Political scientists: An outlook for year 00 No. 2, 2011 52 A genius Konstantin of Kyrgyz Zatulin: popoetry Black sea – Caspian Sea region and stability of Eurasia

Islam and… political reforms? Astana - Viktor Khmarin: “City“City ofof Peace”P Our priority is the civil society THE GOLDEN DUET FROM BAKU

Th e riot of Moldavian colour ВТУПС ИТЕЛЬНОЕСЛОВО introduction фото: Архив phото: archives

According to the rotation principle, the chairmanship of the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea (BSCSIF) was handed over for the next two years from Romania to Russia. Viktor KHMARIN, a well-known lawyer elected to be the new President shares his thoughts with our readers. THE IDEA OF CIVIL SOCIETY AS A PRIORITY

Mr. President, what priorities have are citizens, they have their rights The middle class is rather an eco- you pointed out for yourself for and responsibilities that must be nomic category, when a certain set of the coming term? respected and implemented, they are material wealth and welfare is con- I think that the formation and part of society and have to organize sidered, but in a civil society may be strengthening of civil society in all this society, so that they, their chil- also present people of lesser wealth, countries within the Fund should dren and their grandchildren would but with reason and heart, who are be the priority of the Fund, and not live in a civilized country with a aware of their citizenship and require only during my presidency. Unfor- healthy environment, where the rule from the government to respect their tunately, at this moment we can’t of law prevails, all the institutions of civil rights. Msay that this problem has been com- governmental power function and pletely solved in at least a country. there is no corruption. A society can What specific ways of solving this There is no country with a healthy be called civilized when it is obvious issue do you see? civil society. What is a civil society for it that corruption is a dead-end Every country has its traditions, its then? It’s not a golf-club or a circle road. We need to fight it as against role in the process of geopolitical of friends- cynologists. This is not national scale crime. Not to imitate unification, the development of civil an inert mass, which runs to vote this fight, as it happens sometimes society has its own aspects for each at whistling in response to petty in some countries... country. Nevertheless, the fundamen- handouts. Civil society is a social tal liberal ideas and the basic factors layer which is aware of its political Does the emergence of civil soci- of state development are a part of an and economic interests and has the ety, in your opinion, have some- objective category, too, as the ongo- ability to legally pursue them. These thing to do with the formation of ing scientifically natural evolution is.

are people who understand that they the middle class? We just need to understand that the introduction

2 3 contents Eventsand people photo: archives

Esandvent people THE IDEA OF CIVIL SOCIETY BAKU DUET: TO THE TOPS OF GLORY / 7 AS A PRIORITY

thecountries of the region In this section we will present to our readers another role of the personality in the forma- country member of the Black Sea Caspian Sea No. 2, 2011 tion of public institutions or civil International Fund ______society is such that these processes Editorial Board can be either accelerated or delayed. KAZAKHSTAN Either ways it will still happen in var- THE SNOW LEOPARD IS PREPARING TO JUMP / 8 Mahir N.Quarayev, Azerbaijan ious countries. Neither can we hide Tamaz Beradze, from globalization or the interna- The Hostess of the session, interview Prof., Deputy Editor, Georgia BSCSIF Vice-President Lydia tional division of labor. It is only nec- Romanchuk (on the foreground) KONSTANTIN ZATULIN: REGION, SIGNIFICANT Murat Auezov, Kazakhstan essary the shifting process to evolve March 2011, Chisinau. BSCSIF President Iulian Fota (at the right) passes has done everything to make the FOR THE WELL-BEING OF WHOLE EURASIA / 12 Bayan Sarigulov, Kyrgyzstan in a civilized manner, considering the the symbolic key, along with the presidency of the Fund to Russia’s guests feel at home, including Mikhail Sinelnikov, Russia representative Viktor Khmarin during the friendly meeting at interests of the countries where real the “La Botul Calului” restaurant ideasand reople Corneliu Vlad, Deputy Editor, Romania people live. Çağrı Erhan, Prof. Dr., Turkey BLACK SEA-CASPIAN SEA REGION: Inside the building of the Academy of AN OULTLOOK FOR YEAR 2050 / In this context, what kinds of tools Sciences of Moldova, its President Acad. 16 Editor-in-Chief: Vyacheslav Samoshkin are there within the Black Sea - Gheorghe Duca was welcoming the participants of the 6th session of the Fund’s English version: Olga Condratiuc Caspian Sea Fund? Board of Directors Art Director: Dan Mihalache As our Fund is an NGO, it has ad- ______equate tools. No one keeps us from The Magazine is being published analyzing processes that occur in by the International Fund For Cooperation each state. If we involved our experts, and Partnership of the Black Sea we would be able to give recom- and the Caspian Sea mendations, make ratings for various institutions of public life from differ- President: Viktor Khmarin ent countries. And nobody wants to POLITICAL REFORMS AND ISLAM: Secretary General and Vice-President: be the last one - everyone wants to FETHULLAH GULEN’S VIEW Eldar Hasanov be first. / 27 The young project team of the Fund Economic and Financial Affairs But as water wears away the stone, has also visited Chisinau; Vice-President students’meridian Counsellor: Marcela Curmei all of these evolutions will eventually Eldar Hasanov made a picture to Project Manager: Felicia Scoarta remember with the team GATES INTO THE WORLD OF EAST / happen, including the formation of 24 Counsellor: Luiza Popa civil society. Gradually, they will find ______the right trend for their development. improvement - put suitable instal- and useful for now. For example, let’s projects,projects ISSN 2069 – 766X lation, analyze how things are go- work on the upgrading the educa- A START IN LIFE TO INNOVATIONS / 28 ISSN-L = 2069 – 766X Apparently, a certain project of ing, make recommendations on the tional process technology. We have Printed at the Fund can serve as a tool? basis of these studies, observe how observed the presentations of the pagesof history RH Printing Bucharest Yes, we have a large number of pro- the authorities of various countries guys from Romanian and Turkish VOLGA-DON CANAL: FIRST ATTEMPTS / 32 jects that may be interesting to the respond to these recommendations. companies. They have new techno- countries of the region, including on Consequently, give feedback on their logical methods of how to improve EX libris environment, particularly on waste- reaction. the degree of learning. They help CASPIAN SEA – AN AREA OF PEACE AND CONSENT / 34 ______water treatment, waste management, students understand more deeply The opinions expressed by the authors etc. We have a site where we post In our opinion, how can the and easily, to memorize on a long gallery do not necessarily reflect the views of the these projects and look for partners performances of the Fund be term basis the things that we once MOLDOVA’S PAINTING: «Dialogue of the Seas» editors. for their implementation. We can improved, taking into account its crammed and could not memorize. When using the material, the reference two-year work experience? TRADITION AND INNOVATION / cultivate reason, kindness and eternal They present astronomy, chemistry, 38 to the magazine is obligatory. values, which is - to offer new tech- For an international fund two years and physics by an example of mod- ______nologies, new vendors, advertise all is a very short period of time. In fact, els: the universe, molecules, atoms... BSCSIFchronicle / 40 Editorial address: this, bring together manufacturers any such fund accumulates tradi- When these models strike with their Bucharest, 13-19 Alecu Rusoo street, sector 2. and consumers of certain products. tions, people and relations. But it visibility like that, you memorize it The”New Silk Road” poetic anthology Tel: +40 21 211 1151, +40 21 211 1152; This communication function is be- takes time. It is important for the instantly, because it’s interesting. If WITH THE GOLDEN EAGLE ON THE SLEEVE / 41 fax: +40 21 211 4094; ing managed by the BSCSIF Econom- Fund to be engaged in a useful work we can support such initiatives and e-mail: [email protected] ic department. Also, make specific for the countries in the region. It is promote them widely in the coun- N ewsfrom the region / 42 contribution to the environmental necessary to point out what is prior tries of our jurisdiction then we will

4 5 Introduction Esandvent people text: Vyacheslav Shalaev photo: archives

THE IDEA OF CIVIL SOCIETY money that the Fund will raise from to build economic and cultural rela- AS A PRIORITY the promotion of propitious pro- tions, a non-governmental organiza- grams, it will use to implement its tion has the specific tools and capa- BAKU DUET: goals and objectives. bilities. It is sometimes difficult to make a very good job, because all of discuss some certain matters within these innovations at the educational Bulgaria and Serbia became public policy and public authorities. level have a pretty strong influence recently members of the Fund. But us, we can freely discuss, as they TO THE TOPS OF GLORY on the potential of youth, on what a Which other countries can join the say, in a preliminary way any topic, Fund in the near future? citizen is to become – a blunt ham- any suggestions and solutions to any he victory of the Azerbai- Unforgettable burger consumer or a creative person It would be logical to assume that all conflicts, to seek common ground - a jani duet – Ell & Nikki – moments of victory with a certain set of knowledge, the countries of the Black and Cas- kind of public diplomacy, in its way. at the “Eurovision-2011” which will serve him in life, in other pian seas region, with no exception, And this is very good! Actually, what contest is more than words, to form a personality. The can join the Fund. Therefore, our do we do? We build bridges, frames natural. Azerbaijan is a technology is in permanent evolu- work should be aimed at explain- at first, and then work on their length country of a vast musical culture, and tion, so let’s use it here in the first ing to the countries that are not and width. Eventually, through these Tthe participation of its performers in place. We are talking about educat- yet BSCSIF members – like Iran or relationships the state can imple- the last four contests (after its debut in ing the younger generation. I believe Turkmenistan – our goals and objec- ment its policy, its economy, etc. It’s 2008) – is a steady ascent to the tops that educational technologies and tives and how we are going to achieve like streams that make their ways of glory. At first, Samir and Elnur duo the process of education in general, these goals, so that they could be- slowly, altering then to a mainstream with the song “Day After Day” entered exchange of knowledge, cultural come participants in this process. ... Meaning, such organizations with top ten, then at “Eurovision-2009” knowledge - are priority topics for us. This is an additional platform for their own goals and objectives can in Moscow Aysel and Arash took the We must strive to ensure that there these countries, a place where they bring many benefits no less inferior third place, and a year later Safura with is no poverty, ignorance, and there can express their views, their argu- to the public entities ones. the song “Drip-Drop” was the fifth. is no ethnic strife. We must strive ments. Contacts like these have Ell & Nikki are stage names of art- for the people to be more kind and already occurred. It is very desirable Where do the Fund’s relationships ists, their real names being Eldar Gasi- clever. You can always find common that Iran, a country with rich history with the European Union stand? mov and Nigar Jamal. It is known that grounds with a kind and competent and culture, powerful economy, was The EU has its own protocol, its ca- they have been performing as separate Nigar got married with a businessman, songs ... Among the welcoming people person. And we must unite the in- a member of the Fund. pabilities, its own budget. If we want artists before, haven’t said that they became a mother of two wonderful there were also the President of the terests of the countries of the region, to participate in a certain segment of were not singing on a professional level daughters and moved to London. For country – Ilham Aliyev and his spouse. including the economic ones. It is Officially, there are already three this large intergovernmental organi- before. Eldar was born on June 4, 1989 11 years she has dreamed to get into After their victory, Ell & Nikki also essential that we establish a cul- opened branches of the Fund - in zation, we must adapt to their pro- in Baku, graduated with brio from the the “Eurovision” contest, since the mo- were invited to participate at prestig- tural exchange, because each country Istanbul, Brussels and Moscow. Will tocol and do a certain part of work piano class at the music school and is ment she saw Alsou’s performance in ious TV shows in Germany, had con- has its own traditions, own cultural new units be opened? for them. And we have the people currently studying at the Baku Slavic 2000 at this competition. certs in Moscow, gave many interviews reserves. And when you get to know At the last meeting in Chisinau, the to do it. University in the Faculty of Interna- Eldar and Nigar found each other to the international press. They are well the culture, the country’s history, you BSCSIF Board of Directors decided tional Relations. Singing became a and joined in a duet, preparing for aware that the victory in Düsseldorf get to know the people. to open branches in all the capitals There was this idea that the Fund true passion for him. Nigar Jamal was “Eurovision-2011”. They got also truly was earned by a lot of effort and dedi- of the Fund’s member countries, could get a mediator status, like born on September 7, 1980 in Baku united by the “Running Scared” song, cation, and do not intend to rest on Does that include literary festivals, particularly in Bucharest, where its an information bridge for EU, and since five was a singer within a written by Swedish authors. This their laurels. But above all, they want art exhibitions, youth gatherings? headquarters is. It is necessary that which has a lack of data about the children’s ensemble, but after graduat- lyrical ballad performed by them has to keep their glorious duet: the victory Specific cultural projects depend the branches operate permanently Eastern European countries and ing from music school she decided charmed both the public from Düssel- brought them a contract with the inter- on funding. Yes, at the first stage of online. When some issues emerge, former Soviet republics... not to pursue her musical career and dorf contest and the over one hundred national Universal Music label, as well Fund activity the support of various we have to contact promptly all We shouldn’t take over someone else’s joined the economic faculty. After that, million TV audience across the whole as with leading European record com- sponsors and well-wishers is natural, member countries, send the nec- responsibilities – we ought to deal New “stars” of Europe with its romanticism, purity panies. In Russia, Azerbaijan and other but I believe that, as a rule, the Fund essary instructions, information with ours. But we can offer EU, with- the stage were and sincerity of the cast. Azerbaijan countries of the CIS the duet’s music is should switch to autonomy. What and recommendations. Branch of- in our possibilities, some researches welcomed was rated with the highest score – 12 represented by “Monolith” studio. warmly in does it serve for? Our Economic fices will function on the financial on the issues of interest. They are in- Moscow. In the points – by Russia, Turkey and Malta, But most important, the names of department has a whole portfolio of support of the country in which terested in something, but they don’t picture: with 10 points – by Philippines, Greece, Ell & Nikki are filed into Eurovision’s projects. These projects have a com- they reside. possess the knowledge? No problem, Philip Kirkorov Croatia, San Marino, Romania and golden collection, along with such mercial value. Implementing them, we have specialists in certain matters, Moldova... “stars” as ABBA, Celine Dion, Toto we have a full right on our commis- Why are the BSCSIF country-mem- people who can provide an objective That night, Baku didn’t sleep; it Cutugno... sioning share. That is, we can build bers increasingly interested in par- analysis or are able to win a certain stepped out to the streets and celebrat- Baku is already preparing to host a priority list for a dozen goals and ticipating in its activity? grant or to participate in a certain ed the triumph, and then thousands “Eurovision – 2012”. The commit- objectives, which will be gradually Well, first of all, everybody under- research ... We are supporters of an of grateful countrymen met the young tee on contest organization will be achieved. But we need to form for stands that a policy of isolationism is objective information that pushes artists as national heroes at the Baku headed by the spouse of the president this a team of professionals. All the unproductive. So, if there is a desire forward the development. airport. A great deal of ​​flags, dances, of Azerbaijan.

6 7 Presidential Palace thecountries of the region in Astana photo: archives

Astana, the new capital of the republic, looks THE SNOW LEOPARD like a city from science fiction novels IS PREPARING TO JUMP Acad. Dossym SULEYEV, BSCSIF Vice-President

k azakhstan he Republic of Kazakh- stan in situated in the south-east of Europe and north-west of Central Asia. The land border perimeter is more than 12 thousand Tkilometers. ​​Kazakhstan ranks nineth historical and cultural past. Located in the center of Astana. Central Concert Hall - one of the biggest in the world largest country in the world. Eurasia, Kazakhstan has been from the very beginning (arch. M. Nicoletti) It is bordered by Russia at north at the crossroads of the most ancient civilizations of and west, at east - by China and at the world, at the intersection of transportation routes, south - by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and social and economic, cultural and ideological links President Nursultan Turkmenistan. It bathes in the waters between East and West, North and South, between Nazarbayev at the presentation of industrial of Caspian and Aral seas. Neverthe- Europe and Asia, between major statehood entities of the and logistics center in less, Kazakhstan is the largest land- Acad. Dossym SULEYEV, Eurasian continent. Almaty (form. Alma-Ata) ASIA locked country in the world. BSCSIF Vice-President The main directions of Kazakhstan’s national politics are declared to be – citizens’ welfare increase, strengthen- 100 nationalities country ing of statehood, modernization of society, national unity Kazakhstan’s climate is sharp-continental. The average Janu- and interethnic harmony. The Republic of Kazakhstan ary temperature is in the range of minus 19 to 4 degrees has diplomatic relations with all UN countries. Its foreign Celsius, the average July temperature - of 19 to 26 degrees policy is determined by the President and the Parliament Celsius. The population of the country is 16,5 million. More and is implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. than 100 nationalities live in the republic. Kazakhstan is a member of OSCE, CIS, CSTO (Collective The triumph of modern Kazakh is the official language, but within public institu- Security Treaty Organization), OCAC (Organization of design in the new capital tions and local self-administration authorities along with Central Asian Cooperation), the Organization of Islamic Kazakh, Russian is used as an official language, too. The -cur Cooperation, EurAsEc, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Or- rency Unit - tenge - was introduced on November 15, 1993. ganization), the CICA (Conference on Interaction and D eclaration The Republic of Kazakhstan is a unitary state with Confidence-Building Measures in Asia), the Council of of independence december 16, 1991 presidential form of government. Since 1991, the state Turkic-speaking countries, provides Individual Partner- Capital Astana has been headed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The ship Action Plan with NATO (since 1994), etc. Population 16,5 million people, leader of the nation is at the same time the Supreme Com- Kazakhstan is a secular multi-confessional country. Form of government presidential Republic mander in Chief. The legislative power is exercised by the The basic widespread religions are Islam and Christian- President Nursultan Nazarbayev Parliament, divided into two chambers - Senate and Maji- ity. It is against the law to create in Kazakhstan political Prime Minister karim Massimov lis. The executive power is exercised by the Government, movements based on religious beliefs, which has been Languages state - Kazakh, official R– ussian which consists of central authorities and local authorities done in order to prevent ethnic and religious clashes. Territory 2.724.900 km ² (9th in the world) (akimats). The fundamental functioning principles of the GDP per capita more than $ 9,000 Republic are public consent and political stability, eco- A“ stana, City of Peace” Currency Kazakh tenge nomic development for the benefit of the people. Since December 10, 1997 the capital of Republic of Ka- The big advance in construction and the wide range of Internet domain . kz zakhstan is the city of Astana, with a population of 650 transformations made in the young capital, (o virgula lip- Phone code +7 A t the crossroads of civilizations thousand people. Astana is situated in the fifth time zone sea) haven’t remained unnoticed by the world community. Time Zone +5, +6 Kazakhstan embodies 14 regions and 2 cities of national and the local time in reference to the prime meridian is In July 1999 the city was awarded by UNESCO with “City importance. Kazakhstan is a country with a rich calculated in the following way: GMT + 06.00. of Peace” prize, and in 2003 the leading global rating agency

8 9 thecountries of the region thecountries of the region: kazakhstan

“Moody’s Investors Service” upgraded Astana’s credit rating the VII Asian Winter Games were handled successfully and by two levels at once - from Ba3 (stable) to Ba1 (positive). Islam and Christianity - the main held at a high organizational level. religious confessions of the The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has republic. Ascension Cathedral of T he economic boom the Russian Orthodox Church in allocated $726 million for construction and renovation of In its years of independence, the sustainable economic Almaty (1907). sports facilities for the Games, including Medeo mountain growth of Republic of Kazakhstan is ensured by the eman- Central Mosque of Astana skating rink and Chimbulak ski resort. cipation of private initiative and entrepreneurship, an active Asian Games were a good experience for the city of foreign trade and investment attraction. Almaty and will weigh heavily in its planned bid to host the From the Baikonur In 1994, GDP per capita was slightly over seven hundred Underground storage Winter Olympic Games in 2022. cosmodrome, which US dollars. By the end of 2010 it grew by more than 12 times Kazakhstan is making its contribution to global energy Kazakhstan leases to Russia since 1994, new and has exceeded nine thousand dollars. Kazakhstan’s GDP security. It ranks seventh in oil reserves of the world, sixth C onsent formula international crews are is much larger than the total GDP of the rest Central Asian - in gas reserves, second - in uranium reserves. By 2017 the Given the multi-ethnicity of the country, heaving the goal flying into space Baikonur – 1961 launch site for countries, although its population is three times smaller. country will enter the top ten largest in the world producers of ensuring interethnic harmony in Kazakhstan in the pro- Yuri Gagarin, first cosmonaut of the Earth Beginning with 2000, about $110 billion of foreign di- and exporters of oil and gas. cess of the formation of Kazakhstan’s civil identity and na- rect investments were brought into the economy. Overall, The Republic has a variety of minerals. Out of the total tion’s competitiveness based on civic, spiritual and cultural investments into fixed assets amounted to more than two number of elements in the periodic table, Kazakhstan’s unity of the people of Kazakhstan, with the consolidating hundred billion dollars during this period. bowels hold 99, reserves on 70 of them are being explored, role of the Kazakh people, by the Decree of the President of In this decade, pensions grew by more than six times. more than 60 elements are involved in production. Cur- Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 1, 1995 a unique or- The average monthly wage increased by 5,5 times. rently 493 fields are identified and contain 1225 species of ganization was formed - the People’s Assembly of Kazakh- In the global welfare ranking, Kazakhstan took the raw minerals. Kazakhstan takes first place in the world in stan. This initiative is certainly innovative to the world and 50th place. The expenditures on education and health care identified reserves of zinc, tungsten and barite, the second has opened a new stage of intercultural dialogue, allowed to After five years Kazakhstan will rose in ten years more than eightfold. Birthrate increased in silver, lead and chromate, the third in copper and fluo- solve at the highest level issues of interethnic relations. enter the top ten oil in a half-fold and the rate of natural increase grew by three rite, the fourth in molybdenum and the sixth in gold. The Peoples’ Assembly of Kazakhstan has held for 15 and gas producers times. In this decade, we have ensured the growth of popu- As a natural fact, the country has a dynamic develop- years its own development path and got a worthy institu- in the world lation by one and a half million people. ment in mining, nonferrous and ferrous metallurgy, ma- tional content, accumulated consolidating and intellectual Leading Kazakh companies (“KazMunaiGaz”, “Ka- chine building, construction industry, small and medium potential and became an institute of national diplomacy. zakhmys”, “Kazatomprom” and others) have reached the business and many other industries. On October 20, 2008 the President of the country level of international business standards and gain popular- Kazakhstan prepares to join the World Trade Organiza- signed the Law “On the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan”, ity in the world global economy. tion and has practically adjusted his legislative framework which legally established the People’s Assembly of Kazakh- The country has a functional and developed financial in accordance with WTO requirements. stan as a subject of political system with full rights and de- and banking system and created the most favorable oppor- fined the normative and legal basis for its activity. tunities for the development of businesses, being improved The land of Olympic champions Largely due to the work of Kazakhstan Assembly, a from year to year. The sports traditions of the republic are well-known. The unique model of interethnic and interreligious harmony greatest successes achieved by Kazakhs are in such sports was formed, where every citizen, regardless the ethnicity or “Astana” professional cycling team embodies only celebrities According to as boxing and wrestling, in which they had often become religion, holds and enjoys the full range of civil rights and and champions tradition, the Olympic champions. freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. The political situ- The best skaters of the world named the bride is horse Road bicycle racing gets an increasing popularity and ation has become stable; a unique climate of trust, solidar- Medeo ice rink, located at an altitude of almost riding by all 1,700 meters, as the “factory of records” - over means fame. In 2006 at the initiative of Kazakh rider Alexander ity and mutual understanding has been formed in the rich 120 world records are achieved here Vinokourov one of the strongest professional team in the multi-ethnic mosaic of Kazakhstan. world - “Astana”- was created. This team consists of cham- tries and major international organizations and ratify the pions and prizewinners of “Tour de France”: Lance Arm- P restige in the world Astana Declaration. Proposed by President of Kazakhstan The Kazakh strong (USA), Alberto Contador (Spain), Andreas Kloeden The international image of Kazakhstan is consolidating. Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev, the “hyperidea” of forming landscape is (Germany), Levi Lephaimer (USA) and a whole bunch of More and more landmark events take place in the republic. a common security space bordering the four oceans – from diversified: high mountains, deserts Kazakh cyclists headed by Assan Bazayev, Andrei Mizurov In July 2009, Astana hosted the Third Congress of world the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Arctic to the Indian with their “singing” and Maxim Iglinskiy. In 2009, the “Astana” team became the and traditional religions, which was attended by 77 delega- – brought together leaders of the OSCE community by its sand dunes strongest in the world in road bicycle racing and Contador tions from 35 countries. scale and purpose. and boundless steppes with saiga won “Tour de France” again. It became a tradition to hold the International Media In 2011, Kazakhstan chairs the large prestigious Organi- antelopes The Kazakhstan Republic has unique resources of Forum in Almaty, with many journalist representatives zation of Islamic Cooperation, which unites 57 countries mountaineering. The southern capital of Kazakhstan, Al- from around the world. from Asia, Africa, South America and Europe with a popu- maty (Alma-Ata) lies at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Ala-Tau As a recognition of country’s prestige serves the fact lation of 1,3 billion people. range - northern spur of the Tian Shan Mountains. Khan that Kazakhstan held the chairmanship within the Organi- Today, the modern Kazakhstan is experiencing a Tengri Peak (7010m) is the northernmost seventhousander zation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in period of national revival and active building of national of the world and the fifth tallest in the CIS. Its northern 2010, culminating with the summit in Astana, which be- statehood, looking forward with confidence. And like its slopes are in Kazakhstan, the southern - in Kyrgyzstan. came an event of huge political importance. After 11 years national symbol - the snow leopard - it is about to make a In February 2011, in the cities of Almaty and Astana Kazakhstan managed to bring together leaders of 56 coun- new powerful jump.

10 11 interview interview photo: archives

of Russia. Some of them returned to tral Asia), even a point destabilization tion, but also a constant search for Russia. But 20 million of our coun- of the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region allies and interests on specific issues, trymen, that still live abroad, do not can evolve quickly into chaotic pro- common with other countries. always enjoy rights equal with the rest cesses with a low chance of control- of the population in their countries. ling and solving them. In 80’s, one English strategic study Director of the Institute Analysis of compatriots condition, Moreover, evolving in a seemingly was saying that by 2050, the Cen- of CIS (Commonwealth of help and support within our means closed space of Caucasus and former tral Asian region will be the most towards them, is another no less im- Soviet Asia, these conflicts show a attractive and most disputed in Independent States) Countries, portant side of Institute’s activity. It tendency to “splatter” onto adjacent the world because of its richest is labeled in its double name: the CIS territories. Therefore, a large field for resources of energy. Will this pre- deputy at the State Duma of Russia, Institute, Institute of Diaspora and implementing both old and new uncon- diction be confirmed? Konstantin ZATULIN, Integration. If necessary, we empha- ventional challenges and threats emerg- In the 80’s and 90’s of last century, size on the problems of countrymen es (drug trafficking, separatism and predictions about Caspian Sea and answers the questions of in the Caucasus and Central Asia terrorism, “colored” revolutions, etc.). Central Asia transformation into a “Dialogue of the Seas” magazine - these are not conflict regions only, Caucasus, as well as Balkans, “second Persian Gulf” were quite but also a source of migration flows. comes as a key transit region in cases a lot. It is enough to recall how the about routes and fate of the Black Georgia, for example, has left the CIS where members of transit are inter- political regimes of new independ- structure, but according to Union of ested in bypassing the usual routes ent states, aimed at increasing their Sea-Caspian Sea region Georgians in Russia estimates, out of and laying new ones. This refers “capitalization”, were impetuously the population of 5,5 million of the particularly to the struggle and coop- overstating the forecasted estimates former Georgian SSR – 1,5 million eration on issues of energy resources of their natural raw materials (and moved to Russia Federation. transit and access to Central Asia’s they were actively supported in that REGION, SIGNIFICANT Reasons for putting the Black Sea- natural pantries. by heads of a number of transnational Caspian Sea region under a Also, we cannot ignore the fact corporations and Western analytical “special consideration” are more than that the Soviet Union collapse and the structures). Some of them, such as, enough. By the way, the acute prob- conflicts, which marked it precisely in Ashgabat, haven’t deviated from this FOR THE WELL-BEING lem generated by the USSR collapse the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region, as strategy till nowadays. But in general, - of Black Sea Fleet of Russia station- well as the competition for resources it is clear now that the region has ing in its own base in Sevastopol - and natural minerals, are accompa- resources, though of a global scale, became for me one of the reasons for nied by attempts to change the region- but not in critical terms from the OF WHOLE EURASIA not only establishing the Institute, but al military-political balance in a deci- perspective of world economy que- also for an independent political and sive manner. Of course, this balance ries. For example, as they say now in parliamentary activity. has already drastically changed. Now, Kazakhstan, even at an official level, due to the plans, declared by NATO the overall estimates of hydrocarbon Twenty years ago in the region of bloc and a number of Black Sea coun- reserves of the country are around Please, tell us about your institute. pects for their development. There is crucial for Russia and its interests. the Black and Caspian seas eight tries (Bulgaria, Romania), to deploy 1,5 – 1,8% of the world. The same ap- How does its activity touch upon a specific character that distinguishes And not only energetic, economic, new states, former Soviet repub- a new anti-ballistic missile defense plies to natural gas reserves of Turk- the region of Black and Caspian our region, as we call it – mainland, political and military interests. A lics, were formed, of which almost system and to create on coasts naval menistan. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan seas? What kind of issues of this from any other. great importance represents the ques- all are CIS members now. How do bases for the Alliance, the change and Uzbekistan reserves, as it is now matter do you solve? We discern individuals and coun- tion of civilization choice that has you see this region from a geopo- in balance can acquire for Russia a clear, are even more modest. That is, This year, the Institute of CIS coun- tries on the land of our ecumene, historically been accomplished for litical and economic point of view, radically negative character. We have according to the most optimistic esti- tries is 15 years old. It has been estab- within and outside the historical area us precisely in the near Black Sea. what are its prospects? already historically witnessed how the mates, the energy potential of the re- lished because of an objective neces- of ​​their dwelling. Interested in the The Black Sea Basin is an area where Your question - Why is the Black Black Sea turned out to be a scene of gion can be assessed at about 3-4,5% sity that arose after the Soviet Union fate of Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan Russia acted as a candidate for the Sea-Caspian Sea region the object of military clashes due to interventions Рcollapse and formation of the Com- or Caucasus and Middle Asian states, “Byzantine heritage”. As it is known, our special attention - contains the from outside, from states located geo- monwealth of Independent States. constantly studying the situation of Russia inherited the Byzantine answer: the majority of CIS countries graphically far away from it. Certainly, This reality required a new analysis of Russian diaspora in Crimea, as well religious-cultural (Orthodox) and belong to this region, its main prob- we wouldn’t want a permanent foreign processes occurring in this vast ter- as the situation of regions with un- geo-political paradigm. The Eurasian lems are directly affecting the Com- military presence in the Black Sea area ritory. Nobody has dealt with them resolved conflicts, like Transnistria, dualism is imprinted on our national monwealth. and, moreover, a spreading of this from a scientific point of view. Cur- Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Os- and state symbols: the two-headed In terms of geopolitics, the region virus to the Caspian Sea. rently, the institute remains the only setia, monitoring migration flows or eagle of Byzantium - a modern state should be regarded as highly signifi- Altogether, this predetermines an research center studying particularly forecasting the consequences of the emblem of Russia. cant for the well-being, stability or urgent need for Russia to fight for its the problems of the CIS, the mutual “Caspian oil temptation”, the Institute After Soviet Union collapse, more instability of the whole of Eurasia. As own as for the collective interests of relationship between countries on the marks out the Caspian Sea -Black Sea than 25 million of Russian compa- the conflict history of recent decades the CIS in the region. This fight is not former USSR territory and the pros- Basin agenda as an independent one, triots remained outside the borders shows (in the South Caucasus, Cen- only and not so much of a confronta- In May, the Institute celebrated its 15th anniversary

12 13 interview interview

of the world. This is, of course, a lot, search for sponsors and investors prospective withdrawal of U.S. and Russia would seek for “symmetric” As for “Nabucco”, its fate is still un- but again, not vital even for markets around the world. NATO from Afghanistan, though will and “asymmetric” responses. clear. The problem of this pipeline con- that are already using these resources At the beginning, Turkey, which not resemble to the 70’s flight from sists in its low commercial profitability. (EU, China). dreamed during Demirel and Ozal South-East Asia, can temporarily The eastward expansion of NATO has This project is alloyed with a fairly The struggle for holding region’s about the “Great Turan”, tried to of- weaken the Western influence in the stopped; will the eastward expan- good dose of political conjuncture. resources will certainly continue, but fer itself as a leader. But as it turned region. sion of European Union continue saying that Central Asia will be the out, its possibilities were insufficient: In the mean time, Russia will (Ukraine, Georgia, Republic of Mol- How do you see the prospects of “most attractive and most disputed Turkey in no way can help, for ex- focus on working in the near future dova, etc.)? democratic development in the region in the world” by 2050, because ample, in establishing a regional with Kazakhstan, getting together EU expansion is possible. The fact Black Sea and Caspian Sea region? of its energy resources, is an exag- security system. These functions are involved into establishing a Customs is, however, that the EU already Once the former Soviet republics geration. still mostly carried by the Collective Union with Belarus, and maybe with looks like a huge dinosaur. And di- became independent states, they Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Ukraine, too. We are extremely con- nosaurs, in the course of evolution, pledged their allegiance for demo- What kind of balance between the created with the decisive participa- cerned about the inevitable approach proved to be not particularly lasting. cratic development, although many great powers of the world will be tion of Russia. of the “after Nazarbayev” era. I think Doubtfully the Brussels bureau- have done it formally. It is difficult to here? Will Russia keep its tradi- Americans burst upon the Central that Russia’s role in the whole region cracy would be able to take into ac- expect from the countries that had tional influence? To what extent Asia under the pretext of combating is closely related to whether it will count the complex socio-economic never existed before, that hadn’t have will China involve into this compe- terrorism, once the operations in Af- succeed or fail to secure for the future problems of many dozens of states, in the past any democratic tradition tition, and will America be able to ghanistan had begun. Undoubtedly, the priority character of Russian- which vary by their extremely di- of public life, to immediately assimi- get inside this region? the local regimes have already tried in Kazakh relations. verse environment, hardly yielding late not only the ideals, but also the Russia’s influence in Central Asian re- the past to draw attention and enlist to an automatic alignment under an practical experience of countries that gion, which we called in Soviet times support of the global superpower Important changes are expected in aggregate comb. have evolved on a democratic basis “Central Asia and Kazakhstan”, is his- (for example in the 90’s, Uzbekistan the Black and Caspian seas region, This fact is increasingly taken into for tens and hundreds of years. The torically conditioned and preset for was, along with Israel, a champion also. Would the traditional Rus- account in European capitals. So, it’s threading of the democratic process the future by the fact of geographical in number of votes at one with the sian-Turkish axis of the Black Sea not excluded: for its own survival, EU in Caucasus and especially in Central and cultural proximity (the latter is United States, within the UN). remain after NATO entered, includ- will cease to enlarge. Asia is easy to break with an incom- certainly diminishing once with the China, according to tradition, ing the west coast of the Black Sea, petent cultural triggering. It is impor- vanishing of Soviet generations), as prefers a cautious tactic and relies on given that Russia has strengthened Will Russia maintain its role of tant that everything goes naturally: well as by the political-military weak- its immense economic potential. The as a naval power and Turkey took Europe’s number one exporter democracy should not be imposed ness of the region. In fact, for hun- PRC cannot be unaware that the Cen- a position, more and more diver- unsafe for everyone, including for Al- and transporter of energy? What from outside, as it was in case of the dreds of years, the peoples of Central tral Asian nations are afraid of being gent from NATO’s position? liance members. Apparently, Turkey is the future of South Stream and so-called “Rose Revolution” in Geor- Asia have been accustoming to the dissolved in China, while keeping Important changes in the region are understands it and this is one of the Nabucco gas pipelines and other gia or the “Orange Revolution” in achievements of European civiliza- the most painful memories of past not only expected, but are already reasons for its growing independence. similar projects? Ukraine. tion through Russia. Oil and natural encounters. Recent events in Xinji- taking place. In the north-eastern Europe is experiencing a severe en- The export version of democracy gas extracted here, are still flowing to ang, skillfully provoked by someone, coast of the Black Sea, a new state had Will Moscow and Washington come ergy shortage. Wherever it would is too often a no-win cause. Look the main consumers through Russian proved once again that the problems emerged - the Republic of Abkhazia. to a mutually acceptable formula be looking for additional sources of at what happens in Azerbaijan. The territory, which is facilitated by the in China’s relations with Asian na- Russia has recognized its independ- of anti-ballistic missile defense in hydrocarbons, it will still not have West is openly supporting there the natural slope of Eurasia from East to tions are not an empty historical ence. We are witnessing a swift pro- the Black Sea region? enough. In this way, Russia doesn’t opposition, including the Islamist West - it is clear that other transport memory. Maybe that’s why, in the dia- gress in relations between Russia and It is not yet clear whether the United have to worry much about oil and gas one, to act against the authorities. routes through the uphill or on the logue with the former Soviet Central Turkey. Apparently, the basis was put States intend to take into account sales. The more so China - the most Even if the opposition has clearly no bottom of not yet fully divided Cas- Asia elites, modern China does not by tourism: millions of Russian tour- Russian interests in the region, where dynamically developing economy mass support. pian Sea continue to be exotic. mind resorting to the mediation of ists have visited Turkish coasts. At the security of Russia is most directly in the world - is experiencing severe Today, we cannot affirm that But one should take into account Russia. This is what made possible the present, the cooperation is growing affected in contrast to U.S. security. energy shortage. And as far as the Georgia, after the “Rose Revolution” other factors, too. Without seriously creation and operation of the Shang- in all directions. The value of projects The settlement of United States anti- East in competition with Europe has a has made a further step in its demo- aspiring to independence, the former hai Cooperation Organization (SCO). signed amounts to tens of billions of ballistic missile defense components powerful buyer of Russian hydrocar- cratic development. That is if consid- Central Asian Soviet republics were The conflictogene potential of the dollars. The ambitious task of the two in Romania will not enhance in ob- bons, the EU should value its relations ering such standards and norms of pushed to this independence in 1991. region creates additional broad op- countries - to bring in five years the jective terms the security in the Black with Russia in the field of energy. democracy as - democratic change, Is it any wonder that deprived of pri- portunities for competition as well as trade turnover to 100 billion dollars - Sea. On the contrary - it will weaken Many people in Europe under- not a political takeover, free and or capital investments from the union for cooperation between the United seems to be quite feasible. Of course, it, as it will distort the balance of forc- stand it. The “Nord Stream” gas pipe- competitive elections, the presence or core and sharply growing poor in the States, China and Russia. If we look at any countries can have swings in their es and will cause responding actions. line under the Baltic Sea, despite the absence of political repressions and 90’s, they tried to become success- the real picture of relationships be- relations. It can also happen in the Moscow’s sharp reaction to the emer- opposition of certain European coun- political prisoners. ful by a model of traditional Eastern tween them, as main competitors for Russian-Turkish relations. But the gence in the Black Sea of the Ameri- tries, will be built. According to an If the U.S., EU and NATO are national states, which are reconciled influence in this region, then Russia rapprochement trend between Russia can cruiser “Monterey” is an attempt agreement with Turkey, dated in June truly interested in developing democ- with the modernity only by the secu- is rather cooperating than competing and Turkey is obvious, and it seems to warn the United States from con- 2011, “Gazprom” starts geological and racy in the region, they should stop lar character of authorities, inherited with China, and competing rather to be further pursued. With regard to tinuing the tactics of getting unilat- seismic surveys for the construction promoting destructive forces and or- from the Soviet Union, also by the than cooperating with the U.S. The NATO enlargement in the region, it is eral advantages, which is a proof that of “South Stream” gas pipeline. ganizing “colored” revolutions.

14 15 ideasand reople ideasand reople photo: archives

resolution of frozen conflicts into a cal and mass media into key symbols for its active multi-vector policy. priority task. Conclusively, political that embody geopolitical accents, This is proved by the agreements reforms must go hand in hand with confrontations and tactical or strate- signed in 2010 with Russia, Greece, economic development. gic victories. Iran and Brazil. Ankara’s shares in The breakthrough to a regional Russia is increasingly forced the energetic presence in the region integration is not just a question of to put greater efforts into uphold- will increase the due to the construc- cooperation along energy transport. ing its role of energy axiom in the tion of a nuclear power plant in the It is much broader than that, Eurasian space. In recent years, south of the country, with Russian embodying the wide structures the Eurasian segment is going participation. of trade, politics and security. through changes on both regional In the first decade of the twenty- Therefore in the next 12 years, the and energy maps. In the sector of first century the Eurasian energy region as such should be better Caucasus, Azerbaijan strengthens vector had predictable geo-energetic interconnected, its frozen conflicts its position in gas industry by the outlines and schemes. The growing - solved, and it will serve as a hub President Ilham Aliyev’s skillful connections of between Central- between China, Europe and Russia. maneuvering between Russia and Asian sources of strategic raw ma- BLACK SEA-CASPIAN SEA REGION: This is a projection we should United States. “Gazprom” purchases terials and Caucasus and Balkan strive to achieve. Our European Azerbaijani gas, but Baku promises transport lines explain the change perspective is as acutely relevant to fill Nabucco’s pipeline, of which in the content characteristics of the to the Caspian region as the European-American orientation is term of “Eurasia”. The static element AN OULTLOOK FOR partnership with Russia and China no secret to anyone. If referring to in this term, outlining the structure is, and Azerbaijan is committed to the Central Asian region, Turkmen- of the present and future energy sup- pursue a multi-variant approach to istan is also making a request for ply of Europe is Russia. The dynamic regional development. an independent energy policy, but vector outlines the contours of the In the end, success will depend still only on the level of political Eurasian energy axis. It has its own YEAR 2050 on our ability to cooperate. statements. The coming years will regions with the corresponding en- give an answer to the major issue of ergy (political) centers - Kazakhstan The Pontic-Caspian area is experiencing a infrastructure and more brains Ashgabat on selling 50 billion cubic in Central Asia, Azerbaijan in the period of searching and substantial chang- in order to support our regional meters of gas, which Russia won’t Caucasus, also the Balkans with the es. The emergence of new independent economic projects. purchase anymore. Turkmenistan alternating from time to time Bul- states, the expansion of NATO and EU to the The region has the potential to has two options – either in west, gariaЗдание and ТурецкогоTurkey. Парламента в Анкаре east, the U.S. endeavor to enter this zone, become a hub for Europe and Asia, to Europe or in south-east. Its at- However, in further decades, China’s access, the emergence of CIS and and a bridge connecting Russia tempts to ensure, on a bilateral these outlines will go through signif- SCO, the rapid ascension of Turkey, the fight with the Middle East. It is a melting basis, together with Azerbaijan, the icant changes in line with the trends with international terrorism – all of these pot, which if managed correctly filling of the pipeline “Nabucco” of recent years. The center of global have increased the dynamics of develop- and with a spirit of cooperation, with Turkmen gas is still impeded confrontation in the Eurasian region ment in the region. The growing interest to- by the unresolved issue of the Cas- will remain, but this time on a larger wards it is conditioned by the global energy Elmar MAMEDYAROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan pian Sea legal status. The chances scale - the Caucasus, Central Asia, Tfamine. Being a kind of hub between North China, Persian Gulf, the Middle and South, East and West, the Black Sea- “Success will depend on our ability Nina DYULGEROVA, Prof., Doctor of Economics, Candidate of Historical Sciences (Bulgaria) East. At this connection point, the Caspian Sea region is increasingly actively energy and security go hand in hand involved into global processes. Eurasian segment in motion and will set the agenda of the world. It is hard to forecast how this heterogeneous to cooperate” Given these geographical features, region with its enormous potential and in- he struggle for diversification to fill this pipe with Iranian gas are the configuration will be determined stability will evolve in the coming decades. he regional context can give impressive results, both of energy supplies and routes even smaller. not as much by the states producing, Clearly, it will be a field for cooperation, com- sustained by the economic and strategic and for all is being held under the sign We shouldn’t also underestimate as by countries which have accumu- petition, and perhaps for confrontation. European perspective, is a the parties. Tof Russian and European-American the Turkish policy in the broad Eur- lated on their territory a large num- After the energies released from shocks of Tprecondition to a satisfactory long- However, and unfortunately, the projects, which cover densely the asian region, where Ankara’s ambi- ber of transit corridors of raw mate- early 90’s will fade away, the geopolitical, term development of the Caspian opposite is true as well. The status Caspian Sea-Black Sea area. It al- tions is aimed, in a priority manner, rials. At this moment, such a state is geo-economic and energetic situation in region. It is necessary to solve of the region may come under ready includes not only the tradi- at inclusion of Iranian gas into diver- Turkey, which is very well aware of the region could be clarified and stabilized. the Karabakh conflict so that the severe stress if the world powers tional Central Asia and Caucasus, sification corridors passing through this advantage and relies on it. The “Dialogue of the Seas” magazine has economy will start to diversify. But engage in the region through a but also the Balkan region as an in- Turkey. Thus, Iran has not only valu- The competition with Turkey in addressed the authors of the Black Sea and most important, the region should zero-sum approach* and if we fail separable part of oil and gas routes. able fields, but also such strong and the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region, Caspian Sea region in order to try to outline be oriented towards the path of to stimulate the spirit of regional The names of “South Stream”, “Nord motivated partners as Turkey. regardless of the bilateral strategic the parameters of this part of the world in a integration – internal and external. cooperation. The instability Stream”, “White Stream”, “Nabucco” Besides that, in the last two years cooperation, predetermines the ori- perspective for year 2050. We need a more developed within the Caspian states turns the are increasingly turning in the politi- Turkey has gained great dividends entation of Russia’s energy policy. * This is a business term that strands for the situation when the gain of one side is the other side’s loss.

16 17 ideasand reople ideasand reople

Another key factor for it, is - rein- tation of two projects – “Nabucco” Brussels-Washington relationships other problems of national interest, Western partners had taken into ac- region discussed - five new interna- forcing its position on the Asian con- and “South Stream”. will continue to grow in a wide range the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region count its concern in this case. Rus- tional actors of different scales have tinent - China. Moscow is oriented Still a problem for Bulgaria - from an opportunistic cooperation and even wider - the Mediterranean sia cannot allow turning the Black emerged, including such a large one to an active energy diversification remains its own positioning in po- to a long-term rivalry. Sea region -, are extremely sig- Sea into an inland sea of ​​the North as Ukraine. Yugoslavia fell apart, towards Europe and Black Sea-Cas- litical and diplomatic battles in the nificant, foremost geostrategically Atlantic alliance. And any country Czechoslovakia has been divided. pian Sea Eurasia, where it represents energy sector. Also, continues to be speaking. As it happens most of the that helps to make it happen will We also notice complex processes a global and regional power. The relevant the question whether the time, the failure of solving economic be perceived by Russia as a country occurring within the European Un- “South Stream” pipeline is a Krem- Bulgarian side has a clear energy problems rises from the existence of that threatens the national security ion. Lately, from time to time, there lin’s strategy in its European energy policy that goes beyond pointless military and political issues. of Russia by its actions. have been some serious discussions policy. Pipelines require security political declarations, of which rate During Soviet times, the Cas- While all these great military on the topic of Belgium division. and stability when pumping energy of changing positions is impressive. pian Sea was controlled by two and political problems exist (in Pretty strong separatist movements resources. In this sense, the “South As a result, Bulgaria can lose a real countries - Iran and Soviet Union. terms of naval power, who is to be occur in some of the southern Eu- Stream” is an indisputable argument chance to be one of the leading ele- Today, new countries have emerged the dominant party and to control ropean countries. This means that for Russia, and this gas transporting ments in the energy transit scheme. here - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and the Black Sea?), added to the illeg- geopolitical movements did not end system will once again connect EU The projects on diversification, Turkmenistan. Twenty years have ibility of the Caspian Sea matter, on the European continent. Today with Russia. At the same time, it will which rely on gas and bet on bypass- already passed since USSR collapse, to count on the fact that certain we cannot just sign an agreement prove that Russia is an irreplaceable ing Russia, are unlikely to be achieved Vitaly TRETYAKOV, but still, there is no agreement on economic projects, profitable to on inviolability of European borders political scientist and journalist, chief editor at the international and legal entity in the without the participation of Kremlin “Political Class” magazine, Dean of the Faculty of Caspian Sea partition. Already a those players who gathered together as it was signed in 1975 in Helsinki. field of gas transporting networks, itself. Overcoming Russia’s monopoly Television of Moscow State University, (Russia) political uncertainty in here. At around them in the Black and Cas- This is even theoretically impossible which can be a reliable source of en- represented by “Gazprom” is impos- least. At that time, the Black Sea was pian seas, will be implemented in to imagine. We can only assume that ergy for Europe, which also means to sible without eliminating its allies “We find controlled in the south by Turkey short terms and in best ways is up to 2050 changes will still occur be a politically reliable partner. and subsidiaries in the leading EU and in the north by Soviet Union. simply unrealistic. If someone else on the European continent, fact that Russia’s European Energy Strat- states - Germany, France and Italy. ourselves within Which means, there was no actual can ignore the military-political and makes it difficult to build an exact egy, however, faced the unexpected Also, Bulgaria cannot be eliminated urgent issue for Russia regarding the strategic component, then Russia configuration of political geogra- political and economic challenges out of this scheme - owing to its occurrence, without Soviet Union cannot and will not, even if its of- phy, civilization, country and other of Bulgaria. Since July 2009, after geographical position, which makes a process of consent, of some naval third-party ficials don’t talk about it that often dividing lines. No matter how trans- GERB party (The party of “Citizens its political presence in regional and forces in the Black Sea. Now, Bulgar- and eloquent. This is the most im- parent borders are, how friendly the for European Development of Bul- global energy and political schemes geopolitical ia, Romania and Turkey are NATO portant geo-strategic issue for Rus- countries are, there will always be garia”), headed by Boyko Borisov, inevitable. Bulgarian latitudes have no members and the coastal border sia, and at this time it exists. This is competitiveness, sometimes even came to power, the “South Stream” prospects for anti-Russian rhetoric, as changes” of Russia became short of Georgia the first thing I wanted to say. hostility, and the border concept energy project was caught in a com- well as for a gradual transformation of coastline, which seeks to join NATO Second – regarding the year itself has not yet been canceled plex maze of contradictory Bulgar- Bulgaria into a buffer state. Bulgaria is oday’s Russia is a historical and Ukraine coastline, which is also 2050. If Russia remains a function- - at least borders are still drawn ian positions regarding the partici- a hostage of global interests in energy successor of the Russian Em- theoretically striving to join NATO. ing state and it probably does so, it on maps. pation in pipeline construction. Last and security sector, being in the same pire and a historical and legal The intention of accepting these will remain one of the major geo- Herewith, I haven’t mentioned year, Bulgaria has become a center time, a quite independent segment in Tsuccessor of the Soviet Union. Why countries into NATO existed, but political players across the globe yet that the Black Sea basin is actu- of an active and thoroughgoing con- a complex geostrategic scheme. In the in this case do I mention it? Because, Russia has shown a certain political and the largest European state by its ally a part of the Mediterranean frontation regarding the implemen- nearest future, the Brussels-Moscow, in addition to Russia’s economic and will and perseverance and Russia’s quality of indicators, taken as from Sea-Black Sea-Caspian Sea basin and a separate country. Though many very complex processes have been MAIN DIRECTIONS S hareholding structure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium CASPIAN SEA AND LITTORAL STATES may disagree I am sure of that, as happening in North Africa, Arabian OF CASPIAN OIL TRANSPORTATION all the trends have shown it so far. Peninsula and Middle East in these

Kazakhstan Pipeline Ventures LLC BG Overseas Holdings Ltd. 2% Northern route The redistribution of borders in last months... Now, who can accu- 1,75% Transportation by Russian pipeline system. Attractive for Kazakhstan and, perhaps, for Turkmenistan Europe is not finished yet. Over rately predict how will the flow of the past two and a half decades we people change here, who will become Orrick’s Caspian Pipeline LLC A gip International 2% 1,75% have witnessed collapses of coun- citizens of whatever countries, which Western route Chevron Caspian Pipeline R osneft-Shell Transportation to western oil markets through Russia, Georgia, Iran, tries and formation of new states will be the ethnic composition of Consortium Co. 15% Caspian Ventures Ltd. 7,5% Turkey with exit points to Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea ports on this continent. Think of only the the European Union and worldwide population in 2050, moreover of the Southern route southern EU countries? But there are Mobil Caspian Includes the construction of pipelines trough the territories of Iran, Oman Oil Company 7% Pipeline Co. 7,5% Afghanistan and Pakistan with exit points to Persian Gulf and Indian certain quite drastic forecasts. Clear- Ocean ly, the state-giants - Russia, Egypt,

Republic of Kazakhstan 19% The diagrams used in this article are France, Italy and Spain will stand the Eastern route reproduced from S.Aliyev’s book time and if referring to the Caspian Includes the construction of pipelines to China, with prospects of “Exploitation and transportation of entering the markets of Eastern, and South-Eastern Asia and USA region, then it is Iran who will, but Russian Federation 24% oil in the Caspian region” ; excerpts L ukArco B.V. 12,5% from this book are published in this in the countries of their vicinity, very issue on pages 34-37 complicated and controversial pro-

18 19 ideasand reople ideasand reople

cesses happen, processes which can then, how can economic projects, would settle it through a politically dramatically change by 2050 even which are theoretically speaking unstable region. Especially when there the map of this region. most advantageous, be realized in are workaround options... Therefore, I repeat, while we these circumstances, when politi- are in a process of geographical and cal, military-political, geo-strategic geopolitical changes in this region, interests of major and minor players in Europe as a whole and in North are in conflict? Africa, until we won’t register some I think that it is largely owing stability, some closure of this pro- to, perhaps firstly owing to this cess, we cannot fully predict neither The recent emergence of US missile cruiser “Monterey” fact, which is why many projects the configuration of the borders, in the Black Sea led to sharply negative reaction of Russia presented by experts as extremely nor the geopolitical interests or the The situation regarding the stationing economically profitable couldn’t of Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol major players, who will also grow economic power, active participation settled down after Russia and Ukraine be implemented for different rea- unevenly from economic and mili- at political processes that take place have agreed to extend the term of the sons. Or, from the very beginning tary point of view, during this time. now in North Africa, Middle East fleet’s stationing until 2042 the estimates saying that they are Iran is one such example of fast eco- and active participation at political Мавзолей основателя Турецкой Республики economically profitable were specu- Corneliu VLAD, January 2010, Sochi. Tripartite negotiations political scientist and journalist (Romania) nomic, military, political and stra- processes that go on within the CIS on Nagorno-Karabakh matter with the Мустафы Кемаль Ататюрка в Анкаре lative and they were primarily de- tegic growth that will, presumably, territory. This is a state that wants to participation of presidents of Azerbaijan, signed for some political interests, continue. In Turkey, a definitely minimize the power and ambitions Armenia and Russia like Nabucco was: some say it’s a The Black Sea classic Black Sea power and partially of Iran, the second largest after Rus- wonderful project, while others say a European one, complex processes sia Caspian power. that it is economically inefficient, is searching are happening, too. And another element is the eco- but practically all agree that it is As referring to the economic nomic one - as long as all the reli- primarily a political project - to for a new aspect of the pointed subject, I’m not able economic analysts unequivo- Russia. Northern Caucasus. Federal and local armed forces are bypass Russia. Therefore, as long as conducting operations against illegal armed groups an economist and will not tackle to cally indicate that the importance of “to bypass Russia” exists, whether configuration evaluate the prospects of some pipe- oil and gas in the coming decades Nabucco is profitable or not - Rus- lines, gas pipelines, Silk Roads and will not decrease significantly. After sia will be anyways opposing to the aradoxically, the Pontic ho- channels to be expanded or newly 2050 - maybe... implementation of this project. And rizon of 2050 has a clearer built ...There are many options here, EU as a whole is a player too, some really profitable projects can- shape than the one emerging too. But I know one thing: it is still and within it there are countries that not be accomplished simply because Pin coming years and decades. The a long road to go in order to reach also do not belong to the region, these differences in vital interests consequences of the great geopoliti- worldwide peace and friendship but play or try to play actively their are still present and the countries cal shock of 1989-1991 occurred and it will not yet happen till 2050, own games with the countries of the just cannot agree, cannot sacrifice to be for the Black Sea region both and the military-political and geo- region, including games against Rus- those interests. beneficial and unfortunate. These strategic component will dominate sia, like it does for example, Poland. The region is unstable. And it will effects are still persisting, the pro- the economic interests and mutually A Caspian Sea-Black Sea-Baltic Sea remain so for the next five to ten or cesses are in full swing, and it takes beneficial trade, even if those mutual Energy Transit Space was created, Azerbaijan released a post stamp for the fifteen years, perhaps becoming even time to clarify the situation. 50th anniversary of the UN Committee benefits will be positively present. which particularly shows that Po- for Refugees - an issue relevant to more unstable. We shouldn’t forget The geopolitical dynamics in Secondly, if this Black Sea-Cas- land’s interests in Ukraine’s fate are the countries of the Caucasus. That Germany actively supports the Republic of Moldova that it is also adjacent to a region the Black Sea region is more com- pian Sea-Mediterranean Sea region obvious and Ukraine is a Black Sea is why, Antonio Guterres, UN High in resolving the Transnistrian conflict. In the picture: where international terrorism is ac- plicated and unstable than in many Commissioner for Refugees (at the right) May 2011, Berlin. Chancellor Angela Merkel was in the sphere of influence of only country. Will Poland cease to play is a frequent visitor in here and Prime Minister Vlad Filat tively operating. And in an unstable other corners of the world. Here, the countries located in this region, then the role that it aspires to play in the region the risks are too great. Hence, Soviet Union had collapsed two dec- perhaps we could more accurately European Union - the role of dis- military-political problems fall away will fall apart by this time, and then economic projects cannot be imple- ades ago. Russia has lost in terms of assess the effectiveness of various turber of various processes? Poland and the field for proper economic it will be just a conglomeration mented for this obvious reason. That’s its geographical presence in the re- economic projects, the reasons why is another agent that plays actively in project becomes broader, a field based of conflicting interests. Namely, I how I see this region today, in the gion, but has not lost its position of these projects are not being imple- the region and in many regards - in on purely economic benefits, a mixed think we can say now that all the near and the distant future. Therefore, superiority. New states have emerged mented when benefits are obvious, competition with Russia. field - European Union with Russia countries of the region, all the ma- I don’t believe that some kind of mag- - Ukraine, Georgia, and each of them and who is to be blamed ... However, We should also take into con- or Russia-CIS. That is, EU can play a jor geopolitical players involved in nificent project embodying the entire is in its own way a subject that must the United States of America is fore- sideration a theoretically possible positive role for Russia, but can also the affairs of the region - and here region can be implemented. Some be considered, especially in light of most present here besides us, with option, according to which, by 2050 continue playing a partially nega- China already has its interests in separate, medium size economic United States and NATO attempts to both economic and military interests Russia and EU will have an excellent tive role, that it plays, in my view, in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Iran, Mid- projects, in which two, three, four or strengthen their presence and activi- of its own. This is the biggest player, relationship (but of course I do not this region and pleads in many ways dle East and North Africa - all of five countries are interested, will be ties in this area. NATO and EU have which isn’t in any ways geographi- believe it), this being one of solutions against the interests of Russia. them have in this region primarily implemented of course, but I don’t already marked their presence on the cally related to this region. But it is towards development an economic And the EU itself? Will it fall political and military-political inter- believe in whatever Silk Road would Black Sea west coast and Turkey is present here with its military forces, issues solving, when political and even apart or not? In my opinion, EU ests, and then economic ones. Well have been settled in here. Nobody acting increasingly more determined

20 21 ideasand reople ideasand reople

Ukraine. Crimea. Environmentalists on alert as a regional leader. The energy crisis malized by the means of an organi- he factors that influence the On the other hand, EU meets a certain has determined the production and zation created in 1992, on a territory Black Sea region should be opposition from other regional actors. transportation of oil and gas as a of 19,2 million square kilometers, categorized into internal In case this situation continues to be priority task, which involves com- a population of 322 million people Tand external ones. Internal factors this way, the region might be dismissed petition and rivalry, but in the same and vast mineral and agricultural of instability are referring to the from investment flows, technical as- time - cooperation between all lit- resources, didn’t reach optimal political sphere, but also no less sistance flows towards, for example, the One of the acute environmental problems of the toral states, as well as between other parameters. The agitation in the important are the competition for Black Sea - the restoration of biological diversity, Mediterranean Sea. This is important European and global players. All post-Cold War period (the climax of resources - oil and gas - and issues of particularly the preservation of dolphins because the nature of the emerging of these developments under a full which became the war in Georgia) environmental matter. policy depends on who is going to be swing will determine the 2050 Black has impeded in an undesirable way When analyzing conflictual situa- As for the environmental issues sources to region’s biodiversity resourc- the leader in the region. If the policy Sea new configuration. the economic development of the tions that affect the economic dynam- in both regional and global dimen- es and, foremost, sources for environ- will be an aggressive, unharmonious, For centuries, the Black Sea was region, of which revival depends or- ics of the region we should take into sions - today, world’s environmentalists mental sustainability and maintenance dividing one, then it is to expect for a grey area of ​​the planetary ocean, ganically on the improvement of the account the Black Sea division into are actively discussing the ideas of the of important functions of biosphere in degradation in all spheres. If it will be to which few people paid attention. international climate - on Russian- certain areas of influence, the exclusive “Rio+20” process, that is, of the UN the whole region. a more reasonable policy, that takes The great powers condominium in US relations and relations between economic areas of states, the increasing conference to be held in Rio de Janeiro The “Rio +20” process represents into account the priorities of saving the region - Russia and Turkey, once Russia and NATO / EU, crises in the general exploitation of ecosystems of in 2012. Its objective is to analyze another step in understanding the natural resources - everybody will win. great empires and now states with Middle East, instability in the Cau- the Black Sea basin and the Black Sea- and search for new tools in order to global scale of environmental processes I think that the latter is possible if the emerging economies, which have casus region, etc. Caspian Sea basin. introduce the concept of sustainable that take place in the world in general EU will be able to gain a decent role in a great potential, kept somehow According to the public percep- When talking about external fac- development, globally speaking. Hence and in the Black Sea region in particu- the region. this semi-open sea away from the tion, the Black Sea in 2050 will also tors, these are: global climate changes, was raised the issue regarding the pro- lar. The experts dealing with the “green What specific environmental prob- global-scale geopolitical dynamics, look different, and for the better. global modifications in the biosphere, motion of a new concept - the concept economy” and long-term development lems are there in the Black Sea? impeding other important world Due to the construction of a new and on the other hand, global socio- of “green economy”. Although there are consider that the issue of human sur- First, it is the overfishing, which players to be interested in a possible channel on Bosporus, the Black Sea economic and socio-political trans- technological conditions to achieve it, vivability depends on the increased determines the necessity to recover the participation in the region’s affairs. ports will host ocean-going vessels, formation, economic and political there is a lack of political support. Also, economic growth, when environmen- biological reserves of fish. Second – it The end of the Cold War, Soviet major energy routes will cover water globalization. still an important problem is the gap tal approaches prevail on the economic is the organic and chemical pollution Union collapse and the emergence depths in all directions, the process I think that in the future, politically between the “golden billion” states and and political ones. The essence of a coming from the littoral. A consider- of new littoral states, the increased of deoxygenating and pollution of speaking, the transit potential of the the developing countries. sustainable development consists in able amount of pollution comes from activity of Turkey’s foreign policy, the region, threatened by a rapid region will play a very important role On the other hand, the concept putting everything in the proper way river drainage, such as the Danube, of NATO and EU on the west coast, degradation will be considerably in the implementation of scenarios of “green economy” for the Black Sea both globally and locally. It is necessary which basin is shared by 17 European the energy hunger, have impres- decelerated, the Black Sea coasts will related to the development of BRICS should be linked with the utmost ecol- to realize that each subsequent decade countries. The consequences of these sively transformed the Pontic area be connected by highways and rail- (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South ogization – “greening” of the economy brings the humanity closer to a certain flushes are - Black Sea green scum- (and also the Caspian one) into a ways, and due to the operation of a Africa) countries. on a micro- and a macro level. Let’s critical point. ming, depletion of flora and fauna. region, most worthy of serious at- continental river route Rhine-Main- When talking about long-term talk about this in more detail. The issue of preserving the re- Besides, there is a problem of anthro- tention; into a region where big bets Danube, the Black Sea and Danube trends evaluation, this cannot be done Nowadays, there are many tech- sources of the Black Sea is crucial pogenic pollution - accidents involving are made (in terms of geopolitics, basin will be connected to great without considering the role of world nologies related to organic farming, and it determines the quality of the transport, dumping. energy and transit), where there are economic, cultural and civilization leaders. In my opinion, in the next 50- which imply the use of clean technolo- future. Some of the main institutional As for the prospects of democratic clear prospects, but where the future streams of the era. 100 years, the global repolarization of gies of land utilization, environmental machineries that currently work to development in the region, I support looks in many ways unclear. It so the world can touch upon this region, infrastructure and user-friendly tech- support the ecosystem of the Black Sea the concept of ecological democracy happened that in the past 20 years, too. There are a few forecasts that nologies, imply solving issues of har- are: the Convention for the Protection and it is mainly related to the rights of the Black Sea was labeled as a “Rus- rely on who is going to be the world’s monization of regional environmental of the Black Sea Against Pollution, the humans, peoples and nations to a fairly sian lake”, then as a “lake of NATO” leader. In any case though, the resource management, of agro-technologies for Danube Convention. The Black Sea clean and safe environment. This is the in order to later be talking about base and the transit role in the region nature preservation. This also applies countries are participating in leading key to a sustainable development of a “European lake”, which does not are decisive factors that will unify the to technologies related to transporta- European environmental conventions. ecosystems and prosperity of nations. necessarily mean a united Europe. leading one with the led one. But who tion and its safety. Let’s not forget about They all have their own mechanisms Any democracy must be ecological. The geopolitical future of the will be the one to lead, depends on the alternative energetics also, which for cooperation, tools for interaction, If this component will be maintained Black Sea can become balanced and the long-term political situation until can be adopted by the Black Sea region, reporting and control. The only impor- and developed in the context of acquire a stable, optimal way of devel- year 2050. including the wind potential on the tant thing is that these conventions are international cooperation, then we opment only considering its Russian, coast and the wave energy of the sea respected. can talk about the prosperity of the Turkish and European (Euro-atlantic) Oleg RUBEL, Candidate of economic sciences, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Market Issues, itself. A lot of other opportunities can There is also a possibility of devel- region. If the resource component components. Three components, Economic and Environmental Researches of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Odessa) harmoniously join this process. oping economic and environmental of sustainable development will be designed to bring their interests to On the other side, another im- cooperation in this context. For exam- “pushed” into the background and the consent, to ensure themselves a living “Green economy” portant aspect is represented by the ple, the European Union enunciates development of the “green economy” together and cooperation. creation of transfrontier reserves, in- within the framework of its neighborly will not advance, then regardless the The economic cooperation in as a key to prosperity cluding maritime ones, and restoration economic programs, the priority of political and socio-economic situation, the Black Sea, which had been for- of valuable natural ecosystems that are environmental goals for the region. the region will regress.

22 23 students’meridian students’meridian t ext: SVEtlana CRACIUN photo: archives

everal generations of scholars and specialists have dreamed to create it. But the most has, perhaps, the university pro- “Dialogue between East and West”- the theme of the fessor Tasin Jamil. Originally international conference from a Romanian Turkish family, She obtained his PhD and set up in 2003 at the “Ovidius” University of Constanta a Euro-Asian educational center, and had even published a spe- cialized magazine. Years of experience in diplomacy (he was an ambassador of Romania to Azerbaijan and Turk- menistan) have only secured in its October 2009. The Ambassador of mind the belief that the Turkic speak- Azerbaijan to Romania Eldar Hasanov ing Asia is becoming increasingly (in the center), Rector Andrei Marga more important in the globalization (at the right) and prof. Tasin Gemil are inaugurating the Institute of Turkish process. And now, he is not only the and Central Asian Studies dean of the Turkish Studies Institute in Cluj, but also its soul. His selfless

work on establishing this educational Clujans welcome a delegation and scientific center was strongly sup- of “L.Gumilev” National Eurasian ported by the rector of “Babes-Bolyai” University of Astana (Kazakhstan) University of Cluj - Andrei Marga, by professor Calin Felezeu and other colleagues... The range of knowlege offered by the Institute is impressive. It is culture, history, civilization in all its possible aspects and, correspondingly, the lan- GATES INTO guages ​​of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Central Asian countries and even of Russia’s Volga region. Direct contacts are al-

ready set and cooperation agreements The conference is dedicated to new prospects of THE WORLD OF EAST are signed with “Ziya Bunyadov” In- cultural interaction between Romania and Turkey stitute of Oriental Studies from Baku, The Institute of Turkish and Central Asian Studies (ITCAS) with Çankırı Karatekin University Every student’s favorite - a professor of Turkish language, Dr. Margareta Aslan within “Babes-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoka was opened (Turkey) and “Lev Gumilev” National (on the foreground) Eurasian University in Astana (Ka- altogether, almost two years ago and is the only Romanian zakhstan). The Institute of Cluj has already held in its precincts interna- educational and scientific institution of such profile* tional conferences and meetings – “A dialogue between East and West”, Turkish dance performed by guests - students of “The historical legacy of Tatars”, “New Karatekin University perspectives of cultural interaction (Turkey) between Romania and Turkey”... It is also preparing to issue the yearbook, entitled: “Romanian Journal of Turkic and Central Asian studies”. For the next academic year, the institute of- The idea of ​​creating the Institute of Oriental Sceinces was harbored for a long time by professor and diplomat Tasin *T  he Editorial Board expresses its special gratitude to Gemil. Now he is not only the Adina FODOR, Institute’s ScientificS ecretary, Head of Dean, but also the soul of this programs on cooperation, who assisted us in the institution preparations of this publication. Penetrating the secrets of the Eastern world

24 25 students’meridian ideasand reople t ext: L.R. Syukiyaynen photo: archives

fers 10 scholarships for education in for border and customs services, for A ndrea Paula Kazakhstan... providing staff to Romanian diplo- POLITICAL REFORMS At first, the ITCAS was sup- matic corps and, of course, for Ro- Ibanescu:

ported by its sponsors: the Embassy manian business community, which I am a postgraduate student of the of Azerbaijan in Romania, a num- actively participates in the develop- Faculty of History and Philosophy of AND ISLAM: ber of companies from Cluj-Napoca ment and transportation of oil and “Babes-Bolyai” University of Cluj and I work in international and businessmen from the Turkish- gas resources of the Caspian Sea. relations. I decided to attend the classes at the Institute of Turkish Studies, because the themes on courses reflect FETHULLAH GULEN’S VIEW Tatar community of Romania. Lecture rooms and halls were the latest global trends in politics and use the most The major necessity of having filled with a businesslike air: the recent developments concerning the history, culture he democratic politi- ocratic values ​​with the traditional po- such an institute was also revealed summer exams were in full session. and civilization. So I had more than enough motivation. cal reforms and debates litical, legal and cultural traditions of when the staff trained here, turned We entered into a conversation with Especially when considering that the topic of my thesis is around prospects of their the Muslim world. In any case, until related to the comparative analysis of Iran and Turkey, and is out to be needed not only for scien- two students of the institute. And focused on Caucasus and Central Asia. implementation occupy a the end of the past century, the bal- reviews tific research in this area, but also that’s what they told us: Why did I choose this particular topic? Highly dynamical central place in the pub- anced and moderate Islamic thought changes in the balance of power in the modern world and lic life of the modern Muslim world. did not show enough activity and dy- the restructuration of international relations system require Turkish thinker TAnd it is no coincidence, as today the namism when discussing the prob- Fethullah Gulen to take a closer look at the regional players claiming for leadership, especially when Asia comes back alike to a new most of Islamic countries go through lems of democratization and politi- life. My scientific work implies a closer examination of the quite a controversial stage of politi- cal reforms, as well as the ability of Fethullah Gulen bets on a com- current distribution of power that confirms the regional cal, legal and cultural development, the Muslim world to join the process prehension of the political transfor- leadership of such countries as Iran and Turkey and uses an which is characterized by coexistence of globalization. On the contrary, the mation of the Muslim world not in interdisciplinary approach to the paradigms of international relations and geopolitics, an approach which is able to and interaction of Islamic traditions opinions of those who seek to tear the the manner of formal dogmatic ap- facilitate the forecasts of medium and long terms. I’m with generally accepted standards and Muslim countries from the rest of the proach to the provisions of Islam- curious to see to what extent will Turkey and Iran be able to democratic liberal values. world, were heard more often. ic Sharia, but in terms of fundamen- influence the balance of power in Asia. Every speck of thoughts that I say are like puzzle pieces Political conversion and dem- Outside the Muslim world there tal principles and values ​​of Islam, its that can be easily found in training courses offered by the ocratic transition in these coun- is a widespread belief that democra- meaning and spirit, which can in- institute - whether it’s “Cultural and historical reassessment tries cannot be analyzed deeply, un- cy and traditional Islamic values ​​are still new life into Islamic ideas of our of Central Asia”, “History of Azerbaijan” or Turkish language less considering the main trends in incompatible. This assumption gen- time. Islamic principles of equali- classes. Even if it was not related to my scientific paper, I would still have chosen this course because of mere curiosity the development of contemporary Is- erates an extremely substantial ques- ty, religious tolerance and justice are or as they say, for my “all round education”... lamic political and legal thought. Af- tion: is there in the theoretical Islam- particularly able to help in solving ter all, ideas and theoretical con- ic heritage and in the modern Islamic this problem. Of course, under the A lexandra Isacu: cepts play a special role in the Islam- thought sufficient capacity to formu- condition that Koran precepts and ic world, where any significant chang- late such approaches and formulas, the Sunnah of the Prophet, as well as In our country people tend to learn more es and important national projects are which could unite Islamic values ​​and the specific rules of Sharia will be re- about West, while knowing so very little always evaluated in the light of Islam- latest achievements of modern civili- vised and subjected to a new interpre- May 2011. In about East. Many of my acquaintances Crimea, during think that only the West can provide a better life, but ic principles. Moreover, without Is- zation? In our view, a positive answer tation in terms of continuously evolv- the international for me life is better there, where my heart leads me to... lamic justification and interpretation to this question can be only given by ing modern knowledge which follows conference on the Since childhood, I was fascinated by the world of the East, on the basis of Islamic fundamentals, a moderate, civilized and enlightened the constant social changes. history of relations especially Turkey. I wanted to get there, to become better between Romanian acquainted with its culture and civilization, to have my own they can hardly ever be accomplished. Islamic thought. Because it relies on Given these approaches, Fethul- principalities and Koran ... Now my dreams came true. This means that all the positive solu- internal capacity of Islam and comes lah Gulen stands up for the cause Crimean khanates My family did not allow me to do the thing I love, so when I tions of the problems above are to be from the fact that reality should be of Islam in its civilized and enlight- studied at the university, I was forced to choose a career in found in Islam. In other words, the judged in terms of Islam fundamen- ened apprehension, focusing on Is- public administration. But it hasn’t stopped me attempting to find my own place in life, along with the people who future of Muslim world must be seen tals, values ​​and common principles, lam’s compatibility with modern po- share my passion. After a lot of search on the internet I in the context of political changes and not on the basis of its specific rules litical science. He did a lot for the di- August 2010. Visiting found out about the existence of this institute. I chose the the role that Islam plays in this pro- related to particular issues and inter- alogue between Western and Islam- Kazakh colleagues Turkish language class because it was a great opportunity to cess. After all, it is about the future of preted in a limited sense. ic political thought. Gülen believes at the University of learn it on a professional level. I think that Mrs. Margareta Foreign Languages ​​and Aslan is a gift of fate to me, because who else can better Islam itself, under circumstances of Today we can say that this kind of that it is the dialogue, education and International Relations tell you the secrets of the language, culture and civilization an emerging globalization and politi- theoretical concept, convincing and tolerance that paves for the Muslim in Almaty of Turkey than a person who lived there for many years? cal modernization. promising, was formed. Its author world its way to the future. This idea In only one year we have accumulated a huge amount How does the Islamic political of knowledge. is the Turkish thinker Fethullah is crucial when evaluating the pros- Same things can be said about the courses of Professor Tasin and legal thought answer the ques- Gülen. He is firmly convinced that pects of democratic political reforms Gemil. We listened to him while holding our breath. I am tion about the prospects of democrat- not only the fundamental principles currently undertaken in the Mus- sure that his talent of carrying the listeners into the world of ic modernization in the examined re- of Islamic political theory do not lim world. Central Asia, his professional and personal knowledge about it, will increasingly widen the audience in the next school gion of the modern world? Diver- contradict democratic reforms in the gent opinions on these issues are the contemporary Muslim world, but also L.R. Syukiyaynen, JD, year. The lectures given by professors Aslan and Gemil bring Professor at the “Higher School of Economics” The world of the East a lot of fun and color into my everyday life.. reason for distinct approaches to the can bring a positive contribution to National Research on the student stage compatibility issue of common dem- this process. University (Moscow)

26 27 Projects,projects Projects,projects T EXT: mikhail zernov photo: archives

In December 2010, the Board of receive, as a result, grants for elaboration of innovative ideas pating countries. Now, the activity is being coordinated by and projects in various fields of activity. only a few people – deputies chairman Mikhail Medvedev Directors of the International Fund The commission of the Fund has already accumulated (Russia), Natalia Ciobanu (Romania), Gherman Lavrov (Rus- for cooperation and partnership in its innovative bank a huge number of interesting pro- sia), also a great contribution is brought by Olga Chepeleva. jects. Only think of the importance of “eternal battery” All the information about the most interesting projects of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea project or the composite for vertical walls extinguishing is available on the site of BSCSIF Russian branch (www. or many researches and developments in the medical field, bscsif.ru), in the section dedicated to the commission. The (BSCSIF) decided to establish which will soon allow humanity to get rid of the most se- visitors can post information about their projects, research within the fund a Commission vere diseases. papers or innovative ideas. The procedure for placing the At the beginning of our activity, we didn’t yet realize ​ information is very simple. Once the project description on Innovations and Investments. the amount of work. The commission is practically as- and complementary information is filled into the special Its chairman was elected to be the saulted with propositions, inventions, new technologies, fields on this page of the site, the commission staff holds “know-how”. All of them are on different stages of imple- a primary examination of the project and if it proves to director of BSCSIF Moscow branch mentation process – there might be just a useful develop- be successful, it contacts the author and settles down the ment, some of them are patented, there are business plans needs for project implementation. The priority, of course, – Mikhail ZERNOV, which tells our or even operating samples with experience. is given to projects of Fund members. Particularly these readers about the first steps of the We hope that the participation of our partners from all projects receive the biggest focus, having also a separate the 11 countries in the work of the commission will be more section on the site, running in Russian and English lan- committee work and presents the active. In my opinion, commission’s body should be consid- guages. most interesting projects. erably increased without having any limit from the partici- We invite you for cooperation!

he establishment of this commission was PROJECT preceded by the work of Turkish and Russian FOR INVESTORS: branches on promotion of innovative waste- 1 water treatment technology developed by CONSTRUCTION OF Russian company ECOS. Last year, in Octo- DISTRIBUTION AND ber, in Ankara, the Russian delegation headed by the lead- LOGISTICS COMPLEX Ters of the BSCSIF Moscow branch and ECOS Company Within the framework of International Free have presented the zero emissions “Megapolis” station Trade Zone creating, our partner ARAN – the newest development of the company. Currently, the CJSC Holding performs the construction of a distribution and logistics complex with a parties proceed to the pre-preparation and plan to start in total area of ​​512 thousand square meters the coming months the construction of stations in munici- on a 17 hectares land, within Sheremetyevo palities of Turkey. International Airport (Moscow). It will embody not only a distribution center, 3 The main thing in the first phase of commission activity but also a customs terminal, an exhibition is to form a bank of innovation and create foreign investors complex, an A classes business center, NIKFAN BIOFERTILISER - pool. Given the high social status of the Board of Directors different kinds of warehouses and an members of the Fund, we organize – on the territory of entertainment center. A NEW INNOVATIVE those 11 participating countries – an exchange of important information, seek for potential partners, also provide high- BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCT technology promotion, solve operational issues aimed at POULTRY MANURE he product is made on the basis of culture regulations and holds a Russian security certificate. integration of manufacturing companies from 11 countries RECYCLING INTO FEED fluid obtained as a result of fungus growth. The product is characterized by multifunctionality and into the Eurasian economic space. In the near future, we 2 ADITIVE FOR LIVESTOCK TThe observed biological effects of the product high concentration of active ingredient that clearly plan to participate in European Union programs and to consist in improvement of nurture supply to seeds distinguishes it among its analogues. AND FERTILIZERS and vegetative organs, photosynthesis stimulation, The product provides: By the usage of elaborated methods and normalization on a molecular level of the activity of • Incr eased seed germination, increased formation equipment, from 40 to 200 tons of poultry the own genes of plants, based on hormonal signals of root and leaf area, height and thickness of manure is being recycled per day, within the inside them. stems, increased frost and drought resistance, plant processing cycle of 6-7 days. When obtaining The biofertilizer refers to non-dangerous products, immunity, as a consequence - reduced costs on more than 55% of product from recycled is not toxic to animals, bees, fish, earthworms, does chemical fungicides and fertilizers; waste, it can be used as a feed additive up not contain or release toxic substances, does not • Incr eased fruit size - an increase in yield by 20-70%, to 50% of diet or as a complex fertilizer, require special precautions when working with it. accelerated maturation of the crop by 1-2 weeks; A START IN LIFE depending on the chosen processing mode. Genetically modified components and technologies Impr ovement of quality indicators on crops: grains • The uniqueness of the process consists in a are not being used in the process of its production. It is (wheat gluten in an increase of 22%), beet (sugar low-frequency impact on recyclable waste produced in concentrated form. Product consumption content increased by 2-3%, protein - 5%, fiber - and the impact of the patented biologically- is: 3,5-4,5 ml per 1 ha, including seed treatment and a 2%), potatoes (starch content increased by 10%), active liquid. 2-3-time processing of crops with the product. Nikfan green fodder (an increase of sugar in 18-36%, TO INNOVATIONS Biofertilizer is produced according to technological β-carotene - by 1,6-2,7 times), fruit.

28 29 Projects,projects Projects,projects

PRIORITY PROJECTS SECTION – OIL AND GAS 5 PROJECTS IN REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA), REQUIRING A 20-30% CO-INVESTMENT The project on construction a mining chemical plant in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is included into the “The Energy Strategy of the Republic of Sakha to 2030” with the rank of a priority investment project of the Republic of Sakha. The scheme is designed by the Ministry of Economic 4 Development of the Russian Federation jointly with the Government of the Republic of Sakha, reviewed and approved at a meeting of Russian government. Currently, MINI-FACTORY USED FOR DRYING the interest in participation at the “turn-key” project was expressed by China – state DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORGANIC engineering corporation Sinopec and China EximBank, Japan - the company Sojitz with the participation of Mitsubishi Heavy PRODUCTS (TREES, PLANTS, FISH, Industries and state corporation JOGMEC. MEAT, VEGETABLES, FRUITS) A UNIQUE 8 AND SEPARATION OF ORGANIC LIQUID SEAWATER DESALTER, AMONG THE PRIORITY he drying process is carried out in a soft mode fruits, herbs, tobacco, etc., allows to get a plain and 6 DEVELOPED BY RUSSIAN at 24‑25 0С (not higher than 65 0С for wood), complete – by its physical, chemical and biological SCIENTISTS PROJECTS ON Twhich allows to obtain dry product of highest composition of the liquid – essence of product juice. The desalter represents a vertical column quality, preserving the full mineral-vitamin complex The drying time of these products does not exceed with a 4,5 m diameter and 7,5 m height. The and nutrient composition of the feedstock. The 7 hours. operating installation allows to desalinate ENVIRONMENTAL difference in humidity content throughout the whole The mini-factory makes a good job at drying complex up to 1 ton of sea water per hour, spending volume is less than 1,5%. wood (oak, ash, birch, aspen, etc.), as after drying less than 10 kW of electrical energy, which is Drying is accomplished in a closed loop using the there is no warping, cracking or linear deformation. hundreds times smaller energy consumption PROBLEMS AND QUALITY installation that condenses the extracted moisture After drying, the wood strength is 28% higher than than in other generally accepted technologies. into a separate container. The parameters set on at the analogue samples dried in conventional kilns. Cost-effective, easy to manufacture and use, drying roll on automatic support and are being This allows eliminating the usage of special methods the desalter doesn’t require a permanent OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT controlled by an automation and alarm system. of cutting timber. The maximum power consumption operational control, is scaled as a desalination For the first time in the world, this type of mini- of the mini-factory does not exceed 13 kWh; drying to installation unit with multiple output. After IS “MEGAPOLIS” STATION factory for drying products such as meat, fish, 6-8% moisture content requires less than 15 days. the process of desalination, the output is composed of desalinized water and dry residue in form of sea salt. OF “ECOS” COMPANY he specific of this plant is its completely closed cycle. The technological processes of purification, sludge treatment, auxiliary work areas and domestic facilities HEATING SYSTEMS Tare in the same building – at its surface and underground parts. This reduces the construction costs for the station by 30-40% and for the sanitary protection CONTROLLERS zone by about 10 times, which allows us to file these treatment facilities under the 7 The main advantage of a controller is the architecture of any modern and unique city. ability to save energy while preserving power and temperature indexes of heating systems in range of 165 - 270 volts of voltage deviation in the mains. The controller is designed for power (temperature) control FUNDAMENTALLY NEW METHOD OF EXTRACTION OF POTABLE WATER OUT OF THE ATMOSPHERE of heating systems with any kind of thermal This process doesn’t require temperatures lower out of the atmosphere are being significantly water per hour. Alternative and related energy inertia and any kind of convection conditions. 9 than the ambient ones. The method is based on reduced in contrast with the existing similar sources can be also used, such as the heat from The stability of parameters is maintained in natural processes occurring in nature. This new systems. When used as a source of thermal air cooler or conditioner. Successfully conducted range of 1 to 5%. method is more effective in comparison with energy of natural gas, it consumes 1 cubic meter laboratory studies that confirm the correctitude Tests on this power (temperature) technologies currently in use, because it allows per 10 liters of water. In southern areas solar of the method and the extracted water from controller showed that energy savings in to condense all the water vapor extracted from energy can be used as a heat source. In this case, the air without lowering the temperature various types of electro-thermal systems the dried air without any cost on cold production, solar energy received on 1 m2 of earth surface below the ambient one are confirmed by two represent 30 - 45%. thus, the energy costs of obtaining potable water is enough to produce approximately one liter of Russian patents.

30 31 P agesof History P agesof History photo: archives

The ridge of the canal dug by Sultan Selim in 1569

The remains of the canal, built in the time VOLGA-DON CANAL: of Peter I, are even better preserved Transshipping the vessels from Don to Volga River (from the original FIRST ATTEMPTS paintings) Frantsuzskaya he idea of ​​providing navigation between tsar conquered Azov fortress, the construc- been preserved, too. It had a depth of about three Bannovka Black Sea and Caspian Sea is as old as tion of the channel has begun. The works were meters and a bottom width of about 13 meters. the hills. First, the ancient Greeks found administrated by the British engineer Brekkel. In the XIX and early XX century, the at- a “weak spot” in the watershed between The failed construction of the first gateway tempts to connect the two seas continued. Dur- the rivers flowing into the two seas. We frightened Brekkel and he has secretly fled out ing this period, there were about 30 projects and are talking about the present town of Petrov Val (Vol- of Russia in 1697, feared to be held responsible. project proposals. Finally, in 1948, the project of ha ryaznuk Tgograd Region), located on the banks of Ilovlya river, The construction of the channel continued in Volga-Don channel, belonging to the engineer Usti-Gryaznukha G a tributary of the Don. Next to it Kamyshinka river, 1699 under the guidance of another British on shipping canals S. Zhuk, was approved; it also Sherbakovka flowing into Volga, originates. Also, the Greeks used engineer - John Perry. But a year later, it was provided a solution for irrigation issue in the this route for their trade relations with the peoples stopped due to the outbreak of the Northern arid land of the area. The canal was built in 1948- who lived on Volga and Caspian coasts. The earliest War between Russia and Sweden. 1952, using mostly the labor of Gulag prisoners. K az Russian dukes have known this route, too. Later, the During the reign of Catherine II, construc- At present, the “Hydroproject” Russian an ka Baranovskoe route was used by gangs of robbers that were crossing tion works on the channel had resumed. Profes- Institute is studying the matter of building a Volga through Don and back. Also, the participants sor Lowitz was sent for surveying. However, second branch of this channel or a new channel of peasant uprisings led by Razin and Pugachev have the Pugachev Rebellion (1773-1775) prevented through Manych depression (a “Stalinist” pro- Kamyshin been here. Lowitz from finishing his work. Lowitz fell into ject, not implemented because of the war). But Ilovlya The first attempt to build a canal in this place was Pugachev’s hands and was hanged. the main issue, whether these construc- a onk made by Turkish Sultan – Selim, in 1569. Striving to Despite the amount of effort put, channel tions are going to be profitable, is still stry Se win over Astrakhan region from Russia, he ordered to building was meant to fail, because during lev- unsolved. connect Don and Volga to be able to convey its fleet eling works performed later, significant errors (According to Russian press) through it. were found in the calculations made earlier. a k a i g The second attempt was made by Peter the Great. Channel’s remains exist till nowadays. Peter le l k o y V In 1694, he sent Duke B. Kurakin on a mission to the Great’s channel was about ten meters deep l a investigate the possibility of arranging a “gateway and about nine meters wide on the bottom. Also, Berdny B a job” to connect Don with Volga and to build on the remains of Selim’s channel, located at five Balyklei 1 Perevolok a fortified guard line. After the Russian hundred meters north from Peter’s channel, have

2 TheVolga-Don canal project was implemented only by 1948-1952.

32 33 EXlibris EXlibris text: shamisdan aliyev photo: archives

The geese are soaring from the lake. A flock of thousands of Of course, there is still an amount of contentious issues them stretched out in the blue sky in a broad and long line. left, particularly - Caspian Sea division by sector. But it is ab- CASPIAN SEA – The gruff voice of a gray goose and resonant voices of red- solutely clear that only a mutual and coordinated work of Cas- necked geese are being heard from far away. Birds are rising pian states’ community and a responsible position of public higher and higher. There, they split into dozens of flocks and and commercial institutions are able to improve the situation. formed lively corners and ranks in the air, slowly trailing to In recent years, scientists have suggested to apply, for example, AN AREA OF PEACE winter crops ... Goose cackle, cranes clanging, splash of water the well-established rules of maritime law in such a way that from duck flocks descended on the lake and a drummed tap- the geodetic borders of national sites shared only the seabed, ping of a Syrian woodpecker filled the warm, scented air with its resources and subsoil. While the “water body” of Caspian an incomparably enchanting music. And all of this is – just Sea, with its entire inhabitant and not attached to the bot- AND CONSENT remember! – during winter, at the end of January”... tom plants and animals would be, thus, shared. The rules for preserving this precious heritage and its management must be In one of Moscow publishing houses a new book of Shamisdan ALIYEV, Threats to the Caspian Environment necessarily the same for all, and experts are ready to elaborate Furthermore, according to the available data, about 26 billion these rules, based on their accumulated knowledge about this candidate of economic sciences, entitled “Exploitation and transportation tons of oil and over 3 trillion cubic meters of natural gas lie in region’s nature. Of course, it will be very difficult to ensure of oil in the Caspian region” is ready to be published. A few excerpts from the sea depths. Caspian Sea is mentioned in the international their abidance. media mainly because of this. Unfortunately, the awareness this book are presented to our readers. on ecological problems of the Caspian basin is very low. Local Caspian Sea and the “black gold” and international environmentalists strive to draw the atten- The industrialized world is largely dependent on oil and gas Caspian Sea uniqueness For about 10 million years, Caspian tion of governments and communities to the growing threat. import. Oil consumption has reached an inconceivable level aspian Sea billows again... Sea was in such continuous motion, since Besides additional income for countries in the region and - 70 million barrels a day. The largest energy consumer in the As viewed by serious politi- the times when mountain ranges arose improvement of quality of life for their citizens, the exploita- world is the U.S., which consumes more than 10 million bar- cians and businessmen, it is from the earth’s bowels and separated tion of hydrocarbon resources is fraught with huge problems, rels of oil per day. The selection of allies and enemies is deter- foremost big oil - a subject of Caspian once and for all from other frag- which have acquired nowadays a very specific shape. Caspian mined by the United States, as it is also determined by other diplomatic disputes. Conse- ments of ancient Tethys Ocean, which Sea is being polluted by industrial, agricultural and household importers and exporters of oil and gas, based not at least on quently, geographers will not fail to recall became afterwards, Black Sea. That’s why wastes, oil and gas wells. The volume of pollutants entering the mutual production and transportation of these major energy Con the uniqueness of the largest lake in its geological floor is identical to sea floor, Caspian Sea exceeds the norm by over eight times, the volume resources. Pipelines, same as the oil-bearing regions, cause the world, whose waters exceed the area of which is unusual for lakes. Also, people of phenol and heavy metals – by three times. Yearly, more than and will cause international conflicts, of which geographical such ​​a large European country like Ger- have been living on its shores since long 200 of littoral towns and villages pour millions of cubic meters configuration is difficult to forecast without an analysis of many. Perhaps they will also make a short time ago: the oldest of local sites of prehis- of various wastes into the sea. The most dangerous pollution is risks arising (and produced) along the routes of their settle- lecture on this body of water, which is, toric man found in Iran is nearly 80 thou- of course with petroleum products. As recently as last spring, ment. It is not excluded that in the XXIst century the locations though very salty, but not drainless at all, as sand years. Clearly, in connection with in the vicinity of a Makhachkala district, unknown wreckers of world oil production points and pipelines will play the it is usually written in school textbooks in this, the Caspian Sea holds another world poured into the sea four and a half tons of fuel oil! And this same political and military role that played in early and mid order not to get into details. record: the number of names remained damage has not yet received a proper evaluation. XXth century the transcontinental railroad routes. Until a few decades ago, the surplus of in history, given by different tribes, which The concern of environmentalists on this issue reso- During the most of the XXth century, international salt was taken by another miracle of nature - the shallow gulf spoke various languages of neighboring countries. Some re- nates in the countries of the Caspian basin. The most im- economic and political relations in the field of energy have of Kara-Bogaz-Gol connected to the Caspian Sea by a “sea searchers account for 50 titles, some for even 70. portant step was taken in 2003 when all five littoral states - evolved towards polarization of producing and consuming waterfall”, which looked and sounded like a real Niagara in the It is not surprising that this land is exceptionally generous Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation and Turk- countries. The process of resources depletion in industrialized hot season. But in the 70’s of the last century, business execu- and welcoming, despite the fury of autumn and winter storms menistan - signed and then ratified within a few years the countries and quality deterioration of raw materials extracted tives started to worry that the Caspian Sea could become quite (as hydrographs say – world’s second after the Bay of Biscay), so-called Tehran Convention. According to this document, there was accompanied by a fast growth of raw materials con- shallow and replaced the extraordinary sight with a banal and even such a dangerous wonder occurring here – the governments commit to protect the maritime environment sumption rate. As a result, developed countries became more dam with flaps. And exactly at that moment, the sea “decided “mini-tsunami”, similar to the Pacific ones. The nature of this of the Caspian Sea from pollution resulted from sea floor and more dependent on oil imports, while developing coun- not to dry”; it turned out that those were its irregular cycles of phenomenon is not revealed completely yet, as the mystery of activities, waste dumping and courts pollution, as well as tries - on export entries. The industrialized world had to elab- natural level fluctuations. Even the excessive water withdraw- emerging out of nowhere islands is. One of them has literally to protect, restore and use in a careful and rational way the orate a long-term and if possible a coordinated development als from rivers flowing into had a lesser effect than it was com- “grown” out of the seabed not more than half a century ago. biological resources. In addition, it is necessary to improve strategy on ensuring sustainable supply of resources, while the monly believed before. The Caspian basin flora and fauna is so diverse. Only the system of coastal zone management. The Convention supplier countries were seeking to obtain maximum political Indeed, in the distant past, Caspian waters flowed back endemics – the species that haven’t been found anywhere provides for cooperation in crisis situations, development and economic benefit from possession of raw materials. and forth more than once. In the first six centuries of our else - are about 400. Caspian waters have more than a hun- of concerted actions in order to mitigate the effects of level The competition for pipelines and areas through which era, the whole Bay of Baku was dry land and today’s offshore dred species of fish; the world’s major sturgeon resources fluctuations in the Caspian Sea. Future efforts in seawater they would pass became sharper. The instability in the Mid- islands were peninsulas. It took another seven hundred years are concentrated precisely here: not so long ago, there were management should not damage the environment. Coun- dle East, the Maghreb countries and along southern borders for an Italian geographer to say melancholically in his travel white sturgeons weighing more than a ton. Unfortunately, tries are developing a set of protocols to the Convention, of Russia is largely due to the fact that many states and multi- notes: “The Caspian Sea heads yearly to the land by a whole their population at present is severely damaged by poaching. which should determine specific obligations of parties when national corporations reckon to acquire preemptive rights of palm; it has already flooded many glorious cities”. And his Riparian forests and waters serve as wintering spots for birds preserving biodiversity, evaluating environmental impacts, access to new reserves of oil and gas and their transportation Arabian colleague was quite worried whether it will sink Baku of passage. This is how a zoologist has described his observa- incidents that cause oil pollution and pollution from land- routes. Recent events in the Arab world, the bombardment of mosque or not – that’s how high the level of water was then. tions in the middle of last century in a Lankaran reserve: “... based sources. Libya by NATO countries have largely overshadowed the strug-

34 35 EXlibris EXlibris

gle of many countries for their interests in the Caspian region, sition, Azerbaijan has become one of the major players in the of a resource base, or on the contrary, the lack of an adequate pian Sea. It was stated on June 11, 2011 by U.S. Ambassador to in which are involved both traditional rivals in the region - Rus- Caspian region. Azerbaijan’s neutrality and desire to diversify number of consumers. The construction of the Trans-Caspian Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza. “We have a rich experience in this sia, Turkey, Iran, Great Britain and Germany and the countries the export and transit of energy resources shouldn’t be sepa- gas pipeline is aimed precisely at increasing NABUCCO’s re- field and we are ready to pass it over to Azerbaijan”, - he said. which have shown their interest relatively recent – U.S., France, rated from the interests of major players of global politics and source base. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are not Commenting upon the statement of the Russian ambassa- China, Japan, some Arab states and other countries. the desire to build good-neighborly relations with all littoral the ones to worry about the reduction of gas consumption in dor, namely that Moscow considers the construction of pipe- The rivalry of interests is conditioned here by several states. A new project on trans-Caspian oil and gas pipeline Europe, as it is not their problem, but an investors’ one and of lines on the Caspian Sea bottom unreasonable, Bryza recalled factors. First of all, it is the natural-resources potential of the system is considered by Azerbaijan as one of the elements that those who distribute gas at the other end of the pipe. the words of the Special Representative of U.S. Department Caspian Sea, which after Soviet Union collapse was actually diversify the transit of oil and gas. The NABUCCO project, estimated - as it is known - at of Energy State Secretary, Richard Morningstar, telling that owned by five states - Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan €7,9 billion, involves the construction of 3,3 thousand km Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are sovereign countries and and Kazakhstan. Second, the Caspian Sea region has a favora- T rans-Caspian pipeline gas pipeline, connecting the Caspian region, Middle East and they can decide by themselves how and in which direction to ble military-strategic position, especially when considering The Trans-Caspian pipeline will be laid on the Caspian sea- Egypt via Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria build pipelines. “From the environmental point of view gas that many of the global threats of the XXI century (drug floor by route Tengiz (Kazakhstan) - Turkmenbashi (Turk- and further - the countries of Central and Western Europe. transportation by maritime pipeline to Europe is safe and it is trafficking, international terrorism, uncontrolled spread of menistan) - Baku (Azerbaijan). It is planned to be connected, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iraq are considered as a re- illogical to talk about an environmental threat”, - said Bryza. WMD) are largely related to the neighboring regions. Third, on Azerbaijani territory, to practically built Baku-Tbilisi- source base for the project. It is planned that the pipeline “Besides that, during a visit in Baku in November 2010 Turk- it is the advantageous economic and geographical position. Erzurum (Turkey) pipeline, one of the main segments of reaches the capacity of 31 billion cubic meters of gas per year. men officials have stated that this project is a bilateral one This region is particularly significant because it is an impor- NABUCCO gas pipeline system. The negotiations between The Turkish authorities have repeatedly stated that NABUC- (Azerbaijani-Turkmen) and if the two states will accomplish tant worldwide communications crossroad, connecting North Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on this project are actively lob- CO is a strategic project and will definitely be implemented. it, than this is quite a thing to think about” - he added. with South and West with East. Thus, the fierce competition bied by European Union and United States. The West realizes On June 8, 2010 in Kayseri (Turkey), another set of agree- Also, a statement similar to this was made by Turkmen between different countries in this strategically important that without unifying the resource base of new littoral states, ments to support NABUCCO was signed between Nabucco President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. On November 18, region is, in fact, a struggle for resources and for the opportu- the NABUCCO project becomes problematic, if of course, not Gas Pipeline International GmbH and the specialized min- 2010 at the summit of Caspian states in Baku, Turkmenistan nity to influence the policy of both littoral countries and their to involve Iran’s natural gas reserves. However, the latter pros- istries of five transit countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, has officially announced its position, saying that the construc- neighboring states. pect is unacceptable to the United States. Romania and Turkey). tion of an underwater pipeline in the Caspian Sea may be The interest of international oil corporations in this region It is known that Russian officials have repeatedly ex- In April 2011 the Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan accomplished only with the consent of the states through the has an impact on Caspian states policies. Meanwhile, the eco- pressed their doubts about the prospects of the NABUCCO Vladimir Dorokhin said that, “Russia, as a Caspian country, is bottom areas of which this pipeline will be built (that is, Azer- nomic component of their mutual relationships is largely de- project, considering that it is primordially cut off a “resource against padding on the bottom of this unique basin pipelines baijan and Turkmenistan, but not Iran, which is still protest- fined by short-term interests, while the one of foreign players base”. Particularly, in the days of Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to and gas pipelines that could harm the ecological status of the ing against the territorial division of the Caspian Sea). After – by long-term. Negotiations about a new Caspian Sea deline- Ashgabat, on October 20, 2010 Russia’s Deputy Prime Min- Caspian Sea”. Thus, removing at a certain time the environ- Kazakhstan joined the project, the implementation of Trans- ation of seabed and water surface were held precisely under ister Igor Sechin stated that he considered the “flagship”- as mental issue, Russia returned to it again. As it is known, the Caspian pipeline becomes quite real, especially because there is the influence of expectations to get short-term revenue from it is called by Europeans themselves - energy pipeline project Russian party handed in 2006 to the Caspian states a specially experience in operating such pipelines on the Black Sea floor. oil production and transportation. All parties were interested NABUCCO, a futile undertaking. Hereby, Sechin referred to prepared scientific report on the geodynamics of the Caspian in involving as soon as possible international corporations estimates of the Turkmen side and European experts. “Given Sea, where it was pointed out that, in order to develop such For dialogue, peace and consent both to new towers installing and pipelines building. Profit- the estimates of the Turkmen side and European experts and projects, the most complicated geological conditions of the in the Caspian Sea-Black Sea region ability issues of projects were receding into the background; international experts the current market situation on gas track Caspian Sea should be considered, particularly, the presence of Caspian Sea issues should not be considered as an isolated value fluctuations of different types of crude oil, which in pre- allows to say - and I say it with no sarcasm - that NABUCCO a high seismic activity zone, underwater geysers and parcels of item from similar situations in the Black Sea. That is why the vious decades varied in the price limit of 8 to 140 dollars per has no prospects”, - said Igor Sechin. In his opinion, the pro- unstable sea floor located right in the way of the planned, at that international community, concerning about environmental barrel, were not taken into consideration. In a corresponding ject has no real possibility to increase the volume of gas trans- time, pipeline. A break of the pipeline in case of marine quakes problems of the Caspian Sea-Black Sea region, is ready to way, the volume of oil pumped should be enlarged or reduced, portation, which makes it unlikely for NABUCCO to have can imply quite high environmental hazards. The Russian cooperate with all interested parties. On March 4, 2009 com- thus, the investment would be covered in terms settled by any demand. “We can forget about it until a certain point of government has summoned the Caspian littoral states to sign munity members of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Geor- bank consortiums. Instead of agreeing on joining efforts in economic growth”, - he stressed. This statement of Sechin has a five-sided convention on the Caspian Sea legal mode. At that gia, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Romania and Turkey established order to ensure “cost effective” volumes extraction and pump- been criticized by Turkmen Foreign Ministry, which pointed time, Russia was satisfied with the version providing only the the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of ing, Caspian states have dragged themselves into “intercom- out to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister on the inadmis- separation of the sea floor; if it was ratified, Russia could have a the the Black Sea and Caspian Sea (BSCSIF), which became pany” competition. Long-term economic interests of foreign sibility of distortion of a sovereign country policy. Moreover, real opportunity to impede laying pipelines under the Caspian. a non-governmental body operating both in the countries of states are, on the contrary, determined by weak bargaining the head of “Turkmengaz” - Devlet Mommaev reminded Igor However, there is a significant difference in threats on maritime the region and in Brussels. Later, colleagues and friends from position of opposing party, which is possible only if the inter- Sechin about Russian side failure to perform its obligations ecology when an oil pipeline breaks and a gas pipeline does... Russia, Bulgaria and Serbia have joined it. ests of Caspian states are “fragmented” and if these states can- and demanded that “Gazprom” increased the purchases of gas Proceeding from new realities, the Vice President of Due to the active life position of its leadership, BSCSIF not be present on the world energy market as a whole. from current 10-11 billion cubic meters per year to at least Azerbaijan State Oil Company, Vitaly Beylerbeyov, noted that seeks to promote cooperation among all the countries in the The pipeline policy of Azerbaijan, as well as of other new 18 billion cubic meters, citing the contractual obligations. there is no other alternative than to implement the pipeline region in the field of environmental protection, economy, littoral states (Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan), for which oil “Gazprom”, in turn, justified themselves by the ongoing crisis. project on the Caspian Sea floor. According to him, there are trade, tourism, culture, science and technology. Having the and gas export is almost the only mean of overcoming socio- It is possible that in crisis condition the volume of gas con- no threats to the Caspian environment. Beylerbeyov stressed support of remarkable people who rallied within the fund, economic difficulties, is based on the search for new markets sumption falls back so that the profitability of existing pipeline that this project “will not become a reason for confrontations”. BSCSIF efforts are currently aimed at intensifying contacts and diversification of energy transport. Azerbaijan has two systems reduces. However, resources joint, as well as the di- The environmental agenda is a matter of concern and attention between business communities of the two seas, over- export outputs - Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and versification of their transit are aimed namely to reduce losses of all littoral states and international environmental organiza- coming bureaucratic barriers, and most significantly Georgian Black Sea port of Supsa. Thus, Azerbaijan does not from crisis situations. From an economic point of view, the tions. Azerbaijan and the U.S. begin a new phase of coopera- - at promoting stability and security of geopo- ignore Russia’s interests, but nevertheless, prefers to diversify position of state officials is not justified. It must be noted that tion in the field of environmental security. This cooperation litical space, important for all people from the exports of petroleum products. Due to its geopolitical po- NABUCCO’s lack of any prospects is motivated by either a lack will also refer to the energy infrastructure security in the Cas- Vancouver to Vladivostok.

36 37 gallery gallery text: Vladimir Creanga photo: archives

Evdokia Robu. Landscape Auguste Baillayre. Nature morte. Jugs

Victoria Kozmolich. The city Elena Revutskaya. Moldavian wedding Auguste Baillayre. Nature morte. Fish. the 20’s MOLDOVA’S PAINTING: TRADITION AND INNOVATION

he secular painting appeared in Bessarabia in of the peak of Moldavian painting development can be Dmitry Peychev. Holiday the second half of the XIXth century and has called August Baillayre, Eugenia Maleshevskaya, Shneyer Sergey Nantoi. been developing under the influence of the Kogan, Paul Piskaryov, Vladimir Donchev... You’ll never find me works of Russian Wanderers (realist paint- It is the work of these painters – to which we can add ers), with their realism and democratic con- the names of the next generation brush masters: Claudia tent. These painters were regularly organizing exhibitions Kobyzeva, Boris Nesvedov, Dmitry Sevastyanov, Alexan- Tin Chisinau, and the Moldavian painters were receiving der Klimaszewski, Lazarus Dubinovsky and others – that their education in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kiev. In laid the foundations of modern Moldavian art, which in the early twentieth century, by the means of groupings of the postwar years was forced to pass through the crucible Russian modernists, such as “World of Art” and “Jack of of the “socialist realism” and “partisan” art, imposed by Diamonds”, Moldavian painting was marked by questing the ideologists of communism. in the spirit of Western currents of that time. In the 60-70s, at the same time with the assertion of Since 1918, after the annexation of Bessarabia to Ro- “severe style” in Russian art, Moldova registers a gradual Victor Gutu. mania, the influence of European painting got stronger, release from the ideological tutelage and an active use of From the “Frozen Time” series many artists of Moldova received the opportunity to symbols, metaphors, ornaments in the works of Mihai Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu. study at Western educational institutions. In Chisinau, Grecu, Igor Vieru, Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu, Gleb Sain- Emil Loteanu. 1969 the Art school opened its doors and a Fine Art Society ciuc , Rostislav Okushko (the official press criticized them was created. During this period, the work of artists is for their “formalism”). marked by the emergence of new themes and subjects This tradition of search for innovation is continued interpreted differently this time, the search for fresh elo- today by a new group of talented artists of independent quent means intensifies, this being specific for post-im- Moldova. Some of them, due to economic and other un- pressionism, art nouveau, expressionism, etc., that have favorable circumstances, live and work outside of their Mikhail Grecu. The Old Mill. 1975 always existed in parallel with the trend of democratic homeland. realism. And not only referring to painting but also to In our section called “Gallery”, we present the work of Mikhail Grecu. graphic arts, sculpture, decorative arts. The main figures several generations of Moldavian painters. Girls from Chadyr-Lunga. 1960

38 39 BSCSIFCHRONICLE The”New Silk Road” poetic anthology text: liliana coman photo: archives text: MiKhail Sinelnikov photo: archives

The BSCSIF Chronicle understanding, to learn how to use the basic WITH THE GOLDEN EAGLE institutional tools that exist in the European Union and those democratic principles on which they are based. In addition, bringing together young people from different cultural ON THE SLEEVE backgrounds, organizing cross-cultural evenings representing the specifics of the About the poetry Osmonov’s “Vityaz” remains to be a two countries and discussing such topics as of Alykul Osmonov reference book for Kyrgyzs readers, “Poverty in the World”, “The global economic along with “Manas” editions. One of crisis”, the project will contribute to a ne Kyrgyz poet makes the important things that happened significant increase in the degree of mutual at the ending of the during the work on Rustaveli trans- understanding and mutual acquaintance Issyk-Kul region land- lation is the substantial increase of and cooperation between young Romanians scape description an and Turks. Kyrgyz poet’s skill and the incidental amazing comparison discovery of the latent potential of “Tolerance, religiousness and ... That he runs on the ground of his Kyrgyz verse along with the abil- cultural diversity” Omotherland with a golden eagle on ity of Kyrgyz language to a living The Board of Directors which hasn’t been filled until now. The international youth project - “Tolerance, the sleeve, and this hunting bird is and inspired word creation. As well in Chisinau The Board of Directors decided to open religiousness and cultural diversity” - was held Alykul’s polyphonic verse. Yes, the surprising is the fact that the Kyrgyz The 6th session of Board of Directors of the branches in all the capitals of the Fund in April in the famous resort town of Kobuleti poetry of Alykul Osmonov has truly poet, respectfully calling Rustaveli member countries. BSCSIF Vice-President (Georgia). Its main goal was to identify and International Fund for the Black and Caspian become a symbol of Kyrgyzstan, a sage-mentor, was able to make his seas was held on March 19 in Chisinau. Its Iulian Fota was approved as the director of understand the differences and common and no other poet is being loved way to the innermost allegorical main topics were BSCSIF report of President Bucharest branch. points in the life of societies representing its members. And those were 40 young people by the Kyrgyz people like him. All meaning of the poem. He realized Iulian Fota on 2009-2010 fund activity, Mikhail Sinelnikov the transfer of presidential function from “Romania - Turkey. Partnership from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Spain, the nations have great folklore, but russian poet and translator that it’s not only about medieval Romania to the Russian Federation according for Democracy” Latvia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. Through Kyrgyzstan is the country of truly tales of love tribulations of heroes, chronicle to rotation principle. The well-known Russian The activities of the youth project “Romania workshops, group tasks, meetings with the inexhaustible folk, the country of the poet who had tuberculosis ... But but it’s also a philosophical parable lawyer Victor Khmarin was elected to be the - Turkey. Partnership for Democracy” were local community, sightseeing and watching sublime “Manas” epic and of great the harsh experiences of his early about the liberation of imprisoned new president of the organization for the held during February-May of this year in movies, as well as game simulation, shared performers - manaschy. But Kirghizs years and the violent upheavals of souls ... In the oppressive heat of the next biennium. Another item on the agenda Constanta (Romania). One of the project’s cooking and jogging across the city, they tried written literature appeared late, in the latest echoed powerfully in his late Stalinist years, “in time’s captiv- was to approve the full Board of Directors goals was to improve the cooperation to understand the importance of diversity of membership of Serbia representative, a between young people of both countries. cultures, religions and beliefs, to imbue with fact, author’s poetry - only in the poetry, which was becoming better ity” (we shall borrow this expression country, which in this way has joined the According to the program of the meeting, respect towards it, learn to live and work twentieth century. And becoming and more substantial from year to from Pasternak) on the Kyrgyz land ranks of member countries of the Fund. 30 boys and girls of ages from 18 to 25 with people from different social, economic a great poet, in the realm of several year. As acknowledged by Kyrgyz emerged a poet and thinker, a poet At the same session, BSCSIF vice-president years (and in the future, the project will and cultural conditions, to promote mutual remarkably talented, was destined critics, the initial work of Alykul that has opened to himself and thus, Eldar Hasanov (Azerbaijan) was elected to be cover all the youth from both countries) support and to strengthen the focus on the only for Alykul. was very average, but the decisive opened to his readers the door to the the General Secretary of the Fund, a vacancy had the opportunity to increase mutual search for joint solutions. It is foremost surprising that he change came in the years when he world culture. Paraphrases had such a short lifespan: the poet had to work as an interpreter. Alykul lived since 1915 till 1950. But these Osmonov put a lot of perseverance THE PARTICIPANTS OF YOUTH years have carried a lot: the early and heart into the translations of orphanhood, the children’s home Pushkin’s lyrics, whom PROJECTS SPEAKING and the Kyrgyz boy’s surrogate for he considered his his own mother - a simple Russian spiritual mentor. Mihai Sandu, Diana Coman, woman Grunya Savelievna, who was A great importance manager of the BSCSIF BSCSIF Project Manager, about the a generous, kind and caring nurse or for the Kyrgyz lit- Romanian-Turkish project: meeting in Kobuleti (Georgia): cook at this orphanage. Namely this erature and for Os- “The “Partnership for Democracy” project “Most importantly - we were able to bring (it was also financially supported by the together the youth of the Black Sea and Grunya Savelievna will forever be monov’s fate was the European program “Youth in Action”) Caspian Sea region. They worked hand a part of Kyrgyz literature, because versification of Shota relies on developing the concept of in hand and in spite of the differences one of the most eloquent poems of Rustaveli’s poem - participatory democracy among young between them became friends for many Alykul is dedicated to her. Here, by “The Knight in the Pan- people. In Constanta, along with the years. This was our first project, and it was participants, prominent public figures of crowned with success - everyone who was the way, he gained his knowledge of ther’s Skin” - initiated by the two countries were present, including with us in Georgia had this opinion... This is Russian language and an early love him. This translation was BSCSIF vice-president Iulian Fota. The key great - to give to somebody from Armenia for Russian poetry. Afterwards - the and still is so successful moment represented the EU Council of the opportunity to find friends from Latvia studies, the first collection of poems, that the names of Rustave- Ministers activity simulation, which was or Spain ... The project was funded by prepared in advance by youth, through the EU program “Youth in Action”, which the first success, love, which ended li’s characters - Tariel and studying the mechanisms of activity of promotes the informal education for so unhappily, so tragically: during Avtandil - became common European institutions”. the young”. In touch with the ancient Georgian culture in Kobuleti the war period the beloved wife left among the Kirghizs, and

40 41 N ewsfrom the region

WITH THE GOLDEN EAGLE ON THE SLEEVE The Black Sea will be enclosed by a ring of Ecclesiastes appeared in some of his poems, in other - there was Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a law Novorossiysk, Rostov-on-Don and Taganrog (Rus- a breakthrough to myth, recon- on ratification of a multilateral memorandum on a sia), Mariupol, Melitopol and Odessa (Ukraine), highway construction, which will encircle the Black Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), Bucharest (Roma- sidered and recreated (this be- Sea in a ring. nia), Haskovo (Bulgaria), Komotini and Alexan- ing already a key problem of the The line, more than 7.140 km longwise, will con- droupolis (Greece) and Edirne (Turkey). twentieth century literature, and nect the Black Sea countries and restore the eco- Andrei Smirnov, Chief Engineer of 2K Engineering the interest for this task creates nomic and tourist contacts between them. Company believes that the importance of this an affinity between Russian and The memorandum was signed by BSEC member coun- megaring will grow several times, due to the radial Ukrainian symbolists, and the tries governments on April 19, 2007, in Belgrade. The branches, one of which will cross Georgian territory. Greek Constantine Cavafy, and the only obstacle in this project implementation could We are talking about the route Ahalsiche (Georgia) become Georgia’s position, because the route has - Gyumri - Yerevan - Razdan (Armenia) - Tbilisi (Geor- Georgian Grigol Robakidze, and to pass also through Abkhazia territory, which pro- gia). This route will connect Armenia to Azerbaijan the Irishman Joyce and the Ger- claimed its independence. However, experts believe and Turkey via Georgia. man Thomas Mann...). that a compromise solution will be found. In addition to participating countries, the European During the years of his life, the According to the project, the highway passes Investment Bank, EBRD, World Bank figure as talent of the extraordinary poet through the following cities: Istanbul, Samsung potential investors of this project that may also from Central Asia was also noticed and Trabzon (Turkey), Batumi and Poti (Georgia), receive EU funding. in Moscow. On Osmonov’s transla- tion worked such talented artists as Ilya Selvinsky, Nikolai Chuko- Khamsa instead of sturgeon vsky, Vera Zvyagintseva, Maria Scientists say that in the Black Sea all Institute scientists have made for the first Petrovyh ... I enjoy thinking that the fish have been extinct. There is only time a comprehensive survey of the whole sardelle, sprat and khamsa. shelf from north-western Black Sea to the in a certain time of my life, I took This was determined by the expedition Kerch Strait. part myself in the translation of of Southern Seas Biology Institute on “In the north-western part, we evaluated Osmonov’s verses and poems. studying the Black Sea ecosystem. the condition of Zernov Phyllophora field - After the poet’s death, the peo- “Formerly, the most common fish in the a plot thickly covered with red Phyllophora The situation is explained by, as an Black Sea was sturgeon, flounder, bluefish, alga. That was the permanent habitation IBSS representative said, gas and oil ple who envied him, who took mullet. Now there is no Black Sea mackerel of Phyllophora, with a height of 70 cm, on production growth in the Black Sea and over the control on Kyrgyz Writ- there, but anchovy and sprat total already a huge area of about 10,000 hectares, but the sharp rise of cargo flows from water ers’ Union, the “aksakals” (elders) 90% of all fish reserves. The reason is over- now it began to perish”, said Tokarev. transportation. Currently, at 20-22 meters of the local “proletarian” litera- fishing and the people’s barbaric attitude”, According to the scientist, the Zernov depths, 70-80-100 thousand tons dis- said the Deputy Director for IBSS scientific Phyllophora field was declared a state placement ships are passing through, the ture, have done everything in or- studies, PhD in Biological Sciences, Yuri preserve since 2008, but it had to be screws roil all bottom sediments, and the der to ensure that his name had Tokarev, to the Sevastopol reporters. done 10-15 years earlier. “Phyllophora flow spreads it over a fairly long distance. been forgotten: the reissuing be- According to him, “the creeps stir up and was inhabited by certain crustacean fish As a result, the water clarity has dimin-

came scarce, translations have destroy in a barbarian way everything species. If there is no alga, then no such ished dramatically, sunrays penetrate the newsregional that is on the bottom, where the benthic populations and important communities waters with much more difficulty and been stopped for a long time, Mos- fish species habit; the early mentioned can exist. Moreover, we noticed that mus- Phyllophora begins to perish. cow issues were cut by a simple flounder has no place to spawn, its habitat sels and other shellfish started to perceive The researches have also revealed a call from the Kyrgyz capital. The is being destroyed”. As the environmen- that environment as unsuitable”, added general ecosystem degradation, especially new times have changed every- talist says, over the past 25 years, the the biologist. in the coastal area. thing: envious people once show- ered with medals and stars of He- A erosvit Wings roes of Socialist Labor are for- One of the recent major events in the relations between Romania and Ukraine has become the gotten forever, but the poetry of opening of Kiev-Bucharest-Kiev Airline. Alykul is on everyone’s lips. And The flights of Aerosvit Ukrainian Airlines are, at this during his life he didn’t have much moment, on daily basis. The Ambassador of Ukraine money, but now his beautiful and to Bucharest, Markian Kulik, believes that launching direct flights between the two capitals is a step frail teen-age face is portrayed on forward in strengthening bilateral relations, especially the most circulated Kyrgyz bank- among business people. Aerosvit cooperates note. But this face is imprinted not with many air companies of the world, therefore, only on perishable paper, which passengers using its tickets, can fly on 60 routes to different corners of the world, including Azerbaijan, passes from hand to hand. It is Bulgaria, Russia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates or the also in the heart and in the memo- United States. Aerosvit plans to increase its modern ry of every Kirghiz. aircraft fleet by 3,5 times in the next five years.

42