sheer breadth of the culture and climate of Azerbaijan. However, the winning picture, Old Men, is most nostalgic. It was taken in Kelbajar in 1985, and could not be taken today, as this area is now under Armenian occupation.

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, stands alongside Katarína Neved’alová MEP, who hosted the event in the European Parliament (Photos: Gleamlight)

www.teas.eu

“With this type of cultural initiative, TEAS aims to raise awareness of Azerbaijan and to foster closer economic, political and cultural links between the country and the nations of Europe.”

Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Brussels, added: “Azerbaijan is a country that is worth placing in the spotlight. The open and tolerant character of Azerbaijani society, the beauty of its nature and the hospitality of its people make this country a perfect partner for the European Union. I’m proud that this prestigious photography exhibition will be showcased for a week in the European Parliament.”

After more than 1,500 visited the exhibition in the European Parliament, Azerbaijan Through the Lens moved for two weeks to the Tour & Taxis Business Centre, Brussels.

On 9 July, members of the Belgian Federal Parliament and the Belgian Senate, amongst others, attended the private view in the Royal Depot space. Dominique Tilmans, Belgian Senator, said: “The beauty of Azerbaijan is so well-represented through this photography exhibition. It is certainly justifiable that Azerbaijan Through the Lens is being shown in one of the most popular business venues in the Belgian capital. I would like to thank TEAS for having imported a little of the spirit of Azerbaijan to Belgium.”

To see a selection of the photos, please visit www.teas.eu/azerbaijan-through-the-lens

Dominique Tilmans, Belgian Senator, spoke at the private view in the Tour & Taxis Business Centre in Brussels

July 2013

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Politics and News The Parliamentary Tug of War Competition, partially sponsored

by TEAS, raised much-needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support

A Tug of War for a good cause

TEAS was one of the main sponsors for the 26th annual Macmillan Parliamentary Tug of War competition on 11 June. Pitting the brute strength of both male and female teams from around the UK against each other, the event culminated with a competition between the House of Lords and House of Commons – the upper and lower houses of the UK Parliament – eventually being won by the Commons’ team. The event was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides invaluable healthcare, information and financial support to those living with cancer and their families.

This year’s event raised an estimated £120,000.

Julia Palca, Chair, Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Macmillan provides support and treatment to the 2m people living with cancer in the UK each year. This figure is expected to

double by 2030, and it is now estimated that 47 per cent of UK citizens will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. The good news is that, of these, 40 per cent will survive. But that means there are more complex challenges for Macmillan nurses.”

Lynda Thomas, Fundraising Director, Macmillan Cancer Support, commented: “Over the past 26 years, this event has raised £3m for Macmillan. It’s always a very popular event. There are four main sponsors this year – Taylor Wimpey, Marks & Spencer, BAE Systems and, for the first time, TEAS. With increasing numbers of people surviving cancer, there is more work for Macmillan nurses. Tonight’s event will raise enough to cover the costs of two Macmillan nurses for one year and improve the lives of those living with cancer.”

Irfan Siddiq appointed

as new UK Ambassador

Irfan Siddiq OBE has been appointed as UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, succeeding Peter Bateman, who has retired from the Diplomatic Service. He will take up his position in August 2013. Mr Siddiq joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1998, and has gained a wide range of overseas experience in India, Egypt, the US, Syria and Iraq. He also served as Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary, working with both Jack Straw and Margaret Beckett. Most recently, Mr Siddiq led the FCO’s response to the Arab Spring, as Head of the Arab Partnership Department.

Mr Siddiq said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as British Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a fascinating country. It has a rich cultural heritage, a dynamic economy, and is of major strategic importance. I’m looking forward to living and working in Azerbaijan, getting to know Azerbaijan and its people and further developing UK–Azerbaijani relations to best promote UK interests and values.”

Irfan Siddiq will be the next UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Islam and Secularism highlighted in France

TEAS, in association with the Institut de Découverte et d’Étude du Monde Musulman (IDEMM), has hosted a symposium entitled Islam and Secularism: Shared stakes — the Azerbaijani experience and its reflection in France at the Musée d’Aquitaine in Bordeaux, France. The symposium, chaired by Tareq Oubrou, Head of the Bordeaux Mosque and Director of IDEMM, gathered together academics and religious representatives from the Aquitaine region. The speakers reflected on the concept of secularism, including the role the State should take in religious matters, exploring the notion and experience of secularism in Azerbaijan, and outlining the differences and similarities between the Azerbaijani and French experiences of the concept.

Following a keynote speech by Socialist MP Vincent Feltesse and President of the Urban Community of Bordeaux (CUB), Nijat Mammadly, Professor of Political Science and Sociology, Baku State University and Director, International Relations at the Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with Religious July 2013

Organisations, presented the Azerbaijani model of secularism and religious diversity.

He said: “We want to share Azerbaijan’s experience and see whether our model of secularism and religious tolerance can also be an inspiration for others.”

challenges. About 150 academics, members of religious communities, opinion-makers and civil society representatives attended the symposium.

Hervé Rehbi, Head of Yavné, a Jewish cultural centre, then discussed the tradition of secularism in Bordeaux, a French city where interreligious dialogue is notably tolerant.

Mr Oubrou, who travelled to Azerbaijan with TEAS in April 2013 on a study trip focusing on Azerbaijan: secularism and religious tolerance in the Muslim world and who also participated in the Intercultural Dialogue Forum that took place in Baku earlier this year, shared his experience and appreciation of the Azerbaijani model of secularism. He explained that this should be viewed within today’s context of globalisation. Mr Oubrou stated that it is important that secular states like France and Azerbaijan share their experiences and address common

Tareq Oubrou, Head of the Bordeaux Mosque and Director of IDEMM, stressed his personal experience of Azerbaijani religious tolerance

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

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Strength of UK–Azerbaijani relations highlighted in London The current state of UK–Azerbaijani relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were the main discussion topics during a conference at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in Whitehall, London, named Shaping the Policy Agenda: British–Azerbaijani relations in the context of Europe, organised by the Azerbaijani Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS) and RUSI.

Novruz Mammadov, Deputy Head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration and the Head of the Azerbaijani Foreign Relations Department commented on Azerbaijan’s achievements in the political, economic, cultural, social and other sectors since regaining its independence. He explained that Azerbaijani GDP had tripled during the past decade and that the Azerbaijani economy now holds 46th place in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness

European Council

President “satisfied” with Azerbaijan

A meeting has taken place in Brussels between Herman Van Rompuy, President, European Council, and Azerbaijani President Aliyev. Mr Van Rompuy shared his “satisfaction” with the progress achieved in constructing the Southern Gas Corridor, which will bring Caspian and Central Asian resources direct to Europe, ensuring energy security for the future.

He went on to reconfirm that “Azerbaijan is a very important partner for the EU – we have achieved a great deal working together in the energy field, but we can do even more.” He went on to express “the need for a contractual relationship, based on an Association Agreement” so that “our relationship can achieve its full potential.”

Report. He went on to explain that the Azerbaijani economy now accounts for 75 per cent of the South Caucasus economy. Mr Mammadov also commented on the strong relationship that has developed between Azerbaijan and the UK during the past decade. He said that dozens of UK-based companies are participating as investors and contractors in various sectors of the Azerbaijani economy, including construction, energy, trade and services.

According to Mr Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s close integration with Western Europe had resulted in the rapid construction of large, strategically important projects, enabling it to become a political, economic, cultural, energy and transportation bridge between East and West. He also commented on the ongoing co-operation between the EU and NATO, saying: “More than one third of

goods delivered to Afghanistan pass through Azerbaijan.” Mr Mammadov spoke on the ineffectiveness of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in brokering peaceful NagornoKarabakh conflict resolution, saying: “Unfortunately, the representatives of the Co-Chair countries dealing with the conflict settlement have not achieved any progress so far. Additionally, the Co-Chairs’ statements do not refer to international law and the four outstanding UN Security Council resolutions on the conflict.”

Farhad Mammadov, Director, CSS, said that this remains the most serious and longstanding conflict in the post-Soviet area, explaining: “Azerbaijan perceives this conflict as a threat to its territorial integrity and sovereign independence.” He went on to outline the impact of the illegal arms trade on the conflict.

Lord Peter Fraser – a remembrance

All friends of Azerbaijan in the UK were saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Peter Fraser of Carmyllie, Chairman, Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, at the age of 68 years. Previously an MP for South Angus from 1979–87, he became Solicitor General for Scotland under former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and then Lord Advocate, the Chief Legal Officer for Scotland, during the Thatcher and Major governments. He was appointed as a life peer in 1989.

Lord Fraser became Chairman of the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society in 2000 and was instrumental in developing contacts and good bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the UK. Despite having no commercial interests in Azerbaijan, his prodigious energy sprang solely from a desire to alter this relationship and assist in charitable activities.

He provided a great deal of support to young people, especially musicians, and his final visit to Baku was for a fundraising event, where an orchestra of young musicians flew from the UK to perform in one of Baku’s main concert halls. The event raised a considerable amount for the Society’s charitable and cultural work. Lord Fraser’s generosity, kindness and humour will be remembered, and all at TEAS send their sympathy and condolences to Fiona, his wife, and his family.

Mr Van Rompuy also touched on the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying that: “The EU considers that stability in the South Caucasus cannot be achieved without a fair resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

He went on to express his support for the OSCE Minsk Group. Mr Van Rompuy reiterated the willingness of the EU to “expand existing measures aimed at bridging the increasing divide between the conflict parties.”

Following the meeting, President Aliyev went on to meet José Manuel Barroso, President, European Commission, who stressed the “crucial” need for World Trade Organisation accession and concluded: “2013 is indeed a year of great opportunity for EU–Azerbaijani relations. I stand for broader and deeper relations with your nation, a country which we very much respect, with energy as an excellent starting point and with shared values at the core.” www.teas.eu

Lord Fraser (right) was a staunch friend of Azerbaijan, seen here with Dr Ali Atalar, Chair, Azerbaijan House July 2013

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Personalities – Menzer Hajiyeva

Menzer Hajiyeva has successfully applied designs from her homeland to a range of ‘art scarves’

Menzer Hajiyeva –

Azerbaijani designs on the runway

Menzer Hajiyeva has been forging her career in the fashion world for some years. Living in Baku and regularly travelling to Paris, she is currently integrating the colours and traditional designs from Azerbaijan, her homeland, into a range of scarves that will be sold to fashionistas around the world. TEAS spoke to her at home in Baku to find out more: What led you to decide upon a career in the fashion industry?

I have loved art and drawing almost as long as I can remember. Why did I select fashion out of all the creative fields? I think it is the most challenging of these, and I enjoy its interdisciplinary nature. To work in the industry, it is necessary to develop both creative and technical skills, in addition to understanding fabrics. The clothes need to be simultaneously visually exciting and functional, and the designer must think in both two and three dimensions, and be a problem-solver. Fashion is strongly connected to economics, industrial developments and technology. It is also one of the most tangible art forms, as it is directly connected to the human body.

In which fashion houses have you worked?

I have worked for Lanvin in Paris, Michael Kors, Zac Posen, Narciso Rodriguez and Mayle in New York. I worked for Studio 101 in Florence and have undertaken some other freelance projects.

My favourite fabric has always been silk, so it made sense to start making scarves using my own artwork. We all like personalised items and find art very exciting, so I focus on making wearable art that is still commercially exciting.

What were the first items that you designed that entered production?

It’s hard to pinpoint what was the first product I designed, as I have been silk painting since a young age. I worked on bags at Lanvin and also designed bags for Studio 189 for the Fashion Rising Collection that were recently sold in Los Angeles and New York for Urban Outfitters. My hand-painted silk scarves were the starting point for my line, after which I produced my first collection of digital prints last Christmas.

Why did you open your own company?

I was always entrepreneurial on the side.

When I lived in New York, I was constantly engaged with people doing a million things simultaneously who were exploring new ideas and developing concepts. It’s almost the New York thing to do. I liked the idea of being innovative and being an independent explorer. My long-term goal was always to start my own line of clothing, so it was just a matter of timing. Why did I start it now? I think it was a good time to start, considering how

The packaging for the ‘art scarves’ is redolent of Menzer’s homeland

The unique ‘art scarves’ complement other clothes

July 2013

What led to you to focus on the ‘art scarves’ concept?

The ‘art scarves’ developed from a combination of factors that came together by itself and made sense. I studied both art and fashion, and have been painting on silk since I was very young. In my design work, I concentrate more on the two-dimensional aspect, by developing prints and painting fabric. During my internships, I was always stronger in colour work and fabric dyeing.

Azerbaijan has been developing in the past few years and what is going on in the rest of the world.

Which techniques do the scarves incorporate?

I like to experiment and use various techniques, and currently I am using silk painting, batiking, fabric dyeing and digital printing. What I find most exciting is being able to mix traditional handwork with digital

www.teas.eu

Personalities – Menzer Hajiyeva

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The scarves can be used to dramatic effect

technologies. For example I can hand-paint a scarf, photograph it, and then have it digitally printed (this is one method). We have now begun to make shawls that are 100 per cent made in Azerbaijan in Sheki, using traditional batiking methods.

Where are they manufactured?

Certain parts of the process are undertaken in different places, but eventually everything comes to Baku and is put together here. I try to promote local production, but sometimes this can be challenging, so whenever necessary I outsource. I don’t compromise the quality for local production, but instead try to get the best quality and then find a way to realise this locally.

How has the fashion industry responded to your concepts?

The idea came alive when my friends from the fashion industry encouraged me to make scarves in New York. My mentors, who have solid experience in the fashion industry, have been really supportive in the whole process.

However, I haven’t really invested in attracting international exposure. I’ve been focusing on starting up the company and running

www.teas.eu

Do you have a physical shop?

I have just launched my new online shop that I am very excited about and strongly believe in. I think it’s a great resource, as potential customers are able to view the scarves both locally and internationally and shop any time of the day, and it is also a great venue for gift deliveries. Easy access and quick customer service is my objective. Scarves are also available at the Paparazzi Boutique in Baku and in my studio and by e-mailing info@ menzerhajiyeva.com.

Who are the typical buyers of your scarves?

Quite surprisingly, I have a very diverse range of buyers. Typically, I would say my buyers are travellers – people fascinated by other cultures and travel. They love to buy something more individual, and are also excited to support new talents. I’m very happy to see my scarves being worn around the world – I know that there are people wearing my scarves in the US, France, UK, Cambodia, Singapore, Dubai, Switzerland, Ghana, Italy, Turkey, Bahrain, Jordan and Azerbaijan, of course.

What aspects of Azerbaijani culture particularly inspired your designs?

There is so much to be inspired by in Azerbaijan. I don’t think this inspiration has to be always exclusive to Azerbaijan. Previously, my inspiration has been mud volcanoes, jewellery, carpet motifs, architecture, flowers or colourful fruits. However, I prefer to take these images and make them universally pretty and exciting. They should not be necessarily read as Azerbaijani and ethnic.

It is more about making a fashionable print inspired by Azerbaijan.

In which fashion shows have they appeared? How are they being marketed?

They have been featured very widely. The scarves for Fashion Rising were used for a fashion show in Uganda, and have been photographed in New York and Ghana. Other scarves have been featured in L’officiel Baku and used for photoshoots internationally. They were displayed during the TEAS Azerbaijan Through the Lens exhibition in Paris in February. A hand-painted scarf was featured in Vogue China a couple of years ago. They also get exposure via social media, such as Facebook and Instagram.

it, product development and getting local exposure. One of the goals for next year will be to obtain more international exposure.

How do you see your range developing?

There is so much room for development. I would like to expand into summer pareos, cashmere shawls for the winter and then slowly move into ready-to-wear. I would also love to produce totes and small leather accessories.

We already offer other customised products – made-to-order scarves for companies and by personal request, in addition to custom-made fabric prints.

This print is taken from one of the scarves

For more information, go to: www.menzerhajiyeva.com www.facebook.com/mhajiyeva Instagram: Menzer_Hajiyeva.

July 2013

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Culture Eurovision heartbreaker Ell releases new single

Singer Eldar Gasimov (known as Ell), whose duet with Nigar Jamal (Nikki) on Running Scared won the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 for Azerbaijan, has released Heartbreaker, his new single.

Isfar Sarabski performed a barnstorming set, high above the Berlin streets

Dazzling jazz pianist Sarabski excites a German audience

On 27 June, TEAS Germany invited an audience of around 300 people, around half of which were Bundestag members, in addition to diplomats, music journalists, jazz fans and members of Berlin society, to travel on the fastest lift in Europe before experiencing the remarkable talent of 23-year-old Azerbaijani pianist Isfar Sarabski. The winner of the piano prize at the Montreux International Jazz Festival 2009, he gave an outstanding concert at Panoramapunkt, located 24 storeys (100m) above the bustling streets of Potsdamer Platz in the heart of Berlin. The concert came just over a month after Isfar and the other members of his trio – Makar Novikov (bass) and Alexander Mashin (drums) – appeared at the prestigious A Great Night in Harlem benefit concert at the Apollo Theatre, New York, organised by the Jazz Foundation of America, where he shared billing with Elvis Costello, Macy Gray, Danny Glover and Long John Hunter, amongst others.

Isfar’s programme included his own variations on Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Ballet; a swinging version of Some Day My Prince Will Come from the Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; his own arrangement of the Azerbaijani folk song Zibeyda; the passionate Oblivion by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla; and a dazzling version of Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Flight of the Bumble Bee, which segued into G Man, his own composition. Isfar played a number of his own pieces, inspired by his homeland and extensive touring schedule, such as Novruz and Transit to New York.

Leslie Nachmann, Chief Presenter, JazzRadio and Presenter, Pro7 TV said: “When I first became aware of Azerbaijani jazz, I was surprised by the active jazz scene in the country and the level of its appreciation by the public.” She went on to speak about the long tradition of Azerbaijani jazz and its connection July 2013

Ell co-composed the track with composer and producer Isa Melikov and singer and composer Grace James. Ell said: “Recently, I wanted to sing a song about heartbreak. But [it’s] not the heart that is suffering, this song is not about the sleepless nights and the tears of unrequited love ... I think many have had that feeling, when the soul is wounded and the heart’s falling to pieces, and after many days of solitude, reflection, and self-consolation you want to shout: Be happy! And let your life be great!” To hear him sing the track, go to http://bit.ly/ellheartbreaker.

with traditional Azerbaijani mugham music, which similarly features a high level of improvisation. Leslie also announced that she would be presenting a special feature news item for JazzRadio exploring the roots of jazzmugham.

Ell’s new song focuses on recovery from an emotional crisis

Beauvais embraces Shahin Namati-Nasab, Director, TEAS Germany, introduced Leslie Nachmann, Chief Presenter, JazzRadio

Shahin Namati-Nasab, Director, TEAS Germany, said: “Tonight’s concert is taking place in an unforgettable location, and it seems most appropriate that we have all just travelled on the fastest lift in Europe, which could be seen as representing the very rapid economic development of Azerbaijan.

The location of Panoramapunkt in the redeveloped Potsdamer Platz, which was divided by the Berlin Wall, is also symbolic.

Azerbaijan is a nation that has evolved out of the shadow of the Soviet era since regaining its independence, and been transformed out of all recognition.

“Music is an integral element of Azerbaijani culture, and mugham music developed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the country. This has now been under Armenian occupation for nearly 20 years, causing 875,000 Azerbaijanis to become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees. On 20 June, UN World Refugee Day was commemorated, and I dedicate this concert to the IDPs and refugees from Azerbaijan and hope that they may achieve their wish to return home.”

Azerbaijani culture

A celebration of Azerbaijani culture has taken place in the Northern French town of Beauvais. Organised as part of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus project, Caroline Cayeux, Mayor of Beauvais, opened the event, commenting that the associated exhibition and concert would play a role in promoting the country’s rich history, art, music and cultural legacy in France.

She described Azerbaijan as a cradle of ancient civilisation, and noted that France is determined to continue development of its relationship with the nation.

Jean-François Mancel, a member of the France–Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group, praised the tolerance of Azerbaijan, saying that representatives from a variety of nationalities and cultures were living together in the country in peace and harmony. He said Azerbaijan was “Like a bridge for building and developing the relations between East and West.” H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, commented that the series of Days of Azerbaijan concerts and exhibitions had taken place in 14 French cities, to date. www.teas.eu

Culture

Eliza Pieter, Director, TEAS France, introduced photographer Philipp Rathmer

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The photographs served to personalise the human tragedy of the Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees

Powerful images of IDPs and refugees travel to Paris To commemorate UN World Refugee Day, observed on 20 June, the TEAS France office opened Five Roads Back Home, Philipp Rathmer’s photography exhibition, in the presence of more than 200 guests at La Galerie Joseph in Paris. The exhibition highlights the ongoing plight of the 875,000 Azerbaijani Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees. All 50 photographs were taken in Azerbaijan during the same week of July 2012, in the IDP camps of Takhtakorpu and Gunzali, near the Armenian border, and Darnagul and Gizilgum, located north of Baku.

In her opening speech, Eliza Pieter, Head, TEAS France, outlined the ongoing suffering

of these conflict victims. She said: “Quite often we tend to think of the IDPs and refugees from wars and armed conflicts in terms of humanitarian need, but once the time of urgency is over, these people are abandoned to their fate. The international community simply forgets and moves on to focus its attention elsewhere, on new conflicts and new emergencies that occur across the world.”

She also expressed her wish to see these people going back home some day, saying: “We hope that the IDPs and refugees from Azerbaijan will not be obliged to live away from home for the rest of their lives, far from their homeland and houses, and that international

institutions will help Armenians and Azerbaijanis live alongside each other again.”

Eliza Pieter then handed over to Philipp Rathmer, who shared his experience of this project and explained its purpose: “I photographed the people on a black background in order to highlight their faces, and only their faces, which all tell a story.

Their faces show the pain and suffering, but also capture their hope of returning home one day, using one of the five roads that lead to the occupied districts – one of the Five Roads Back Home.” Following its run in Paris, the exhibition, which was first shown in Berlin, will travel during 2013 to Brussels, Istanbul and Baku.

Qasimov – Azerbaijan’s main musical export – to play Paris The most internally-renowned mugham singer of all – Alim Qasimov – will perform for a Parisian audience on 15 September when he participates in the Ile-de-France Festival alongside Ferghana Qasimova, his daughter.

He will be accompanied by Zaki Valiyev (tar), Rauf Islamov (kamancha) and Rafael Asgarov (balaban). Entitled The Song of Esctasy, the programme will comprise a performance of ghazals focusing on love and devotion. This will provide a rare opportunity to experience his sublime vocal technique, which is notable for its tenderness and soaring passion.

The concert will take place at the medieval Maubuisson Abbey, in the North-West Parisian suburbs, providing the ideal setting for this ancient and spiritual music.

Carpets from Chicago

express my gratitude to Grover and Beverly Smith for preserving the carpets and eventually presenting them to Azerbaijan. I am certain that historic carpets of Azerbaijan are being kept in many parts of the world, and we will take steps to return these home.”

come back home

Two antique Azerbaijani carpets from the collection of the late Grover Smith, a former member of the Chicago Oriental Rug and Textile Society, have been returned to Baku.

Dragon, a 17th Century Garabagh carpet, and Salyan Hilesi, a 19th Century Shirvan carpet, were passed by Beverly Smith, wife of the renowned collector, to the Latif Karimov Azerbaijani State Museum of Carpets and Applied Art. Delivering a speech, Fikret Babayev, Head, Cultural Policy Department, Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said: “I

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The concert will be preceded on 12 September by an introduction to the vocal art of Azerbaijan, delivered by Jean During, Research Director, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Specialist in the Culture and Music of the Middle-East and Central Asia. For details of these events, please visit www.festival-idf.fr.

Roya Tagizadeh, Director, Latif Karimov Azerbaijani State Museum of Carpets and Applied Art, explained that the carpets would occupy an important position in the museum.

He commented: “As you know, Azerbaijani carpets are preserved in museums around the world, together with other historical artefacts. Both of these carpets incorporate dragon motifs, and these play an important role in the mythology of Azerbaijani art.

Altogether, 70 per cent of Azerbaijani carpets

The power and passion of Qasimov’s delivery is unique

include this motif.”

Beverly Smith said: “I am pleased to be in Azerbaijan and to present the ancient carpets from my husband’s collection to your country. My husband bought these carpets in Azerbaijan in 1960. There are about 200 carpets in my husband’s collection, all of which come from the Caucasus.”

The handover was attended by 15 carpet experts from across the world, including Alberto Boravelli, Chairman, Oriental Carpets Academic Committee of Italy. He commented: “In my lectures and seminars in Europe and the US, I will recommend that collectors should present the carpets in their possession to their countries of origin.”

July 2013

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Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Azerbaijani PACE

delegation to raise

Nagorno-Karabakh issue

Russian President Vladimir Putin at this year’s G8 Summit

Minsk Group Co-Chair Presidents call for peace at G8 Summit

During the G8 Summit in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, a Joint Statement was issued by the Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group CoChair countries – Barack Obama, President, USA; Vladimir Putin, President, Russian Federation; and François Hollande, President, French Republic. After initially saying that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries remain committed to the achievements of a lasting and peaceful settlement, the statement continues: “We express our deep regret that, rather than trying to find a solution based upon mutual interests, the parties have continued to seek one-sided advantage in the negotiation process.

“We continue to firmly believe that the elements outlined in the statements of our countries over the last four years must be the foundation of any fair and lasting settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

These elements should be seen as an integrated whole, as any attempt to select some elements over others would make it impossible to achieve a balanced solution.

“We reiterate that only a negotiated settlement can lead to peace, stability, and reconciliation, opening opportunities for

regional development and co-operation.

The use of military force that has already created the current situation of confrontation and instability will not resolve the conflict. A renewal of hostilities would be disastrous for the population of the region, resulting in loss of life, more destruction, additional refugees, and enormous financial costs. We strongly urge the leaders of all the sides to recommit to the Helsinki Principles, particularly those relating to the non-use of force or the threat of force, territorial integrity, and equal rights and self-determination of peoples. We also appeal to them to refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could raise tension in the region and lead to escalation of the conflict.

The leaders should prepare their people for peace, not war.

“Our countries stand ready to assist the sides, but the responsibility for putting an end to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains with them. We strongly believe that further delay in reaching a balanced agreement on the framework for a comprehensive peace is unacceptable, and urge the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to focus with renewed energy on the issues that remain unresolved.”

TEAS against Armenian Presidency of PACE Committee of Ministers

TEAS has stated its support for a Motion for a resolution requesting a review of the Armenian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers at the Parliamentary Assembly for the Council of Europe (PACE) (Doc. 13210), which began on 16 May. To date, 31 European MPs from Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK from the EPP, SOC, ALDE and EDG political groups have signed the proposed Motion.

Making reference to the ongoing Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territory, the proposed Motion reads: “In several resolutions by the international community, July 2013

Armenia was clearly identified as an aggressor State which was repeatedly condemned for armed aggression, also by the Council of Europe, as Armenia’s attitude in this regard is in clear contradiction with the Parliamentary Assembly’s fundamental principles.”

It goes on to request that the Committee of Ministers should “review” the Armenian Presidency and “apply whatever pressure they can” on Armenia to end the occupation.

The Motion concludes that during the Armenian Presidency, the “topic should be put high on the agenda.”

Speaking on the opening day of the PACE Summer Session, Samad Seyidov MP, Chairman, Azerbaijani Delegation to PACE, outlined his wish for the Armenian delegation to start discussing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Acknowledging the role of recent meetings, Mr Seyidov commented: “I would like to focus your attention on the discussions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict at the meetings of the PACE Standing Committee and Bureau in Yerevan.

Samad Seyidov MP asked the Armenian delegation to PACE to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

“On behalf of the Azerbaijani delegation, I would like to express my appreciation to Jean-Claude Mignon, Chairman, PACE. On his initiative, we held several meetings, and tried to invite the Armenian delegation to these meetings because it is time they talked about the settlement of the conflict with us. The Council of Europe has adopted documents relating to the conflict, and in this regard I recall resolution No. 1416, which is a fundamental document on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

So, I hope that Armenian colleagues, jointly participating in meetings with Azerbaijani colleagues, will sit down at the negotiating table and decide to start discussing the issue.”

Armenian compensation

demanded by Azerbaijan

Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, has called on Armenia to pay compensation to Azerbaijan for damages caused by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He went on to comment on the humanitarian impact of the population who were displaced from their homeland due to the conflict. Mr Hasanov added: “I warn the Armenian authorities. They have to change their attitude and retreat from the occupied territories before it is too late.” www.teas.eu

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

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20-year-old mines in Nagorno-Karabakh remain deadly

Almost 20 years after the ceasefire was declared in Nagorno-Karabakh, the land remains strewn with anti-tank mines, antipersonnel mines and cluster bombs. Nick Smart, Nagorno-Karabakh Programme Manager, Halo Trust, currently leads a team of 190 men demining the occupied territories, whose work is largely funded by USAID. Mr Smart said: “We are 20 years on, and finding perfectly functioning mines that are still killing people. Many of those we find are in very good order, and probably will remain so for another 10 years.”

Since 2000, the Halo Trust has cleared 75 per cent of known minefield and cluster bomb areas in Nagorno-Karabakh. Experts have discovered and detonated about 66,000 bombs.

He continued: “The biggest problem remains in these green areas. This is fertile farmland that was strategically important during the war, but now remains very attractive farmland to the rural communities.” Such lowland fields extend towards the ‘contact line’ where lives are claimed on both sides each month.

Mine clearance work underway in Nasosnu (Photo: ANAMA)

Thomas de Waal: compromises and consensus could bring peace Thomas de Waal, Senior Associate, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Carnegie Endowment, has updated his decade-old history of the Nagnorno-Karabakh conflict entitled Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War. He commented on the work of the OSCE Minsk Group, tasked with establishing a negotiated peace to the conflict: “I do commend the French, Russian, and US mediators of the OSCE Minsk Group for having fashioned what looks like a workable framework plan. The Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents have not accepted it, but they have negotiated so closely on its details that there is a common consensus that this is the only game in town.

“The framework peace plan, the first draft of which was filed as long ago as 2007, consists of the so-called Basic Principles. Its six points are inseparable. They set out a sequence of beneficial actions whereby Azerbaijanis recover the occupied territories around Nagorno-Karabakh currently under Armenian military control.

“The problem with this peace plan is not so much the product, as

the marketing of it. The two presidents, who have negotiated in private over a deal that moves the whole region forward, returns people to their homes, and unblocks communications, are doing almost nothing to sell it to their publics. Societies remain suspicious, cynical, insecure, preferring the status quo to the uncertain promise of a better future based on compromise.”

“If Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders cannot publicly make a case for the virtues of peace, compromise, and a mutually beneficial future for the region, outsiders with a stake in the peaceful outcome of the Karabakh conflict must be more vocal in doing it for them – in public speeches, in the media, and by supporting those brave individuals who break with the state consensus.

“The war over Nagorno-Karabakh was a tragic conflict. There is much grief, trauma, and injustice still there to be overcome. But I believe there are also hidden reservoirs of compromise and consensus between Armenians and Azerbaijanis that are being ignored and can be the basis for a peace agreement – if anyone cares to look for them.”

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS e-mail: brussels@teas.eu

Alexandra Thein MEP, sitting alongside Ambassador Isgandarov, highlighted the deficiencies in the EU approach towards conflict resolution

On 20 June 2013, to commemorate UN World Refugee Day, TEAS Belgium organised a seminar in the European Parliament to draw attention to the ongoing situation affecting hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees in Azerbaijan. Alexandra Thein MEP (ALDE, Germany) hosted the seminar, and the attendees included MEPs and EU officials.

Mrs Thein said: “This seminar shed an invaluable spotlight on the issue, and encouraged us all to focus on how to help www.teas.eu

solve the problem of IDPs and refugees, especially in Azerbaijan. It is very sad to see that around 875,000 people are still waiting to return to their homes. The EU is doing little or nothing to heighten awareness of the impact from this humanitarian calamity.”

Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Belgium, said: “The world’s refugees require political attention. It is simply unacceptable that over 43m people worldwide are still in need of help and protection. Azerbaijan has one of the highest populations of IDPs per capita in the whole world.”

H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium and Head, Azerbaijani Delegation to the EU, commented: “As a result of this conflict, of which Azerbaijan is not the initiator, the problem of IDPs absorbs a huge budget.

This money is wasted, due to the illegal occupation of around 18 per cent of Azerbaijani territory. These funds could be more usefully spent on social projects. The ongoing plight of the IDPs and refugees also impacts the development of the new generation in Azerbaijan, which is the victim of a sad conflict.” , Katarína Nevedalová MEP continued: “As Europeans, we can and must help the people that are unable to return home. Having visited IDP and refugee accommodation in Azerbaijan myself, I saw that all IDPs and refugees are bound by common hope. We – with all the political tools at our disposal – must translate this hope into concrete reality.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must end, and Armenia should respect its international commitments.”

July 2013

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Business News

Adrian Lee, Charge d’Affaires, British Embassy in Azerbaijan, at the pipeline selection announcement (Photos: BP Azerbaijan)

TEAS welcomes TAP decision bringing gas to Western Europe

TEAS welcomed the announcement by the BP-led Shah Deniz Consortium on 26 June to opt for the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) as the route to bring Azerbaijani Caspian gas to Europe. The pipeline will convey gas from Komotini in Greece, traverse Albania and the Adriatic Sea, and finally deliver it to Sana Foca in Southern Italy. The 492 mile-long pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 20bn m3 (bcm) per year. The decision follows lengthy deliberations by the Consortium to decide between two finalist pipeline candidates – TAP and Nabucco West.

TAP will form part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is set to play an important role in ensuring diversity of energy supplies to Europe, maintaining energy security. The decision follows the finalisation of agreements last year between the Turkish and Azerbaijani governments regarding construction of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP). This will take gas from the Shah Deniz Stage II development in the Caspian Sea, which is expected to produce up to 16bcm per year, in addition to the 9bcm already produced by Shah Deniz Stage I. TAP’s shareholders are Swiss Axpo and Norwegian Statoil, with 42.5 per cent each, and German E.ON, which holds 15 per cent. TANAP construction will begin next year and be completed in 2018, and it is expected that this will carry 16bcm

per annum, of which 6bcm will go to Turkey.

Adrian Lee, Charge d’Affaires, British Embassy in Azerbaijan, delivered a speech on behalf of Charles Hendry, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan, saying: “Azerbaijan’s energy resources will increasingly play a vital role in the European and the world economy in the years to come, and Azerbaijan has been playing a central role in unlocking those resources for the benefit of all. This is all the more important at a time of continued economic challenge, and I am delighted that BP has been so closely involved in this process.”

(from left) H.E. Richard Morningstar, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, stands alongside Adrian Lee; Alastair Cook, Vice-President for Shah Deniz Development, BP; and Gordon Birrell, Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, BP

According to the Azerbaijani Embassy in the US, Rovnag Abdullayev, President, State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) commented: “Beyond Shah Deniz, we are confident that Azerbaijan’s gas exports will increase dramatically, as fields like ACG Deep, Absheron, Umid and Shafag–Asiman are developed. The planning of both pipeline routes lays the foundation for future growth, and we appreciate the support of the European Commission throughout this process.”

Speaking to New Europe, Rikard Scoufias, Country Manager: Greece, TAP, commented that European gas infrastructure group Fluxys is considering taking a shareholding in TAP. Discussions between Fluxys’ and TAP’s shareholders began in 2012. Fluxys is a major gas transit operator in Europe with activities in six countries, and counts among the few operators combining gas transmission, gas storage and terminalling of liquefied natural gas (LNG). It is expected that Fluxys will join TAP by August this year.

The decision to opt for TAP comes on the heels of a decision on 20 June by SOCAR to acquire a 66 per cent stake in DESFA, the Greek gas transmission network operator, for £400m. Of this, £188m will be pumped into the depleted Greek economy.

SOCAR to invest $1bn in Turkey this year SOCAR will make major investments in Turkish projects next spring, according to Suleyman Gasimov, Vice-President, SOCAR. Speaking to the Trend news agency, he said: “We plan to start attracting funds from banks in March 2014. Prior to that, we will use both internal funds and those from SOCAR. Currently, a considerable amount of finance is required, and we plan to spend up to $1bn (£669.2m) by the end of 2013.”

According to him, to ensure public participation in the TANAP project, a specific Azerbaijani government body should be established. He stated that finance would eventually be provided the US-based July 2013

Ex‑Im Bank, in addition to banks from Japan, South Korea and across Europe.

Vagif Aliyev, Chairman, Petkim Petrochemical Holding, previously said that about $7–8bn (£4.7–5.4bn) of the total Azerbaijani investments in Turkey would be used to construct Value-Site, Turkey’s first chemical industrial park. Mutual investments between Azerbaijan and Turkey amount to more than $10bn (£6.7bn), and planned Azerbaijani investments in Turkey are estimated at $21bn (£14bn). During 2012, trade turnover between the countries amounted to $2.1bn (£1.4bn), and 1,100 Turkish companies were active in Azerbaijan. www.teas.eu

Business News

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Gordon Birrell, Regional President, BP Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey addressing the World Economic Forum in Baku earlier this year (Photo: Elmar Mustafayev/World Economic Forum)

BP Azerbaijan President to Chair OGP Management Committee

The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) has elected Gordon Birrell, Regional President, BP Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to serve as Chair of its Management Committee, according to BP Azerbaijan. The decision was made at the OGP Annual General Meeting in Brisbane, Australia. OGP member companies currently account for over half the world’s oil production and around a third of its gas.

Mr Birrell, who has represented BP on the OGP Management Committee for the past four years, became the BP Regional President for

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey in 2012. During a career that has lasted more than 25 years in the upstream oil and gas industry, he has occupied a variety of senior roles, particularly in relation to the management of safety, operational risk and production for both onshore and offshore projects.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Birrell said: “As the world’s population increases from 7bn today to 9bn by 2040, we will need 35 per cent more energy, much of which will be for electricity and transport in the non-OECD countries. During that time, developments in nuclear power and

renewables notwithstanding, oil will remain the most important global fuel, with natural gas overtaking coal as the second most important source of energy.

“Fortunately, there is enough oil and gas in reservoirs both onshore and offshore to satisfy the world’s demands and expectations. It is the role of OGP, with its emphasis on safety and sustainability, to help facilitate exploration and production for the benefit of society. In this way, OGP is dedicated to renewing, prolonging and expanding the industry’s license to operate.”

AZAL flies high with its first Embraer 190 Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has received its first Embraer E190 passenger jet, to be followed by three additional E190s by the end of 2013.

Later this year, these aircraft will be joined by two 76 seat E170s – also manufactured by Embraer. All of AZAL’s E190s contain 106 Elite seats in a single-class layout. The first E190 will be deployed on flights from Baku to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Tbilisi, Georgia. In the near future, the airline will also fly the E190 on longer international routes.

Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “This first AZAL E190 will be instrumental in improving new regional links and connectivity around Baku, just as E-Jets have done in so many other

parts of the world. Together with the E170, the sizes of the new aircraft are ideal for adding incremental capacity as markets grow, as well as complementing the AZAL fleet of larger aircraft.”

Jahangir Askerov, President and Chairman, AZAL, commented: “The arrival of the first E190 in the AZAL fleet is an important milestone in our strategic renewal plan to replace turboprops and narrow-bodies in some of our markets. The E190’s excellent operating economics and range open up new market opportunities for us, specifically focusing on key business destinations. The comfortable cabin is particularly important for the longer routes we intend to fly with the E190 to Europe, the Middle-East and Central Asia.”

Azerbaijani agriculture minister meets UN food head Ismat Abbasov, Azerbaijani Agricultural Minister, undertook dialogue with José Graziano da Silva, Director-General, UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) during the FAO Conference in Rome. Mr da Silva congratulated Mr Abbasov on Azerbaijan achieving its targets regarding the Millennium Development Goal 1 (MDG1), aimed at halving the proportion of hungry people by 2015 – and the more stringent World Food Summit (WFS) goal of halving the absolute

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number of hungry people by 2015.

Mr Abbasov discussed the priorities for the European region, and Mr da Silva stressed the significance for co-ordinating priorities at a local and global level. The Azerbaijani Minister explained that development of the agricultural sector is currently being financed on a domestic level. Mr Abbasov also met Mehmet Mehdi Eker, Turkish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Acquisition of the E190s will improve efficiency and comfort

Insurance market worth AZN1bn in five years

The value of the Azerbaijani insurance market is set to reach AZN1bn (£853.3m) during the next five years, according to Namig Khalilov, Head, Azerbaijani State Insurance Supervision Service. He explained that the insurance market is currently developing at an annual rate of 20 per cent.

July 2013

July 2013

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