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In This Issue:
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Fact of the Week:
Wildlife in Azerbaijan’s spectacular National Reserves and Parks, all within an easy drive from the capital Baku, includes golden eagles, bears, wild boar, gazelles, mountain sheep and lynx.
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Azerbaijan Doubles Troops in Afghanistan
 Azerbaijan's parliament has voted to double the number of the country's troops serving in Afghanistan.
The vote on Thursday, which was overwhelmingly approved 95-1-1, will raise the contingent to 88 soldiers. Azerbaijan's troops serve under Turkish command in Afghanistan.
It is the second time this year that Azerbaijan has increased its forces in Afghanistan. At the beginning of the year, there were 22 of its soldiers in the country.
Azerbaijan also has troops serving with Coalition forces in Iraq, where they are responsible for protecting the Haditha Dam, a major source of electricity for the city of Baghdad.
Hundreds Gather at The George Washington University
for Azerbaijani Conference
 Azerbaijani diaspora, government officials, and friends of Azerbaijan packed a conference hall at The George Washington University for a two-day conference this week on “Energy Security and Diaspora in the Development of U.S.-Azerbaijan Strategic Allied Relations.”
Participants heard numerous speakers on panel discussions and during question-and-answer sessions on topics that addressed the business climate in Azerbaijan, pipeline and security issues, and practical information for Azerbaijanis living in the United States such as prospects in the American housing market.
The Oct. 1-2 conference, which attracted over 250 people, promoted U.S.-Azerbaijan strategic allied ties, and sought to further increase awareness among Azerbaijani-Americans, U.S. policy and decision makers, and the American public at large about issues and opportunities related to Azerbaijan. The conference was organized by the State Committee for Azerbaijanis Living Abroad and the U.S. Azeris Network.
In his remarks in the opening panel, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United States Yashar Aliyev said that the repeal of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act remains the highest diplomatic priority for the Embassy’s work in Washington, D.C. The legislation, which was enacted in 1992, unfairly punished Azerbaijan by prohibiting direct assistance from the United States to the Government of Azerbaijan.
While this has been waived by U.S. Presidential order each year since 2002, its final abolishment remains a key goal of the Government and Azerbaijani citizens.
“I am proud to say that we are not just friends in principle, but friends who have demonstrated that commitment with action,” Ambassador Aliyev said of Azerbaijan-U.S. relations. He noted that Azerbaijan grants fly-over rights and refueling services to U.S. military aircraft on their way to Afghanistan, creating a vital corridor for American interests. On a personal note, he said he still keeps a donor card he received after he organized a blood drive for foreign diplomats in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
A highlight of the two-day conference was an evening of Azerbaijani music and dance performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Kennedy Center on Oct. 1. The performance included a variety of song and dance, including the ancient Azerbaijani folk music of mugham, declared a masterpiece of oral world heritage by UNESCO. The audience was also treated to a celebration of fast-paced dance movements from the Caucasus, as well as music bridging both Azerbaijani and Western motifs in jazz, opera and orchestral pieces.
Azerbaijan Brings Transparency Resolution
to Successful UN Vote
 The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution on the subject of “Strengthening Transparency in Industries” that was brought before members to a vote by the Government of Azerbaijan.
The resolution, which passed unanimously, gives strong backing to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and emphasizes that transparency and accountability should be embraced and promoted by all its member states. Known as the “publish what you pay, disclose what you receive” initiative, EITI supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the verification and full publication of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining.
The resolution reminds members that the United Nations Convention Against Corruption “reaffirms that corruption is no longer a local matter but a transnational phenomenon that affects all societies and economies, making international cooperation to prevent and control it essential.”
The text of the resolution also “urges the private sectors, including corporations engaged in the extractive industries to ensure transparency and verifiable processes, while adhering to and promoting the principles of honesty, transparency and accountability, in order to maximise private sector’s contribution to the realisation of social and people-centred sustainable development.”
Azerbaijan brought to a vote the resolution, which was co-sponsored by 22 other countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, Italy, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Moldova, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Sierra Leone, Spain, Timor-Leste, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Yemen.
Azerbaijan Embassy in Washington D.C., Consulate General in Los Angeles to Open Polls Oct. 15
 Azerbaijani citizens living in the United States will be able to vote in the Presidential election on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at their Embassy in Washington, D.C. and at the Consulate in Los Angeles.
Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 15. Voters must be at least 18 years of age by Oct. 15 in order to vote and must show a current Azerbaijani passport.
The Embassy is located at 2741 34th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. The Consulate in Los Angeles is located at 11766 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1410, Los Angeles, CA, 90025.
Each voter will be given one paper ballot. Only one candidate can be chosen from each ballot—voting for multiple candidates on the same ballot will invalidate the ballot.
Voters are not allowed to cast votes in absentia for family members or any other citizen.
No prior registration is required. For any questions regarding election procedures, please call the Consular Section at (202) 337-5912. |
