Women’s Bar Association Receives $96,000 Grant from OneWoman Initiative

Funds Provide Women Access to Legal Aid and Build Awareness of Women’s Rights

OneWoman Initiative, a public-private partnership with the U.S. Government, announced today that the Azerbaijan Women’s Bar Association received a $96,000 grant for the Women-For-Women Legal Support Project.  The project provides women access to legal advice and training on issues related to women’s rights, including domestic violence, trafficking of women, early marriage, and gender equality. 

During an International Women's Day celebration held at the Chief of Mission residence, Ambassador Anne E. Derse and USAID Country Coordinator Scott Taylor hosted the OneWoman Initiative awards ceremony in honor of the Women's Bar Association.
The one-year project will target four regions of Azerbaijan—Lankeran, Balaken, Guba, and Mingachevir.  The grant will fund a training program for approximately 400 women to gain greater awareness on women’s rights.  Additionally, 12 community leaders will be trained to act as WBA liaisons in the targeted regions and four different leaflets on women’s issues will be produced and distributed. 

“This grant will bolster the bar association’s efforts to meet the challenges Azerbaijani women face by educating them on their rights,” said Carly Fiorina, Chair of the OneWoman Initiative.  “Empowering Azerbaijani women to participate politically, socially, and economically will have an everlasting positive impact upon their families and communities.”
The OneWoman Initiative provides seed investment to existing grassroots organizations with the proven capacity to measurably enable justice, opportunity, and leadership for women in countries with large Muslim populations.  The OneWoman Initiative is an international women’s empowerment fund administered by a public-private sector effort that includes support from private businesses, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
 
For more information on The OneWoman Initiative, visit www.onewomaninitiative.org. For more information about USAID, please visit www.usaid.gov or contact Aybeniz Ganjaliyeva, USAID Development Outreach and Communications Officer at 994 50224 0776.

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Ambassador Anne E. Derse

Comments to the Press

U.S. Embassy Baku, Azerbaijan, January 26, 2009

in Azerbaijani

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Statement by Ambassador Anne E. Derse on Georgia

August 18, 2008

The United States stands solidly with Georgia, and we fully support Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.  The visit of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Tbilisi last week underscores the strength of that support.  In addition, President Bush has announced a massive American relief and reconstruction effort that is being led by the U.S. Department of Defense.  The United States applauds Azerbaijan's support for Georgia, and we hope that other countries will similarly come forward to support Georgia in the wake of the Russian incursion.

Russia's response in Georgia was not the response of a well-intentioned peacekeeper. Russia's provocations seem clearly to have been aimed at redrawing the map of Georgia. The repair of key Russian military infrastructure as well as the rapid and disproportionate Russian use of force suggests that this incursion was a premeditated act.  Georgia is an independent and sovereign nation, and Russia must respect its democratic neighbor.

We call on Russia to comply fully with the terms of the ceasefire agreement that President Medvedev made with President Sarkozy.  The United States, our NATO allies are moving rapidly to address the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from this conflict.

Russia's actions have threatened not only Georgia.  They threaten the democratic aspirations of the region.  Sovereign nations like Azerbaijan and Georgia will chart their own course, which they have determined will include links to Europe and the West.  Russia must respect such decisions, made by democratically elected leaders. 

Over the course of the past 15 years, this region has awakened, and the links with Europe, with Central Asia, with the broader international community have been strengthened. 

These are not just physical links of oil and gas pipelines, but links of shared values, ideas and aspirations.  Russia should join the international community in welcoming the democratic development and prosperity of its neighbors. 

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Georgia Must Be Whole and Free

Op-ed by Ambassador Anne E.Derse

Every four years, the world traditionally puts aside its disputes to cheer on its athletes during the uplifting quadrennial spectacle of the Olympic Games. During this Olympic year, however, we’ve been treated to a spectacle that has been anything but uplifting, as Russian tanks, troops, and planes have swept across the border of one of its small neighbors. Although the neighbor was Georgia, not Czechoslovakia, and the tanks bore Russian, not Soviet Union markings, the scene was chillingly reminiscent of 1968.

The aftermath of these events has been equally disturbing. Russian troops have refused so far to leave, and have dug in to positions not only in Georgia’s disputed areas of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, but also in Georgia proper, all in violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity.  Russia’s actions threaten not only Georgia, but the aspirations of sovereign nations across the region. more

Read this Op-ed in Russian

Statement by Ambassador Anne E. Derse on Abu Bakr Mosque Attack

August 18, 2008

The United States condemns last night's attack on the Abu Bakr Mosque in Baku.  We express our condolences to the families of the victims.  We hope that the government quickly will be able to bring to justice those responsible for this crime.

Azerbaijan has long been heralded for its tradition of religious harmony and interfaith dialogue, and those who would attack a mosque violate humanity's most cherished precepts.  We offer our solidarity with the Azerbaijani people in the face of this cowardly attack. 

U.S. Missile Defense Agency Brigadier General Patrick O'Reilly visited Gabal radar station

Following up on the offer of Russian President Putin to President Bush to share data from the Russian-leased Qabala early warning radar, Deputy Director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency Brigadier General Patrick O'Reilly led a team of experts to visit the radar on September 18.  Speaking to assembled local and international media representatives after the visit, O'Reilly stressed that it is in our mutual interest to cooperate on missile defense to counter emerging security threats.  He noted that this had been a fact-finding trip and that the expert team will continue to examine whether the Qabala radar can play a role in our plans for a missile defense system.  O'Reilly also added that the U.S. had also invited Russian experts to watch a flight test and to visit U.S. anti-missile facilities in the coming weeks.  Photo by Turan Agency.

Assistant Secretary Sullivan Speaks to the Media

On August 16, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Daniel Sullivan gave a speech on US-Azerbaijan economic relations and answered questions at the American Center in Baku. In his speech, A/S Sullivan underlined the importance of economical development in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector and accession to the World Trade Organization. The speech was followed by questions from members of the American-educated Azerbaijan Alumni Assoication and journalists representing most Azerbaijani media outlets. During the Q&A, A/S Sullivan discussed Azerbaijan's key role in global energy security, efforts by the international community to urge Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program, and some of the measures that should be taken by Azerbaijan to avoid the effects of "Dutch Disease" and the oil resource "curse."

Public Diplomacy Officer visits an English Club

Public Diplomacy Officer Dmitri Tarakhovsky attended a Forum of Enjoy English Club on August 11 near the town of Ismayilli. Approximately fifty students and English language teachers from Baku, Ismayilli, Gabala, and Ganja joined the forum. To emphasize the importance of learning foreign languages in today's world, Mr. Tarakhovsky made his remarks in Azerbaijani. The students conducted presentations in English on the education systems in the U.S. and in Azerbaijan as well as other topics. Open and lively discussions followed each presentation.

The Enjoy English Club was founded in 2001 with the support of the Azerbaijan English Teacher's Association and encourages school students to actively learn English. Enjoy English Club members initiate and hold periodical conferences and forums in English.

Charge d’Affaires Donald Lu Presents Graduation Certificates to 65 Madrasa Students for Their Participation in the U.S. Embassy Microscholarship English Program

On August 2, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Donald Lu presented certificates and congratulated the 65 children who received U.S. Embassy microscholarships and successfully completed 10 months of English classes taught by the Azerbaijan English Teachers’ Association.  Dmitri Tarakhovsky, U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer, gave opening remarks stressing the importance of learning of English as a major asset for the future of the students and their country.  The children, who are all students in local madrasas, gave presentations on the US political system, economy, history, culture and geography, sang songs, and performed short plays to demonstrate their newly-acquired English language skills. Some of the students were also presented with special prizes and certificates for their essays, class participation, and contributions in producing two newsletters.  The graduation ceremony was covered by local TV and print media.

Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary Open State-of-the-Art American Center in Baku, Azerbaijan

Ambassador Derse, Education Minister Mardanov, and Semed Seyidov, Parliamentarian and Rector of the University of Languages, signed an MOU and officially opened the American Center at the University of Languages.  The Center, which houses 10 public internet workstations, thousands of books, dozens of magazines and journals, a large video collection, and access to on-line databases, is expected to host hundreds of visitors every week.  Joining the celebration from Washington by digital video conference, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Colleen Graffy and IIP's Holly Murten congratulated the Embassy and University on the opening.  The opening was widely covered by the national television and print media.

Monthly Embassy “Ask-the Consul” Column Demystifies Visa Procedures in Azerbaijan

Two major daily Azerbaijani newspapers, Russian-language EXO and Azerbaijani-language AYNA, agreed to the Embassy’s proposal to print a monthly “Ask-the-Consul” column which features questions from readers and answers from the Embassy Consular Section Chief.  The column (now in its 5th month) provides a regular and credible forum to dispel rumours and myths about the U.S. visa process.  Focusing individual columns on topical issues (student visas, summer work travel visas, the diversity lottery, procedural changes) also gives us a timely means of anticipating problems and countering criticism.

Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary European and Eurasian Affairs Remarks to the Center for Eurasian Policy conference on "The Azerbaijan-Turkey-U.S. Relations and Its importance for Eurasia" on December 10, 2007.

I am told that the name Azerbaijan comes from old Persian for "the land of fire." The reference is supposedly to Azerbaijan's famous petroleum deposits. So the link between the nation and energy captures the way many look at Azerbaijan. But there's another theory, that the name Azerbaijan refers to bonfires lit by the Zoroastrian high priests of the ancient country. I actually prefer that theory of the name Azerbaijan because it roots the nation in ancient c ulture and it is culture, not resources, that make civilizations... full text

AMBASSADOR WELCOMES CULTURAL ELITE

Ambassador Derse hosted a reception at her residence to pay tribute to Azerbaijan's cultural elite and to Azerbaijan's cultural accomplishments over the last several months.  Specifically, the Ambassador noted the designation of the Qobustan petroglyphs as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-place finish by pianist Shahin Novresli at the 2007 Montreux Jazz Festival. Other attendees included world-renowned Azerbaijani mugam singer Alim Qasimov, a member of Yo Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, and a number of preeminent local musicians and artists.  Rennie Kaufman, an American cultural envoy entertained the guests, and Shahin Novresli also impressed the audience with an impromptu piano performance.

Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble Perform Historic Azerbaijani Opera at Harvard University

Famous Azerbaijani mugham singer Alim Qasimov and other Azerbaijani musicians accompanied world-renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble at Harvard University for two performances of the new chamber version of “Leyla & Majnun” (1908), the seminal Azerbaijani opera based on a classic Arabian legend by composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov (and the first opera written in any oriental country).  Alim Qasimov’s multi-year collaboration with Cultural Ambassador Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble was made possible in part by a Culture Connect grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Dr. Aida Huseynova, an ethnomusicologist and Azerbaijani Fulbright scholar introduced the group and discussed the role of mugham in Azerbaijani music and the cultural significance of the opera in a November 26 lecture and in pre-concert talks before each performance on November 29 and November 30. Yo-Yo Ma, Alim Gasimov and all musicians of the Silk Road Ensemble shared their vision of the new project during Q&A sessions following each performance. The cultural program also included an exhibition of images about “Leyla & Majnun” at the Harvard University Sackler Art Museum and discussions with scholars and musicians of the Silk Road Ensemble.

Senator Brownback Calls for U.S. and Azerbaijan to Conclude a "Grand Bargain" to Deepen and Broaden Relations

Senator Brownback visited Azerbaijan on February 20 to meet with President Aliyev and to address over 200 Azerbaijani students, offials, and politicians assembled at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. In his remarks and in the Q&A session, the Senator told the audience that he had urged President Aliyev to visit Washington and conclude a "grand bargain" in an effort to broaden bilateral relations in the areas of energy, commerce, and security/military cooperation. Senator Brownback also discussed the U.S. elections, Iran, Kosovo, the PKK, Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues. The Senator also visited our American Center at the University of Foreign Languages and gave exclusive interviews to ANS TV, Radio Liberty, and the BBC. His visit received broad, positive, national press coverage.

Ambassador's Visit to Grave of Slain Journalist Highlights U.S. Support for Media Freedom

Ambassador Derse visited the grave of Elmar Huseynov, an outspoken journalist who was murdered three years ago, to express U.S. support and solidarity for independent journalists and media freedom in Azerbaijan. Ambassador Derse used the occasion to reiterate U.S. calls for the crime to be thoroughly investigated and for the perpetrators to be prosecuted and punished. The U.S. Embassy is also administering a grant from the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to the Elmar Huseynov Foundation to provide support for investigative journalism as a commemoration of Elmar Huseynov's memory. This commemoration on the anniversary of Elmar Huseynov's death was attended by prominent media professionals and politicians. The Ambassador's participation and her remarks were covered widely by the national print media.

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The U.S. Embassy completed the illustration contest

for the Azerbaijani version

of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to be published later this year.

One of the true classics of American literature, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over four generations. Originally published in 1900, it was the first truly American fairy tale. The Azerbaijani translation will allow the Azerbaijanis to get acquainted with this classic children’s novel and enjoy the adventures of its characters in Azerbaijani.

All interested participants submitted one sample illustration in color. The winning illustrations will be light-hearted, fun, and appealing to children.

The contest is closed now. Thank you for your interest and participation. 

The 1^st prize winner will be offered an $800-contract to illustrate the Azerbaijani edition of the book. The second and third place runner-ups will receive small cash prizes and will be considered as potential illustrators of other books released by the US Embassy in Baku.

To read the full text of the book in Azerbaijani please click the link below: http://azerbaijan.usembassy.gov/uploads/images/w9t14atAejg0In0uhDrnKg/TWWOz.pdf

For additional information please contact Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy at (99412) 498 03 35/6/7 (x 4269) or email your questions to BakuIRCenter@state.gov.

U.S. Department of State in partnership with Intel and Relief International to launch Internet training program in Azerbaijan’s schools.

December 17, 2008

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce partnerships between the U.S. State Department Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau (ECA), Intel Corporation and Relief International to provide Internet training to students and teachers in twenty secondary schools in Azerbaijan starting in 2009.  The partnerships will be supported by a $50,000 grant from Washington.

Building on the State Department’s virtual classroom learning program, “Global Connections and Exchange,” which provides teachers and students abroad with training on the Internet, Intel and Relief International will lend their expertise to a range of collaborative projects. Schools will utilize Intel’s web-based teaching and learning programs and Relief International’s school-based online learning modules to train participants on new curriculum techniques and to encourage interactive linkages between U.S. and Azerbaijani schools.  Intel will also provide participating schools Intel Classmate PCs and expertise on Web 2.0 technologies, with the goal of supporting computer literacy and international student networking.

The commitment of the U.S. State Department since 9/11 has been to provide exchange opportunities to the underserved but equally talented youth who have potential to become leaders in their countries and communities. The success of these partnerships in Azerbaijan could be the basis for greater future collaboration.

U.S.–Azerbaijan Economic Partnership Commission

Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs
Washington, DC
November 25, 2008

The United States welcomed Azerbaijan Finance Minister Samir Sharifov and his delegation for the second annual U.S.-Azerbaijan Economic Partnership Commission (EPC) meeting on November 17, 2008. The EPC is focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties and furthering economic and commercial reform in Azerbaijan. The Commission met for the first time in Baku in 2007. Minister Sharifov and Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs Daniel Sullivan chaired the Commission, with representatives from other agencies from both countries participating.

The Commission reviewed existing cooperation, discussed accomplishments since last year's Commission, and outlined priorities for the coming year. The participants reiterated their mutual interest in deepening dialogue on economic, diversification and commercial issues, and ensuring Azerbaijan's continued, sustainable development.

Source: Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
March 20, 2009

VIDEOTAPED REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN CELEBRATION OF NOWRUZ

THE PRESIDENT:  Today I want to extend my very best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz around the world.

This holiday is both an ancient ritual and a moment of renewal, and I hope that you enjoy this special time of year with friends and family.

In particular, I would like to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Nowruz is just one part of your great and celebrated culture.  Over many centuries your art, your music, literature and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place.

Here in the United States our own communities have been enhanced by the contributions of Iranian Americans.  We know that you are a great civilization, and your accomplishments have earned the respect of the United States and the world.

For nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained.  But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together.  Indeed, you will be celebrating your New Year in much the same way that we Americans mark our holidays -- by gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and stories, and looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope.

Within these celebrations lies the promise of a new day, the promise of opportunity for our children, security for our families, progress for our communities, and peace between nations.  Those are shared hopes, those are common dreams.

So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran's leaders.  We have serious differences that have grown over time.  My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community.  This process will not be advanced by threats.  We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect.

You, too, have a choice.  The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations.  You have that right -- but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization.  And the measure of that greatness is not the capacity to destroy, it is your demonstrated ability to build and create.

So on the occasion of your New Year, I want you, the people and leaders of Iran, to understand the future that we seek.  It's a future with renewed exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and commerce.  It's a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you and all of your neighbors and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace.

I know that this won't be reached easily.  There are those who insist that we be defined by our differences.  But let us remember the words that were written by the poet Saadi, so many years ago:  "The children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence."

With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share.  And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning.

Thank you, and Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak.

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Statement by Robert Wood, Deputy Spokesman

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman _____________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                                                  November 6, 2008

Azerbaijan Proposal to Discontinue Local Broadcast of International Media

The United States is deeply concerned by reports that Azerbaijan’s National Television and Radio Council may discontinue local radio broadcasts of international media, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the Voice of America (VOA) and the BBC.

The Chairman of Azerbaijan's National Television and Radio Council (NTRC) said on October 31, that foreign broadcasts on frequencies controlled by the government of Azerbaijan may cease in 2009.  There was no advance communication with the affected broadcasters, nor with the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which provides oversight for all U.S. international broadcasting.

The United States believes that international broadcasters such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the BBC have enriched public debate in Azerbaijan and contribute to Azerbaijan’s democratic development.  Discontinuing such broadcasts would send a disturbing message.  We are seeking clarification from the Government of Azerbaijan.

Ambassador Derse Congratulates U.S.-bound Students

and predicts victory for Aysel in Moscow Eurovision Song Contest
Baku, April 11, 2009 

U.S. Ambassador Anne E. Derse and Eurovision-2009 Song Contestant Aysel  Teymurzadeh today congratulated 45 high school students who will study for year in American high schools under the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program during a reception at the ambassador's residence.

Aysel, who studied in Texas under the program, told the students that her U.S. experience was a fantastic and opened many doors.  "It is true what they say about America; it is the land of opportunity," she said.

Aysel gave the students and Ambassador Derse a preview of her singing and dancing style on the steps of the residence staircase.  She then joined Ambassador Derse and the students for two hours of photo snapshots, autograph signing and discussion of her experience studying in an American high school and living with a host family, what she called her "American family."

The FLEX program is funded by the U.S. State Department and administered by the American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) in Azerbaijan. More than 750 high school students have studied in the United States with the program's support since it opened in 1993.  For more information about FLEX, contact ACCELS Baku office at 012-436-7529/30/31. 

Read Ambassador's speech

U.S. and Azerbaijani Soldiers Train Together

As part of continuing efforts by the United States and its partners in the region to improve interoperability and develop relationships with partner militaries, a contingent of some 200 U.S. soldiers and 500 Azerbaijani soldiers, took part in the April 18-26 training exercise known as “Regional Response” at the Qaraheybat Training Area.

"Azerbaijan is an important partner for the United States," said Ambassador Anne E. Derse. "The United States has a deep and abiding interest in Azerbaijan; in the areas of security cooperation, strengthening energy security and supporting democratic development, we are working closely together," said the Ambassador. "Regional Response is part of that ongoing cooperation with Azerbaijan and the sovereign, independent nations of the region though our NATO partnership efforts.

Apart from the U.S. and Azerbaijani soldiers, the exercise involved observing participants from NATO and NATO partner countries .  The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense invited dignitaries from China, Iran, Turkey, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, and Kazakhstan, many of whom sent representatives to either the opening ceremony or the Distinguished Visitor Day.

The company-level field-training exercise consisted of situational-training exercises, where integrated platoons trained in four areas: cordon and search, establishing and operating a checkpoint, processing confiscated documents and equipment, and conducting a patrol.

During the April 24 Distinguished Visitor Day program, Ambassador Anne Derse praised the high level of cooperation between U.S. and Azerbaijani soldiers.  She said, “The American soldiers who are participating in this exercise have praised the high quality of the exercise, and they have said that one of the most valuable aspects of the exercise was the close friendships and links they are forming between Azerbaijani and American soldiers.”

During the opening of the exercise, U.S. Army Europe 7th Army Commanding General, General Carter Ham, spoke at a  pass-in-review ceremony along with Chief of Main Operation and Combat Readiness Department, First Deputy Chief of General Staff Maj. Gen. Eyvaz Jafarov.

Considering the strategic importance of Azerbaijan, Gen. Ham expressed his hope that this exercise would be the first of many such exercises to come, noting the importance of interoperability. Gen. Ham emphasized the need for continued cohesion as U.S. and Azerbaijani forces continue fighting side-by-side in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Regional Response 2009 planners organized the exercise framework, using Azerbaijan’s Individual Partnership Action Plan, as defined by NATO, and carried it out in the spirit of a partnership for peace, Jafarov said. 

“Hosting of such exercises by Azerbaijan is significant and important for us,” Jafarov said. “To conduct such exercises is a great opportunity to establish more productive cooperation and close friendship.”