AZERBAIJAN IN WORLD MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
V programs are being prepared and articles are being written in the world mass media about Azerbaijan, which has become a leading country in the region and conducts international events in Baku. The coverage includes dynamic development of the country’s economy at a time when an economic downturn is observed in the world economy.
Azerbaijan has always been in the centre of the attention of the whole world community for its developing economy, brilliant politics, success - gained in the international world and of course for its natural resources. TV programs are being prepared and articles are being written in the world mass media about Azerbaijan, which has become a leading country in the region and conducts international events in Baku, the capital of the country. The coverage includes dynamic development of the country’s economy at a time when an economic downturn is observed in the world economy.
A lot of articles have been published in the media of France, Italy, Turkey and other coun- tries about Azerbaijani First Lady, Prezident of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO’s goodwill ambassador, Member of Parliament Mehriban Aliyeva’s invaluable efforts in introducing the culture of Azerbaijan in Europe and improving East-West civilizations mutual relations. Many concerts of Azerbaijani musicians have been held across Europe with the support and personal participation of Mehriban Aliyeva. Also, works of Azerbaijani artists were shown in European countries.
An article of deputy editor-in-chief Suzy AlGineydi ‘Baku-sunny and tolerant city’ has been published in an influential weekly Egyptian magazine ‘Al-Ahram Al-Arabi’. He took part in the First International Baku Forum December 19-21, last year and noted that Azerbaijan could be a model
for Egypt: “Currently, Egypt which is experiencing a complex historical period faces the need for a priority of the principle of tolerance of the preservation of national unity and salvation of the country from division. We believe that in this sense Azerbaijan is a worthy example. In the 1990s, the Azerbaijani people successfully overcame the complex period when the country was facing the threat of internal split. However, at that time Armenia occupied 20% of Azerbaijani lands. The separatist regime of Armenia declared the independence of Nagorno Karabakh region. However, this independence is not recognized by any state. This region is an integral part of Azerbaijan in line with the international law. Occupation of this region by the armed forces of Armenia still continues. All the same, Azerbaijan managed to remain an example of the religious and national tolerance”.
Famous Austrian magazine “Cercle Diplomatique et Economique İnternational” published special edition dedicated to our country and 20 years anniversary of establishment diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Austria. There were published information and interviews about bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Austria, economic development of the country, Priorities of foreign policy, new oil and gas policy, success which has been reached in the energetic sphere, opportunities of tourism sector.
In 20-th anniversary of Azerbaijan-Austria diplomatic relations, cooperation between our countries was highly estimated, and pointed similar features of Azerbaijan and Austria, in the interview of the President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev under the title “Azerbaijan and Austria: view to the future”. In the interviews with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Republic Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev, Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaleddin Heydarov, Minister of Communications and Information Technologies Ali Abbasov, Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev and heads of other leading state agencies, has been pointed out success which is achieved in different spheres of the country. President of SOCAR Rovnag Abdullayev told in his interview about oil and gas resources of Azerbaijan, its role in the European energetic security, transportation of natural gas from Azerbaijan to EU countries. 16-page special booklet “SOCAR - Energy of Azerbaijan” was published as an addition to the magazine. Interesting and important facts from history of oil and gas of Azerbaijan, first level of oil industry, new oil strategy, founded by national leader of Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev, photo gallery consisting of photos, reflecting modern oil and gas industry, and also pieces of art, dedicated to oil and gas industry are included in the booklet.
An article named “Azerbaijan - country which develops leaning on democratic values” was published in widely distributed “Sakartvelos Respublica” (“Georgian Republic”) newspaper founded 1918 in Georgia. In the article attention was paid to the fact that independent Azerbaijan, which occupies a leading position according to the speed of its socio-economic development, successfully implements regional and global economic projects, solidly moving forward on the path of legal and democratic society construction. The author noted that under the leadership of head of Azerbaijan government who is faithful to ideas of national leader Heydar Aliyev “Independent Azerbaijan Republic will live and becomes model of democratic principles, human freedom, democratic reforms” there were made decisive steps in the field of development of democracy, protection of citizen’s rights, freedom of speech and so on.
Prestigious magazine of great Britain “The Business Year” published a detailed article on World Economic Forum, held April 7-8, in Baku on the topic: “Strategic Dialoque on the future of South Caucasus and Central Asia”. In the article entitled “World Economic Forum in Baku” said that world’s most prestigious economists are brought together to make discussions on economic integration to bring once more the importance of new “Silk Road” to the attention of world community. According to Klaus Schwab founder and executive director of World Economic Forum, conducting of the Forum in Baku is an important step. He said that Azerbaijanis a small world which represents a wide range of opportunities in various methods. Owing to the correct use of natural resourse potential there have been achieved great economic growth in the country for recent years. At the same time, the success has been gained due to successful and skillful use of these resources in diversifying country’s economy.
In the frame of “Selections from Asia” program aired at Japan “NHK” television channel there were given detailed information on “Azerbaijan – country of natural resources located on Caspian Sea cost” program to Japaneze audience about Azerbaijan, which developed rapidly in recent years and has become a leading state of the region. It was noted that as a result of effective use of country’s hydrocarbon resources Azerbaijan government has achieved great success. Magnificent view of giant “Flame Tower”, and spurts of flame on it, has been caracterized as a symbol of the country.
Well-known journalist, international commentator of NHK channel Iciyo Ishikava on the basis of data obtained during his visits to Azerbaijan, beginning from the 90-s of last century informed audience about energetic policy of our country. I.Ishikava informed about BakuTbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline which has become a re-
ality as a result of “Contract of the Century” signed in 1994 despite multiple obstacles. Journalist underlined, that pipeline, constructed for 10 years has important role in transportation of natural resources of Caspian sea to European market. He noted that increase of production due to the transportation of a diversified natural resources, stimulated more profits and unprecedented development of Azerbaijan. It was noted that, despite the state of war with Armenia, Azerbaijan is developing rapidly.
Reminding with great pleasure his participation in Second International Humanitarian Forum in October this year I.Ishikava stressed that, having seen during his visit six years later in Azerbaijan amazed him. Ishikava said: “Beauty, rapid development of Baku, as well as regions of Azerbaijan amazed me. Now whole Baku looked like great construction site. Government of Azerbaijan safely carry out major infrastucture projects in Baku and regions of the country. Hotels are being built to meet the highest standards, transport infrastructure are rapidly developing.”
An article of Andrew Widmer about Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabach conflict was published in “Die Wochenzeitung” - prestigious Sweden newspaper. Especially, in the arti- cle attention was paid to Alkhanly and Ashagy Abdurrahmanly villages of Fizuly region, as well as Hassanqaya village of Tartar region which are situated on the frontline; described current situation, daily life of villagers, the dangers faced by the population as a result of violations of the ceasefire, the consequences of the occupation policy of Armenia, the complete destruction of the infrastructure, territories to be plundered.
In the part of the article “Regional centers under the control of the enemy” underlined the fact that 62 settlements of Fizuly region were occupied as a result of aggressive policy of Armenia, and center of the region located in the area controlled by the enemy. Journalist writing about frontline Azerbaijan villages reminded nine-year-old Fariz Badalov, killed by the enemy bullet, when he was playing in the yard of the house. In the other section of the article, named “Forgotten Conflict”, Sweden journalist skillfully showed moments of life and incurred sufferings of displaced people. The author of the article said, that mediation role of OSCE Minsk Group did not produce any results, prognoses of experts on the possibility of re- ignition the conflict, and Nagorno Karabakh, as well as seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan are still under the occupation.