The Estonia-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) has stated on the 32nd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide, Azernews reports.
Day: February 23, 2024
Real estate in London of MP Feyziyev
The UK Supreme Court is considering the case of frozen real estate in London worth $50 million belonging to Azerbaijani MP Javanshir Feyziyev and his wife. The real estate was frozen on suspicion that it was bought with money obtained illegally. The deputy himself insists that he purchased these estates with honestly earned money in Azerbaijan before 2010, when he was elected as a deputy.
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On February 22, the UK Supreme Court began hearing the case of 22 properties of Azerbaijani MP Javanshir Feyziyev and his wife, which were frozen due to suspicions that they were bought in London with illegally obtained money.
The properties, bought for a total of 39.5 million pounds ($50 million), were frozen by a Supreme Court ruling dated June 23, 2023.
According to the Center for Corruption and Organized Crime Research (OCCRP), Feyziev did not respond to requests for comment, but on February 22, the family’s lawyer filed a petition with the Supreme Court to overturn the decision.
The court considered freezing the property based on a request from Britain’s National Crime Agency.
The Feyziyevs’ lawyer argues that the agency did not follow all the necessary procedures and there are no sufficient grounds to challenge the illegal acquisition of any of these properties.
Steve Goodrich, head of research and investigations at Transparency International’s UK branch, told Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani service about the process:
“Our investigation has uncovered properties in the UK worth more than 6.7 million pounds bought with dubious funds. UK law enforcement agencies should investigate properties that may have been purchased with proceeds of crime or corruption, and there are strong suspicions about this. Open justice is a key part of our justice system. It is therefore in the public interest to provide information about such cases.”
The Javanshir Feyziyev family had previously attracted the attention of the National Crime Agency with the presence of millions of pounds in their bank accounts. The agency claims that these funds entered the bank accounts through an international money laundering mechanism discovered by the OCCRP in 2017 and known as the Azerbaijan Money Laundering Machine.
In 2022, the UK confiscated 5.6 million pounds ($7.56 million) of that money. The confiscated funds were in the bank accounts of Javanshir Feyziev’s wife Parvana Feyzieva, son Orkhan and relative Elman Javanshir.
The National Crime Agency said that properties bought by Feyziev and his wife were frozen because there was “strong evidence” that they had been acquired with money laundering funds.
Freezing the property prevents it from being sold or transferred to another person.
The agency said the funds were transferred through an “extremely complex” mechanism.
According to the report, the most expensive property in question was bought by Feyziev for 26 million pounds ($33.4 million) in the Chelsea Barracks apartment complex in London.
Other frozen properties include an apartment in the luxury Regent’s Park neighborhood and 19 apartments in new buildings in northwest London. Feiziev reportedly spent 10 million pounds ($13.7 million) to buy these apartments between 2008 and 2018.
According to the agency, the total value of all the frozen properties is 50 million pounds.
It is reported that it is up to the judge hearing the case to decide whether the property should remain frozen.
A 2017 OCCRP study found that $2.9 billion from Azerbaijan passed through the “Azerbaijani money laundering machine.”
The OCCRP stated that $138 million was obtained through a money laundering mechanism in two companies used by Feyziev’s pharmaceutical company Avromed in Azerbaijan.
In connection with this information, Feyziev filed a “defamation” lawsuit against OCCRP, and the dispute was resolved “on terms agreed between the parties.”
Javanshir Feyziev categorically denies involvement in money laundering or other illegal activities.
Armenia decided to diversify its military-technical cooperation after Armenian sovereign territories were occupied in 2022, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said at a joint press alongside his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu in Yerevan.
“It is the sovereign right of the Republic of Armenia, and Armenia is free to decide who to cooperate with. This meets the interests of the Armenian people and Armenian statehood. We are very clear on the issue,” the Defense Minister stated.
When it comes to neighbors, friends and allies, the Defense Minister said “the Armenian-French cooperation is not directed against anyone.”
“Besides, it is our right to cooperate with France, with Iran, and everyone should take note of this. Our French colleagues respect our cooperation with other partners, our Iranian colleagues respect our cooperation with other partners. I think our Russian colleagues should do the same, aslo as all other partners, as Armenia has no taboos when it comes to cooperation for the sake of the Republic of Armenia,” Papikyan said.
He reiterated that any cooperation is for the sake of Armenia and its territorial integrity and is not directed against anyone.
In the snap presidential elections held on Feb. 7, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev secured his reelection for a seven-year term. Prior to the elections, in a televised address to the Azerbaijani nation, he emphasized the need to set new national goals now that Azerbaijan has resolved the Karabakh conflict. Aliyev called for a societal dialogue to shape these objectives. Following his reelection, the president outlined his domestic and foreign policy priorities during the inauguration ceremony. The president emphasized the importance of addressing issues pertinent to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and global security, including climate change, fighting Islamophobia and addressing neocolonialism. These initiatives signify Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing its role in regional and international affairs.
President Aliyev’s remarks underscore the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, where regional states face mounting pressure to align with either the West or Russia. The EU’s granting of candidate status to Georgia and Armenia’s accelerated pivot toward the West during Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s tenure exemplifies this trend. Amid Russia’s efforts to maintain influence over Armenia, it also seeks to engage Azerbaijan in organizations like the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
However, Aliyev’s assertion of “clear dividing lines in the South Caucasus” indicates Azerbaijan’s strategic independence and its reluctance to be coerced into alignment with either bloc. Azerbaijan’s recent efforts to bolster ties with the OTS signal a broader strategy of diversifying alliances and strengthening regional cooperation. While traditionally focused on cultural, economic and transportation issues, President Aliyev’s proposal to expand OTS cooperation to include military defense and defense industry matters reflects a proactive approach to addressing regional security challenges. This initiative, as outlined in the Samarkand Declaration of 2022, demonstrates Azerbaijan’s commitment to enhancing collective defense capabilities within the Turkic world.
Aliyev’s call for strong defense cooperation
Aliyev’s reiterated emphasis on the necessity of defense cooperation was voiced at the Astana summit in 2023 and elaborated upon during the international conference organized by the AİR Center and ADA University in Baku in November of the same year. “I think that we need to have a very close defense cooperation in the defense industry, joint manufacturing, joint training of military servicemen, joint efforts with respect to the protection of our borders,” he said.
Aliyev’s prioritization of the OTS in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy reflects strategic considerations beyond conventional geopolitical factors. The aftermath of the Second Karabakh War saw Azerbaijan facing unjust decisions from several Western-based organizations. For many years, both Western-based organizations and other regional organizations lost credibility in Azerbaijani society, primarily from perceptions of unfair treatment regarding the Karabakh issue and biased support for Armenia during the Second Karabakh War. Instances such as the European Council’s decision to freeze the mandate of the Azerbaijani delegation have only reinforced these sentiments, prompting debates about potential withdrawal from the council. The prevailing sentiment in Azerbaijan reflects disillusionment with the expectation that membership in these organizations would lead to impartiality on the Karabakh issue. Instead, perceived biases have fueled skepticism about the utility and relevance of continued engagement.
The OTS has emerged as a crucial ally for Azerbaijan, providing unwavering support during challenging times and fostering closer diplomatic ties among member states. This steadfast solidarity has not gone unnoticed by the Azerbaijani public, leading to a growing sentiment of cooperation and social support for OTS initiatives. Recent geopolitical shifts have further underscored the significance of the OTS in regional and global affairs. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has heightened the importance of the Turkic states as a vital transportation corridor between East and West, particularly amid instability in the Red Sea region. Additionally, the OTS’s prominence in the quest for alternative energy sources in Europe highlights its growing relevance in addressing pressing global challenges.
The ongoing geopolitical power struggle among major players like the West, Russia and China has intensified the focus on the geography of the OTS. Aliyev views this landscape as ripe for becoming a focal point in the emerging global order. He sees ample potential within the Turkic states to consolidate their resources and capabilities and emerge as a significant center of power. Aliyev highlights the expansive geography, abundant land, formidable military prowess, robust economies, rich natural resources, vital transportation routes, young populations and shared ancestral ties as key factors underpinning this potential. However, he stresses the imperative for member states to unite their efforts toward this shared vision.
Fighting Islamophobia and neocolonialism
The prioritization of combating Islamophobia in Azerbaijani foreign policy stems from two crucial factors extending beyond the nation’s Muslim-majority demographic. Firstly, Azerbaijan places significant value on the unwavering support extended by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) throughout the prolonged occupation and during the Second Karabakh War, as well as in the post-war diplomatic negotiations. Secondly, the increase in political attacks on Azerbaijan, mainly based on Islamophobia, highlights the need to take preventive measures to counter such prejudices. The Armenian diaspora, particularly in the West, has sought to exploit Islamophobic narratives, falsely framing the conflict as a struggle of a Christian minority against a Muslim majority in the Caucasus. Despite ongoing normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to President Aliyev, these attacks will become more frequent in the future as Azerbaijan has achieved more by liberating its lands from occupation.
The geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus has become increasingly complex, with certain states eyeing the region for imperial ambitions. France, in particular, has sought to capitalize on the fallout from the West-Russia conflict following the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning itself to assert influence in the postwar era. Emmanuel Macron’s France, having faced setbacks in its neocolonial pursuits in Africa, saw an opportunity in Armenia as a potential foothold in the South Caucasus. Exploiting the diplomatic negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, France attempted to assert its influence and burden Azerbaijan in the process. The emergence of this neocolonial agenda prompted Azerbaijan to align itself with countries and organizations opposing France’s imperial ambitions. In response, Azerbaijan hosted an international conference in Baku on Oct. 20 titled “Neo-colonialism: Human Rights Violation and Injustice,” where President Aliyev’s message underscored the importance of combating neocolonialism and upholding human rights. Anticipating continued challenges from France, Azerbaijan has prioritized supporting cooperation with French neo-colonies and advocating for their liberation as a key foreign policy objective. By forging alliances with like-minded partners and amplifying voices against neocolonialism, Azerbaijan seeks to counterbalance French influence and promote a more equitable global order.
With this significant milestone achieved, Azerbaijan’s diplomatic burden has been alleviated, allowing for a reassessment of alliances and partnerships forged during the Karabakh War. Countries and organizations that stood by Azerbaijan’s just cause during and after the conflict have assumed a prominent position in Azerbaijani foreign policy. Aliyev highlighted the crucial role played by allies such as the OIC and the Non-Aligned Movement, acknowledging their steadfast support in his inauguration address. However, amid these acknowledgments, Aliyev has outlined an overarching priority for the new period: the acceleration and strengthening of ties with the OTS. Recognizing the strategic importance of the OTS and its potential to serve as a powerful force for regional cooperation and solidarity, Azerbaijan is poised to prioritize collaboration within this framework. By intensifying efforts to deepen cooperation within the OTS, Azerbaijan aims to leverage the collective strength and resources of Turkic nations to advance shared interests and address common challenges.
In his 2018 inauguration speech, Aliyev underscored the importance of cooperation with a diverse range of international organizations, highlighting the significance of engagement with entities such as the U.N. General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement, the OIC and various European bodies. However, in his address following the February 2024 elections, Aliyev’s messaging was notably centered on the OTS, signaling a pronounced shift toward prioritizing relations within the Turkic world. By declaring, “Our family is the Turkic world and we have no other family,” he unequivocally prioritizes solidarity and collaboration within the Turkic community above all other international affiliations.
Absolutely, prioritizing the OTS in Azerbaijani foreign policy does not imply isolation from other global actors. The president’s participation in events like the Munich Security Conference underscores Azerbaijan’s commitment to engaging with a wide range of international partners. Indeed, for the OTS to become a significant global actor, member states must cultivate strong relations with other global actors. Collaboration with countries and organizations beyond the Turkic world is essential for enhancing the OTS’s influence and effectiveness on the global stage.
https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-ed/azerbaijans-new-foreign-policy-priorityelevating-ots-globally
Hosting international events and supporting important interregional energy and connectivity projects became a key element of Azerbaijan’s vision for economic growth and regional cooperation. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan will host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) for the first time in the region from November 11- 22, 2024 – writes Shahmar Hajiyev.
It is an enormous opportunity to bring heads of state and governments, civil society organizations, business, and international institutions together in the South Caucasus to discuss climate change, measures to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and focus on long-term climate strategies and goals.
Talking about international events, it is worth noting that Baku has already valuable experience in hosting important international events. Baku, Azerbaijan’s largest city and the most important transportation hub with a well-connected international airport, and its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it an ideal meeting point for hosting such events. Baku hosted the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the First European Olympics from 12 June to 28 June 2015, the World Chess Cup 2015, the Chess Olympiad 2016, the 4th Islamic Games 2017, some games of UEFA Euro 2020 and the Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network (NAM PN) dedicated to the theme of “Boosting the role of national parliaments in promoting global peace and sustainable development” from June 30 to July 1, 2022. All the abovementioned international events contributed to infrastructure development and improvements, as well as the city gained valuable experience in how to provide security, upgrading communication infrastructure, providing digital technology, designing cultural events, and last but not least, supporting the tourism sector.
In essence, tourism is one of the priority sectors in Azerbaijan’s non-oil economy, and hosting international events and developing infrastructure projects increases the country’s attractiveness as a tourism destination and ensures positive economic and social development. For instance, during the European Games, over 28,000 foreign tourists had visited Azerbaijan to watch the sport event. Most foreign tourists were citizens of the Russian Federation, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the U.S., and the United Arab Emirates. The NAM PN Conference in Baku was also attended by parliamentarians from more than 40 NAM Member States, including Speakers and Deputy Speakers of their respective national parliaments, as well as 8 inter-parliamentary organizations. Also, after the liberation of Garabagh from Armenian occupation, the participants of the Baku Conference visited Shusha city.
The 2024 was declared “Green World Solidarity Year” in Azerbaijan, and it is an important measure to demonstrate Azerbaijan’s commitment to environmental protection and climate action. Baku’s high-profile role as an experienced country in hosting international events supports Azerbaijan’s ultimate goal of hosting COP29 in Baku. Moreover, Azerbaijan has proved itself as a reliable energy partner and a responsible member of the international community in the fight against global warming. Even though the country is rich in fossil fuels, and its energy mix is heavily concentrated in fossil fuels (oil and natural gas), Azerbaijan supports a sustainable energy future and a green economy. Azerbaijan’s green growth strategy and green energy projects will transform the country into a “green energy hub” in the region to supply renewable energy sources from the South Caucasus to Europe. Towards this end, the Black Sea underwater electric cable project signed between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary supports regional green energy transition and the European Green Deal goals.
Of course, the COP29 summit is a much bigger event, and one cannot compare COP29 with any of the events hosted in the country. To plan and organize this important event successfully, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the establishment of the Organizational Committee in connection with the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the 19th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement. The key task of the Organization Committee is to prepare and implement an Action Plan related to the organization and conduct of the COP29, the 19th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, to take measures to establish an operational company, the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan was instructed to ensure financing in connection with the implementation of the Action Plan.
It should be noted that in Dubai COP28, which was the largest UN climate summit ever with around 200 nations, represented in the talks and 80,000 attendees, the key question was the need for countries to address fossil fuels as the key sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, during COP28, the parties agreed on the “loss and damage” fund that could start handing out money. Also, discussions continued on setting a ‘new collective quantified goal on climate finance’ in 2024, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries. The new goal, which will start from a baseline of USD 100 billion per year, will be a building block for the design and subsequent implementation of national climate plans that need to be delivered by 2025. Given that, it seems that the key question during the Baku COP29 will be finance and how to focus on long-term goals and strategies.
COP29 will be one of the largest and most important international events in 2024, and as less progress has been seen in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, progress was too slow across all areas of climate action, and getting financial and technological support to vulnerable nations, the Baku COP29 will be an important platform to support international cooperation on these areas, implement the Paris commitments, and ultimately focus on financial issues. In addition, Baku may put important topics such as environmental threats of war and landmine threats on the COP29 agenda as the country suffers from environmental degradation and landmine contamination. In time, COP29 may turn out to be an important opportunity for Azerbaijan to support a wider use of renewable energy sources throughout the economy and speed up the green transition.
https://www.eureporter.co/environment/2024/02/23/azerbaijan-prepares-to-host-cop29-climate-summit/