Turkish Forum

Category: Georgia

  • Armenia waits for formation of a new coalition

    Armenia waits for formation of a new coalition

     

     

     

     

    Gulnara İnanch,

     

    Director of Information and Analytical Center Etnoglobus (ethnoglobus.az), editor of Russian section of website www.turkishnews.com  , ([email protected]) 

     

    Declaration of statement by the chairman of “Bargavac Ayastan” (Prospering Armenia)

     

    (PA) party Gagik Tsarukyan not to form a coalition with the ruling Republicans Party has yet proved to be a game. Upon PA party officials statement that they will not agree on coalition with the ruling party and that they will declare their decision regarding minister portfolio in the government until May 31 enables us to think that Tsaraukyan is conducting discussions with ruling party.

     

    Next year’s presidential elections and ruling party’s wining 30% against the 44% increased the pretention of PA party. Party, for the purpose of justifying the confidence of voters, attracting those hesitating for presidential elections to OY and consequently obtaining majority of votes, demonstrates its power in this way.

     

    Head of Armenian government Tigran Sarkisyan in his response to the question who can hold the post of Prime minister confirmed that OY chairman Gagik Tsarukyan can lead the new government answering that he is happy to have people to hold high posts.

     

    Afterwards, Armenian government head Tigran Sarkisyan’s statement “who said PA would go to opposition” indicate how the ruling party is aware of processes and secret negotiations are under way.

     

    G. Tsarukyan’s name is mentioned among the presidential candidates along with L.Ter-Petrosyan, R.Kocharyan and S. Sarkisyan.

     

    The fact that Tsarukyan won the votes of half million of citizens enables him to be more confident in presidential elections along with flirting with the Republicans fearlessly and being pretentious for prime minister in the newly formed government.

    To change the situation to his benefit G.Tsarukyan may form a coalition lead by himself creating a new plan for presidential elections.

     

  • US will not attack Iran

    US will not attack Iran

     

     

     

     

     

    Azerbaijan is not subject to  “Arab spring”

     

    Gulnara İnandzh,

     

    Director of Information and Analytical Center Ethnoglobus (ethnoglobus.az), editor of turkishnews.com website. [email protected]

     

    Israel and the US policy’s consequences in the region is mainly danger for the statehood of Azerbaijan. Despite official Baku has repeatedly declared its position towards Iran, interested international powers are still trying to cause tension in the relations between Baku and Tehran. US Jamestown Foundation president Glen Howard comments on the subject in his interview.    

     

     

    – What specific line does the US support in relation to Azerbaijan amid the serious geopolitical processes occurred in the Mideast, I mean “Arab spring”?

     

    – I do not think theUSorAzerbaijanplay any role in “Arab spring”. TheUSdoesn’t support any particular line. We don’t also support what is happening againstSyria. It does not any affect onCaucasus. It more affects onRussia.Russiais subject to Arab spring more rather than theSouthern Caucasus. Because you have theUSAmbassador who is very active in democracy promotion. He has been chased by Russian NTV TV Channel. And this is the sign thatRussiafeels more trouble with regard to Arab spring rather thanSouthern Caucasus.

     

    – What does Washington expects from Azerbaijan in its Iran policy?

     

    – TheUShas already stated that it doesn’t support attack onIran.  TheUSeven has warnedIsraelnot to attackIran. I believe thatIsraeldue to good relations with theUSwill follow the advice of President Mr. Barak Obama. I do not thinkIsraelwill attackIran. All these are rumors designed to make people scared and afraid. All these are a part of geopolitical plan by the outside powers intending to destroy stability in theSouthern Caucasus.

     

    – How would you comment on the rumors that Israel will use Azerbaijani lands in order to attack Iran? 

     

    – I hope you understand the military importance of it. This is not a military base to attackIran. Contrary, ifIsraelattacksIran, thenIsraelmilitary air forces will usePersian Gulffor it. But if it happens,Israeljets will not have enough fuel to go back and they will be obliged to useAzerbaijanlands only for the purpose of getting fuel. This doesn’t mean attack onIran, this is just air route forIsraeljets to go back.

     

    – As you see there are attempts to confront Iran and Azerbaijan. How do you think, what will be Washington’s answer if Iran acts aggressively against Azerbaijan? For example, overflying a border.   

     

     

    – Aggressive?. I thinkAzerbaijanis also ready for such aggressive reply.Iranwill not use military againstAzerbaijan,Iranwill use other methods. I believe thatIrandoesn’t want to apply military force againstAzerbaijanand even is not ready for it. Why doesIranneed it? Today whenIranhas an attack danger from the Persian gulf,Tehrandoesn’t need another problem in another border.

     

    – In the US today we hear offers about dialogue with Iran more than war. How do you think, why such dialogue offers are not voiced louder?

     

    – Because sometimesIsraelwarns the world thatIran’ nuclear program is dangerous. When official Tel-Aviv openly informs thatIran’s nuclear program is dangerous, we have to be anxious and it causes warlike atmosphere. This is useful for many sides includingIsrael. On the other side, war threats are also for threateningIran.Iranalso uses some words to threatenIsrael. So, sometimesIranmust be reminded thatIsraelhas strategic relations withAzerbaijan. This is natural and understandable.

     

    – Can we say that Israel puts pressure on the situation?

     

    -Israelputs pressure on the situation?Israelis an independent country and may have good relations with any country of the world. Therefore ifIsraelhas military relations withAzerbaijanit is good. Because,Azerbaijanis a good partner in military field.Azerbaijandoesn’t have to get the weapon only fromRussia.Azerbaijanmay buy weapons from any country of the world in order to protect its country.

    Nowadays discussions are held between theUSandIraninIstanbul. It doesn’t mean that there will be conflict between theUSandIran. If there are diplomatic relations between theUSandIran, how can we speak of warlike atmosphere? IfIranthinks that it has war danger from theUS, then why do they conduct new talks and dialogue with theUSinIstanbul?

     

     

    Source –  www. newbakupost.az

  • Foreigners leave Turkey amid new residence law

    Foreigners leave Turkey amid new residence law

    A high number of Armenian and Georgian people working in Turkey are leaving the country in the wake of a recent law implementation that complicates working permits for foreign people. While workers complain of extreme financial difficulties, Labor Ministry announces that there will be exceptions for house workers

    Armenians and Georgians are rushing to exit Turkey before a new law complicating residence procedures comes into effect Feb 1. Many workers from the countries have implored PM Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to quash the law, saying it will make it impossible for them to continue living in Turkey.

    Armenians and Georgians are rushing to exit Turkey before a new law complicating residence procedures comes into effect Feb 1. Many workers from the countries have implored PM Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to quash the law, saying it will make it impossible for them to continue living in Turkey.

    Vercihan Ziflioğlu Vercihan Ziflioğlu [email protected]

    A new law that will make it more difficult for foreigners to continue living in Turkey without a residence permit has prompted an exodus of Georgians and Armenians who want to leave the country before new regulations go into effect Feb. 1.

    “I am pleading to Turkish Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan [to prevent] this law from going into effect. I am feeding and educating my kids with money that I earn here,” said Sofiya, a 47-year-old Georgian citizen, as she was getting ready to travel back to Tbilisi.

    “The Law of Foreigners’ Residence and Travel in Turkey” has also put the Emniyet Bus Terminal in Istanbul’s Aksaray district into a frenzy, as Georgians and Armenians who are mainly employed in house labor, babysitting and patient care are rushing to leave Turkey to avoid incurring any penalties.

    “Bread has no country. Wherever there is bread, we, the economically vulnerable people, go there. We have to live and support our families. We have no other chance,” Hayganuş, an Armenian citizen, said in reference to the tough rhetoric employed by Erdoğan in response to a draft bill on Armenian genocide allegations that came before the House of Representatives in the United States in 2010.

    Regulations

    Until now, many foreigners have done “visa runs” to neighboring countries, exiting Turkey after their 90-day visa ends and then immediately re-entering with a new 90-day visa. However, the new law prepared by the Labor and Social Security Ministry will only allow foreign citizens entering the country with a tourist visa to stay in Turkey for three months, after which time they will be obliged to wait for another three months abroad before they can return.

    Authorities have provided one convenience for foreign workers, however, in recognition of Armenian, Kyrgyz and Gagauz home laborers. Such house workers will pay the same premiums as a Turkish citizen and will be allowed to continue working even if a Turkish citizen demands the same job.

    “Those employed in house labor will continue working by paying premiums like a Turkish citizen,” Labor and Social Security Minister Faruk Çelik said.

    As many Armenian, Kyrgyz and Gagauz residents in Turkey work in such services as home labor and patient care, they will also be able to take advantage of this provision.

    Foreign citizens who arrive in Turkey by means of a tourist visa and later obtain a work permit will be allowed to extend their stay in the country for a year or more, Çelik added.

    Foreign workers, however, will then be obliged to pay a hefty premium of 400 Turkish Liras as well, while they will also be barred from obtaining employment in a sector where Turkish citizens demand work.

    Prime Minister Tayyip Eroğan last year expressed that some 170,000 Armenians live in Turkey.

    The Armenian Foreign Ministry, however, said only 15,000 Armenian citizens currently reside in Turkey.

    Armenians in Turkey on the other hand, seem worried.

    “As Armenian [citizens], we always lived in fear of being sent back. Such a return would mean chaos for my family. I can neither find food nor take a leave for three months and return back, or find a job,” said Hayganuş, who has been taking care of an elderly woman in Istanbul.

    January/27/2012

    via RIGHTS – Foreigners leave Turkey amid new residence law.

  • Turkey prepares ecological catastrophe for Azerbaijan and Georgia

    Turkey prepares ecological catastrophe for Azerbaijan and Georgia

    Turkey intends to build a hydro-electric station on the upper part of Qur River. This means that the river-bed must be changed and the river will be filled not into Caspian Sea but the Black Sea. This project will be a real ecological catastrophe for both Georgia and Azerbaijan. According to Turkish side this plan is already ready and it has been discussed in frame of the Turkish delegation’s visit to Georgia.

    Russian “Nezavisimaya gazeta” (“Independent magazine”) writes about this and considers that the effective building will claim to change the river-bed. But in this case Azerbaijan and Georgia will remain without Qur River. This river has a vital meaning for Azerbaijan. This river fills the Mingechaur reservoir and Baku can not lose it.

    According to Georgian “Rezonansi” news agency this plan has been discussed by the highest level, during the meeting of Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

    Leader of the Georgian opposition Christian-democratic Party this is a really troubling issue and it is always discussed with Ankara. He said that its fulfillment will be real catastrophe for Georgia, Azerbaijan and for some parts of turkey is as well.

    “Turkish wish is clear. It needs source of energy. Wrong use of Jorokh river has already made many problems for Georgia and the use of Qur will have more terrible consequences”, Georgian source writes.

    Leader of the Greens Party in Georgia George Gachechialdze considers that such conversations have political context and are “in style” for Ankara.

    via Turkey prepares ecological catastrophe for Azerbaijan and Georgia.

  • Saakashvili Says Relations with Turkey is Vital for Georgia

    Saakashvili Says Relations with Turkey is Vital for Georgia

    The existing relations between Georgia and Turkey have “vital importance” for Georgia, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said at a meeting with visiting Turkish delegation in Tbilisi, the Georgian President’s Administrations told Trend on Monday.

    The Turkish delegation included the representatives of ruling party of justice and development, as well as the representatives of Public republic party.

    During the meeting of Georgian President and members of Turkish Grand National Assembly Saakashvili drew attention to relations between the two courtiers and joint projects. He mentioned the Free trade agreement signed between Georgia and Turkey, visa-free travel and noted importance of growing Turkish investments. Saakashvili particularly stressed bilateral relations existing between the two countries and leaders of the two countries.

    “Bilateral relations are vital for Georgia,” Saakashvili noted and once again stressed the importance of strategic relations with Turkey.

    “Along with the impressive economic development through consistent and correct policy Turkey keeps more decisive position in the regional and world policies,” Georgian President said. “Your country is the reliable partner of Georgia.”

    According to Saakashvili, “we have reached visa-free travel and citizens of Turkey and Georgia can cross the border only on the basis of identity, which is really a model for many countries in the world.”

    “The Batumi airport is in joint operation, like the Geneva airport which is jointly operated by France and Switzerland,” Saakashvili noted. “This is also major precedent. I was in Batumi and saw there two airbuses – flights were implemented to Ankara and Istanbul at the same time. Not so long ago it was impossible to imagine. The daily flights are carried out, and several flights from Turkey to Batumi will be carried out per day shortly. This, in its turn, means movement of tourists, businessmen, and accordingly, cash flows. So, the human welfare will be enhanced in both directions.”

    Monday, 26 December 2011

    Trend AZ

    via Saakashvili Says Relations with Turkey is Vital for Georgia, 26 December 2011 Monday 14:3.

  • From Dictatorship to Democracy

    From Dictatorship to Democracy

    This book is a great work in its own right. In terms of real-world impact, it measures above Thomas Paine’s writings, having been used by non-violent movements in dictatorships around the world.

    It is also a good introduction to study of nonviolent movements, before diving into all 902 pages of “Politics of Nonviolent Action”

    Excerpts below are from an article in the Wall Street Journal, 13.09.2008:

    Mr. Sharp’s writings on nonviolent resistance have been studied by opposition activists in Zimbabwe, Burma, Russia, Venezuela and Iran, among others. His 1993 guide to unseating despots, “From Dictatorship to Democracy,” has been translated into at least 28 languages and was used by movements that toppled governments in Serbia, Ukraine, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.

    Although nonviolent struggle has played a major role throughout history, Mr. Sharp was among the first modern scholars to take a comprehensive look at all the various movements, from the civil-rights struggle in the U.S. to uprisings in Eastern Europe.

    In his writings, Mr. Sharp teased out common principles that make nonviolent resistance successful, creating a broad road map for activists looking to destabilize authoritarian regimes. Mr. Sharp’s magnum opus, the 902-page “Politics of Nonviolent Action,” was published in 1973. But the main source of his success is his 90-page “From Dictatorship to Democracy.”

    This slim volume offers concise advice on how to plan a successful opposition campaign, along with a list of historically tested tactics for rattling a dictatorial regime. Aimed at no particular country, and easily downloadable from the Internet, the booklet has found universal appeal among opposition activists around the globe.

    Though he warns readers that resistance may provoke violent crackdowns and will take careful planning to succeed, Mr. Sharp writes that any dictatorship will eventually collapse if its subjects refuse to obey.