Memorable date in the Muslim world
Glorious celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Turkish Republic
90 years ago, on October 29, 1923, a new state emerged on the world map of the twentieth century – the Republic of Turkey. That event was one of the most remarkable for the country itself and for the Middle East and the entire Muslim world.
Over the past nine decades Turkey has become a symbol of a secular, democratic, and developed powerful state in the modern world.
Turkish people having quite ancient history finally overthrew the monarchy in the early 20th century and gained the real Turkish statehood. The Republic of Turkey has received international recognition after the Lausanne Conference, and the Lausanne Peace Treaty signed on 24 July 1923, recognized its new boundaries after the Turkish War for Independence and the country has gradually become an important player on the world stage.
On October 29, 1923, at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT) Mustafa Kamal Pasha, who was given the name of ‘Ataturk’ later (24 November 1934) by the Turkish parliament, which means the “father of Turks”, proclaimed the Turkish Republic (Jumhuriyyet). Ataturk was also elected the first president of the country.
A deliberate and irrevocable struggle for the establishment of a free, independent, civilized and secular Turkish state had started under the leadership of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk. It should be noted that the path to the creation of a sovereign Republic of Turkey coming to replace the ancient Ottoman Empire was not smooth at all. In those days the whole world and Turkey itself were in deep economic crisis that kept the situation tensed. In addition, the country was in hardship due to its explosive domestic situation caused by the subversive actions of various negative forces and, primarily, the Armenian groups and the pressure from major enemies of the country. Frequent wars led to having different problems, which exhausted already fragile countries. Such a situation has left Turkey face to face with challenges of history. The country was on the verge of division and fall: some parts of the country were occupied by the French, British, Italians and Greek troops.
It was that very time when it seemed as stalemate and Mustafa Kamal came to help his nation as if the Almighty had sent him to the Turks. Wisdom, unlimited love for his country and people, valor and exceptional organizational leadership skills of that person helped him to choose the right way for the formation and development of the Turkish state.
There were some important steps that have made it possible to bring the country out of a difficult situation and strengthen it in a relatively short time: introduction of the new Latin alphabet, adoption of laws on land reforms, trade unions, favorable conditions were set for the publication of newspapers and magazines, establishment of multi-party system, significant measures taken to make changes in the economic sphere, measures targeted to make changes in foreign and domestic policy.
Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, led the country for 15 years until his death in 1938. For all of his time, Ataturk strived for the country’s progress and new achievements. The Turkish Republic founded by him had gone through many historical challenges and has become the most powerful country in the Middle East and one of the most influential in the world.
Today’s Turkey with its 90 -year-old path is a member of the United Nations (since 1945) and one of the non-permanent members of the Security Council of the organization, a member of NATO (since 1952) and the Council of Europe, the G-20, the OIC and other reputable organizations, as well as a candidate for the membership of the European Union. Turkey has got its word in contemporary world politics and it is considered to be the vanguard of the Muslim world.
Mustafa Kamal Ataturk was succeeded by other presidents of Turkey: Ismet Inonu, Mahmud Jelal Bayar, Jemal Gursel, Sevdet Sunay, Fahri Koruturk, Kenan Evren, Turgut Ozal, Suleyman Demirel and Ahmet Sezer Nejat. Abdulla Gul has been the President of Turkey since August 2007.
On June 5, 1936, a red flag with a crescent and a five-pointed star in the center, coat of arms in the form of a red oval with a crescent and a star with the official name of the country in Turkish. The nation’s capital is the city of Ankara.
As a reminder, we note that the Republic of Turkey with an area of 783,562 square kilometers is located on the Anatolian peninsula; 3 per cent of its territory is located in Europe while the remaining 97 percent is on the Asian side. The country consists of seven geographical areas and 83 provinces. According to statistics the population of Turkey is 73,722,988 people.
Present-day Turkey is a country with strong economy based on developed industry, agriculture, construction and tourism. The country has a high quality education system and health care. There is strong civil society in the country.
Turkey’s strategic significance is determined by its very advantageous geographical location. The country has common borders with Bulgaria and Georgia (sea border with Ukraine) in the north, with Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan), Iran and Armenia (sea border with Russia) in the east, Iraq and Syria (sea border with Cyprus) in the south, and sea and land borders with Greece in the west.
Modern Turkey lives a prosperous life and takes an active part in the strengthening of civil world going hand in hand with other countries and under its humane national slogan of “Peace at home, peace in the world.” Under that slogan the country aims at being in friendly relations with all countries of the world. There are special fraternal relationship between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
G.JABRAYILLI,
“Voice of Karabakh”
Whose language does A.Ruzinsky use?
It has been an undeniable fact that Russia supports Armenia in all matters, including, primarily, the military-political and strategic matters. The information about the role of some of Russian intelligence services in the incitement and intensify of the Armenian – Azerbaijani conflict is also in the same range of support.
But it is said to be of a “hidden” nature, what gives a chance to certain powers to create a superficial picture different from the real one. Putting it in different words would mean that Russia’s special support to Armenia is not officially advertised and Russian senior government officials try to keep it undisclosed. But some of them under the influence of certain reasons (often linked to financial dependence) or simply due to incontinence or because of their obsession violate that rule and speak of all that come to their minds. For example, such windbags as commander of the 102nd Russian military base (RMB) in Armenia Colonel Andrey Ruzinsky.
Thus, that colonel appointed to his current position a year ago, ‘fell in love’ with Armenians so much that he started to threaten Azerbaijan under the influence of his new friends and has done it in the following tone, “if the latter dares to offend Armenia, it will come across us, more exactly the Russian troops.” In an interview given to newspaper “Krasnaya Zvezda” – the official organ of the Ministry of Defense (MD) of the Russian Federation (RF) – to the question of “What is the current political-military mission of the Russian military base in Armenia? ” A.Ruzinsky provided the following answer, “The military-political situation in the region of responsibility of the military base remains unstable and has a number of destabilizing factors associated with the possibility of escalation of the Armenian- Azerbaijani conflict. If in case the Azerbaijani leadership makes a decision to restore the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh by using force, the military base could intervene in the armed conflict in accordance with the contractual obligations of the Russian Federation within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)”.
As if to strengthen his threatening tone he added, “In its composition there are 13 major combat units and 17 units of comprehensive support. Such a range of forces allows it to successfully implement mandated tasks. It should be added that the special combat strength of the Russian Military Base in Armenia is presented with anti-aircraft missile division equipped with SAM (anti-missile system – edi.) “C- 300B” anti-aircraft missile division armed with SAM BUK -M1-2, rocket artillery battery “Smerch” and the air base with a squadron of combat aircrafts MiG-29 … ” (P.S: the Russian Federation has recently handed 18 combat helicopters to that army – K.A. ) .
Let’s leave all that aside. From the response of the army commander to the given question it seems that all military and political mission of the 102nd Russian military base is to “intervene in the armed conflict in case the Azerbaijani leadership makes a decision to restore the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) by using force” on the side of Armenia and against Azerbaijan. If so, then to what extent that factor is legitimate and complies with the principles of the modern world? However, in fact, this is true as the main part of the army’s mission is to “fight” for the Azerbaijani NK together with Armenia. In any case, an officer of such a rank should not voice it in the above mentioned form.
By the way, based on our own historical experience, we can say that the role and mission of the 102nd Russian army in Armenia is almost the same as the role and mission of the ‘notorious’ Russian 366th Moto-rifle Regiment in Khankendi (Stepanakert), “hands and boots” of which have been stained with the blood of innocent Azerbaijani children, women and the elderly people during the undeclared war against Azerbaijan. However, we would be far from the ability to determine of all possibilities, equipment and power of those two military structures.
Now let’s pay attention to the essence of the statement by the professional and educated military person. Ruzinsky connects the possible entry of the RMB into an armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan to the contractual obligations of the Russian Federation within the framework of the CSTO. Meaning that Russia and Armenia are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the charter of the organization obliges it to intervene in the case of a danger to one of the member countries of the organization, more exactly, if someone commits aggression against a member country. That upstart colonel cannot figure out the striking difference in the matter, which makes the CSTO principle totally inapplicable in the Armenian- Azerbaijani conflict. Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts are historical and legal Azerbaijani lands and this fact has been recognized by the UN and other international organizations. Under no circumstances these lands can be considered as Armenian, and that would make the CSTO right to “intercede” for NK illegal.
Azerbaijan is not going to attack Armenia and the possible use of force by the former would not be an aggression or war against the other country, but totally a legal operation to liberate the occupied lands of the sovereign republic and restore its territorial integrity – the right which no country or international organization has a ground to deny. Hereby, we underline that there are no domestic or international legal basis, no treaties or other documents providing for the intervention of the 102nd Russian army or the CSTO.
Moreover, the CSTO charter does not provide for declaring war to the CIS members of which Azerbaijan is a member. And no doubt that Azerbaijan will have a legal right to prevent any country or party from intervention in the issue of restoration of jurisdiction over its own territories.
In regard to the CSTO and the Colonel’s hope, as well as those like him, to involve the organization we can add that some time ago head of the organization Nikolay Bordyuja used to rave that if Azerbaijan tends to use force against the Armenian occupation forces, his organization would intervene the war on the side of Armenia (that fact was repeatedly published in our newspaper – K.A.) But apparently, Mr. General was made clear that his words are nonsense and he should not poke his nose into non-relevant issues. Therefore, he hastened to correct his earlier absurd statement: “There are several institutions involved in Karabakh issue, such as the OSCE Minsk Group. Therefore, we believe the involvement of the CSTO would be impractical and counterproductive.”
So what made Mr. Ruzinsky to make such an absurd and, at the same time controversial and contradictory statement to the system of agreements between Azerbaijan and Russia, as well as the principles of the CIS statement? If it is Ruzinsky’s personal initiative then we can see him as the one selling himself to Armenians and using all parts of his body for thinking but the head. However, experts in the field think that the army commander would not say such a thing himself and he received the relevant instructions from the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. If, indeed, he received such an order from “above” then it may become a serious matter on state level, which, perhaps, is unlikely.
Then whose language does Ruzinsky use?
The Russian side represented by Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov (although it is quite strange that the official Moscow has not responded yet to the statement by Ruzinsky) said that “it is a misunderstanding”, when the second one even promised to sort out the issue.
Some experts call that incident the «intimidation” by the Russian Federation of Azerbaijan for the latter’s indifference to the Customs Union, ignoring Moscow’s interests while implementing energy projects, attempts to ensure security of the country by NATO forces, etc. In any case, A. Ruzinsky’s above statement inflicted great damage to the emerging potential for trust between Azerbaijan and Russia. Furthermore, as the co-chair of the OSCE MG Russia may not allow itself of making such statements while calling the parties to peace. Threatening with war one of the parties would question its neutrality in the Karabakh issue and such statements should automatically exclude it from the OSCE Minsk Group casting serious doubts on its non-partisanship as a co-chair.
As for A. Ruzinsky, it became clear that he serves the Armenian interests and has obviously been a handy tool in their hands. Anyway, it will not bring any benefit to him or the country he represents.
K.AHMEDAGALI
Editor’s column
What stands behind Russia’s preparations in Armenia?
Normal environment of bilateral relations of two countries should not be a reason for the third party to get disturbed. And here we should clarify why we are interested in or rather irritated by the actions of the Russian Federation (RF) in Armenia.
Here is the reason. The relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the past 25 years is widely known in the world. And Russia is one of the three co-chairs of the Minsk Group (MG) of the OSCE where it has been “dealing” with the resolution of the Armenian – Azerbaijani conflict over two decades. Moreover, the whole world knows and sees that Russia constantly rearms Armenia and openly calls it Russia’s outpost in the South Caucasus. All this is being done in contradiction to Russia’s mediation mission as it is a self-contradictory fact for the country to encourage the parties to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and re-arm one of these sides. Media outlets of both countries, including our newspaper, have numerously published the facts of arms gratuities from Russia to Armenia reaching one billion dollars in total, as well as many other cases of the systematic transfer of a large number of weapons and other related ammunition given free of charge. But what is the point of doing that? The Russian military patronage over Armenia and its mission to supply its outpost with arms continues and it goes with an increasing rate.
It is quite evident that the Azerbaijani side cannot remain indifferent while seeing the ongoing. More than that, quite often some high-ranking military officials of the Russian Federation make cynical threatening statements that in the case of Azerbaijan’s attempts to resolve conflict by military means Russia would intervene in the conflict taking the Armenian side. For example, chairman of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) N.Bordyuzha has numerously made similar statements. Recently, commander of the 102nd Russian military base (RMB) in Armenia A.Ruzinsky made a “distinguished” statement in this field (there is a separate article in this edition).
Meanwhile, as it has been noted above, Russia’s Armenia-related “surprises” are going on. RIA Novosti reported that President Vladimir Putin made a statement about Russia’s intention to create a joint air defense system with Armenia. He also said that in the future there will be regional disposition of forces from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Then there were reports about two-fold increase of Russian troops in Armenia. The Russian Federation strengthens the 102nd Russian Military Base and it has planned to transfer 18 helicopters to Armenia. It led to the expansion of the military base area; that was the move to much of Armenia’s pleasure. Last year, four systems of unmanned air vehicles “Ptero – E5” were delivered to Armenia. The UAVs were bought by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the country, however, later it turned out that somehow they were transferred to the Ministry of Defence.
Like it or not a question arises: what do all these preparations of Russia in Armenia mean?
Moscow’s official response to the question might be quite clear – there is an agreement on military-strategic cooperation between two of these countries, and the Russian Federation is entitled to develop and strengthen its military base, etc.
It is obvious; however, the bitter experience of the Karabakh war dictates that if Azerbaijan will seek to resolve the conflict by using force to restore its territorial integrity Russia will definitely get involved in hostilities leading to unpredictable consequences.
That is the source of constant concern for a possible spark, which may ablaze our volatile region…
Vladimir YEVSEYEV: “Moscow gradually refuses the active mediation in the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict”
“Statement by the commander of the Russian military base in Armenia – not just words”
“Moscow gradually refuses the active mediation in the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict”. About it the Moscow correspondent of APA was told by the director of the Russian Centre for Public Policy Research, the military-political expert Vladimir Yevseyev.
Making comments on a meeting of presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Vienna, the expert told that now the format of negotiations on settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict changes: “The OSCE Minsk group permanently tried to work, or to reach any results. There was a hope that the main work will be realized not by the OSCE Minsk group, and the co-chair countries. Russia made a lot of things for achievement of the arrangement between the conflict sides, but it didn’t bring results. Now presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia meet not in Moscow, and in Vienna. Soon Foreign Ministers of both countries will meet in Kiev. It means that attempts to settle the conflict are carried out under a wing of the Minsk group. I think that thus Russia gradually tries to get away from active participation in the Nagorno -Karabakh conflict. Let’s see what Russia has done in recent years in the direction of conflict resolution?”. V.Yevseyev noted that Armenia-Russia relations are undergoing development: “Russian Armenia persuaded to join the Customs Union. In exchange, Moscow promised to strengthen military cooperation with Armenia. Vladimir Putin’s visit to Yerevan is expected. During the visit, an agreement on cooperation in many spheres, including military-technical will reach between the two countries. This includes not only the issue of modernizing the Armenian army, but also the exchange of information, as well as close cooperation as a whole in the military sphere.
This suggests that there was an impetus to improve Russian -Armenian relations. So I do not believe that Russia has taken any concrete steps to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On the contrary, the relations Russia-Azerbaijan endure the stagnation period. Vladimir Putin’s visit in August of this year to Azerbaijan, probably, didn’t resolve many issues. It was told to take the political course of Azerbaijan to the West. This is a normal situation. Because, Azerbaijan is an independent sovereign state. But we must understand that in the current situation in Russia at the same time cannot keep the same level of relations with Baku and Yerevan. I do not believe that the relationship between Russia and Armenia may be directed against Baku. But we must understand that Russia is acting in a certain direction and this direction – Armenia. This process started not now. Beginning of this process has been several visits before the Russian Defense Minister, Chief of Staff to Armenia. The subsequent announcement of Armenia about the intention to enter into Customs Alliance even more accelerated these processes”.
Making comments on interview to the “Krasnaya Zvezda” newspaper of the commander of Russian military base in Armenia Andrey Ruzinsky, V. Yevseyev told that Nagorno-Karabakh isn’t a component of Armenia, and Russia has no obligations for protection of the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh: “If to tell in a word, in case of restoration of war in Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Russia didn’t take the obligation to enter war. But indirectly it will involve in war and Russia. That is, if Russia with Armenia creates a unified air defense system, the exchange of information has been obtained by radar systems, while Russia’s position is clear. Also note that the Russian radar system covers the entire South Caucasus. I don’t think that if in Karabakh war will begin, Russia will hide the data received by means of its radar station from Armenia. In Armenia there is a large military squadron of Russia. It is quite probable that during negotiations which will take place next month in Yerevan, the agreement on extension of a squadron and upgrade of military aircraft will be reached. Therefore I consider that Russia even not directly, but will indirectly take part in war. As a military expert, I can say that the statement of the commander of the Russian military base in Armenia is not just words. In case of the beginning of military operations in Karabakh Russia won’t be able to avoid involvement in them. It is impossible to save also long “status quo” at the request of Russia. In any case, if war begins, from it will damage and Russia. Therefore Russia isn’t interested in the beginning of military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh. Moscow will do everything possible that war wasn’t. If to take into account involvement in war and Turkey in case of the beginning of military operations in Karabakh, the reason of avoiding of Russia from war will be then clearly visible”.
According to the military expert, ability of the OSCE Minsk group to settle the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh raises doubts: “Three countries co-chairs are engaged in the solution of this problem. Russia suspended interest in resolving the problem. Remain two countries – France and the United States. France is burdened now with problems in the East. The problem of Nagorno-Karabakh isn’t necessary also as the main question in the camp-up of the USA. It is a pity that the problem of Nagorno-Karabakh isn’t expected the decision on the world camp-up. Discharge by Russia of from the negotiation process is switched on by red light to fast permission of this conflict. Despite it, Armenia and Azerbaijan can resolve such issues as lead-out of snipers from the contact line. As for withdrawal of troops from occupied territories, for this purpose it is necessary to put political pressure. I read that the countries co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk group aren’t ready on it. I highly appreciate resumption of negotiations in Vienna, however I don’t believe that they will yield any effective result”.
Poor, depopulation, vague Armenia
The political situation in Armenia in Post-Soviet times was given in the majority by no means the unattractive. With the more and more becoming growthing negatives it especially was felt for years of board by Armenia so-called “the Karabakh clan”.
Gradual degradation of a social status of the population, status of anarchy, an arbitrariness and confusion, corruption and bribery situation and many other negatives are connected just to names and activities of the former and present presidents of Armenia – Robert Kocharyan and Serge Sargsyan.
So, for example, the standard of living of the Armenian population is reduced excessively. According to Armenia Today, the National Statistical Service (NSS) of Armenia was provided the statistical-analytical report “A social pattern of Armenia and poverty”, having summed up the generalized research of living standard of households for 2012.
According to the report for 2011-2012 in Armenia poverty increased by 4,8 percent. In the report the head of household research of NSS of Armenia Diana Martirosova adduces such argument that deep recession of economy in 2009 (14,1 percent) became the most important factor causing growth of level of poverty. According to this research, in 2012 about one third of the population (23,4 percent) was poor, from which 13,5 percent – poorer, 2,8 percent – the poorest.
D. Martirosova marked that in 2008-2012 growth of level of poverty in the cities proceeded quicker, than in villages. She added that the most low level of poverty was registered in Yerevan – 25,6 percent which is 1,6 percent lower, than in other city settlements. On other source, in the capital of Armenia level of poverty makes 27,1%, from which 2,2% – extreme poverty.
As reports Armenian Report, as on December 31, 2012 number of the families which are receiving benefit on poverty and one-time financial assistance, made 111 thousand 412 people.
According to the total report of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia, published NSS, the payment of subsistence benefits and one-time financial assistance provided by the state budget of Armenia 37 billion 105.8 million drams, but in fact were paid 33 billion 111.3 million drams. There is a question: where the unpaid amount was redirected? But NSS is silent about it.
As we and wrote earlier, people continue to leave in a mass order Armenia, otherwise, it unrestrained will become deserted. We will sketchy look at some facts of emigration of citizens of this country, given Armenians.
Population outflow from Armenia acquires menacing scales. The president of Association of sociologists of Armenia Gevorg Pogosyan told about the reasons of migration and features of migratory processes in the country.
According to him, in the UN counted that migration, lowering of birth rate and growing old society in Armenia will lead to the considerable reduction of the population – to 1,5-2 million people – in 12-17 years. According to G. Pogosyan, at the moment we are talking not about migration and depopulation of the country.
The Armenian sociologist with alarm reported: “Over the 20 years of independence the country 1.2 million people left Armenia. This is 33 percent of the population. The reasons of reduction of population – falling of level of birth rate which in comparison with Soviet period decreased twice, and outflow of inhabitants of the republic. If in January- March 2012 25,000 people left Armenia, during the same period of this year was – 35 500 people”. He added that 50 percent of the interrogated men have an intention to leave the country, at 42 percent of women and 52 percent of youth. Making comments on the report “A social status of Armenia. 2012”, published in NSS, the economist, the chairman of the commission on economy of the Armenian National Congress Vaagn Hachatryan told: “I am ready to argue with any that population of Armenia at the moment makes 2,2 million. That is we – the country without the population …”. Note also that according to the State Migration Service, in 2011 from Armenia left and never came back 44 thousand citizens. A number of emigrants from the country in 2000-2011, according to the same service, are about 236,000 people. Meanwhile, however paradoxically, the number of voters in the presidential election indicated more than 2.5 million people. By the way, according to Mass-Media, Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, reacted heard figure of 2.2 million relative to the population of Armenia: “What! The population in Armenia is less than a million!”
Above-mentioned problems, plus incorrect, and occasionally unsuitable foreign and domestic policy of a manual of Armenia led to that in recent years the country turned into the storming sea. In certain regions, and preferentially in the capital there are frequent populous protest actions. For example, the last three months were remembered as a pore of distempers. As reported “News Armenia”, on September 4 at Presidential Administration protest action against association of Armenia to the Customs Union which participants chanted “Russians took place, leave!”, “Not to return to the USSR!”. According to “Armenia Today”, on September 10 at the building of the city hall of Yerevan the action with the requirement of dismissal of the officials responsible for the decision on increase of rates for public transport in the capital took place. According to the same source, on November 21 before the building of the government of Armenia there took place the protest action organized by an initiative “Against forced pension payments”. Participants of actions held in hand posters with texts “Hands off salaries!”, “Stop – to a robbery!”, “Stop – to the ineffective government!”, etc. Meanwhile during an action near the building of the government unprecedented forces of police were saved. On November 26 before the building of presidential administration in Yerevan there took place protest action with the requirement to refuse the decision on an entrance of Armenia in the Customs Union. Participants of the action held posters with texts “Vilnius, or resignation!”, “Out of the Customs Union!”, “No Russian empire!”. And more interesting protest action took place on November 22. According to the “Aykakan Zhamanak” newspaper, by the evening in Yerevan the traffic police in rush hour blocked off traffic at the intersection for an escort of the president of Armenia S. Sargsyan that led to formation of big cork. Drivers, having understood that the road is overlapped because of a presidential escort, at a time started signaling. This was repeated on return escort. So S. Sargsyan crossed the intersection under a roar of signals twice.
And this entire still will accompany with much poor, depopulation, vague Armenia…
Hikmet ALLAHVERDI