Tm 15 06

Culture | Public Affairs Business | Philanthropy

Photo: Fidan Qasimova

BAKU2015 EUROPEAN GAMES – THE STARTING PISTOL AWAITS Also in this issue: Republic Day celebrated in London TEAS supports Prince Charles’ Mosaic Foundation Emil Afrasiyab delights jazz connoisseurs in Paris Ella Leya’s powerful debut novel launched in London Leyli Salayeva – contemplation in a chaotic world 06 / 2015

Please see inside for how to win £100 of Amazon vouchers

6 / 2015

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Welcome to the TEAS Magazine The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European foundation 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 districts 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

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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.

Win £100 of Amazon vouchers!

Firstly, congratulations to Paul Waters, radio producer and journalist, who won the competition in the May issue of the TEAS Magazine. To stand a chance of winning £100 of Amazon vouchers, simply answer the following five questions, the answers to which will be found in this issue. In the case of a tie, a draw will be made. Previous winners are ineligible to enter, as are TEAS employees and their families. Please send all entries to editor@teas.eu by 17.00hrs (GMT) on 6 July.

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Approximately how many athletes will participate in the Baku2015 European Games?

Where did the Mosaic International Leadership Summit take place?

Which French TV channel will broadcast the Baku2015 European Games?

When was the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic established?

Who is the drummer in the Emil Afrasiyab Quartet?

Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcoming events 5–28 June – Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus (Paris).

CNOSF, Maison du sport français, 1, avenue de Pierre du Coubertin, 75640, Paris, France. 10.00–17.00hrs. Admission Free.

Seven days prior to the opening of the inaugural European Games in Baku, we showcase 65 stunning sporting images from around the world submitted for a TEAS competition.

1 July – Book launch: Khojaly Witness of a War Crime – Armenia in the Dock (London).

Room 3A, House of Lords, London, SW1A 0PW. 18.30–20.00hrs. Admission Free. RSVP at http://bit.ly/khojalywitness The UK launch of the first independent publication to be published in English in the west about the Khojaly Massacre – the worst single atrocity of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which claimed the lives of 613 civilians on 26 February 1992.

Unique in its presentation of irrefutable facts, the book includes interviews with witnesses of the events in Khojaly, materials published in the international press, the views of foreign researchers, reports from international organisations, and rare pictures taken by international photographers.

7 September – Emil Afrasiyab Quartet at the opening concert for the Festival de Jazz de Colmar (France).

Salle des Spectacles Europe, 13, rue d’Amsterdam, 68000 Colmar, France.

20hrs. To book tickets, go to http://www.colmar.fr/festival-jazz-colmar.

This concert will showcase sensational Azerbaijani jazz pianist Emil Afrasiyab. Performing alongside Alexandre Madeline (saxophone), Antoine Katz (bass) and Raphaël Pannier (drums), he will demonstrate the remarkable technique and virtuosity that won him the Public Prize in the Solo Jazz Piano competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2011. This TEAS-supported concert will be broadcast on local television channel www.tv7.fr.

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Politics and News

03

Tale Heydarov, Chairman, TEAS opened the reception, watched by Bob Blackman MP, Secretary, Azerbaijan APPG and H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK (Photo: Andrew Wiard)

UK Parliament showcases the Baku2015 European Games Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

From the TEAS Director

The highlight of my month was a trip to Amman in Jordan to attend the Mosaic International Leadership Programme Summit. Mosaic is an initiative by Prince Charles to encourage young people from the Muslim world to take an active role in society. TEAS was delighted to be able to sponsor the participation of the Azerbaijani and Turkish delegations.

The forthcoming Baku2015 European Games were celebrated during an official reception for around 120 people in the Churchill Room of the UK Parliament on 3 June. Attendees included Baroness Uddin, Lord Addington, Lord Kilclooney, Lord Risby, Lord Foulkes, Lord German, Lord Brookhaven, and the MPs Judith Cummins, Stephen Hammond, Christopher Pincher, Bob Blackman, Roger Godsiff, Damien Green, Mike Gapes, together with diplomats, representatives of UK and Azerbaijani sports federations and friends of Azerbaijan. The Games, organised under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, are scheduled to take place in Baku from 12–28 June. The reception was organised by TEAS and hosted by Lord Addington.

It is expected that Baku will host more than 6000 athletes from over 50 countries during the Games, competing in more than 20 sporting disciples. Of these, 16 sports will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio2016 Olympic Games.

The second Business Forum TEAS France– Azerbaijan was a huge success. A high turnout meant that for some sessions it was standing room only, and the calibre of individual delegates – and representative companies – was outstanding.

Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS, said: “The fact that the first European Games were granted to Azerbaijan proves that the country is worthy to host them. During the past decade, the economic level and infrastructure of my country has developed considerably. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has chaired the Azerbaijani Olympic Committee for some years, which has given a great boost to the development of sports in Azerbaijan. We are now reaping the fruits of these developments.”

Also in Paris was the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which featured a concert by leading jazz pianist Emil Afrasiyab, sponsored by TEAS. This annual event has a massive following amongst jazz fans.

In a video address, Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer, Baku European Games Operations Committee (BECOG), said: “We have had to compress all that is required to host a Games into just 30 months – this normally takes seven years. This has been an immense undertaking, and resulted in a coming together of both the expat community and the talented people of Azerbaijan. We will deliver a European Games, featuring the best athletes in Europe, which is befitting of their talent and the dynamic country of Azerbaijan. We will see a fantastic Games here in Azerbaijan, and the whole of the world will be watching Baku.”

TEAS Press goes from strength to strength, and has recently become the distributor for Oxford University Press ELT Publishing in Azerbaijan.

Over the last few weeks, excitement has been mounting around the inaugural European Games in Baku. A reception in the Palace of Westminster attracted a score of MPs and Peers, together with journalists and sports fans.

Finally, the fate of the refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from NagornoKarabakh and the seven surrounding regions is never far from our thoughts.

Renewed calls by the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, representing 57 Muslim states, has given fresh impetus to diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS 06 / 2015

H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, commented: “This is an opportunity to associate the name of Azerbaijan with something that is totally new – the European Games. There will be a lasting legacy in terms of sports facilities, transportation, and infrastructure. Hosting the Games has necessitated the input of a great deal of experience from across Europe, and has served to develop further ties between Azerbaijan and Europe.”

Lord Addington commented: “Games are a celebration of sport, and provide a valuable opportunity for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and cultures. Azerbaijan has given a new platform for Games to Europe; this will be a festival of sports, and will be something very special.”

Bob Blackman MP, Secretary, Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), explained: “The successful hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 demonstrated how Azerbaijan could create world-class facilities in a very short space of time. I have witnessed the development of Azerbaijan, both in Baku and across the country. It is testament to the brilliant work of Azerbaijan that is now ready to host the European Games after a very short period of preparation. No other country could have achieved this, and this demonstrates how quickly the country can construct what is required.”

The event concluded with drinks and refreshments. www.teas.eu

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Politics and News

Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus opens in Paris under the auspices of the French Olympic Committee

The forthcoming Baku2015 European Games were celebrated during the opening of the Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus exhibition at the Maison du sport français (French House of Sport) in Paris on 4 June. The exhibition was hosted by the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) and organised by TEAS France, in partnership with the Baku European Games Olympic Committee (BEGOC) and the Musée National du Sport (French National Sports Museum) in Nice.

The opening and subsequent exhibition was also publicised on the official French Olympic team website at http://bit.ly/ espritbleuasif.

More than 150 diplomats, sportsmen and women, sports enthusiasts and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora attended the opening, which was broadcast on L’Équipe 21 – official French broadcaster of the Baku2015 Games.

VIPs included Senator Jean-Claude Frécon; Jean-François Mancel MP; Alain Bertholom, President of the French Federation of Wrestling and Head of the French delegation to the European Games; Alain Calmat, former French Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and currently President of the Medical Committee of the CNOSF; Mickaël Landreau, the renowned French goalkeeper; and Marie Bochet, alpine skier and Paralympic Champion.

Denis Masseglia, President of the French Olympic Committee, said: “When the city of Baku unveiled its candidature for the European Games, we knew it was both ready and capable of organising this event.

As I am already aware, Azerbaijan is a very beautiful country, and its capital has all the resources necessary for hosting the European Games.

The private view was opened by Denis Masseglia, President of the French Olympic Committee, alongside Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France and H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France

“It is an immense pleasure to welcome the opening of this exhibition, and to recall that sport plays an integral role in social cohesion. In France, it is unusual for a child of three years not to be a member of a sports club. Sports events, such as the European Games, permit the promotion of physical activity and sports to a large number of people.”

H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, explained: “The European Games are the greatest multisport competition to be organised in the history of our country. Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku, embodies the traditions of multiculturalism and religious tolerance. Over the past few years it has already hosted several international events to promote intercultural dialogue and interreligious tolerance.

“The overriding importance of sport is to promote the concept of peace and the ideals of fraternity, solidarity and tolerance.

It has the capacity to unite peoples. I believe it is exactly in this spirit that TEAS brings together these two important

News from Brussels

e-mail: brussels@teas.eu Team Belgium – the Belgian National Team – has launched its bid for success in the inaugural European Games with a press conference on 2 June at the Sportimonium Sports Museum in Hofstade, near Brussels. TEAS Belgium sponsored the event, which included an exhibition of all 65 shortlisted entries and winners from the TEAS Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus competition.

Marc Verwilghen, Director, TEAS Belgium, said: “TEAS is proud to support this event in relation to Team Belgium’s participation in the Baku2015 European Games. Sports are essential to Azerbaijan, and form an inescapable element of Azerbaijani culture. The European Games are an important event for Baku, and construction of stadia and arenas has taken place across the city.”

Gert Van Looy, Chief of Mission, Team Belgium, explained:

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elements – culture and sport – contributing to and reinforcing friendship and solidarity between peoples.

“I would like to thank TEAS France for this exhibition in this symbolic place. These photographs celebrate the diversity of sport in its most universal dimension.”

Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, commented: “The objective of Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus is to encapsulate the universality of sports and the essence of sporting spirit on the eve of the inaugural European Games in Baku. We hope this is indicative of the importance of sport for Azerbaijan and why it is natural for the country to host these first ‘Olympics’ for the European continent.”

In an interview for TEAS, Senator Frécon also declared: “This is an excellent opportunity for Azerbaijan and also for Europe. The European Games remind us that the borders of Europe – or rather the Council of Europe – extend to the Caspian Sea and to Azerbaijan.”

“The significance of Baku2015 has increased during the past two months. A large number of Belgian athletes have qualified, and their quality is very high. Several of the disciplines provide qualification opportunities for the Rio2016 Summer Olympic Games.

“I have now visited Baku on three occasions, and am most impressed by the preparations that have taken place. All stadia and arenas are of the highest standard, and are ready for the competition to begin. This is the first edition of the Games, and it is difficult to gauge the quality of sportspersons from other teams that will participate. However, we expect to do well in gymnastics, basketball, judo, volleyball, cycling and taekwondo.

“If Baku2015 is a success, it will make these Games much more valuable when the baton for the second edition is passed to the next host country.”

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

05

TEAS Press becomes distributor for Oxford University Press ELT publishing

Oxford University Press (OUP), the largest university publisher in the world, has appointed TEAS Press as its official distributor of English Language Teaching (ELT) materials in Azerbaijan. The decision to collaborate was made following the 11th ELT Sales Conference for Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa held in Turkey during February. The collaboration of OUP and TEAS enables OUP to distribute ELT materials to various educational establishments in Azerbaijan.

The collaboration between OUP and TEAS was announced by Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS, and Simon Mavin, ELT Sales and International Development Director, OUP, at an official launch event on 15 May. On 16 May, Bill Bowler and Angela Buckingham, two of the most experienced ELT trainers from OUP, introduced Azerbaijani educators in a range of institutions, including universities and public and private schools, to the full

Colleen MacDonell, Head, Children’s Division (Üç Alma), TEAS Press, discussed the materials published by the ELT division of the Oxford University Press

range of ELT materials.

Simon Mavin, Sales and International Development Director, ELT Division, commented: “At OUP, we believe that education changes lives for the better, and we are delighted that teachers and students in Azerbaijan will be able to benefit from our materials through the collaboration with TEAS.”

Azerbaijani Republic Day marked in London The Azerbaijani Embassy in London has hosted a reception for more than 200 people at the Royal Horseguards Hotel to mark Republic Day on 28 May, commemorating the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic – the first democracy in the Muslim East – that lasted for 23 months from 1918–20. H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, commented: “Following the fall of the Soviet Union in Azerbaijan, there was some debate as to which Republic Day should be celebrated – should it be the first Republic in 1918, or Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991?

“I was gratified that 28 May prevailed, as we continue the traditions of the first Parliamentary Democratic Republic of the Muslim Orient. This was a country that granted suffrage rights to all women decades before many established western democracies, and achieved rapprochement with many countries, including the western powers.

“Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the relationship with the UK has been, is, and will be, particularly important. The reasons are historical ties, as there was a British presence in the Republic in 1918. Furthermore, the UK has never adopted any policies with an anti-Azerbaijani bias. UK policy has always remained very straightforward and clear. I am very grateful to the UK as the greatest contributor of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Azerbaijan due to energy-related issues and the excellent level of dialogue between our countries with regard to policy, security, and democracy-related matters.

“There is very broad and frank dialogue between our countries.

Soon, Azerbaijan will follow in the wake of the London 2012 Summer Olympics with the first European Games, which will place it in the forefront of the world’s media. Such events will make Azerbaijan even better known, not just as a country of energy, but of diversity and great cultural traditions.”

Ambassador Taghizadeh and Ambassador Michael Tatham, Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, spoke of the warm bilateral relations between the UK and Azerbaijan

Ambassador Michael Tatham, Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, commented: “Our countries retain warm relations in the fields of energy, business, politics, education, and culture. The UK and Azerbaijan operate together closely and productively. The UK is the top destination for Azerbaijani students overseas. UK investment is making a significant contribution to Azerbaijani economic development, notably through the leading roles played by BP and other British companies in the Shah Deniz II project and the Southern Energy Corridor.”

Lord David Evans commented: “Azerbaijan – the Land of Fire – is one of my favourite countries. I returned from Baku a few weeks ago, where I met officials and business leaders and assessed the potential for investment in Azerbaijan. I was most impressed – it is not only a beautiful country, but there are great opportunities. Baku is an exciting city with a great deal of potential. The facilities for the Baku2015 European Games are world-class and all viewers and participants will be most impressed.

“I am also pleased to announce the foundation of the Labour Friends of Azerbaijan, which will include Lord George Robinson, former UK Defence Minister and Secretary-General of NATO; Baroness Patricia Scotland QC, former Home Office Minister and Attorney-General in the last Labour government; and Lord Tony Clark, former Chairman of the Labour Party, all of whom are here today.”

Sheki and Colmar sign a charter on friendship and co-operation

The Azerbaijani city of Sheki has signed a friendship charter with the French city of Colmar. The agreement was signed in Azerbaijan by Elkhan Usubov, Head, Sheki City Executive Authority and Gilbert Meyer, Mayor of Colmar.

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Mayor Meyer explained that relations between the two cities were established in June 2013, when he led a delegation to Sheki. Mr Usubov described Sheki as “one of the most ancient and historical Azerbaijani cities. With its population of

181,000 people, Sheki excels in agriculture, and particularly in the silk industry. Sheki is also one of the main tourist destinations in the country, being visited by over 100,000 tourists per year. Altogether, there are 84 historical and cultural monuments in Sheki.”

www.teas.eu

06

Culture

Emil Afrasiyab headlines the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés Leading Azerbaijani jazz pianist Emil Afrasiyab has dazzled 380 jazz aficionados in Paris with his dexterity and innovation on the second night of the prestigious 15th Festival Jazz à SaintGermain-des-Prés. On 29 May, the audience included H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France; bass guitarist Kyle Eastwood, son of legendary film star Clint; author Michel Contat, a leading literary and jazz critic; and Alain Kassimatis, the renowned jazz producer. TEAS France sponsored the concert, having done so at the previous edition of the festival, when the spotlight was directed towards pianist Isfar Sarabski.

Born in Baku in 1982, Emil is a major artist amongst the new generation of Azerbaijani jazz performers. He specialises in the synthesis of jazz with Azerbaijani mugham, both of which feature a high degree of improvisation and provide great scope for personal expression. His work is notable for its contrasts in intonation, and fluctuating harmonics and rhythms, more commonly found in classical music.

The set began with Emil’s self-penned Two Worlds. After a delicate and rhapsodic solo introduction, Emil increased the tempo, running up and down the piano keyboard, his music incorporating the Eastern harmonies and microtones found in mugham, being carried along by the propulsive polyrhythmic drumming of Raphaël Pannier. The improvisations even included a brief nod to J.S. Bach and his Air on the G String.

This was followed by a version of Azerbaijani jazz-mugham pioneer Vagif Mustafzadeh’s March, which included Alexandre Madeline on tenor saxophone. It began with Emil’s rhapsodic introduction, after which Coltrane disciple Alexandre gave an exploration of the main theme prior to its deconstruction. Emil and Raphaël then took up the challenge, daring each other on to more tangential improvisations. Emil held the transfixed audience in reverent silence following his delicate conclusion to the piece.

Emil then performed Aziza, his own composition, dedicated to Vagif Mustafazadeh’s daughter of the same name, who is renowned as a jazz singer/pianist in her own right. The tempo of this piece gradually speeded to dizzying levels, and provided Raphaël with the chance to demonstrate his full range of percussive techniques. Emil regards all musicians in his quartet as equals, his piano remaining silent as Raphaël and bass guitarist Antoine Katz coaxed each other into new, unchartered waters of improvisation. Emil then returned, upping the tempo to an exciting and devastating level. As he wiped the perspiration from his brow,

Jazz and Art come to UNESCO

On 13 May, the Parisian cultural cognoscenti had the opportunity to explore the latest artworks and music to come out of Azerbaijan at the private view of the exhibition Azerbaijan – from Antiquity to Modernity, followed by a concert by acclaimed jazz pianist Shahin Novrasli. The events were organised by the Heydar Aliyev

Shahin Novrasli demonstrated his unique synthesis of eastern and western idioms during his performance at UNESCO

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The sensational Emil Afrasiyab demonstrated remarkable synergy with the other members of his quartet – Antoine Katz (bass guitar), Alexandre Madeline (tenor saxophone) and Raphaël Pannier (drums) (Photo: Stylin’CO)

the rapturous audience shouted “Bravo”, hoping for another piece.

They were rewarded with variations on the main theme of the Azerbaijani traditional dance Shalakho, written in the challenging time signature of 6/8. This saw Alexandre’s saxophone take on the role of the traditional balaban flute, before wildly entering the realms of free jazz and call-and-response dialogue with the percussion of Raphaël.

Initially, Emil’s pianistic skills were solely heard in the borders of his home country. However, this changed in 2011, when he received the Public Prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and in 2012 he went to study performance and composition at the Berklee College of Music in the US, where he now resides.

The second half of the concert comprised a performance by the septuagenarian jazz-rock pioneer Aldo Romano and the other members of his trio.

The concert came in the middle of a three-date French festival tour by Emil’s quartet that began on 27 May with a performance at the inaugural Sunnyside Festival in Reims, attended by around 150 people, including Pascal Labelle, Deputy Mayor of Reims in charge of Culture and Ayaz Gojayev, First Secretary, Azerbaijani Embassy in France. The tour will conclude on 7 September with the opening concert of the Colmar Jazz Festival. TEAS France is sponsoring Emil’s participation in all three festivals. To see and hear Emil performing Aziza at the 2013 Baku International Jazz Festival, go to http://bit.ly/emilaziza.

Foundation.

The exhibition presented an excellent overview of the arts in Azerbaijan, including delicate earthenware, mosaics, tapestries, carpets, national dress from various Azerbaijani regions, copperware, fine jewels, and musical instruments, alongside contemporary artworks by Togrul Narimanbekov and Niyaz Najafov.

Following this, the main hall of UNSECO was filled to capacity to hear a performance by Shahin Novrasli, initially performing with his regular trio partners of Nathan Peck (bass) and Ari Hoenig (drums), thereafter being joined by his brothers Arslan and Nurlan Novrasli on tar and kamancha, respectively, synthesising the harmonies and idioms of west and east to hypnotic effect. Many of the tracks were taken from Bayati, his debut commercial album on the German Bee Jazz label, which can be ordered at http://bit. ly/bayaticd.

www.teas.eu

Culture

07

European and Eastern musical traditions harmoniously brought together at the Amphitheatre of the Sorbonne University Azerbaijani classical pianist Saida Zulfugarova, who is no stranger to the stage of the Sorbonne, has duetted with Sahib Pashazade – a leading exponent of the Azerbaijani tar – to dazzle more than 200 Parisian musical connoisseurs with a concert entitled Les Traditions en mode classique. The concert took place on 8 June in the historical Amphitheatre of La Sorbonne, named after Cardinal Richelieu, its most prominent student and later headmaster.

The concert was jointly organised by the Cultural Services of La Sorbonne University, the Azerbaijani Embassy in France and TEAS France, based upon an initiative masterminded by Saida Zulfugarova.

Opening the concert, Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, commented: “Our goal is to work towards the rapprochement of Azerbaijan with European nations, and what better path than through music? Azerbaijan is a country at the gates of the EU, located in the South Caucasus, and has been independent for 24 years, following the fall of the USSR. This is a very young country, with major energy resources of strategic importance to the EU.

Acclaimed pianist Saida Zulfugarova relaxes after the concert

“Beyond that, Azerbaijan is a country with a rich culture that aspires to be significant on the regional and international scene. Azerbaijan is a member of many international bodies, including the Council of Europe since 2001, and is part of the EU Eastern Partnership. It is also about to host the Baku2015 European Games.”

She highlighted: “France has a particularly important place in the hearts of Azerbaijanis, who have remained Francophile since

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Saida Zulfugarova and Sahib Pashazade blended Azerbaijani and western musical traditions across a range of musical styles (Photos: Philippe Afantchawo)

the visit of author Alexandre Dumas to the Silk Road in the 19 th century. France was the second country to recognise the second independence of Azerbaijan in 1991. France is also an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair country, tasked with establishing a negotiated peace in the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.”

Concluding her speech, Mrs Gourdin said: “The Sorbonne is a sacred place of knowledge and intercultural exchange in France, so what better place to host a concert featuring the fusion between classical and Azerbaijani musical traditions?”

In his speech, Ayaz Gojayev, First Secretary, Azerbaijani Embassy in France, welcomed the audience in the name of H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, and spoke of mugham, the traditional music of Azerbaijan, that has been practised for many centuries. He also spoke of the birth of Azerbaijani classical music, the father of which was composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Mr Gojayev particularly noted the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, presided over by Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady of Azerbaijan, in promoting Azerbaijani music, not only in France, but also across the world.

Mr Gojayev stated that Les Traditions en mode classique is the first collaboration on the Parisian stage for piano and tar, a traditional Azerbaijani instrument, which has been included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Following the concert, Sonia Mendieta de Badaroux, Former President of the Executive Board of UNESCO, and Member of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan, wrote: “We would like to congratulate you most sincerely for the extraordinary and wonderful concert… we had the privilege of listening to the great pianist Saida Zulfugarova and Sahib Pashazade,

performing on a traditional instrument acknowledged as part of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Thank you – Azerbaijan has a gold mine of artists – and we are discovering this by virtue of the collaboration between TEAS and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France.”

The audience included Hedva Ser, UNESCO Artist for Peace; Johan Schitterer, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs; representatives of the diplomatic community; students and artists.

Born in Baku, pianist Saida Zulfugarova began her musical studies at the age of seven years. She studied at the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Academy of Music and is qualified as a piano teacher and concert master.

Winner of many national competitions, Ms Zulfugarova obtained a degree and a Masters in Musicology at the University Paris-Sorbonne Paris IV, with a thesis devoted to Azerbaijani composer Qara Qarayev. She became a professor at the Conservatory Pauline Viardot in Provins and has obtained a State Diploma as a Piano Teacher in France.

Also born in Baku, Sahib Pashazade, is a graduate and a professor at the National Conservatory of Azerbaijan. Today he is a leading soloist in the Azerbaijani National Orchestra of Traditional Instruments.

Sahib is winner of many musical awards and is an internationally recognised artist.

These two diverse instruments performed duet arrangements of Astor Piazzolla’s languorous Oblivion, Georges Bizet’s evocative Carmen Overture and Vittorio Monti’s exhilarating Czardas. They also played some works from the Azerbaijani classical repertoire, including Farhad Badelbeyli’s Shusha and Ramiz Rzaev’s Chahargah Rhapsody. Ms Zulfugarova concluded with Beethoven’s Sonata No.17 ‘The Tempest’ and Liszt’s Grande Etude Campanella, and the concert received a standing ovation.

www.teas.eu

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Culture

Landmark book on Soviet-era Baku launched at Waterstone’s flagship store The Orphan Sky – the debut novel by the renowned Hollywood composer, singer, pianist and Baku native Ella Leya – was launched on 27 May at Waterstone’s flagship store in Piccadilly, London. The event was organised by TEAS and attended by around 100 bibliophiles, Azerbaijanis and friends of Azerbaijan.

Resident in the US for many years, Ella now divides her time between California and London.

Set in 1979 Soviet-era Azerbaijan, the novel tells the story of Leila, a piano prodigy, who is asked to infiltrate a music shop run by Tahir, a Bohemian artist, who is suspected of being an American spy. Based on real and imagined incidents, the book skilfully combines the essence of Azerbaijani myths and legends with Soviet paranoia.

Recently, the Los Angeles Review of Books described the novel as “…a timeless story of redemption and destiny, as authentic, disturbing and brilliant as The Kite Runner.” Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring, summed up the essence of the story as: “a heady mix of Soviet politics, artistic temperament and historical destiny.” Music legend Quincy Jones said: “This is a compelling Cold War novel that showcases the power of music as a force for change, both spiritually and politically.”

Following an introduction by Dr Sabina Rakcheyeva, Arts and Cultural Advisor, TEAS, Ella explained: “Nostalgia for faraway places, times and people has always been a powerful source of inspiration for us, the artists. The Orphan Sky is my journey back to Baku, the fairy-tale city of my childhood. The novel is many

Ella signs a copy of The Orphan Sky for one of her readers

Singer, pianist, composer – and now novelist – Ella Leya outlined the background to her debut novel

things – an idealistic coming-of-age story set amidst the stark realities of the Soviet era; the romance of a 20th century Romeo and Juliet separated by families and Communism; and a window into the fascinating culture, history and ancient soul of the Land of Fire. Although I have been an American for 25 years, I have never ceased to remain the daughter of my native country. I am now proud that The Orphan Sky has taken me on a mission to introduce Azerbaijan to my Western audiences.”

The launch was followed by a lively and thought-provoking question-and-answer session and light refreshments, during which attendees had opportunity to hear selections from Ella’s albums, recorded in Russian, Hebrew and English. Go to www. ellaleya.com/book to order a copy of The Orphan Sky and find out more about Ella Leya.

Inspired bibliophiles hold their new purchases

Pierre Thilloy’s emotional Khojaly

Heydar Aliyev Foundation donates

613 performed in Baku

almost £1m towards Trapezitsa

The tone poem Khojaly 613 – a TEAS commission – by Pierre Thilloy, the French composer and artistic director of the Orchestre Lamoureux, has been performed at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall in Baku. The Uzeyir Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra performed this powerful work, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Victoires de la musique classique award in 2013.

Mr Thilloy spoke about the history of this piece, which has been performed – in orchestral and chamber music versions – in France and other European countries. He explained he visited Azerbaijan for the first time in 2001, heard about the Khojaly Massacre, and was deeply affected by the tragic event. The composer stated that Khojaly 613 was dedicated to the memory of the 613 civilians killed in Khojaly on 25–26 February 1992, its objective being to remind listeners of the tragedy, bring about peace and prevent the occurrence of further tragedies.

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Fortress restoration

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has donated BGN2.5m (£934,159) towards the restoration of the 13th century Trapezitsa Fortress in the former Bulgarian capital of Tarnovo in the Veliko Tarnovo region.

The project includes reconstruction of the western fortress wall, the construction of an alley network for visitors, the conservation of three medieval churches, and the opening of a museum exhibition at the Visitors’ Centre where archaeological discoveries will be displayed.

This is the first Bulgarian–Azerbaijani project to be supported by the Cultural and Historical Heritage Fund of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The agreements were signed in Sofia by Daniel Panov, Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo; Professor Elchin Efendiyev, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister; Anar Alekbarov, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and H.E. Maya Hristova, Bulgarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

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Reflections on the NISA conference

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Conference on the Geopolitical Review of the Caspian: a New Role for Azerbaijan ­­– a report from the NATO International School of Azerbaijan by Özge Nur Öğütcü, Specialist, Centre for Eurasian Studies, Ankara, Turkey The NATO International School of Azerbaijan (NISA) organised a conference entitled a Geopolitical Review of the Caspian: a New Role for Azerbaijan from 27 April–1 May in Baku, with the support of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Altogether 40 local and international graduates, young scholars, and earlyto mid-career professionals, selected following a rigorous application process, participated in the week-long session.

The primary academic discussion dealt with the prospects for and challenges to the Caspian region. NISA also brought together notable local and international scholars and practitioners, who delivered speeches relating to the regional and global dimension of the Caspian, primarily focusing on the role of Azerbaijan. The participants discussed many issues in small groups, addressing the political, legal, economic, military and environmental challenges.

Özge Nur Öğütcü receives her diploma at the conference

As the gravity of the global economy is shifting from a western (Euro-Atlantic) centre to a more eastern (Eurasian) centre, the importance of Azerbaijan is increasing.

It occupies a unique geopolitical space, maintaining friendly relations with riparian countries together with strong co-operation with Euro-Atlantic institutions, such as NATO and the EU. Azerbaijan offers a stable partnership towards providing security in the South Caucasus. Following the crisis in Ukraine, Russia was expected to stretch its muscles in its former sphere of influence. This was realised in such countries as Armenia and Belarus, which became part of the Kremlin-led Eurasian Union. However, Azerbaijan has managed to pursue a balanced foreign policy.

As most EU member countries are highly dependent on Russian energy resources, the crisis also hit European markets. However, the Caspian Basin can offer alternative energy resources to European markets via the Southern Energy Corridor, which is currently under construction. Despite projected volumes being insufficient to meet the entire needs of Europe, when used in conjunction with

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The conference covered the political, legal, economic, military and environmental role of Azerbaijan in the region

other energy projects, this may assist in reducing dependency on Russian resources. This is one of the most important aspects of energy security, as once articulated by Sir Winston Churchill, who commented: “safety and certainty in oil lie in variety and variety alone”, indicating the need for diversification of energy supplies.

The conference touched upon many topics, including the: • likelihood of further co-operation in Caspian energy projects • the rise of Azerbaijan’s regional and global importance, due to such new initiatives as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline and Southern Energy Corridor • the construction of both sea and land transportation routes, due to the Silk Road project initiated by China • the positive response by Azerbaijan to current developments regarding Iran and the outcome of P+5 meetings • capacity of Azerbaijan to serve as a regional hub, particularly for air cargo transportation • the role of Azerbaijan in promoting peace and stability in the Caspian region.

In addition to these issues, there are some outstanding concerns. The position of both Russia and Iran towards these developments is important, as both countries possess strong naval capabilities in the Caspian. In addition, other challenges that need to be addressed and considered regarding the future of the region were discussed at the conference, including: • radicalisation, particularly after the withdrawal of the NATO–ISAF Mission from Afghanistan • conflicting interests of external actors in the Eurasian region • unconventional threats, such as contamination of the Caspian Sea • increasing militarisation in the region, deriving from security dilemmas amongst littoral states.

Senior experts made interesting presentations on various aspects of these subjects. The sessions took place in an interactive environment where participants also raised many questions and commented on the agenda items.

The participants discussed major topics in small groups where they made suggestions. Group discussions focused on hybrid and unconventional security threats, such as pollution of the Caspian sea; cyber threats; new regulations on the legal status of the Caspian Sea; future cooperation opportunities and challenges; and the formation of new institutions or platforms to bring together littoral countries to discuss current topics, such as economic integration, transportation corridors and security in the Caspian region. Young scholars and students from various backgrounds identified main areas to work on during the NISA Focus Group sessions that took place each afternoon.

The discussions were very fruitful and beneficial in order to analyse the situation in the region from a broader perspective.

Besides the academic engagement, NISA set up various social events such as a visit to the Pantomine Theatre, Caspian Sea and city tours and an Intercultural Night.

Experiencing Azerbaijani culture, together with learning more about developments on the ground from senior experts helped participants acquire further information about the region, both in political and social terms. Listening and learning from young scholars and students interested in this particular area also provided an insight into the regional dimension. It also created a network that will be beneficial for participants’ future work and projects.

Tural Ahmadov, Executive Director of the NATO International School of Azerbaijan contributed to this report. To contact Özge Nur Öğütcü, e-mail: o.ogutcu@avim.org.tr

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Personalities – Leyli Salayeva

Leyli Salayeva is currently the only Azerbaijani member of the Poetry Society (Photos: Nata Vahabova)

Leyli Salayeva – reflecting on the world

Leyli Salayeva is a young Baku-based Azerbaijani poet. Born into a creative environment, she wrote her first poem at the age of ten, and is currently the only Azerbaijani member of the Poetry Society in the UK, in addition to being a Member of the Azerbaijani Writers’ Union. She has recently published her first volume of poetry in English, entitled Twelve, Thirteen.

Neil Watson recently caught up with her in Baku to discuss her preoccupations:

What motivated you to originally write poetry?

I started writing poetry during my childhood, when I was impressed by the heavy snowfall in Baku. Winter in eastern countries does not occur at standardised times, and waking up to discover all the houses and trees covered in white was like dropping into a fairytale. I imagined that a sorceress had flown over the town, sprinkling the roads, cars, trees and roofs of the houses with sweet white cotton. I looked through the window, and saw people walking with trepidation in an attempt to avoid slipping, and this made me giggle. I was so fascinated by the whole scene that I dropped some rhymed lines onto my yellow pad.

Each line was like a musical note in a tune of my mood. I found poetry to be the most effective medium for expressing my feelings, mainly because poetry enables all emotions and reflections to be instantly expressed, without necessitating conjugation over long sentences, as is the case with narrative. At that time, I was writing in Russian.

This first poem, on snow, was actually discussed in the geography class. My schoolmates liked the poem, were very appreciative, and I began to feel that I could start writing poetry.

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Did your parents encourage you to write poetry?

My mother is a musician, and my father is a filmmaker, so I have an artistic family.

They always inspired me to write poetry, to sit in my room, take my time, and to think and fully experience my emotions. They encouraged me to express myself.

Almost all of the poems were written within one year of becoming a mother – only two poems predate this. It is not true to say that all of these poems are autobiographical, because they are not solely about myself, but also about people around me who impact my inner world this way or another.

They are about those people and myself.

Was there a time when you did not write poetry?

Poems were friends throughout my life, and helped release my soul. I expressed my ups and downs using poetry. However, there are periods when I write poems every day, and other times when I cannot connect two lines for a verse. Following my marriage, I didn’t write for some time.

I married Orkhan Huseynov, an artist, so I dived into a new world of visual art – he is active in the fields of painting, drawing, video and other media. I could see a reflection of my thoughts in the art of my husband, and felt I could no longer write myself.

Did you originally write in English, or were you writing in Russian or Azerbaijani?

I started writing poems in Russian, and there were also a couple in Azerbaijani.

However, this changed in 2002, when I was admitted to the Azerbaijan University of Foreign Languages in the Faculty of English Philology. I fell in love with the English language, with the sounds assembled in beautiful words. A couple of teachers at the university helped open up the English language through the works of

However, my attitudes changed when I became a mother. Motherhood was and continues to be an interesting experience that brought new metamorphoses. This new role made me reconsider many aspects of my life, and taught me to be bold. Motherhood made me realise that the time had come to share my poems with the rest of the world, share my experiences and help others go on their way. I therefore dedicated my first poetry book to my daughter Dilber, as her significant appearance brought new colours into my life.

Were all the poems written as a single collection, or were they written during different periods? Are they all autobiographical?

Leyli emphasises the need for contemplation, despite the speed of contemporary existence

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Personalities – Leyli Salayeva

11

such great authors as Somerset Maugham and Oscar Wilde. My late grandmother then presented me with the Oxford Advanced Learners’ dictionary that I kept beside my bed. I became greatly obsessed with English words and, sometimes late at night, I would wake up and read some words, seeking to discover all of the meanings that one word could convey. One of the beauties of the English language is that one word can denote a wide range of notions.

I am always seeking to extend my vocabulary, and this is how I developed my speech, as I have never lived in a country where English is the first language. However, my work has regularly necessitated the use of English. At one time I worked for the British Council, which is where I became interested in British culture.

Although the subjects in your poems are contemporary, are you inspired at all by such Azerbaijani poets as Fuzuli and Nizami?

Naturally, eastern poetry, particularly by such prominent Azerbaijani poets as Nizami, Fuzuli and Nesimi impacted my work, bringing notes of philosophical reflection on such eternal topics as love and soul. The questions and doubts in my poems are attributable to this, and are the results of my personal journey. I have also a very close connection with both Fuzuli and Nizami, as my name Leyli is taken from the famous poem Leyli and Majnun, which was written by both poets.

Is there a religious or spiritual dimension to your poetry?

I would say spiritual, as the religious aspect builds a thin wall between people, and that’s not my aim when I write poetry. As I say in the opening of my book, due to the continuous evolutions in technology, life now runs faster. We forget about our feelings, building a fortress around our souls and putting on life-saving masks. My poems are a call for people to look within their souls, to put life on ‘pause’ for a second to recollect, to understand who they are, and where they are going. The spiritual aspect is the main line throughout my poems. There is a spiritual or narrative element to my work, and this is mainly attributable to the influence of Eastern poetry.

To what extent is rhyme and rhythm important in your poetry?

If you asked this question a year ago, I would have said it is very important. I am currently taking a course on poetry at the London School of Journalism. My aim is to understand contemporary poetry, as its classic form, when both rhyme and rhythm were important, had a major impact on me. So this course is changing my approach towards writing poetry. I’m now more focused on releasing my lines from rhythm, letting the emotions and details float free. Now I can say that it is essential for rhyme to be present, but not so much rhythm.

How has Marina Abramovic impacted your thoughts and work?

Marina Abramovic is an amazing woman, a great artist, and her work has always been important to me, as it follows a spiritual path. Last year, I had the great luck and honour to participate in her 512 hours performance at the Serpentine Gallery, London and to talk to her personally. This performance granted me the unique experience to be no-one, and to realise nothingness, yet realise that it is possible to blend with strangers and generate powerful energy whilst doing absolutely nothing. Marina and I share the same concept for necessitating the mastery of the art in question.

Recently, she stated: “People never sit at home and look someone in the eyes. You do everything to amuse yourself – you are afraid to do nothing – you look at television, text messages, the computer, and e-mail. Instead we need to learn to be still, to be present, and to be in the here and now. At the Museum of Modern Art

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The poems in Twelve, Thirteen are modern, yet have an undeniably spiritual perspective rooted in the literary traditions of her homeland

(MOMA) I was there, I was available for any amount of time, and the relationship was one-to-one. People had nowhere to escape but into themselves, and that realisation brought an enormous amount of emotions…”

Besides her performances, Marina taught me that each of us should discover our set limits, but sometimes go beyond these to expand our vision and see the world in its true colours, rather than perceiving the life through our narrow vision. She has affected me a great deal.

It is very easy for the reader to identify with the meaning of the poems – do you deliberately pick imagery and subjects that are familiar to readers?

Yes, I wanted to keep the language simple, because I live in a country where English is not a native language, so I tried to simultaneously master simplicity and complexity. I received positive feedback from the readers stating that they could relate to the subjects in my poems. For me this is a huge success – my poems are simple, yet complex.

How are copies of Twelve, Thirteen being marketed?

They are being marketed through WH Smith, and I have also donated books to the Azerbaijan Centre in Houston, USA. You can also find my book at the Poetry Café of the Poetry Society in Covent Garden, London. The objective with Twelve, Thirteen was not to pursue commercial interests, but to invite people to my world through poetry, because people seldom read poetry these days. So I’m seeking ways to bring poetry in motion, not just leave it on paper, and I’ve already got a couple of projects in mind.

Do you plan to publish further books?

Yes, I am currently working on plans for a new book, and hopefully this will be published at the end of this year, or the beginning of next year. The poems will touch new topics, and contain more details in their description, more exposed feelings and a good portion of reflection. They will differ to what has gone before, particularly as they will incorporate what I have learned at the London School of Journalism.

I have not thought about whether this book will be published on a more commercial basis. I never wanted to fully dedicate my life

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Personalities – Leyli Salayeva

to art, as I did not want it to become commercial, but want it to become somewhere where I share part of my soul. My art is part of my life and soul that I want to share with people without any commercial interests.

allows me to work on myself and I never stop. I want my work to gain recognition from the English-language world.

Art and poetry are not my main profession, as I saw my parents struggling when they tried to survive solely on art, so I have some stable work in the oil and gas sector. However, I can never deny the existence of the artistic element in my life.

I think people need to read more poetry and literature, as this is something that never goes away and really helps people understand what they are, as this is what works for me. The virtual world provides some set patterns, but literature helps us discover ourselves and never gives set answers – its subjective nature allows us to question ourselves.

I do not want to write poems that are not in the correct form or seem amateur. The course at the London School of Journalism

Copies of Twelve, Thirteen can be ordered from http://bit.ly/twelvethirteen

Poems by Leyli Salayeva Under the sky

Under the sky, we shared the images We created on our own.

Under the sky where there were only stars We felt like we were in heaven.

And the gentle breeze of that special night Took us back to the days, When we were playing as kids, But our age was far beyond.

And you were screaming and laughing From the excitement of getting soaked In the spring rain that unexpectedly caught us up.

Do you still remember those days?

Do you lie under the sky?

The stars that were winking at us from above Are they still there waiting for us?

I’m trying to go back to the beginning, And revise my life path.

But it is a hard mission to accomplish, When you’ve got so much to cherish.

I feel a bit nervous when I cannot reach The state of self-acceptance.

Denial is the worst friend, That goes hand in hand with an imbalance And when I see myself in the mirror, I understand that there is another me.

Living in my head and never coming up.

But when I was lying under the sky Nothing really mattered. I flew To the farthest lands where There were no forms or shapes, Only transformable frames.

And you could change them every day.

Under the sky, we all are the same…

So many…

What are the strongest sides of you, That may emerge in the course of your life?

What are the cornerstones that do Keep your personality rife?

Are you trying to be someone different?

And play new role every other day?

Are you aimed to be against the current?

Or you have something else to say?

Do you believe in rainbows?

That colour up your soul.

And that the butterflies Can play an important role?

What do you see?

When you dream at night?

Do you think or feel, Or your imagination takes flight?

Can you keep up a friendship?

And carry on the same wave.

Against all odds like a ship, Cleaving through the space.

Yet I know one thing.

I’m sure and have no doubt, That you want to sing, When you are in alignment with what you want.

And nothing in the whole world, Is more important than your own soul.

Scared souls

If only souls could embrace each other, Then I would choose yours to hug.

If only souls could embrace each other, The whole world would hang out a white flag.

If only eyes could speak for souls, Not hiding them by looking aside.

I would bow low before those, Who will not be afraid to be enlightened.

But alas, we are scared.

We all run from each other And we gradually get impaired.

But the worst is that we don’t bother…

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Personalities – AleksandrasConflict Brokas Nagorno-Karabakh

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London-based Azerbaijanis express their anger over hostages

On 23 May, a group of over 40 Azerbaijanis and supporters of international law demonstrated their solidarity with two innocent civilians taken hostage on their own homeland of Kelbajar – a region of Azerbaijan that has remained under illegal Armenian occupation for more than 20 years. TEAS, the Azerbaijani community in the UK and the Federation of Turkish Associations UK supported the protest.

Standing outside the Armenian Embassy in London, they held placards and chanted slogans, reminding bypassers that NagornoKarabakh remains Azerbaijani territory and demanding justice for Dilham Asgarov (aged 54) and Shahbaz Guliyev (aged 46 years).

These two Azerbaijanis were taken prisoner by Armenian forces in June 2014 when visiting their relatives’ graves. A third man – Hasan Hasanov (aged 38) – was shot dead. In December, an unrecognised court sentenced Dilham to life imprisonment and Shahbaz to 22 years in jail.

Speaking to Azerbaijani television, Jack Pegoraro, UK Public Affairs Manager, TEAS, commented: “Dilham and Shahbaz were innocent civilians who returned to their ancient lands to tend the graves of their parents. It is their human right to do so, and the Armenians who are illegally occupying Azerbaijani territories have no right to prevent this, let alone illegally arrest and torture them and then claim they are military saboteurs. It is clear to anyone

The protesters raised their voices in the name of justice in front of the Armenian Embassy (Photo: Dan Burgess)

who has seen their pictures that these are old men, and not soldiers. Their arrest and subsequent trial in a kangaroo court goes against their human rights and is a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions.” Most recently, the issue of the trial and imprisonment of the men was raised in Strasbourg at the Spring Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

During his meeting in Baku on 1 June with Ivica Dacic, Serbian Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, spoke of the need to raise the hostages’ plight when Mr Dacic travelled to Yerevan.

TEAS condemns ‘friendship agreements’ between French departments and the Armenian occupying forces

TEAS has added its voice to official condemnations of the visit to France by the illegal Armenian occupying authorities. This culminated in the signing of three ‘friendship agreements’ between occupied towns in Nagorno-Karabakh and French towns, and one agreement between the Drôme department and the NagornoKarabakh region.

TEAS considers this move to be completely unacceptable, serving to undermine the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and

Armenia, headed by the OSCE Minsk Group, of which France is a Co-Chair. It also calls into question the role of France as an appropriate Co-Chair, and serves to damage bilateral relations between the countries.

This apparent endorsement of the occupation flouts international law, including the four outstanding UN Security Council resolutions passed against Armenia that were supported by the French government.

New book on Nagorno-Karabakh presented in London The English edition of a new book called Nagorno-Karabakh: History, found from original sources by Ramiz Mehdiyev, member of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, has been launched at Dartmouth House in London. This uncovers the historical roots of the issue, delineates the conflict and comments on

the role of the OSCE Minsk Group and other international mediators. Attendees included Alexander Yakovenko, Russian Ambassador to the UK and LSE and Cambridge-educated Kamran Balayev, distinguished international human rights lawyer.

Stressing the scholarly importance of the book, H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani

Ambassador to the UK, explained that the publication comprehensively covered the issue, containing a factual account of the bilateral relations in the region, and the ongoing aggression against Azerbaijani territories. He noted the impact of ongoing injustices over the years, and stressed that the need to settle the conflict remains of the upmost importance and should be emphasised to the younger generation.

OIC calls on Armenia to withdraw troops from Azerbaijani lands The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), which comprises 57 countries and is the second largest international organisation after the UN, has demanded that Armenia should withdraw its troops from Azerbaijani lands.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the resolution adopted at the conclusion of the 42nd session of Foreign Ministers from OIC Member States on 29 May condemns the ongoing Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan and states the need for implementation of all

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outstanding UN Security Council resolutions regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The OIC also condemned the Armenian destruction of historical, cultural and religious monuments in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, and stressed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

The resolution also contains a statement noting that the massacre committed by Armenian armed forces in February 1992 in Khojaly is a crime against humanity. It calls upon all member states and the structure of

the OIC to actively participate in the Justice for Khojaly campaign and bring to justice those involved in the tragedy.

The Foreign Ministers went on to approve the Memorandum of Co-operation signed in January 2015 between the International Secretariat of the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Co-operation and the OIC Parliamentary Union. This emphasises the need to provide full support for co-operation between the two organisations within the Justice for Khojaly campaign.

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Business News

Business Forum TEAS France–Azerbaijan attracts 200 French entrepreneurs

On 13 May, more than 200 French business leaders had the invaluable opportunity to update their knowledge of the tremendous prospects in the Azerbaijani market – particularly in the non-oil sector – during the second Business Forum TEAS France–Azerbaijan. Organised by TEAS France and Business France, the event was hosted in central Paris at the prestigious Hôtel de l’Industrie, Siège de la Société d’Encouragement pour l’Industrie Nationale.

The Forum was organised with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in France and French Embassy in Azerbaijan. Many sponsors supported the event, namely Azsigorta, Thalès, SuezEnvironnement, TOTAL, Deloitte, GL Events, LAM and Cabinet Laviale. It was also supported by Senator Nathalie Goulet and Senator André Reichardt, President of the France–Caucasus Friendship Group in the French Senate.

Following an introduction by Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, Henri Baissas, Chief Operations Officer, Business France, commented: “France needs to take note of Azerbaijan as a primary actor in the region, and the necessity for further development of the French presence. Many leading French companies, such as Thalès and TOTAL, are already active, but there are many opportunities in such sectors as agribusiness, infrastructure and tourism.”

Keynote papers were delivered by H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France and H.E. Pascal Meunier, French Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Ambassador Meunier said: “The high level of relations between Azerbaijan and France is indicated by the fact that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and French President François Hollande met three times during the past year – twice in Baku and once in Paris. Azerbaijan has experienced unprecedented levels of growth since regaining its independence. It is a stable country in an otherwise unstable region.”

Ambassador Amirbayov commented: “The connections between Azerbaijan and France could not be stronger, and this has been particularly demonstrated with the launch of AzerSat-1, the first Azerbaijani communications satellite. We are grateful for the continuing personal support of French President François Hollande and for the role of France as an OSCE Minsk Group CoChair, tasked with achieving a negotiated peace in the Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.”

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, explained: “I am pleased to announce that this important business forum will now become an annual fixture on the Parisian business calendar. In Azerbaijan, the non-oil sector is the engine of the economy and expanded by seven per cent in the first quarter of this year, which approximates to the GDP growth of China. Some liken the development of Baku to Dubai, but I prefer a comparison to Cannes.”

Catherine Mantel, Russia and CIS Project Director, ENGIE

Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, introduces the opening panel, including Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS (far left), H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France and H.E. Pascal Meunier, French Ambassador to Azerbaijan (third and fourth from left) (Photo: Stylin’CO)

(formerly GDF Suez), said: “The Azerbaijani government has been very effective at diversifying from a hydrocarbons-based economy.

Azerbaijani–French collaborations in the agricultural sector have been particularly effective.”

The opening session focused on the realities of undertaking business in Azerbaijan, concentrating on the climate for overseas investment, status of the market, and reforms and opportunities.

The conference was subtitled Towards a diversified, decentralised economy, and the second session focused on economic diversification and the opportunities for French businesses in the infrastructural, agricultural, fast-moving consumer goods (FMGC) and engineering sectors. This particularly related to the government-led Azerbaijan 2020: Look into the Future initiative.

On 17 March, ground was broken in the Turkish city of Kars on the Trans–Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), a main artery of the $45bn Southern Energy Corridor, which will initially see 25bn m 3 of Azerbaijani Caspian gas piped to an Italian interconnector by 2020. Vusal Mammadov, Director, Brussels office, State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) commented during the last session dedicated to energy co-operation with Azerbaijan: “The project will contribute to the energy security of the European Union. The pipeline will potentially carry up to 50bcm per year, including resources from Iraq, Iran and Central Asia. We look forward to the continuing support from EU institutions.”

Oliver Mousson, Chairman, of the Trust for National Industries (SEIN), said: “I would like to thank TEAS and Business France for organising today’s event, which was very valuable in demonstrating the strength of French–Azerbaijani co-operation.

We will work together to our mutual benefit.” Concluding the day, Senator André Reichardt underlined the need to work with Azerbaijan to develop a diversified and decentralised economy.

London’s Lord Mayor comes to Baku An Azerbaijani–British working group has come to Baku, led by Alan Yarrow, Lord Mayor of the City of London. Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Economic Development, highlighted the evolving relations between Azerbaijan and the UK, stressing the importance

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of reciprocal operation.

visits

in

expanding

co-

The Lord Mayor highlighted the successful development of Azerbaijani– British ties, and applauded the successes of Azerbaijan in various fields, including

economic diversification.

Azerbaijan and the UK currently co-operate in various fields, including energy, trade and investment. In Azerbaijan, there are 543 companies with British capital and, to date, the UK has invested $20bn (£12.9bn) in the Azerbaijani economy.

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Perspectives on the Mosaic Leadership Programme

The Mosaic International Leadership Programme 2015 – an Azerbaijani perspective

by Nigar Maharramova, Member of the Azerbaijani delegation to Mosaic The Mosaic International Leadership Summit (ILP) was hosted in Amman, Jordan from 18–29 May, with the assistance of the global partnership of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development and TEAS. More than 80 delegates from 18 different countries attended the conference, and the Azerbaijani delegation, comprising Javid Shahmaliyev, Tural Abbasov and myself, participated for the first time.

The programme brought together international young leaders aged 25– 35 years to engage in a two-weeklong residential training conference, workshops, mentoring sessions and seminars featuring renowned leadership trainers and speakers. These included H.E. Imad Fakhoury, Chairman of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development; Rob

make a lasting and positive impact on local communities. The Summit included leadership skills workshops, inspirational sessions on global issues, and visits to the local area to witness leadership in action, including the El Hassan Awards Youth Camp, Royal Scientific Society, Jordan River Foundation and Queen Rania Centre for the Environment.

HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal participated in the official opening of the programme, stating that human capital remains the most important resource. He said: “We must work hard to ensure our capital is above the soil, and not below it.

Human capital in the region is yearning to be brought closer to global opportunities.”

Prince bin Talal went on to call for a new regional eco-social interdisciplinary approach, commenting: “The region needs a new vision, one that includes carrying capacity. Water and energy do not know

The members of the Azerbaijani delegation (from left) Javid Shahmaliyev, Nigar Maharramova and Tural Abbasov

Swan, Global Environmental Campaigner; Mostafa Salameh, Jordanian mountaineer; Lord Rumi Verjee CBE, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist; Tony Juniper, Environmental Campaigner and Advisor to HRH The Prince of Wales; Aaqil Ahmed, Head of Religion, BBC; Samar Kildani, Director, El Hassan Youth Awards; and Dr Majeda Omar, Director, Royal Institute of Interfaith Studies.

The Summit focused on three issues – global poverty, sustainability and bringing communities together – and the purpose of the ILP was to develop leadership skills, inspire thinking about global issues, and equip the delegates with the knowledge that is necessary to take action and

borders.” He concluded: “As a region we can’t continue to hide behind silos or slogans. We have to begin to humanise the issues. The centrepiece of the relationship between sustainability and development must be human dignity, not investment.”

Participants attended the opening of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa on 21 May. The Azerbaijani representatives also participated in the cultural night, where they wore national dress and presented traditional souvenirs.

On 27 May, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Amman and participated in the Republic Day celebrations and met representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Jordan.

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, delivered an inspirational speech on the role of lobbying and stakeholder engagement in the development of civil society

Representatives of the Jordanian Royal Family, Ambassadors, sponsors, speakers, partners and programme management staff attended the official closing ceremony.

In his speech, Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS spoke on the cultural, economic and political co-operation between Azerbaijan and Europe, the forthcoming Baku2015 European Games, answered several questions and congratulated all participants. As the closing ceremony coincided with Azerbaijani Republic Day, I congratulated all Azerbaijani people, expressed my gratitude to the organisers of the Programme, and wished success to all summit participants. The Summit concluded with a formal celebratory dinner in The Landmark Amman Hotel and Conference Centre, attended by HRH Princess Sumaya bin El Hassan.

Following the Summit, a Mosaic mentor is matched with each participant, who supports them in writing a personal action plan, outlining how they will implement learning in their local community. Progress of the participants is measured against the targets stipulated in their action plan for a year following the Summit. The participants’ action plans include projects as wide-ranging as running employability skills workshops in Algeria, establishing a mobile library service in rural Indonesia, and a women’s financial empowerment project in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Mosaic mentoring programme was founded in 2007 by HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, its main objective being to inspire young people in the realisation of their talents and potential.

Over 80 delegates from 18 countries were in attendance

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For more information on Mosaic, go to www.mosaicnetwork.co.uk.

www.teas.eu

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www.teas.eu