Tag: Aliyev

  • BBC Whitewashes Azerbaijan’s Crimes By Airing Film Backed by BP & Aliyevs

    BBC Whitewashes Azerbaijan’s Crimes By Airing Film Backed by BP & Aliyevs

    The openDemocracy.net website published a critical article about BBC’s airing of a two-part propaganda film funded by the UK oil and gas giant British Petroleum (BP) about Azerbaijan. Written by James Dowsett, the article was titled, “BBC accused of ‘whitewashing’ autocratic Azerbaijan in BP-sponsored film.” BP has invested $84 billion in Azerbaijan since 1995 and is the largest foreign corporate investor in Azerbaijan’s oil operations.

    The film was titled; ‘Wonders of Azerbaijan,’ leaving no doubt about its propagandistic purpose. It was produced with the backing of the ruling Aliyev family.

    Azerbaijan is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. BBC is wrong to promote such a kleptocracy. BP “has long faced criticism from human rights and climate activists for its ties to the ruling Aliyev regime, which has been accused of ‘electoral fraud,’ the silencing of dissenting voices and benefiting disproportionately from Azerbaijan’s oil and gas wealth,” openDemocracy reported.

    “BP spent $300,000 on the film, which was made by the UK production company SandStone Global with support from a foundation and a media center run by members of Azerbaijan’s ruling Aliyev family. Broadcaster and historian Bettany Hughes, who co-founded SandStone, presented the film,” openDemocracy wrote.

    “Emin Huseynov, an Azerbaijani journalist who fled political persecution in Azerbaijan in 2015, accused the BBC of ‘whitewashing a dictatorship’ over the film,” wrote openDemocracy. Huseynov said BBC was giving “the floor to one of the bloodiest and most corrupt regimes in the world.”

    Before its airing in August, BBC promoted the film by promising the viewers that they would discover “how Azerbaijan’s oil wealth enabled the capital Baku to flourish” and “gain the reputation of being the ‘Paris of the East.’”

    In the film, Bettany Hughes travelled to Azeri-occupied Shushi, but did not say a single word about the city’s Armenian heritage. “The film also implicitly promoted Azerbaijan’s claims to Shusha [Shushi],” openDemocracy wrote. Azerbaijan has allocated millions of dollars to turn Shushi into its ‘cultural capital.’

    A BBC spokesman tried to justify its objectionable transaction by telling openDemocracy that the revenue from airing the Azeri propaganda film “allows us to invest in the BBC’s world-class journalism, which provides independent and impartial news across all topics.” BBC’s ridiculous excuse is akin to a prostitute claiming that she donates to the church the money she makes from prostitution!

    To generate additional income, BBC ran during the airing of the film travel ads paid by Azerbaijan’s official tourist board. The “Baku Media Center provided logistics support to SandStone, while the Heydar Aliyev Foundation helped the UK company secure filming permits and access to unique heritage sites,” a SandStone representative told openDemocracy. The Baku Media Center is run by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s youngest daughter, Arzu Aliyeva. The Center works closely with the family-run Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

    BP admitted that the propaganda film was its “contribution to Azerbaijan’s global promotion” in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The Foundation is chaired by Ilham Aliyev’s wife Mehriban Aliyeva, who is also the country’s vice president.

    OpenDemocracy reported that “the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is tasked with promoting Azerbaijan’s image abroad, including by advancing the government position over Nagorno-Karabakh. But government critics say this work extends to diverting attention from the regime’s relentless crackdown on dissent and its systemic corruption.”

    Arzu Geybullayeva, an Azerbaijani journalist living in exile, told openDemocracy: “The [Heydar Aliyev] Foundation was set up by the ruling family to whitewash Azerbaijan’s image. It can by no means be described as independent of the state.”

    “The Heydar Aliyev Foundation is leading restoration works in Shusha [Shushi]. Some of these works [are] featured in the BBC program,” reported openDemocracy. Meanwhile, BP is planning a solar power plant in the city of Jabrayil, which Azerbaijan occupied in the 2020 war.

    BP’s regional president Gary Jones “took to the stage at the Baku premiere of the film in late September to praise the ‘unwavering support of the [Azerbaijani] government’ for his company and its co-venturers’ operations in the country. Jones also spoke of the ‘joint effort’ that went into creating the documentary. He thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for its support and paid personal homage to the president’s daughter, Arzu Aliyeva, and to the Baku Media Center she heads, ‘for their outstanding technical support’ on the production,” openDemocracy wrote.

    Furthermore, “This isn’t the first time BP has collaborated with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, or that the Foundation has cropped up on the BBC. Last year, BBC StoryWorks… ran a separate tourism-focused campaign for Azerbaijan to mark the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. The campaign included a paid-for advertorial that invited readers to ‘discover more’ about Azerbaijan by following a link to an external website run by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The ‘Azerbaijan’ portal claims (among other things) that Azerbaijan’s current president Ilham Aliyev ‘has always focused on ensuring a fuller provision of human rights and freedoms in the country.’ It also contains information about the so-called ‘Armenian problem.’” However, the weblink was deleted after openDemocracy contacted BBC. The link had included scenes from a ‘war park’ in Baku where figures of Armenian soldiers with distorted faces were featured.

    BP has signed a cooperation agreement with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to jointly implement some of its social investment projects. “Previous joint projects have included sponsored films, such as ‘The Last Session’, a 2018 documentary commemorating the birth of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic — the short-lived independent state that was ended by Soviet invasion in 1920. BP spent $320,000 on the project, which was organized by the Baku Media Center. Arzu Aliyeva was credited as the film’s executive producer,” openDemocracy reported.

  • Turkey Human Rights Groups to Aliyev: End Lynching Campaign!

    Turkey Human Rights Groups to Aliyev: End Lynching Campaign!

    ISTANBUL, Turkey (A.W.)–Four Turkish human rights and anti-racism groups sent a letter to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev urging him ”to urgently put an end to the lynching campaign against Ekrem Eylisli” for his positive portrayal of Armenians.

    Ekrem Eylisli

    The Armenian Weekly publishes the text of the letter in full.

    ***

    Mr. İlham Aliyev

    President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

    Baku, Azerbaijan

     

    Dear Mr. President,

    We, the defenders of human rights in Turkey and supporters of fight against racism, nationalism, and hatred, are appalled by and deeply concerned with the aggressive campaign and threats of violence against the writer Ekrem Eylisli in your country. The only crime committed by your fellow citizen Ekrem Eylisli, whose security is your responsibility, is to have defended in his recent novel the solidarity of peoples.

    As the Human Rights Watch has declared in its global press release, Eylisli has been targeted with an increasingly aggressive campaign of enmity and defamation, further endorsed by official spokespersons and the media, only because he has written a novel in which he has chosen not to represent Armenians as an object of hatred. Since January 31st, the said transgressions have included protests in front of his house, insults and threats, and book-burning.

    Notorious for her racist views, member of Azerbaijani parliament Melahat İbrahimkızı has accused Eylisli of offending not only Azerbaijan but the entire Turkish nation, thus sending a message to Turkey and provoking the same campaign of hatred against Armenians in Turkey.

    Eylisli’s family too has been subjected to retribution: His son Necep Naibov, employed by the Ministry of Customs, and his wife Galina Alexandrova, a library director, have been dismissed without just cause.

    The lynching campaign has reached its peak with the pro-government Moderna Musavat Party leaders putting a reward of ten thousand Manat on Ekrem Eylisli’s ears.

    And you, Mr. President, in your capacity as the higher most leader of the state of Azerbaijan, have endorsed and even encouraged threats against Eylisli’s life by signing the presidential decree on Eylisli’s divestiture of the title “Writer of the People” and on the termination of his entitlement to  pension.

    We are the defenders of human rights and opponents of racism, discrimination, and hate in a country where, throughout its history, writers have fallen prey to unsolved cases of murder, or left to rot in prison. Ours is a country where those who express diverse views remain under constant threat. We know well how the racist, nationalist, and discriminatory state politics have driven the masses to the streets and turned individuals into murderers, even of their own neighbors.  We have lost many in such attacks, but we also bear witness to the fact that the people will not be silenced by oppression.

    At the same time, we have seen firsthand how your state and the rulers of the Republic of Turkey have joined endeavors in inciting enmity among their peoples against Armenians. The hateful slogans against Armenians in the “Hocalı Protest” in Taksim Square, Istanbul, are still ringing in our ears; the banners bearing the words “You are all Armenians, you are all bastards” are still before our eyes. As a result of our opposition, those carrying these banners have been charged and indicted. For us, the defenders of rights and opponents of racial hatred in Turkey, opposing enmity against Armenians and diverse ethnic and religious identities is a foremost duty.

    As the proponents and defenders of peace, democracy, and justice, of solidarity of the peoples and equal coexistence, we invite you, Mr. President, to use your office and enlist all your subordinates to urgently put an end to the lynching campaign against Ekrem Eylisli.

    Leaders who have incited peoples to transgressions of racist hatred, who have condoned such transgressions or turned a blind eye to them, have come to be known in history as a disgrace, whereas the memory of those who strive for peace will forever live to honor humanity.

    HELSINKI CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

    SAY STOP TO RACISIM AND NATIONALISM INITIATIVE

    HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION TURKEY

    ASSOCIATION FOR FACING HISTORY

    via Turkey Human Rights Groups to Aliyev: End Lynching Campaign! | Armenian Weekly.

  • Citizens of Turkey send thank-you letters to Azerbaijani President

    Citizens of Turkey send thank-you letters to Azerbaijani President

    [ 02 Nov 2011 18:08 ]

    Ilham Eliyev gorush 1“Immediate aid sent from Azerbaijan to Turkey – the quake-hit region once more proved that no other states can be as united as we are”

    Baku. Parvin Abbasov – APA. Citizens of Turkey have written letters to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, APA reports. They expressed their gratitude to Ilham Aliyev for sending rescue team and other aids from Azerbaijan immediately after the quake hit Van.

    Erdem Keskin from Ankara writes: “Even 108 hours after the quake, Azerbaijani rescuers did not stop working and saved a young man named Isa. As a citizen of Turkish Republic I would like to express my gratitude to all members of the rescue team and to you.”

    Hakan Sen from Ankara writes: “Immediate aid sent from Azerbaijan to Turkey – the quake-hit region once more proved the brotherhood of these two states. It is a proud to know that such a fraternal country always supports Turkey. It has made all the nations to realize this brotherhood, once more proved that no other states can be as united as we are. On behalf of the sufferers, my country, its citizens and on my own behalf I express my gratitude to you for your aid to the citizens of Turkey.”

    Fikret Done from Konya: “Dear Mr. President, I am endlessly thankful to You and brotherly Azerbaijan for sensitive attitude and assistance to the quake-hit people of Van”.

    7.2-magnitude quake hit Van province of Turkey on October 23, 2011. According to the official statistics, 601 people were killed, 4152 injured, 188 pulled alive from the rubbles.

    Azerbaijan sent 1250 tents, 6050 blankets, 40 generators, 40 kitchen sets, more than 850 warm bed linens to Turkey. Totally Azerbaijan sent a humanitarian aid in amount of USD 1 800 000 to Turkey.

    213 rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan participated in rescue operations in the quake-hit region. Azerbaijani rescuers pulled 12 people alive and 60 bodies from the rubbles.

    via APA – Citizens of Turkey send thank-you letters to Azerbaijani President.

  • Azerbaijan, Turkey Presidents hold phone conversation

    Azerbaijan, Turkey Presidents hold phone conversation

    Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 29 / Trend /

    Ilham Aliyev 280709President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Saturday made a telephone call to Turkish President Abdullah Gul, the press-service of Azerbaijani President reported.

    The Head of State congratulated Abdullah Gul on his birthday and the Republic Day of Turkey, and wished him robust health and successes in his presidential activities, and the friendly and fraternal people of Turkey prosperity.

    The Turkish leader thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his attention and congratulations.

    The Presidents expressed satisfaction with development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey in all fields.

    They underlined the importance of the Azerbaijani President`s last visit to Turkey and documents signed during the trip for expansion of bilateral cooperation even more.

    The Heads of State expressed confidence relationship between the two countries would continue to strengthen.

    via Azerbaijan, Turkey Presidents hold phone conversation – Trend.

  • Azerbaijan supports Turkey in the fight against terrorism

    Azerbaijan supports Turkey in the fight against terrorism

    Izmir. Mais Alizadeh-APA. The first meeting of the Turkey-Azerbaijan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council has taken place in Izmir, Turkey.

    ilham eliyev erdogan

    Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, the Turkish Primer Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the first assistance after the earthquake in Van.

    “Today we witnessed very important events. It’s about $5 billion investment. From this investment will benefit both Turkey and Azerbaijan”, – Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

    Turkish Primer Minster said that the relations between the two countries entered a new phase and these relations will become even stronger.

    Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that they want “a speedy and just solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict”. “A just solution to the problem” will lead to a great development in the region. This is not only Azerbaijan’s problem but also problem if Turkey and the Turkic world, in general”.

    Turkish Prime Minister noted that the second meeting of the Turkey-Azerbaijan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council will be held in Azerbaijan, next year and expressed hope for a full agenda of this meeting.

    Speaking at a press conference, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to the Turkish people, on behalf of the Azerbaijani people, in connection with the terrible earthquake. “Today the Azerbaijani people is close to the Turkish people in such day. 20 years of our independence – years of the Turkey-Azerbaijan brotherhood. Turkey always has been close to Azerbaijan in bad days. Turkey-Azerbaijan unity based on historical grounds, constantly gaining strength. Today Turkey and Azerbaijan are close in all matters, support each other, implement joint projects and take initiatives”, – Azerbaijani President said.

    ”The agreements reached at the meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, and signed documents are recommendations for the future. From now, our cooperation in all fields will be deepened. Azerbaijan has always been close with Turkey in dealing with terrorism, one of the main problems of this country. Azerbaijan fully supports Turkey in its just struggle against terrorism”, – President Ilham Aliyev said.

    via APA – Azerbaijani President: Azerbaijan supports Turkey in the fight against terrorism.

  • ‘Azerbaijan’s independence is Turkey’s independence’

    ‘Azerbaijan’s independence is Turkey’s independence’

    The political ties between the two countries unite our minds while religious views unite our hearts.

    Mehmet Gormez
    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’.