Метка: Milana Gorenstein

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Celebrating the International Day Cake – 2016 in Israel

 International-Cake-Day

«Tyrmysh» NGO (Tatar cultural center of the State of Israel),  led by Mrs. Zakira Zaripova, holds on July 20, 2016 the first official celebration of the International Cake Day in Israel.

«International Day Cake» is sweetest summer holiday, which is celebrated annually on July 20 in many countries. The holiday with the motto «I Cake You!» is dedicated to friendship and peace between peoples, countries and nations. Celebration themes vary each year, and this creates new opportunities to all participants to express themselves. This year the ICD holiday will be celebrated in the world for the sixth time. The theme of the holiday -2016 is «Time Travel».

Participants of the celebrations are often movie and pop stars, athletes and other celebrities. It has become a good tradition to hold charity events for orphans, the disabled, people in difficult life situations, war veterans and their families as part of the celebrations scenarios.

A feature of the festival is that July 20 is not necessary to bake a cake, you can also knit, sew, paint, sculpt or create any of the other materials. The main thing that your cake will please the participants of the holiday celebration, because the cake is a symbol of goodness, love and people’s union.

The proposed scenario of a holiday-2016 in Israel includes:

  • cakes show (championship), which will present a futuristic cakes from around the world. Members of the jury — the representatives of the media and the Organizing Committee of the festival;
  • non-food cakes exhibition;
  • workshops for festival participants from leading Israeli chefs;
  • masquerade with prizes;
  • themed competitions with prizes;
  • themed fashion show (cakes, hats, art aprons, etc.);
  • thematic exhibition of artworks by Israeli artists;
  • thematic exhibition of works by craftsmen (home textiles, tableware, cushions, cakes, etc.);
  • a photo shoots in the photo zones;
  • peacemaking action «Shawl of Peace» (joint project with the International Association of Bloggers);
  • music and dance performances.

The celebration will be attended by leaders of NGOs and international organizations, members of the Knesset, heads of inter-parliamentary friendship groups, heads of municipalities, representatives of diplomatic missions, Israeli and foreign journalists.

The «Tyrmysh»  NGO invites the participants, partners and sponsors to join the sweet celebration of friendship and peace in Israel. The International Cake Day is like a New Year, in summer — it is suitable for participants from all sectors of the economy, which facilitates successful implementation of the project in Israel.

Reference:
The «International Day Cake» was established in the Kingdom of Love. The first celebration was held in 2011 in 9 countries. Israel is a co-founder of the holiday. The holiday is supported by the World Association of Chefs (World Association of Chefs Societies — WACS), it included in the registry of international holidays.

The ICD International Organizing Committee assists in the organization of events and promotion of the holiday in the world. The official holiday website — www.icakeyou.org

Contacts of the organizers:
Zakira Zaripova
Chair of the «Tyrmysh»  NGO (Tatar cultural center of the State of Israel)
Tel .: 0526 377 596, 077 505 1016
E-mail: z.zakira@gmail.com

Milana Gorenstein
Chair of the  ICD International Organizing Committee
E-mail: info@kingdomoflove.org
www.icakeyou.org

 

 

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Into a fairytale: designer Tea Lomidze

tea_lomidze

Today’s guest of the column «Into a fairy tale» is a well known designer Tea Lomidze, who lives and works in the capital of Georgia — Tbilisi. Tea works in many different directions of design, but it can not be called a creative search, because she understands what she wants, what she likes and what are the most interesting things to do. Additionally, Tea Lomidze, along with her friend, gorgeous pastry designer Stella Luzan, was the founder in Georgia of the International Cake Day — a holiday of friendship and peace, established by Kingdom of Love in 2011. Read in this interview about how Tea came to design, how it all started, about her new collection and much more.

When and how did you start your career? Where did you study it?

First of all, I want to thank you for your interest to my creations. In 2003, when my sons grew up, I had the opportunity to carry out long-held dream — to open my own art studio. I am a chemist, in the design I am self — taught, but always took a great interest in needlework. Since childhood I reinvented bought clothes, changed it from usual to «exclusive»… When I was young lady I attended many art galleries and museums in Tbilisi, Moscow, St. Petersburg. The Dresden Gallery influenced me most of all . Great artworks had always shaped my taste.

What is the name your brand? What types of design you are involved in, which collections do you create?

My brand is called «ART-SALON TEILO». I am involved in a wide range of design works — fashion clothing, fur, leather, women’s accessories and jewelry, accessories for the home interior.

What are the stages of formation as a designer you passed through?

My career since 2003 and until now was very diverse. In the beginning I only designed clothes from fabrics and furs and, over time, began to create a vintage accessories for home decor. I made design for 12 prestigious restaurants (interior and accessories). Mehriban Aliyeva (the wife of the President of Azerbaijan — M.G.) with Sandra Roelofs (the wife of the President of Georgia — M.G,) visited my Art Salon together in 2004. Following the invitation of the First Lady of Azerbaijan, I visited Baku, where in 2005 I organized a show of my collection of fashion clothes and accessories. During the years of my creative activity I have organized 7 fashion shows to represent my collections.

How would you describe your aesthetic taste, your own style?

About my work have to judge those people who prefer clothes and accessories created by me , those who trust me in design of their business objects. Taking this opportunity, I want to thank everyone for the recognition and trus. I personally love classics and antique. My fashion designs are made mostly in vintage style and of expensive materials.

Have you always worked as independent entrepreneur or had to be employed in other companies?

I always had my own business and worked with my team. — embroiderers and other fashion specialists who work with me for many years.

Do you remember your first order?

Of course I remember! The first order is as the first child … It was the wedding dress for a pregnant bride. She was very happy and afterwards she placed more orders in my salon.

Who are your customers today?

For me, people are not divided according to social status. In my art salon placed orders First Ladies, singers, actors, politicians, businessmen … The person who came to my salon will always find something suitable for him or her. We cordially welcome all customers, regardless of the complexity of the order or other moments. I have many customers from Georgia as well as other from other countries — Israel, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, US, Germany …

How is your work with customers? They come with their ideas, you learn their needs and offer options or you sell only finished model?

Differently. Each person is unique, and clothing should be just a supplement to his portrait.

How do you tune in to the creative work? What is your inspiration?

Love is a source of my inspiration! Usually, I have to drink a cup of my favorite fruit tea, this is a ritual that put me in a good mood and helps to tune in to a creative wave.

Do you follow fashion and other design trends? Do you think we have to follow them, or the fashion is replaces individuality?

The fashion is replaces individuality. I think we have to choose from fashion trends al elements that fit the character of the person, underline its individuality. Of course, I follow the latest trends, because as the designer I should be aware of all innovations.

Can you tell us about your new collection? How you got the idea to create it?

I had an idea to create a collection of vintage chandeliers «Seasons«. 12 chandeliers in the collection will embody the 12 months. There is a new muse In my life that inspired me for this project.

What do you aspire to professionally, and what is your most daring dream associated with the profession?

I strive for perfection — if it is possible, of course. Nature is a source of perfection, and it is unlikely that either person will make something similar to God’s creation. And my dreams are endless … I want to organize a fabulous fashion show of my evening, wedding and fur products, which will be illuminated by new chandeliers of my «Seasons»collection.

What is your hobby apart from design?

My job requires a lot of time. In rare periods of rest I listen to music. I like to cook, often coming up with new recipes.

Do you have any pets? Whether you are creating fashion for pets?

I have created a few fashion designs for the dogs of my friends. Sometimes I make gifts for them — sewing exclusive pullovers, dresses, coats for pets. At the moment, I do not have a four-legged friend. I had a dog — a black Labrador Naomi, she died in 2014 and I was sad about this very much.

The path of successful creative person is always difficult. What helps you overcome the difficulties?

A great love for my work, support of relatives and friends help me to overcome the problems. Difficulties strengthen my spirit, I get the desire to overcome obstacles and achieve more. I’m writing a book about my life — this is another aspect of my creative work.

What would you like to wish our readers?

I wish the infinite love you all! Live and create in love. The world around is so beautiful — enjoy it every day! Great things are hidden in simple things. Do not let problems and routine prevail over you!

Best regards, Tea Lomidze.

© Milana Gorenstein

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Open letter to H.E. Ambassador Francesco Maria TALÒ

Date: August 1st, 2014

Embassy of Italy in Tel-Aviv
H.E. Ambassador Francesco Maria TALÒ
Trade Tower
25 Hamered Street
68125 Tel-Aviv, Israel
Tel. (972) 3 510 40 04
Fax (972) 3 510 02 35
info.telaviv@esteri.it
http://www.ambtelaviv.esteri.it

Copies:

Council of Europe
Mr.Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary General
Tel. 33 3 88 41 20 00
Fax 33 3 88 41 27 99
private.office@coe.int
http://hub.coe.int

Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE)
Mrs. Anne Brasseur, President
Tel. 33 3 88 41 23 41
mark.neville@coe.int
http://assembly.coe.int

OSCE Minsk Group

Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office
on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference
Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk
Tel. 43 1 514 360
Fax 43 1 514 36 69 96
pm@osce.org

Permanent Representation of France to the OSCE
Ambassador Pierre Andrieu
Tel. 43 1 501 82 0
Fax 43 1 501 82 509
france-osce@org-france.at

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the OSCE
Ambassador Igor Popov
Tel. 43 1 280 27 62
Fax 43 1 280 31 90
rfosce@yandex.ru
rfms@chello.at

United States Mission to the OSCE
Ambassador James Warlick
Tel. 43 1 31 339
Fax 43 1 36 863 85
pa-usosce@state.gov

 

WE_EXIST

“Let us highlight what unites us, not what separates us. What unites us are the objectives of the Council of Europe, namely strengthening human rights, democracy and the rule of law while remembering always that our values cannot be taken for granted, and that we must defend them each and every day.»

(c) Anne Brasseur,  PACE President

 

Dear Mr. TALÒ!

My name is Milana Gorenstein, I am from Baku (Azerbaijan). Since 1988 I live in Jerusalem (Israel). I was the only female independent candidate during the presidential elections -2013 in Azerbaijan.

This letter is a response to official visit of “President” of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Italy on July, 2014. I ask you to transfer the letter and the attached documents (102 pages of complaint No. 25718/14 to European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)) to the Government and the MFA of the Italian Republic.

During the mentioned visit a few agreements were signed by the parties, including a declaration on strategic partnership, which provides, in particular, the close cooperation between the two countries in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the recognition of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the sanctity of borders of Azerbaijan. The agreements are presented to general public by the official media of Azerbaijan as a “great success” of Azerbaijani officials. In fact, it was one more attempt of the government of Azerbaijan to violate the international law and create a new legal precedent, based on lies.

I understand that, while signing the documents, the Azerbaijani officials did not inform their Italian partners on lawsuits and other processes that have started just after the presidential elections — 2013 in Azerbaijan, and currently in progress, related to the Succession of State of Azerbaijan according to principles of international law and the final status of the Nagorno-Karabakh.

In this regard I would like to inform the Government of the Italian Republic that:

Presidential elections-2013 in Azerbaijan were totally falsified (see the attached ECHR trillion-Euro lawsuit No. 25718/14). Therefore, any document signed by the non-legitimate “President” will be considered null and void.

Azerbaijan proclaimed its independence in October 1991, before the official dissolution of the USSR. Earlier, in September 1991, the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region re-affirmed its willingness to create a separate state as the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

In his appeal to the Azerbaijani people on the 80th anniversary of creation of the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan in 1998, national leader Heydar Aliyev divided the period after creation of the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan in 4 phases.

  •  The first phase — 1918-1920 – existence of the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan (another name — Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, ADR);
  • the second phase — 1920-1922 – existence of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan;
  • the third phase — 1922-1991 – totalitarian regime, communist ideology prevail in Azerbaijan, which exists in the Union together with other ally republics;
  • the fourth phase – from December 1991, declaration of state independence of Azerbaijan as result of the collapse of Soviet Union till present.

The modern Republic of Azerbaijan is political successor of the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan (another name — Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, ADR). The Constitutional Act on Independence adopted on October 18, 1991 says that independence lost in 1920 is restored. Being the political successor of the People’s Republic, the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted its flag, emblem and anthem. May 28, 1918, the day the Independence Declaration was declared, is celebrated today as Republic Day.  People’s Republic of Azerbaijan (another name — Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, ADR) did not include Nagorno-Karabakh within its borders as a part of the state!

The modern world is dwelling in a crisis. The world peacekeeping organizations, called upon to protect this world, are also in crisis. In some cases, their actions cause problems that they should be eliminating in the first place.

The Nagorno-Karabakh war, that took place in the late 1980s to May 1994, had over 20 000 people killed and created over a million refugees; about 500 000 of them – refugees from Azerbaijan, mostly Armenian (as well as Russians, Jews and members of mixed families), that have been forced to flee to Armenia, NKR, Russia, USA and other countries. Many people (including myself) hold the passports of USSR and no country is ready to take a legal responsibility on them according to Succession of States law.

The OSCE Minsk group was established to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, however its efforts have not resulted in much success. Contrary to the Azeri refugees from Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, the refugees from Azerbaijan have never been in focus of negotiations that took place under the patronage of the OSCE Minsk group, as if 500 000 people “disappeared in the air”…

But we exist and we fight for our rights!

The lack of progress in Nagorno-Karabakh peace settlement negotiations created a real threat of new war and a serious risk to security in the South Caucasus region. The conditions of the long-term media war have raised new generations of Azerbaijanis and Armenians that see the enemy in the neighboring people. The consequences of mutual demonization lead to genocide and war crimes against civilians, crimes against humanity. We must learn the history lessons and never let this happen again in the future.

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has not been diplomatically recognized by any other state. As such, the region, effectively independent since the beginning of the Nagorno Karabakh War in 1991, is largely considered de jure  part of Azerbaijan until a final solution to its status is found through negotiations. It is a huge legal mistake that have to be fixed as soon as possible.

Since the Republic of Azerbaijan ignores the rights of the former citizens of Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan (see the documents of ECHR case No. 25718/14), Nagorno Karabakh Republic within its current borders, according to international law, is the only State successor for 500 000 refugees from Azerbaijan.

“Truth’s onward march continues also in this case”, once said the PACE President Anne Brasseur, “…all criminals must be prosecuted and held responsible for their illegal acts, whichever side they belonged to and irrespective of their political role”.

The Azerbaijani officials lied over two decades to people of Azerbaijan and to international community, trying to convert their propaganda slogans into legal reality. The ECHR answer to my complaint No. 25718/14 created a new legal reality. Since the ECHR disagreed to be involved in finding a legal solution for the presented problems, today the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and problems of refugees can only find a solution based on principles of international law related to Succession of States. Any world state that will support the illegal statements of the Azerbaijani officials in relation to Nagorno-Karabakh territory, should take responsibility on destiny of 500 000 Armenian refugees and can expect over 1 million lawsuits from both Azerbaijani and Armenian refugees on violations of their rights.

I appeal to Government of The Italian Republic to undertake all due steps to prevent new bloodshed and support our efforts to establish peace in the South Caucasus. Nagorno-Karabakh Republic should be recognized as a neutral independent state (based on precedent of Turkmenistan). The compensations and other issues, related to refugees from both sides, will be resolved during further negotiations. The complete plan for peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, developed by “AZAM21” peacemaking group, will be presented to OSCE Minsk group co-chairs and other international organizations on August, 2014.

As a leader of “AZAM21” peacemaking group, I strongly believe that the real peace solution lies in the destruction of image of the enemy, reestablishment of lost neighborly relations, peaceful conflict resolution based on principles of international law without double standards, and, most importantly, in the bringing back of the VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE to the political and public agenda. This will bring hope of reducing global tension, and a more secure world for generations to come.

With my esteem and respect,

Milana Gorenstein, LL.B
/HM Queen Maria II of Jerusalem and of Nagorno-Karabakh/

International lawyer, journalist
Former member of the Board of Directors of Amnesty International (Israel)
Founder of “AZAM21” peacemaking group
Founder of “Karabakh Our Home” International civil movement

Short link — http://wp.me/pYsEi-IR

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Milana Gorenstein is running for President of Israel

1Milana Gorenstein (Queen Maria II of Jerusalem and the Nagorno-Karabakh) submitted her candidature for the post of the President of Israel.

On May 4th Ms. Gorenstein appealed to the legal Department of the Knesset to resolve all technical issues related to the participation in the elections.  According to the regulations, applicants to top state position must submit the recommendations of 10 parliamentarians (or more).  Milana Gorenstein will hold meetings with all members of the Israeli parliament for personal acquaintance and explanation of her positions on key state issues.

In case of a victory Milana Gorenstein will become the first woman to hold this position and the youngest president in the history of the State of Israel. The exact date of the election has not yet been determined, but, according to the latest information available from the organizing committee, they should take place at the end of June, 2014.

Press service of the Kingdom of Love

Shortlink — http://wp.me/pYsEi-Hh

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Open letter to Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan

sevgi_promo_en

August 31st, 2013
Jerusalem

Attn: Mr. Mazahir Panahov — Chairman of CEC of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku — Azerbaijan,
AZ 1115 1E S.S. Akhundov
Tel  994 12 5634008
Fax 994 12 5627009
chairman@cec.gov.az
http://www.cec.gov.az

Copies:

CEC of the Republic of Azerbaijan — Departments
Head of Secretariat Mr. Rovzat Gasimov
Head of Legal Department Mrs. Irade Hajiyeva
Head of International Relations Department Mr. Rashid Yusifbayli
Head of Department of media and public relations Mr. Azer Sariyev
Head of Organization Department Mr. İsmail Abbasaliev

Organizations

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Security Council,  Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (IPA CIS),  OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, U.S. Department of State, MFA of Russian Federation, MFA of the State of Israel, MFA of Georgia, European Commission against Racism and Intolerance ( ECRI), The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM – 90 countries), Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center (EMDS), Association of Non-Commercial Organizations in Defense of Voters’ Rights (GOLOS), European Platform for Democratic Elections, Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH — 178 Human Rights organizations throughout the world), Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM), Human Rights House, Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), Avocats Sans Frontières, Memorial, Spiritual Diplomacy, Minority Rights Group International (MRG), Global Witness, Human Rights Data Analysis Group, Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, Protection International (PI), International Institute of Human Rights (IIDH), International Justice Mission (IJM), International League for Human Rights (ILHR), International Service for Human Rights, International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), The Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA), Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN – 64 Human Rights organizations in 30 countries), Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), Reporters Without Borders (RWB), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Human Rights First, Freedom House, Human Rights Observers, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), Transparency International, International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Armenian Assembly of America, Front of Respect, Legal Forum for the Land of Israel, American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC),  World Jewish Congress, Euro-Asian Jewish Congress,  Veterans Union of disabled soldiers and partisans from the war against Nazism,  Association of Israeli Survivors of concentration camps and ghettos, Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors in Israel

Media

ABC News, The Australian, The Review, The Sidney Morning Herald, The Age, Austrian Press Agency, Der Standard (Vienna), Die Presse, Kleine Zeitung Graz, ORF Austrian TV & Radio, Salzburger Nachrichten, La Libre Belgique, De Finansiele Tijd, Le Sour, Le Vif-L’Express, Radio Judaica (Belgium), VRT – Vlaamse Radio & TV, Folha de S.Paulo, Globo TV Brazil, R.B.S. Zero Hora Brazil, Radio Gaucha, Record TV, CBC TV News, Gobal TV Canada, Radio Canada, The Canadian Press News Agency, The Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Central TV News, El Spectador, El Colombiano, Semana, El Tiempo, Aller Press Copenhagen, Berlingske Tidende, Danish Broadcasting, Politiken (Copenhagen), MBC TV / Alarabiya News, Aamulehti Finland, Arbetarbladet Helsinki, Demari, Etela-Suomen Sanomat, ILKKA, Kaleva, Kirkko, Kotimaa, Lapin Kansa, Osterbottens Tidning, Savon Sanomat, TV 7 Finland, YLE Finnish TV & Radio, Agence France Pesse / AFP TV, France 2 TV, La Voix de Luxembourg, La Voix du Nord, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Parisien, Le Point, Les Echos, Radio France International, Reforme, Sipa Press, Temoignage Chretien, TF1, ARD German Public Radio, ARD German TV, Badische Zeitung, Berliner Zeitung, Der Spiegel, Der Tagesspiegel, Deutche Welle, Deutchlandradio, Die Rheinpfalz, Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), Die Welt, Die Zeit, DPA, EPA, Financial Times Deutschland, Frankfurter Allegemeine, Frankfurter Rundschau, Hannoversche Allegemeine, KEP, KNA, N24 German TV, n-tv, NRZ, Rheinische Post, RUFA, Stem Magazine, Stuttgarter Zeitung, Suddeutsche Zeitung, Suedkurier, WAZ, ZDF German TV, BBC News, BBC The World, El Gazette New Media, Financial Times, ITN, HIS Jane’s Group, Reuters News, Reuters TV, Sky News, The Daily Telegraph, The Economist, The Guardian, The Independent (London), The Scotsman, The Sun (London), The Times (London), BNR News Radio, De Telegraaf, De Volkskrant, GPD Netherlands Press Association, NRC Handelsblad, NCRV, NOS Radio & TV, Reformatorisch Dagblad, RTL 4 Nederland, Trouw, ANSA Italian News Agency, Corriere Della Sera, Il Riformista, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica, Radio 24 (Milan), RAI Radio & TV, SKY TV Italy, Jiji Press, KYODO News, NHK Japanese TV, Nikkei Shimbun, NTV (Japan), The Asahi Shimbun, The Mainichi Newspapers, Yomiuri Shimbun, El Universal (Mexico), Grupo Radio Centro, Karmel Israel-Nytt, Norge IDAG, NRK Radio & TV, Al Jazeera International, Russia Today, NTV (Russia), Voice of Rusia,The Scotsman, eTV, Radio 702, Radio Jacaranda, The Independent (South Africa), Agencia EFE, Antena-3 Spain, Catalunya Radio, Onda Cero (Spain), Radio COPE, RNE, TVE Spain, Eskilstuna Kuriren, Expressen Stockholm, Falukuriren, Snabbnytt, Basler Zeitung, Berner Zeitung (Bern), Nachrichten aus Israel, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Swiss Radio International, Tachles (Zurich), Weltwoche, TRT Turk, The National (UAE), Al Sharqiya TV, ABC News, The Associated Press, APTN, Bloomberg News, CBN News, CBS News, CNN, CNS News, COLORS, Fox News, Jewish Standard, Krosney Productions, National Public Radio (USA), NBC News -TV, New York Times, Newsweek, Radio Marti, Root & Branch Information Services, SRN News, The Media Line, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Transworld News, United Press International, Variety Magazine, Los Angeles Times, CBS Radio, Voice of America, Washington Post

————————————————-

Dear Mr. Panahov!

On June 3rd, 2013 I publicly announced my will to participate in Presidential Elections. I have been a citizen of Azerbaijan since 1969, currently living in Jerusalem, Israel. My documents were sent to CEC in the middle of July by registered mail (No. RR226897285IL).  On August19th, 2013 I informed the CEC of Azerbaijan by email and by fax that I wished to start the process of registration as a candidate for Presidency. According to the Constitution of Azerbaijan the candidate cannot hold the second citizenship. I asked to notify me in writing on my new civil status before the cancellation of my second citizenship, since I applied for registration with the Passport of the USSR (1988). I resent my letter once again on August 21st, 2013 by fax with transmission verification report and then contacted CEC a few times by email and by phone, but my application was simply ignored by the CEC, therefore, my election rights were violated according to all national and international laws.

Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan states that the Central Election Commission during preparation and holding of Presidential Elections shall register presidential candidates and ensure equal conditions to all candidates for Presidency. This behavior shows that CEC of Azerbaijan interprets selectively the norms and principles of the national and international law, introducing new methods of falsifications, showing disregard for opposition and misleading the international community.

I wish to inform you, Mr. Panahov, that CEC was not the first in this line of violations. Over the past few months, the Internet has been filled with defamation materials against me, fabricated for political reasons. Overwhelmingly biased pro-government Azerbaijani media launched a massive campaign from the first day when I made the announcement related to my participation in Presidential Elections. Contrary to the Constitution of Azerbaijan those journalists, talking “on behalf of all Azerbaijani people”, attacked me on ethnic grounds for the very fact that I am willingly taking part in political life of my homeland. Blaming me for being ”Russian, Armenian, Jewish”, somehow they forgot my mixed blood relations also with Ukrainians and Americans, and non-blood “kirvya” relations with Azerbaijanis…

The Azerbaijani media published “opinions” and lies of anonymous people closely related to administration of well-known Israeli international NGO, funded by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and working under the umbrella of top rank politicians and governmental structures. My copyrighted pictures from “Breaking the Wall» Hollywood film shootings were stolen and used by those “journalists” as “illustrations”. My personal computer and email account were hacked. I received personal threats to life and security, based on ethnic grounds (my grandfather was a soldier, fallen in World War II against Nazism). The calls “to smell the Armenian blood” came from citizens of Israel, both ethnic Azeris and Jews, publicly on official website of the same Israeli NGO, and witnessed by hundreds.

Azeri regime in most cynical way has turned ideology of Nazis in a form of racial hatred and prejudice against Armenians into state propaganda. State-authorized violence, such as “warning in advance”, harassment and other attacks are widely used by Azeri government against civil society, oppositional journalists and politicians.

But this time a red line has been crossed.

The situation when Israeli NGO, backed by government officials, disseminates social pathologies such as racism and intolerance, encourages the irrational hate toward people with Armenian roots, and glorifies terrible crimes (Safarov case) on their official pages, will not be ignored. Incitement on ethnic grounds is a crime that poses a threat to national security of the State of Israel.  All above-mentioned incidents are under control of the Israel’s State Attorney’s Office and investigated by Israel Police.

The United Nations was founded in 1945 after World War II to maintain international peace and security. How could dictatorial regime of Azerbaijan with Nazi ideology of explicit racial hatred be elected a UN Security Council member?  How could dictatorial regime of Azerbaijan with Nazi ideology purchase arms for billions of dollars despite the arms embargo of OSCE?

It is much easier to commit crimes when all activities are kept secret. Ordinary people’s fear of possible “revenge” allows the hypocritical and corrupt officials to remain unnoticed.

Oil money can buy many things in this world, but honor, dignity and courage are not for sale, as they belong to the realm of Spirit.  Our grandfathers — Russians, Armenians, Jews, Azerbaijanis, Ukrainians, Americans and those of many other nations —  united once against the evil of Nazism, and they won. When in 21st century the reincarnated Nazi ideology raises its head, we say — Never Again!  “We, the peoples”, a new generation — grandsons and granddaughters of veterans — will stay united once again to confront the evil in 2013, just as our grandfathers did in 1945.

In order to make sure that violations of law will stop once and for all after the results of investigations have been made public, civil society should name the names of those responsible for the crimes, point to institutional failings that facilitated them and establish new social norms and moral standards that will both address past injustice and prevent future crimes.

Dear Mr. Panahov!  I wish to thank the CEC of Azerbaijan for what it has done for the Azerbaijani people. It tried, by not registering me as a candidate for Presidency,  to protect the dictatorial regime, but, in fact, de-legitimated it. Elections that accompanied with violations of the laws and international norms cannot be considered free, fair and democratic. This behavior is disrespectful not only to the people of Azerbaijan, but also to the standards of the OSCE, the Council of Europe and other international organizations.

Azerbaijani people deserve a happy, wealthy, peaceful and purposeful life, free of fear, violence, police brutality, impunity, corruption and limitations of civil liberties. Since 1993 they have been deprived of their right to make decisions about important things in their lives. Extensive social structural changes, reallocations of resources, strengthening of civil society, transparency and accountability of all governmental institutions will enable all citizens to enjoy their full rights. Party of Love will inevitably become a nationwide party, because the real natural resources of Azerbaijan are not oil and gas, but rather love, compassion and tolerance in Azerbaijani people’s hearts. These treasures worth more than billions – they are priceless.

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Milana Gorenstein, LL.B

International Lawyer, Journalist
Former Member of Board of Directors of Amnesty International /Israel/
HM Queen Maria II of Jerusalem and of Nagorno-Karabakh
http://www.milanas.info

Shortlink — http://wp.me/pYsEi-y9