To participate in the selection process it is necessary to send the Application Form, supported by all the documents , by the 28^th February 2011.

Among the guests of the conference dedicated to the 92th anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, there was a professor of Ankara Bilkent University Dr. Hakan Kirimli, political scientist Dr. Zardusht Alizade,  Dr. Kamran Ismayilov from the National Academy of Sciences and local expert Dr. Habibullah Manafly from Ganja, as well as local intellectuals, civil society activists, students and journalists.

Turkish professor Dr. Hakan Kirimly shared some insights about his country’s experience on the protection of rights of the national minorities.

The conference was held with support of National Endowment for Democracy and German Marshal Fund of the United States.

Leyla Alieyva, Head of the Center for National and International Studies delivered the opening address at the conference and stated that the main purpose of this conference is to inform on establishment and development of local autonomous bodies in Azerbaijan and Turkey and to share the experience gained by Turkey in this direction. “Just 100 years ago all positions were not appointed, but were rather elected.” – Leyla Aliyeva stated.

Kamran Ismayilov, scientist-historian speaking about the history of the local autonomous bodies emphasized that “in 1918 the self-government traditions were renewed by establishment of the Azerbaijan People’s Republic and it progressively developed.”

Speaking about the formation of the autonomous bodies in Turkey Turker Tashansu stated that “Turkey lags behind Azerbaijan from the standpoint of historical development of local autonomous bodies. When the legislation on self-government was adopted in the Azerbaijan People’s Republic, Turkey was under occupation.” 

The Turkey scientist emphasized that: “The main duty of the self-government system is to form political elite in the country. In other words, the autonomous body is a political school. Today, 9/10 politicians in Turkey are from the autonomous bodies.” 

Speaking on the self-government development in Ismayilli region Sarkar Mardanov stated that “The municipalities almost do not have any power. The same work is done both by municipalities and executive authorities. There are also financial problems.  Income of the municipality of Ismayilli region for 2009 was totally 31 thousand manats, and only 6 thousand manats were spent for the population needs, the rest was spent for taxes and administrative fees.”

Expert Abil Bayramov spoke about the development and problems of the self-government of the present period. “Upon accession to the European Charter by Azerbaijan in relation to local self-government, a number of works have been carried out in this direction.  Though we positively evaluate the merging of municipalities, there are still some problems in this field. The problems such as specification of the municipalities’ power and expansion of financial opportunities should be stated among them.”

Closing the conference Leyla Aliyeva stated that the municipalities should be provided with liberty of action to fulfill effectively their obligations. “By providing the people with more resources and authority, the state ensures its own power.” – Leyla Aliyeva finished her speech.

Valeh Salehov, representative of Executive Power of Ismayilli region and Vusal Majidov, Chairman of Ismayilli Municipality took part in the event.

The conference was held with the support of National  Endowment for Democracy and German Marshall Fund.

Rondine Citadella della Pace after the success of last year Caucasus Conference for Peace

The students selected will have the opportunity to be hosted (all the costs will be covered by the association), approximately for 1/3 years, at the International Hall of Residence of Rondine, (Arezzo, Tuscany) and to attend BA (3 years) or MA (1 year) at Italian Universities.

The deadline is 10^th April 2010.

For more information and to apply please contact Ms Leila Aliyeva at leilalibek@yahoo.com