ISSUE 6

PAGE 15

UK SUPPORTS AZERBAIJANI TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY


British Government is committed to supporting a peaceful settlement on Karabagh "based on the sovereign and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan". A statement, delivered to Vatan, Azerbaijani Society of the UK on 29 August, from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, said that although the UK is not part of the OSCE Minsk Group, Britain has strongly supported efforts to find a lasting political solution to the long-running conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over disputed region of Karabagh. Simon Lovett of the Foreign
Office said in the statement that "UK and its EU partners stand ready to help support any solution which is agreed by both countries".

The statement comes in response to Vatan's growing "Karabagh" campaign. Between March and May 2001 several demonstrations and pickets were held outside the Armenian Embassy in London and various materials regarding Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan were distributed. On 12 May over a thousand petitions condemning the aggression and calling on British Government to be more active in the Karabagh negotiations, were delivered to No 10 Downing Street.

The Foreign Office response once again reiterates British and a wider European view, that settlement on Karabagh must be in accordance to the 1996 OSCE Lisbon Summit principles which underline Azerbaijani sovereign and territorial integrity. Mr Lovett drew particular attention to the fact that the UK has contributed nearly $5.2m in humanitarian aid to Azerbaijan and over £2.5m since 1994 in regional appeals. The statement said that assistance to Azeri refugees and displaced persons "has undoubtedly been the
most urgent humanitarian requirement arising from the Karabagh conflict".

Azerbaijani Society Vatan will continue the "Karabagh" campaign in 2001 and beyond with a series of events being organised for 25th February, the tenth anniversary of the Kodjali Massacre, when Armenian troops massacred over eight hundred Azerbaijani civilians.

For further information email vatan@post.com

APPEAL!!! APPEAL!!! APPEAL!!!

Dear Readers

Below is a letter from Brittany Lute, an American educationalist,  received by Anayurdum regarding a talented Azeri student who needs funds to further his education. If anyone is aware of funding or scholarship opportunities please contact the editor or Ms Lute directly on email address provided below.


To Whom it May Concern:

I am an American student who recently had an opportunity to meet with a group of Azeri students. I met them at the INEPO competition in Antalya, Turkey. I must say that I met students from all over the world at that competition, but the Azeri students were the most special. I have never seen more hard-working, focused, driven, intelligent, and polite children than the Azeri children. They were so sweet and kind. There were two teams in the competition. One team took the gold medal and the other took the silver. I befriended one particular student - Nijat Alishev. He is the one who took the gold medal. He is an exceptional student. He studies so meticulously. He is curious and determined. He speaks good English. He feels the urge to know everything, learn everything, and to do everything. He attempts to help his family, but as you know, it is an impossible task for him. His dream is to study at an American University and become a doctor. As you also know that dream is virtually impossible for him to reach due to the overwhelmingly powerful financial constraints. I was touched very deeply by this boy from Azerbaijan. He is far more deserving than any of us who are naturally endowed with such opportunities only due to our birthplace. He is a perfect student. If there is any way for you to help me help him, in this organisation or any other, could you please let me know. I would send him personally, but my family has not the means either. I hope that I am not searching in vain for aid that does not exist. If there are any available sponsors, scholarships, financial aids or any grants could you please inform me. Thank you very much for your time. It is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

Brittany Lute