Baku Azerbaijan Hotel
Europe and Eurasia
We have witnessed some improvements in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in many European and some Eurasian countries, though serious problems remain in others. Across the region, even in countries where non-governmental and political-opposition groups have been the targets of government repression, civil society continues to develop. In Europe, progress has been made on regional conflicts and refugee/internally displaced persons (IDP) returns. The international community, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the United Nations, has played a major role in achieving these results. However, the conflict in Chechnya and associated violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue, with little meaningful accountability. Pro ... [Read More]
2002
1111--10/17/02 Baku Conference on the Role of Religion and Belief in a Democratic Society; Douglas Davidson, Deputy Chief of U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; Statement delivered to the OSCE Permanent Council; Vienna, Austria ... 1111--10/03/02 Remarks to the U.S.-Russia Business Council; Secretary Colin L. Powell; Willard Inter-Continental Hotel; Washington, DC ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Dining Out. There are a variety of restaurants in Tbilisi offering American, Italian, German, French, Chinese, Mexican, Thai and, of course, Georgian food. The Sheraton ‘Metekhi Palace’ Hotel has a cafe, restaurant, piano bar, and discotheque. The Marriott Hotel has a restaurant, Viennese café and wine bar. Nightclub entertainment is limited but improving. Most Embassy personnel find Georgians warm and hospitable people with whom they develop quick friendships; informal gatherings at the homes of Georgians and members of the international communities are frequent. ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
Prostitution is a serious problem, particularly in Baku. The legal age of consent is 16. According to the criminal code, prostitution is not a crime, but a personal matter, and prostitutes cannot be criminally charged. However, pimps and brothel-owners are liable to criminal laws. In February the mayor of Baku ordered all restaurants and discotheques, except those in foreign hotels, shut down at midnight (see Section 1.f.), a move that observers believed was aimed partly prostitution rings in the city. Pornography is prohibited. ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
The law prohibits foreigners from proselytizing, and the Government enforced this provision. In April Baku police arrested Nina Koptseva, a Russian citizen and member of the evangelical Christian Greater Grace Church, along with two others on a busy Baku street. Koptseva was charged with propagating Christianity and deported to Russia; she and the church deny the charge. The Jehovah's Witnesses have had difficulties in holding large meetings in Baku. In September they planned a convention for 500 people, and obtained official permission. Circumstances required them to change their venue; as a result, they received a letter from the SCWRA saying that they had broken the law by changing their plans without notifying SCWRA and by allowing unaccompanied minors to attend. ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
During the year, a total of three POWs were released, one from Azerbaijan and two from Armenia.The law prohibits forced exile, and the Government did not employ it. e. Denial of a Fair and Public Trial The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary; however, in practice, judges did not function independently of the executive branch, and the judiciary was widely believed to be corrupt and inefficient. Judges preside over and direct trials. The President appoints Supreme and Constitutional Court judges, whom Parliament confirms. The President appoints lower-level judges without confirmation. Qualifying exams for judges were administered periodically as part of a judicial reform effort; however, credible allegations persisted that judgeships were bought and sold. Low salaries for judges and lawyers increased the incentives for bribe taking and ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Several Western airlines operate services to and from Baku, though these services change frequently, and current schedules should be checked before making travel plans. Lufthansa: Frankfurt-Baku-Frankfurt — three times a week. British Mediterranean: London (Heathrow)-Baku-London(Heathrow) — six times a week. Turkish Airlines: Istanbul-Baku-Istanbul — five times a week. ... The cultural richness and natural beauty of Azerbaijan are not limited to Baku. Weekend excursions provide an interesting get-away from the Baku city life. Quba, Gandja, and Lenkoran are cities that represent three distinct regions of Azerbaijan. Quba is situated 2½ hours north of Baku. It is a wooded, hilly area with pleasant scenery and wildlife. The city of Gandja (Kirovobad in Soviet times) is about 500 kilometers west of Baku. Many Azerbaijanis maintain summer homes in the mountains south of Gandja. The city of Lenkoran lies near the Iranian border on the coast of the Caspian Sea. It and the area around it are filled with cypress trees, vineyards, orange groves and tea plantations. Other popular weekend excursions include the villages of Lahich and Sheki in northern Azerbaijan. EntertainmentLast Updated: 11/25/2003 3:17 PM ... [Read More]
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