Turkmenistan News Gazette

BAKU: Organizations such as the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) have an active role in the fight against colonialism, Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, told Trend in an exclusive interview. Let's start from the recent escalations in New Caledonia. Proposed illegal constitutional amendments by the French government on election legislation caused the incidents and arrests in Noumea city and beyond. What are the key reasons of escalations in New Caledonia? The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has already expressed its deep concern regarding the recent arrests and the curfew imposed by French authorities in New Caledonia in its statement. One of the key reasons for these incidents is the illegal constitutional amendments which aim to enlarge the electorate at the expense of non-Kanaks in a purposeful manner. This has rightly caused people's dissatisfaction including the protests and demonstrations. During ongoing escalations, unfortunately, 82 Kanak civilians were arrested, and one person w as killed. Recent proposed Constitutional amendments without considering the opinion of the Kanak people, violence, and arrest against civilians who participated in peaceful strikes and in protests have been accompanied by gross violations of various laws, including human rights, freedom of expression, in particular, international commitments of France. The French government has to understand that banning public gatherings and arresting pro-independence supporters are not the lasting solution. We demand the French Government to take into account the decision of the Kanak people. BIG advocates for peaceful dialogue, respect for human rights, and a fair resolution to the underlying issues. As well is known, since 1986, the United Nations Committee on Decolonization has included New Caledonia on the UN list of non-self-governing territories and this list aims to decolonize the 17 non-self-governing territories. The right to self-determination is fundamental, and we support those who seek a better and decent fu ture for their own people, the BIG will continue to support Kanak peoples' fair struggle for their independency. What prompted the formation of the BIG and what are its primary goals? As is well known, Azerbaijan was elected as a chair of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019 and the country chaired the non-aligned movement for the last four years. The support to the struggling nations for independence under international law and in its fundamental principles constitutes a sacred duty of the Non-Aligned Movement which is the second largest international organization after the UN. Azerbaijan in its chairmanship has respected fundamental principles of the non-aligned movement, which means respect for nations' sovereignty, their territorial integrity, security, recognition and respect for national movements that fought to gain their independence. In 2023, July the 6th, within the framework of coordination bureau of the ministerial meeting on the Non-Aligned Movement, the decision was made to establish Baku Initiati ve Group which one of the main activities is supporting colonized regions' struggle against neo-colonialism and colonialism. As I mentioned above, one of our missions is to support fight against neo-colonialism and colonialism under international norm and principles. Can you give us an update on Baku Initiative Group's past accomplishments and its future plans? The BIG successfully conducted nine international conferences for last eight months. The first conference themed 'Decolonization: Peaceful Revolution' was held during the high week of the General Assembly at the main headquarters of the United Nations in New York. Then, BIG held effective international conferences covering various issues each time in the context of decolonization. BIG held several international conferences in 2023-2024 and some of these international conferences held at the UN headquarters (New York, Geneva and Vienna), where discussed political, economic and cultural consequences of the colonialism and violations of human rights in New-Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Corsica. where BIG is represented. Our organization involved foreign experts, academicians, representatives of international NGOs on decolonization and human rights, which was fairly effective and fruitful. The key purpose here by holding those events and inviting experts is to provide international community about real situation of affected regions that could not afford before the Baku Initiative Group. Although our organization has witnessed passive, more exactly stagnation and weak support in this direction in the recent years, there have been certain outcomes of our activities and will surely be results of this organization. Whether to what extent international law and international organizations are effective or ineffective, countries like Azerbaijan with exemplary chairmanship of such organizations including BIG claim struggle against colonialism. BIG has provided and still continue to update world community co rrect and accurate information about those regions that gives strong prediction to have more achievements in the near future on this line. Why does colonialism still persist in the 21st century, and what are the latest trends in colonial practices that we often hear about? When we go back to history, colonialism experienced a traditional way of direct control of territories and resource exploitation. However, due to global shifts in political ideologies, decolonization movements in colonized territories in the mid-20th century turned down the process. Unfortunately, some areas still suffer from colonialism and neocolonialism and several reasons can be listed for the persistence in the 21st century. Economic exploitation such as extraction of resources by powerful nations or multinational corporations, unequal trade relationships, debt burdens still trigger poverty, and dependency and maintain a form of economic neo-colonialism. Political impact by colonial powers over colonies through diplomatic relations , military presence, and even involvement in local conflicts undermines those nations' sovereignty and self-determination. Cultural hegemony as a continuation of colonial cultural imperialism still stands among the top influences over colonies, existing in cultural norms, values, social hierarchy, languages, and institutions in many parts of the world. As we constantly hear, indigenous people in colonies are facing injustices and inequalities caused by colonialism. For example, colonies frequently complain about unequal access to resources, land dispossession, and racial discrimination that shape social and economic structures. Powerful nations hide geopolitical interests under the name of promoting democracy, human rights, or security interests that may grab the attention of ordinary people. In addition, history has witnessed the involvement of military interventions, regime changes, or support for proxy governments over colonies several times. At the same time, how can countries involved in colonial act ivities project a democratic image for themselves? First of all, we are seeing from experiences that French government intentionally emphasize rhetoric of freedom, equality and human rights to justify their actions and present themselves as pioneers of democracy. Indeed, 'French pioneers of democracy' violates human rights in colonized regions, and the BIG has effectively delivered the reality in above-mentioned regions through international events to the global community. Another key aspect here is, the implementation of institutional reforms in those regions, and organizing controlled elections by colonial authorities in order to form puppet governments in colonized territories with the image of democratic governance aiming at never-ending dominance of colonial powers or their preferred political elites. As I mentioned in the first question, nowadays we are observing that the French Senate and National Assembly proposed illegal constitutional amendments in New Caledonia, and the French government by way o f implementing such illegal constitutional amendments strives to sustain their neocolonialism policy in colonized regions. How are Azerbaijan's calls for anti-colonialism being received by international organizations, Western institutions, and major powers? And why aren't these calls receiving efficient responses? This depends on several factors, largely geopolitical interests and historical context. Azerbaijan's calls for anti-colonialism may receive support from certain international organizations, particularly those that advocate for decolonization, sovereignty, and self-determination, namely the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), or the United Nations (UN) may express solidarity with Azerbaijan's position and condemn colonial practices. When it comes to responses from Western institutions, several Western governments and institutions may express support for Azerbaijan's anti-colonial policy or position that aligns with principles of democracy, human rights, and territorial integrity. Moreover, a fair assessment of the struggle against colonialism by relevant international organizations and the international community is important, unfortunately, they don't do yet, but there is hope for the future on this path. Countries such as Azerbaijan, international organizations should actively be involved in the process of decolonization. Organizations such as Baku Initiative Group have an active role in the fight against colonialism with growing support to these regions. Our opinion is, if they work in this direction there will surely be positive results. Source: Trend News Agency

BAKU: The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Belarus - Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergei Aleinik - have met in Baku, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. The meeting between Jeyhun Bayramov and Bularusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik was continued in an enlarged format with the participation of delegations from both sides. "The meeting discussed issues arising from the existing relations of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Belarus, preparations for the planned state visit of the President of Belarus to Azerbaijan, as well as the regional situation. The sides noted with satisfaction the formation of an agenda of mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, processing industry, agriculture, transportation, tourism, pharmaceuticals, high technologies, humanitarian, and other areas for more than 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Particularly, it was noted that an important role in expanding cooperation in t he economic sphere is played by the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, the next meeting of which will be held in the coming days. Talking about the exceptional role of intensive contacts between the leaders of the two countries in the development of the current political dialog, Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the importance of the state visit of the President of Belarus to Azerbaijan, as well as the signing of documents in various areas within the framework of the visit. Additionally, it was noted that bilateral relations, which have the character of strategic partnership, are successfully continued within the framework of regional and international multilateral platforms, including the UN, OSCE, and CIS. The Belarusian side was also informed in detail about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, the large-scale reconstruction and construction works carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, and the possibilities of cooperation in this direction. Touching upon Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the negotiation process within its framework, and the organizational measures undertaken, Jeyhun Bayramov mentioned that during the chairmanship Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the support and active participation of partners. The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest during the meeting. 13:17 An expanded meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Belarus - Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergei Aleinik - has taken place in Baku, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. The meeting discussed the prospects for a strategic partnership between the two countries in the fields of economy, transport, industry, agriculture, and other areas. Additionally, the meeting saw an exchange of views on initiatives to strengthen the bilateral and multilateral cooperation agenda, and the post-conflict situation in the region, including the holding of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). 13:01 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov has met with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Aleinik at the administrative building of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Trend reports via the ministry's X account. Currently, the ministers meet one-on-one. Source: Trend News Agency

BAKU: Through gradual and coordinated efforts by the Government of Azerbaijan, on May 14, 2024, eight Azerbaijani citizens (five children and three women) who were in conflict zones in the Syrian Arab Republic were successfully repatriated to Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend. The ministry stated that the initial steps involved confirming the location, identity, and citizenship of the Azerbaijani repatriates. After that, arrangements were made for their transfer to the territory of Trkiye. "Representatives from relevant state agencies tasked with repatriating Azerbaijani citizens from Iraq and Syria were dispatched to Trkiye, where primary medical and psychological examinations were held on the repatriates. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Trkiye facilitated the necessary coordination efforts, issuing return certificates to our citizens and overseeing their transport back to Azerbaijan. Plans are in place for the social rehabilitation and reintegration of the returnees into society. The Government of Azerbaijan remains committed to taking the necessary steps for repatriating citizens affected by armed conflicts in foreign territories,' the ministry said. Source: Trend News Agency

BAKU: Khojaly city hosted a ceremony commemorating the withdrawal of the Russian peacekeeping contingent from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The event was attended by high-ranking military personnel from the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Russia, a peacekeeping contingent, representatives of the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan, military personnel, and media representatives. After viewing a photo exhibition showcasing the activities of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the Karabakh Economic Zone, the guests were invited to the honorary podium, and the program of the ceremony was announced. The event began with a minute of silence in honor of the fallen servicemen. Accompanied by a military orchestra, the national anthems of the two countries were performed. The Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijani Army, Lieutenant General Karim Valiyev, briefed on the activities of the contingent temporarily stationed in Karabakh, in accordance with the statement signed between the lea ders of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia on November 10, 2020. He expressed gratitude to all members of the peacekeeping contingent, which, having prematurely completed its mission, is being withdrawn from the country in accordance with the agreement reached between the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Russia, for their contributions to peace and stability, and wished them success in their future endeavors. Then, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Evgeny Nikiforov delivered a speech. Following the speeches, military personnel, who were awarded medals by the defense ministers of Azerbaijan and Russia, were presented with their medals, and there was an exchange of gifts between the official guests. The event concluded with a concert program featuring creative groups from the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Russia. To note, the Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in accordance with the third point of the joint sta tement of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia and the Prime Minister of Armenia dated November 10, 2020. Source: Trend News Agency

KHOJALY: The need for a peacekeeping mission in Azerbaijan's Karabakh disappeared after local anti-terror measures carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in September last year, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry's spokesman, Colonel Anar Eyvazov said, Trend reports. He made the remark at an event on the withdrawal of the Russian peacekeeping contingent from Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, held in Khojaly city on May 15. The official pointed out that, based on an agreement reached between the top leadership of Azerbaijan and Russia, a decision was made to terminate the peacekeeping mission ahead of schedule. "The large-scale counterterrorism operation, initiated on September 27, 2020, in response to the latest provocations by the Armenian armed forces, was successfully completed within 44 days under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. A contingent of Russian peacekeeping forces was temporarily deployed in Azerbaijan after the 2020 second Karabakh war, in accordance with the relevant clause of t he trilateral statement signed by the heads of state of Azerbaijan, Russia, and the Armenian prime minister. This activity lasted all the way into September 2023. As of September 2023, after the Azerbaijani Armed Forces successfully implemented localized anti-terror measures, the existence of the mission became unnecessary. Based on the agreement reached by the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Russia, a decision was made on the early completion of the peacekeeping contingent's mission and its withdrawal from the territory of Azerbaijan. Immediately after the decision was made, in accordance with the relevant instructions of the minister of defense of Azerbaijan Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the necessary technical and logistical support was provided for the withdrawal of weapons and equipment, personnel, and material of the contingent from the territory of Azerbaijan,' Eyvazov added. To note, the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, scheduled termination of Russian peacekeeping contingent's deployme nt in Azerbaijan in 2025. Source: Trend News Agency

BAKU: Samir Nuriyev, the Head of the Presidential Administration and the head of the Coordination Headquarters for addressing issues in Azerbaijan's liberated territories in a centralized manner, met with Igor Petrishenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, on May 15, Trend reports. During the meeting, both sides hailed the current state of relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus. The parties underlined that the relationship of sincere friendship between the two countries' presidents played an important role in the establishment and development of strategic partnership relations between the two countries. The pair also underscored that in recent years, relations between the two countries have been successfully developing in a variety of areas, including political, economic, and humanitarian spheres, and the two countries have been maintaining fruitful cooperation within international and regional organizations. Samir Nuriyev said that, under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham A liyev, large-scale reconstruction works had been carried out in the territories liberated from occupation in a short period of time. The Head of the Presidential Administration emphasized that, as a result of the work carried out in accordance with the "First State Program on the Great Return to the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan liberated from the occupation", former internally displaced persons had already started to return to their native lands, adding that this process would be further intensified in the coming period. The parties pointed out the great opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the liberated territories and exchanged views in this regard. Samir Nuriyev also presented the "Karabakh before and after the occupation" book to Igor Petrishenko. Source: Trend News Agency

KHOJALY: The Russian peacekeeping contingent made efforts to ensure peace and stability in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region during the period of the mission, Chief of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Karim Valiyev said, Trend reports. He made the remark at an event on the withdrawal of the Russian peacekeeping contingent from Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, held in Khojaly city on May 15. 'Let me convey to you the sincere greetings of the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, on the occasion of the event dedicated to the completion of the mission of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. Today, on this significant day, I would like to remind you that more than three years ago, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, our country ended the 44-day second Karabakh war with complete victory and restoration of territorial integrity,' the official said. Valiyev also reminded that, as a result of the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020, by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President of Russia, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, a ceasefire regime was achieved, putting an end to the Karabakh conflict that had lasted for about 30 years. "During the mission, the peacekeeping contingent fulfilled its tasks and responsibilities and made efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Karabakh economic region. In order to stop the ongoing provocations by illegal Armenian armed formations against the civilian population and to establish full control of Azerbaijan over the Karabakh economic region, local anti-terror measures were carried out in September 2023. As a result of these measures, the activities of the separatist regime were completely terminated, and the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed formations were fully withdrawn from the country's territory. Considering the current situation, the top leadersh ip of Azerbaijan and Russia made a decision to terminate the peacekeeping mission ahead of schedule. Dear friends, today's event is dedicated to the completion of your peacekeeping mission. I congratulate you on this occasion and express my gratitude for your courageous service for the benefit of peace and stability in the Karabakh economic region. I wish you success in your future activities,' he concluded. Source: Trend News Agency

Khojaly: During the peace settlement process in Karabakh, sappers cleared hectares of territory of mines and disarmed 30,000 explosives, First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces Yevgeny Nikiforov, said, Trend reports. He made the remark during the ceremony on the occasion of the completion of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the Karabakh economic region. He noted that three and a half years ago, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia signed a trilateral joint statement on ending the war in Karabakh. 'Almost the very next day, the deployment of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the region began, posts were established in Karabakh, and the foundations were laid for the formation of sustainable peace in the region. During the peace process, sappers demolished thousands of hectares of territory and disarmed 30,000 units of explosives. More than 90,000 people received humanitarian aid, and more than 1,000 civilians received qualified medical assistance," Nikiforov said. H e stressed that after Armenia officially recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the leadership of Azerbaijan and Russia decided to withdraw the peacekeeping contingent from the territory of Azerbaijan. 'Russian servicemen have fulfilled the tasks set by the military-political leadership of our state at a high level. On behalf of the Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, and on my own behalf, I express my gratitude to the Russian peacekeepers for the worthy performance of their duties and to the Azerbaijani servicemen for fruitful cooperation,' Nikiforov said. Source: Trend News Agency

BAKU: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the creation of the Center for Accreditation and Quality Control of Medical Institutions, Trend reports. According to the decree of the head of state, a "Center for Accreditation and Quality Control of Medical Institutions" public legal entity will be created under the Ministry of Health. Under the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan 'On Protection of Public Health," it is defined that the Center is a legal entity under public law, carrying out activities on accreditation of medical institutions, taking measures to improve the quality and accessibility of medical services, as well as providing support services related to the establishment and development of internal quality assurance systems in medical institutions. The authority of the founder of the Center is granted to the President of Azerbaijan. According to the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers must submit proposals to the President of Azerbaijan to improve the legislatio n on accreditation of medical institutions, taking into account the best international practices, within six months. In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers must approve the charter of the Center and inform the President of Azerbaijan of it within two months. Source: Trend News Agency