Turkish Forum

Month: September 2009

  • Interview with Elchin Guliyev

    Interview with Elchin Guliyev

    “State Border Service will carry out large-scale exercises in September”

    Baku. Rashad Suleymanov – APA. Chief of Azerbaijani State Border Service, commander of Border Troops, Lieutenant-General Elchin Guliyev interviewed by APA

    -Please, give information about the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan Border Security.

    -Azerbaijan Border Security has developed and has a great potential to fulfill any task in ensuring border security. This development is based on Azerbaijan’s border security strategy initiated by national leader Heydar Aliyev and extension of this strategy by Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. Due to the State Program on “Technical development of Azerbaijan’s state border security for 2006-2010” confirmed by President on December 27, 2005, strong border security infrastructure meeting modern standards was established. Border units system meeting modern standards was established along the border, it was supplied with modern weapons, border aviation was formed, radar systems, modern observation and detecting devices were applied. Security of the state border by operation was strengthened, Academy of State Border Service was established. Important steps were taken shift from physical protection of state border to operation and technical security, border checkpoints and border guard ships were staffed. Some days ago Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony of “Serhedchi” Sport Olympic Center established in Baku. President appreciated the state of Azerbaijan State Security. Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s praise inspirited all border guards to gain new achievements.

    -What can you say about the operation conditions in Azerbaijan’s state borders and near our borders?

    -The situation in the state border is stable. I want to note that we are following the developments near our state borders and they are taken into consideration in organizing the service.

    -State Border Service has been commissioned to ensure security in Azerbaijan-section of the Caspian Sea, security of infrastructure of production and transportation of hydrocarbon resources. Please, give information about these tasks.

    – We give special importance to fulfillment of above-mentioned duties. The Coast Guard was established within the State Border Service by presidential order in 2005. The Coast Guard’s new base was built in Turkan district of Baku within the State Program on “Technical development of security of state borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2006-2010”. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief attended the inauguration of the base on November 8 last year and was familiarized with the service conditions there and made special recommendations on allocation of diving equipments, creation of opportunities for fulfillment of special duties, strengthening of border patrol boats and technical observation posts and extension of disclosure opportunities. The patrol boats were equipped with modern radiolocation systems and weapons, as well as provided with additional maneuver opportunities. The State Border Service will receive special vessels floating in hard weather conditions in the days coming. The annual tactic exercises on “Combat and rescue operations for prevention of threats against coastal areas, islands, oil pipelines and platforms” have great importance for training of coast guards and strengthening of ties between different border units. According to the annual plan of actions, the SBS will hold large-scale exercises in September. Our achievements are the results of government’s care for border security issues. It enabled us to create modern and perfect infrastructure of the Coast Guard to secure national interests and to provide security on the sea. This work will be continued in future.

    – What about the cooperation and relations between your organization and border services of other countries?

    – There is a dynamic development of cooperation and relations between the border services of neighboring countries. We established and developed valuable mutual relations with border services and officials of Russian Federation, Georgia, Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The important achievements were reached on delimitation of state border with Russian Federation and Georgia and important part of common border line was agreed. The bilateral and multilateral relations with the border services of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran on the sea are developed. We organized joint sea exercises together with Russia and Kazakhstan. Chiefs of the borders services of Caspian littoral states held bilateral meetings. Baku hosted trilateral working meetings between Azerbaijan-Russia-Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan-Russia-Iran. The situation of security on the Caspian Sea and tendencies of its future development were discussed at the meetings. Chiefs of the Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan border services will be invited to the next working meetings, which are planned to be held in five–sided format.

    APA – Rashad Suleymanov  

  • Arab Group Charged Over Holocaust Cartoon

    Arab Group Charged Over Holocaust Cartoon


    In recent years, Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh was killed by a Muslim angered by his movie about the mistreatment of Muslim women…

    Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders was placed under 24-hour guard after releasing a film Muslims viewed as critical of Islam . . .

    And 12 cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed were published in a Danish newspaper, triggering massive protests in Muslim countries.

    Now Dutch prosecutors have turned the tables and said they would charge an Arab cultural group under hate speech laws for publishing a cartoon suggesting that the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews were exterminated, is a fabrication.

    The cartoon appeared on the Web site of the Dutch arm of the Arab European League. It shows two presumably Jewish men standing near a pile of skeletons with a sign that says “Auswitch” — an obvious reference to the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz.

    One man pokes a bone with a stick and says, “I don’t think they’re Jews.” The other man replies, “We have to get to the 6 million somehow.”

    The public prosecutor’s office in the Dutch city Utrecht said the cartoon insults Jews as a group and is therefore an illegal form of discrimination, the Jerusalem Post reported.

    Prosecutors plan to press charges for “insulting a group and distributing an insulting image,” which could lead to a jail sentence or fine.

    The Arab group said it doesn’t deny the reality of the Holocaust, but published the cartoon to highlight a double standard regarding the publication of offensive material by Muslims and non-Muslims.

    Interestingly, Arab European League Chairman Abdoulmouthalib Bouzerda said anyone should be permitted to publish insulting material in the interest of public debate.

  • Chinese protestors have injured hundreds Uyghurs by syringes

    Chinese protestors have injured hundreds Uyghurs by syringes

    The Uyghur American Association (UAA) calls on Chinese authorities to
    guarantee the safety of all people in East Turkestan, also known as
    Xinjiang, in the wake of fresh unrest in the regional capital of
    Urumchi.

    According to a report[i] issued by Reuters quoting an eyewitness, up
    to 3,000 Han Chinese gathered in People?s Square in Urumchi on
    September 3, 2009 to demand the resignation of Xinjiang Communist
    Party Secretary, Wang Lequan. The protest was prompted by rumors of a
    spate of stabbings in Urumchi, in which victims have been allegedly
    injured by syringes. The assembled protestors were upset that
    Communist officials had done little to protect citizens against such
    attacks. According to the eyewitness interviewed by Reuters,
    protestors shouted slogans such as: ?Resign Wang Lequan, the
    government is useless!? and ?Wang Lequan apologize to the Xinjiang
    people?. Mr. Wang was seen to address the protestors and to reassure
    them that action was being taken. Mr. Wang stated that 30 arrests had
    occurred in relation to the alleged stabbings, a figure which
    contradicts numbers[ii] from the official Chinese media. Protestors
    were also reported to have thrown objects, such as bottles, at Mr.
    Wang as he spoke.

    The Reuters report also related eyewitness accounts which described
    the beating of Uyghurs, as well as the destruction of Uyghur-owned
    businesses in Urumchi by Han Chinese during the day of the protest. A
    Uyghur, who was suspected of carrying out one of the alleged
    stabbings, was beaten so severely that he was taken to the hospital
    according to a resident. Officials at the regional health office
    stated that in the past two weeks 476 people, of which 433 are Han
    Chinese, have gone to hospitals in Urumchi with complaints stemming
    from the alleged stabbings. However, a lack of confirmable information
    surrounds the reports of stabbings and Human Rights Watch expert,
    Nicholas Becquelin, is quoted in the Reuters report as stating that
    [t]hese kinds of rumors do happen in China after unrest?[t]here?s
    always bizarre rumors that spread after violence.?

    In a statement, Uyghur democracy leader, Rebiya Kadeer, said: ?I call
    on Chinese officials to guarantee the security of all people living in
    East Turkestan, including Uyghurs and Han Chinese. I also call on the
    Chinese Communist Party to act quickly so as to prevent the escalation
    of Han Chinese attacks against Uyghur civilians.? She added: ?It is
    disappointing that Wang Lequan did not listen to the legitimate
    grievances of Uyghur protestors when asked to on July 5th. Such a move
    would have significantly eased tensions in East Turkestan. Wang
    Lequan’s public apology to Han Chinese protestors and the mere fact
    that Han Chinese protestors were permitted to voice their concerns
    shows that the Chinese authorities are applying a double standard. A
    precondition for peaceful coexistence between Uyghurs and Han Chinese
    is the resignation of Wang Lequan, leading to the appointment of
    moderate officials, who understand the legitimate grievances of the
    Uyghur people and the needs of the Han Chinese.?

    The unrest in Urumchi comes during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in
    which a number of restrictions have been placed on Uyghur worshippers.
    UAA believes that the restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities have
    only exacerbated tensions in East Turkestan. The restrictions[iii]
    include restaurants forced to open during the daylight fasting period,
    pressure exerted on government workers of Uyghur ethnicity to sign
    ?letters of responsibility? promising to avoid fasting, and a state-
    led campaign to offer free food to government employees during the
    hours of the fast.

    The imposition of restrictions on religious activity during Ramadan is
    a recurring source of tension among Uyghurs. The Uyghur Human Rights
    Project reported[iv] that 2008 saw ?an unprecedented tightening of
    religious control throughout East Turkestan. Students and government
    employees were not permitted to fast during Ramadan or attend mosques
    in general. Restaurants were also forced to open during fasting hours.?

    UAA urges Chinese authorities to remove the restrictions placed upon
    Uyghurs during Ramadan as a first step in addressing Chinese
    government policy failures towards Uyghurs and in improving the
    political climate in East Turkestan. UAA also urges the Chinese
    government to talk with Uyghur democracy leader, Rebiya Kadeer, and
    with the World Uyghur Congress to seek ways to ease current tensions
    in East Turkestan and to discuss the realization of human rights and
    democracy in the region.

    ttp://tibettruth.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/1890/

  • Turkey’s FM sure of eventual EU membership despite critics

    Turkey’s FM sure of eventual EU membership despite critics

    Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (L) arrives with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu
    Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (L) arrives with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu

    STOCKHOLM — Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Saturday hit out at opponents of his country’s EU aspirations, such as France and Germany, and said Turkey’s future within the European Union was assured.

    “We have full confidence that our French, British and other colleagues will keep their commitment… There is no need for convincing, it is already sure that Turkey and the European Union will integrate in the future,” Davutoglu told reporters after talks with his EU counterparts in Stockholm.

    Turkey, which has been knocking on Europe’s door for decades, began formal EU accession talks in 2005.

    Today they are stalled by French, German and Austrian opposition as well as Ankara’s refusal to trade openly with EU member Cyprus.

    EU nation Cyprus is also opposed to membership for Turkey, which is the only nation to recognise the Turkish-Cypriot statelet in the north of the island of Cyprus.

    “The negative voices that we keep hearing from some countries in the EU just spread doubt among our citizens and impede our efforts to continue reforms,” Davutoglu wrote in an op-ed piece published in Sweden’s paper of reference Dagens Nyheter on Saturday.

    Davutoglu said Turkey had carried out reforms that were “unthinkable just a few years ago,” citing greater freedom of religion and expression, the abolishment of the death penalty and radio broadcasts in Kurdish.

    He said critics of Ankara’s EU bid were harming the country’s “silent revolution.”

    “Like us, Sweden realises that Europe can never be a strong and united entity as long as Turkey remains outside the EU,” he said.

    “The support from countries like Sweden, with their objective and encouraging attitude, is very important in the process,” the Turkish minister added.

    French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner reiterated his country’s opposition to Turkish membership.

    Asked about Swedish support for Ankara he replied “others (in the EU) are opposed”.

    “They (the Turks) are not first on the list. We have all the Western Balkans to let in (to the EU) and that is necessary,” he added.

    There was also a call on Turkey to open its ports to Cypriot ships, a main hurdle to its EU aspirations.

    France and Germany have suggested a “privileged partnership” for Turkey rather than full EU membership.

    Source:  www.google.com, 6 September 2009

  • Unbelievable! protocols: Armenia, Switzerland, and Turkey

    Unbelievable! protocols: Armenia, Switzerland, and Turkey

    Sep 4th, 2009 @ 10:28 am › Garen Yegparian

    I suppose I owe some gratitude to the “leaders” in Yerevan’s halls of power for making it so easy to mouth off over their often imbecilic actions and policies. Forget about selling out/off natural resources and industrial infrastructure; even forget about the rampant corruption making people impoverished and cynical about building a truly representative government; let’s even turn a blind eye to the fawning and foolish act of honoring the megalomaniacal president of Georgia who’s busy persecuting the Armenians of Javakhk. All these and more are now eclipsed by the wholesale giveaway of Armenia’s and Armenians most basic rights and powerful legal weapons.

    Of course I’m referring to the two protocols just released by the government of Armenia, Switzerland, and Turkey. If you haven’t read them, please do, you can find them on this publication’s website. They’re very compact and efficient in dissemination of pathetic policy. Just see how far your jaw drops.

    Since I’m not fond of writing long, cumbersome articles, addressing all the foolishness filling those few pages is impossible. I’ll focus on the three most egregious elements in these platitude-filled documents. Discussing Turkey and respect for human rights in the same document, as occurs in the protocols, is just to laughable to address seriously.

    The sanctification the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity play right into not only Turkey’s hands, but Azerbaijan’s as well. Silly me, I thought Armenians agreed that we will settle for no less than the Wilsonian demarcation of borders. If the Republic of Armenia says the current border is what it recognizes, then it signs away OUR rights to these territories. Simultaneously, Artzakh gets ceded to Azerbaijan by the same foolish stroke of a pen. Remember, Azerbaijan’s claims to Artzakh are based on the irrelevant, inapplicable “inviolability of borders and territorial integrity” arguments.

    Then we have the much touted- by Turkey, its ilk, and their supporters- historical commission. Through these protocols, Armenia agrees to the creation of this stage for endless foot-dragging and a denialist talkfest. Remember TARC? How will this be any different? Just more U.S. Department of State funded meaningless new-age type chatter. While David Krikorian, the Ohio congressional candidate is spending valuable time and money on fighting Genocide denial, what is allegedly the highest official body representing Armenians, the government of the RoA, is busy giving away the store when it comes to Genocide recognition, and, naturally and consequently, reparations for damages arising from this example of Turkey’s malevolence.

    Of course there’s the canard about the benefits of opening the Armenia-Turkey border. Turkey’s blockade may well be the best thing happening to Armenia’s minimal economy. Ankara has been successful in developing its economy so that it is one of the fastest growing in the world. Their manufacturing, and even agricultural, products would overwhelm what little Armenia has, further plunging the population into overseas-remittance-reliant misery. The irony here is that Turkey, having imposed the blockade over our success in Artzakh, now finds itself in a jam. Ankara WANTS to reopen the border to benefit its economy, but can’t be perceived as turning on its kissin’-cousins in Baku. What better way out than to get Armenia to BEG for something that hurts Armenia, benefits Turkey, and provides cover against Azerbaijan’s expectations.

    What’s going on? For whatever reason, Armenia’s current government has embarked on a losing streak. Plus, these people seem to have incredibly outsized egos, can’t recognize their errors, and therefore don’t cut our losses. It seems that with each step they take in this lurid dance with their Turkish counterparts, they’re trying to efface the shame and embarrassment of the previous step. They serve up some new, even grander plan. But this “new and improved” approach ends up digging them even deeper into a hole of utter shame. Plus they do all this behind closed doors, away from the “prying” eyes of those of us who have a stake in the future of our nation and actually care to make it better.

    It’s time to start hitting the government of the RoA much harder than it’s ever been hit. It’s time to demonstrate at official events. It’s time to let our revulsion show. And if after everything they persist in their nationally destructive path, then it will be time to assemble in a national conclave- Artzakh, Javakhk, Turkey’s crypto-Armenians and overt ones too, and Diaspora-to declare that on matters of Armenian rights-territorial, human, Genocide, reparations-the government of the Republic of Armenia has no right to speak for us.

    If you agree, please say so, especially when you meet government representatives or visit Armenia. Maybe they’ll get the message.

  • British Fascists clash with anti-fascist protesters

    British Fascists clash with anti-fascist protesters

    There have been angry clashes in central Birmingham as right-wing protesters fought with anti-fascist campaigners in a busy shopping street.

    A planned demonstration by The English Defence League descended into violence as the group charged along New Street, close to the city’s main train station.

    One onlooker said: “There were about 250 people in total, fighting and throwing bottles at each other.”

    The disorder spilled onto the adjoining Bennetts Hill, a street lined with a number of pubs, popular with shoppers.

    Dozens of riot police worked to contain the disturbance and a police helicopter hovered overhead.

    West Midlands Police have confirmed that more than 20 people have now been arrested in two separate incidents.

    ITN