Romanian oceanographers: Black Sea gradually recovers

No. 7, 2013 Belarus- Land under Sergei White Wings Konoplyov About Harvard’s programs on Eurasia

Eurovision-2013: “Eastern European domination”

Black Sea - Caspian Sea International Fund: ISTANBUL MERIDIAN OF COOPERATION

Colors of new Georgia BSCSIFCHRONICLE BSCSIFCHRONICLE photo: Аrchive

The awards were given by cat- egories that provided for the main activities of BSCSIF: sustainable economic and regional develop- ment, world peace, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, protection of cultural heritage, implementation of democratic reforms, significant progress in European integration, international cooperation in the field of energy, sustainability and protec- tion of the environment, moderni- zation of the education system and BSCSIF President Dr. Akkan Suver (right) hands the award to Siim Kallas, Vice-President health care. of the European Commission and Commissioner for Transport BSCSIF-2012 awards were granted to distinguished personalities as fol- lows below: • Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament - for his contribution to the strengthening of the role of the European Parlia- ment as a democratic forum, and for his contribution to a unified and integrated European Union as an economically strong, socially just, Awarding ceremony free and democratic structure for all Europeans. Among the awardees - Dacian Ciolos, European Commissioner • Johannes Hahn, European Com- for Agriculture and Rural Development missioner for Regional Policy - for the promotion of EU investments in Brussels through dynamic initiatives and On June 19 of the this year, the International Fund projects that have real economic and social benefits to the citizens for Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea of the EU, and for strategic deci- and the Caspian Sea (BSCSIF) organized a Gala sion to encourage Member States to incorporate priorities of the new Dinner in Brussels on the occasion of BSCSIF-2012 programs for Regional Policy 2014- awards to high-ranking officials of the European 2020 into the Danube Strategy; • Stefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Union and the countries represented in BSCSIF, which, according to Enlargement and European Neigh- international bodies, excelled in areas that are particularly relevant borhood Policy for his leading role BSCSIF CHRONICLE BSCSIF in the Enlargement Process and for The well-deserved award also goes to the Mayor of Bucharest, Sorin Oprescu (center) to the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region. support to political associations and partner countries regarding the one of the world’s largest donors – tural Policy that would change he award ceremony, held integration into the EU, as a part of European Union; the paradigm in EU’s agricultural at the European Parlia- the Eastern Partnership; • Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the policy, for his central role in setting ment premises, was • Andris Piebalgs, EU Commission- European Commission and Com- up the European Neighborhood attended by over 200 er for Development - for the con- missioner for Transport - for pro- Partnership for Agriculture and European officials, rep- tribution into the modernization moting transport services through Rural Development; for design and resentatives of diplomatic corps, civil of aid policy and delivery mecha- better use of EU infrastructure and establishment of the European In- Tsociety and press. nisms; for his leading role in the for the development of policies and novation Partnership “Agricultural The guests were welcomed by most important initiatives of the legislation that bring greater safety Productivity and Sustainability”; Marius Opran, Director of the Brus- Millennium Development Goals, and security; • Hans Martens, Chief Executive sels branch of BSCSIF, who spoke of education, health, sustainable • Dacian Cioloş, European Commis- of the European Policy Centre in about the activities of the Fund, and agriculture and energy, professional sioner for Agriculture and Rural Brussels - for his activity that covers On behalf of the European Parliament President, Martin Schulz ,the prize receives his deputy Jacek then the BSCSIF President Akkan development of innovative financial Development - for proposing a various global aspects of economic Protasiewicz (at the stand). On the extreme left - Director of the BSCSIF Brussels branch, Marius Opran Suver officially opened the ceremony. instruments to leverage the aid of reform of the Common Agricul- and social life, dedicated to build

2 3 4 BSCSIFchronicle O gallery s new projec AT EXlibris IDEASAND PEOPLE cultureand ec interview event thecountries s new event BSCSIFchronicle The c h,sport ontent ology the ”Ne from from crossroads Azerbaijanis face an important choiceAzerbaijanis face/ an important Eurasia / onBosphorus Dr.Akkan Suver: priorities/ My / Istanbul Meridian Awarding ceremony inBrussels/ ABAI / Like theseaisheart... Levant’s and cultural diplomacy legacy awin-win platform andsociety: Sports Georgian painting in searches / breakthroughBaku / pursuitofhightechnologyIn / Eastern-European domination / Iran: kaleidoscope’s eye view Caspian expectations / Bosnia: a “landscaped” history / The isrecovering, BlackSea buttherisksstay and cooperation / Harvard: Ways security ofBlackSea by diplomacy”„heartfelt / Pragmatism accompanied Land under White Wings / BELARUS International Fund country, -Caspian memberoftheBlackSea Sea we present thissection In to ourreaders another Azerbaijani flagin Constanta / sand sand w Sil k R t s , y , projects the the s people people ou are 49 us oad of

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2 / / 48 46 13 / 26 by theInternational Fund For Cooperation Coordinator oftheCenter for Strategic do notnecessarily reflecttheviewsof Printed atT Secretary Generaland Secretary P Vice- R ISSN 2069–766X;ISSN-L=766X București, bdul Nicolae Balcescu, №32-34, Balcescu,București, №32-34, bdulNicolae Editor-in-Chief: Vyacheslav Samoshkin Editor-in-Chief: When usingthematerial,When thereference Tel: +40212111151,1152; Corneliu Corneliu Editor,Vlad, Deputy Romania The opinionsexpressed by theauthors ______esearch of the Black Sea-Caspian Sea esearch oftheBlackSea-Caspian Julia Akhunova General:JuliaAkhunova Secretary Cooperation: Mammadov Orhan Ion Hadârcă, RepublicofMoldova English version: OlgaCondratiuc P The published Magazineisbeing and Partnership of the Black Sea oftheBlackSea and Partnership Gabriel Comănescu (Romania) Gabriel «Dialogue of the Seas» editors. oftheSeas» «Dialogue rojects Coordinator,rojects A A Executive Balgi Alev Director: to the magazineisobligatory. Mahir N.Quarayev,Mahir Azerbaijan e-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] P A Bayan Sarigulov, Kyrgyzstan Çağrı Erhan, Prof.Çağrı Erhan, Dr., Turkey dviser to Secretary General: dviser to Secretary Murat Auezov,Murat Kazakhstan roject Manager: Luiza Manager: Niţă roject DanMihalache Director: rt Mikhail Sinelnikov, Russia Mikhail R P Editorial address A ap. 1; 3-4,etaj1,sector fax: +40212114094; Akkan Suver resident: Akkan and the Caspian Sea and theCaspian Sea http://www.bscsif.ro Editorial Board egion: Valentina Albu dviser for Economic ipografia Everest, Bucharest P Vice- No. 7,2013 Janna Donică Donică Janna Eldar Hasanov resident: dviser to : resident:

•  •  BSCSIF•  •  CHRONICLE•  intheBSCSIF:ed to thefollowing countries, represent- •  •  and medium businesses. for ongoing the support of small of and Caspian the Europe, Sea and mediatorenergy area the between market economy, for role the of ment of astrong and diversified ment, preservation and develop- fieldin the economicof develop- Turkey -for achievements special natural values; biodiversity and preservation of protection, for conservation of Montenegro -for environment 2007-2013; demonstration covering activities, technological development and work Programme for research, accession EUFrame to 7th the - integrationpean and successful the ofMoldovaRepublic -for Euro- of education the system; investmenteign and for reform the ment of afavorable climate for for stability,political for establish the - Georgia -for progress made in investments resources; inenergy corridors,energy including major ment of strategic new regional and contribution to develop the - civilizations, and for active the role promotionthe of between dialogue as well as for progress the made in to international and security, peace Azerbaijan -for its contribution tainable development. “green economy” inRomania’s sus- to support important the role of Protection, for also initiative the cies and standards on Environment implementationin the of- EUpoli Romania -for achievements special ronment and Climate Change of Rovana Plumb, Minister of Envi- for benefit the of citizens; charest, capital the city of Romania, developmentinfrastructure of Bu- ments and realistic vision on local development, for major achieve - charest -for regional and local Oprescu,Sorin mayor the of Bu- Governments, as well as NGOs;. lomatic world, regional and local companies, dip partners, - social bridges EUinstitutions, between BSCSIF awards were bestowed also - authorities. ety, business the environment, public region,the - as well as to soci civil the alwayssents will lend its support to thatbelief organization the he repre- expressed also Comanescu astrong Brussels Director of branch. the G. event, to BSCSIF the team and to the andnees participants the all at the gratitude to outstanding the nomi- Gabriel expressed Comanescu his to hiscountry acceptsIskandarov (left), theaward conferred Azerbaijani Ambassador to Fuad Belgium, Ivan Lekovic (center) The award, bestowed to Montenegro, to ishandedto theEU, theambassador ofthiscountry Gheorghe (center) Duca Adrian Severin (right), to thePresident oftheAcademy ofSciences ofMoldova, theAcademician The award conferred to ofMoldova theRepublic ishandedby thememberofEuropean Parliament, In conclusion, Vice-President Dr. Alaattin Buyukkaya for ofthiscountry Minister EUAffairsDeputy This award willgoto Turkey, together withthe significantly. value of region the has grown geostrategic and economic years geopolitical, the region,Caspian Sea as inrecent Black wider the Sea- society to of private the and sector civil organizations, representatives institutions, international even greater interest of European event, heldattract inBrussels, will BSCSIFCHRONICLE There is no doubtthat the

5 BSCSIFCHRONICLE BSCSIFCHRONICLE photo: VYACHESLAV SAMOSHKIN AND NATALIA POPESCU

Maiden Tower (Kiz Kulesi) th New members of the Board of Directors on the Bosphorus - one of The 10 Board of Directors the symbols of Istanbul - The representatives of South somewhere near invisibly Meeting of the Black Sea-Caspian Africa, His Royal Highness passes the 30th meridian, Zolani MKIVA, President which is often called Sea Fund, held in April in and CEO of the Institute of „Istanbul” African Royalty in South Istanbul, will stick in the memory Africa, member of the Board of Directors of the NGO of its participants because of, “Africa Village” (left) and the businessman Jarko TARIC, first of all, the transfer of the President of Minotaur Pty Ltd., President of the NGO “Makhaya presidency of the Fund from Art and Cultural Development” Russia to Turkey: Victor Khmarin (Serbia / South Africa) came to South Africa 27 years ago - says Jarko Taric - and witnessed a peaceful transition from apart- gave over the Fund’s wheel heid to democratic society. I fell in love with South Africa and stayed there. My work is related to the to Dr. Akkan Suver, the most IAfrican economy, culture and art, and my dream is to connect Eastern Europe and Africa. On behalf of the South Africans, we opened our office in Belgrade. There I found out about the Black Sea-Caspian Sea reputed figure in Turkey’s Unfortunately, the governing body of the Fund, and being present at this session, I see that this is a great opportunity to promote the interests of Fund, had to be left by its first President South Africa in this part of the world, and South Africa can become a kind of a gateway to strengthen civil society. Iulian Fota: the new Romanian law does not the relationship between Eastern Europe and the whole Africa. With modern technologies, distances allow positions overlapping, in connection with his original position - Advisor to the that keep us apart are no longer a problem. I want to remind that namely this region has helped, at President of Romania. To replace him was the certain times, the people of South Africa in getting rid of apartheid. And of course, South Africa wants new Vice-President and member of the Board to pay a tribute and one way of doing it is through thorough support of the values that​​ the Black Sea- of Directors representing Romania, Gabriel Caspian Sea Fund promotes - dialogue, peace and consent... Comanescu, President of Upetrom Group. Istanbul Meridian On the photo: for his great contribution to the establishment and development of BSCSIF, Mr. Fota received from the organization an It will be remembered also by from Kazakhstan and Switzerland. Fund will be one of the founders. The Honorary Diploma. By general consent, the the further, somewhat unex- Another important aspect: there Fund will be represented by Bahruz colleagues proposed to appoint him as BSCSIF Honorary President. Jasminko UMICEVIC, pected from the geographical has been outlined that economic Asadbeyli (Turkey), appointed to this Director of the company “Oil point of view expansion: the structure, by means of which BSCSIF position. and Gas Consulting” (Croatia) Board of Directors was replen- will be able to exercise a more living At the suggestion of BSCSIF has become a full BSCSIF ished by representatives from South influence on the development of eco- Vice-President Vadim Kolesnichenko member and is currently a part of its Board of Directors. IAfrica (could it be because Istanbul nomic cooperation and partnership (Ukraine), after Turkey, the Fund’s and Pretoria are located roughly on in the wider Black Sea-Caspian Sea chairmanship will go first to Azerbai- the same, 30th meridian?). Repre- region. It is called The International jan, and only then to Ukraine. sentatives of other two new coun- Center for Support and Coordination Another resolution taken was to tries - Albania and Croatia – joined of the Economic cooperation with its establish the Commission for Envi- Roger WIDMER, professor, businessman the Board, along with new members headquarters in Istanbul, where the ronment Protection. (Switzerland). Born in Paris, he studied in France and Switzerland, homeland of his parents, and now he The solemn moment of handing over the teaches here economics and finance and works to Presidency from Russia to Turkey: Viktor improve his academic degree. Prior to that, he worked at Khmarin (left) and Akkan Suver. “Charisma Credit Swiss and at an American fund. and rigor” – these were the words of the Secretary General Eldar Hasanov to describe o the Black Sea-Caspian Sea Fund I was introduced by my the managerial style of the representative of student Anar Hasanov, with whom we discussed business Russia and on behalf of the Fund Mr. Hasanov opportunities between Switzerland and Turkey. Then I met expressed deep gratitude to him. T with his father - the Vice-President and Secretary General of the Fund, Eldar Hasanov. Through this organization I wanted to start something that would bring together Switzerland and non-EU countries, to make this region more popular in my country, as I believe that the future of Europe lies in the East. I have recently established my own company, and for the economic development of cooperation with these regions my ideas and business contacts will be useful. However, the main idea is to approximate the market, almost unknown to Europeans: the huge Kazakhstan, and even Romania and Bulgaria, de- spite the fact that they are members of the EU. This market is especially important now, during financial crisis, which reduces Europe’s economic expectations. The Eastern Market could become a shield for us - because we still need energy resources from the East. Moreover, we become more and more detached from the U.S. - this is the trend, the will of the people, as the saying goes... We also discussed another Former and current Presidents of the Fund (left to right): Iulian Fota (Romania), Akkan Suver aspect: BSCSIF was established primarily to promote peace in the region. I represent a country where (Turkey), Viktor Khmarin (Russia) and BSCSIF peace reigns for already 730 years and this experience could help to better understand the philosophy Overview of the conference room Secretary General Eldar Hasanov (Azerbaijan) of the peace. And, taken as a whole, all of this will enrich and me...

6 7 BSCSIFCHRONICLE BSCSIFCHRONICLE

During the four years of the Fund’s activity, its New members of the Board of Directors headquarters in Bucharest has executed more than 40 projects, said in her report Julia AKHUNOVA, Bakhytbek BAISEITOV, Chairman of BSCSIF Project Coordinator and Advisor to the the Board of Directors at CentroCredit Bank, Secretary General. The office was advised to enlarge Chairman of the Association of Banks of the the scope of its projects beyond Romania, and Republic of Kazakhstan (photo – on right). He improve the involvement of the countries represented studied at the Moscow Finance Institute, and his in BSCSIF in joint projects, also with regard to the postgraduate residency was at the Academy of training of national personnel and experts on projects National Economy of Kazakhstan. He was the in various fields of BSCSIF’s activity and research initiator and creator of CenterCredit Bank - one of - economy, environment protection, civil society the first interstate banks. He was the President of As BSCSIF Executive Director (position vacant until development, human rights, freedom of speech, the Congress of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. now) was appointed Alev CURPEDIN BALGI, tolerance, dialogue between civilizations, protracted o the Fund I was brought by my old friend to implement these principles of interstate rela- a PhD student at the Bucharest Academy of conflicts and their consequences on the region... Viktor Khmarin. BSCSIF’s statute and ideas tions or economic partnership and cooperation, Economic Studies. Since 2008 she has been the head of Romania-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce. In on cooperation between the countries of where we will be able to find a use for our pro- T an interview with our magazine, she said: the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea are utterly fessional banking toolkit. close to me and are technically congruent So, the BSCSIF’s thinking is close to Kazakhstan’s, y short-term priorities are to sign partnership with what is basic in our present Eurasianism because we are now doing a lot to have outlets agreements with major NGOs from all mem- Mikhail ZERNOV (photo – left) presented and also meet the policy of Kazakhstan, and to the sea, as we are a continental power. While the report of the Commission on Innovations Mber-countries of the Fund. Why? Because and Investments, which is headed by him, and a series of President Nazarbayev’s initiatives. restoring, in this matter, the Silk Road, Kazakhstan through that we can become well-known in all the Vitaly BUZDUGAN, the Board member on It is also congruent with the priorities of our is dynamically developing its relations with China countries - our activity, the initiatives that we under- behalf of Belarus presented a pilot project on work on projects to raise capital, within the and the countries of the South-Eastern Asia. take in central office, the projects we are working the establishment in Belarus of an International International Banking Council, which includes CenterCredit Bank has a partnership relation with on. Another way to increase our popularity is to sign Park of high innovation technology with the the banks of the CIS and Eastern Europe, and one of the largest South-Korean banks, which participation of BSCSIF (for details go on p.42). partnership agreements with major universities from Projects also have been presented by: “Wood where I am the Vice-President. owns more than 40% in the structure of our Board member-countries. This means new ideas BSCSIF’s ranks were this time supplemented Synergy” (Vyacheslav Bychkov, Russia), For me, the Black Sea-Caspian Sea Fund is pri- bank, as well as international institutions. The and exchange of experience that will also serve as with new full members, too - the company “Interactive Museum” (V.Titov, Russia), “RK marily an information platform, the opportunity goals and objectives of this Fund, as a platform, sustainable development for the Fund. “Infoline” and “CallTurk Telekomunikasyon” Engineering” (Alexandr Yakubovski, Russia). to hear representatives of already 19 states. And as an opportunity to identify projects for joint de- On the long term, I wish we can implement more (Turkey), “Montecorp” (Montenegro), as The Law firm “Withers LLP” headquartered in well as the entrepreneur from Serbia, Maria London, with offices in Europe, USA and Asia further, I think, in the process of this interaction, velopment, are coherent with the global strategy projects funded both by the EU and by other inter- will be born certain joint ideas or opportunities of the bank as well as of our specific work. Dmitrievic. (photo) made a self-presentation, too. national organizations. As for the most significant Signing the partnership agreement projects I currently see a one in the initiative to on cooperation between the Fund and establish a regional TV channel “BSCS”, put for- the Eurasian Civil Society Cooperation ward by Mr. Comanescu, who promised that the Association, Turkey headed by him “Upetrom” will support him. It will be an extremely viable channel of communication Eldar Hasanov Professor and businessman, Bahadir and mass awareness on what the Fund does, on and the guests from AKSOY, “Askoygroup” (Albania) (photo - the culture and customs of our nations. Another Georgia - a member right), has received engineering, legal and large-scale and long-term project – the Silk Road – of the Board of economic education at the universities of requires comprehensive elaboration, but it’s one of Directors, Manana Albania and Macedonia: those “maximum programmes”... Sanadze (left) and Tinatin s a member of the International Business Council of Albania and Turkey, I found out about the I studied international economic relations. I think Gudushauri, fund from Mr. President Akkan Suver, and later from Vice-President Eldar Hasanov. I am deeply that all the experience gained over the years of director of the School According to tradition – the closing “family” picture honored to become a member of the Board of Directors. As a businessman, I have several pro- my work at Romania-Azerbaijan Chamber of A of Humanitarian in which one can see how the ranks of the Fund grow... jects that I want to present to the Fund. In this way I hope to contribute to the consolidation of peace Commerce will help me in terms of knowledge Sciences in Tbilisi and economic cooperation in the Balkans and the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region. This would be also and relationships with companies, where the facilitated by my position of Honorary Consul of Turkey in Albania. As for the support to this collabora- latter can become a part of the Fund’s activities tion, on behalf of the Albanian party, I am ready to work 24 hours a day!... and sponsorship. Evening magic of the Bosphorus

Gabriel COMANESCU, new BSCSIF the structures of the European Union, and will assist Vice-President, President of „Upetrom Group” the dialogue between civil society, business world (Romania).The Board approved the project on and government agencies in the region. establishment of a television channel “BSCS” As for my TV channel project “BSCS” I hope that it will (“Black Sea-Caspian Sea”) presented by Mr. be realized as soon as possible. Currently, sources Comanescu. It will cover, both in terms of subject- matter and broadcast area, the whole Black Sea - of funding are being identified and last technical Caspian Sea, and now Mediterranean region... details are being specified. These issues will certainly Mr. Comanescu shares his plans on his further be discussed at the 11th session of the BSCSIF Board activity as the Vice-President of the Fund: of Directors in Constanta. Once on air, the “BSCS” channel will broadcast news and programs that are will use my personal experience accumulated important to the region and come to inform and In March 2014 the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership in international business to make every effort to educate the public and to promote the cultural and of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (BSCSIF) is 5 years old since its reinforce relations of cooperation between the historical values and spiritual heritage of the Black The farewell reception took place establishment. On this occasion, an anniversary celebration will be held. I on the board of "Istanbul" yacht countries of the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region and Sea-Caspian Sea countries.

8 9 BSCSIFCHRONICLE ХРОНИКАМФЧМКМ photo: Аrchive My priorities The new BSCSIF President Dr. Akkan Suver answers the questions Interreligious dialogue - one of the components of Dr. Akkan Suver’s multisided civil activity. On the of "Dialogue of the Seas" Magazine photo: his meetings with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Pope Benedict XVI

ow do you assess the to Mr.Victor Khmarin. During the cooperation of the wider Black Sea- created due to the far-sightedness of work of your prede- mandate of Mr. Khmarin we organ- Caspian Sea region? What are the the state of Romania and the state of cessors, former BSC- ized a series of important meetings in "After 10 years, the main obstacles to economic coop- Azerbaijan, will take its place among SIF presidents? Russia and Montenegro. The young International Black Sea- eration in the region? prominent civil society organizations As you already know, members of the Fund were also able to Our Fund is an organization of in Europe, and will be referred to as the International Black Sea-Caspian successfully implement several impor- Caspian Sea Fund will become civil society, a volunteer movement. an important volunteer movement. HSea Fund (BSCSIF) was established tant European projects. Besidees that, Therefore, it needs financial support. Two of our members are members in 2009. Founded by such countries over the past years, our Fund became a global civil initiative" Indeed, it is impossible to achieve of the parliaments of their countries. as Romania, Azerbaijan, Kazakh- wider, accepting in its ranks Russia, viability and efficiency wheresoever This is Mr. Ismail Safi from Turkey stan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Bos- without a proper economy. Interna- and Mr. Vadim Kolesnichenko from Georgia and Turkey, it developed its nia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Iran, experience, built up at the Turkish I believe that our youth from Ro- tional projects will appear and we Ukraine. activities related to international civil Croatia and Albania. In addition, such Foundation „Marmara Group”. As you mania, will make its valuable contri- will try to implement them relying on Mr. Iulian Fota, a member of our society, under the leadership of the countries as Switzerland and South know, since 2009, the International bution to the future of Europe. Fund’s resources. We need material Fund, has an important position in President Iulian Fota. Africa joined us. Black Sea-Caspian Sea Fund is deeply wealth in order to build our future. the Romanian state. On this occasion, I feel due to I believe that our Fund, which involved in the work of the Eurasian What will be the top priorities And this wealth is ensured by finan- Dr. Eldar Hasanov is an important mention that the Ambassador of operates internationally, relying on its Economic Summit in Istanbul. At in your work? cial resources. government official in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan and Secretary General of own resources, will further increase the summit of this year spoke Mr. Besides the conflict-related project, That is why our Fund will conduct Moreover, he is an exceptional diplo- the Fund, Dr. Eldar Hasanov did most the efficiency of its work. Fota. He shared with the participants which we will finish in the near future, projects primarily on Balkans and mat who exercises his ambassadorial of the administrative work related to of the forum our ideas, our work in we will put more effort into achieving Caucasus. We will attach great impor- duties in three countries. It is a unique the establishment of BSCSIF and its Tomorrow will be shaped progress. This was a very fortunate long-term peace in the Balkans and tance to the consultations between opportunity and a great chance for everyday activities in the following by the power opportunity. the Caucasus. our members. Will be open to their us to have a Secretary General, who years. of civil initiative During my presidential term, I Human rights, the return of occu- suggestions and advice. heads his country’s diplomatic mis- I would also like to emphasize the You have an extensive experience want to put special efforts into coun- pied lands to its rightful owners, and You ask whether there are obsta- sion in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia importance of the 5th World Water in the field of civil society. How are tering the idea of conflict.​​ the development of democracy will be cles. No, there are no obstacles. What and Herzegovina, and who served as Forum in Istanbul, which the Fund you going to use this experience, In order to strengthen the Black for me priority ideas and goals. we face is only the lack of liaisons in the ambassador to Romania for 12 attended soon after its establishment, directing the activities of the Black Sea-Caspian Sea Fund and enrich its Of course, while sharing the values ​​ communication, but we will solve this years. during the mandate of Mr. Iulian Fota. Sea-Caspian Sea Fund? experience, as president of both funds, and observing the standards of the problem. All the rest of our friends have In that same period we had a suc- First of all I would like to thank you I intent upon transfering the activ- European Union, I want to direct my undeniable qualities. In addition, cessful meeting in Brussels. In 2011, for such a high appreciation. Indeed, ity of Marmara Group Foundation efforts for my country to take its place I infinitely believe we have youth. My faith in it is the presidency passed from Mr. Fota I want to share my international abroad. in the family of the European Union. in BSCSIF’s youth immeasurable. For this purpose, I would like to benefit How do you see the future I believe that after ten years, the from Romania’s experience. And once of the Fund? International Black Sea-Caspian Sea again, with Romania’s support, I wish I attach great importance to the fu- Fund, which was founded in 2009, will that our Fund played an important role ture of the Fund. Because I believe be one of the most influential civil so- in the relations between Turkey and in it. I believe that this organization, ciety organizations in the world. the EU, as well as in civil society. In this sense, we will certainly have what to learn from our members from Bulgar- ia, which has a tight collaboration with civil society organizations. Therefore, I will pay great attention to the Euro- Photo in the pean Union, which I call the project of memory of a peace and prosperity. meeting with young colleagues of the BSCSIF What, in your opinion, is the Fund Central Office in Warm encounters of Dr. Akkan Suver with the President of Romania Traian Basescu, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the head of the Turkish state, Abdullah Gul able to achieve in terms economic Bucharest

10 11 EVENTSAND PEOPLE EVENTSAND PEOPLE photo: Аrchive photo: Аrchive

Eurasia on Bosphorus Azerbaijan will run presidential elections in 9 October 2013. Bosphorus, which was The election mood has spread once considered the all over the country. Less than “axis of the world”, a month remaining to elections gives birth to new 10 candidates have rolled up ideas in these days, too. their sleeves with extreme he main conclusion reached by the partici- passion to win the confidence of pants of the 16th Eurasian the majority of voters. Economic Summit held The Venue - 5-star WOW Hotel, located near the Bosphorus in Istanbul, in April, goes and Istanbul’s air gateway The highest rating among all something like this: the world is no Honorary guests candidates has the current Tlonger unipolar and it’s in the process - Crown Princess President Ilham Aliyev of transition to a multipolar world, Margarita of Romania and Prince Radu where regional cooperation and eco- of Romania (right), nomic partnership is gaining momen- together with tum more and more. Constantin Grigore, “The world: unipolar or multipo- Romanian ambassador in Moscow The forum connected Azerbaijanis face lar?” – this is how was formulated the East and West... main topic of the discussions, attended by representatives of over 50 countries. Indeed, for Eurasia this is not a frivo- an important choice lous question: it can become one of the new world poles. Besides, at the Summit, organized The energy of the young - one of Alev BALGI, Executive Director of the BSCSIF the hallmarks of modern Turkey. by the International Foundation “Mar- A play at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Former heads of states at the ceremony of awarding the mara Group” (Turkey) every year with the day of the forum’s opening Eurasian Economic Summit Cup at the Jockey Club of Turkey mong them, there are The upcoming elections are of the economy has grown by almost 3 unfailing regularity, were also dis- prominent intellectuals great importance for the future of times. The volume of foreign exchange cussed other issues, grouped into nine not less hopeful than the Azerbaijani people. Both the reserves, as of early 2012, exceeded $ 40 parallel panels. And precisely, those About the usefulness of the debate, Although the Eurasian Summit their rivals - influential country and the people faced various billion. At the same time, the non-oil were: energy security and environ- for example, in the field of energy, says a is a purely civic initiative, this time it political figures in the difficulties, especially in the early sector of the economy grew steadily, ment, health and education, improv- considerable number of ideas expressed: received response in the presence of country. Naturally, the voters have years of independence. The growth so that the risk of oil dependency of ing women’s social roles and cultural the obstacles to cooperation in the Black a lot of high-ranking officials from Aalready begun to make predictions of separatism in Nagorno - Karabakh Azerbaijan’s economy was liquidated. diversity, information technology and Sea-Caspian Sea region are rather politi- the countries of the region: current about their favorites. Informal region, which reached its peak after The predictions of many local and defense industry... cal than economic; hardly make their (Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo) internal polls indicate that a large Armenia’s armed aggression, turned foreign experts on the “Dutch disease” way joint projects and collective solutions presidents and former ones, speakers part of the citizens of Azerbaijan for the country into painful wounds. of the economy of Azerbaijan after the - often there is no common denomina- of parliament, ministers alone that prefers the current President In a very short time, Azerbaijani influx of large oil revenues have not tor; regional dissociation is the current arrived to the Bosphorus were 39!.. The Ilham Aliyev, who also announced people have been able to recover from come true. Today, from a country that reality; there is no unitary framework geography of the participating countries his candidacy for the upcoming the disaster, and full political stability needs foreign investment, Azerbaijan that would connect the countries; a has significantly widened: from Mongo- elections. Nevertheless, the current was soon reestablished. Economic turned into a country to invest heavily sustainable development of the region lia and China to countries of Africa and president is far more interested in recovery was rapid, and no wonder in and outside the region. Today requires not only timely and efficient even Latin America. Undoubtedly, the providing free, transparent and fair that today it accounts for almost 80 % Azerbaijan is an investor-friendly investments, but also a legislation that Summit has helped strengthen personal elections in accordance with the of the economy of the South Caucasus. country. Investments in Azerbaijan would guarantee their safety; new trends contacts and business relationships of Constitution, national laws and Although initially the economic in 2012 amounted to 22 billion in gas sector development, including the the participants, together with the fur- international standards, than in the recovery was highly relying on huge U.S. dollars, of which foreign direct “shale revolution” promise redistribution ther growth of Turkey’s prestige in the result itself. Azerbaijani government reserves of oil and gas, Azerbaijan investments (FDI) accounted for 9 of leadership on global and regional gas Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia recognizes the critical importance of has turned this asset into a diversified billion. In the first half of this year FDI The true executive producer and the soul of the markets. The region is also behind in and the Middle East. creating equal and even conditions and comprehensive development reached U.S. $ 5 billion. forum is the one who opened its works - Dr. Akkan Suver - President of “Marmara Group” terms of development of new informa- Our photo essay captures only a few for all candidates in the presidential through prudent and effective reforms. Socio-economic achievements tion and communication technologies... moments of this major event. campaign. As a result, over the past few years, of Azerbaijan are recognized by

12 13 EVENTSAND PEOPLE NEWSFROM THE REGION

Azerbaijani flag in Constanta n April, Constanta (Romania) hosted the opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Along with the Honorary Consul, Gabriel Comanescu, the ceremony was attended by the Azer- baijani Ambassador to Bucharest Eldar Hasanov (top picture), who Iused this opportunity to bid farewell to Constanta’s residents at the comple- tion of his long diplomatic mission in Romania. With regard to Mr. Comanescu, President of Upetrom Group, who has been appointed the Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan in Constanta, the am- bassador pointed out that: “Gabriel Comanescu is a true patriot who loves passionately his home, and throughout all these years, through all his activ- ity, he proved to be a true friend of Azerbaijan. The consulate and the flag of Azerbaijan are now in Mr. Comanescu’s good hands”. The opening ceremony was also attended by Lucian Belut, Director Gen- eral of the Administration of Constanta seaports, Gelil Esergep, President of the Democratic Union of Turkish-Muslim Tatars of Romania, Rector of the University “Ovidius” in Constanta, Danut Iepure and others.

Achievements in modernization are also certified by the new face of Baku In short „Nabucco is not dead” · By 2020, the volume of cargo through Ka- he gas pipeline project „Nabucco West”, which was declined as one of the routes zakhstan will grow by 2 times, and in 2050 - by for the transportation of gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe, did not die and international rating agencies (“Fitch of the Trans-Adriatic pipeline, huge The President of the Republic of 10 times. There is a project on enlargement of Ton the long run could be an option to pump additional volumes of natural gas, Ratings”, “Moody’s”, “Standard & volumes of Azerbaijani natural gas Azerbaijan has set the task to develop Aktau seaport, which gives access to the Caspian including to Austria, said European Commissioner for Energy, Guenther Oettinger, in Poor’s”), which have consistently will be pumped to the wide European the concept of “Azerbaijan-2020: Sea and further to Russia. Besides, Kazakhstan an article published in the Austrian newspaper „Wirtschaftblatt”. raised their credit rating for the market. The State Oil Company of outlook to the future”. The need for plans to build a railroad connecting Western He stressed that the decision of Shah Deniz II Consortium in favor of the Trans Adriatic Azerbaijani economy. Azerbaijan’s Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has become one such a concept is explained by the Europe and Western China. Pipeline (TAP) means only the beginning of construction of the Southern Corridor that will transport Caspian gas, and EU supports for already a long time its launch in order position has also improved in the of the large-scale investors in Europe’s fact that the country is entering a new · This September’s meeting of the Shanghai to increase EU’s energy security. According to him, “Nabucco West” may eventually reports of the World Bank and the important energy infrastructure stage of its development. The so far Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek (Kyr- become the second branch of this corridor. International Finance Corporation projects. If someone had made ​​such results allowed Azerbaijan setting more gyzstan) will be addressing the matter related to Shah Deniz’s decision was also welcomed by the head of the European Commission, “Doing Business”, and in accordance predictions in the past years, then it ambitious goals and identify further granting Turkey the status of dialogue partner, Jose Manuel Barroso. with the “Global Competitiveness would have looked like a dream – yet, objectives. and Afghanistan - observer status. At the end of this year’s June, the Shah Deniz II Consortium opted for the TAP project, according to which, the pipeline will reach Italy crossing the territory of Greece, Albania Report” issued by the World it is already a reality. All this has been achieved despite · The Azeri state company SOCAR plans to build Economic Forum Azerbaijan Building a democratic society the non-healing wounds, caused by the and the Adriatic Sea. Starting with 2017, through this 870-kilometer route - 10 billion cubic an oil refinery of high power in western Turkey. meters of Azeri gas will be pumped per year, with the option of increasing capacity up to 20 occupies a leading position among and a system of transparent public ongoing aggression of Armenia over To finance the construction, it is going to take billion. TAP project developers are Socar, BP, Statoil, E.ON Ruhrgas, Fluxys, Total and Axpo. the CIS countries and in the region. relations has been a key objective of 20 % of Azerbaijani territories. The a loan from foreign banks in the amount of In turn, Nabucco West’s shareholders do not exclude the option of filling their pipe Azerbaijan entered the category of government policy in the years of successful development of the country $ 4 billion. with recently discovered Black Sea gas reserves. “high-average income” in World independence. To serve as a strong cannot go unnoticed in Azerbaijan. Bank’s gross national income foundation of progress, political Compared to other candidates, the classification. According to the 2010 pluralism has been established, credibility of President Ilham Aliyev Human Development Report of the necessary legal and democratic has no equal. Because he made Turkic-speaking Summit UNDP, Azerbaijan has left the group conditions have been created for practical steps to build an economically, he Silk Road is a symbol of the $ 1.150 trillion. There were presented proposed to hold an overall exhibition of countries with “medium human political entities. A total of 55 political politically mature and competitive economic development of the large-scale projects in transport and on tourism opportunities in the Turkic- development” and joined the category parties are registered in the country, country. In the end, the people of „T Turkic world and, therefore, its communications, in particular, the speaking countries. „The tourist potential, of “high human development”. 11 of which are represented in the Azerbaijan will vote for the candidate recovery should be a priority – declared project „Marmaray”, which provides which unites our countries - he said - will Azerbaijan has established itself Parliament. Political parties are able to maintain an independent foreign the Turkish President Abdullah Gul at the for the construction of a railway built up even more: Lake Issyk-Kul, the III Summit of the Cooperation Council tunnel under the Bosphorus worth Caspian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea”. as a true partner on a wider scale actively involved in social and political policy, devoted to the modernization of Turkic Speaking States (CCTS), held $45 billion – it became interesting to President A. Gul proposed to conduct the through its practical and tangible life of the country and are represented of the country, committed to further in August in Gabala (Azerbaijan). – The Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The CCTS next summit in Turkey. According to him, steps to improve EU’s energy security in election and other public bodies. development of civil society, able to Modern Silk Road is a new option, built on participating countries were also in favor the CCTS countries should help resolve and the effective involvement in The opportunities have been created ensure long-term economic growth, railways and pipelines”. of development of ferry terminals and the Karabakh conflict by peaceful means. the Euro-Atlantic Partnership to improve the logistics of political and, last but not least, a person full This summit’s final declaration puts simplification of customs procedures. The CCTS, created in 2009, includes programs. Azerbaijan and EU were parties and to increase their role in the of determination to restore territorial a special emphasis on economic There has been also established a Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan and cooperation. The total domestic turnover working group on tourism, and the Kyrgyzstan. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan the initiators and developers of the development of the political system integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan of six Turkic-speaking countries reached President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, are expected to join the organization. Southern Gas Corridor. With the help and civil society in the country. by peaceful means. news from the region the news from

14 15 COUNTRIESOF THE REGION: belarus photo: Аrchive Land under

House of Government on Independence Square (architect - I. White Wings Langbard, 1933). Here is also situated the lower house of the Parliament Vitaly BUZDUGAN, member of the BSCSIF Board of Directors of Belarus

epublic of Belarus - a coun- XVIIth centuries was the Old Belarusian language. For several Belarusians are one of the most war-torn nations. They belarus try with a rich history and centuries, GDL has played a major role in European politics. In have lost more than half of their national wealth. There have culture. It has long been 1569 the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Po- been ravaged and burned 209 cities and regional centers, known for its amazing na- land merged into a confederal state - Rzeczpospolita. 9,200 villages. According to estimates, up to a third of Belaru- ture, ancient castles, antique Thus began a new era in Belarusian history – particularly sian population died. manor houses, chapels and churches. rough and controversial. The State of Rzeczpospolita was The contribution of the Belarusian people to the Great RBelarus is located in the geographical constantly drawn into wars, which led to a protracted politi- Victory over Nazi aggression received worldwide recogni- center of Europe – on an advantageous cal crisis. As a result, Rzeczpospolita had strongly weakened tion. Considering this, on the international conference con- crossroad, which connected since old and by the end of the XVIIIth century ceased to exist as an vened on April 25, 1945 in San Francisco to form the United times the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea and independent state. Its territory was divided between Russia, Nations, there has been adopted a decision to include the Eastern lands to the Western ones. Austria and Prussia, and Belarusian lands became part of the Belarusian SSR among the founding members. Belarus - a multiethnic and mul- Russian Empire. The memory of the Great Patriotic War lasts throughout tireligious state, with a population of During late XVIII - early XIX cs. on the former territories the postwar years. For mass heroism and courage in the more than 100 nationalities. Over 80% of Rzeczpospolita, including Belarus, the national liberation fight against the aggressor, the capital of Belarus - city of of population are Belarusians, 10% - Vitaly BUZDUGAN, member of movement gathered momentum. Occurs a rebellion con- Minsk, as part of those 12 cities of the former Soviet Union the BSCSIF Board of Directors Russian, about 4% - Poles, about 2.5% ducted by Tadeusz Kosciuszko and a rebellion led by Kastus - was awarded the title of Hero-City. On Minsk’s liberation - Ukrainians... Kalinouski (1863-1864). day from Nazi invaders, July 3, Belarus celebrates Inde- In 1920, Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR) has pendence Day. europe Through the centuries been proclaimed an independent state, which later became Another „black day” in the history of the country was Throughout its history, the country stood at the junction of part of the Soviet Union. April 26, 1986. On this day, at Chernobyl nuclear power sta- two civilizations: Orthodox-Byzantine and Roman-Catholic. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Belarus became a tion, located in the Ukrainian town of Pripyat, not far from This has defined its unique cultural and historical position in sovereign state. Europe. Since 1994 to the present, the country is headed by the At the beginning of The first state formations on the territory of Belarus were first and the only President of the Republic of Belarus, Alex- XI century, in Polotsk Polotsk, Turov and Smolensk principalities, originally part of ander Lukashenko. Today, Belarus is, by itself, an example of was built St. Sophia Cathedral - the first the Kievan Rus. political and social stability. monumental building Polotsk principality reached its greatest prosperity due to on the lands of Belarus, the spread of Christianity in Belarus, which has contributed The scars on the body of Belarus created as a symbol of to the development of culture, the emergence of monumental From the very first hours of the Great Patriotic War of 1941- equality with the most Official Name: Republic of Belarus influential Old Russian stone architecture, painting and literature. The city of Polotsk 1945, Belarus was the site of fierce battles, which involved not National holiday: Independence Day of the cities. The other two - the oldest in the republic - is known since 862. only regular troops, but also civilians. The partisan move- are located in Kiev and Republic of Belarus, July 3 Novgorod Area: 207,600 km ² (84th in the world) Namely here was born in the XII century the educator ment in Belarus during World War II was one of the largest Population: 9,463,300 people Euphrosyne of Polotsk - the first woman of Belarus to have in the occupied area of the​​ USSR. (2013 estimate) been canonized. In Polotsk was also born the Belarusian Altogether, in Belarus under occupation, which lasted Official languages: Belarusian, Russian printing pioneer and educator Francysk Skoryna (about about three years, were about 8 million residents and about Capital: Minsk 1490-1551). He translated into the Old Belarusian language 900 thousand Soviet prisoners of war. According to the Nazi Form of government: Presidential Republic and published 23 illustrated books of the Bible. plan Ost, „New Order” was established on the occupied terri- President: Alexander Lukashenko From the middle of the XIII century Belarusian lands be- tories, with the purpose of extinction of the existing political Prime Minister: Mikhail Myasnikovich came part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The capital of the system and population. GDP per capita: $ 16,008 new state was the city of Wilno (now Vilnius). Grand Duchy For forced labor to Germany were deported nearly 400 Currency: Belarusian ruble (BYR) of Lithuania, Rus and Samogitia (GDL) was a powerful nation thousand people of Belarus and almost half of them died. Internet domain: .by comprised of the territory of the modern Belarus, Lithuania, During counter-insurgency operations there have been Telephone code: +375 Kyiv, Chernihiv and Volyn provinces of Ukraine and western ruined about 5.5 thousand settlements, 630 of them together Time zone: +3 Russia, from the Baltic to the Black Sea. The official language of with their residents. A tragic symbol of these atrocities be- Mirsky Castle – fortification and residence during XVI - XVII cc. A the principality from the middle of the XIVth to the end of the came the burned village of Khatyn. monument of architecture listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site

16 17 COUNTRIESOF THE REGION: belarus

diverse. It also includes a variety of art exhibitions, music, theater and cinema festivals. There are 28 state theaters, 153 The National Academy of Sciences state museums. of Belarus The largest lake in the Republic - Narach (79.6 square km) Great attention in Belarus is paid to physical training and Multi-functional cultural and sports complex “Minsk-Arena” - one of sport. The state policy aims to provide everybody the oppor- the most modern buildings of this type in Europe, designed also for tunity to do sports. Today, in the country, operate over 26,000 international sporting competitions units for physical purposes, some of them are world class. Belarus can be proud of its record of participation in the Olympic Games. Champions and winners of the Games of the modern times became 92 athletes. They have won 87 Olympic A fragment of the memorial medals: 13 gold, 29 silver and 45 bronze medals. Belarusian complex on the village of Khatyn burnt by Nazis The population of bison in the country - tennismen Max Mirnyi and Victoria Azarenka, freestyler the largest in the world Alexei Grishin, athlete Yuliya Nesterenko, rowers Alexander Tadeusz Kosciuszko - national hero of Belarus and Andrei Bogdanovich, rifle shooter Sergei Martynov and Belarus, America and Poland. Was head of automobile national liberation movement in 1794 in factory - the many other outstanding sportsmen of the modernity brought Rzeczpospolita, took part in the American only producer fame to Belarus on the international sports realm. War of Independence of mining equipment in the CIS. The factory Belarus on the international arena Minsk, produces BELAZs Belarus has no outlet to the sea. However, due to its geo- Independence with lifting graphical location, it is an important trade and transportation Square capacity from 30 to 360 tons corridor between Europe and the CIS countries. This determines the vector of foreign policy of the Re- The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and public of Belarus, aimed at the development of partnerships Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus with neighboring countries. The National Library of Belarus turned 80 in May 2013 A priority for the country is cooperation within the CIS. The stable growth of trade turnover between Belarus and Ancient and modern Minsk the border with Belarus, has taken place the biggest in the there are prehistoric oak floodplain forests. Here are also pre- almost all the countries of the Commonwealth is the proof of history of the world man-made disaster. According to in- served the largest natural wetlands in Europe. Belarus’s consistent implementation of interests on the for- ternational experts, in the first days and weeks after the ac- Belarus is also referred to as „blue-eyed” because there mer Soviet space. A unique symbol of national culture - cident, the wind caused the fact that about 35 percent of the are over 10,000 lakes on its territory. Belarus’ strategic ally remains Russia, which is the main Slutsk sashes. In the XVIII - XIX c c. at cesium-137 in Europe accounted for Belarus. In July 1991, economic and commercial partner of Belarus, providing the workhouses of dukes Radziwill of Belarus was declared an ecological disaster zone. Particularly Modern age priorities practical support to our country in the international arena. Slutsk sashes of silk, gold and silver threads were woven manually using affected were Gomel and Mogilev regions. Due to the advantageous geographical position and the high Belarus attaches great importance to participation in sophisticated technology Over the past years, the state has made significant pro- scientific and technical potential, being a part of the Soviet the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) and in the gress in coping with the consequences of the accident and the Union, Belarus was a kind of „assembly shop”, and was also Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) - forward- revival of the affected areas, but April 26 continues to be, for specialized in delivering scientific products. This was largely looking, dynamically developing integration associations. the country and its residents, the Day of Remembrance of the to determine the current structure of the industry, which is The active participation of the Republic of Belarus in the Chernobyl disaster. primarily focused on delivering finished product and is based development of the Eurasian Economic Community and, in on the import of raw materials and energy resources. particular, in the Customs Union, provides the basis for an Land under White Wings About 100 large enterprises constitute the backbone of advanced level of cooperation between Member States in the Marc Chagall, the famous This is what said about Belarus a classic of the Belarusian Belarus’ industry. They produce trucks, tractors, machine social sphere, science, education and healthcare. native of Belarus, known literature - Vladimir Korotkevich. Soaring white stork is one tools, lasers, sophisticated radio electronics and appliances, A natural priority of the foreign policy of the Republic around the world as an of Republic’s symbols. Every year, a huge number of these TVs, computers, watches, artificial diamonds, motorcycles of Belarus is the European Union. Belarus is ready to move avant-garde classic in fine beautiful birds come to nest in Belarus. and bicycles, refrigerators, medicine. its cooperation with the EU to a qualitatively different, full- arts. He was born in 1887 in Vitebsk Belarus is one of the few places in Europe where you can The information technology is developing successfully. featured level, which will contain constructive cooperation in see nature untouched. The country has five major national There has been found, in Belarus, more than four thou- the political sphere, and it encourages for mutual efforts. The parks. One of them - the Bialowieza Forest is the largest an- sand mineral fields and deposits, with about 30 sorts of min- most efficient economic and commercial relations develop Minskian Victoria cient forest in Europe. There already was information about erals. By industrial supplies of potash salt, the country takes with such EU countries as Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Lat- Azarenka former it back in the times of Herodotus (Vth c. B.C.) and in the one of first places in Europe. „Belaruskali” - the world’s larg- via, UK, Netherlands, Italy, France, Belgium. women no.1 world in tennis. Now she Hypatian Chronicle (for 983 A.C.). About two thousand gi- est producer of potash fertilizer. Belarus is actively involved in BSCSIF’s activity since is second ranking ant trees are in it. Some of them grew even before Columbus Belarus is rich in construction materials, peat deposits, April 2012. During its membership in the International in the in world discovered America! Bialowieza Forest is a UNESCO World mineral water springs. Fund, the representative of the republic put forward a num- Heritage Site. It is the habitat for the world’s largest popula- The basis of the present and future development of the ber of promising initiatives that enhance the competitiveness tion of bison. These animals have also become a symbol of country is its education system. Today, the country has 55 of BSCSIF’s participating countries on the global market. Belarus. institutions of higher education (7 academies, 33 universities, The effective work of the Fund will facilitate the creation Another unique natural heritage of the republic - Pripyat 15 institutes), which are attended by over 450,000 students. of favorable external conditions for the internal development National Park (Polesia) - the only place on the planet where The contemporary cultural life of Belarus is dynamic and of all countries in the region.

18 19 EVENTSAND PEOPLE interview text: corneliu vlad photo: Аrchive Photo: Аrchive Pragmatism accompanied by „heartfelt diplomacy” iplomatic protocol provided for the comple- tion of the high mission in Romania of Dr. Eldar Hasanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Bucharest, after 12 years of encyclopedic work, which has fortunately gone beyond traditional boundaries. Dr. Hasanov, who at the end of Dhis mission was given an honorary Romanian award, played a crucial role in bringing Romanian-Azerbaijani relations to an excellent condition. Former Deputy Minister of Internal Af- fairs and Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, he has also proven to be a brilliant diplomat. Over the years of his mandate, this relationship has been placed on the solid foundation of Strategic Partnership and has been enriched with important bilateral and regional projects in energy. At the same time, good bilateral relations have been established and projected on a larger scale, on the whole wider Black Sea-Caspian Sea region, the prospects for dynamic growth of which are undeni- Romanian President Traian Basescu hands to the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Bucharest Eldar Hasanov the National Order able in the context of energy challenges of the modern world. “For Merit” with the degree “Grand Cross” On the other hand, Ambassador Eldar Hasanov was one of the main initiators and founders of the International Fund for huge mechanism of mutual publishing, cultural, professional Ways of Black Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea and the Caspian and youth exchanges between the two countries, exhibitions, Sea (BSCSIF). The profile of a diplomat with such dedication performances... and vision becomes a landmark for what is called, in early XXI Lawyer by training, author of dozens of books and over a century - cultural diplomacy and „soft power” - as opposed to hundred scientific papers, he was distinguished with the title of Sea security and „hard power” - as exercised by political, economic and military Doctor Honoris Causa of three prestigious Romanian universi- means. Soft power uses intelligence and empathy as weapon ties. Over the years of his mission in Romania, Eldar Hasanov and is committed to the rapprochement, better mutual under- became the most reputed foreign diplomat in the country. standing and cooperation between nations and peoples. Azer- The secret of Eldar Hasanov’s success lies probably in the cooperation baijan, one of the young and independent states of the world, fact that, along with pragmatism, he practiced in his work but with ancient and glorious history, applies successfully „heartfelt diplomacy”, of which he speaks in his remarkable On the questions of the „Dialogue of the Seas” answers cultural diplomacy as well, and Dr. Eldar Hasanov is a brilliant similarly-named book, and which will be guiding him in his representative of this diplomacy. In Romania, he launched a further diplomatic career in the Balkans... Sergei KONOPLYOV, director of security programs at Harvard University, as well as of the Black Sea security program. Former Soviet army officer who participated in military missions in Africa, Latin America and Central Asia in 1994-1996, Sergei Konoplyov was interim director of the Eurasia Foundation in Ukraine, Belarus and Republic of Moldova. Since 1998 he is a member of the International Bucharest. At the reception in the Radisson Hotel The idea of ​​restoring the historic Silk Road Parting with the staff of the central office marking the end of Eldar Hasanov’s diplomatic brought even closer Azerbaijan and Romania. of the International Black Sea-Caspian Institute for Strategic Studies in London, and during 2000-2012 mission in Romania. Speech by Monsignor Fran- On the photo: Ambassador Eldar Hasanov Sea Fund in Bucharest is temporary, cisco Javier Lozano,the papal nuncio in Bucharest and former Romanian President Emil because Eldar Hasanov is the he was Assistant Head of the Committee on Defense and National and dean of the diplomatic corps. Next to him - the Constantinescu at farewell Vice-President and Secretary General Romanian MFA State Secretary, Bogdan Aurescu. of the Fund Security of the Parliament of Ukraine.

20 21 interview interview

hat were the reasons that guided Har- is why we decided to start each program with a new country of That is why we were always happy to work with the Romanian vard University in choosing the security the region. And first such country was Romania. At that time, in government. And now we have gathered quite a strong network issue in the Black Sea region as a topic 2002, Ambassador George Maior was State Secretary of the Min- of people involved in the Black Sea program. of research within a special program? istry of National Defense and we carried out a wonderful event When I came here as a student in 1996, in Brasov. People from Ukraine, Moldova and other countries What conclusions did you make out of the study of Black Harvard was already conducting a security program for the for- turned out to be for the first time in this Black Sea country and Sea issues? What are the main risks in the security of the Wmer Soviet Union, the so-called „program for the Russian gen- they had access to high-ranking officials and the opportunity region? What prevents its countries to cooperate tightly, erals”. Immediately after the collapse of the USSR, the U.S. was to get answers to their questions at first hand. It’s a great experi- especially in economy? concerned about the threat of proliferation of nuclear weapons, ence. Swiftly, friendships tied between colleagues and they could The thing is that the Black Sea region, or the wider Black Sea which were left in Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Each year, about be then used in professional activity. After Romania was Bul- region is not stable, and some of the countries that are part of thirty generals were invited to get familiarized with what exactly garia, Ukraine... it, don’t even have diplomatic relations between them. That is, America is. Because, as you know, none of the Soviet gener- When we have traveled through all the countries, I thought it’s difficult to talk about a partnership between Azerbaijan and als have been to America. Why precisely to the Harvard base? it would be nice to do a little comparison between the Black Sea Armenia, Georgia and Russia. The region is divided into smaller Because it is a neutral, private university, not associated with the region and the Balkans. Why? Because they have a lot in com- subregions - such as the Caucasus, the South Caucasus, which is government, runs on its own money and doesn’t rely on state mon. First - Yugoslavia fell apart, so, new countries emerged; clear. But the Black Sea region itself doesn’t produce yet anything funds. And the Russian generals would regularly visit and com- when Soviet Union collapsed, new states emerged, too. A mutual that can, bind it all, like cement, the same way are bound, for municate with their American counterparts in order to establish relationship has suddenly formed between these countries, often example, the Baltic states. If you say: the Baltic region, all is clear. an informal channel of communication between the former enemies, not without the absence of hostilities in the Black Sea Three countries have a more or less harmonious living. Or when enemies of the Cold War. region: Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria, Georgia ... Second, the somebody says: “I’m from the Balkans”, “we’re in the Balkans” – When I came here - and I came from Ukraine - and saw issues of energy security are crucially important for the Balkans. it’s all clear. But no one says, “I’m from the Black Sea region”, “in this model, I thought that for those involved in security issues in Energy security for the Black Sea is of even a bigger importance. our Black Sea region”, “we’re blackseans”... It even makes the ear Ukraine would be also useful to get acquainted with their coun- Another factor - the role of Russia. It is difficult to overestimate tingle. terparts from abroad and gain experience, and, perhaps, even the role of Russia in the Balkans. Likewise - the role of Russia Additionally, there is this aspect: some countries, such as share their own. So that America finds out what is happening in in the Black Sea region, especially with regard to the “frozen Turkey, see themselves as the only guarantors of security in the Ukraine, how important this country is. In those years, Ukraine conflicts”. So I came to agreement with the defense ministries of region. You are familiar with Montreux doctrine. For Turkey, was given special attention and a lot of money. After all, many several countries, and we started to bring experts-representatives this is quite important, and it makes a lot to ensure security in things depended on which direction it may have taken: if it were from Black Sea countries. At first, we brought them to Serbia, the Black Sea. I’m talking about such initiatives like BLACKSEA- to go to Russia, then, according to Brzezinski, this should have moreover, a month after the recognition of Kosovo’s independ- FOR, Black Sea Harmony. And if you follow the US-Turkey rela- become an empire, if say to NATO, then it should have been ence. And a lot of interesting things were said there. I think the tions, you can see that Turks guard very jealously their right of Russia’s “counterbalance”. I was lucky to work with the wife of Georgian participants saw there a lot, the Moldavian and the a powerful state, able to provide security, and try to keep NATO Samuel Huntington – we were able to find funding and to make Ukrainian, too. After that, we went to Croatia. We have carried out of here, though they are a member of the Alliance, as well a “Ukrainian National Security Program”. During the four years out one of the programs in Latvia - to see how operate the Baltic as, and especially, is USA. There is a certain operation - Acting of this program we have been bringing to America the cream of countries, that is, we tried to take as example the cooperation in Endeavor - which is being currently held in the Mediterranean public and private experts on national security of Ukraine. And other parts of the Black Sea region. As you can see, the format Sea. And, at a time, NATO has tried to do the same operation in now many of them work in the Parliament, Ministry of Defense, don’t think that there is some kind of brainwashing), but to of the program is constantly changing: the framework remains the Black Sea to reinforce its presence. And the Turks were the National Security Council... Europe – to NATO and to the Institute for Strategic Studies in the same, but the countries and organizations to which we come first ones to oppose it and to say: we have BLACKSEAFOR, and And then we were contacted by the Carnegie Foundation of London, where I have some good acquaintances. And virtually are different. whatever is necessary, we will do on our own. And in this case, New York. Namely this foundation has financed the “program every program would begin like this: we would go to Brussels – Then, we began to hold annual seminars for the graduates of Turkey’s position coincides with the position of Russia, which for the Russian generals”. People from the Carnegie Foundation there we would stay for two days at the headquarters of NATO, Black Sea programs. One of them took place this year in March, does not want the presence of NATO and the U.S. Navy in the told us that they would like to expand our program of National then move to Mons, the NATO Allied Joint Force Command in Romania. Meaning, it is carried out in each country that ex- Black Sea for entirely different reasons. In this case, their posi- Security of Ukraine to other post-Soviet countries, beginning headquarters. To many experts from the former Soviet repub- pressed such a wish - in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, tions concur and this sea remains out of reach for the United with Armenia and Georgia - it was in 1999. Given the experi- lics, it was a first. From there we would go to London, where we Moldova, Bulgaria, Russia - there were 11 countries altogether. States and NATO ships. Even during the war between Georgia ence of one country and in order to expand the scope, we offered worked with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Af- Due to this, alumni continued to communicate and perpetu- and Russia U.S. ships that came to the coast of Georgia, were to take the whole Black Sea region, which also included the fairs and with the very Institute for Strategic Studies. And then ate not only professional, but also closer personal connections, bind to, according to the Montreux Convention, request permis- Caucasus. a group of, say, thirty people would come to Harvard - where which are now, in a rapidly changing world, very useful - so that sion, stay a certain number of days, observe a certain tonnage... I must say that it was quite difficult to promote the Black they were joined by about twenty American generals. A variety people can pick up the phone and call their colleague, avoid- The Turks did not allow creating any precedent. Sea idea, because, before that, nobody dealt with the Black Sea, of lectures were given - on weapons of mass destruction, on Af- ing all sorts of diplomatic, bureaucratic and other obstacles. In Russia also disapproves the consolidation of regionalism meaning - there was no political concept of the “wider Black ghanistan, on Iraq, on terrorism, that is, on mutually interesting Romania, we’ve carried out such seminars twice. For the record, in the Black Sea, especially because, at the beginning, it had Sea region”, yet. There was the Organization of the Black Sea topics. Because in America, few people knew what the conflict Romania turned out to be the most disciplined country. First a striking anti-Russian nature – the very GUAM, the very Economic Cooperation (BSEC), which has been of a particular in Transnistria is, what’s the importance of the fact that Russian of all, Romanians sent rather weighty representatives: generals. countries that were trying to get out of the orbit of the Rus- interest to Turkey. Russia was overall interested not in this little troops are in Georgia or what happens to the Russian Black Sea Well, mostly due to the fact that Romania has assumed the role sian submission. For Russia, the Black Sea security, the Black piece, but in all the former Soviet space. Our program has drawn Fleet in Ukraine. of an informal leader of the Black Sea region, although it is quite Sea cooperation is more closely associated with the “color” great interest, at once. We also created the website trying to col- Then we changed the format. We saw that people who ar- difficult. Why? Because Turkey tries to keep a monopoly on it. revolutions - with Georgia, Ukraine, countries that seem to lect on it, bit by bit, all the information regarding the Black Sea. rived and got mutually acquainted, became interested. After all, On the other hand, Russia: although it doesn’t display so gener- be trying to detach, and the USA is helping to drive a wedge To begin with, we decided to drive the program partici- because of the nature of their work, occupying high positions, ously its interest in the Black Sea, its policy still covers the region. between these countries and Russia, to draw them to its side. pants - leading experts, specialists on security of the Black Sea they are very busy and they learn about things that happen in However, there were many activities and initiatives in Romania, On top of that come alternative ways of energy transporta- region - not to Harvard to American soldiers (so that people other countries from the information scooped from media. That such as the Black Sea Forum for Security and Cooperation ... tion. Ukraine is one of the main transit countries, at least

22 23 interview interview

for now, for the transfer of Russian energy from Central Asia would be good for the region; it considers what is good for it now. During one of the meetings of Russian and and Azerbaijan to Europe, despite the fact that there are other That is why there are great hesitations: going to NATO or to the American generals. In the ways. But you know well that the construction of pipelines is European Union, or a sharp transition - to Russia... That is, each picture from left to right: a very expensive pleasure, and therefore - it is extremely im- country is as if cooked in its own juices. If you remember, there Rear Admiral Mikhail Chekmasov, deputy portant for Russia to keep the very Georgia in its orbit, which was the Visegrad Group, and the countries from it had a com- chief Department of the has oil and gas pipelines, and Azerbaijan and Armenia and the mon goal, they were coordinating their actions above national General Staff of the Armed Ukraine. From this point of view, the detachment of the Black interest. Here, in the Black Sea region, there is no such group that Forces of Russia, Rear Sea region doesn’t make sense for Russia. would say: let’s put aside all the issues that divide us – there are a Adm. Douglas J.Venlet, Defense Attache, USA Moreover, there is another aspect: since Bulgaria and Ro- lot of them, we won’t solve them, let’s look at what we can do as a embassy in Moscow, mania joined NATO and Georgia still strives to get inside the region. Condoleezza Rice, the organization, for Russia, the Black Sea cooperation has always And there is also another negative factor - the presence of US State Secretary, and Sergei Konoplyov been a disguised form of NATO expansion. Ukraine bent its steps “frozen conflicts” which drag down states like heavy anchors. Not to the Alliance, and in the early 2000s the idea of joining​​ it was only that they are in conflict with each other, they cannot come to expressed by Azerbaijan, which later, however, got detached... an arrangement, but also involve third parties, external players - The selfsame Moldova had ideas to work even more with NATO. from the U.S. to Russia, who often have polar views on how these Naturally, I had to work a lot with the Russians every time, invit- conflicts should be resolved. And the external players also have ing them to the Black Sea programs. They frown at them, because their own particular interests, which they follow for their own they see the fingerprints of the United States all over this: alleg- benefit in the first place, not for the region. edly, a political project against Russia... Here is the spectrum of those variegated problems that This is the second factor for why there is no large cooperation plague the region from becoming a political and economic one, in the Black Sea. that hinder the reinforcement of cooperation in the region. I Then, one of the important factors that few people pay atten- always say that this region is in the process of formation. In number of organizations operating there ... I mean, I am the di- Now, you will be more involved with the Eurasian direction. tion to - the economic cooperation between the very countries. my personal opinion, it doesn’t even have to be united, so that rector of the program, which is called the Eurasian Security Pro- How do you look at the Eurasian idea in Harvard? It is microscopic. Let’s say, for Ukraine, the true partner isn’t everybody stood shoulder to shoulder and said that they col- gram, it includes Black Sea Security Program, US-Russia Security We call our program – the Eurasian security program - because, Romania - it’s Germany. For Armenia, a partner is not Georgia, laborate hundred percent. Necessary and important are small Program / US-South Asia Security Program and the US-China geographically, it includes countries that are best defined by the but someone else. One expert said: look at the plane schedule to regional initiatives that exist even today and are rather enough: Security Program. We don’t yet execute the latter, but simply due term “Eurasia”. This concept in Russia is one, in Turkey – it’s ascertain the weak pulse of regional cooperation... For example, the Black Sea University and your Black Sea-Caspian Sea Fund to the lack of formal military ties between China and the United something else, and if you say “Eurasia” in America, right away I cannot fly directly from Romania to Ukraine. That is, instead of and parliamentarians of the Black Sea, etc. And it is not necessary States. Practically, we have the money, and once the legal issues come memories of Brzezinski with his chessboard... Therefore, two neighboring countries joining economic benefits, they do not for them to cover absolutely all countries. Together they weave a are solved, we will resume. we do not deal with issues of Eurasia as a whole, although, to the even have direct flights. Why work with someone in the region, kind of fabric that is hard to break. Therefore, I believe that the Therefore, beginning with 2014 we will not dedicate as much countries that are part of it, we pay a lot of attention. Because the when you can earn a lot more money with someone outside the existence of such funds, like yours, plays a huge role - not because time to the Black Sea programs. This year, we held a seminar problems that exist in Balkans and the problems that exist in, say, region. There is no regionalism, there is no regional conscious- they have to cover all the issues and solve the giant problems, on Black Sea security in Bucharest, because the government of Turkey and Iran or Central Asia, differ. For example, the repre- ness - it hasn’t been developed yet. Few people in Romania as- but because they play an everyday, yet qualitative role, they put Romania expressed its interest in, kind of, taking away this pro- sentatives of the countries of Central Asia were not interested in sociate themselves with the Caucasus. When Saakashvili came to small bricks, but in a good wall. Such small organizations that are gram from Harvard and continuing it at home. And we agreed attending the meetings on Black Sea programs - each one gravi- power, the relations between Georgia and Romania were more working in their respective fields are a help to the security in the that our Romanian colleagues would hold annual conferences tates to its own region. The problems of a regional, I dare say, of intense, there has been opened the Batumi-Constanta ferry, but region. Because bonds are formed between people and between of graduates with expertise in Black Sea security. Harvard will a subregional matter are more important. The selfsame Danube. later it died out. The economic component is not working. But it organizations, mutual understanding establishes and this is very be present there, but it will play a secondary role. The initiative Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, are more connected to the Danube is vital for the consolidation of regional cooperation, like cement. important, respect for each other grows and thus, like a puzzle to and the development of the program will already be carried countries and between themselves, because they have mutual And then, the difference between culture and religion is also very be put together, little by little the pieces find their place. out by Romania. During discussions - and we met with George issues, and all countries are concerned to resolve these issues important. That same Azerbaijan, even though a part of the wider When we say: Black Sea security issues, it includes all: econo- Maior, director of the Romanian Intelligence Service, that turned mostly in their favor. Black Sea region, it is still a part of it indirectly, via pipelines and my, transnational crime, law enforcement cooperation, delimita- out to be an extremely reliable and responsible partner, despite The South Caucasus subregion– all is clear here, too. And via Turkey. That is, Azerbaijan, Turkey - two countries, one na- tion of the border, cooperation between universities... and so it the specificity of the activity - we were pleased to state that our the rest of the countries – everyone is a little bit on their own. tion, as it is written everywhere in Baku. is very important that all of this was going on, not necessarily Romanian colleagues are trying to expand the range of issues Hence, if to gather in a heap all this Eurasian, them nobody will One more thing - the presence of foreign players. European on a giant level, with presidents and ministers, but in a regular discussed in public. So that the security issues were not only run be interested in it, and the opinion of it will be rather superficial. Union is an external player, which positions itself as a promoter communication. And then, even if the region does not become by professionals who keep them “classified”, but also debated by Everyone will try to win attention, and to show the importance of democratic values in​​ the region, but in the Black Sea it has a well-consolidated region with a tight cooperation between the public and other organizations, like your esteemed Fund. I think of their matter. And in order to more deeply illustrate these ques- done practically nothing. There also is a lot of literature, and the countries, it will still and in any case help the region. this is a very good initiative. tions, I think that it is anyhow necessary to stick to small regions Black Sea Synergy and the Eastern Partnership, which is distrib- Therefore, from this year, Harvard University put all the where people, experts have common problems. Why do people uted selectively to a few countries - it all works, but not as much What is the future of Harvard’s Black Sea program? responsibility on Romania in terms of security of the Black of sufficiently high rank come to the Black Sea program? Because as desirable, because there is no serious funding, which, again, A few years ago, Washington declared that the course of its Sea, and it will carry out this program not necessarily in it is useful to them. The selfsame representatives of the Intel- is due to the fact that many countries do not see much reason of foreign policy will be changed to Southeast Asia, which is why, Bucharest, but also in other countries. And for me it’s very ligence Service of Georgia, who came to the graduates’ seminar being part of the Black Sea region, and want to immediately jump the Carnegie Foundation wants us to also refocus on the more important, because all the years while I was working with in Bucharest, were solving their issues with their colleagues from into the European Union. That is, they consider the Black Sea complex region of South Asia and China, on countries such as the Black Sea region, I saw that the course of development of the Romanian Intelligence Service. We all have common inter- cooperation rather a launchpad to more serious clubs - NATO Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and smaller in size - Nepal, Sri regional cooperation in the Black Sea region is one of the top ests. If we take a broader Eurasian theme, then these interests will and EU. Lanka, Bangladesh. We were told: thank you! You have already priorities of the Romanian foreign policy. Therefore, every- dilute - not because they are unimportant, but because they are Then, almost all Black Sea countries put their national inter- done enough; the Black Sea program has been successful. Now thing is sound here. And we are pleased that a country like too personalized for each subregion. ests far above the regional ones. Moldova never considers what we have people who will deal with the Black Sea, there is a huge Romania will carry on the act that we started. Boston – Bucharest

24 25 ecology ecology TEXT: VYACHESLAV SAMOSHKIN PHOTO: VALODIA MAXIMOV, VICTOR NITA AND VYACHESLAV SAMOSHKIn

he data, collected in the The Black Sea laboratories of the In- stitute, on transparency and salinity, percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus is recovering, and heavy metals and pesticides in Tthe water, the condition of flora and fauna - all indicate a gradual change for the better. but the risks stay The Director of the Institute, Dr. Eng. Simion NIKOLAEV explains The Black Sea’s ecosystem the process with several factors: the restructuring of the economic activ- is in a condition of ity in the countries adhering directly “slow recovery”. This or circumstantially to the Black Sea, the evolution of requirements for en- conclusion was reached vironmental policy, the establishment The premises of the of marine preserved areas, as well as Institute “Grigore Antipa” in by the scientists of the new rules for marine resources Constanta and the Director of the Institute, Doctor-Engineer the National Institute exploitation. Simion Nikolaev Indeed, over the last 20 years, for Marine Research in the Black Sea countries, entire and Development branches of industry have almost dis- appeared, particularly chemicals: the “Grigore Antipa” in use of synthetic fertilizers in agricul- Constanta on the basis ture has dropped down sharply. So, ecosystem becomes vulnerable in re- responsible for the national program if taking the Danube as an example, sponse to all sorts of excesses coming for integral monitoring, which covers of a comprehensive long- the salt runoff of nitrogen and phos- from human activity. Another threat not only biological aspects (chem- term monitoring of the phorus (a nutrient medium for the is environmental disasters and the istry, physics, biology), but aspects growth of algae, which are ultimately effects of global climate change. related to dolphins, bottom deposits Romanian coastline, absorbing oxygen from seawater) has - In other words, we do not say and biodiversity. stretching from north to decreased by half. As for investments that the condition of the Black Sea has With funding from the European in wastewater treatment plants, then returned to the level of the 60s. This is Commission, the Institute partici- south for 245 kilometers. alone in the ​​Romanian tourist area of simply impossible. What we mean is a pated in the national program for the Constanta-Mangalia they exceeded new state of equilibrium. But this state protection of the Romanian coastline € 100 million. Also, the marine con- is much better than it was 25 years from erosion. This year the sum of servation zone has been constantly ago. Most importantly is to ensure €147 million has been allocated for expanding: now it covers 71% of that what is carried off the rivers into the five projects on the rehabilita- the Romanian coast. And of course, the Black Sea doesn’t lead to the dete- tion of Romanian coast. But this is the international cooperation has rioration of the situation. A recover- only the beginning, because another its weighty contribution, especially, ing patient is still at risk... roughly €400 million are to come for regarding projects funded by the Eu- other projects - for the activities on ropean Union. Cooperation - other locations. However, under the current cir- pros and cons - The only convention on the cumstances of a fragile balance, as In the sphere of environmental pro- Black Sea, which covers all the S.Nikolaev believes that the marine tection, Grigore Antipa Institute is coastal countries, is the Bucharest Convention, signed in 1992 - said Simion Nikolaev. - Within this coop- eration, we have developed a system that gives access to other countries to Dr. Tanya Zaharia, Research Director of the Institute, left this morning data, information, strategies etc., col- with a group of colleagues to Varna, to the Institute of Oceanology, as part of the “MISIS” project. The project supervised by the Romanian Institute is a lected by us. This is very important. part of the EU Joint Operational Program. It comes to support the efforts on As part of the Black Sea Commis- Research vessel “Steaua de Mare” (“Sea Star”), Black Sea protection and recovery and to improve international cooperation sion’s scope operates, for example, belonging to the institution, helps scientists regarding the fulfillment of obligations stipulated by the Bucharest the working group on pollution from conducting comprehensive monitoring of the Black Sea ecosystem. In this photo: a trawl Convention and aims particularly at the extension of protected areas. The cost land-based sources, because the riv- launched on water of financing - € 870 thousand. ers that bring pollution into the sea

26 27 ecology ecology

In the physico-chemical laboratory samples of sea water are Dr. Valodya Maximov, Head of the Department of examined daily, especially their content of nutrients for algae and Marine Living Resources: plankton. Its head, Luminita Lazar: the general chemical condition From the point of view of fish diversity, the trend is in the western part of the Black Sea has improved, but climate positive. For Ukraine, and Romania it may be slow, change is able to destabilize the situation. but still a recovery, keeping in mind that the coast of the two countries has a very wide continental shelf, where gather to breed almost all species of Black Sea fish. Yet, are unknown the consequences to come from the development of oil and gas production in the Black Sea. I hope that technology has advanced and The Institute has gathered a unique the impact will be lower. For the collection of fish medium of spawning and growth of the fish is very sensitive to pollution.

The biochemical laboratory. Daniela Rosioru monitors mollusks - one of The percentage of fish the best indicators of the ecosystem’s condition. The research is being species caught in the area conducted in collaboration with the European Environment Agency. of ​​the reserve “2 Mai-Vama Veche” in June 2011

2% 1% 3% 33% 38% 15% 1% 7% Biologists Camellia Dumitrache and Adrian Filimon from the Department sand smelt whiting mullet anchovy sprat horse turbot caspian of Ecology: mackerel shad - Our activity is related to benthos - invertebrate organisms that live on seabed, says Camelia. In recent years, the condition of the bottom is overall stable, with no serious environmental problems. - the Danube, Prut, Dniester, Bug, which all riparian countries would - Why is benthos an especially Dnieper, Kuban, Kizil-Irmak - are share. Romania and Bulgaria, as EU important indicator for the study of located on the territories of differ- countries, have the same legislation, pollution? - adds her colleague Adrian Filimon. - Because in the case of an ent states. That’s why there is quite the rest of the countries have their environmental hazard, unlike the fish, it a close cooperation between the own. What does it lead to? cannot run away somewhere, it always countries of the Bucharest Conven- Let us take the issue of regulation stays in place and can provide valuable tion and the countries of the Danube of fishing and conservation of plaice. information. Convention. It is usually caught by net. Romania Within the Black Sea Commis- and Bulgaria have used certain cell sion, the Institute is the parent-group sizes, Russia and Ukraine – smaller of researches in matters of biodiver- sizes, Turkey - even smaller ones. Mariana Columbeanu talks about the Ecology Training Centre sity and dolphins and cetacean. We are trying to resolve this is- that functions in the Institute, within the cooperation with the Florin Timofte, the Department of Ecology and The Strategic Action Plan for the sue through the General Fisheries Balkan Environmental Association (BENA) Environmental Protection: Rehabilitation and Protection of the Commission for the Mediterranean Black Sea, developed by the Black (GFCM), where I represent Roma- The overall pollution is below legal level... But in Sea Commission and approved by nia in the Black Sea working group, recent years, another danger has emerged: the all the riparian countries (readapted set up on our initiative. The group invasion of alien species of marine organisms - in 2009), established several key- also includes Bulgaria and Turkey; plankton, jellyfish, fish, crabs, mollusks, bacteria objectives related to fishery, resource Russia announced that it will join carried primarily with the water used by ships recovery, biodiversity and pollution. the GFCM. And now, the latest ses- for ballast. This can create big problems to the At microscope - What keeps us from executing sion of the commission adopted a Black Sea ecosystem, so the problem should be addressed through the implementation of is the resident- these projections? - says the direc- resolution for all GFCM members biologist Madalina international conventions. Generally speaking, tor. - Firstly, the problem of funding. - Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey – on Cristea. Here are there are a lot of conventions, general and being researched The countries of the region are not the mandatory use of net cells of a local, but they do not function if put together. the fish, their size, very rich, plus - the financial crisis. certain size. We are waiting for the The same can be said about the Black Sea nutrition, stage Another constraint – there haven’t reaction of Russia and Ukraine, who Commission: country reports sound good, but of development been found tools for joint action. An of eggs, heavy participated in the discussions and not all countries fulfill rigorously their duties metals content in eloquent example – on the Black Sea promised to adhere to these require- in accordance with the requirements of the fish organisms, we have no Fisheries Convention, ments. Of course, if a convention was Bucharest Convention. parasitology.

28 29 ecology ecology

The aqua-culture laboratory at the elaborated then everything would would eventually lead to having a Department of Marine Living Resources, have been easier... good condition of the marine envi- which Dr. Valodya Maximov (right) and To sum up, there are issues of le- ronment. And this is the healthiest resident Victor Nita (left) refer to as their gal, political and technical character, approach. This method, of a closer “brainchild” is an experimental platform, which examines the possibility of which, upon availability of will and than ever before collaboration, is reproduction and culture in captivity of desire of the parties, can be solved. very much driven by the political species of fish with national and regional - The bilateral cooperation be- factor, but even more so – by the potential. It is, in particular, flounder, sturgeon, beluga, mussels, Japanese tween riparian countries is develop- financial one. oysters and rainbow trout. The latest ing well - mentions S.Nikolaev. - But It depends on the extent that we water purification technologies are being it is meant to clear the site, to switch find resources and we will find re- applied. In parallel laboratories they bred phytoplankton and zooplankton - fish feed. to other, broader, regional and even sources, because the EU supported international projects. For example, seriously the entire Black Sea region the EU finances projects within its and it will do so further. We will program - Joint Operational Pro- most certainly find external sources gram - which includes all the coastal of funding, duplicated by the nation- countries: both members and al effort of each country. Altogether, non-members of the EU. All these things are getting aligned in an as- projects are aimed at implementing cendant trend... the Framework Directive “EU Mari- Of course, the list of projects can The bosom of the sea in the area of ​​the time Strategy”. This is a very serious be lengthened. By the way, our in- reserve “2 Mai-Vama Veche” legal document that is not easy to stitute is not funded by the state; we implement, because it is mostly a live at the expense of projects that we scientific innovation. Accordingly, get. They are all the more important the former Soviet republics are also that we are able to rally the scientific drawn into the implementation of community that speaks the same The Institute is the custodian of the marine this strategy, to the elaboration of language, thinks the same way and reserve “2 Mai-Vama Veche” (strictly a common vision on Black Sea is- sets achievable goals, all in common protected area), located in the southern part of the Romanian coast. The head of the sues. Whether it is the EU strategy, interest. Reserve is the researcher Victor Nita. The the goals and objectives of the Black Given the rich experience of photographs depict a variety of concerns of Sea Commission, in which not all Grigore Antipa Institute (it exists the scientists on the Black Sea biodiversity. - In the village of “2 Mai” - says V.Nita - there countries are EU members, the ap- since 1970) and the scope of its re- is a Junior Ranger Club for pupils who proach to the issues are not much search, it carries out the scientific take interest in ecology and the mysteries different from the EU strategy, and representation of Romania in all in- of the sea, but especially in the dolphin issues. Together with local NGOs they all came to the conclusion that it is ternational organizations and struc- participate in the environmental education of necessary to make joint efforts on tures that deal with the ecology of the the population. specific goals and indicators that Black Sea.

Fence of benthos sampling - the inhabitants of the sea floor

Biometric measurements

Fishing in a scientific way

Genetic tests are also very important

Research vessel “Steaua de Mare” enters the high seas

30 31 ecology ecology

continental shelf, are associated with offshore areas, accounts for the nega- In addition to the level of danger, high risk of marine environment pol- tive potential of all the risks, more the risk assessment should also take lution and the subsequent pollution or less significant, not only immedi- into account the biological / social Sea with a difficult life through Danube. Extreme danger to ate or obvious ones, but also those significance of separate districts. For the flora and fauna of the sea lie in that could occur in short, medium example, high rocks and high pla- In defense of the Black degree of the relationship between the spills resulting from accidents of or long term, and it also accounts teaus are densely populated by sea Sea ecosystem these policies and initiative, as well as oil tankers, which also lead to subse- for the need of controlling the ef- birds, and have high sensitivity in- oday, the concern for the those areas which would benefit from quent property damage to industries, fectiveness of the applied measures dex, despite the fact that their physi- safety of marine and offshore intensified dialogue and cooperation. such as tourism and commercial fish- of safety and the need of systemati- cal properties do not imply it. On the areas in the Black Sea is one EC initiatives on waste disposal ing, for marine structures, etc. cally register and record the results coast there are beaches, significant Tof the priorities of the International into the sea, aimed to monitor the To start solving marine environ- of the assessment to ensure a high for the tourism industry, as well as Maritime Organization (IMO), the ecosystem, to categorize waste and to ment pollution it is necessary to do level of awareness of its relevance. resort areas with a high index of International Convention on Oil Pol- create technologies for its collection, risk assessment and risk analysis. Some studies in this area exist, but in sensitivity, where a possible environ- lution Preparedness, Response and have a significant impact on the de- This would also contribute to the general, the problem is almost unex- mental issue can cause serious social Cooperation, adopted in 1991. The velopment of the region. application of all preventive meas- plored. For this to happen, it is nec- and economic damage. Bucharest Convention (1992) and the The framework Directive on EC ures, would make the processes of essary to monitor comprehensively subsequently created international Marine Strategy (2008) contains suf- management of marine environment the territory, with the account for the Marine culture and commission for the protection of the ficient directions, as much as ways of more effective and useful. Instead of identification of all the risks lying in people’s expectations Black Sea - the Black Sea Commis- solving problems. the continuous collaboration with pollutants (daily and sporadic). Usu- The residents of the Black Sea coun- sion (Istanbul) - are an important Marusya LYUBCHEVA, Associate Professor, An opportunity to improve the regards to the removal or collection ally, this is difficult to achieve, since tries associate their lives with the Doctor, Black Sea Institute in Burgas, Bulgaria part of efforts aimed at the protection effectiveness of these measures may of waste, cure of the effects of certain it is necessary for the agreement of augmentation of freedom, but also of the Black Sea. All Black Sea states (SASEPOL, 2009), “Environmental be provided by the development of types of activities, it would be better all the so-called interested parties with the enhancement of security, virtually participate in the conduct monitoring of the Black Sea” (MON- the Roadmap for phased resolution to analyze possible risks in order to (stakeholders) that operate in the sea including the environmental one. of this general policy. Each state has INFO, 2009). A significant contribu- of waste disposal into the sea, as well reduce them to minimum. Of course, and on the coast. Their sensitivity to this issue is exac- its own mechanisms. For Bulgaria, tion into this is brought by the EU as the establishment of a compre- when it comes to accidents and spo- A favorable option for solutions erbated by - on one hand, the lack of these are the Strategy for Protection Joint Operational Programme “Black hensive system for marine ecosystem radic contamination of the Black Sea, is the project “Establishment of Inter- awareness of the real situation that of Water Resources, the Law on En- Sea Basin 2007-2013” with its many monitoring. However, one cannot it is necessary to look for specific University Centre for risk assessment generates constant fear of the pos- vironmental Protection, the National goals and priorities, each of which expect a positive outcome from mechanisms for remediation. in the Black Sea”, which is created by sible damage, and on the other hand Action Plan for Emergencies and has an environmental dimension. projects and activities if the existing An essential role is played by a the Operational Programme “Black - the desire to a full-bodied return others. As a preventive action, the or- The ultimate priority objective – “the legislation does not match control proper management of risk assess- Sea 2007-2013”. to nature, which can be noticed in ganizational part of the effort works, shared use of resources and informa- mechanisms and sanctions. It is fairly ment for the reason that many factors For a clear assessment of risk recent years. but, apparently, not enough. tion to protect the environment” - is clear that the current legislation still that have an impact on the marine factors it is also required to identify A deeper awareness of the re- Today, the Black Sea can be taken an evidence of clear commitment to does not solve the problem com- ecosystem, have long-term effects. areas with high sensitivity to envi- gion’s residents about the problems for a “European” sea - it turned into the processes and activities related to pletely; it doesn’t identify the guilty If the process of risk assessment, as ronmental damage and to determine of the Black Sea can lead to many a European Union border. Most the protection of marine ecosystem. ones in pollution when it comes to part of the methodology of environ- the corresponding index of sensitiv- useful solutions and to, at least, form likely, not only for this reason, but The preliminary event “Environ- deliberate abuse. mental management, is not created ity. Under the current environmental a maritime culture that would help also due to it, the EU is paying more mental monitoring of the Black Sea Current results of the project as needed or is absent, it is unlikely monitoring, this information can be people feel more secure. For, the attention to the Black Sea basin, basin and the general framework of called “Activities aimed at achieving to find and, therefore, implement any used to identify areas that are pri- “back to nature” principle cannot be assuming specific measures to pro- the Black Sea Region development” a clean, waste-free marine environ- of the respective preventive measure. marily to be protected in case of a put into practice through the reduc- tect ecosystems and to sustain the (2012) put forward by the European ment through research, innovative Risk assessment for the Black Sea and possible environmental disaster. tion of economic activity, but only ecological balance. With a strategic Commission is composed of the tasks tools and good management”, indi- through finding preventive solutions focus, the documents adopted by the associated with the release of waste cate that the problems are generated and technologies that account for the European Parliament - the Black Sea into the sea and is already working not only by lack of laws and regula- cleanliness of the environment and Synergy (2008) and Resolution on with specific projects. tions, but also, to a great extent, by events that provide a clear applica- the preparation of the strategy for The European Commission is the consequence of their non-appli- tion of such technologies. Marine the Black Sea region (2010) - have a an extremely active participant in ance and non-compliance. culture is a complex concept, which strong environmental tinge and con- addressing these issues over the includes attitude to the marine en- stitute important first steps towards a past few years. To carry out a well- Risk Management vironment, not a sporadic one, but a long-term efforts to protect the Black informed public debate, the Com- The Black Sea, on one hand, is a permanent one. The cleanse of ma- Sea. Particular projects and activities mission’s working document on the closed sea basin, and on the other - a rine and coastal areas in one day - an are also included into the agenda of treatment of waste disposed into the vivid traffic area with transportation important event, the activities related the EU. Without claiming to be an sea contains the main directions of of fuel and raw energy materials, as to the International Day of the Black exhaustive picture, still some of them EU policies, the strategy and legis- well as an area of other kinds of mar- Sea, are also important, but more im- should be listed: “The development lation that are used today to solve itime navigation. The existing traffic, portant is the daily presence of this of maritime safety management and the problems with waste disposal mainly the commercial transporta- problem in the minds and actions of the prevention of pollution from into the sea, as well as the initiatives tion of oil, as well as the exploration all those who inhabit this region or ships for the Black and Caspian seas” planned. In addition, it specifies the of fields and production of oil in the temporarily reside in it.

32 33 CULTUREAND US CULTUREAND US photo: author

cyclopean blocks of stone are some- lit to send a message that their lives times shaped like people or engraved together are impossible. with symbols and text through which But some have returned, mostly Bosnia: Bosnians navigated between the two to villages. Only one Muslim person worlds, of the dead and the living, lives in the town today. They face both inseparable from their beloved the same task as communities across a ”landscaped“ landscape. Later Muslim and Chris- Bosnia. Along their path threaded tian traditions should be understood with feelings of distrust and fear in relation to the mediaeval Bosnian sprout the hopeful yearnings for the Safet Hadžimuhamedović Church and its legacy. In fact, many lives once had. Houses are being Goldsmiths, University of London story seasonal festivals and other traditions rebuilt from rubbles. As I write this, Gypsy’s celebration of St. George in Visoko still speak of that heritage. Two dates a small group of returnees are recon- have been understood as especially structing the central mosque. They bećarac, re-incite in sport disciplines Based on materials of the important, Đurđevdan/Ederlezi as- understand it as a prerequisite for the as ancient as the Olympics, and the ethnographic expedition sociated with St George and prophet healing of social bonds and the call youth will again look out for their Al-Khidr, which marks the begin- towards those still living in exile to hearts desire. Perhaps, as before the made by the author ning of summer, and Ilindan/Aliđun, come back. war, some marriages will be born in the day of St Elijah, standing at the Preparations for the summer this landscaped timeline. This pecu- ived Bosnian history may end of the fertile season, the point at celebrations of St Elijah’s Day are also liar Bosnia, ‘adamant with dreams’, easily be neglected in face which all the preparations for winter taking place. Everyone knows the old as the poet Mak Dizdar once wrote, of images promoted by na- should have been completed. For saying: Ilija before noon, Alija in the is conflicted today. But the conflict tionalist and inter-national many people of Gacko this largely afternoon, which signifies the bond often seen as ‘ethnic’, ‘religious’ or projects of the twentieth remains the calendar by which they between the Christian and Muslim ‘national’ trickles down to a simple century. The country was partitioned live, even though awareness of the prayers and festivities through the yet crucial difference; there are Lalong ethnic and religious lines shared qualities is often continued by sun at its peak - a knowledge which people who know how to live in this through systematic mass killing, elderly people. They say that Roma exclusivist ideologies couldn’t find land and those who do not. The lat- resettlement, and annihilation of tan- people would arrive in spring, draw a way to destroy. The landscape ter are completely oblivious to the gible cultural heritage of the ‘Others’, up their tents to celebrate and work, confirms its perennial rule. So, after subtle equilibrium which giveth and while ideologues have rendered it as mainly on tinning copper dishes for prayers near the mosque in the vil- taketh away, and that is why their an impossible country, which ‘does Muslim and Christian communities, lage of Kula and the church in the imposition onto the hierarchy of not have a common history’ (Dodik for which they would be paid in fresh village of Nadanići, both Christians organic coexistence is destined to for B92). Some targets of destruc- local food. Christian, Muslim and and Muslims will repeat their olden fail. People of Gacko will often repeat tion were easy to discern. ‘More than The medieval Bosnian tombstones “stecci” in The City of Gacko Romani celebrations of St George traditions. They will join hands into the old saying, ‘Traditions are more one thousand of Bosnia’s mosques, Day would coincide on the sixth kolo, the wheel dance, depicted on important than the village’. Through hundreds of Catholic churches and with a particular Bosnian contribu- day of every May. Before dawn, they the tombstones of their mediaeval ‘landscaped’ conversations and well- scores of Orthodox churches, mon- tion pertinent to local and global would gather at river streams and ancestors, and become part of the treaded paths, in all its microcosms, asteries, private and public libraries, challenges of plural societies. bathe in omaha, magic cascading turning seasons, the elliptical travels Bosnia is being regenerated from archives, and museums were shelled, Through the example Gacko, one waters, tie small red ribbons onto of the Earth. Gacko will be echoing what may seem like rubbles of his- burned, and dynamited, and in many township in the South-East of the branches of cornel shrubs and wish with traditional songs of ganga and tory, for a moment. cases even the ruins were removed country, this article briefly introduces for a good and healthy year. Unmar- by nationalist extremists in order to a shared history, which most Bos- ried women planted nettle in front complete the cultural and religious nians experience, yet which exists as of their houses to predict which “cleansing” of the land they had a sort of subtext or undertone to the “Ratko Mladic - the Serbian hero” - graffiti direction their marriage proposals seized’ (Riedlmayer 2002). public awareness of the less layered in the center of Gacko City, glorifying the would come from by the turning of Other ‘places’ of memory, such and more violent realities. Gacko, a warlord accused of genocide by the ICTY the leaves. They would attach swings as intangible traditions, toponyms, beautiful valley-town surrounded by to oak trees and boys would push narratives of lives once shared and picturesque mountains, may be seen gradine. Until today, these ancient girls as high as they can, symbol- a common landscape have survived. as a synthesis of the country’s past, monuments elicit the imagina- izing the awakening of the mother Today, in all parts of the ravaged in all its magic and frightening evil. tion of local inhabitants and older Earth. Roma people all over Bosnia country, these, more resilient par- Prehistoric Illyrians have marked the people will recall experiences of still light a tall fire on the highest ticles of Bosnian life, are a testament landscape with numerous gomile, nur, a super-natural light appearing hills around which the whole com- to layers of, not only co-existing and hemispherical burial mounds and above them. munity rejoices in dance throughout tolerant, but intertwined identities, fortifications on hill-tops known as A continued relationship with the night. At the outbreak of war, this sacred land is embodied in the those flames which used to confirm * B92 News Portal. 2011 ‘Dodik: BiH "nemoguća" država’, Source: Beta, Tanjug. Published on 29/09/2010. Accessed on 15/08/2011 via Dizdar, Mak. 1971. Kameni spavač. Sarajevo: Veselin Masleša, my translation mediaeval fortified cities and the perdurable cosmological truths and ** Riedlmayer, A. J. 2002 ‘From the Ashes: The Past and Future of Bosnia’s Cultural Heritage’ in Islam and Bosnia: Conflict peculiar phenomenon – sculptural cohesion of the community had The peaceful scenery of Gacko Resolution and Foreign Policy in Multi-Ethnic States, M. Shatzmiller (ed.): 98-135. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press tombstones known as stećci. These swallowed their houses and temples,

34 35 IDEASAND PEOPLE EXLIBRIS теxт: Tudor LAVRIC photo: archive теxт: Tudor LAVRIC photo: archive Caspian expectations Iran: kaleidoscope’s Viktoria PANFILOVA, columnist at „Nezavisimaya Gazeta” eye view fter the election of Iranian the Caspian since USSR and proposes maneuvers just might be associated President Hassan Rou- to divide equally the bottom between all with this matter”, - said Mikheyev. „An unbiased look on Iran” - the book of the Romanian journalist and writer Corneliu Vlad hani, a man with a reputa- five Caspian littoral states, 20 percent to In general, Astana’s position on is being read mostly like a poem from 1001 nights. The description of a magical journey, tion of a liberal politician, each. At that time Iran would receive four the matter of Iran is starting to seem there is some hope that percent more, instead of the currently “special” - namely Kazakhstan from started in the city of Yazd made of adobes, refutes dispassionately a series of prejudices and the tensions over Iran will loosen up. set 16. In fact, these four percent are not the Caspian Basin countries is the most stereotypes. I quote, off the top of my head, only the chapter titles: „What kind of openness to AWe talk about rather two factors that the question, the geopolitical interests of active regarding Tehran, primarily have created for Tehran a reputation of Iran are. On one hand, Tehran wants to on the nuclear issue. As said to the the world?”, „National identity or exceptionalism?”, „About exceptionalism”... a “difficult negotiator”. First of all, this occupy a leading position in the Caspian author Deputy Director General of is the Iranian nuclear issue nagging the region, on the other hand - to weaken North –South Political Science Center his book is, by all means, the Central Asia and the Caspian Sea, West. Secondly, the unresolved status of the position of giant oil companies that Julia Yakusheva, for Kazakhstan the not only literature, neither Iran is placed as an isolated country, the Caspian Sea. It is possible that the represent the interests of the leading mediating role in solving the Iranian dry policy. „An unbiased because of its military, political and eco- status of the Caspian Sea is a decision countries of the West”. problem is important from the look on Iran” opens its nomic surrounding, the policy of which more complicated to resolve because it Director General of the Institute perspective of, first of all, international facets like a kaleidoscope, is made by several administrations that requires consensus of the five subjects of Caspian Cooperation Sergei positioning. “The fact that Kazakhstan and the chapters about the heroic saga come and go at the White House... For of the Caspian basin. An intensified Mikheyev, in an assessment of the is becoming a platform for the world’s T„Shah-Nameh” (Book of Kings), or about the same reason meets difficulties the Caspian Sea situation, declared to the most important political forums, Russian policy towards Iran, as well as the historic city of Yazd, a „city of land, Nabucco project, in which are interested author that he still hasn’t “noticed a talks about the growing importance Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan’s eagerness only, but only of land”, brings literary several European countries, including special intensification of Putin’s policy”. of Astana in the discussion and for stability in the Caspian region can delight especially to the lovers of poetry. Romania. The project, which cannot “The lack of such is due to the fact that resolution of global political issues”, bring long-awaited results. However, The authors of the literary genre „noire” function in more or less favorable pa- all Russia’s problems in the Caspian Sea said Yakusheva. immediate results shouldn’t be expect- should keep this in mind: „There are rameters without Iranian gas”. are largely resolved. Moscow cannot In her opinion, the intrigue is ed. At least because the fourth Caspian no special buildings, which would be The final part of the book includes a resolve disputes over Iran, Azerbaijan still around the strategy that will be Summit, scheduled this year in Russia, situated at a distance from each other, rich interview with the Ambassador of and Turkmenistan, but may act as a chosen by Iran in the course of further is still no way to be held. And namely all the houses are as if flowing from the Islamic Republic in Bucharest and a mediator, - said Mikheyev. - There is negotiations. The new composition because the positions of the states in one to the other – a flow that actually still time till the end of the year, and of IRI government is represented by chapter of „Romanian-Iranian relations”, the basin diverge. doesn’t move, while the endless change therefore, there is hope that the summit politicians of liberal and moderate- in which the author makes a historical According to the Director of will take place”. conservative wing, oriented on dialogue of pitchers and galleries in the open air, excursion and gives a lot of interesting Public Policy Research Center According to the expert, a with the West. So, of course, expecting tunnels and passages, niches, sometimes the Spartans of Leonidas and the Persians facts. This story begins with a campaign Vladimir Yevseyev, “it is rather early prominent event will become Russian- that formal Tehran drops nuclear small squares, intersections. Not a single of King Xerxes) ... Iranian filmmakers of King Darius I in the steppes of the to talk about serious changes before Iranian military exercises scheduled for program would be extremely naive. window, which are the eye of these do not want to sever ties with the world Northern Black Sea and Dobrogea in Caspian Summit”. “We can only speak September-October – “this is a matter “For Iranians, this is equal to “betrayal facilities, „shut from the outside and of American cinema” – states Corneliu 500 BC, during which the king allegedly about clarification of positions, because of geopolitics”. “Russia and Iran show a of national interests”. However, it is awaking from inside” ... There are only Vlad, not without giving, also as a proof, built the first bridge over the Danube, the obstacle is the excessive rigidity certain movement potential. But I think more than likely that Iran will be more gates and more gates - massive, made a recent fact: the film of Asghar Farhadi and gets to the end of the twentieth cen- of Iran on the issue of Caspian Sea this is due to the geo-political activity flexible in negotiations. That is why of iron or wood, all locked or slightly „A separation” received an Oscar nomi- tury, till the visit of Nicolae Ceausescu division and its status”, - said Yevseyev of Americans in the Middle East and further negotiations of “six” are the art cracked, through which, yet, one cannot nation for the best foreign film. to Tehran in December 1989, covered to the author. However, he did not rule Central Asia, as well as their occasional of the possible. And that means that see other than an idea of a banal lobby”. The book, published in 2010, by Top with a variety of interpretations. But few out that Hassan Rouhani may take a allusions to the fact that they have their the role of mediator, coupled under From a pile of newspapers, a jour- Form Publishing, under the Geopolitics know that this visit, which is known to less rigid position. own interests in the Caspian area and these circumstances with minimal risk, nalist or writer is able to extract the key category, is as relevant today, in condi- be merely an attempt of the Romanian Caspian Sea’s issue is also difficult they would very much like to defend can bring tangible political rewards to phrase, the essence, the flavor. The „Over- tions of a changing world. A sign that „ leader to find a refuge facing the threat to solve because of disputes between them one way or the other. Americans Kazakhstan”, - said Yakusheva. view of newspapers” is actually a single An unbiased look on Iran” is essentially of popular protests, culminated in the other countries in the region. The develop different approaches to the Azerbaijan has its own expectations. newspaper: „Tehran Times”, coming out a philosophical paper about everlasting signing of a long-term program for the bottom of the Caspian Sea has been governments of the Caspian states for It counts on putting back its relations in English, rather in several issues re- mentalities of this world. The paper is development of economic, commercial divided between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan one purpose - to gain a foothold in the with Tehran on normal neighborly viewed with great attention to local scale still timely when it brings up Nabucco and technological cooperation. How- and Russia on a sectoral basis by joint region militarily. The latest news was course, which will allow getting events also, but, above all, to the cultural Project at the end of the interesting ever, the visit of the Romanian delega- agreements for more than 10 years. related to Aktau (Kazakhstan), where back to the absolutely quiet tone of page, on which cannot be missing the chapter „Iran is not just oil ... and yet ...”. tion of journalists, which also included At that time as a basis were taken the the United States was planning to open dialogue and to constructive step-by- information about the new movie „Jam- Yet, the unfavorable international and our author, was the first of its kind since borders established back in the Soviet a naval base for the withdrawal of step consideration of issues that are of shid and Khorsid”. „You cannot say that regional conjuncture has led to the fact 1989. To do this, it was necessary for years. Turkmenbashi did not agree with troops from Afghanistan with possible concern to the parties. . the Iranian film is a rude scorcher to the that instead of the country, destined to more than 30 years to pass, but, as for these borders. Iran, in turn, also does consolidation of it in the future. That Hollywood movie (Zack Snyder’s „300” is be a transit point for oil and gas trans- the Romanian-Iranian relations, time not agree with the existing borders in is why Russian- Iranian military (From “Caucasus Messenger”) a satirical retelling of the battle between portation from the Middle East, from proved to have a lot of patience...

36 37 AtTHE CROSSROAD OF CULTURES AtTHE CROSSROAD OF CULTURES TEXT: ELENA GAUTIER PHOTO: Archive

With his unique 40 centimeters. The wonder-princess performance, Farid in a white gown landed in the middle Mammadov confirmed of a magical forest... Her vocal talent is again the leading position confirmed by the awards won in vari- of Azerbaijan onthe eurocontest of song ous music competitions. Zlata is the soloist of the State Song and Dance Ensemble of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A spectacular show and strik- ing looks - a great cocktail for success. Dina Garipova (Russia) with the song “What if” took the 5th place with 174 points. She bought us with her tremendous self-possession, sin- cerity, inner richness and touching voice. Western newspapers prophesied Garipova’s success at Eurovision. “The song What If - is not Imagine by John Lennon, but the composition is, un- doubtedly, almost as powerful a mes- sage of peace and love”, - says a “Daily Mirror” journalist. However, accord- ing to Russian show business experts, the number of Russian participant ➊ Zlata Ognevich (Ukraine), was lacking the very entertainment: the miracle princess in a magical forest “Directing, visual effects and the pres- ➋ Aliona Moon (Moldova) takes ence of that memorable “highlight” are a new height in her career Eastern-European traditionally important for success in ➌ Dina Garipova’s song (Russia) “Eurovision”, especially for the vote of - a call for peace and love the public”. ➍ About love, resembling a The representative of Moldova waterfall sings the Georgian domination Aliona Moon (Aliona Munteanu), an- duo Sopho Gelovani and Nodiko Tatishvili other favorite, with the song “O mie” The biggest music contest “Eurovision 2013” – 250 million ➎ The passion of the (71 points) took 11th place. Even in countertenor Cezar Ouatu spectators and 39 participating countries – has rocked this year semi-finals, Aliona shocked everyone (Romania) is Pop Opera for the 58th time already. One of the most popular and spectacular with her outfit. Her skirt, which during ➏ Alyona Lanskaya (Belarus) performance became the “screen” on surprised everyone, not only with the voice, non-sports event in the world, this competition keeps causing which fire was burning and thunder but also with the most scandals, while the politicization of such shows is no news to anybody. It is enough to was flashing and till the end of the expensive outfit... song it grew, lifting the singer to a fair see how the participating countries vote, in order to identify the geopolitical trends. height. Aliona is the bearer of a perfect The Georgian duo (15th place, 50 Belarus and the CIS countries and won hearing and a great voice, though with- points) seemed like a romantic couple tangible rewards. By the way, her dress urovision” is more which was the most suitable for a Eu- the show even more impressive. And out professional music education. Last in love: Sophie Georvani and Nodi with Swarovski crystals worth 10,000 ˝ than a singing contest. rofestival of this level. let us not forget that into the stag- year, she participated in “Eurovision” Tatishvili looked that harmoniously to- euros was the most expensive outfit in This is primarily a “Silver” and “bronze” were taken ing of the truly acrobatic show of the as Pasha Parfeny’s backing vocalist, gether. Both performers have academic the competition. television show, where by representatives of the countries of Azerbaijani artist were involved the and this year Pasha returned to the music education and solid experience Fairly high scores at “Eurovi- a crucial role is played the former Soviet Union: Farid Mam- friends of the Russian singer Philip competition as a producer, composer in international vocal competitions. sion-2013” registered the Balts. Estonia by entertainment, which is also, madov (Azerbaijan) with the song Kirkorov, with whom he has been col- and has accompanied Aliona on piano. The main theme of the delicate compo- (20th place) was represented by Birgit inЕ its own way, art. As proof - the “Hold me” that scored 234 points and laborating for already ten years: at his Romania – 13th place with the sition “Waterfall” – love, came crashing Yygemeel who is soon to become a performances that took first through Zlata Ognevich (Ukraine) with the request, the composer Dimitris Con- song “It’s My Life” (65 points) – has down like a waterfall, on two young mother. She sang a melodious song fourth place. song “Gravity” - 214 points. topoulos and director Fokas Evange- sent to the contest either Dracula people... in Estonian: “Et uus saaks alguse” (“A The winner became, according to Experts have called Mammadov’s linos wrote the song and staged Mam- himself or just a very brutal man, but Belarus, who occupied the 16th New Beginning”). This is her third at- bookies, number one favorite of this performance one of the most stylish, madov’s number. anyhow the only counter-tenor in the place, was represented by one of the tempt to win Eurovision. year - the 20-year-old barefoot Danish original and memorable. The heartfelt The performance of the Ukrainian competition, Cezar Ouatu. His voice most distinguished young actresses of The Lithuanian Andrius Poyavis singer Emmili de Forest (281 points), love song accompanied by the surpris- Zlata Ognevich astonished with an rips your heart and eardrums. Cezar’s the republic - Aliona Lanskaya with an (22nd place) went out on the stage with the song “Only Teardrops”. The ing act: in a glass cube dances Farid’s unusual appearance on the scene. The passion is pop opera. Many believe incendiary song “Solayoh” in Balkan- as a romantic rocker with the song ‘80 celebrity, Pupo, agreed that Den- alter-ego. And the girl in a dress with girl was carried in the hands of Igor that this is the brightest counter-tenor Greek style (48 points). Aliona has mark has simply introduced a song, a 20 meter trail (love symbol) made Vovkovitsky - a giant of 2 meters and in his “generation”. participated in many competitions in See more on page 42

38 39 projects,projects text: mikhail Zernov photo: archive

Math protects the heart Having in hand basic science, there has been created a method that allows early warning of the pre-infarction or 2 pre-stroke condition. In pursuit To such groups of people as lifeguards, athletes, military, people that CHRONICLE have emergency situations, it gives the opportunity to determine their OF THE ALLIANCE OF THE SEAS condition, online. This method refers to a group of telemedical procedures of remote diagnosis and consultation. In practice, this looks as follows. Close to the heart, a miniature sensor is attached on a strap. It sends data to a special The partners of the of high technology unit that the patient has, and at the same time, to the consultative centre via internet. Patient’s database is created on the server and the dynamics is monitored. BSCSIF have a new board he Russian Association of University, Institute for Economic The Commission on Innovations and Vibrodiagnosis and safety TInnovative Development (RAIR) - Strategies of the Russian Academy of a non-profit all-Russian partnership Sciences, Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant Investments of the International Black Sea- on railways that brings together organizations, and others. Russian professor Alexander Zvyagin is one of the founders of businesses and professionals that Last year, together with the Caspian Sea Fund keeps selecting promising 3 the original vibromonitoring system for all types of locomotives deal with the solution of issues International Fund of the Black and projects, details of which can be found on www. and wagons. It has been tested on the Russian rail and proved related to the management of Caspian seas (BSCSIF) and other to be convenient and easy to use, while getting the most reliable innovations and the innovation organizations, RAIR became the bscsif.ru. While presenting some of them, the data. The procedures of vibrodiagnosis are ultimately automated and the processes, and plays the role of a founder of the investment consortium use of a special sensor allows eliminating the human factor influence on megaphone to the public opinion “Alliance of the Seas”. The new Board President of the Commission and Director of the detection of faulty nodes from the repair, because it does not require regarding strategic vectors of of RAIR has been recently appointed. decision-making from the operator. Similar systems are used for the innovation development in Russia Its staff is composed of particularly, the Moscow BSCSIF branch, Michael ZERNOV, vibrodiagnosis of the wagon bearing of the axle equipment. For railmen, and its regions. RAIR organizes the the Vice-President of the Chamber of invites potential investors and partners from the use of such sensors is an important step in ensuring the safety of mechanisms of interaction between Commerce of the Russian Federation, the railways. the state, society and business, and Dmitry Kurochkin, the President of the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region to take part in aims to take Russia’s industry and the International Confederation of Dairy industry revolution economy to a new post-industrial Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, their implementation. For the preparation of milk development level. Viktor Gluhih. The appointed we use the technology of reactor The founders of RAIR are the chairman of the board is the deputy 4 hot pasteurization, which Chamber of Commerce of Russia, head of the Federal Russian Agency deteriorates almost twice the the International Congress of for State Property Management - filter Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the Eduard Adashkin and as his deputy Mikhail Zernov, product, and the technology of cold pasteurization, which financial research company “Sistema”, is the director of the BSCSIF Moscow President of BSCSIF Commission on Innovations the Moscow Committee for Science branch, chairman of the Commission and Investments allows obtaining the so-called “FRESH-milk” with increased The ultrasonic gas ejection reactor and Technology, St. Petersburg State on Innovations and Investments of shelf life for both milk and at the cold pasteurization site Polytechnic University, Tomsk State the Fund - Mikhail Zernov. the whole range of derived of the material with both pulse waves and continuous dairy products. Unfortunately, the advancement of cold pasteurization sine waves. The speed change acoustic wave technology, which is based on the use of ultraviolet rays (and they can modulation and other effects are features used as basis process only a thin layer of milk), is hindered by the large economic costs, A new technology for the diagnostic. coupled with the time needed to process the milk. Today, this problem is The unit runs in standalone mode and represents a solved with a new method, which is based on the use of ultrasound and 1 small suitcase with a built-in laptop and portable inexpensive equipment, and first of all – a miniature gas ejection reactor. for humic acid production sensors. It gives the real opportunity not only to The milk is heated to 310С and, at the same time, the pasteurization speed detect hidden defects throughout the thickness of the can be varied from 0.5 to 20 cubic meters / hour, and the equipment itself from peat metal, but to also determine in advance where and occupies little space. he existing conventional technology approximately when will emerge any new defects, such to produce humic acid, used as as cracks, breaks, chips, etc. T For a clean water environment in the fertilizer in agriculture, implies the use The complex has been successfully operating in of such chemical alkaline reagents as locations such as NPPs, TPPs, ORPs, oil and gas BSCSIF countries sodium, potassium, which due to the pumping stations - checking and analyzing the The existing practice of monitoring the quality of waste water by periodic 5 sampling does not reflect the whole picture of the actual pollution of water substantial costs nullifies, eventually, condition of the pipelines; on railway facilities - at all of its advantages over other rail and side bogies check; on power plants during the bodies. Russian scientists that collaborate with the BSCSIF Commission fertilizers. The presented technology, inspection of mast supports, on television facilities on Innovations and Investments propose to establish an interstate system A comparative picture of seed which is based on the method of when controlling the pressure in belts, braces and of ecological safety for water basins and the quality control for sources of germination untreated and acoustic impact on the mixture of ridgepoles of TV towers’ trunks, on facilities of water intake on the basis of developed tools of hardware monitoring over treated with 2% solution water and peat is characterized by th maritime and river transportation – for the check water quality. Special sensors on the surface of water determine the level of ultra-humic acid, on the 8 day Wondercase none of these deficiencies and allows of foundation frames and blocks of the main and of chemical consumption of oxygen. The method is based on the principle after soaking obtaining out of peat - humates with he measuring and computing unit “ASTRON” defects in material, generated within the mechanics auxiliary engines. of ozone and chemical luminescence and molecular bioindexing that show high humic acid content (over 65%) is designed to diagnose the condition of the of the damaged environment, and structural- Thus, this unit will not only help prolonging the property changes of the water sample. The scientists solved the biological, in the dry matter, instead of 2.5% high-efficiency natural fertilizer. The material, critical parts and assemblies, on the phenomenological models within the dynamic theory operating period of products, but also foreseeing future chemical, technical and instrumental part of the problem. The release of T under the old technology. The plant resulting fertilizer is used as growth basis of a non-destructive acoustic-spectral method. of elasticity. The technology is based on diagnosis of emergencies. sensors and emitters and of the whole set of equipment can be established capacity is 60 cubic meters per hour stimulator, as seed dresser and The scientific basis of the unit lies in the acoustic effects that occur long before the appearance The unit has a Russian certificate, with the as soon as possible. The sensors do not require reagent refueling and and the very technology does not mineral dresser for plants, as reductor phenomenological concept of development of of the defect. In addition, it uses methods of soundage classification of a means of measurement. maintenance. Such a system was created and perfected by Russian scientists in the waters of the Yellow Sea and it has fully justified itself. require specialized utilities. Thus, from for the fertile layer of the soil and as 6 turf, results the production of low-cost immunity modulator for ill plants. 40 41 projects,projects NEWSFROM THE REGION text: Vitaly Buzdugan photo: archive Baku breakthrough To fill in the vacuum rojects on Russian oil reverse major shift in relations between the becomes its operator. It can also con- pumping via the Baku- two countries. If earlier, Azerbaijan tribute a larger geography of supplies Novorossiysk pipeline and was seen as a geopolitically pigmented of Turkmen and Iranian gas. Also an its transportation via Baku- rival to the Russian energy sector, option is that instead of the project from innovation PTbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline are a behind which stands British Petro- regarding the pipeline on the Caspian breakthrough in Russian- Azerbaijani leum and K °, then today Russia gets Sea bottom will be chosen Iran. “In At the session of the Board of Directors of the relations, considers the expert of the involved in their projects. Apparently, short, while Russia is opposing, the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership Institute of CIS Countries, Mikhail Western energy giants have decided Western projects are in standby. Prob- of the Black and Caspian seas (BSCSIF) held in Alexandrov. According to him, the co- to make some concessions with regard ably the Western players attempt to operation agreement signed between to Russia.” rethink their global energy strategy”, April 2013,in Istanbul, the representative of the The logo of femtotechnology „Rosneft” and the State Oil Company The negotiations between „Ros- - said the expert. Republic of Belarus, Vitali BUZDUGAN, proposed of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) during the neft” and the Azerbaijani party With regard to the agreement The implementation of the recent visit of Russian President resulted into an agreement on estab- signed between “Rosneft” and SO- to the Fund the establishment of an international project-program “Eurasian Innova- Vladimir Putin to Baku is a messenger lishing a joint venture, which will CAR, the parties are negotiating the investment project-program “Eurasian Innovations”. tions” addresses one of the most of a significant development in the deal with both oil and gas projects. possibility of reverse supply of Rus- serious problems of the develop- level of interaction between Russia This collaboration has the potential sian oil “Urals” through the Baku-No- Here’s how its initiator comments on the main ment of innovative processes - the and Azerbaijan in the energy sector. to give a push to the implementation vorossiysk pipeline with the purpose provisions of the program. unresponsiveness of the economies „Previously, Russia refused to use of major regional energy projects that of further partial processing in Azer- of the region to new solutions. the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, will use Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, baijan, as well as transportation via he concept of the program reorganization of old and the forma- Working together, the country considering it a competitive project and possibly Iranian gas, said M. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, from is the transition of the tion of new international markets members of the Fund will be able to with political overtones - said the ex- Aleksandrov. In this sense, Russia may where it can be delivered for process- BSCSIF countries, which with competitive products, which fill this vacuum by creating “Eura- pert. - The fact that Russia’s position reconsider its negative position on the ing to Italy and Germany. are currently largely be- have extra-large added value. To do sian Innovations” as a center for on this issue is changing says about a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, in case it (REGNUM -“DS”) Thind the developed countries, on the this, breakthrough projects that have knowledge transfer. Belarus is pro- sixth technological system based on a large international market poten- posed to be the headquarters of the nano-, femto-and biotechnology. For tial will be selected. They should Centre. It aims to become a territo- this purpose, the Republic of Belarus become the centre of growth of new rial platform and the center of the Film based on Chingiz Aitmatov’s novel has been proposed as the center and innovative thinking and technolo- crystallization of the new “parallel” British filmmakers decided to fulfill their old Sawhney, - I felt that love for nature, for people idea - to make a film based on the novel “Jamila” that the writer wanted to communicate, and I the main phase of the implementa- gies; they should become an eco- economy in our countries. of the great Kyrgyz writer, Chingiz Aitmatov. was yearning to communicate that feeling on tion of the project-program, which nomic catalyst for our region. The argument for the creation Chris Rose, the producer of the future film, screen”. There has been no casting for Jamila’s would be carried out by the trans- On the first phase of this invest- of “Eurasian Innovations” namely believes that the writing is perfectly suited leading role yet. But the director has promised national “Eurasian Organization of ment project-program, the priority in Belarus, thinks V.Buzdugan, is to tell the touching story of the heroine, and to travel throughout all Kyrgyzstan in search of a simultaneously introduce the Western spectator suitable beauty. United Innovations” - an integrator projects will be on nanoelectronics, represented by the declaration of the to the faraway Kyrgyzstan. Filming will take place in Kyrgyzstan in June next of the area-distributed engineering nano-carbon economy, storage and whole country an offshore zone for “Jamila” is a book about a young Kyrgyz beauty year. It is necessary for 500,000 dollars to start parks, incubators, venture capital accumulation of electricity, direct high and new technology, which is who, in defiance to customs and age-old filming. British investors are willing to pay a little tradition, goes boldly towards love. “When I more than half of the amount. They hope to find funds called “Eurasian Innovations”. conversion of chemical energy into already implemented in the High read this story - said the film’s director Arun the rest of the remaining funds in Kyrgyzstan. This structure will deal with the electrical energy, and others. Technology Park for IT projects.

NPP Belene: to be In short Eastern-European domination ·  Russia plans to offer Kazakh companies populated by ethnic Bulgarians. In another or not to be? that handle their cargo through Ukraine vice-county of republic - Gagauzia – the publi- Continued from page 39 the number of these countries has competition. However, in recent years, he Bulgarian government is ready and the Baltic states to invest in the con- cation of textbooks and instructional materials to unfreeze the construction of increased dramatically. Moreover, this political and musical passion is struction of the port on Taman peninsula for teachers of Gagauz language is financed nuclear power plant in the Danube “Something”. Andrews performs in the East of Europe started to treat the clearly in decline. Perhaps, because T (Kerchesky Strait). Taman might be of inter- by Turkey. the genre of pop-rock. While his vo- song contest with too much serious- many of the Eastern European coun- town of Belene, subject to confirmation of technical and economic parameters and est to Kazakh companies, as an alternative ·  The choice between the European Union and cal abilities cannot be named as very ness that was often in a very sharp tries have long ago received their predictions about the future consumption to the ports of Ukraine and the Baltic states, the Customs Union will be made by Ukrainians rich, he has plenty of charm. contrast with the obvious negligence ticket to the European Union and the of electricity in the country and the region. to reduce transporting costs. They will be in the referendum, stated the President of It is interesting to recall that in the of the Western European members, very standard of the “European idea” Also, talks with Russian “Rosatom” are offered to build terminals for shipment of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. According to the XXI century, the Western countries who were often coming with perfor- has, in recent years, fallen. expected to be resumed. petroleum products, liquefied gas, metals, Russian party, the planned in November 2013 except the Nordic ones, haven’t won mances with no chance to success. The former Soviet Union coun- In the past year, Bulgaria declined the grains and sulfur. in Vilnius signing of the Association Agreement “Eurovision” even once, thus giving The Western participants were bur- tries that ever won the contest project of an NPP with a capacity of 2,000 ·  The Ministry of Education of Bulgaria intends and establishment of Free Trade Area between reason to talk of “the Eastern Euro- dened and irritated by the domination were Estonia (2001), Latvia (2002), megawatts, after a long discussion about the to finance teaching Bulgarian language and Ukraine and EU will close the possibility of cost of the project (about €10 billion). The literature in six schools in the vice-county of Ukraine’s participation in the Customs Union pean domination”. First of all, after the of Eastern Europeans and the political Ukraine (2004), Russia (2008) and Russian side estimated costs of €6 billion. Taraclia, Republic of Moldova, predominantly with Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. collapse of the USSR and Yugoslavia, spirit that they were bringing to the Azerbaijan (2011). . news from the region the news from

42 43 gallery gallery photo: archive

Gogi Chagelishvili Oleg Timchenko

Merab Abramishvili

Edmund Kalandadze Gibson Khundadze Zurab Nijaradze

Yuri Berishvili Georgian painting in searches he artistic process of the Gia Gugushvili, Yuri Berishvili, Shal- product, as the design of the postmod- newest Georgian visual art va Matuashvili, Zaza Berdzenishvili. ernism principle of distance, “detach- is defined not only by in- Since the second half of the 80s, ment” from the depicted object. dividual works of different on the art scene appears a group of Successful authors of the 50s and artists, but also by a new authors (Oleg Timchenko, Mamuka 80s, despite their sometimes contra- phenomenon - private galleries. Tsetshladze, Carlo Katcharava, Ma- dictory styles, are all characterized TIndividual creative success is first muka Japaridze and others) who by the constant search for methods of of all the result of mastering analyti- chose the superficial method of post- mirroring the identity of the spectator, cally the function of the exhibition modernism interpretation - slightly as a cultural consumer of the product. and commercial mechanism, like an frivolous and in a kind of scholar- Anyway, at this stage of dynamic institution. infantile adaptation. search for a new visuality in the Geor- Georgian artists still work in line Meanwhile, the artists-centenarians, gian artistic process becomes relevant Gia Gugushvili with historical avant-garde, which the ones from the “fifties”, being in a not only aesthetics, but also the ethics Gia Edzgveradze acquires spontaneously the features of state of so-called „institutional child- of representation - the ethical sensibil- the trans-avant-garde self-expression. hood” gained ground among young ity in the space-time continuum of the The creative position of the con- people and place in the gallery world, painting’s range. temporary Georgian artist gradually thus participating in today’s artistic During the post-ideological era coincides with the inevitable position chronicle. The failure of the modern the Georgian art, freed from “forced of the consumer, who lives in the museum business and of the textbook mythologies”, acquires distinctively world of things. At the same time, the context is because of the fact that these the right to catharsis. On the other Georgian author still opposes these undoubtedly great masters are wrongly hand, as a product, it is not so much things to the artifacts created in the attributed to artistic ageing. a painting, as a human-artist behavior post-Romanesque spirit, although Georgian art still has no „registra- model, which is enacted in the drama- Mamuka Tsetskhladze develops the skills of the wholesome tion” in the world art cartography, turgy of our art. pragmatism. although some of the „eighties” The trajectory of the evolution Irakli Sutidze Two generations – the ones who authors represent individually our of the Georgian art experience is created during the fifties and during diaspora in the West (G. Edzgveradze, complex and contradictory. Its best eighties – set up till nowadays the G. Rigvava). exhibits confirm that namely in paint- overall trend of the Georgian contem- Despite the fact that our artistic ings, as in “techno” (visual art on the porary art. production quotes successfully and verge of science and new technolo- Prominent figures among the masterfully styles and socio-cultural gies – ed.com.), is hidden a thorough first category are Zurab Nijaradze, settings of post-modernism, the symptom of the postmodern era - the Edmond Kalandadze, Gibson Khun- Georgian fine arts remain outside the loss of reality. dadze and the ones from „eighties” culture of postmodernism and even Zaza Berdzenishvili are represented by Gogi Chagelishvi- beyond the marginal neighborhood. David ANDRIADZE, Art Historian, li, Levan Chogoshvili, Irakli Sutidze, Still problematic is not so much Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Levan Lagidze, Jemal Kuhalashvili, the figurative construction of the Tbilisi Shalva Matuashvili

44 45 OH,SPORT, YOU ARE PEACE!... OH,SPORT, YOU ARE PEACE!... Photo: Аrchive

prior and present methods are not the same: training technique, methods of preparation of the players, methods of Sports and society: the game change. All of these factors should be taken into account when we talk about successful sustainable system in sport. Knowledge is power. a win-win platform Both in society and in sports”. High level of professionalism of the „Serbian system” has shown what it’s capable of on Kazakhstan’s exam- ple. After Athens, Kazakhstan’s water polo players did not participate in world championships. And „precisely because of the Serbian examination, the work of our experts on ground and knowledge of the Serbian water One for all and all for one: European polo school, Kazakhstan has man- Championship 2012 on Water Polo aged, in a very tough competition, to Mirjana PRLEVIC, win a ticket for the 2012 Olympics a member of BSCSIF Board of Directors Secrets of the water polo is reflected in the success- in London. This proves that every- Serbian system es of club teams and in the success thing that we have achieved in Serbia n today’s world, universal In this sense, Serbia has much to of the national team. The standardi- can be successfully implemented in values ​​are scarce. One of such offer. The sporting successes of the zation of this success – that’s what other countries. Of course, if all of values is sports. Meaning, we Serbian tennismen and women, we deal with in Serbia for already the most important conditions are are surely not mistaken when water polo players, male and female thirty years. This led to the fact that met: the availability of infrastructure, saying that no matter whether volleyballers, handballers, boxers and a special system was established in professionalism, ability to identify it is Eastern or Western culture, a basketballers represent more than a Balkans, which is today yet best ob- potential, optimal and regular invest- Ideveloped or an undeveloped society, The no.1 in the world and in trusted base of knowledge, experi- served in Serbia, thing that explains ments. The bottom line is that if you sports occupies an important place Europe in tennis, water polo, ence and reliable personnel, ready to the consistency of its leadership”. want to achieve the highest success, handball, volleyball everywhere. Undoubtedly, sports help the sporting movement in other What is this success due to? it is necessary to work with 20-year on its own reflect the dynamics and countries of the wider Black Sea- Vanja says that „the most important cycles. If the timeframes are much the changes that occur in the world. Caspian Sea region. thing in sport is education. As well smaller, the results will be lower”. This is a social activity and people A particularly striking example as motivation. It is very important Water Polo is a very simple sport, talk about it at every turn, and by is the Serbian Water Polo School - a to teach children from an early age and it should be left in the field of the nature, structure and essence system invented by our experts that to respect the coach, their senior simplicity, so it is easier perceived that it bears, it leaves no man and its achieved great success in the world, colleagues, and to develop children’s and better understood. The extent to surroundings uninterested. Sports too. This system is designed so that overall awareness of respect towards which a country perceives it well and cannot be much better or much from the beginning to the end it pro- age difference. Home education is the as a whole is proportionate to the worse than the social environment vides an excellent development plat- foundation of sports. And then, it is direct benefit that long-term results in which it is placed. The fact that form for a long-term success. Namely the sports education that creates the deliver to the community, summed in modern science there are two, this system, which has proved its personality and is transmitted from up the captain of the Serbian national seemingly opposite, but in fact viability and effectiveness, can be of- generation to generation, and, thus, team, Vanja Udovicic. complementary processes: the fered by Serbia to other countries. the society builds itself”. Belgrade process of specialization and the In an exclusive interview to the process of integration - explains why The region of the countries of the private investors. The challenge is to Dialogue of the Seas Magazine, Vanja Professionalism above all namely sports is appointed as one International Fund for Cooperation maintain the health of the citizens Udovicic, the Captain of the Serbian Specialization has always brought of the main current prerequisites and Partnership of the Black Sea of all the countries in which the water polo team and the most award- long-term success. Vanja stresses that for the analysis of the society. Being - Caspian Sea (BSCSIF) is filled Fund operates, to exchange positive ed athlete in Serbia, stressed that „the especially in sports „professionals an important subsystem of the with opportunities and potential experiences and knowledge, that most important aspect of a success- should be taken care of, as well as the society, sports must be analyzed in terms of capital, infrastructure, is, to establish a true, unique and ful sport system is the continuity of system that respects quality coaches, and developed precisely within as well as human resources. This win-win sporting strategic platform. support. The components of such because they are the ones to build this the integral process of society is an excellent starting point for Only healthy individuals create continuity are constant support from system from their own perspective. development, because there comes a long term establishment of a healthy communities, and only a the state and success. The greater and They know best and understand best a time when changes that occur in system of sporting activities that healthy society ensures a long-term frequenter is the success, the stronger to what extent the system should be society make sports and leisure being would be of interest to the state stability and development of the is the support of the state. The state’s altered each year, because the sport is Vanya Udovicic, the Serbian team captain on the first place. and the nation, as well as to the country or the region. approach to such kind of sport like not what it was thirty years ago, and and number one in the world

46 47 BSCSIFCHRONICLE The”New Silk Road” poetic anthology text: liliana coman photo: Аrchive text: MiKhail Sinelnikov photo: archive

Levant’s Like the sea is the ABAI legacy and heart... (1845-1904) Black of my eye y favorite poet of the cultural Black of my eye whole Kazakh nation - Abai Kunanbaev - Frame of my mind (1845-1904) was born Drink never dry diplomacy Love of my Life in an aristocratic family rom 23 to 25 May Bucharest hosted a conference called and was the son of one of the sultans of the Parting is winter, your absence is sorrow „Levant, Cradle of Cultural Diplomacy: Rediscovering the Next to the former Romanian President Emil Constantinescu (center), MKazakh Middle Juz. Followed by the desire I wish to stay until the morrow Mediterranean”, organized by the Romanian Foundation for F the group of BSCSIF experts. Left - right: Andrada Dinu, BSCSIF to make his offspring a successor of his Mikhail Sinelnikov, Between your fair arms Democracy in partnership with the Berlin Academy for cultural Executive Director Alev Balgi, Orhan Mammadov and Liliana Coman affairs, his father sent Abai to study to the poet, academician at the Russian Academy of when the nightingale sings, 'Terrow' diplomacy, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the Natural Sciences and at Petrovsk Academy Romanian Parliament, the Government of Romania, the Romanian The conference was attended by distinguished government Semipalatinsk madrash of Mullah Ahmed Cultural Institute, University of Bucharest and the Black Sea- officials, ministers, diplomats, academicians, professors, writers, Riza. Inside these premises the teenager lyricist and epicist, but also a remarkable The corners of your eyes Caspian Sea International Fund (BSCSIF). journalists, experts and students from 16 countries. became familiar not only with Koran and interpreter. Through translations made by sparkle and they glisten The ancient cradle of world civilization, the eastern Mediterranean Among participants - former presidents of Bulgaria, Moldova the hadiths, but also with the works of him, Kazakhs fell in love with the poems when you speak your solid words came again to the attention of the world due to a revolutionary and Albania, respectively: Dr. Jelio Zhelev, Dr. Petru Lucinschi Ferdowsi, Navoi, Nizami, Avicenna, and of Pushkin and Lermontov, Krylov’s fables, everyone will listen movement that began in North Africa and the Middle East. and prof. Rexhep Meidani, President of the World Academy of Art learnt foreign languages, including Arabic and also Goethe’s lyrics. Abai’s “Book of The prospect of expanding the democratic space has paved the and Science, prof. Dr. Ivo Slaus, Director and founder of the Berlin Black of my eye way for the development of cooperation between states and Institute for Cultural Diplomacy prof. Mark Donfried, Speaker of and Farsi. But the important thing is that Words” written in prose, became for gener- Frame of my mind nations on the basis of dialogue and mutual understanding, the Senate of Romania Crin Antonescu, the Romanian ministers Abai has been attending at the same time ations of Kazakh youth a truly sacred cov- Drink never dry strengthening, at the same time, the role of cultural diplomacy of culture and foreign affairs - Daniel Barbu and Titus Corlatean, the Russian school and became a voracious enant. The main things that Abai preached Love of my Life and intercultural dialogue. Perpetuating a centuries-old tradition, President of the Romanian Academy Ionel Haiduk, President of reader of Russian and European books. Ex- about were to speak the truth, to live guided cultural relations in the Balkans, the Middle East and North the UNESCO General Conference Katalin Bogyay, doctor and iled revolutionaries introduced him to the by conscience, to study and to work. Summer Africa evolved in the second half of the twentieth century, even professor Razvan Theodorescu and others. The conference was writings of Pushkin, Krylov, Lermontov, A few years ago in Moscow, on during the Cold War, through the formation of the intellectual opened by the former president of Romania, the former president When summer in the mountains gains its peak, elites in universities of South-Eastern Europe and through of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin prof. Emil Lev Tolstoy, Saltykov-Shchedrin, Belinsky Chistye Prudy Bulevard , was erected a and many other Russian authors. Later monument to the great son of Kazakhstan. When gaily blooming flowers begin to fade, mutual cultural exchanges. The Mediterranean Sea - the cradle of Constantinescu. When nomads from the sunshine refuge seek Abai read the works of Plato and Aristo- Through this deed was expressed both cultural diplomacy for centuries - can also be a valuable source of The International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of the Beside a rapid river, in a glade, inspiration to restructure today’s international relations. All this Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (BSCSIF) was represented on this tle, as well as books of several Western- the admiration for the selfless labor and Then in the grassy meadows here and there was discussed at the forum held at the Palace of Parliament and conference by its new President, the President of the International European writers and thinkers. In this great genius, and the sense of genuine The salutatory neighing can be heard the National Library. Foundation „Marmara Group” Dr. Akkan Suver, who held a speech way, the “creation of Abai” took place over friendliness towards Abai’s people. Of varicouloured stallion and mare. By the end of the panels and discussions, speakers answered on the topic „What is the East?” the years, just like a miracle: the creation Towards the people for whom its eternal questions about the importance of the Mediterranean and The discussions resulted into a declaration in which the Quiet, shoulder-deep in water stands the herd; the role of its cultural heritage in the contemporary cultural participants spoke in favor of the promotion of cultural diplomacy and establishment of the encyclopedically guardian and mentor commanded to use The grown-up horses wave their silky tails, dialogue, about traditions, the present and future of cultural principles and the development of relations between states, based educated Kazakh poet, who was destined knowledge from Russians, to explore the Lazily shooing off some irksome pest, diplomacy in the Balkans, the Middle East and North Africa, and on dialogue and reassessment of cultural heritage of the eastern to become the spiritual father and mentor European culture... In Kazakhstan itself, While frisky colts go folicking about the development of research networks in the wider Mediterranean Mediterranean. Collected in a separate volume, the speeches of the scattered, in the vastness of rangy many monuments of granite and marble Upsetting elder horses, at their rest. region, as well as about the reevaluation of Mediterranean’ role at of the forum members have been published in English by the steppes, nomadic people. were raised in Abai’s memory. But there is The geese fly honking through the cloudless skies. The ducks skim noiselessly across the river, this moment. Romanian Cultural Institute. Without losing the connection with the also a non-material monument - Mukhtar

BSCSIF CHRONICLE BSCSIF centuries-old akyn tradition that demanded Auezov’s greatest novel “Abai’s Way”. The incessantly “skill and truth” in art, Abai cre- story beneath is yet amazing. In his later Young Leaders of the Black Sea Forum ated a new model of Kazakh literature. The life, Abai Kunanbaev made a pilgrimage unequalled master of the verse, not only to the holy land of Islam - Mecca and On June 27-28, in Baku was held the of non-profit youth organizations from Young Leaders of the Black Sea Forum. 11 member-countries of the BSEC. that he brought into Kazakh poetry new Medina. In the Arabic deserts he found a It was conducted under the auspices of The coordinator of the Research Center of strophic forms - sextains and octanaries, poor but noble orphan, a descendant of the Organization of Black Sea Economic the Fund for International Cooperation and but also introduced into his native poetry the Prophet Mohammed. And he took Cooperation (BSEC) and organized by the Partnership of the Black Sea and the Caspian Azerbaijani-American Youth Social Association Sea (BSCSIF), Valentina Albu (photo - left), entirely new content, laying on his shoul- with him to Kazakhstan this teenager, who in cooperation with the Black Sea NGO Forum presented „Youth as the main actors of ders unprecedented social burthen, lashing would supposedly become, when grown and with the support of the Azerbaijan integration in Black Sea region”, underlying in his satire all the obsolete and breathing up and educated, his alumnus and bring Youth Fund. The two panels of the event the main obstacles faced by the Black Sea covered the following topics: „The Black Sea youth, its priorities and needs regarding with pathos of conversion, transformation contribution to the Kazakh people… Region: territorial conflicts and their threat such matters as: education, creating new . Abai’s lyrics, put by himself on music, Nevertheless, Abai could not have to regional security” and „Perspectives of jobs, participative democracy and the his poems were learned by heart, and, re- foreseen that the grandson of this Arab International Relations of the Youth of the involvement of the young in international written or spread from mouth to mouth, boy would become his soulful biographer Black Sea Region”. projects in order to promote cooperation and The forum was attended by representatives partnership in the Black Sea. traveled from one nomadic settlement to and the greatest Kazakh prose writer, another. Abai was not only an outstanding Mukhtar Auezov.

48 49 The”New Silk Road” poetic anthology

The girls set up the felt tents, slim and spry, As coy and full of merriment as ever. Returning from his flocks, pleased with his ride, Again in the aul appears the bai. His horse goes on with an unhurried stride, He sits and smiles upon it, hat awry. Surrounding the saba in a close ring, Sipping their heady beverage - kumyss, Old men sit by a yurta, gossiping yurta And chuckling at quips rarely amiss. Incited by the servants comes a lad To beg the cook, his mother, for some meat. Beneath an awning, gay and richly clad The bais on gorgeous carpets take their seats. And sip their tea, engaged in leisured talk. The monument to Abai in Moscow One speaks, while others listen and admire His eloquence and wit. Towards them walks A bent old man bereft of strength and fire. Власть не можешь явить над своим добром. * * * He shouts at shepards not to raise the dust Спишь тревожным сном и тревожишься днем, О любви, душа, молишь вновь, Aiming to win the favor of the bais. То заносчив, а то с обидой глядишь, Не унять смятенье твое,— And yet in vain he raises such a fuss - Постоянен в непостоянстве одном. Так желанна сердцу любовь, They sit and never even turn their eyes. Так сладка отрава ее! Всякий подлый, чванливый и мелкий сброд There, tucking up the hems of their chapans, Изуродовал душу твою, народ. Вся тоска, вся горечь невзгод Leisurely swaying in their saddles as they trot Не надеюсь на поправленье твое, Над огнем души не властна. From nightly grazing come the young chabans Коль судьбу свою в руки народ не берет. Лить любовь — твой верный оплот, Whipping their lusty steeds god knows for what. Лишь с тобой угаснет она. A long way off from the aul's last tents Родич с родичем спорят из-за пустяков. With movement and excitement getting warm, Богом отнят их разум, удел их таков! А того, кто жил не любя, On horseback, too, the bai's son and his friends Ни единства, ни чести, везде разлад. Человеком назвать нельзя. Enjoy a falcon hunt. The bird's in splendid form Стало меньше в степях табунов, косяков. Пусть ты наг и нищ — у тебя At one quick spurt such falcons catch and bring Все же есть семья и друзья. Crashing to earth the great, unwieldy geese. Из-за денег и власти кипит вражда. Meanwhile that bent old maan, unlucky thing, Ты бессилен, а спор ведут господа. Довелось бы брести впотьмах, The toady that had nigh gone hoarse to plea Если накипи этой не смоешь с себя, Если б дружбы не вспыхнул свет. The haughty bais, unnoticed, watches on, В униженье, в страхе ты будешь всегда. Слава — тлен и богатство — прах, And sighs for sorrow that his time is gone. Если верного друга нет. Through windless night the glinting moon Разве можешь ты быть спокоен душой, Перевод М.Петровых Если горки не в силах взять небольшой? Through windless Если стойкости нет, если твердости нет, night the glinting moon Разве можешь ты быть доволен собой? * * * Если кто-либо верный укажет путь, На сорок лоскутьев тоскою Illuminates in flowing waves Ты его клеймишь неразумной хулой. Растерзано ты — каждым днем... The village nestled in the vale Перевод С.Липкина Как же сердцу дожить в покое, Where crests the overflowing stream Изверившемуся во всем! * * * The thick-trunked, bare-branched tree Острый разум чист, словно пласт ледяной. Те — взяты землей, те — враждою, speaks in whispers to itself-- В непослушливом сердце — кипучий зной. А как их любило ты! don't you see the bustling earth Терпеливую мысль и пылкую страсть Вражда и беда шли чредою, Turning its face green again? В силах ты обуздать лишь волей одной. И вот — ты среди пустоты.

* * * Только тот, кто сердце и разум скует Лишь старость одна пред тобою, О казахи мои! Мой бедный народ! Непреклонной волей,— достигнет высот. Спасенья и выхода нет. жёстким усом небритым прикрыл ты рот. Эти свойства не стоят врозь ни гроша, Беспечных утешит любое. Кровь — на правой щеке, на левой — жир... И любое из них тебя не спасет. А где нам с тобою ответ? Где же правда? Твой разум не разберет. Что без воли и страсти сила ума? Измучено ты болью злою... Ты и с виду неплох, и числом велик. Неразумному сердцу — и в полдень тьма. Мечты! Оглянись на них Почему же так обманчив твой лик? Разноречье троих сумей сочетать, И вспомни величье былое Ты не хочешь добрым советам внимать, Этой мудрости учит нас жизнь сама! Желаний бесплодных твоих. Режет всех без разбора твои серп-язык. Перевод А.Штейнберга Перевод М.Петровых

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