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Culture | Public Affairs Business | Philanthropy

NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE TEAS BUSINESS FORUM Also in this issue: Euro-integration discussed in London EU provides €30m to Azerbaijan Lord Mandelson recognises Azerbaijan’s development New airport terminal opened in Baku Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh www.teas.eu

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www.teas.eu November 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 produces 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 21–30 November Azerbaijan Through the Lens: Photography Exhibition (Turkey) Riff Art Projects, Firuzaga Mah, Defterdar Yokusu No.1, Tophane, Beyoglu, Istanbul Tuesday–Saturday: 11.00–12.30hrs/13.30–19.00hrs. Mondays by appointment only. Free admission.

Following the successful exhibitions in London, Paris, Brussels and Berlin, featuring photographs from TEAS’ Azerbaijan Through the Lens photography competition, the exhibition continues its tour in Istanbul.

These excellent photographs give an excellent introduction to Azerbaijan, showcasing many aspects of Azerbaijani life, culture, nature and history by award-winning photographers and emerging talent. To see a selection of photographs, go to http://bit.ly/attlturkey.

26 November Book Launch: The Incomplete Manuscript Fifth View, Fifth Floor, Waterstone’s Piccadilly, 203–206 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LE Doors open: 18.30hrs; Presentation: 19.15hrs. Free admission. Register at http://bit.ly/incompletemanuscript Drinks and canapés served.

TEAS is proud to host the official launch of the fascinating work The Incomplete Manuscript by Professor Kamal Abdulla of Baku Slavic University, in its English translation. The novel raises questions of appearance and reality, truth, myth and story-telling, taking the Book of Dada Gorgud as its point of departure.

The launch will include presentations by Professor Kamal Abdulla and translator Anne Thompson, and a dramatisation of key scenes by ALOFF Theatre. Free copies of the book will be available.

Latest Members Please see website for more members Media Partners

November 2013

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Politics and News

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Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

From the TEAS Director

Much of the focus at TEAS over the last few weeks has been on business.

Vanessa Raine, TEAS Business Co-ordinator, recently organised the highly successful TEAS Business Forum London. This was attended by over 200 business people, politicians and journalists, including Charles Hendry MP, Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and Christopher Pincher MP, Member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and Chair, Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, also spoke, as did Al Cook, Vice-President, Shah Deniz Development, BP, and a panoply of top business people.

TEAS also co-sponsored the European Energy Summit in Istanbul, organised by The Economist.

Turkey’s commercial capital is like Baku – every time I visit it, there is something new on the horizon. Turkish politicians and businessmen and women were delighted to learn that TEAS is in the process of setting up an official office in Istanbul, and plans are already afoot to launch a Business Forum in Turkey next year.

On the political front, on 17 October, the European Parliament passed a resolution supporting the outstanding UN Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884, instructing Armenia to withdraw its armed forces from their occupation of Azerbaijani sovereign territory. This breakthrough comes as President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Sargsyan of Armenia prepare for another round of faceto-face talks – the first since January 2011.

Rumours that Armenian refugees from Syria are being resettled in the occupied territories will doubtlessly remain one of the topics under discussion.

Zaha Hadid receives the Mikayil Huseynov Architectural Medal during the architectural presentation of the Heydar Aliyev Centre

Landmark Heydar Aliyev Centre presented in Baku

The international architectural presentation of the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku – designed by the UK-headquartered practice of Zaha Hadid Architects – took place on 5 November, organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Anar Alakbarov, Director, Heydar Aliyev Centre, explained that all regions of Azerbaijan are replete with both ancient and modern architectural gems, many of which feature advanced developments in civil engineering, incorporating architectural styles that are redolent of Azerbaijan’s rich history.

Mr Alakbarov commented: “The masterpieces created by our national architects across the centuries are pearls of our cultural life. Numerous architectural monuments are continuing to impress tourists with their unique, original styles and attractive features.” He went on to explain that the government is currently undertaking successful construction works across the Azerbaijani regions in order to create a new image for the country.

He continued: “The constructions in Baku combine both eastern and western architectural styles, with particular attention being paid towards maintaining harmony between our national architectural traditions and modernity. The buildings encompass contemporary architectural concepts, yet reflect ancient architectural traditions.” Mr Alakbarov explained that, in recent years, some masterpieces of architecture had been constructed in Baku, including the

Heydar Aliyev Centre, which he described as: “Representing difference because of its modernity and multiple functions. Due to its original style, the building is a particularly attractive addition to Baku’s architectural style.” He went on to describe it as a “symbol of modern Baku.”

Zaha Hadid went on to express his gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva, describing the construction as “an incredible experience and achievement for everyone.” She continued: “I would like to thank all of those that participated in this project, including my old and new friends from various countries, such as Lebanon, Turkey, the US, and China.”

Distinguished architect Elbay Gasimzade, Chairman, Azerbaijani Union of Architects, stated: “Azerbaijani architecture has an ancient rich history and tradition. As was the case at the beginning of the last century, beautiful masterpieces are being created by famous architects in Azerbaijan, one of which is the world-famous Zaha Hadid.”

Mr Gasimzade revealed that Zaha Hadid had been awarded honorary membership of the Azerbaijani Union of Architects, and that she had received the Mikayil Huseynov Architectural Medal. The event concluded with a performance by the Azerbaijani State Chamber Orchestra, Azerbaijani State Orchestra of National Instruments and the Azerbaijani State Dance Ensemble.

The forthcoming Vilnius Summit will focus on the membership aspirations of the six EU Eastern Partnership countries. Whilst Armenia has just announced that it will be joining the Russian-led Eurasian Customs Union, Azerbaijan continues to turn its face resolutely to the west. This policy will shortly bear tangible fruit as a series of very substantial contracts awarded to British and European firms.

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

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Wood is used to clad the interior of the concert hall, enhancing its acoustic properties (photo: Hufton + Cron)

November 2013

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Politics and News

President opens new airport terminal

The new Heydar Aliyev Airport interational terminal is designed to optimise the infusion of natural light

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has officially opened the new 60,000m² terminal at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. This building officially represented several milestones for UK-based engineering firm Buro Happold, reflecting both its capability in the aviation sector and work in and around Azerbaijan.

The design team had to overcome numerous challenges. The terminal was constructed in a seismic area, necessitating the application complex structural engineering codes, particularly relating to the steel perimeter and the underlying concrete structure.

Buro Happold’s building services design took into account the relatively harsh and variable climatic factors of Baku and the ebb and flow of passenger density during 24- hour operations. Specialist systems were incorporated into the architectural and core engineering disciplines to provide an

integrated multifunctional final design that served to optimise operations and reduce running costs.

Paul Crayford, Project Director, Buro Happold, commented: “Energy reduction and conservation are the cornerstones of services design. Various strategies, including day lighting control, tightly controlled infiltration and pressurisation strategies, dynamic system operations, and energy recovery systems have resulted in a low-carbon emissions terminal.”

The new terminal incorporates 13 passenger boarding bridges and is designed to accommodate an annual flow of 6m passengers. Buro Happold has been involved in the design and supervision of the terminal, along with other elements of the airport, since February 2010, collaborating with the UK-based architectural practice

Lord Mandelson acknowledges the UK’s role in Azerbaijan’s development

Woods Bagot as joint venture partners. By applying collaborative working practices, the consultancy has drawn on its engineering expertise from offices in both Dubai and the UK, delivering this unique world-class facility in a tight programme.

Richard Marshall, Project Principal, Buro Happold, commented: “Following six months of working on the project, we had designed the concrete structure, seen the piles installed, and completed the reinforced concrete structure. Two years on, and the complex roof and perimeter steelwork had been installed, and the cladding completed in parallel with the internal finishes and building services. Working on this fast-track design and build project, with significant changes throughout the construction period, has demanded real dedication and innovation from our team. I’m proud to say they have delivered this throughout the project.”

Liesl Elder and Professor Pashayeva sign the agreement to establish the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Centre for Azerbaijani and Caucasian Studies

“The first genuine post-Soviet state” –

Azerbaijani studies – a

Speaking at the Global View on Environmental Issues in the Oil Industry conference in Baku, Lord Mandelson has acknowledged the role of Azerbaijan on the international stage. He remarked: “The progress your country has made since regaining independence just over 20 years ago is remarkable. You have built what seems to me, again on first impressions, the first genuine post-Soviet state. If one word defines the reason for this success, it is partnership. Take SOCAR’s relationship with BP. It is the perfect example of this alliance.

Your government’s constructive relationship with the European Union is another. These bonds have allowed you to extract the most value, in a sustainable and secure way, from

An agreement has been finalised regarding the establishment of the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Centre for Azerbaijani and Caucasian Studies at Oxford University.

The agreement was signed on 28 October between Professor Nargiz Pashayeva, Rector of the Baku affiliate of the Mikhail Vasilyevich Moscow State University; and Co-Chair, Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, and Liesl Elder, Director of Development, Oxford University.

Lord Mandelson

November 2013

the natural resources with which you are blessed.

“I am proud that it is a British company that led the way in Azerbaijan when the Soviet Union collapsed. The partnership between SOCAR and BP is clearly one of the foundations of success for both companies, and a big part of their shared future. I am delighted that SOCAR and BP’s relationship is being extended by participation in the Shah Deniz Consortium. This project, following the final investment decision in December, will be the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by a British company, and one of the largest construction projects anywhere in the world.”

new Oxford discipline

Professor Pashayeva spoke at the Faculty of Oriental Studies on the topic of the art and cultural heritage of the great 12th century Azerbaijani poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi, followed by a lively question-andanswer session.

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Politics and News

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Vatican delegation received in Baku

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation from the Vatican, headed by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture.

President Aliyev commented on the high level of Azerbaijani–Vatican relations, and the recent organisation of Azerbaijan-related exhibitions in Vatican museums. He went on to present Cardinal Ravasi with the Dostlug (Friendship) Order, one of the highest orders of Azerbaijan, for his contribution towards developing cultural relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican.

Cardinal Ravasi thanked Azerbaijani President Aliyev for conferring the Dostlug Order upon him, and reciprocated with the Medalla Sede Vacante medal, presented on behalf of the Holy See.

Azerbaijani President Aliyev presents Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi with the Dovlug Order

Youth spearheads Euro-Integration in London

Attended by more than 40 diplomats, journalists, political commentators, thinktank representatives and members of youth organisations, a forum entitled Azerbaijan’s Euro-Integration Model has taken place at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

This was organised by the Integration of Azerbaijani Youth to Europe Organisation (AGAT) and the Azerbaijani Embassy to the UK.

In her introduction, Gulsel Safarova, President, AGAT, said: “Azerbaijan is now becoming part of the European family of nations. There are expanding connections in terms of civil society, and the country is adopting a western integration model. It is currently chairing the UN Security Council and is a member of the Council of Europe and OSCE, amongst other organisations.”

H.E. Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, commented that: “Azerbaijan is now part of the European neighbourhood. In 2012, 43.7 per cent of Azerbaijan’s trade was with the EU, and foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UK was 51 per cent. The non-oil sector is rapidly developing and, to date, more than 20 agreements have been signed regarding the elimination of double-taxation. Azerbaijan is also set to bring energy security to Europe with the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) that will convey Azerbaijani Caspian gas to Western Europe. The modernisation of our country is well underway, particularly regarding the development of information and communications technologies (ICT) and road and rail infrastructure.

“This is despite the country being officially in a state of war with Armenia over the NagornoKarabakh conflict. This has resulted in www.teas.eu

Armenia being excluded from all current and future regional energy projects. Azerbaijan is seeking peaceful resolution of the conflict, and supports the work of the OSCE Minsk Group. However, we also need public opinion to exert pressure to end the conflict, and also require the EU to increase its influence.”

Professor Rovshan Ibrahimov, Head, Foreign Policy Analysis Department, Centre for Strategic Studies (SAM) under the Azerbaijani President, spoke on EU–Azerbaijani relations, commenting: “Relations between EU and Azerbaijan have been very strong since 1991, and particularly following the development of the EU Eastern Partnership, which has resulted in a high level of technical assistance for former Soviet states. State infrastructure is now coming into private hands. In the past, the EU regarded the three South Caucasus countries as being one region but, in fact, there is very little commonality between them, particularly Azerbaijan and Armenia, which are at war. Azerbaijan is in a very sensitive region, sandwiched between Russia and Iran. It wants a strong, stable Armenia, but that country is currently an exclave of Russia in the South Caucasus.

The AGAT event covered a wide range of topics and attracted a high level of questioning

and TAP will bring Azerbaijani gas to Europe, thereby reducing the importance of Gazprom.

There has been a massive transformation – it is now very much a buyers, rather than sellers, market. Azerbaijan is playing an integral role in market diversification. It is expected that, at the peak of production from Shah Deniz II, 20bn m3 (bcm) of gas per annum will initially be delivered to Italy, which will be a transit country to its neighbours through upgraded infrastructure, including interconnectors.”

She went on to comment on the upgrading of Turkish pipeline infrastructure, and how TANAP and TAP may be used to convey gas from Central Asia and the Middle-East.

“Many projects are under construction that will connect the South Caucasus with Europe, including the Transport Corridor Europe– Caucasus–Asia (TRACECA), Baku–Tbilisi– Kars (BTK) rail link, Baku–Tbilisi–Erzurum (BTE) gas pipeline and Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline. These will soon be joined

by TAP and TANAP. The EU needs to reset its relationship with Azerbaijan. The South Caucasus is part of Europe and EU needs to have greater involvement in the region.”

Sabina Hasanova, International Relations Manager, Trans-Eurasian Information Superhighway Project (TASIM), spoke on Azerbaijan’s developing role as the hub of the regional ICT sector, focusing on TASIM’s role within the Eurasian Connectivity Alliance (EuraCA), founded on the basis of three UN General Assembly resolutions. Ms Hasanova explained: “The concept of TASIM is that it will reduce the digital divide and this 11,000km long link will run from Frankfurt to China, connecting Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan has invested $1.5bn, to date, and TASIM will serve to create an open information society.”

Gulmira Rzayeva, Leading Research Fellow, SAM, spoke on Azerbaijan’s involvement in the Southern Gas Corridor, saying: “TANAP

The event concluded with a lively questionand-answer session and networking reception.

November 2013

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Business News

The energy panel featured some renowned experts on the development of the Southern Gas Corridor

TEAS highlights Azerbaijan’s buoyant economy in London On 5 November, TEAS organised its fourth annual Business Forum London, entitled Enhancing Azerbaijan’s Competitiveness and Business Climate, attended by over 200 politicians, business executives and journalists.

The event came at the end of a pivotal year for Azerbaijan. This has seen the concrete steps taken towards realisation of the Southern Energy Corridor, following the signing of the protocols regarding construction of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) and the selection of the TransAdriatic Pipeline (TAP) by the Shah Deniz Consortium to bring Caspian gas from the European border of Turkey to Italy. It has also seen the launch of AzerSpace–1, the first Azerbaijani communications satellite, whilst work on the Trans-Eurasian Information Superhighway (TASIM) is expected to reach completion at the end of the year.

Charles Hendry MP, Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan said: “In a little over 20 years, Azerbaijan has made tremendous progress.

Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan and US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group

November 2013

The UK is the greatest foreign direct investment (FDI) contributor to Azerbaijan, due to the oil and gas industry, but it is time for it to take a similar position in the non-oil sector. There is a pre-existing longterm relationship between the countries.

Azerbaijan’s role in the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, due to the construction of TANAP and TAP, is destined to provide European energy security.

Today’s event, with its additional emphasis on the non-oil sector, is of great significance for Azerbaijan and the UK. I urge British businesses to come to Baku and see what the country has to offer. The UK government wants British businesses to be the partner of choice for their Azerbaijani counterparts.”

Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, commented: “I wish the US government would appoint someone in a similar role to Mr Hendry. There have been dramatic physical changes in Azerbaijan, and the country has now entered a new market economy era. In the US, we need a new strategic vision for Azerbaijan, and I am delighted that AzerSpace–1 was manufactured by Orbital Technologies, a US company. The vision of the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC) has been to create a private equity fund for the nonoil sector. It is particularly necessary to develop the agricultural sector – this currently employs 60 per cent of the Azerbaijani workforce, yet only accounts for six per cent of GDP. Azerbaijan is a very stable place, and the government welcomes investors and entrepreneurs, particularly if they wish to establish small- and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). It is undeniable that the non-oil sector is the new engine of growth.”

During his address, H.E. Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, underlined the economic achievements, commenting: “Economic growth during the first nine months of the current year was 5.4 per cent. The non-oil sector grew by 10.4 per cent, which is remarkable. Other

macroeconomic indicators were also very positive – inflation was only 2.3 per cent and unemployment was about 5 per cent.”

One of the main objectives of the event was to highlight investment opportunities in the non-oil sector. Ambassador Gurbanov continued: “The Azerbaijan 2020: A Look into the Future action plan, approved by Presidential Decree on 30 December 2012, is based on an export-oriented economic model. This states that Azerbaijan aims to double its per capita GDP by 2020, with an annual average growth rate of 7 per cent in the non-oil sector.” He went on to reveal that more than 400 UK companies are currently active in Azerbaijan, employing around 5000 people.

Orkhan Mammadov, Head, Interstate Economic Co-operation Department, Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy and Industry, said: “Azerbaijan has implemented numerous agreements aimed at eliminating double taxation. There are currently great opportunities for overseas investors in such projects at the East–West and North–South

Charles Hendry MP, Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan

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Business News

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Transport Corridors, Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and the new Baku International Sea Port, development of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku and new airports in the regions.”

Mehmet Ogutcu, Chairman, Global Resources Corporation, and Special Envoy at Energy Charter, pinpointed the major players in the world energy sector who are having an impact. He warned that these would have profound implications for Azerbaijan. He called for Baku to adapt its governance structures and strategies for effectively responding to the changing dynamics in the new energy consumption map, away from the OECD world. Mr Ogutcu particularly focused on the growth of unconventional fuels, gas price differentials, declining levels of investment in certain regions, shifts in trade flows, geopolitical realignment, and sustainability.

Al Cook, Vice-President, Shah Deniz Development, BP, confirmed that the final investment decisions on TANAP would be taken during the third week of December 2013, whilst Michael Hoffman, External Affairs Director, TAP, announced that their final decision would be made on 15 November. Rufat Afandiyev, Director, UK Representative Office, State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR), reported that such new gas fields as Absheron, Babek, Umid and Nakhchivan would be rapidly developed and feed into the Southern Gas Corridor.

He also underlined the impact of shale gas extraction in Azerbaijan and elsewhere.

Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS, also highlighted opportunities in the non-energy sectors, saying: “Currently there is an emphasis on information and communications technologies (ICT), but there are also great opportunities in the agricultural sector, which is set to become a major source of income in the future. This

Christopher Pincher MP, Chair, APPG for Azerbaijan (left) speaks to Rufat Afandiyev, Director, SOCAR UK

Mehmet Ogutcu, Chairman, Global Resources Corporation, poses a question to Al Cook, Vice-President, Shah Deniz Development, BP

is the Year of ICT in Azerbaijan, and the importance of ICT has been demonstrated by the launch of AzerSpace–1 earlier this year. Tourism in Azerbaijan also has enormous potential, based on our stunning scenery and nine different climatic zones.”

He also called on potential investors in Azerbaijan to look beyond Baku, where there are immense opportunities, with high rates of return.

opportunities – the exporting of highvalue organic fruits and vegetables, and the generation of renewable energy. Ms Fennell followed the agricultural value chain from the inputs through to final retail, and explained the impact of the new strategy on rural entrepreneurship.

She also outlined the role of Public– Private Partnerships (PPPs) in stimulating agricultural innovation.

Shailaja Fennell, Research Director, Cambridge Central Asia Forum, spoke on agricultural innovation and rural diversification. She explained that in the agribusiness sector, there are two main

Javanshir Fayziyev MP, Member of the Committee on Foreign and Interparliamentary Relations, Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) outlined Azerbaijan’s expanding role as an international investment destination. He said: “Business legislation in Azerbaijan is renowned for its simplicity, and there are many incentives for foreign investors. In 2008, the concept of a one-stop shop was introduced to make it easier to register a company. Last year, the ASAN initiative was launched, which makes it easy to obtain business permits. Azerbaijan has also signed more than 40 bilateral investment and double taxation treaties with other countries.”

Rufat Mammadov, President, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) commented: “Azerbaijan continues to rank amongst the fastest growing economies in the world, and ranks at 39th place in the Global Competitiveness Index, published by the World Economic Forum. It is focusing on agriculture, alternative energy, construction, tourism, the chemical industry,

Gustaf Nobel, Chairman, Nobel Sustainability Trust, is greeted by Michael Ritchie, Editor, Nefte Compass www.teas.eu

November 2013

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Business News

ICT and waste management. Currently, the non-oil sector accounts for 53 per cent of the economy, which is 85 per cent of which is in the private sector. Azerbaijan also accounts for around 80 per cent of the GDP in the South Caucasus. To date, AZPROMO has invested $160bn (£134.3bn) in the non-oil sector, including such projects as the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park and the Balakhani Eco-Industrial Park, which are ideal for international investment.”

There were numerous networking opportunities

Ilham Aliyev, Deputy Executive Director, Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC), reported progress on projects being undertaken via PPPs. He commented: “Azerbaijan is not a new investment destination for the UK. AIC is a state-owned investment fund that solely focuses on opportunities beyond hydrocarbons. It is International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)-compliant, and currently partners with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), International Development Bank (IDB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), amongst others.

One of the most recent projects has been

the new Baku International Shipyard, which is capable of constructing four tankers per year and refitting 80–100 vessels.

The project portfolio also includes cement works, dairy facilities and agribusiness.”

Rufiz Chiragzade, Senior Operations Officer, The World Bank, spoke on the investment opportunities in the agribusiness sector, explaining that such diversification is a necessary element of the economic agenda for several factors, including food security.

Farid Ismayilzade, Founder and Chief Executive of GoldenPay, a successful IT start-up, announced that it would be the first company of its type to make an initial public offering (IPO) in Azerbaijan.

Launched in 2007, this was the first and remains the largest internet payment and services company in the country. Its development has been phenomenal, as it has grown by 8–10 times per annum for the past three years. GoldenPay’s client base now comprises 190 merchants, 20 of which are government institutions.

Gustaf Nobel, Chairman, Nobel Sustainability Trust, also announced the launch of the Nobel Sustainability Fund, worth $200m (£125.3m), which will promote the development and application of clean technologies around the world.

This is particularly relevant to Azerbaijan, which receives more hours of sunlight than Australia, and is also home to a great deal of other renewable energy from wind and wave power.

Vanessa Raine, TEAS Business Co-ordinator, opened the event

Dmitriy Solovyov, Azersun, reported that a high level of technological innovation had resulted in more efficient and effective agricultural production. He commented: “The level of growth outstrips that of oil and gas, and makes a major contribution to the local economy.”

The day concluded with an afternoon of business-to-business (b2b) sessions, where potential investors could exchange views and gain information from executives and experts representing companies who are already active in the country.

Sponsors: Azsigorta, AFB Bank, Akkord Industry Construction Investment Corporation, Fireland Capital, TransAdriatic Pipeline (TAP).

Media Partners: Bloomberg, Business News Europe, Templeton Thorp, The City UK, Open Central Asia Magazine.

Energy potential highlighted at Istanbul Economist summit

Egemen Bagis, Turkish Minister for EU Affairs, acknowledged TEAS’ support of the event

Azerbaijan’s essential future role as an energy supplier and transit country took centre-stage on 30–31 October at The European Energy Summit, hosted at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus in Istanbul, organised by The Economist. Given the subheader of Redrawing the Energy Lines, the subjects under discussion included EU priorities for the energy market; Europe’s energy security; an assessment of the Turkish energy sector; and the development of European infrastructure technologies. TEAS was the Gala Dinner sponsor.

Speakers at the summit included H.E. Taner Yildiz, Turkish Energy Minister;

EU allocates €30m to Azerbaijan The European Union has allocated €30m to Azerbaijan as part of its EU Eastern Partnership Programme ahead of the EU Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius on 28– 29 November. Within this, the EU allocated €14m (£11.7m) to support the energy

November 2013

Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs Director, Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP); Mithat Rende, Director-General, Multilateral Economic Affairs and Energy, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and JeanArnold Vinois, Special Advisor to EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger.

Egemen Bagis, Turkish Minister for EU Affairs, thanked TEAS for its sponsorship of the Gala Dinner. He remarked on the special relationship between Turkey and Azerbaijan and espoused the words of the former Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev that “happiness is multiple pipelines.” Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, commented: “TEAS is delighted to sponsor such an important event in collaboration with The Economist – a world-famous publication.

This summit focuses on Turkey, but reference to the close symbiotic relationship between that country and Azerbaijan – particularly in the light of ratifying the recent energy agreements – was made in virtually every session and speech.”

reform programme and €16m (£13.4m) to support justice reform. To date, funds received from the EU Eastern Partnership for these programmes have financed the establishment of the State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources,

national plans for renewable energy sources, the foundation of 10 regional justice departments, courses to enhance the qualifications of Academy of Justice specialists, and professional education courses for prisoners in Azerbaijan.

www.teas.eu

Personalities – Zaur Hasanov

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Zaur Hasanov is Director of the Trans-Eurasian Information Superhighway (TASIM) project, established following the Baku Conference in 2008. This is a major regional initiative aimed at creating a transnational fibre-optic connection between Eurasian countries, traversing Western Europe through to China. This will have a positive impact on ICT and the wider socioeconomic development of the region, as reflected in three UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolutions passed from 2009–13 (A/RES/64/186; A/RES/67/194; and A/RES/67/298). The latter two resolutions stressed the importance of establishing the Eurasian Connectivity Alliance (EuraCA).

The first stage of TASIM will see it pass through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Eastern European countries en-route to Germany. The second stage will see TASIM use established transit infrastructure to provide affordable connectivity to the landlocked countries of Eurasia, particularly in Central Asia. This phase will also see the upgrading of existing lines and connection to the TASIM network. TEAS spoke to Zaur to find out more: What stage is TASIM now at?

TASIM is currently at an advanced stage of negotiations. Many commercial and technological options and possibilities were discussed during three major workshops and on the sidelines of various telecommunications meetings. The most important issues are rights of way, profit-sharing, commercial policies, management principles, route-planning, network architecture and interconnection.

The operators share the same vision on these issues, and will soon sign a substantial Memorandum of Understanding.

Zaur Hasanov, Director, TASIM project

How has Azerbaijan been leading the project since the passing of UNGA resolution A/RES/64/186?

As Ali Abbasov, Minister of Communications and Information Technologies, recently stated at the UN session on TASIM, Azerbaijan has invested over €1m in various TASIM activities. It has also fully financed the Project Secretariat. The operators have provided a considerable level of in-kind contributions, such as hosting TASIM workshops.

The intellectual leadership of Azerbaijan

www.teas.eu

Azerbaijan is set to be the hub of communications in Azerbaijan and beyond – this diagram shows the TASIM route and current and proposed satellites

has been instrumental in raising awareness of the Eurasian connectivity agenda at different forums, such as the high-profile UN Broadband Commission; Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum (both in New York, USA); and events held on the sidelines of the World Summit on the Information Society Forum in Geneva, Switzerland.

Which benefits will TASIM bring to Azerbaijan and the wider region?

TASIM will improve the connection to the global internet infrastructure, together with enhanced interconnection within the wider region, particularly around the Caspian Sea, South Caucasus and Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region. It will be transformed into the first strategic network in the region and provide better interconnections. TASIM will also improve the connection speed between Asia and Europe, and between East and West.

TASIM infrastructure will play an essential role in the development of future information technologies, based on the application of cloud networks. Geographical proximity to data centres and their interconnection is necessary to ensure effective functioning of cloud computing applications. TASIM will also serve to support the economic development of the region, and open up regional markets to the world.

How does TASIM fit within the aims and objectives of the EuraCA? TASIM represents the practical implementation of the EuraCA vision for enhanced Eurasian connectivity. As it is a private–public partnership (PPP), TASIM is an example of the multi-stakeholder approach that is pursued by the EuraCA. As a commercial project, TASIM also fits within specific frameworks and satisfies specified requirements. The mission of EuraCA is to be a guardian of the wider

good, ensuring that commercial projects also support wider socioeconomic development objectives, whilst continuing to operate under market economy mechanisms. It’s a fine balancing act, and something that EuraCa aims to achieve.

Which logistical challenges have had to be overcome?

TASIM operates in countries with very diverse telecommunications regulations that remain unharmonised, unlike North America and Western Europe. Significant distances need to be covered by the TASIM network, and issues regarding right of ways and operating licences are crucial. Fortunately, the participating operators have been very supportive in addressing these logistical challenges in their respective countries, alongside their national telecommuications regulators, so we are very optimistic about future progress.

Which countries and international companies have been participating in the TASIM project?

The core of TASIM currently comprises five countries: Azerbaijan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey. They are represented by their leading telecommunications operators: Azertelecom, China Telecom, Kaztranscom, Rostelecom and Turk Telekom, respectively.

Several countries have shown strong interest and support for TASIM, including Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. There is significant interest from regional and global telecommunications operators regarding interconnection with TASIM, supplying the transit route and providing upstream interconnection to the global internet.

For more information, please go to http://bit.ly/tasimbaku

November 2013

10

Personalities – Nazrin Rashidova

Nazrin Rashidova’s talent revealed to a new audience Nazrin and FeMusa perform at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall in Baku

Born in 1988, the London-based Azerbaijani violinist Nazrin Rashidova made her concert debut in Baku at the tender of age of three years. Her family was living in Cairo at this time, as her father was working at the Cairo Opera House from 1991. When she performed at this Opera House three years later, she received a Gold Medal. Nazrin and her mother moved to London in 1995, joined by her father four years later, following her acceptance by the Purcell School of Music.

In 1998, she became the youngest semifinalist at the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition for which Lord Menuhin then selected her to open the Gala Concert.

At the age of 15, Nazrin went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM), where she now teaches.

Since that time, she has maintained a challenging international performance schedule and formed FeMusa, an all-female string ensemble. Nazrin has just released her first two CDs – one of complete works for violin and piano by the Polish-American composer Leopold Godowsky, recorded for Naxos, and Dreams, a CD of arrangements of songs by Tofiq Guliyev for violin and guitar.

BP has sponsored Nazrin since 2011, which she gratefully acknowledges. TEAS caught up with her in London to find out more: How did you become aware of the works of Leopold Godowsky in order to make them the subject of your first CD for Naxos, recorded with pianist Roderick Chadwick?

I came across them three years ago in a music shop in the US! I was already well aware of the composer’s stature in the piano world. Considered the ‘Paganini’ of the piano, his scores are filled with such November 2013

technical demands that, to this day, they are approached by a select number of pianists.

Later, when I delved into Godowsky’s biography, I was mesmerised to read about his wide circle of friends. I can just imagine the great musicians and artists of the 20th century who were constantly visiting the Godowskys, including Ignace Jan Paderewski, Feodor Chaliapin, Fritz Kreisler, Josef Hofmann, Mischa Elman, Igor Stravinsky, George Gershwin, Moriz Rosenthal, Sergei Rachmaninov, Arthur Rubenstein, Jascha Heifetz, Pablo Casals, Charlie Chaplin and even Albert Einstein.

overheard by a reporter during Heifetz’s Carnegie Hall debut in 1917, attended by many great musicians of the 20th century, including Godowsky. Seated next to him was the great violinist, Misha Elman, who at one point leaned over to Godowsky and whispered: “It’s awfully hot in here.” Without missing a beat, Godowsky replied: “Not for pianists.”

It was noted that Godowsky only played at his best for small, informal gatherings, rather than in the concert hall or even in the studio. The violinist Carl Flesch wittily stated:

If I were to travel back in time, Godowsky would be the first artist on my ‘to-visit’ list!

What drew you to the pieces?

Initially, the rich texture of the piano part but, most importantly, Fritz Kreisler’s name in bold on the front cover! Kreisler, being one of my favourite violinists of all time, had been a close friend of the Godowskys, and contributed to the violin part (in terms of the fingering and phrasing) in the Twelve Impressions. For nearly three decades, Naxos has focused its business model on avoiding repertoire duplication, making this CD a unique release.

How were they received when premiered by Fritz Kreisler? Why were they overlooked and left unrecorded?

All Twelve Impressions were published in 1916, with two being recorded by Kreisler and Heifetz. There is a 1989 recording of just the Twelve Impressions, performed by Gottfried Schneider (violin) and Cord Garben (piano).

Heifetz also recorded Nocturnal Tangier in his own arrangement for violin and piano.

In fact, there is an amusing anecdote

Nazrin Rashidova performing at a BP event in the BELvue Museum in Brussels

“Godowsky’s aura extends only two yards.”

The majority of Godowsky’s original works were significantly difficult to perform – his Passacaglia was declared to be unplayable, even by the great 20th century pianist, Vladimir Horowitz, who claimed it would www.teas.eu

Personalities – Nazrin Rashidova

11

in London at the age of seven. My first taught language in school was in fact, English, and to this day I still have to stop and think before I form my sentences in Azerbaijani and Russian, as I am constantly translating from the English language. I am pleased that music is a universal language, and no translations are required.

Of the many months and years I enjoyed studying at the school, April 2000 was a month to be remembered. This was because I gave a private recital for HRH The Prince of Wales and his guests at St. James’s Palace.

This was an unforgettable experience, and I was honoured to receive a personal letter from Prince Charles himself, thanking me for my performance. This was and is very special for me.

Nazrin leads the all-female FeMusa ensemble in the revival performance of Fikret Amirov’s Nizami Symphony at St. John’s, Smith Square

require six hands. Consequently, I cannot say that the works were overlooked, as they simply were, and still are, of a completely different technical league.

What was the reaction to the pieces during their launch at the Wigmore Hall, and how has the media received the CD? The CD and its launch at the Wigmore Hall have received rave reviews from major classical magazines, including The Strad, Gramophone and the MusicOMH website.

Selected tracks from the CD have been broadcast on Polish Radio and the recording has been catalogued by the US Library of Congress.

Your other CD is of works by Tofiq Guliyev.

When were these pieces written? Were they all film songs? Are his works wellknown in Azerbaijan and other Soviet Republics?

During his lifetime, Tofiq Guliyev wrote music to more than 40 Azerbaijani films and, following the start of a fruitful collaboration with Rashid Behbudov, the renowned Azerbaijani singer in 1946, the duo toured and performed extensively across the Soviet Republics. A total of 12 of Guliyev’s 15 songs on the Dreams CD come from six different Azerbaijani films, many of which I saw repeatedly in London. The majority of there are from one of my favourite Azerbaijani films, entitled Baxtiyar. The story follows a young boy, played by Rashid Behbudov, who is blessed with an exquisite voice, and his talent is gradually discovered and his career blossoms.

Who wrote the arrangements for guitarist Stanislav Hvartchilkov and yourself?

My colleague, the talented guitarist Stanislav Hvartchilkov, and myself wrote the arrangements. In the original, the songs are beautifully coloured by the lyrics, and we www.teas.eu

have tried to convey the glorious melodies and harmonies by enriching and revealing the full range of the instruments’ technical possibilities, making these arrangements for violin and guitar the first of their kind.

The final three bonus tracks are also new arrangements of original works by Gara Garayev and Rauf Hajiyev. Sari Gelin (Blonde Bride) was an experimental arrangement, and a separate version, featuring special effects, will be released in the future.

How has Dreams been marketed and promoted?

We are currently at an early stage of marketing, and much will be revealed and progressed following its launch in early 2014.

I am pleased to say that I donated one of the first pressings of the CD for the AngloAzerbaijani Society auction after FeMusa’s Concert at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall in June 2013, raising over AZN700 (around £560).

You gave your first public performance in Baku at the age of three years. How has your career developed, to date?

My first solo public performance took place at the Heydar Aliyev Palace in 1991. A year later, I gave my solo debut with orchestra, as I performed two numbers with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra in Egypt. The solo recital in 1994 (aged 6) was an unforgettable experience, lasting for an hour. I performed entirely from memory, including a movement from the demanding Symphonie Espagnole

by Edouard Lalo. The Cairo Opera House awarded me a Gold Medal, which was the first time in the history of the National Cultural Centre that this had been given to a musician and child.

This was followed by a move to the UK, after my admission to the Purcell School of Music

The same year, aged 12, I was to be offered a place at the RAM, but I am grateful that my parents held me back in accepting and purely judged the situation from a social perspective. When I turned 15, I felt that I was growing well out of my classical environment and was in need of professional space, further performing opportunities and an institution that would benefit me. By then, my repertoire had vastly expanded. Although I had been performing a new programme at the school’s lunchtime and evening concerts, each week, I was running out of concert opportunities to display my constantly expanding repertoire.

So, 2003 was the year I was enrolled, comfortably studying alongside 18-year-olds.

The successful completion of the course led to a Master’s degree, which brought on even more opportunities. Just as “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, I can vouch that it is the dream of every violinist to play on a violin

by Antonio Stradivari, the great 17th century Cremonese violin-maker.

During my studies at the RAM, I had the honour of playing on around eight Stradivari violins, and I was also privileged to have been the first student to use one of these instruments on long-term loan for two years.

On one occasion I was entrusted with three ‘Strads’ for a two-hour recording session.

These instruments are known as the ‘1666’, 1707 ‘Castelbarco’, and 1711 ‘Parke’. The final violin had not been taken out of the building since the 1970s, and is in pristine condition, being worth more than the ‘Lady Blunt’ Strad violin, which sold for more than a record-breaking $15.9m (around £10m) in 2011.

The Godowsky CD was recorded on the 1699 Stradivari ‘Crespi’ violin, kindly loaned by the RAM, and its launch at the Wigmore Hall was performed on a c.1720 ‘Beechback’ violin.

November 2013

12

Personalities – Nazrin Rashidova

What led to the creation of FeMusa? Where do the instrumentalists come from?

During the final year of my Masters’ degree, I had the idea of forming an orchestra of female instrumentalists. It may be surprising to read that the idea was actually visualised in a dress boutique, during alterations to my concert dress. It is important to note that, as female musicians, our concert attire is an important factor in terms of presentation. We are actors on stage, trying to paint a threedimensional audio picture, colouring this by the control of a violin and bow with only four fingers and four strings doing the job in the left hand. Attention to our stage attire is the least we can do to complement our femininity.

I later discovered that the last female orchestra in England, the British Women’s Orchestra, folded after the Second World War, making FeMusa the first of its kind in the UK since the 1950s.

Nazrin performs during a Black January commemoration, organised by the Buta Arts Centre in 2010

The majority of FeMusa’s musicians come from the UK, although instrumentalists from many other countries are represented, including Ireland, Scotland, Italy, France, Spain, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and, of course, Azerbaijan.

Which repertoire do they perform? Where have they performed?

FeMusa has an eclectic and expanding repertoire, including works by Amirov, Bach, Bridge, Britten, Garayev, Grieg, Haydn, Holst, Mozart, Piazzolla, Rossini, Warlock and Williams. Featured on BBC World News, FeMusa’s London concerts at St. John’s, Smith Square, and the Central Hall, Westminster, have featured the renowned British mezzo-soprano, Louise Winter, and repertoire has included a revival of Azerbaijani composer Fikret Amirov’s Nizami Symphony, last performed in the UK under Leopold Stokowski during the 1960s.

A four-year-old Nazrin playing a work by Paganini at Cairo’s Citadel Music Festival, accompanied by the Festival Symphony Orchestra

FeMusa has been invited to perform on Omani Women’s Day at the Royal Opera House, Muscat, and the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall in Baku. Their longplanned tour to Cairo and Alexandria has been postponed until further notice.

What will be the focus of your next CD or project?

There are a number of CD projects, which will depend on resources, but Naxos has agreed to continue with another recording project at the planning stage. I hope this will be completed in the near future. My current focus is to plan and manage the launch of the Dreams CD in early 2014. FeMusa’s next London concert is also on the map!

For more information and to see and hear Nazrin Rashidova, go to www.nazrin.co.uk.

November 2013

Nazrin’s remarkable talent was evident at a very early age

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Culture

13

A musical recollection of Lord Fraser’s spirit The concert hall was packed with friends, colleagues and contacts of Lord Fraser

As many supporters of Azerbaijan will be aware, Lord Fraser of Carmyllie, Chairman, Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, sadly passed away on 22 June at the age of 68 years. His life was subsequently commemorated with an unforgettable concert at Westminster Cathedral Hall, London, on 24 October. This began with reminiscences by Dr Kenneth Forrest CBE, Honorary Chairman, Anglo-Azerbaijani Society; Professor Nargiz Pashayeva, Chair, Anglo-Azerbaijani Society (Baku); and H.E. Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK. Lord Fraser was renowned for his appreciation of the arts, and these warm words were followed by performances from some of the young musicians that he helped over the years. This included the Scottish violinist Sophie Sneddon, accompanied by pianist Gill Simpson, who opened and closed the concert, recalling Lord Fraser’s Scottish heritage. She performed two new pieces specially composed in memory of Lord Fraser, and concluded with a rousing jig. The Russian harpist Vera Khait played variations on themes from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.

However, the evening was dominated by some of the Azerbaijani musicians assisted by Lord Fraser and the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society. The sisters Nigar and Gunel Mirzayeva on violin and

piano, respectively, performed Chopin’s evocative Berceuse and Bach’s Violin Sonata in G Major. Gunel later teamed up with another violinist, Jeyla Seyidova, to play the Azerbaijani composer Gara Garayev’s Adagio from the Seven Beauties Ballet and soloed on Grigoras Dinicu’s virtuosic Hora Stacato. Another violinist, Nazrin Rashidova (see pp.10–12), teamed up with Bulgarian guitarist Stanislav Hvartchilkov, to play two gentle arrangements of songs

by Tofiq Guliyev.

Nazrin later joined Sabina Rakcheyeva, violinist and Cultural Advisor, TEAS, to perform the opening movement of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, accompanied by FeMusa, Nazrin’s colourful allfemale string ensemble. They played a range of works, including Gara Garayev’s Aisha’s Dance (from the Seven Beauties Ballet) and Girls’ Dance (from the Path of Thunder Ballet). In an addition to the programme, the four violinists joined forces to play the finale from the Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor by Antonio Vivaldi.

During the event, details of the Lord Fraser of Carmyllie Scholarship Fund were unveiled, aimed at assisting young people from both Azerbaijan and the UK to develop their talents, particularly in the musical sphere. For more information, contact Margaret Morris on info@anglo-azerbaijani-society.org.

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IGC#1:,"2&<$,".,$.&$#*2'$".4$,($0/**1#00$2&$(14#1$,($.'"2#C#$D/&2,:E$.&4$ The launch will include presentations by D'()*+#,#&#00E$H$.$<1#.,$.1,20,2'$5(1'#$20$&##4#4$H$,"#$5(1'#$(5$.$I/+<.?(C=$.$ J(:'#=$.$K.+'(,,=$(1$>.).+$684/++.7J !"!#$%&'!3,7!86,64.+9.:21$M(-2+&)-%4$"5$8-)6"()-(?;',-)"( Professor Abdulla and translator Anne Thompson, A'3'*$C>,9**'$-)$'$:&"5+))"&$"5$*-(/9-)%-6)$-($L'@91$ in addition to aCD+&>'-E'(7$H0-)$("2+*$0')$>++($:9>*-)0+,$-($K&+(601$ dramatisation of certain key H9&@-)01$O9))-'(1$P"*-)01$C&'>-61$'(,$P"&%9/9+)+7 P9>*-)0+&G)$#+>)-%+Q$ scenes by members of ALOFF Theatre, and a 0%%:QRR)>:&'76"3RA'3'*C>,9**'$ question-and-answer session. A limited number of free copies of the book will be available. Doors open at 18.30hrs and presentations begin at 19.15hrs. Please register to attend at http://bit.ly/ incompletemanuscript.

Jeffrey Werbock to visit London

Jeffrey Werbock, Chairman, Mugham Society of America and one of the foremost western exponents of mugham for over 40 years, is to bring his fascinating lecture-demonstrations to London after a gap of three years. During his visit, he will perform at the School for African and Oriental Studies (SOAS) on 2 December.

www.teas.eu

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Kamal Abdulla

TEAS is proud to host the official UK launch of the fascinating work The Incomplete Manuscript by Professor Kamal Abdulla of Baku Slavic University, in its English translation. This remarkable novel raises questions of appearance and reality, truth, myth and story-telling. In the book, a modern-day narrator explains how he found an old manuscript in Baku, which turns out to contain two interwoven, disparate tales. For the longer of the two stories in the manuscript, Professor Abdulla has taken the Book of Dada Gorgud, a medieval Turkic epic chronicling the exploits of the Oghuz tribe, and invented a first, incomplete, draft of the tales. His draft is an account by the bard Dada Gorgud of an investigation ostensibly to unmask a traitor amongst the Oghuz. It introduces many of the

The Incomplete Manuscript

TEAS launches The Incomplete Manuscript

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During the event, Jeffrey will provide some of the background to mugham, explaining its microtonal scales, modes, techniques, spiritual significance and position amongst other musical genres.

To find out more, contact Dr Rachel Harris on rh@soas.ac.uk or visit www.mugham.net.

November 2013

14

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (right) greets Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan (centre) and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during their meeting in Kazan in June 2011

Presidents to meet after more than two years Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan are to meet before the EU Eastern Partnership Vilnius Summit on 28–29 November, according to a statement issued by the OSCE Minsk Group.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, tasked with establishing a negotiated peace to the conflict – Igor Popov (Russian Federation), Jacques Fauré (France), and

James Warlick (US), together with Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, travelled to the region on 4–5 November to continue their efforts to help the sides find a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

They met President Aliyev in Baku on 4 November and President Sargsyan the following day to discuss issues relating to

conflict settlement. They also met the Foreign Ministers and the Defence Ministers of both countries. The Co-Chairs commented: “The Presidents have confirmed their intention to meet in November 2013 to clarify their positions on a settlement and to discuss the way forward.” The Co-Chairs are continuing to work on arrangements regarding the Vilnius Summit, and have urged the sides to exercise restraint both on the ground and in their public statements.

Baku concerned over Syrian Armenian resettlement Official Baku has expressed its concern regarding Armenia’s actions over the resettling of Syrian refugees of Armenian origin to the Azerbaijani occupied territories, according to the Azerbaijani Embassy in Moscow.

A document received by RIA Novosti said: “Armenia continues its illegal actions which are aimed at protracting the military occupation

and its consequences and artificially changing the demographic situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. This ignores the international community’s position, which condemns such activities.

Recently, around 200 Armenian refugees from Syria have been settled in the occupied territories of the Zangilan district, which was further clear evidence of the illegal settlement policy pursued by the Armenian state.”

European Parliament supports UN Security Council resolutions A draft resolution on the European Neighbourhood Policy has been adopted during the plenary session of the European Parliament. This includes a statement that the occupation of an EU Eastern Partnership state by another member state constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles and objectives of the Partnership.

and 884, adopted in 1993, and the Basic Principles of the OSCE Minsk Group, as reflected in the L’Aquila Joint Statement of 10 July, according to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. These resolutions demand an immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of the occupying forces from the occupied Azerbaijani territories.

For the first time, the European Parliament states that the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict should be resolved on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874

The European Parliament has previously adopted resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian Armed Forces from the occupied territories of

Azerbaijan, the return of these territories to Azerbaijani control, and the right of the Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) and refugees to go back to their homelands, in addition to stopping the posting of Armenian army units on Azerbaijani territory. Elman Abdullayev, Spokesman, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, commented: “The European Parliament’s resolution on Nagorno-Karabakh indicates that the international community supports Azerbaijan’s fair position on this issue and recognises the fact of the occupation.”

World Refugee IDP XI match nominated for PRCA Award TEAS is delighted that its World Refugee Day campaign, which culminated in a football match featuring such sporting heroes as double Olympic gold medal-winner Mo Farah, ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba, and the footballing legends Tony Adams (former England and Arsenal Captain), Mickey Thomas and Ian Wright, was shortlisted for the 2013 Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) Awards. The campaign was nominated in the Digital and New Media and Public Affairs categories.

November 2013

Organised in June to commemorate World Refugee Day, with a particular focus on the 875,000 refugees and IDPs who are the ongoing casualties of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the match at Barnet FC attracted an audience of over 3,600 enthusiastic fans. There was a considerable media presence from members of the UK national press, and the numerous YouTube videos have attracted over 48,800 hits altogether.

Mo Farah performs the victorious Mobot at the match

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Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

15

Russian support for Armenia in no uncertain terms

One of Armenia’s leading political groups has praised the commander of the Russian troops stationed in the country for commenting that his forces would fight on the Armenian side if war reignites over NagornoKarabakh.

Colonel Andrey Ruzinsky made the comments during an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda, published by the Russian Defence Ministry. He said: “The Russian military base in Gyumri may interfere, should the Azerbaijani leadership decide to restore jurisdiction over NagornoKarabakh via military methods.”

He continued: “The military-political situation in the zone of responsibility of the Russian base remains unstable due to factors connected with the possible escalation of the situation at the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijan and Armenian forces. In line with the commitments of the Russian Federation, under the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), the Russian military base in Gyumri may intervene in military actions, should the Azerbaijani leadership decide to restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh through force.”

Azerbaijani officials were swift to condemn the statement, commenting that as Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised Azerbaijani territory, any attempt to regain the lands could not be regarded as an attack on Armenia that necessitates military action by the latter’s CSTO allies.

Russian and Armenian troops on joint manoeuvres at the Gyumri military base

Speaking to RFE/RL’s Armenian service, Eduard Sharmazanov, Chief Spokesman for the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), said: “This is a clear message to Azerbaijan’s leadership that, in the case of restarting hostilities, they will find themselves in a very bad situation.” Aghvan Vartanian, a leader of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation, called the Russian commander’s remark “unprecedented,” claiming: “it means something”. He commented: “Of course, for us, the key thing is to be able to defend us and Nagorno-Karabakh by ourselves. But CSTO member states have certain obligations here.”

Nagorno-Karabakh progress = Turkish railway reopening

According to the Hürriyet Daily News, Turkish diplomats have stated that they would welcome the reopening of the longclosed railway link between Kars and Gyumri if official Yerevan and Baku make progress in solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Kars–Gyumri section of the Kars– Gyumri–Tbilisi railway line has been nonoperational since 1993, when Turkey closed the border with Armenia in support of the Azerbaijani position over the NagornoKarabakh conflict. The suggestion of reopening the rail link came as a question to Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister, during a closed-door Parliamentary briefing on 6 November. The Minister said

that opening the border with Armenia and reopening the railway could be brought to the table under the framework of a peace plan that includes resolution of the NagornoKarabakh conflict.

Speaking during a press conference in Switzerland, Mr Davutoglu previously said that Turkey is seeking “creative ideas” to develop relations with Armenia, adding that Ankara was intent on normalising ties. He said: “We are now looking to develop this and progress with creative ideas and ways of thinking. We will increase our work in the near future. When relations between Turkey and Armenia are normalised, most issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia will also

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

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In response to questioning from TEAS, Ivo Vajgl MEP (Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) has condemned the ongoing Armenian occupation of NagornoKarabakh and the seven surrounding regions.

He responded: “The UN and most countries around the world have not recognised the right of Armenia to occupy the NagornoKarabakh region.”

the entire region. If a country that is a partner within the EU Eastern Partnership is in breach of these principles, this certainly represents a problem for the EU Eastern Partnership as a whole, and should be regarded as an urgent and pressing issue. Every person who has been expelled from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan should have the possibility to return home.

He continued: “Armenia is violating international law and must withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Unfortunately, Armenia is supported by Russia, which has its troops stationed in this country. Both Armenia and Russia are behaving in an unacceptable way and are destabilising the situation across

“The OSCE Minsk Group has invested a lot of effort in an attempt to find a solution for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict but, obviously, it is not a problem that can be dealt with just on the level of diplomacy. It is a prominent political problem, which only can be solved with the co-operation of all countries relevant

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be within the framework of a solution.”

In November 2012, Turkey introduced the Integrated Transportation Corridors Project to the OSCE Minsk Group, to be implemented after Armenia ends its occupation of seven regions bordering Nagorno-Karabakh and peace is achieved in the region. The first phase would see transport connections around the country being reconnected, and emphasis being placed on linking Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia by repairing and upgrading unused railways and building new routes, where necessary.

Included in the plan is a new highway that would potentially transport passengers and freight from Turkey to Armenia.

to the situation in the Caucasus.”

TEAS also spoke to Alain Courtois, Belgian Senator and First Alderman of Brussels, who recognised: “The IDP and refugee problem in Azerbaijan is indeed a tragedy. Once again, I urge the international community to pay more attention to what I would call this almost ‘forgotten’ problem. At a time where the international press underlines the human catastrophe in Syria, another – older – refugee problem is taking place in the South Caucasus. This prevents the peoples of the region, including those in Azerbaijan, from socio-economically evolving in a way that would guarantee a free and prosperous future.”

November 2013

November 2013

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