flydubai’s touches down in Azerbaijan

www.ameinfo.com

“We see Baku as an important economic and financial center in the Southern Caucasus and this importance is only going to increase. We believe flydubai can contribute to the development of tourism in Azerbaijan by bringing visitors and potential investors from other parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates. We are very pleased to be able to establish regular flights between Dubai and Baku.”

Trade between Azerbaijan and the UAE continues to grow and contributes significantly to both economies. The non-oil trade exchange between the UAE and Azerbaijan increased by 21 per cent from USD147million in 2002 to USD318million in 2006, while the total export and re-export from the UAE to Azerbaijan grew by 22 per cent from USD143million to USD316 millions. flydubai was established by the government of Dubai in March 2008 to provide an alternative means of transport for the predominantly expatriate population of the UAE and the thousands of people who travel to and from the UAE on business every year.

Although a low cost airline, safety is the number one priority for flydubai and this commitment was demonstrated when the airline spent US$4bn on brand new aircraft from Boeing at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK last year. The first of the aircraft arrived in May of this year and the airline began commercial flights just a few weeks later on June 1.

flydubai has now received five aircraft from the order for 50 placed with Boeing last year and the rest will continue to arrive until 2015, with the sixth aircraft due next month. The flydubai fleet will be made up entirely of Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. This is the safest aircraft currently in operation, with a track record of more than 40 years in operation. At any one time there are 1,250 Boeing 737s in the sky somewhere in the world.flydubai aims to make travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive and having a fleet of aircraft of the same type ensures the airline can cut down on maintenance and handling costs. These are savings flydubai passes on to its customers.

The airline likes to do things differently and one of the ways flydubai is different is that the price you pay includes only the basics that you need to travel, your seat on the plane, one piece of hand luggage, weighing up to 10kg and all taxes and charges. Anything else is an optional extra and is charged separately. flydubai believes this approach to travel makes fares fairer. After all why should you pay for a meal unless you want to eat one and why should you pay to check a bag into the hold if you are only travelling with an overnight bag? This approach ensure flydubai can offer one-way fares from Baku to Dubai from as little as 165 US dollars (USD).

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just 11 USD for the first piece and 28 USD for the second, weighing up to 32 kg. A nominal payment of 1.5 USD allows customers to select their seat and just 14 USD secures the extra legroom positions.flydubai operates from a modernized and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.

Source:traveldaily.co.uk

Azerbaijan: from personality cult to split personality

Azerbaijani media are so enthusiastic with building of Jr. Aliev and Sr. Aliev’s Cult of Personality that sometimes just go too far. It seems editors have been briefed to mention Azerbaijani leaders under special plan. Today Bakililar Agency issued news on Ilham Aliev’s travel to Moscow. 

The news’s header and contents imply that something like split personality has happened to Ilham Aliev as the header says ‘Azerbaijan’s President to leave for Russia’ while the content tells ‘Ilham Aliev is visiting Moscow at the invitation of Ilham Aliev’. Well, let’s hope neither Ilham Aliev will meet Ilham Aliev at the Moscow airport. 

Sourcee:aysor.am

Azerbaijan's Culture and Tourism Ministry attends 'World Travel Market' tourism exhibition

The 'World Travel Market' international traditional tourism exhibition will feature also a stand of Azerbaijan.

The four-day exhibition that opened on Nov. 9 in London is attended by tourism companies, travel agencies and government representatives from numerous countries and will also host series of seminars, conference and meetings.

Azerbaijan is represented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as State Dance Ensemble, Improtex Travel, Al Travel, GEO travel, ENC Tour companies.

Azerbaijani stand opened on the first day aroused deep interest in visitors, Embassy of Azerbaijan in London said.


Source:today.az

Return of occupied territories to Azerbaijan will not compensate for moral and geopolitical damage from 20-year occupation: Russian philosopher

Day.Az: Signing of Turkey-Armenia protocols on establishment of diplomatic relations was one of the most significant events that have recently happened in our region. Attitude to them is ambiguous both within Turkey and Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Do you think the protocols will harm Azerbaijan or bring a benefit in terms of a further resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Heydar Jamal: The signing of the protocols violated the traditional balance of power around Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Traditionally there were two allies - Armenia-Iran and Azerbaijan-Turkey. Moscow was further strengthening the Iranian-Armenian bloc not spoiling relations with Baku and Ankara, but on the contrary, actively using its relationship with them for its pragmatic interests.

Now this well-established model is collapsing. Ankara's stance has become incoherent. On this backdrop, ambiguity of Moscow’s behavior is increasing. Azerbaijan now is in a new situation in which Armenia, Iran and Russia play against Azerbaijan with Turkey's eroded position and slippery selfish western approach to the solution of the Karabakh issue. Under these conditions, challenge for Azerbaijan’s national security increases dramatically.

Q: Many foreign experts have recently expressed confidence that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be resolved soon. Similar optimistic projections were made also over the past few years. Is there a feeling that it will be really solved this time?

A: It is well known what kind of "scenario" Armenia seeks to achieve. The “scenario” implies return of seven occupied regions to Azerbaijan including Karabakh and granting the widest possible autonomy to Karabakh under nominal sovereignty of Azerbaijan with a right to a free traffic of people and goods between Karabakh and Armenia. In other words, Azerbaijan would not be able to limit or even control mass entrance and exits of Armenians in Karabakh.

Since Karabakh will nominally be an administrative part of Azerbaijan, it would be equivalent to right of Armenians to unlimited and uncontrolled entry into Azerbaijan without a corresponding right of the Karabakh Azerbaijanis to travel to Armenia.

There is another aspect in addition to apparent provocation of such a "solution". Simply return of occupied territories without any conditions is unacceptable for Azerbaijan, because it does not compensate for the moral and geopolitical damage from the 20-year occupation and offers no guarantee for peace in the future.

Q: Prior to signing of the protocols President Serzh Sargsyan went on to Pan-Armenian tour to persuade the diaspora that his intentions are appropriate. Though the Diaspora strongly opposed the protocols, Sargsyan signed them. A few days later he went to Moscow to ask money from the Armenian Diaspora in Russia. As a person who lives in Moscow, can you say what was the reaction of Armenians and Azerbaijanis to the ongoing events? Could Sargsyan achieve his goal or friendship with the Diaspora was spoiled?

A: Armenian Diaspora not only in Russia but also in France and the U.S. were opposed to rapprochement with Turkey. In addition, there is a very powerful opposition to Sargsyan at home. All this together can lead to the fall Sargsyan’s regime under certain conditions.

It should be noted that development of Turkish-Armenian relations also contributes to Iran-Turkey rapproachement which is obviously contrary to the U.S.-Israeli interests in the region. So, today it is quite possible that Americans will begin to actively support anti-Sargsyan forces in Armenia.

Source:today.az

Visa-free travel between Azerbaijan, Turkey is natural: Azerbaijani political expert

Regarding the current talks between Azerbaijan and Turkey to lift visa requirements between the two countries? Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently stated that the countries have almost agreed to establish visa-free travel. Rasim Musabayov: Visa requirements for short-term travel have long been lifted. It suffices to show Azerbaijani passport in Turkish airports and border to be able to travel and stay in the country freely for a month. Turkish nationals are required to obtain a visa which is not cheap at all. Apparently, they plan to extend term of visa-free stay for Azerbaijanis while expecting Azerbaijan to respond by a similar step. 

Visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and Turkey would be natural and make life and business of large numbers of people easier. Q: Do you mean one should not think Turkey’s move is somehow related to Iran’s recent step to unilaterally cancel visa requirements with Azerbaijan? A: There were much talks long ago that it is appropriate to establish visa-free travel between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Practical steps in this respect have already been taken. Iran has persistently proposed to introduce a visa-free regime and most likely unilaterally canceled visa regulations for Azerbaijan nationals to facilitate the process expecting a follow up actions by Azerbaijan. 

Butt the question is not simple given the complex relationship of Tehran with the world and the availability of visa-free regime for CIS member states. 

Turkey-Iran rapprochement benefit Azerbaijan. There is no need to exaggerate Turkish-Iranian rapprochement. These relationships do not go beyond what should be the norm for neighboring states. Thank God, they have no sharp contradictions and unresolved problems. Azerbaijan will only benefit from normal relations and cooperation between Turkey and Iran. Current state of Azerbaijan-Iran relations. Reason for recently intensified visits by Iranian senior officials to Azerbaijan. 

Think visits by senior Iranian officials to Azerbaijan have become frequent. Such visits take place very often as Azerbaijan and Iran are neighboring states. So, there is nothing surprising about regular visits of Iranian officials. Lack of such visits between neighboring states is not normal. As for general state of the Azerbaijani-Iranian relations, then I would describe them as reserved. For example, Iran has openly stated that it disapproves Azerbaijan’s building relations with NATO and Israel. In turn, Azerbaijan voices its concern over Iran's nuclear program and the response by major powers to this. Azerbaijan is not either satisfied with Iran's stance on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in particular, warm relations between Tehran and Yerevan. 

Signs of preparations for "Orange Revolution" in Armenia. On the contrary, the oposition forces grouped around former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan in the Armenian National Congress have behaved very discreetly. No demonstrations are held any more. On one hand, LevonTer-Petrosyan is critics of Serzh Sargsyan and on the other hand claims that the current president actually followed the path in settlement of relations with Turkey and the Karabakh conflict that Levon Akopovic was trying to implement at the end of the 90's, but was overthrown by Kocharyan and radical military. In his current statements Ter-Petrosyan hints that he is ready to support Serzh Sargsyan if he finally breaks away from Robert Kocharyan and Dashnaktsutun ARF. Source:today.az

Bourke Sentenced to One Year in Azerbaijan Bribery Case

NEW YORK—Frederic Bourke Jr., co-founder of the Dooney & Bourke handbag company, was sentenced Tuesday to one year and one day in prison after he was convicted of criminal charges in July in an alleged scheme to bribe Azerbaijan government officials. At a hearing Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin in Manhattan also ordered Mr. Bourke, 63, to pay a $1 million fine and to serve three years supervised release after he completes his prison term. 

Thee sentence was below the range of 57 months to 71 months recommended under federal sentencing guidelines. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of as much as 10 years in prison. The judge said, after a prosecution that dragged on for many years, it was "still not entirely clear to me whether Mr. Bourke is a victim, or a crook, or a little bit of both." However, the judge said prison time was necessary to send a message to persons who might violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. "Such bribery must and will result in a jail sentence," the judge said. In July, a jury found Mr. Bourke guilty of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Travel Act and making false statements to federal law-enforcement officials. 

He was acquitted of a single count of money-laundering conspiracy. Harold Haddon, Mr. Bourke's lawyer, said Mr. Bourke plans to appeal his conviction, saying he believed the judge had imposed "a compassionate sentence" in the case. Mr. Haddon had sought probation in the matter. "There is a substantial chance of winning on appeal," Mr. Haddon said. Mr. Bourke was granted bail pending appeal, which his lawyers expect to file as early as Tuesday. 

Lastt month, Judge Scheindlin rejected Mr. Bourke's motion to set aside the conviction. Prosecutors from the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan had alleged Mr. Bourke was aware of an improper plot by Viktor Kozeny, president and chairman of Oily Rock Group Ltd., to bribe Azeri officials in the late 1990s to allow Mr. Kozeny's investment consortium to buy a stake in the State Oil Co. of the Azerbaijan Republic, or Socar. Mr. Bourke met Mr. Kozeny when they were neighbors in Aspen, Colo., where Mr. Kozeny allegedly convinced Mr. Bourke to invest in his scheme, prosecutors said. Mr. Kozeny, who is facing federal criminal charges as well as state larceny charges, is in the Bahamas, where he so far has successfully fought extradition to the U.S. Prosecutors have said Mr. Kozeny earned the nickname the "Pirate of Prague" because of underhanded dealings in the Czech Republic during privatization of industries there in the early or mid-1990s. Source:wsj.com

First group of pilgrims from Azerbaijan leaves for Hajj

Azerbaijan, Baku, November 11 / Trend News, M.Aliyev /

On Nov. 11, the first group of pilgrims from Azerbaijan left for Hajj. Up to 700 pilgrims started the way with 27 buses. The head of one of the buses, Haji Zahir, told Trend News that the cost of travel was 2,050-2,700 manat.

This year 1,400 pilgrims have been registered in Azerbaijan, 600 of whom will leave for Hajj in early December by plane. The quota for Azerbaijan was 2,000 pilgrims.

Source:trend.az

Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation to participate in 4th meeting of GUAM PA

BAKU, November 9. (AzerTAc). The Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation to the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly led by Elton Mammadov will travel to Tbilisi Sunday to attend the 4th GUAM PA meeting. 

The delegation also included Elman Mamamdov, Mirkazim Kazimov and Ali Masimli. The meeting will discuss prospects for GUAM-EU cooperation, GUAM`s geostrategic neighborhood. 

Thee participants will also share their ideas the regional security in terms of politics, economy, energy, transport and ecology and impact of existing conflicts on regional and international stability, peace and development. Azerbaijani MP Elton Mammadov will make opening remarks while Ali Masimov will report on “Baltic-Black Sea region cooperation prospects” The trip will end on November 10. S

Sourceukrinform.ua

Piracy in Azerbaijan robs popular singer of profits

News.Az interviews popular Azerbaijani singer Azerin.

Our website writes only in English. Will you be able to read your interview in the language of Shakespeare?

I do not think that not knowing English will prevent an artist from properly representing our nation and the peaceful and really democratic policy of our people and state today.

As for Shakespeare, I do not think the translations of the works of the great writer are worse than the original.

Which foreign languages do you speak?

I speak Russian and Turkish and I sing in Italian and French.

You have just got back from Turkey. What can you tell us about your trip?

I have been representing Azerbaijan in many countries for 10 years now. I visit Turkey more frequently and have recently started working with TRT, Turkey's state TV channel, where I have a programme “Azerinle esentiler” ("A Breath of Azerin"). As a channel employee and a singer I spend more time in Turkey. I recently attended the launch of a new channel, TRT Music. I sang a song by Uzeir Hajibayli and Ahmed Javad, Chirpinan Gara Deniz (The Stormy Black Sea). The channel launch ceremony featured five singers - Sezen Aksu, Ajda Pekkan, Kubat, Hanka from Bosnia and me. I had many interesting meetings which made a great impression on me. I received a number of offers from Turkey’s music world.

You have always had a narrow repertoire, compared to other singers. Are you planning to extend it with new songs in future?

I have never had the habit of promoting my songs. My songs are ideologically oriented. As I am rarely heard on radio and television, it may seem that my repertoire is poor. But I hope people who have had the opportunity to attend my solo concerts were satisfied with the variety of music genres. Since 2000 I have released three discs in Baku and earned nothing thanks to pirates. Therefore, I am planning to release the fourth disc in Turkey, as today Turkey is a country that is tackling piracy. I have recently released several songs and I intend to add them to the disc.

We do not often see you at wedding parties, where most of Azerbaijan's popular singers perform. Perhaps you don't like these parties in Azerbaijan or maybe you are not invited?

This is again connected with my principles. I do not think that a wedding is a place where I can perform. I think private events are purely entertainment and I do not see myself there. Though I do not go to wedding parties, I am still invited and I have to make up every possible reason for my refusal in order not to offend people. And this is a tough job for my producer Javid Abidov.

What are you plans?

I hardly have any free time. As for large projects, I cannot talk about anything new as the programmes on TRT take up much of my time. I am also a soloist with the orchestra for Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry troops and I travel to the regions to perform concerts. I do something similar in Turkey with the Turkish armed forces.

What do you think of entertainment programmes on local television channels?

I think artists who deal with serious issues, such as culture and art, should not take part in entertainment programmes. These programmes are show business and have nothing to do with me. I seldom watch any entertainment programmes and only when I see someone I know there.

Source:news.az

Iran unilaterally lifts visa regime for Azerbaijani citizens

Baku. Victoria Dementyeva – APA. Iran unilaterally lifted visa regime for Azerbaijani citizens, Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan told APA.

The embassy said relevant procedures should be completed for bringing the decision into force. “Ministry of Foreign Affairs should officially inform the foreign missions, as well as Azerbaijan about its decision. We are waiting for announcement of the decision and after that an official statement will be made”.

The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran passed decision about visa-free travel of Azerbaijani citizens to Iran. Iranian television said it was proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government agreed to unilaterally free visa regime for Azerbaijani citizens. According to cabinet decision, Iranian foreign ministry should prepare relevant laws on visa-free travel of Azerbaijani citizens to Iran. First Vice President of Iran sent the decision to the foreign ministry for fulfillment.

Source:apa.az

Azerbaijani scouts demonstrate superiority over Armenian children: Azerbaijan Association of Scouts Chairman

Only scout organization in Azerbaijan. To what degree the Azerbaijani children are involved in a scout life? Namiq Jafarov: First, I want to note that the Azerbaijan Scout Association was founded in 1997. We entered into the World Organization of Scout Movement in 2000. 

This allowed us to participate in all international scouting events. The meeting of the Regional Scout Organization was held in Baku in 2004. To hold such an event with participation of the leading countries of Europe was difficult for a young organization, but it took place in the highest level. Since then scouting became more widespread in Azerbaijan leaving behind some neighbors for its scales. 

This is evidenced by the fact Azerbaijan annually holds international camp since 1998. We host young people from different countries. This is a big indicator for us. Azerbaijani children are happy to join us and represent the country at international events. Scouting has become a way of life for many. Q: How many scouts does your organization have? A: Currently, our organization brings together 1,800 scouts throughout the country. Each year about 500 children participate in scout camps organized by the association. Over 300 million people have joined scouts throughout the world. We are open to all, but it does not mean that we accept all. The main thing for us is not to become a scout, and to remain a scout in future so that to play your role in society in a worthy manner. 

As many as 28 million of scouts in 216 countries around the world seek to change the world to the better. Scouting is thought-out, pedagogically sound and proven system of education, training and recreation for children. Established by British intelligence officers Baden-Powell at the beginning of the century, the Scout method proved very effective and resilient. Having existed for nearly a century, it still has not lost its relevance. Scouts are engaged in various activities including hiking, camping, talks and discussions. Scouts from different countries travel a lot and communicate with each other. They find friends in other countries and help each other. Scouting aims at unity, it has no boundaries. All scouting programs are aimed at knowledge of nature, perfection and the formation of active integrated personality. 

We can not avoid it. But I am heartened by the fact that our children demonstrate their superiority over the Armenian scouts in international meetings and camps. Of course, we place great importance on training of our scouts. Our children are ahead of many scouts from the Eurasian region for level of development, communication skills and initiative at international events. 

Because today's scouts are future parliamentarians, businessmen and public figures of the country. It educates leaders and patriots. Scouting is very popular around the world. The country which lacks a scout organization is consider undeveloped. It hurts the image of the country and is considered undemocratic. 

We have always received attention. We cooperate with Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as with UNDP, SOROS, UNFPA, Save The Children, the World Organization of the Scout Movement, BP oil company, UNCEF and UNCER. Donors have helped us in organizing the camps and various projects. This helps us to move along a path to development. Source:today.az