From: Justin Burke (JBurke@sorosny.org)
Date: Thu Sep 11 2003 - 10:40:54 EDT
The following news have been published in the Baku Today last week:
1. Yeni Nesil Jointly With Article 19 Works On New Law On Freedom Of
Information
2. Jewish School Opened In Baku
3. IMF Has New Requests
4. Lukoil Does Not Have Objections At SOCAR's Drilling At Zykh And
Govsany Fields
5. Unknown Persons Beat Representative of Candidate President Isa Gambar
6. Routine Negotiations Held For Kazakhstan To Participate In BTC
7. France Ensures 35 Million Euro to Azerbaijan
8. Masked Band Attack Balakan Again
9. World Learning and Internews Unveil A Joint Anti-Corruption Campaign
In The Local Media
10. Journalist Breaking Law on Mass Media May Face Three Years of
Imprisonment
11. Ilham Aliev: If My Father's Health Is Bad I'll run For President
12. Karabakh Liberation Organization Pickets American Embassy
13. Minister of Internal Affairs Prohibited To Unstick Postcards of
Candidates for President
Yeni Nesil Jointly With Article 19 Works On New Law On Freedom Of
Information
Yeni Nesil journalism union jointly with Article 19 human rights
organization has been working on law on freedom of information, Arif
Aliyev, chairman of Yeni Nesil, told Turan news agency.
03/09/2003
Baku Today
He reminded that law on freedom of information passed in 1998 has a
declarative character and has no an executive mechanism. Arif Aliyev
said necessity for the new law is caused by commitments undertaken by
Azerbaijani authorities to international organizations after 1998.
He said a working group of six people has been created to work out the
law. Discussion of the bill is expected after presidential elections and
in November it will be submitted for the consideration of Milli Mejlis.
He said that law must be adopted until end this year.
The law on freedom of information will determine mechanism of receipt of
information. It is a common knowledge that journalists today face
serious difficulties with information receipt and press has no
opportunity to demand that any source should provide information, said
Aliyev.
Information for this report proided by Turan
Jewish School Opened In Baku
The first Jewish school has opened today in Baku in 3rd micro-region at
Aly Mustafayev street. The school for 206 children will be funded by
international fund "Or-Avner."
03/09/2003
Baku Today
Officials of Azerbaijan Education Ministry, Milli Mejlis Deputies,
Israel Ambassador to Azerbaijan and members of British parliament,
including Lord Janer, Vice-President of World Jewish Congress, Lord
Mitchell and Lindie Kerham.
Lord Janer called opening of Jewish school in Muslim country a
"miracle." "This a result of policy of tolerance pursued by Azerbaijan,"
he said.
Rabbi Meer Brook, head of Baku mission of "Or-Avner" Fund, said there
are many Jews wishing to study in this school. "We will try to open one
more Jewish school in Azerbaijan. Teaching process in the school is up
to demands of Azerbaijani educational system, but Hebrew and Jewish
traditions will be additionally taught in the school. We hope that
school graduates will serve faithfully to young independent Azerbaijani
state," said Meer Brook.
"Or-Avner" Fund has opened 76 Jewish schools in the CIS member-states.
IMF Has New Requests
The mission from the International Monetary Fund, expected to visit Baku
September 6th and 7th, will have new requests for the Government of
Azerbaijan.
04/09/2003
Baku Today
"Trend" reports that John Wakemann-Lynn, Deputy Director of Europe II,
will lead the delegation. Theses new requests will be unveiled after the
results of a routine review of Azerbaijan's commitment to poverty
reduction and its economic growth program.
As such, a final decision on a loan to facilitate the program will not
be made during the visit. The requests are expected to touch upon the
need to privatize national banks, resolve problems in taxation, changes
to the mechanism for levying customs duties, and some will be related to
groups of goods.
In addition, the commitment to recommendations made for the 2003 budget
will be studied during the visit. The mission will monitor and assess a
draft of the 2004 budget, value added tax, and subsidies. Avez
Alekperov, Azerbaijani Minister of Finances, informed the IMF that the
Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan) should decide whether to abolish
the value added tax. Alekperov said that the MM can consider issue once
per annum.
"Trend" reported that the mission should have visited Baku on September
1 but it was postponed due to personal problems Wakeman-Lynn was having.
Lukoil Does Not Have Objections At SOCAR's Drilling At Zykh And Govsany
Fields
Petroleum company LUKoil does not have objections at the state oil
company's independent drilling works at Zykh and Govsany fields.
03/09/2003
Baku Today
This statement has been made by Rim Bagmanov, head of Baku
representation of LUKoil Overseas Holding Ltd., has this to journalists.
The territory is currently belonging to SOCAR - and is developed by Gum
Adasi OGPA. No one can deprive them of their right to do drilling - and
we do not have objections on our side", he noted.
According to Bagmanov, LUKoil's withdrawal from the project is not on
the agenda and the company continues its negotiations with SOCAR on a
number of issues. In particular, the sides are discussing the most
efficient methods of work on the project. The negotiations will be held
until the best solution is found by the parties. One of LUKoil's
suggestions is increasing its share in the project - resulting in growth
of expected profits from the project.
"We have made our proposals to SOCAR and they will study them. As
partners on the project we must respect our own interests too", he said.
It was earlier reported that validation of the contract on project
Zykh/Govsany is being postponed due to unsolved issues related to
ecology and environmental protection. The Russian company does not
consider it efficient to spend about $100 million - half of the project
amount - to resolution of ecological problems.
SOCAR simultaneously drills 3 petroleum wells at Govsany field. Until
the end of 2003, SOCAR plans to drill 3 more wells at the field. If the
contract comes into effect by the end of the year, the partners will
have 3 ready wells at their disposal.
The contract on development and rehabilitation of Zykh/Govsany structure
has been signed in November 1999. SOCAR and LUKoil hold 50% shares in
the project. Expected investments into the project total $250 million.
The field is situated in southern part of the Absheron peninsula. The
contract area covers 128 sq.km.
Information for this report provided by Turan
Unknown Persons Beat Representative of Candidate President Isa Gambar
Islam Huseynov, member of the Musavat party has been placed into
hospital with heavy injuries as he was severely beaten by unknown
persons.
03/09/2003
Baku Today
Musavat press service reports the incident has taken place when Islam
Huliyev was glueing agitation posters of candidate president and Musavat
party leader Isa Gambar in Narimanov district of Baku several days ago.
At that time he was approached by a group of civilians who started to
beat him severely. As the result, Islam Huseynov has suffered a
concussion and was put into Musa Nagiyev hospital.
The same source reports numerous agitation materials of Musavat were
annihilated in various districts of Azerbaijan.
Information for this report provided by Turan
Routine Negotiations Held For Kazakhstan To Participate In BTC
Approximately 20 specialists are participating in the discussions and
working groups will be formed for them to complete the document stage by
stage
04/09/2003
Baku Today
Negotiations began yesterday in Baku for Kazakhstan to participate in
the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project. Natig Aliev, SOCAR
President, reported that Kairgeldi Kabildin, Executive Director of
"KazMunaiGaz", is representing Kazakhstan at the negotiations.
However, Timur Kulibayev, First Vice-President of "KazMunaiGaz", expects
to participate as well. Additional participants include: BTC Co.,
ConocoPhilips, INPEX, Agip, and TotalFinaElf.
Aliev said two versions of the treaty between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan
are under discussion. "We plan to develop the appropriate choice and
submit it to the respective governments," Aliev noted.
Aliev stressed that the parties agree on many issues but there are
disagreements as well. Approximately 20 specialists are participating in
the discussions and working groups will be formed for them to complete
the document stage by stage.
According to the SOCAR President, one more meeting of the high-ranking
officials will be held in October, 2003.
Information for this report provided by Trend
France Ensures 35 Million Euro to Azerbaijan
The Government of France has offered to ensure 35 million euro to
Azerbaijan, said Farhad Aliev, Azerbaijani Minister of Economic
Development.
05/09/2003
Baku Today
Minister Aliev made this announcement following a meeting with Ambruaz
Dupone, Chair of the Friendship Group on the Caucasus, French Senate.
The Minister said the Government of Azerbaijan is reviewing the proposal
and it may be signed soon.
Minister Aliev reports that a meeting will be held in Baku with French
businessmen currently working in Turkey. Aliev noted that it is vital
that Azerbaijan develop its agrarian sector and is ready to study
France's experience in this field. The Minister said the French cultural
center will facilitate the relationship between the two countries.
Mr. Dupone reported that French companies and businessmen have expressed
interest in Azerbaijan and a joint venture for the production of dyes
will soon be established in Baku.
Information for this report provided by Trend
Masked Band Attack Balakan Again
Armed men attacked Balakan region of Azerbaijan on September 3.
04/09/2003
Baku Today
During midnight unknown persons burst into house of Giero Mahuman
resident of Katekh village of Balakan region. This is the third incident
happened in this region of Azerbaijan within the last month. Police car
was reported to suffer attack by armed men some days ago.
As a result of the attack two policemen were wounded. According to
information from police department of Balakan region to ANS regional
bureau criminal case is brought on the case and investigation launched.
Source:ANS
World Learning and Internews Unveil A Joint Anti-Corruption Campaign In
The Local Media
Internews Azerbaijan and World Learning are pleased to announce the
successful completion of the 3-month project called The Economic Costs
of Corruption, funded by the United States Agency for International
Development.
Managed by World Learning and implemented with the technical assistance
and production advice of Internews Azerbaijan, this project had three
major goals:
o Production of eight 30-second public service announcements explaining
how harmful corruption is for the economy and society at large using
easy to understand language and everyday life examples or case studies
o Organizing contests among local journalists in order to select the 3
top broadcast and 3 top print pieces on the Economic Costs of Corruption
o Organizing a half-day information session for 100 print and broadcast
journalists in order to explain the contest rules and procedures, as
well as to provide easy to understand information and statistics on the
economic costs of corruption and tips for reporting on this topic
"We expect the Azeri public to become more aware of the economic costs
of corruption and hope that the participating journalists will benefit
from this project by developing their specialty reporting skills", said
William McKinney, Country Coordinator for USAID in Azerbaijan.
Eight PSAs will be aired 4 times each via the network of regional
non-state TV stations operating in Tovuz, Ganja, Mingachevir, Zagatala,
Sumgait, Lenkoran and Guba and at least three times on one or two
private Baku based stations, in September 2003.
"We would like to make it very clear, that the project is not directed
against the government or individual government representatives but will
rather raise basic awareness on how corruption affects the daily lives
of
Azerbaijani citizens", said Ilham Safarov, Internews' Managing Director
in Azerbaijan.
Contest winners will be provided with cash prizes in the following
amounts: between $500 and $750 - for first place reports, $200 for
second place reports and $100 for third place reports. The Contest's
selection committee was made up of representatives of USAID,
Transparency International and the Entrepreneurs' Development
Foundation.
"We are very pleased with the content and quality of PSAs and the level
of organization of the contest. We hope that this very important project
will help eradicate the long-standing problem of corruption in this
country", said Telman Youlchiyev, World Learning's Program Coordinator
The following 4 broadcast journalists were announced winners:
1st place - Ilkin Mammadov, 215 KL, Baku
2nd place - Fatma Bagirova, Space TV, Baku
3rd place - Halida Babayeva, Alternative TV, Ganja
3rd place - Ayten Aliyeva, BBC freelance correspondent
In the field of print media, 3 journalists were announced winners:
1st place - Rauf Nasirov, Echo Newspaper, Baku
2nd place - Samir Neymanoglu, Azadlig Newspaper, Baku
3rd place - Farman Nabiyev, Mingachavir Isiglari, Mingachavir
Representatives of USAID, foreign embassies in Azerbaijan, INGOs and
business companies attended the award ceremony and public viewing of the
PSAs on September 3, 2003 in Azerbaijan cinema.
Journalist Breaking Law on Mass Media May Face Three Years of
Imprisonment
The Parliament of Azerbaijan will establish the working group for making
amendments to law on "Political parties" and it will be discussed at the
autumn session of the parliament (MM).
04/09/2003
Baku Today
According to Ai Huseynov, chairman of commission of legislative policy
of MM, the issue became actual after suggestion of Murtuz Aleskerov,
Speaker of the parliament to commissions to give offers for moving
amendments to laws on political parties and Mass Media.
Ali Huseynov said that, some party leaders use mass media for calumnies
and insulting breaking the law on Mass Media. People may apply to the
court if one of candidates breaks the Election Code and the Constitution
of the Azerbaijan Republic during his speech on TV or in the press.
Besides it Ali Huseynov says that, moving amendment to law on "Mass
Media" the commission won't confine rights of journalists. Journalists
who commit calumnies and insulting will be imprisoned for three years.
Source: ANS TV
Ilham Aliev: If My Father's Health Is Bad I'll run For President
"If my father's health gets better, the Azerbaijani people will elect
him as President. I am sure of it. But if his health is bad, I'll run
for president," said Ilham Aliev, Prime-Minister, who is registered to
run in the elections.
05/09/2003
Baku Today
PM Aliev said he is ready to govern the Republic of Azerbaijan. "The
election campaign has started and I am participating. If Heydar Aliev
cannot run, I'll be the sole candidate from "Yeni Azerbaijan" - he said.
As for Heydar Aliev's health, Ilham Aliev stated that "his health is
getting better". "In Turkey, he received preliminary medical treatment
and then he was transported to America. While in Cleveland, he has
reacted positively to the treatment... My father has heart problems...
and then he got kidney problems... Neither his heart nor kidney need
surgery. His health is getting better each day."
Informaion for this report provided by Trend
Karabakh Liberation Organization Pickets American Embassy
Members of Karabakh Liberation Organization held a picket in front of
the embassy of USA to Azerbaijan protesting passive position of this
country at solution of Karabakh conflict.
04/09/2003
Baku Today
Picketers objected visit of several congressmen to Karabakh region of
Azerbaijan and their meeting with members of Armenian community of
Karabakh. The pickets carried the following slogans: "Freedom to
Karabakh," "No Armenian Terrorism," "U.S. Must Recognize Aggressors,"
"No Azerbaijan Without Karabakh" and "Shame on U.S. Congressmen."
Picketers demanded United States to increase efforts for solution of
Karabakh conflict, to recognize Armenia as aggressor and to use
sanctions against Armenia, as a co-chairman of OSCE Minsk group and one
of the strongest states of the world. The resolution of the picket also
demands to put an end to cooperation "with corrupt and authoritarian
regime of Heydar Aliyev" and U.S. pro-Armenian policy. The resolution
also noted that if the following demands are not met, there is no need
in U.S. co-chairmanship in OSCE MG.
Information for this report provided by Turan and ANS
Minister of Internal Affairs Prohibited To Unstick Postcards of
Candidates for President
"Presidential candidate placards must not be removed and there are no
supporting facts that they have been," said Ramil Usubov, Minister of
Internal Affairs.
05/09/2003
Baku Today
Minister Usubov stated that there will be serious repercussions for
people found to be removing campaign placards. Usubov reported that the
police have not received complaints and that reports published by
opposition newspapers that placards of candidates nominated by the
opposition have been removed, are not true.
Minister Ususbov says that the police are undertaking measures to ensure
that the elections are free and democratic.
Spokesmen for presidential candidates, nominated by the opposition,
stated that policemen interfere with the placing of the campaign
placards and also remove them.
Information for this report provided by Trend
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen to Meet In Vienna in September
The OSCE Minsk Group's co-chairmen will meet in Vienna, September 15-16,
according to Vilayat Guliev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
08/09/2003
Baku Today
Yuri Merzlakov, the newly-appointed Russian co-chairman, will be
presented at the meeting. In addition, he will take office as a
spokesman for Russia in the Minsk Group, the Minister said. As for Mr.
Merzlakov's visit to Baku, Mr. Guliev noted that his trip was for the
purpose of becoming better acquainted.
"He is a professional diplomat and knows about the regional problems,
including legal regime in the Caspian Sea. "But naturally I'm cautious
in my statements", - he said.
The countries should change positions, Minister Guliev said: "It is
envident. We've been talking about it for many years and I thank Mr.
Perina that he ultimately presented the proposal as some people cannot
affect the resolution of the conflict. The countries, standing behind
the parties involved in the conflict, the international community, and
organizations should change their positions as well. They should
recognize Armenia as an aggressor".
Information for this report provided by Trend.
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