Blackmailed workers in Armenia demand justice

A scandal surrounding the Nairit Chemical Rubber Plant in Armenia has brought Armenia’s many problems to light, particularly those concerning the human rights situation in the country.

A total of 1,700 workers from the Nairit Chemical Rubber Plant, which is no longer in operation, claim that they were threatened to sign an agreement on the payment of only a small portion of their postponed salaries.

Nairit owed its employees 5.3 billion AMD (approx. $11 million), news.am reported earlier.

Now they are keen on defending their rights and plan to sue the company.

Former spokesman for Nairit, Anush Harutyunyan confirmed that the employees were forced to sign the agreement, and that they are now ready to fight for their basic human rights. “We will go to the court and to the prosecutor’s office, not because of the financial side of the question, but because we were blackmailed and scared," the employee said.

Harutyunyan stressed that it is still necessary to consult with lawyers to figure out exactly whom it is that they must sue. Although Nairit is a private enterprise, the salaries were paid by the state, and that raises a big question.

Armenia faces its domestic problems

In Yerevan, all of Armenia’s economic woes are attributed to the “blockade” that Turkey and Azerbaijan have placed on Armenia. Today, however, even Armenia’s state-run media has turned to saying that the country’s problems are rooted in a completely different field.

Experts claim that a strong trade imbalance is slightly offset by international aid, the remittances of Armenians working abroad, and foreign direct investment. Recently, however, their volumes have begun to decline.

Armenia faces many problems day by day as the situation in the country is getting worse. It appears that the government cannot help its own citizens with the least bit of financial assistance.

Meanwhile, thousands of homeless Armenian families still live in Gyumri, a city that for 25 years has been reeling from the effects of a devastating earthquake on December 7, 1998.

The Armenian newspaper “Aikakan jamanak” says that in general, about 3,500 families or 11-12 thousand people have no homes in Gyumri and live in unthinkable conditions. For various reasons, about 3,000 families were left without shelter after the earthquake.

The question of why the Armenian government cannot gather the strength to support its own citizens is a regular topic of discussion.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, and shook the entire country on December 7 in 1988. The quake killed at least 25,000 people in the region. Thousands more suffered injuries and hundreds of thousands left homeless.

The Armenian government has tried to justify the current situation with claims that some people did not know that they need to be registered, some were late with submitting documents, others were out of the country, and the state has no obligations with respect to these people.

However, the situation shows that the government just cannot solve its own problems as a result of its unwise policies.

Currently, Armenia faces a list of serious problems that are seemingly too late to solve.

Armenia has serious problems in its foreign policy as it has illegally occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani lands. Thus, the country is closed off to its neighbors Azerbaijan and Turkey , meaning a total blocking of important mutually beneficial projects. Armenia was forced to spend a great amount of its much needed money on its military budget and the only one to blame for its woes is the Armenian government, as Azerbaijan repeatedly demanded that the Armenians free its territory and end the war.

Among the internal causes for its financial problems, there are insufficient funding to curb inflation, a reduction in arable land that, tax system inefficiencies, a strong underground economy and black market, corruption, and monopolization.

The geographical isolation of Armenia, having a narrow export base and widespread monopolies in important business sectors, has made Armenia's economy particularly vulnerable to the global economic recession and downturn.

Sheki to hear sounds of percussion instruments

Azerbaijan’s the most picturesque region, Sheki, will host the “Nagara 2015” International Percussion Instruments Festival on August 22-26.

The festival will be co-organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Sheki City Executive Power, and “Almus Production” company.

Musicians from Turkey, Iran and Uzbekistan will show their skills alongside national ones.

The opening ceremony is expected to take place on August 22 at the Sheki Green Theatre.

Uzbek representatives Abbos Kasimov and “Abbos” group will perform on August 23. The Iranian “Lian” group will delight guests with their pleasant music on August 24.

A concert by Turkish representative Suat Borazan and the “Istanbul Harem” group is scheduled for August 25.

The closing ceremony will see an amazing performance by the famous Azerbaijani “Natiq ritm” and “Nagara 2015” groups on August 26.

In addition, during the festival Natig Shirinov, Abbos Kasimov, “Lian” group, and Suat Borazan will give master classes in music at the Karvansaray hotel.

The roots of percussion instruments in Azerbaijan go back far to the era of primitive society.

“Gaval dash” (tambourine-stone), located in one of the oldest places of human habitation, Gobustan, is a sample of ancient people’s instruments. When hitting striking the stone with your hand or an object, it emits a sound reminiscent of a drum tone.

The nagara is a folk drum that is played with the bare hands. It is one of the most popular percussion instruments of the Azerbaijani folk music.

This instrument is described in the Early Middle Age Azerbaijani literary epic, "Kitabi Dada Gorgud.”

The rhythmic beat of the nagara is believed to strengthen the heart.

According to the rich scientific and musical heritage of this instrument in Azerbaijan, it seems that not only did inhabitants listen to music for enjoyment and entertainment, but they perceived music as a potent force in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Protect yourself from snakebites, scorpion stings

Summer is a great season for outdoor activities like picnics and camping. However, one should always be careful, because exploring and enjoying nature can lead you to stumble into unexpected trouble, such as a chance encounter with a snake or scorpion.

Moreover, the hot summer season is a time when some animals and insects become more active.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations also warns people to be careful while visiting places rich with fauna and flora.

The Transcaucasian viper, steppe viper, copperhead snake, and Asia Minor viper [which is listed in the Red Book of rare Azerbaijani animals and insects], are among the most poisonous snakes that live in the country.

As of July 9, some 34 snakebite cases and four cases of scorpion stings were reported in the country. Most cases of snakebites fall to the country’s capital, Baku, and surrounding settlements.

How to protect yourself from snake and scorpions?

The ministry has revealed some safety measures on how to protect yourself from snakebites and scorpion stings.

While going into forests wear trousers and long rubber or leather boots. Snakes cannot bite through these materials.

Stay away from fallen trees and areas of high grass. Carefully examine rocks before sitting on them.

If you are planning to put up a tent in the forest, then light a fire. Snakes tend to avoid fire and noise.

Upon seeing a snake in front of you do not run or make sudden movements. Without turning your back to it, slowly step a back. If you do not bother them, they will not hurt you.

Know how to distinguish poisonous snakes from non-toxic ones. Dangerous snakes usually tend to be shiny and colorful.

If you are resting in the outdoors, shake your bed sheet, clothes, and boots often to avoid any scorpions that might be lingering near you.

Scorpions often hide under the surface of sand, which is why you should not walk barefoot in sand.

First aid for snakebites or scorpion sting

Try to keep the snakebite victim still, as movement helps the venom spread through the body. Wash the wound with water.

Take a broad bandage and bind along the limb starting at the bite area.

Do not suck the poison out with your mouth and do not apply a tourniquet to a snakebite.

Keep the victim warm, calm, and at rest, and transport him or her immediately to medical care. Do not allow him to eat or drink anything.

In case of emergency, call 112.

Project on cancer research continues successfully

The pilot project ”The first steps in cancer studies” is a start-up company support for young doctors of Azerbaijan who work in the field of cancer studies.

The project is a product of the cooperation of „Vereinigung Aserbaidschanischer Mediziner in Deutschland e.V.“ and “ASN - Azerbaijan Student Network”. Furthermore, within the program, various academic cooperation projects have been established with research centers both in Azerbaijan and in Germany.

Participants of this program have the opportunity to acquire within six months practical knowledge about the desired research topic and to run the appropriate academic tests as well as to prepare their research plan with the help of experienced professionals.

All required conditions for the implementation of the laboratory research will be delivered. This program focuses especially on doctors who work in Azerbaijan and have no access to state of the art research. Furthermore, this program will also support doctors from Azerbaijan who have been working in Germany, when they involve other colleagues from Azerbaijan into their research or establish a cooperation project with Azerbaijan research centers.

Currently, research concentrates on the role of cancer stem cells in chemoresistance. Moreover, one of the project goals is to examine the therapeutic effectivity of the gemcitabine charged nanoparticle on the experimental model of pancreas cancer.

In the context of this project, two agreements with the University Medical Centre of Mannheim and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences have been concluded.

Therefore, we have created an opportunity for four young doctoral candidates from Azerbaijan (Mr. Valeh Rustamov, Mr. Hikmat Habibov, Mrs. Yegana Hajiyeva and Mr. Ughur Aghamaliyev), who currently conduct a research work. In April, 2015 we met 3 new young Azerbaijani doctors in Mannheim, Germany. They also will be supported by our organization to carry out their researches in Germany. One of them, Emilya Baxshiyeva already embarked on her academic project in Germany, in June. July 2015 also marked a remarkable success for our team. Ughur Aghamaliyev, a PhD Candidate published an academic article titled “Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Stem Cells” in “Pancreatic Disorder and Therapy” journal.

The organizers have made the following video about the students who have been already acting within the framework of this program in order to attract more young people to scientific career and to stir up interest amongst the young doctors in this project: https://youtu.be/ibzMjT_TCmY

Tuberculosis cases declining in Azerbaijan

Tuberculosis is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide from a single infectious agent, according to the World Health Organization.

It is one of the most common infectious diseases, causing significant damage to the economy due to high levels of temporary and permanent patient disability, and mortality.

Fortunately, Azerbaijan has had progress in the fight against disease. Statistic show that the number of tuberculosis infections in the country has declined compared to previous years. The number of total registered TB cases was 9,757 in 2014, while the figure was at 14,274 people in 2000.

The Azerbaijani government provides special attention to people who are suffering from tuberculosis and makes every effort to treat them.

The law “On Combating Tuberculosis” was adopted in Azerbaijan in 2000. Moreover, the Cabinet of Ministers has also approved measures to combat the disease for the 2011-2015 period.

Currently, there are three hospitals in the country focusing on treating patients with TB operating under the Health Ministry.

The treatment of tuberculosis patients is being carried out at the state’s expense, regardless of the stage of the disease.

Azerbaijan’s Scientific Research Institute of Lung Diseases fulfills all the requirements and recommendations of the WHO.

Last year, 4,384 people including 3,164 men and 1,220 women, were diagnosed the TB for the first time, down from 5,113 people in 2000.

The disease does not spare children either. The statistics shows that 147 of the patients – 95 boys and 52 girls – are children under 13 years-old.

In total, 198 people aged 65 or more (133 men and 65 women) are carriers of the disease.

Azerbaijan started to combat tuberculosis in 1995, while implementing a strategy in the country’s prisons, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

“We’ve made sustained efforts to actively detect TB in prisons for more than a decade now,” says Dr Rafail Mehdiyev, Head of the Main Medical Department of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Justice. “We set up a specialized TB hospital for detainees, with infection control measures and a new laboratory that uses all the diagnostic techniques recommended by WHO, including molecular-genetic testing.”

Tuberculosis is spread from person to person through the air. Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.

Nine million people fell ill with TB and 1.5 million died from the disease in 2013.

More than 95 percent of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and the disease is one of the top three causes of death for women aged between 15 to 44 years.

Statistics show that the number of people infected with tuberculosis is declining each year, though very slowly. Between 1990 and 2013 the death rate decreased by 45 percent.

Expert: Azerbaijan's GDP growth to be higher than WB forecast

Data provided by the World Bank regarding Azerbaijan's GDP growth forecasts for the coming years, have been grossly underestimated, Fuad Alizade believes.

The economist told local media that Azerbaijan's economy will increase at a higher rate, and GDP growth in the coming years will stand at least at 4-5 percent.

Alizade was commenting on the WB's recently endorsed 2016-2020 Country Partnership Framework for Azerbaijan, which was adopted by the WB Group’s Board of Executive Directors.

According to the 118-page document, real GDP growth for the country is estimated at 1.5 percent for 2015, 2.6 percent in 2016, and 2.7 percent in 2017. World Bank experts forecast the decline in oil GDP to be at 1.5 percent in 2015, 1 percent in 2016 and 1 percent in 2017. After a sustainable annual growth rate of 9 percent, the non-oil GDP will decrease by 3.6 percent in 2015, and 3.8 percent in 2016, and reach 3.9 percent by 2017.

Azerbaijan's GDP per capita will fall from $7,938 in 2014 to $5,447 in 2015, and then rise again to $5,778 in 2016 and to $6,094 in 2017. Inflation in 2015 will be in the double digits at 10 percent, 4.6 percent in 2016, and 3.5 percent in 2017.

The nominal GDP will decrease from 58.9 billion manats ($56.1 billion) in 2014 to 52.6 billion manats ($50.1 billion) in 2015. This trend will continue in 2016 and 2017 as well. Nominal GDP growth will amount to 56.5 billion manats ($53.8 billion) in 2016 and 60.4 billion manats ($57.5 billion) in 2017.

Alizade said that favorable conditions will be created thanks to the development of the non-oil sector of the Azerbaijani economy.

"I do not agree with the opinion that the non-oil sector is in a depressive state, and the country's economy is maintained only by oil exports. Today, the Azerbaijani government is seeking to introduce modern methods to develop the non-oil sector. As of today industrial parks, breeding facilities are operating in Azerbaijan, construction of the international transportation hub is underway in full swing, steps are being taken to promote tourism, and, of course, the agrarian sector does not remain on the sidelines of this process," he noted.

The expert believes that the price of oil will rise to $70 per barrel, and it will make significant changes to the GDP indicators. If in previous years Azerbaijan's economy developed in spurts, now the process is more restrained.

"It is wrong to hope for upswings in the non-oil sector. This direction will develop slowly but surely," the expert concluded.

The world’s financial institutions forecast Azerbaijan's economic growth at various levels. The International Monetary Fund expects a 0.6 percent economic growth in the country for 2015. The Asian Development Bank expects that the GDP growth in Azerbaijan will be equal to 3 percent in 2015. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) kept the forecast of economic growth in Azerbaijan in 2015-2016 at 1.5 percent.

Economists believe that the main factors that can affect the dynamics of GDP are oil prices, global competitiveness of the national currency, and funds allocated from the state budget for investment.

Energy-rich Azerbaijan does not concern itself over declining oil prices, now hovering around $50 per barrel. The government has been taking measures to decrease dependence on petrodollars received from oil and gas exports for quite some time.

The government is also paying special attention to diversification, as a result of which Azerbaijan’s non-oil economic sectors have grown by 10 to 15 percent over the last two to three years. Relevant programs were adopted at the state level on the development of the non-oil sector, which covers mainly agriculture, industry, and IT sectors.

2014 was declared the Year of Industry and a number of measures associated with its development were taken. It is expected that this will give significant impetus for the economic diversification and development of the non-oil sector.

2015 was declared the Year of Agriculture in Azerbaijan, which is expected to give new wind to the development and modernization of agriculture, ensuring a complex and systematic approach to the settlement of problems in the agrarian field, involving the government's administrative and financial resources in this sector, and promoting the country's agrarian potential.

Azerbaijan plans to export products worth $26.8 billion in 2015, some $2.7 billion of which will be goods in the non-oil sector. The Azerbaijani government predicts the share of non-oil sector in Azerbaijan's GDP to be at 65.1 percent for 2015, which is 5.5 percent higher than the forecasts for 2014 and 8.5 percent higher than in 2013.