The political ties between the two countries unite our minds while religious views unite our hearts.
Mehmet Gormez
The statement came from Head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkey Mehmet Gormez at a joint press conference with Head of the Caucasus Muslims Board sheikh-ul-islam Allahshukur Pashazade in Baku.
The efforts of some countries to instigate trouble between our two countries have failed, Gormez said. ‘I was very pleased to meet President Ilham Aliyev on the first day of my visit.’
Gormez added that he was glad that his visit was timed with celebrations marking 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence.
‘The independence of Azerbaijan is an independence of Turkey and I wish this independence to be eternal. God willing, the Karabakh conflict will also be solved and Azerbaijan will celebrate its independence in a more solemn way.’
The ties between the two countries began to deepen after Heydar Aliyev came to power, the Turkish official noted.
‘But these ties should expand even further and not to be based solely on trade. The political ties between our countries unite our minds while religious views unite our hearts.’
Gun.Az
via News.Az – ‘Azerbaijan’s independence is Turkey’s independence’.
President Abdullah Gül gives a speech at an international meeting to mark the 20th year of the independence of Turkic republics.
As the 20th anniversary of independence arrives for the Turkic republics, Turkey is reviewing its connections with the countries it deems “brothers,” looking for a more institutionalized touch that speaks more to the mind than to the heart.
Although these countries, namely Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, have traditionally held priority of place amongst Turkey’s bilateral ties with other countries, the arrival of the 20th anniversary of their independence has prompted Turkey to review its long-standing policy toward them. What has been accomplished between the countries, popularly claimed to be “different states of the same nation,” in these 20 years is a clear indication that it might be high time for Turkey to build on the strong ties, but with solid accomplishment that speaks for the pledges.
Turkey has been reviewing its policy in a way that looks to balance ties with regard to past issues to give birth to solutions, Turkish officials told Sunday’s Zaman on the sidelines of an international meeting Turkey hosted in celebration of the anniversaries. These statements confirm the obvious fact that in spite of the great importance Turkey attaches to its Turkic brothers, relations with these countries have not always evolved into solid cooperation; to the contrary, the ties have loosened due to Turkey’s naïve and mistaken conviction that they can be maintained without much effort because of the historic and ethnic ties. Now Turkey seems to be aligning its foreign policy in a way that would close the gap and revive old partnerships.
Twenty years ago when the Turkic states acquired their independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Turkish political leaders were quite enthusiastic about the prospects this new state of affairs offered Turkey: The first initiatives towards the region were mainly based on emotions, in the process of which, Turkey emerged as a protective elder brother, which caused drawbacks over the long-run when the role was too much to deliver. Twenty years later, it is all the more clear for Turkey that it may not actually be the right way to build lasting relations, as for some time now the motivation behind relations between the “brotherly” countries has progressively evolved into a system where the interests of the parties involved are more important than emotions.
As a result, cooperation between the Turkic countries has increasingly gotten better, although some problems still persist between these countries themselves, as a result of which the Nakhchivan Agreement was signed between Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, while the two others, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, remained outside, on Oct. 3, 2009. The agreement paved the way for the foundation of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (CCTS), which became operational at a summit in 2010 in İstanbul, laying the groundwork to hopefully put the council on a more solid track.
The next step in the council meetings is scheduled for Astana, where ministers of economy come together on Oct. 13, followed by another meeting of foreign ministers on Oct 21. Also that month the heads of the Turkic states will meet at the first get-together of the CCTS, proving that the long-desired institutionalization may now be under way for the Turkic republics and Turkey.
Emotions cause for past disappointments
Since the countries enjoyed a close bond and a common world vision without much effort from either side, heartfelt expectations sometimes melted into disappointment — a feeling Turkey is trying to eradicate by putting affairs on solid ground to foster political, economic, cultural and social ties between the states.
The international meeting held in Turkey earlier this week on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Turkic republics is a clear indication that the countries are eager to come together on the diplomatic track and alternative avenues, define problems and look for solutions to existing issues. “Turkey’s dream in the ’90s of forming an economic union with the newly emerged Turkic countries did not come true,” Halil Akıncı, secretary-general of the CCTS and a former ambassador, noted as he co-chaired a session during the Ankara meetings of Oct. 5 and 6. Akıncı added that the formation of institutional bodies between the states makes it easier to track progress and ensures that problems do not only get “whined about” but are put on an agenda to be solved. “Past issues stemmed from over-emotional reactions between the Turkic republics; it is high time we emerge from that,” Akıncı stated at an evaluation session on Thursday.
The Turkic Council, Akıncı noted, would initially deal with economic progress but continue with a second phase concerning the cultural and educational fields. To this end, Akıncı said a common history book would be published, presenting the shared history of the republics and that a Turkic Academy would be founded to study the culture of the Turkic republics. “The 20 years of relations between Turkic states have been fruitful,” commented Bülent Aras, chairman of Center for Strategic Research (SAM), a research body founded under the umbrella of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, in a quick interview with Sunday’s Zaman on the margin of the meeting. “There is a great tendency for cooperation, and steps we cannot downplay have been taken,” Aras noted but admitted that the current level of developments between the states was not enough. “We have developed a fresh perspective in our relations; more cooperation is sure to come in the future,” Aras added, hinting that Turkey is indeed changing its attitude toward the Turkic republics.
Obstacles
The bonds between the six states are also affected by a complex interwoven web of relations with each other, as well as with other parties, which have a claim on the dynamics of the region. The last instance of a dispute between Turkey and its major Turkic ally, Azerbaijan, erupted in 2009 when Turkey tried to normalize relations with Armenia through outlining a roadmap that would make the dysfunctional border between the neighbors operational again. However, Azerbaijan lashed out at the possibility of normalization before a solution is found to the Armenian occupation of a number of Azeri enclaves around Nagorno-Karabakh, which is why Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in the first place.
In the case of waiving visa requirements between Azerbaijan and Turkey, it was Iran that intervened and blocked the prospect, saying that it would ask to benefit from the same privilege if Turkey was given the green light.
An additional debate that usually comes up on the economic sidelines between the nations concerns energy prices, since Turkey is the buyer and transporter of large amounts of Azeri natural gas.
Touching on difficulties facing Turkic states in their quest for better cooperation, Mehmet Seyfettin Erol, a professor of international relations at Gazi University in Ankara, told Sunday’s Zaman in an interview that under the surface, there was much to be considered for relations to evolve to the desired level. Hailing the establishment of the CCTS, founded with the Nakhchivan Agreement, which is “the best move Turkey has ever made in Central Asia,” Erol stated most plans to increase cooperation have remained at their initial stages due to a large number of obstacles.
Lamenting difficulties the Turkic republics face in their diplomatic connections, Erol added that Turkey could only improve relations through deeply rooted diplomatic tracks, which necessitate more institutionalization from all ends. Although the academic stressed that the states wanted more institutionalization, he noted the current level of ties remained at the initial phase of intentions and should be backed by solid plans to move on to the next phase.
His words were confirmed by Dr. Aydar Amrebaev, deputy director of the Kazakhstan Institute for World Economy and Politics (IWEP), at the Thursday session of the international meeting, as he spoke of the problems within the Turkic states. “There are no representatives from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. As the Turkic world, we need to solve the problems of the Caspian region,” Amrebaev stated. Not only Amrebaev but also Associate Professor Bulat Sultanov, director of the Kazakhstan Institute of Strategic Research, underlined that relations should be handled on an equal basis, implying that Kazakhstan has no need of aid from Turkey but needs cooperation in many fields, including defense and security.
YEREVAN – French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged Turkey on Friday to recognise the World War I-era massacres of Armenians as genocide within a “very brief” period before his term ends in May 2012.
“From 1915 to 2011, it seems to be enough (time) for reflection,” Sarkozy told reporters in Yerevan on the second day of his visit to Armenia.
Speaking alongside his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian, he noted however that “it is not up to France to give an ultimatum to anyone”.
Sarkozy on Thursday urged Turkey to “revisit its history” over the killings of hundreds of thousands of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire, calling its refusal to recognise the deaths as genocide as “unacceptable”.
The French president said that if Turkey did not make this “gesture of peace” and “step towards reconciliation”, he would consider proposing the adoption of a law criminalising denial of the killings as genocide.
He said that he was still hoping that Turkey would act before the end of his term in office.
Sarkozy angered Turkey ahead of his election in 2007 by backing a law aimed at prosecuting those who refused to recognise the massacres as genocide.
The French lower house of parliament later rejected the measure, infuriating the Armenian diaspora in France which is estimated at around 500,000 people.
Armenians say that up to 1.5 million of their kin fell victim to genocide during World War I under the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey counters that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian forces.
Sarkozy has also indicated his ambition to bring Armenia and neighbouring Azerbaijan forward in the stalled peace process over the tiny Nagorny Karabakh region, the focus of a bitter territorial conflict since the fall of the Soviet Union.
On the eve of his arrival, the French leader urged the two rivals to “take the risk of peace”.
At the joint news conference in Yerevan, Armenian leader Sarkisian responded by saying that he appreciated France’s efforts to establish “a durable peace”.
“President Sarkozy’s personal involvement in this process is particularly important to us,” Sarkisian said.
But in a sign of continuing tensions along the Karabakh frontline, two Azerbaijani soldiers and one Armenian serviceman were reported to have been shot dead in exchanges of fire the day before Sarkozy arrived.
Seventeen soldiers have now been reported killed this year around Karabakh, which Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized from Azerbaijan in a war in the 1990s that left some 30,000 dead.
Despite years of talks since the 1994 ceasefire, the two sides have yet to sign a final peace deal.
Sarkozy was due to arrive in Azerbaijan after leaving Armenia and then to end his two-day swing through the Caucasus with a visit to Georgia.
via Sarkozy urges Turkey to quickly recognise Armenia ‘genocide’ | Pakistan Today | Latest news, Breaking news, Pakistan News, World news, business, sport and multimedia.
French president is in official visit in Kafkas region. He was in Armenia bowing down to a monument for so called Armenian Genocide by Turkish Ottoman’s, He threatened Turkey to face its past or expect harsh reactions! He also said that Karabakh is known better by Armenians and the government of Armenia, meaning, Karabakh belongs to Armenians. This statement is against UN’s resolutions on Karabakh conflict, and is against the integrity of Northern Azerbaijan (United Azerbaijan in fact). He then travels to Baku, where the Aliev dictatorship welcome’s him for attacking Turkey and Azerbaijan!
According to Hurriyet, Turkey said France should confront its colonial past before giving lessons to others on how to face history, in an angry response today to a call by President Nicolas Sarkozy for Ankara to recognize the 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide.
Sarkozy, in Armenia on Thursday, challenged Turkey — which is seeking membership of the European Union — to face up to its past and threatened to pass a law in France that would make denying the genocide a crime.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu told a news conference: “Those who will not be able to face their own history for having carried out colonialism for centuries, for treating foreigners as second-class people, do not have the right to teach Turkey a history lesson or call for Turkey to face its history.”
Davutoğlu said Turkey and Armenia were working together on ways to normalise ties and Sarkozy’s comments would have a negative impact on reconciliation efforts.
Armenia and Turkey, with the endorsement of the United States, the European Union and Russia, had agreed in 2009 to establish diplomatic ties and open their common border within two months of parliamentary approval.
Sarkozy’s remarks has fueled a response from Turkey’s European Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış as well, who stated earlier today that the French president should abandon “the role of historian and put his mind to getting his country out of the economic gulf in which it finds itself.”hurriyet
via Sarkozy takes Armenian’s side and praises the occupation of Karabakh, Turkey tells France to confront colonial past first.
Apaku. Nijat Mustafayev – APA-ECONOMICS. Azerbaijani gas will be increased not only on the account of Shah Deniz, but on the account of other fields too, said the representative of Platts magazine John Roberts at the 6th Kazenergy Eurasia Forum, in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Speaking about production and transportation perspectives of energy carriers in Caspian Sea Roberts looked through the possible routes for accessing of gas to the world markets. He noted that, EU supported on Nabucco projects. Other projects are not supported sufficiently.
Roberts said that Turkmen gas was important for this project: “I regret that, Turkmenistan is on the passive position compared to Azerbaijan’s proactive position. Turkmenistan is on passive position and expects the route versions from others, while Azerbaijan takes active steps on extraction, exploitation and accessing of gas to the world markets”.
As to Kazakhstan, Roberts hesitated and noted that time would show. In general, Roberts said Azerbaijan was the country, which pursued the most stable and consistent oil and gas policy, he showed Azerbaijan as an example for the other countries in the region.
“Moreover, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are the most reliable transit countries of the region, they proved it with the recent activities in this sphere”, Roberts added.
Generally, in his speech, Roberts noted Azerbaijan as the most stable and proactive country of the region. Also he said that Turkmenistan should take more active steps for the proof of seriousness of its opinion on gas transportation to Europe.
Hilton Baku has unveiled some exciting food and beverage offerings from its new bars and restaurants available for guests to enjoy following the hotel’s grand opening.
The upscale Hilton Hotels & Resorts property will boast some of the best dining and bar locations in the city for local residents and hotel guests. Hilton Hotels & Resorts has a long tradition of culinary firsts and its a world-class food and beverage offering. The brand that created the Pina Colada, American brownie and other recipes will be bringing its global expertise to the new Hilton Baku.
Hilton Baku’s flagship restaurant Sky Grill, situated on the 24th floor, will be the dining centrepiece and jewel of the hotel’s culinary offering. Sumptuous flame-grilled steaks will be cooked on an open grill in the Argentinean tradition under the expert eye of head chef and Argentinean native, Ms. Gabriela Gomez. The Sky Grill promises to deliver the best meat cuts and flavours in the region. Also on offer will be a wide variety of fresh daily seafood catches, served in the large dining terrace, perfect for special occasions.
Chef Gomez, who joins Hilton Baku from the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona, said, “I am thrilled to lead the brigade of chefs at the new Sky Grill and we have gone to great lengths to source the finest flavours and ingredients with an unrivalled wine list to match. With incredible panoramic views of Baku, Sky Grill promises a first class dining experience coupled with the exciting theatre of an open kitchen.”
In addition to Sky Grill, the all-day dining restaurant Cilantro is also unveiled today. Inspired by middle-eastern flavours, the restaurant adds a modern touch to traditional favourites and will be an ideal location for business and social occasions. The restaurant will also prove popular for shoppers as there will be direct access to the Hilton Baku via an underpass from the Park Boulevard Shopping Centre. Complimenting Cilantro, the hotel’s Sugar Lounge will offer drinks and cocktails throughout the day and evening in a relaxed and ambient setting.
For evening and late night entertainment, 360 Bar is set to take the Baku evening social scene by storm with its upbeat atmosphere and unique revolving bar. Guests will be able to enjoy live music and DJ sets against the backdrop of Baku cityscape and Caspian Sea views. The showpiece of the hotel, 360 Bar will offer sophisticated cocktails created by a team of experts and premium spirit labels, wines and Champagnes – promising to be one of Baku’s hottest late night destinations.
