THE WORLD FOCUSES ON BAKU FOR EUROVISION 2012
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CULTURE | BUSINESS | PUBLIC AFFAIRS
03 / 2012 (Photo: Andres Putting – EBU)
THE WORLD FOCUSES ON BAKU FOR EUROVISION 2012
Also in this issue:
Six Azerbaijanis killed in Nagorno-Karabakh
Hillary Clinton condemns upsurge in violence
EU Ambassador Roland Kobia acknowledges Azerbaijan’s development
Achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic remembered
06 / 2012
New Nabucco pipeline variant gains widespread support www.teas.eu
www.teas.eu June 2012
Welcome to The European Azerbaijan Society
The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a pan-European organisation dedicated to promoting Azerbaijani culture, business and public
affairs to international audiences. TEAS is also actively involved in helping create a sense of community amongst expatriate Azerbaijanis.
TEAS was launched in November 2008, having initially been established as the London Azerbaijan Society four years earlier. The organisation
now has offices in the UK, Belgium, France and Germany, together with a representative office in Azerbaijan.
TEAS has three main façets 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 region.
• Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinion formers, key decision-makers and other
political, academic and civil society stakeholders.
TEAS is focused on achieving the following:
• The establishment of strong links between key Azerbaijani and European stakeholders, thereby helping Azerbaijan to integrate fully
into the European family of nations.
• Strengthening ties between Azerbaijan and key economic, political and social structures across Europe.
• The promotion of Azerbaijan as a modern, secular, Western-facing country with tremendous economic opportunities and a strong
cultural heritage.
• Creating a community spirit amongst expatriate Azerbaijanis in Europe.
• Increasing awareness of the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the plight of the 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs).
Newsletter TEAS is always bringing the latest news, views and interviews on all aspects of Azerbaijan, and
is launching a biweekly free e-newsletter. To find out more, please sign up at www.teas.eu.
Forthcoming Azerbaijani events
27 June
Dickens in Azerbaijani
The Poetry Café, 22, Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX
19.00hrs. Admission Free.
In order to celebrate the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth, Gruntlers’ Theatre Ltd will present readings and performances of excerpts
from his most renowned novels, including some in Azerbaijani translations. Speakers will include Sanan Aliyev, Peter Stanford and Geraldine
Beskin. E-mail: dparry777@hotmail.com for further details.
28 June
Azerbaijan – Image and Reality
The Thai Theatre, New Academic Building, London School of Economics, 54 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LJ
18.30hrs. Admission Free.
Organised by the Caspian Information Centre (CIC), this seminar is intended to give a fuller account of Azerbaijan’s achievements since
becoming an independent sovereign state. The main speaker will be Gerald Frost, Director, CIC, who will be joined by Dr Shirin Akiner, Senior
Lecturer, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). To register, please e-mail: RSVP@caspianinfo.com.
Outreach and Engagement Membership
The TEAS Facebook page is your chance to learn about the TEAS offers a range of corporate and individual membership
latest TEAS news, events, campaigns and other items of packages, providing such benefits as advertising, networking,
interest to the Azerbaijani community. Please ‘like’ the page travel discounts and assistance with visas. To find out more,
at http://on.fb.me. e-mail: membership@teas.eu
Latest Members Media Partner
printed by
www.turquoisemedia.eu
Please see website for more members
June 2012 www.teas.eu
Political News 03
Hillary Clinton reiterated calls for calm during her press conference alongside Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister (Photo: US State Department)
Clinton condemns for the central role that Azerbaijan plays in diversify European markets so that customers
violence escalation efforts to diversify supplies of oil and gas
as well as the routes over which they are
are not manipulated by those other actors in
the region with the objective of monopolising
During her second visit to Azerbaijan, Hillary transported. The US supports Azerbaijan’s energy and delivery. The pipelines have built
Clinton, US Secretary-of-State, commented goal of establishing a Southern Corridor for eco-security, but also political security for
on the upsurge in violence on the Nagorno- natural gas exports to Europe – a crucial link Azerbaijan, and that is good for the US and
Karabakh ‘contact line’ on 4–5 June, which that will solidify Azerbaijan’s ties to the Euro- for the region.”
allegedly claimed the lives of five Azerbaijanis Atlantic community. And I look forward to
and three Armenians. even deeper co-operation in this area.”
Azerbaijani progress
Azerbaijan – a good highlighted by EU
Speaking to reporters following a speech by
Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister, she explained: “Regarding security, Ambassador Kobia
I reiterated my appreciation for Azerbaijan’s friend and ally to the US
past contributions in Iraq and Kosovo and its During an event dedicated to commemorating On 17 May in Baku, Ambassador Roland
vital ongoing work in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijani–US Kobia, Head of the EU Delegation to
is essential to the transportation of troops relations, Congressman Ted Poe commented: Azerbaijan, held a press conference. This
and non-lethal supplies that support the “I represent the second district of Texas, was partially dedicated to the publication of
international effort in Afghanistan. Today, which runs into the border between Texas and the Progress Report on Azerbaijan within the
we discussed the continuing important the Louisiana border – constituting the energy framework of the European Neighbourhood
role of the Northern Distribution Network capital of the US. Oil was first discovered there Policy. During his speech, Ambassador
and emphasised supporting the Afghan in 1901, and many large US oil companies Kobia underlined the important work and
people after 2014 when they transition to full originated there. What happened in Texas achievements undertaken by Azerbaijan
responsibility for security. served to transform an agricultural community within the Azerbaijan–EU Action Plan.
into one based around oil and gas.
“We also had in-depth discussions about Ambassador Kobia emphasised that
Nagorno-Karabakh, including the most recent “It’s an honour for me to address this issue the Progress Report noted Azerbaijan’s
incidents and deaths along the ‘contact on Azerbaijan as, like Texas, the country achievements in the domains of the economy,
line’. As I said earlier this week in Yerevan, retains its energy enthusiasm. This presents a poverty reduction, adoption of the new
I am deeply concerned about the danger common bond with Azerbaijan and its attitude Customs Code, monetary and financial
of escalating tension, which could have about energy and developing resources. stability, increased trade turnover with the
unpredictable and disastrous consequences. Baku was amongst the original 19th Century EU, energy co-operation, and harmonisation
This cycle of violence and retaliation must boom towns. Then the Soviets came in, shut with the EU regarding the prevention of crime,
end, and everyone should work to keep the down the freedom of capitalism, and the old money-laundering and terrorism. He also
peace and comply with the obligations under Soviet régime mentality destroyed an industry. welcomed Azerbaijan’s achievements in the
the 1994 ceasefire agreement. I have stressed I firmly believe that economic and political fight against corruption, and its developments
to President Aliyev that the US is prepared to freedom ranks amongst the God-given rights in trade, the judiciary, and prison hygiene.
do whatever it can to help reach a settlement that have been returned to Azerbaijan.
based upon the principles of the Helsinki With regard to the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Final Act. And I have asked the President, as I “I visited the Soviet Union and Eastern conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and the
have asked the President of Armenia, to work Europe, and understand how Azerbaijan seven surrounding regions, Kobia noted his
together to exercise restraint and to take the used to be. Our two countries have grown support for the efforts of the OSCE Minsk
steps necessary for peace, not conflict. closer since Azerbaijan regained its Group. However, the European Commission
independence, and the country is now both acknowledged that the OSCE Minsk Group
“Regarding energy, the US works closely politically and economically independent. In had not achieved its objective of achieving
with Azerbaijan on energy security. This is a 2006, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline a peaceful solution to the conflict. The EU
common strategic interest for both countries, started carrying Azerbaijani oil to Turkey. has recently initiated the creation of a new
and one of the great global challenges of our As an outsider, I encourage the relationship position – that of a special ambassador,
time. Today, I briefly visited the Caspian Oil between Turkey and Azerbaijan, as this whose mission is to focus on the Nagorno-
and Gas Show, and I conveyed to the President serves to enhance relations in the region and Karabakh conflict.
and Foreign Minister our great appreciation with the US. It is in both countries’ interests to
www.teas.eu June 2012
04 Political News
there was considerable turbulence across entire Muslim East. The Parliament included
Azerbaijani the former Russian Empire, and the only way representatives from the main ethnic groups
President
for Azerbaijanis to stop this violence was in the country.
Aliyev
placed a to establish their own State and National
wreath at the Army. On 28 May 1918, the Muslim National International recognition of the ADR was
monument to
the ADR in
Council held its opening sitting in Tiflis, and soon achieved and, on 11 January 1920,
Baku adopted the Declaration on Independence, the Supreme Council of the Paris Peace
which proclaimed the establishment of the Conference resolved to recognise the
independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic independence of Azerbaijan. During its brief
(ADR) in south and southeast Transcaucasia. period of existence, the leadership of the
This became the first Constitutional Act in the ADR managed to create a well-operated state
history of Azerbaijan, affirming Azerbaijani machine, establishing relations with more than
statehood. On 16 June, the national council 20 countries. On 26 June, the government
Azerbaijani Republic and the cabinet of the ADR were relocated established the Azerbaijani Armed Forces,
Day remembered to Ganja – the second biggest Azerbaijani
city. The primary goal of the government
and amongst the achievements of the ADR
were the granting of the franchise to all
The achievements of the Azerbaijan was to liberate Baku and the other cities of men and women over the age of 18 years,
Democratic Republic (ADR) were Azerbaijan from Armenian and Bolshevik predating such developments in the UK and
commemorated on 25 May in London during occupation. US; the separation of legislative, executive
an event organised by the Embassy of the and judicial powers; the opening of Baku
Republic of Azerbaijan to the UK, held at Following the successful liberation of Baku and University; and the receiving of government
Baku Restaurant in Sloane Street. Around other cities by the Caucasian Islamic Army, scholarships to study in leading European
200 Peers, MPs, Diplomats and friends of comprising Azerbaijani and Turkish troops, universities. Unfortunately, the ADR only
Azerbaijan attended the event. Republic Day the capital of the ADR moved from Ganja to lasted for 23 months, its life being curtailed
was subsequently celebrated in Azerbaijan Baku. On 7 December 1918, the first session by the occupation of Azerbaijan by the Red
on 28 May. of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) Army on 28 April 1920.
was held, being the first parliament based on
Following the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, democratic principles to be established in the
The lunch gave Azerbaijani students in Brussels a chance to exchange opinions and meet H.E. Emin Eyyubov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium (sixth from right)
NEWS FROM
BRUSSELS Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Belgium,
explained: “These young, talented
In the future, TEAS Belgium will continue
to promote this type of dialogue, playing
In order to celebrate the end of the Belgian Azerbaijanis lived in Belgium for a year, a leading role in promoting constructive
academic year, TEAS Belgium has gathered and studied at various faculties in the most dialogue by organising Azerbaijani events
a number of Azerbaijani students for lunch prestigious Belgian universities. In its role as to raise awareness of the unique, rich and
in the presence of H.E. Emin Eyyubov, an information platform, TEAS has brought varied culture of Azerbaijan and the South
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium, and together these exceptional people and Caucasus.
Head of Mission to the EU. facilitated the exchange of ideas between
these young Azerbaijanis, all of whom have
The initiative was undertaken to facilitate a most promising professional career ahead NEWS IN BRIEF
an exchange of views between 15 students of them.”
from the College of Europe in Bruges and the Aliyev meets Cameron
Free University of Brussels (VUB) regarding For many years, Azerbaijani students have On the sidelines of the NATO meeting in Chicago,
their experiences and impressions from their come to Belgium to study, thereby promoting Azerbaijani President Aliyev met UK Prime
time in the city. The students were invited to educational and cultural exchange between Minister David Cameron. During their meeting,
a lunch buffet in order to share perspectives the two countries and with EU institutions. they praised the development of bilateral
on their stay in Belgium. TEAS’ aim was to Indeed, Brussels, as a European capital, relations between the two countries, expressing
promote fruitful dialogue between these hosting the main EU bodies, provides a confidence regarding their further development
bright Azerbaijani students, who are destined unique experience for young professionals and co-operation. Noting the fruitful results of
to become tomorrow’s policy-makers. aiming to participate in European policy- UK–Azerbaijani energy co-operation, the sides
building. commented on the joint efforts of Azerbaijani and
Ambassador Eyyubov commented: “Today, British oil companies, in particular BP, regarding
young people have so many opportunities. Gunel Naghiyeva, Student at the College of realisation of the proposed Southern Corridor of
If bright Azerbaijani youths are present in Europe in Bruges remarked: “We thank TEAS pipelines, which will bring Caspian resources to
Belgium, this offers them a unique vision on for this initiative. My fellow students and I are Europe. They also discussed the current state
Belgium, the EU and the world. It helps them very grateful about this chance to share our of Afghanistan and how they will co-operate to
to fulfil their ambitions and spread the voice visions with experienced people in order to establish peace and safety in that country.
of Azerbaijan.” understand what our future could bring.”
June 2012 www.teas.eu
TEAS AROUND EUROPE: FRANCE 05
TEAS France highlighted the incredible story of Yvonne Botto-Shirmmamadova, who returned to France after 63 years
During the past three years TEAS has opened that, for the last 20 years, 875,000 Azerbaijanis the return to her homeland. This story made
branches located in Baku, Berlin, Brussels have been internally displaced persons headlines in the French media. TEAS is
and Paris. Each has different strategic (IDPs) or refugees. Whilst France and other currently preparing a television documentary
objectives and is experiencing challenges Western European nations were busy dealing on her life.
that are specific to its political environment. with the tragedies and aftermath of the Balkan
This piece takes a glance at TEAS France, wars in the 1990s, it is also important to To what extent are the realities of
where TEAS Magazine spoke to Eliza Pieter remind the French nation that, not so far away the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict fully
and Christine Blumauer: from their borders, other tragedies were also understood in your country?
taking place, the consequences of which are I readily confess that there is considerable
Why was it important for TEAS to establish still being felt 20 years later. Little has been work ahead in explaining the location of
an office in Paris? undertaken over the past two decades to Nagorno-Karabakh and the realities of the
TEAS’ main objective is to raise awareness address this issue. conflict. There is a great deal of confusion
about Azerbaijan to European audiences. We as to who invaded whom, and simply a total
realised that, overall, Azerbaijan is relatively What are the challenges in your country? absence of knowledge on this issue. However,
unknown in France. Opening an office in Paris The first challenge is to put Azerbaijan on I must admit that there is a real eagerness
represents the first step towards informing the the map. The name of the country itself is from the stakeholders I have met to learn and
French people about the great opportunities often mistaken for other countries in Central understand more. There is also a marked wish
Azerbaijan has to offer and the links that Asia, whereas Azerbaijan lies in the South to understand why the populations of Armenia
can be created between both nations. It was Caucasus. Then, it is no secret to say that a and Azerbaijan, who lived side by side for
imperative for TEAS to establish an office in number of French citizens are of Armenian centuries, became enemies almost overnight.
France, due to that country’s important role on origin (500,000–800,000 people) and it can
an international level. Also, France is one of the become increasingly difficult to voice the How would you describe your country’s
Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, tasked opinion of Azerbaijan when, for decades, relationship with Azerbaijan?
with establishing a peaceful solution to the France has had close ties with Armenia and I would say France has a good relationship
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno- only heard its side of the story. with Azerbaijan, but this needs to be stepped
Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions. up. It is true that, since Azerbaijan regained
TEAS’ presence in France plays an important What type of events are you organising to its independence in 1991, there have been
role in shedding new light on this conflict. alter existing conceptions of Azerbaijan? several reciprocal state visits. The former
We are organising events focusing on themes President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, visited
What are the main objectives for your that may be of interest for different audiences. Azerbaijan last October, but this visit was very
office? For example, soon after we had launched the short. We are hopeful that the new French
The main objectives are to bring Azerbaijan office, TEAS collaborated with a European President, François Hollande, will take an
closer to the consciousness of the French think-tank to organise a cinema night, interest in the region and visit Azerbaijan
people. We cannot blame them for having focusing on the screening of an Azerbaijani early in his mandate. Frédéric Mitterrand,
insufficient information about Azerbaijan if film. We also organised a roundtable on former French Minister of Culture, paid a visit
they are not given the requisite tools to learn energy in conjunction with another think- to Azerbaijan last March, reiterating that both
more about the country. It is vital for TEAS tank specialising on that topic, in order to countries are extremely eager to share their
France to develop its events and activities to draw attention to the current and future role national heritage.
showcase the diversity of Azerbaijan in terms of Azerbaijan in achieving European energy
of what it has to offer, both culturally and supply diversification. On the business front, ties are also thriving,
economically. Azerbaijan frequently suffers and French businesses are marking an
from stereotypes or misconceptions, and TEAS France also managed to find the traces increased interest in the country, being eager
our aim is to break those and reflect the true of Yvonne Botto-Shirmmamadova, a French for more information on the possibilities
nature of the country. lady who married an Azerbaijani soldier of sharing their expertise. TEAS France is
in 1947 and decided to follow him back to very much looking forward to organising
We also want to draw the attention of Soviet Azerbaijan. Love, politics and history increasing numbers of events on all aspects
public opinion and decision-makers to a conspired to make her return to France of Azerbaijan in France!
humanitarian tragedy that has been all too impossible. After 63 years of absence from
often overlooked, that is the consequences France, TEAS searched for her relatives in To contact TEAS France,
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the fact France and organised everything to facilitate e-mail: paris@teas.eu.
www.teas.eu June 2012
06 Nagorno-Karabakh
The OIC
reiterated its
The spokesman said the Azerbaijani side
staunch support
for the Azerbaijani highly appreciated this support, stating:
position during “This declaration shows that NATO continues
its meeting in
Ashgabat
to demonstrate its fair position. Several
countries, including the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chair countries of France and the US,
also signed the declaration.” The summit was
attended by Azerbaijani President Aliyev, but
not by Armenian President Sargsyan.
explain: “However, they sustained casualties
OIC requests the return and retreated.” Four Azerbaijani soldiers were The Declaration states: “We remain committed
of Azerbaijani IDPs and killed in the fighting. in our support of the territorial integrity,
independence, and sovereignty of Armenia,
refugees The fifth Azerbaijani soldier was killed in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova, and will
a separate shooting incident in the Qazax continue to back efforts towards achieving
The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation district, the Ministry said, without giving a peaceful settlement of these regional
(OIC) has requested that Azerbaijani internally details. The Armenian Defence Ministry conflicts, based upon these principles and
displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees accused Azerbaijani forces of attempting an the norms of international law, the UN Charter,
should be permitted to return to their homes. incursion across the border. Hillary Clinton and the Helsinki Final Act.”
According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, commented: “I am very concerned by these
the comments were made in the Ashgabat incidents and have called on all parties, all Lithuania seeks deeper
Resolution, adopted during the organisation’s
international conference, entitled Refugees
actors, to refrain from the use or threat of
force. There is a danger that it could escalate
EU involvement in the
in the Muslim World, which took place in the into a much broader conflict that would be South Caucasus
Turkmen capital on 11–12 May. very tragic for everyone concerned.”
Audronius Ažubalis, Lithuanian Foreign
The adopted document recalls the resolutions This was followed by the death of a sixth Minister, has revealed that Lithuania is
and documents of the Council of Foreign Azerbaijani on 8 June, when a landmine a strong proponent for more extensive
Ministers on the Aggression of the Republic of explosion killed 19-year-old Saadatdin EU involvement in the South Caucasus
Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mammadov. According to Teymur Abdullayev, region. Speaking to Eurodialogue.org, he
expressing concern over the plight of 875,000 Spokesman, Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, commented: “We regard the EU Eastern
Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees expelled the incident occurred on the ‘contact line’ Partnership as an indispensable instrument
from the occupied territories in and around in the direction of the Tovuz region. The from which to develop relations with Armenia,
Nagorno-Karabakh and their subsequent Goranboy Region Military Commissariat had Azerbaijan and Georgia.
humanitarian problems. conscripted Mammadov into military service.
Following this, two Azerbaijani officers were “Lithuania fully supports closer South
The document concludes: “We call for the severely injured in mine blasts near Goranboy Caucasus rapprochement with the EU,
Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees to return to on 11 June. Zafir Mammadov, Chief, including negotiations on Association and
their homes in safety, honour and dignity, Azerbaijani Military Engineering Service lost Visa Facilitation agreements. As a holder of
and reaffirm our total solidarity and support a leg, whereas Ilgar Verdiyev, Departmental the EU Presidency in the second half of 2013,
for the efforts undertaken by the Azerbaijani Commander for the same section, lost an arm. Lithuania will support political association and
government and people of Azerbaijan to further economic integration between the EU
Clause in NATO
this end.” The OIC also demanded the full and interested partner countries, including
Chicago Declaration
implementation of the relevant OIC, UN
General Assembly and UN Security Council
closer economic ties and increased mobility.”
resolutions. supports Azerbaijani Ažubalis recognised that the persistence
of protracted conflicts remains one of the
Armenian forces shoot perspective greatest threats to security and co-operation
five Azerbaijani troops Elman Abdullayev, Spokesman, Azerbaijani
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has commented
within the OSCE area. He said: “With regard to
Nagorno-Karabakh, we have worked closely
The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry has accused that the Final Declaration of the NATO with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and
Armenia of violating its border and shooting Chicago Summit accurately reflects the made our contribution towards preventing
dead five of its soldiers. According to reports, progress of negotiations regarding settlement the volatile situation in and around Nagorno-
Armenian ‘saboteurs’ killed four soldiers in of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Karabakh from worsening.”
one incident, with a fifth Azerbaijani soldier
being shot dead in another. Hillary Clinton, Abdullayev explained that the opinions He noted that a joint statement was agreed
US Secretary-of-State, who was visiting the of Edward Nalbandian, Armenian Foreign by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Countries
South Caucasus at the time, went on to call Minister, could potentially damage the with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign
for restraint. negotiation process regarding the settlement Ministers in the margins of the Vilnius
of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Ministerial Council on 6 December, where the
A statement from the Azerbaijani Defence Nagorno-Karabakh. He explained: “Such heads of delegations agreed on the need to
Ministry explained that an “Armenian sabotage statements by the Armenian Foreign Minister continue the negotiation process in the format
group” had tried to enter Azerbaijani military are completely baseless. This article of the OSCE Minsk Group and improve the
positions at around 06:30hrs on 5 June in absolutely corresponds with the L’Aquila and climate towards achieving peaceful conflict
the village of Asagi Askipara, in the Qazax Muskoka declarations, negotiations process, resolution.
district of western Azerbaijan. It went on to and updated Madrid Principles.”
June 2012 www.teas.eu
Nagorno-Karabakh 07
inform the public communities, governmental
and non-governmental organisations of the
countries in which they reside about the
crimes perpetrated by Armenians against the
people, history and culture of Azerbaijan.”
Armenian actions
regarding Shusha
remain provocative
Despite the outrage of Azerbaijanis across
the world, the Armenian army held a military
parade on 9 May in Khankendi, Nagorno-
Karabakh, to commemorate the 20th
anniversary of invading Shusha. This was
Many historic mosques in Shusha have been neglected and vandalised during the 20 years of occupation attended by Bako Sahakyan, President of the
occupying force; Armenian President Serzh
Shusha remembered Sargsyan; and Karekin II, Catholicos of All
On 19 May, a solemn remembrance took Palace and the statues to Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Armenians, amongst others.
place at Azerbaijan House, Shoreditch, composer of Layla and Majnun, the first opera
London, entitled Remembering Shusha, of the Muslim East (1908) and the famous Sahakyan commented: “We liberated Shusha,
attended by H.E. Fakhraddin Gurbanov, singer Bulbul. The scenes were juxtaposed our ancient fortress, a cultural and spiritual
Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, and with recent, covertly-taken, photos of centre that had been in captivity for years,
Dr Ali Atalar, Chairman, Azerbaijan House, occupied Shusha, showing the devastation that is reviving and getting a new breath of
amongst others. This commemorated the wreaked upon these unique Azerbaijani life today. In this sense, the defence army,
20th anniversary of the occupation of Shusha, constructions. the most important guarantor of our nation’s
the largest town in Nagorno-Karabakh, by freedom, security, pride and achievements,
Armenian forces on 9 May 1992. The event Ambassador Gurbanov commented: “It is now was formed.” Armenian President Sargsyan
began with a video on the Khojaly Massacre, 20 years since the occupation of Shusha. This remained belligerent: “Victory in the Great
issued by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, is particularly painful for Azerbaijanis, as the Patriotic War opened new opportunities for
which explained the systematic relocation of town was the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, development of our nation. It was a historic
Armenians to the South Caucasus under the and home to such musicians as Hajibeyli and opportunity that allowed Armenia and its
Tsarist Russian Empire, the attempts to gain Bulbul and the poetess Natavan. As could people in the following years and decades to
territory to form the ‘Great Armenia’ and the be seen in the film, the panorama of the city register impressive achievements in almost
belligerence of the Dashnakian party. It also demonstrates its architecture, surrounded by every area. Our entire nation brought its
explained how Sir Winston Churchill believed the beauties of nature. contribution to the victory through enormous
that Armenians in the region would stem the sacrifice.
spread of Communism. The video went on to “Azerbaijan believes that a peaceful solution
graphically show some of the 613 Massacre is the best way forward. It is most regrettable “On 9 May 1992, the heroic deeds of their
victims. that the Armenian invaders did not preserve grandfathers and fathers were repeated by
out heritage, and inflicted destruction on our modern-day freedom fighters, multiplying the
Following this, a film entitled The Damage ancient buildings. In Azerbaijan, we have a glory and honour of the Armenian army.
Caused to Historical and Cultural Heritage different attitude. Armenian churches are
in the Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan was restored by the state, and they are safe and “The liberation of Shusha once again opened
shown, produced by the Azerbaijani Ministry sound for future generations to appreciate. new doors for our people’s peaceful, creative
of Foreign Affairs. This comprised photos from We will continue the peace process through work and the development of the nation. This
the late 1980s of the most famous buildings diplomacy, and remember those who died in victory too was achieved through the greatest
and monuments in Shusha, such as the Ganja the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.” sacrifice of our people.”
Gates, the Saatly Mosque, Panah Khan’s
Congress of European Armenian forces on 8 May 1992, supported by NEWS IN BRIEF
Azerbaijanis issues the 366th regiment of the former Soviet army.
At least 200 people were killed, 600 were Occupation force holds regular
statement on Shusha wounded, 150 became invalids, 552 children exercises
were orphaned, and more than 20,000 people The defence army of the occupying force in
The Berlin-based Congress of European became refugees and internally displaced Nagorno-Karabakh will continue to hold regular
Azerbaijanis has issued a statement persons (IDPs).” military exercises, according to Senor Hasratyan,
addressed to Azerbaijanis living in Europe Press Secretary for the occupying forces. The
to commemorate the 20th anniversary of The document was signed by Samira statement was made in response to reports in
the occupation of Shusha. According to the Patzer-Ismailova, President, Congress of the Azerbaijani media that Armenian forces are
Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with European Azerbaijanis, and continued: “The conducting exercises using heavy artillery in
Diaspora, the document says: “Shusha, Congress of European Azerbaijanis calls on the Shahbulag Mountain and Uzundere areas.
currently held under Armenian occupation, international organisations to demand that Hasratyan explained: “Along the lines of the
has a particular position in Azerbaijani Armenia should withdraw its forces from the annual plan, the ‘Defence Army’ subdivisions
history. Founded by Panah Khan, the founder occupied lands of Azerbaijan. The congress undertake regular exercises in order to enhance
of the Karabakh Khanate, it was occupied by also calls on all Azerbaijanis in Europe to their combat-readiness.”
www.teas.eu June 2012
08 Business News
as possible, SEEP would be pieced together
like a jigsaw, using mainly existing pipelines.
The second contender is a scaled-down
version of Nabucco, known as Nabucco
West. Shorter than its 3,900km forebear, this
would start at Turkey’s border with Bulgaria,
thereafter transporting gas further into central
Europe. BP revealed that the Shah Deniz
partners would choose between these two
options in July.
The winner will move into the next round
against the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), a
project backed by Germany’s E.ON and Swiss
EGL. A final decision will be taken in mid-2013.
Confidence in the original plan for Nabucco
has been ebbing, as investors baulked at
its high cost of around €15bn (£12.1bn).
Hungary’s MOL subsequently stated its
willingness to withdraw from the project,
and there were fears that other consortium
members could adopt a similar policy. Gas
Prime Minister Cameron’s statement stressed Azerbaijan’s future role in ensuring pan-European energy security from Azerbaijan should still be delivered to
Europe under the new plan, but the level of
Prime Minister Cameron the maximum rate of pumping through the supply proposed by BP is expected to be a
recognises Azerbaijan’s pipeline amounted to just over 1m barrels per
day. So far, the BTC pipeline has transported
third of that originally envisaged for Nabucco.
vital economic role 193m tonnes of oil, which have been loaded
into 1870 tankers. Construction of the pipeline Average export price
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has
acknowledged the ongoing role of Azerbaijan
began in April 2003, and it was filled with oil
in May 2005. of Azerbaijani oil
in ensuring the future of international energy increases by 20 per
security. The statement was issued to mark During the first quarter, capital expenditure
the opening of the 19th Caspian Oil and on the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE) gas cent
Gas Exhibition in Baku. He commented: pipeline amounted to $1m (£639,266), with
“Azerbaijan is at the heart of a region whose estimated total capital expenditure for 2012 A correction to the State Budget 2012,
energy resources will play a vital role in at $13.1m (£8.4m). In January–March, the prepared by the Azerbaijani Ministry of
the world economy in the years to come. average capacity of the pipeline amounted to Finance, has led to a change in the budget
Azerbaijan has been playing a central, active 15 million m3. The BTE pipeline is more than forecast for oil prices of 20 per cent, rising from
part in unlocking these resources for the 700km long, and currently used to transport $80 (£51.2) to $100 (£64.8). A government
benefit of all. The landmark intergovernmental the gas produced from the Shah Deniz field in source commented: “Despite the volatility
agreement negotiated late last year, coupled the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea to in world oil prices, and even their tendency
with the announcement of work towards Georgia and Turkey. to lows, an increase in the forecast does
developing the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TAP) not constitute a danger to the state budget.
for the transportation of Shah Deniz gas to New Nabucco variant We’ve already spent almost half a year with
Europe, will help make the Southern Gas
Corridor a reality. confirmed by BP the oil export price at $120 (£77.8) per barrel.
Due to this, even if world oil prices fall to $80,
BP has confirmed that the latest version the average export price of Azerbaijani oil in
“This marks a step change in the diversification of the proposed Nabucco pipeline will 2012 is unlikely to be less than $100 a barrel.”
of European energy supplies. It is also an have considerably more limited scope
important agreement towards enabling than previously anticipated, only reaching The Azerbaijani Ministry of Finance went on
development of the region’s hydrocarbon Europe’s border with Turkey. In a speech on to state that this move would result in the
reserves. We are delighted that BP, the the BP website, Iain Conn, Head, Refining country’s budget increasing by AZN600m
largest single foreign investor in Azerbaijan, and Marketing, BP, revealed that his company (£495.4m). Its profits will amount to AZN17bn
has been so closely involved.” was no longer considering Nabucco as an (£14bn), and expenditure to AZN17.7bn
option for the transportation of 10bn m3 (bcm) (£14.6bn). The budget would also increase,
of gas to Europe per annum. Conn went on to due to additional tax revenues from the oil and
BTE expenditure for reveal that BP was considering two projects non-oil sectors. This budgetary expansion is
2012 estimated at to deliver gas to South and Central Europe,
together with a pipeline across the Adriatic
attributable to the need to cover unforeseen
costs resulting from the restoration of housing
$61.7m Sea to Italy. However, only one of these three and socio-economic infrastructure affected
options would come to fruition. by the earthquake in north-west Azerbaijan
According to BP, the amount of capital on 7 May; additional measures to address the
expenditure on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan BP and the State Oil Company of the consequences of a catastrophic flood of the
(BTC) oil pipeline amounted to $7.1m (£4.6m) Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) favour the Kura and Arax rivers in 2010; and the need to
during the first quarter of this year. Capital South East European Pipeline (SEEP), which eliminate the effects of rising groundwater in
expenditure on the pipeline during 2012 is runs from Turkey’s border with Bulgaria into Baku and its suburbs; together with additional
estimated to total $61.7m (£39.4m). To date, Hungary and Romania. To keep costs as low expenditure on defence and security.
June 2012 www.teas.eu
Business News 09
portfolio in Azerbaijan.” The company has During the meeting in Baku, Abbasov
revealed plans to open seven mines in informed the Mexican side about the latest
western Azerbaijan containing estimated gold developments in the Azerbaijani space
reserves of 430 tonnes, with the objective programme. These are expected to culminate
of increasing annual gold production in with the launch of Azerspace – the first
Azerbaijan to 300,000oz. (8.5 tonnes) by Azerbaijani telecommunications satellite
2015. Anglo-Asian Mining, an AIM-listed – which will enter orbit at the end of 2012.
company, is controlled by R.V. Investment The Mexican delegation also visited the
Group Services, and the Azerbaijani Azerbaijani National Aviation Academy and
It is hoped that the new mine will result in a considerable government owns a 49 per cent stake in its the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory.
increase in Azerbaijani gold production
operations. Anglo-Asian Mining began gold
production at the Gedabek gold and copper
Azerbaijan goes for gold Azerbaijan discusses
mine, 350km west of Baku, in July 2009.
Anglo-Asian Mining has revealed that it
received approval from the Azerbaijani $17bn refinery with
authorities to proceed with development Azerbaijani–Mexican European banks
plans at the Gosha mine, which is anticipated
to produce 10,000–15,000oz. (283.5– space collaboration SOCAR has undertaken talks with European
425.2kg) of gold per annum. The mining The Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications banks, including BNP Paribas (BNP), Société
company revealed that the agreement and Information Technologies is supporting Générale (GLE), UniCredit, and Credit
originally stipulated that it must commence the collaboration between Azerkosmos – Agricole (ACA), regarding the obtaining of
development and production from Gosha the Azerbaijani Space Agency – with the funding for a $17bn (£11bn) refinery and
within one year from 25 April 2012. However, Mexican Space Agency. This follows a petrochemicals complex, according to Tofiq
the company successfully requested that the meeting between Ali Abbasov, Azerbaijani Qahramanov, Vice-President, SOCAR. He
Azerbaijani government should defer this Minister of Communications and Information went on to reveal that 30–40 per cent would
until the first half of 2013, when the agitation Technologies (ICT), and Javier Mendieta, be provided by the state, with the remainder
leaching plant at the neighbouring Gedabek General Director, Mexican Space Agency. coming from foreign lenders.
mine, also operated by Anglo-Asian, is
commissioned. This will significantly enhance Abbasov commented: “The development Qahramanov commented that construction of
gold recovery efficiency. of political and economic relations between the oil and gas refineries would start in mid-
the two countries is positively affecting the 2013, being used to process an estimated
Reza Vaziri, CEO, Anglo-Asian Mining, establishment of co-operation over ICT issues. 10bcm of natural gas and 10m tonnes of oil
commented: “Receiving approval to push This is necessary to encourage the mutual per annum. He also revealed that the refinery,
ahead with the development of Gosha is investment opportunities of Azerbaijani and scheduled for commissioning in 2017, could
the next step towards fulfilling our strategy Mexican companies in the ICT sector, which be used to refine Russian and Kazakh oil, in
of building a multiple gold mine company, play an important role in expanding the addition to that from Azerbaijan.
unlocking the intrinsic value of our large markets of both countries.”
Hg2 | BAKU
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www.teas.eu February
June 2012
10 Culture
Mugham brought to the
South Bank
On 18 May, the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth
Hall, located at the epicentre of London’s
cultural life on the South Bank, resounded
to the meditative and passionate sound of
Azerbaijani mugham in a concert sponsored
by TEAS. Following an introduction by
Lucy Duran, presenter of the BBC Radio 3
programme World Routes, Gochag Askarov
and his Ensemble of accomplished musicians
performed a wide range of evocative
traditional compositions, including Dastgah
Bayati Shiraz, an extended piece, and Mahur
Mugham, with which Gochag previously
achieved first prize at the Samarqand Festival
in Uzbekistan in 2009. They also played some
shorter vocal rhythmical pieces, known as
Tasnifs, and an instrumental composition in
brio (virtuoso) style, in front of the attentive
multinational audience of around 120 people.
Exuberant Swedish entrant Loreen won Eurovision 2012 with her song Euphoria (photo Andres Putting – ENU)
Having performed to wide acclaim at the
All eyes on Azerbaijan for Eurovision 2012 WOMAD Festivals in the UK, New Zealand
and Australia, vocalist Gochag Askarov has
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 last. The Russian entry, Party for Everybody, cut several CDs and appeared in the TEAS-
took place in the newly-constructed Crystal by the Buranovskiye Babushki, featured six produced award winning film The Mystical
Hall in Baku on 26 May, before an audience traditionally-dressed grandmothers, singing Music of Mugham Comes to Montana, which
of 23,000 in the hall and an estimated 160m and dancing to a disco beat. This concluded may be viewed at https://teas.eu/content/
viewers across the world, making it the world’s with the performers pulling a sheet of cookies films. He is renowned as one of the foremost
most-watched non-sporting event. out of an oven. They finished a distant second living exponents of classical mugham, with a
behind the Swedish winning entry, entitled voice of unmatched purity and passion.
This year’s contest was the farthest east the Euphoria, performed by Loreen.
contest had been held since it was established
in 1956. Due to the three time-zone difference The Azerbaijani entry – When the Music Dies
between Baku and central Europe, the event – performed by Sabina Babayeva, which
got underway at midnight local time and featured the renowned mugham singer Alim
lasted well into Sunday morning, so that it Qasimov, came in a very respectable fourth The passion of Gochag Askarov’s marvellous voice
captivated all those in attendance
could take place during primetime in Central place. Entertainment during the scoring
Europe. With 26 acts, the finals also featured process was provided by Azerbaijani rock Azerbaijani mugham is a highly complex
the largest Eurovision field, to date. star Emin, who premiered his new song Never art form that combines classical poetry with
Enough from the forthcoming CD After the musical improvisation. Mugham is performed
Following the fireworks in Baku harbour and a Thunder. according to a modal system although,
performance by the State Dance Ensemble, unlike Western modes, the mugham modes
UK entrant Engelbert Humperdink, aged 76 The final results were based on a 50:50 split are associated both with scales and an
years, who is best-known for the late 1960s between the decisions of a jury and telephone orally-transmitted collection of melodies and
No.1 pop hits Release Me and The Last Waltz, voting from television viewers, who could not melodic fragments that performers use during
was the competition’s opening act, starting vote for their home country. Loreen garnered their improvisations. The dramatic unfolding
things off with a subdued ballad entitled Love a near-record 372 points, and in 2013 the of the composition is typically associated
Will Set You Free that did not go over well contest will be held in Stockholm for the sixth with increasing intensity and rising pitches,
with voters – he ended up finishing second to time. and a form of poetic-musical communication
develops between performers and initiated
Socialist realist evocations of Baku on the UK market listeners.
The East Hill Gallery in London ranks Enough, organised under the auspices of Three major schools of mugham performance
amongst the UK’s foremost showcases for the East Hill Gallery. This will include two developed in the late 19th and early 20th
20th Century Russian Art. The owner is Olga rarely-seen paintings from the major Russian centuries, emanating from the regions of
Mamonova Baker, a leading collector and artist Mikhail Kazansky (1932–2003), some of Karabakh, Shirvan, and Baku. In particular,
exhibitor of 20th Century Russian art who is whose works are included in the prestigious the town of Shusha, in the Nagorno-Karabakh
also the author of 20th Century Russian Art: State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. The two oil region, was renowned for the quality of its
An Intimate World of Impressionist Painting. paintings, taken from the Caspian Oil Fields instrumentalists, singers and composers.
series from the 1950s are The Houses on In 2003, the United Nations Educational,
From 7–21 June, the Julian Hartnoll Gallery in the Pier and Oil Fields of the Caspian Sea, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
37 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y portraying the Oil Rocks development. recognised mugham as a Masterpiece of
6DF, will play host to an exhibition entitled the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Russian and British Art: The World is Not To find out more, e-mail: baker.rusart@virgin.net. Humanity.
June 2012 www.teas.euCulture 11
Azerbaijani entrant Sabina Babayeva gave an impassioned performance (Photo: Thomas Hanses – EBU)
Baku: Finding the the questions started to arrive in May 2011 all the way towards the city. People were sat
balance between old about Baku and Azerbaijan, I realised that
actually this had been a very clever move, as
outside in these parks at ten in the evening,
letting their children play and watching the
and new those of us who previously attended were able world go by.
to impart some factual information, intrigue
by Luke Fisher, Chief Editor, escXtra.com developed regarding the 2012 location.
The questions about Baku ranged from the
When Azerbaijan won the 2011 Eurovision ridiculous, such as “Are there hotels?” to
Song Contest, there was immediately a sense more interested queries regarding the food,
of the unknown in the Düsseldorf press centre. or vague enquiries, for example, “What’s
Most Eurovision journalists knew that it would Baku like?”
be the most easterly contest to date, and that
Baku would be the host city. However, it would My overwhelming memory of Baku in 2008 can
be fair to say that there was quite a lot of be summed up in one word – construction. The
angst outweighing the excitement of visiting city was noticeably being rebuilt and restored
a new country. in many areas, with smart new buildings being
erected where old Soviet tower blocks once
Azerbaijan isn’t exactly top of the holiday stood. I can remember that we were taken to
destinations list for most Europeans, and lunch at the top of the Radisson Hotel, with
very little was known to Eurovision fans about a spectacular view over the city, witnessing
the country; apart from “Good evening, this just how much construction work was being
is Baku calling” during the scoring, usually undertaken.
accompanied by a backdrop of the city from
above and invariably fireworks going off over Fast-forward 12 months, and the Eurovision
the bay. Enter a small group of people who Song Contest had moved in to Baku. A brand
did know what it was like in Azerbaijan. new 23,000 seat arena was constructed on an
area of land that was a distant mark on the
In 2008, I was one of a 15 or so strong landscape of my 2008 pictures, and the city
group who were invited to Baku by Ictimai was adorned with billboards emblazoned with The Russian Buranovskiye Babushki were a favourite to win
amongst Eurovision pundits (Photo: Thomas Hanses – EBU)
Television to attend the inaugural Eurovision the 2012 logo and motto Light your fire. Upon
national selection contest to be organised landing at Baku airport, I immediately noticed
in Azerbaijan. This was the first year that that the airport had been given a facelift As we embarked on our fortnight in the city,
Azerbaijan participated in the event, since my last visit, but also that there was still I began to notice just how momentous the
becoming the third Caucasian country to join construction going on, with work on a new changes to the city were – much more than
in successive years. At the time, we thought terminal already being underway. The main I’d first imagined. I had previously stayed at
that it was very nice of the Azerbaijanis roads to the city had not only been rebuilt the Park Inn Hotel by the seafront, next to
to invite us over to witness their selection (or at the very least, relaid), but new modern Freedom Square. Whilst the Square and its
process, and that they wanted to bring some buildings had sprung up along the roadside, impressive building were still there, either side
extra coverage to their debut. However, once together with beautiful parks and monuments were two huge hotels – the Hilton and Marriot
www.teas.eu June 201212 Culture
The magnificent Baku Crystal Hall
– constructions that one would imagine in in walking through the gates in the old walls asking if they could have their photos taken
Dubai, yet were now in Baku. Some building to enter the Old City, which was beautifully lit with us. From the volunteers working at the
work had been taking place near the hotel in at night. Press Centre to the average person on the
2008. Now, in 2012, I could see exactly what street, my entire web team and I felt extremely
had resulted – a huge new shopping centre, It was whilst walking around the Old City that welcome in Azerbaijan throughout our stay.
Baku Boulevard – featuring almost every Baku finally ‘struck me’. Baku is a city that has Waiting for the Metro, other travellers came
designer chain that you would expect to find dusted itself off after the Soviet era, resulting to lend their assistance and make sure we
in Western Europe, together with a bowling in the erection of some fabulous buildings knew how to get from A to B; passersby gave
alley and restaurants. Behind the shopping and construction of a whole host of beautiful directions to anyone looking a little lost; and
centre was a long sea boulevard, awash with public spaces, yet has retained its heritage those working at the event itself were only too
trees, grass, and fountains – none of which in the Old City. Azerbaijan, simply put, has happy to help with any problem we had in the
were there in their current form in 2008. found the balance between old and new Press Centre.
Finally, dominating the Baku skyline, were in its capital. It is also a city that still offers
three completely new developments – the room for discovery and an ancient feel, whilst Whilst the contest itself was well-staged, and
Flag Square, Crystal Hall, and Flame Towers, simultaneously featuring a centre that would the city was the most enthusiastic Eurovision
all of which had been constructed since 2008. not look out of place anywhere in Western venue we’ve travelled to in recent times, it’s
Europe. the memory of the people that every visitor to
There was one area of town that had changed Eurovision in Baku will be taking home with
little, and I found this most pleasing. The Baku However, the one element that impressed them, and remembering for many years to
Old City (İçəri Şəhər) remains the charming almost every visitor to Eurovision in Baku come.
place that I remembered from before. Some more than anything else wasn’t to do with
buildings had been restored, but it was still the shiny new buildings, the Old City, or the
the place to go at night, featuring market Contest itself – it was the people. Everywhere Luke Fisher is the Chief Editor of escXtra.com, one of
the leading websites dedicated to the Eurovision Song
stalls and restaurants in a truly beautiful we went, we were greeted by smiles, people
Contest and Junior Eurovision.
setting. There was something quite magical asking us questions in broken English, or
A rapidly-changing city – Baku harbour seen in 2008 (left) and in 2012
June 2012 www.teas.euCulture 13
Getting ‘the Hump’ at
Eurovision
by David Parry, Chairman, Gruntlers’ Theatre Ltd
Until recently, the Eurovision Song Contest
would make the British mind think of little more
than the affable Terry Wogan introducing a
bewildering array of slightly odd musical turns
from the Continent. Kids never watched it as
it was seriously ‘uncool’ territory! The same
approach seemed to extend to the parents,
who had the TV tuned to this programme
as reasonably pleasant background noise.
To add confusion to injury, the UK has
nearly always ended up at the bottom of the
scoreboard, since its last victory in 1997. This
has served to fuel half-paranoid suspicions
that ‘foreigners’ were secretly planning
to dethrone the Monarch and reduce this
country to a servile vassal of Brussels.
However, in our politically astute age, cultural Big-voiced veteran crooner Engelbert Humperdinck performed the UK entry Love Will Set You Free
diplomacy appears to have stolen the stage (Photo: Thomas Hanses – EBU)
from Eurovision, whilst convoluted concepts
of Enlargement openly contradict more Saturday evening came, and it goes without affectionately known to his fans – from days
sinister notions of a ‘Fortress Europe’. Putting saying that the Crystal Hall was stunning! of yore. If memory serves me correctly, there
its head riskily above the parapet, therefore, Equally, I had the good fortune to find myself was a certain rivalry between him and the
plucky Azerbaijan decided to pull out all the in a skybox: a vantage point allowing me to immortal Tom Jones. Yet, thanks to Eurovision,
stops when hosting this glittering circus for notice that, although the televised images this smartly-dressed King of Romance strode
2012, following its musical triumph last year. were good, they clearly did not do justice to the stage afresh, reminding us all that, in his
The location could not be faulted. Baku is the set, which flamed with red, orange and 45-year career, ‘The Hump’ has sold 150m
yellow fires throughout the night. Moreover, records worldwide. Furthermore, he has
each televisual postcard started with a shot received four Grammy nominations, a Golden
of Azerbaijan, whilst a caption underneath Globe for Entertainer of the Year and has a
displayed ‘Land of Poetry’, ‘Land of star on both the Hollywood and Las Vegas
Abundance’, and so on. This was continued Walks of Fame. I could hardly believe it – I
by the name of a town, or geographic had got ‘The Hump.’
feature, showing the culture and landscape
of the country. One postcard, with a stroke In comparison, other acts shuffled on the
of genius, focused on the Nagorno-Karabakh stage and went. The early favourite, from
region without mentioning the Armenian Russia, the Buranovskiye Babushki, featured
military occupation plaguing this area and the six traditionally-attired grandmothers, and
seven surrounding regions. were the most entertaining, whilst the cheap
Baku’s newly-acquired fleet of London taxis in their theatrics of the Swedish act Loreen (the
Eurovision livery
By the time this year’s hopefuls were ready to eventual winner) were not to my personal taste
rock, an electrical expectancy singed the air. in the least. Yet, we were robbed! Historical
spectacular! Sitting on the sparkling shores of This was ignited, somewhat surprisingly, by alliance won the day and political necessity
the Caspian Sea, it is a city blending ancient the Eurovision anthem. Hey, you needed to be dominated the Muse.
architectural treasures with visions of a high- there! Once again, Derrida proved uncannily
tech future. Also, its inhabitants are young, correct when claiming that context is I had greater reluctance to leave the Land of
energetic and intelligent, speak English and everything. Then, the magic happened! Even Fire than had been the case during my earlier
Russian with skill, and look towards Europe predictable protocols could not extinguish visits. As Chairman of Gruntlers’ Theatre, I
(particularly the UK) with genial enthusiasm. the moment. A soaring voice scorched young had been overwhelmed by the imaginative
In part, this explains the outstanding wags and older raconteurs alike. Mr Engelbert power of this event and the obvious display
hospitality shown towards its guests. This Humperdinck, our very own Anglo-Indian of intended friendship. The Azerbaijanis are
warmth of welcome is both genuine and crooner, burned the room to ground zero with to be congratulated on several levels, as they
engagingly honest, usually featuring lashings a ballad entitled Love Will Set You Free, and are starting to take their rightful place among
of tea served with shekerbura sweets. echoes of Release Me and The Last Waltz the community of modern nations, and also
Unsurprisingly then, this proud city had taken sparked throughout the auditorium. What is for staging a show that made me rethink my
the motto ‘Light your fire!’ to heart. Indeed, more, in a mere three minutes, this ballad prejudices against pop culture.
Baku was determined to stand centre-stage in went through three classic key changes,
these proceedings. As a near-perfect epithet while the chorus implored listeners: “If you
for the Land of Fire, this slogan burned in love someone, follow your heart. Because
both graphic and banner form across towers, love comes but once, if you’re lucky enough.” To find out more on Gruntlers’ Theatre Ltd., e-mail:
dparry777@hotmail.com
streets and public squares. Of course, I recalled ‘The Hump’ – as he is
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