Day: April 23, 2024

April 19 marked a pivotal moment in the reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Following bilateral discussions, Armenia agreed to return villages in the Gazakh district to Azerbaijan, which it had previously occupied. This decision, addressing a matter raised by Azerbaijan as far back as 2020, particularly regarding the delimitation process in Gazakh, stands as another success for President Ilham Aliyev’s strategic diplomacy.

As Prof. Brenda Shaffer, faculty member of the US Naval Postgraduate School, pointed out, there’s finally a recognition in Yerevan of the necessity to take tangible steps towards improving relations with Azerbaijan, according to Azerbaijan in Focus, reporting Trend.

“Armenia’s agreement to withdraw from four Azerbaijani villages it occupies illustrates that Yerevan now accepts setting borders by the principle of territorial integrity based on the Soviet era borders. Yerevan’s new move illustrates that Armenia and Azerbaijan are making progress toward a peace treaty or a set of normalization agreements,” she said.

And indeed, today Baku and Yerevan are closer than ever to signing a peace agreement. Azerbaijan’s comprehensive efforts are yielding results, while Armenia is reciprocating.

Former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza remarked on this, noting that Prime Minister Pashinyan has already informed the public that Armenia must return these four villages to Azerbaijan, and that it’s the right move.

“This is an example of Prime Minister Pashinyan showcasing his dedication to a peaceful treaty and a border delimitation agreement with Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan are both committed to reaching a peaceful resolution, and this process is gaining momentum,” he added.

One of the crucial aspects of these agreements is that Baku and Yerevan have made progress without any interference from third parties. Right from the start of the settlement process, Azerbaijan has insisted that all issues with Armenia should be resolved bilaterally. It seems that Nikol Pashinyan now realizes that neither Washington nor Brussels can single-handedly bring peace to the South Caucasus.

Naturally, both the EU and the US have applauded the agreements reached between Baku and Yerevan. In this regard, Brenda Shaffer rightly pointed out that Western policy had previously been biased against Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

“It is good to see the US and Europe recognizing Azerbaijan’s right to territorial integrity. Up until now, both Washington and Brussels were very supportive of the right to the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, but discriminated against Azerbaijan. Glad to see this policy has ended,” she noted.

Of course, we can’t overlook the presence of EU observers along the still tentative Azerbaijani-Armenian border and the immense pressure Armenia is facing, particularly from France. While the Armenian Prime Minister tries to shape the country’s political course, there hasn’t been much headway towards a peaceful agreement with Azerbaijan. However, Paris’s propaganda alleging that Azerbaijan plans to attack Armenia and has territorial ambitions has already been debunked. How to respond to Macron now, and what to do with the hundreds of Europeans at the border, is up to Nikol Pashinyan.

Armenia must decide independently on the direction it wants to take in its politics and economy. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that dragging out the peace process with Azerbaijan will only continue to impede Armenia’s reintegration into key transit and energy projects in the region – something Yerevan aims for.

Brenda Shaffer believes that it’s clear Armenia stands to gain economic benefits from making peace with Azerbaijan.

“Up until now, Armenia has resisted this, and the opening of trade and travel infrastructure. The irony is that Armenia stands to benefit the most from the opening of trade in the region. Armenia can connect to Central Asia. Likely if Armenia and Azerbaijan make significant progress toward a peace agreement, Türkiye will also open its border to trade with Armenia. This will create many opportunities for Armenia,” she explained.

Positive signs are emerging from Yerevan more noticeably now. It seems that the understanding has finally dawned in Yerevan that without striking a peace deal with Azerbaijan, Armenia can’t expect to expand its trade relations or gain access to Western and Eastern markets, not to mention ensuring basic stability.

As Ambassador Bryza pointed out, if Yerevan sticks to its current political path, a peace treaty could soon become a reality.

“Back in December last year, a significant step was taken when both sides agreed not only on the prisoner exchange but also on continuing the peace process,” Bryza reminded, stressing the importance of maintaining such positive momentum.

Recently, wherever Nikol Pashinyan speaks – whether with Western allies, the President of Kazakhstan, or in front of his own parliament – he emphasizes Armenia’s readiness to swiftly resolve all issues with Baku. However, his statements and actions have been inconsistent. Despite four years passing since the end of the Second Karabakh War, tangible progress towards signing a peace treaty has yet to materialize. Perhaps Nikol Pashinyan believes that it’s better late than never.

While Armenia deliberates its next move, Azerbaijan continues to notch up victories. From regaining full sovereignty in September 2023 to the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers and now reclaiming control over four villages – all achieved without firing a single shot, solely through peaceful negotiations – it’s evident that President Ilham Aliyev’s forward-thinking and steadfast policy are yielding results.

It should now be clear to Yerevan that there’s no better option than the terms offered by Baku.

The post Nikol Pashinyan agrees to Azerbaijan’s terms – US perspective on future of peace between Baku and Yerevan appeared first on Azerbaijan In Focus.

A joint meeting was held on April 22 in Moscow between Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, with railway veterans and workers on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Baikal-Amur Mainline, according to Azerbaijan in Focus, reporting AzerTac.

Addressing the meeting, President of Russia Vladimir Putin said:

– Dear Ilham Heydarovich!

Dear friends!

Fifty years ago, the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline began. This railway stands as one of the world’s largest arteries, a true path of the future. For many involved in the inception and implementation of this project, the BAM is a symbol of dreams and romantic aspirations cherished by an entire generation as they used to say back then and we can confirm now.

The BAM also epitomizes the immense labor and bravery of two million young people from across the Soviet Union. They embarked on a ground-breaking project, unparalleled in world history.

Today we see that the BAM largely shapes the global logistics for the whole 21st century. Our country has gained a tremendous potential for exploring and developing Siberia and the Far East, for expanding freight traffic volumes towards the Pacific Ocean. To put it bluntly, the pivot to the east at the present stage was made possible precisely thanks to the Baikal-Amur Mainline.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the participants in our meeting on the launch of the Baikal-Amur Mainline construction. Firstly, I would like to speak about the veterans of the railway industry, construction sector, and railway troops. I congratulate not only you but also your families, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and comrades who have stood by you through both challenges and triumphs. And now I am addressing the veteran builders – you had it all including songs by campfires, yet one thing stands out above all else – your hard, hard work.

A profound salute to all who worked alongside you on the BAM, for the labor feat you collectively achieved. Through the trials of the 1990s, you remained steadfast in your dedication to your life’s work, preserving work crews and ensuring reliable operation of the BAM.

I extend my warmest regards to all those who currently reside and work here, at the BAM, upholding the glorious traditions of the pioneers and contributing to the reconstruction, expansion, and maintenance of this vital railway line.

In recognition and appreciation of your courageous efforts, an Executive Order has been signed to award veteran builders and workers in the construction and railway sectors with high state decorations.

I am sincerely happy to congratulate President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Baikal-Amur Railway construction. His father, Heydar Aliyev, as all BAM builders know well, played a special, enormous role in the BAM’s history. As First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers, he supervised the BAM construction and did everything he could for implementing this most complicated project.

He had a colossal amount of knowledge and experience, a managerial talent, an ability to resolve most complicated problems that have helped him alongside with his special personal qualities, of course, primarily, a caring and respectful attitude to the people with whom he worked and resolved those huge challenges. He personally visited BAM facilities and spoke to builders and residents of new cities and towns. It was easy to approach him and tell him about one’s problems or to discuss current issues.

I know that our meeting is attended by those who worked with Heydar Aliyev. I would like to ask you by all means to share your memories with us, to tell us what role he played in your life.

I would like to add that with Heydar Aliyev’s support, Azerbaijani designers and builders established two towns with railway stations – Ulkan and Angoya. Now they are taking part in the reconstruction and modernization of the BAM sections in the Khabarovsk Territory and Yakutia.

One more area of Russia-Azerbaijan cooperation is relevant to the scale and historical significance of the BAM. I am referring to the development of the North-South transport corridor. It actually connects the Northern Sea Route with the Persian Gulf or, let’s say, may and should connect them.

Just as the BAM that became a truly nation-wide construction site and was called upon to serve the interests of all Soviet republics, the North-South transport corridor should become an example of broad international cooperation. I mean the creation of new logistics routes for the accelerated socioeconomic development of the countries in Eurasia and the Global South.

I would like to emphasize once again – we invite all interested countries to join this project and we hope that the best, time-tested traditions of friendship and mutual support of the BAM builders – people of most diverse ethnicities united by a common goal – will be much in demand in this project.

For our part, we are ready to offer our partners access to rapidly growing markets of Asia and the Pacific. For this purpose, we intend to use new technologies so as to fulfil our plans for a rapid upgrading of the BAM and Transsib (Trans-Siberian Railway) and the development of the entire Eastern Operating Domain.

The realization of these plans is of great importance for strengthening the connectivity of our country, as well as our political and economic sovereignty. It is no coincidence that the ideas of development of communication routes to the eastern borders of Russia were promoted by prominent politicians and public figures at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

In particular, in 1908, Pyotr Stolypin, at a meeting of the State Council, which at that time actually played the role of the upper house of parliament, defended the project of construction of the Amur railroad, thanks to which the Trans-Siberian Railway completely passed through the territory of our country.

I am absolutely confident that the new ambitious tasks on the development of the Eastern polygon are within the capabilities of real warriors – such as the workers of BAM. It is a special community of people with strong character who know how to achieve their goals.

I am sincerely glad that the BAM commonwealth has been created. It unites all those involved in the BAM – veterans, specialists from Russia, from the former Soviet republics, and other countries. It is important that you revive and strengthen the friendship of the BAM workers, tell young people the fates of the people, about the glorious history of this huge project, and, of course, provide assistance to the veterans.

To support the people of BAM, we need not only public efforts, of course, but also concrete steps on the part of the state. The BAM builders often lived in very harsh conditions – in huts and barracks. Now, at the present stage, it should not be like that.

In this regard, I would like to note that the Government of the Russian Federation has already approved plans for the comprehensive socioeconomic development of such key BAM cities as Tynda, Severobaykalsk, Neryungri, and Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

We are talking about large-scale renovation and development of their transportation infrastructure, housing and public utilities, overhaul and construction of schools, hospitals, kindergartens and sports facilities. Of course, we will definitely build new, modern houses, new housing, and generally create decent conditions for those who live and work at BAM today.

Thank you very much for your attention.

I would like to give the floor to our guest and friend. Please, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Heydarovich, you have the floor.

X X X

President Ilham Aliyev said:

– Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich!

Dear friends!

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich, for the invitation to take part in today’s event. It is a great honor for me to be among those who built the BAM, who dedicated their lives and their youth to the All-Soviet Union construction.

I would also like to congratulate all the builders, specialists and all BAM workers on the 50th anniversary of the start of construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline.

Vladimir Vladimirovich mentioned that this construction project brought together all the republics of the Soviet Union. This, in fact, is very true, and it is not by chance that it was called the All-Soviet Union construction. And we, of course, are proud that Azerbaijani builders and specialists took an active part in the construction and, as Vladimir Vladimirovich noted, built two railway stations.

Of course, I would like to say words of special gratitude to Vladimir Vladimirovich for the respect for the memory of Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev. We know perfectly well that it was Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev who laid the foundation of friendly and neighborly relations between our countries in the early 2000s. In 2001, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin visited Azerbaijan, marking the beginning of a significant journey that we are undertaking together.”

Today, we discussed the realization of many plans related to our cooperation, which has been implemented for more than two years within the framework of allied interaction between us. Of course, the Heydar Aliyev factor always played and will always play an important role in our interstate relations, because during his years in this building in Moscow, in the Kremlin, he made tremendous efforts to contribute to the development of the Soviet state and the sphere he was entrusted with. One of them was the transportation sphere.

We are also grateful to the workers and builders of the BAM, to all transport workers of Russia for immortalizing the memory of Heydar Aliyev. A railway station in the Angoya settlement was named after him. As BAM workers know very well, he covered a long distance – practically on foot, by train, by helicopter – in difficult conditions from Bratsk to Vladivostok and Nakhodka. He shared in the joys and sorrows with the people of BAM for ten days.

And I remember that when he returned, he was impressed not only by the scale of construction that the Soviet state was capable of implementing, but, first of all, by the dedication of the BAM workers, who, in the harshest possible conditions, sometimes in permafrost, in impassable forests, lack of roads, were putting their lives at risk, performing a feat, a miracle practically every day, predetermining the future development of the Soviet state, the present-day Russia and neighboring countries, and creating a unique example of infrastructure, which for many years – for 50 years and more – will serve the cause of regional development and international cooperation.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Vladimir Vladimirovich and our Russian friends for honoring the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev. This day was celebrated with particular respect in Azerbaijan and Russia last year. This is our common history and we cherish it very much.

Today, it is gratifying that modern Russian-Azerbaijani relations are based on this solid foundation: on friendship, mutual understanding, mutual support and focus on results. Today, we are not only implementing major transport projects, as Vladimir Vladimirovich noted, we are actively involved in the creation of the international transport corridor North-South. We also actively cooperate in economic, political, energy, humanitarian and many other spheres.

As for the North-South transport corridor, Vladimir Vladimirovich and I discussed this issue in detail once again today. Appropriate instructions have been given to members of the Government. I am confident that all the issues will be agreed upon in the near future and we will start the implementation of one more magnificent project.

I must say that a railway connecting the Azerbaijani-Russian border with the Azerbaijani-Iranian one exists on the territory of Azerbaijan. But the needs of shippers dictate us the need to build new sections of this railway so that we could increase freight traffic on it and thus provide a unique transportation route from the North to the Indian Ocean.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for the fact that I had an opportunity to participate in this event, to congratulate all BAM workers on this anniversary and wish the builders of Azerbaijan, Russia and all CIS countries continued success and achievements.

Thank you.

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Children across Türkiye experienced joyful celebrations, commemorating the 104th anniversary of the Grand National Assembly’s founding and highlighting the nation’s commitment to honoring this historic day.

Türkiye marks the 104th anniversary of a pivotal moment in its history on April 23, 1920, with the establishment of the First Grand National Assembly, a significant step toward asserting its independence. As the nation commemorates this milestone, various activities unfold across the country to celebrate this important day.

In the southern province of Antalya, children have experienced a magnificent festive spirit with the International Children and Kite Festival organized by the city’s municipality. Colorful activities held at the Glass Pyramid King’s Road delighted children and families.

Semin Öztürk Şener, Türkiye’s only civilian female aerobatics pilot, performed aerobatic maneuvers in her plane “Yeni Menekşe” and attended a signing ceremony. Işıl Görenoğlu, deputy chairperson of the organization committee, highlighted that this event, now in its ninth year, aims to connect children with the sky, providing flight experiences to around 80 children using different types of aircraft and helicopters.

Children in Kartepe in northwestern Kocaeli celebrated the day with a special event at the Naval Air Command. They visited the 351st Helicopter Line Maintenance Command, explored helicopters and experienced the Dunker Simulator for water rescue operations. Rear Adm. Mehmet Savaş Eser joined the festivities, inspiring children’s interest in aviation and maritime operations.

In Eskişehir’s Sivrihisar in central Anatolia, as part of the “Aviator Kids Event” at the Necati Artan Facilities, children and their parents explored the M.S.Ö. Aviation and Space Museum located at the Western Apron. Those interested experienced the thrill of flight with helicopters and planes under the guidance of experienced pilots. Children participated in a “Paper Plane Competition,” aiming to throw their paper planes the farthest distance possible. Participants received certificates and various gifts for their efforts on the platform set up at the museum.

Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital, in partnership with the Public Education Center Directorate, organized an event for children undergoing treatment. Activities like wood painting and marbling were arranged, accompanied by clowns, music, games and gifts, creating a festive atmosphere in the children’s ward and bringing joy to the young patients.

In western Muğla’s Köyceğiz, the Durgunsu Canoe International April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day Cup and Spring Cup races recently concluded. The Turkish Canoe Federation’s 2024 program included races in various categories, with 230 athletes competing, including a team from Azerbaijan. Winners were awarded in both cups, with Şişecam Sports Club and Gündoğdu Sports Club taking first place, among others.

Despite challenging weather, the races ran smoothly, and plans are in place to continue national team training in Köyceğiz for upcoming international events, ensuring a promising future for Turkish canoeing.

International celebrations

In Vienna, Austria, the Turkish Consulate and Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) organized an event to celebrate the day, with contributions from Turkish associations. Ambassador Ozan Ceyhun and Consul General Cafer Mert Özmert, among others, attended the event. The event began with the national anthem and remarks from Özmert.

Ceyhun emphasized the day’s significance as the 104th anniversary of Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly and the country’s founding leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s dedication to children worldwide. The event included performances by children and artists Ümit Kaplan and Erkan Obüs, drawing considerable interest from attendees.

The historic day was celebrated in Western Thrace with various activities. Turkish children in the region participated in programs organized by the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Union (GTGB) and the Iskeçe Turkish Union (ITB), showcasing their love for Atatürk through poetry, songs and folk dances.

Children enjoyed balloons, sweets and gifts during the events, while at ITB, a magician entertained with captivating illusion shows. Aykut Ünal, Türkiye’s consul general in Gümülcine (Komotini), commended the events, emphasizing the importance of youth taking charge of their futures as a testament to the region’s strong foundations.

What’s this day?

The Grand National Assembly convened for the first time in 1920 in the capital Ankara during the War of Independence, setting the groundwork for an independent, secular and modern republic. This assembly, led by Atatürk, laid the foundation for Türkiye’s national sovereignty, a cornerstone of our existence.

In 1924, Atatürk designated April 23 as a national holiday, a decision that was further enhanced in 1929 when he dedicated the day to children, making it Children’s Day. This gesture symbolizes the country’s commitment to nurturing and cherishing the future of the nation. Since 1979, Children’s Day has taken on an international dimension, with foreign children joining Turkish children in celebrating this special day.

Türkiye’s unique recognition of this holiday as a national celebration for children sets it apart as the first and only country in the world to do so, sharing this spirit of joy and hope with the global community.

 

This article was originally published on Daily Sabah on April 22, 2024. 

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