1989
- 8/26/1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. R.L. announces PFA�s declaration. The rapid growth of PFA has frightened the authorities. Authorities try to create an atmosphere of chaos to frighten people in Azerbaijan. They want to discredit PFA. The evil forces have called people for demonstrations using PFA�s name, hence trying to create chaos on the streets. Hereby, PFA would like to distance itself from these demonstrations. PFA has tried to stop these forces and have cooperated with the officials in identifying them. PFA believes in peaceful resolution of societal ills and respects law and order.
2. Etibar Mamedov calls to distance PFA from confrontation. Etibar Mamedov calls to distance PFA from confrontation and urges the Central Gov. to increase the number of forces in certain regions to counterattack the efforts of certain forces. PFA�s appeal is read both in Azeri and Russian. It states that trouble-seekers are planning pogroms in Armenian residential district of Nesimi.The aim is to blame PFA and discredit it.- 8/26/1989 [+] Disagreement is taking place within the Central Committee of PFA.
States that 10 of the 15 members in the C. Committee are there for personal interests. They will be eliminated from the committee and the PFA will continue with its work. Complains that a few young and inexperienced individuals are leading PFA. States that the PFA�s Central Committee is divided on the issue of a strike. PFA�s charter is read in Russian.
- 11/2/1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar
1. Sabir and Nureddin, publishers of a new newspaper report. The paper is devoted to the issues of Mountainous Karabaq and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. Karabaq�s first such a paper published in Azeri. They deny the report of Financial Times that Azeris of Shusha interrupted Stepanakert�s TV broadcasting. Sabir works with PFA and is a member of Publisher�s Committee. They state that PFA needs more experience. They welcome the idea of having people with diverse views in the organization. Sabir criticizes R.L.�s negative broadcast of Veten Society. He sees the activities of Veten as a positive step towards cooperation among all Azeris in the world.
2. Mehdi reports. New branches and committees of PFA are being formed. PFA will be holding its meeting.- 11/2/1989 [+] Mehdi Mamedov reports.
Elchin Genjeliyev, an activist passed away in prison on 22nd of the month. Jalilabad villagers changed the name of their village to Shahriar. Reads the resolution of a 4, 000 men is rally in a region complaining about the willful acts of the gov. officials interrupting people�s life in every Kolkhoz and Salkhoz. The villagers mention that 30 to 40 people have died under interrogations. The officials have mismanaged people�s properties and embezzled cotton incomes since 80�s. They demanded for the immediate release of those being arrested. Mehdi announces the publication of a new newspaper called ""Azerbaijan"" Reports about people waiting for their trials and being terrified about it.
- 11/28/1989 [+] Talks about Siyamak and asks that his interview be broadcasted again.
Talks about his own court case and its postponement until October. Talks in details about Siyamak, an Azeri activist from Iran, and his arrest by KGB. Siyamek�s court was held on Az. border of the city of Jelilabad to deter people from attending it. People came from region of and interrupted the court session.
- 11/28/1989 [+] Habib calls from Baku.
He demands that Kirov�s name and statue be removed from Azerbaijani buildings and Koroglu monuments be erected in its places. Asked people to be more cautious and rally behind the PFA.
- 1989 [+] A caller reads an appeal from the Central committee of PFA.
The PFA announces its readiness to defend the flag and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. Evil forces are creating chaos in the country and want to hold PFA responsible for it. The PFA urges its members to be alert not to cause any act of violence.
- 1989 [+] Samir reads a statement.
States that Soviet system turned Azerbaijan into a prison. Many ethnic groups live in Azerbaijan. Perestroika has ushered in new developments and hope for democratization. Armenians are taking advantage of this openness and claim Karabaq being theirs. He states that Karabaq is an integral part of Azerbaijan.
- 1989 [+] Yaqub Zorofchi, famous Soviet Azeri singer, gives a brief bio about himself.
He began singing in Tabriz in 1966 and left Iran in 1984. Helped to establish Azeri cultural societies in Hamburg and other cities in Germany. He expresses his sympathy for the Yerevan and Karabaq refugees and pledges to help fund-raise for them.
- 1989 [+] Mehdi Mamedov reports from Baku.
Announces that the PFA denies calling for tomorrow�s rally. PFA believes this is a trick to bring the people to the streets and create chaos and blame PFA for public disorder. Reports that peoples� candidates in Yevlax, Berde and have been intimidated by the forces and were forced to take back their candidacies. Mehdi discusses Gamsakhurdia�s arrest in Tibilisi and believes that Soviet leadership.
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar
1. Interview with Abdulmanaf Khalilov, rector of the Azerbaijan State University. "States about Armenian nationalists are armed and Moscow does nothing about it. Accuses Armenia of assisting the extremists in their military campaigns. Gorbachev is criticized for sending troops to Azerbaijan. He discusses how the Baku invasion was planned ahead of time. Blames Armenian extremists and Soviet leaders as main actors who have brought misery upon the people of Azerbaijan "
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. Notes about PFA�s participation at the Special Meeting Shusha. People gave reports about how Armenians attacked them and committed crimes. At Lachin�s meeting, Nejef talked about growing number of refugees fleeing for their lives from Yerevan who are in desperate situation. Demands that the Soviet leaders recognize Karabaq as part of Azerbaijan. If the Karabaq sovereignty is violated, people will leave the Union. States how Server was mistaken for his brother Ilgar and was beaten up by the soldiers and ended up in the hospital.
2. Rehber reports. Wishes a happy Nowruz and asks Elchin, an important Azeri public figures, to use his influence to defend Karabaq and Azerbaijan. States that 26 Dashnaks, armed with bombs and explosives were arrested in Lachin.- 1989 [+] Reports about meeting with Vorovsky and Ayaz Mutellibov at a special session.
He states that Vorovsky is pro-Armenian and give reasons why. Talks about the poor conditions in Karabaq and how miserable people are in Stepanakert. States that the Armenians have destroyed many properties and graveyards. Mentioned that many gov. officials visited the region and talked with people. He believes that the officials were interested in improving the economical conditions but not the actual political situations there. Accused the members of Special Committee attending the meeting while intoxicated. Criticized Azerbaijan officials for not publicizing the situations in the border areas and Karabaq.
- 1989 [+] A caller phones about the existence of an almost marshal law atmosphere in entire Az.
The situation has deteriorated in Azerbaijan specialy in Baku since Nov. and Dec. 1988. The public ridicules the government.�s accusations of Nemet Penahli to be a murderer and demands his immediate release. Talks about how Nemet was elected as his factory�s true SSR representative.
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. Mehdi plays back a recording of PFA�s appeal. In its June declaration PFA appealed to people of Azerbaijan to form defense committees. The reason for this appeal was to combat: Armenians� plan of creating "Greater Armenian Homeland." Moscow�s behind the door plans. The submission of Azerbaijan Gov. to the demands of Moscow.
2. Abbas reports about the Borchali region in Georgia. Georgian extremists with the support of Armenians have created a poor situation. Appealed to PFA as the only authority to come to their help. He states that a face to face meeting with Armenians is impossible at this point. Time is needed to heal the wounds. Urges Russia to stay out of this conflict. Reports that the meetings between Azeri PFA and Georgian PFA were fruitful. The same would be useful with Armenians. States that the world should know about the good nature of the Azeri people. 3. Interview with Ezize Khanim (covered in tape #28 117 196 210 217).- 1989 [+] A caller calls about issues.
"The Soviet press has discredited Azeris. The situation is bad in Karabaq. University students met with military officers upon their returns from the front. Vorovsky and his cliques are the actual troublemakers in this conflict. Vorovsky is anti-Turk and must be recalled from Moscow. Urges the people of Baku to remain calm. "
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar and others.
1. Khaled Pashaoglu reports about his trip to Georgian regions inhabited by Azeris. Compares Azeris� conditions in Georgia to be like those in Armenia. They are under economic blockades. Residents were attacked by Georgians dressed in militia clothes. Hospitals refused to accept Azeri wounded and a new born baby and his mother were forced to leave the hospital. Georgian extremists and members of Peoples Front of Georgia were the culprit.
2. Dashqin reports about the Shamian regions in Karabaq. The situation is miserable. There are massive arrests and prisoners, conditions are bad. Asked R.L. to expose the atrocities of the Soviet police to the world.
3. Report about the Armenian atrocities in Karabaq. Russian policy is to play ethnic groups against each other. Sumgayit is a real environmental disaster. Statistics concerning miscarriages among pregnant women is 50% in Sumgayit.
4. Sevda,a journalist, suggests 3 things for solving Azerbaijan�s problems. a) Defending Karabaq, b) the unification of two Azerbaijan�s, c) creating ecological organizationa to solve the ecological disaster in Az. Praised PFA� work in Sumgayit and suggested the ecological organization remaining within PFA.- 1989 [+] Rehber reports.
He talked with the people of Khojaly who had a meeting with the members of the Special Committee sent from Moscow and Baku. 5,000 armed Armenians came to Kerkijahan region and asked Azeris to leave their villages. In the fight many people got injured. Vorovsky summoned only the Azeri side to the court. Vorovsky�s armed units do nothing to disarm the Armenians. Criticizes General Konstantin�s article in Communist media as false accusation. General Pavkolnik, Moscow�s envoy, was sent to calm the situation before elections. Armenians in Mountainous Karabaq are on strike.� Kerkijahan village has been destroyed and the graveyards have been desecrated. Karabaq is under the control of military junta.
- 1989 [+] Interview with Khalil Rza, famous Azeri author, prof. of literature.
His new book titled Veten �Homeland� is not released. He states that Vezirov halted the publication of his book for being dangerous. He reads a few lines from two of his poems titled "Be Armed!" He scolds the Azeri officials for selling out Azerbaijan�s interest and serving their Russian masters. He considers the Nov. Dec. 1988 movements to be the hallmark of the new national movement.
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. Rehber calls from Karabaq. Talks about how the situation is bad in there. Criticizes Armenian Soviet officials for creating a tense situation for Azeris and Armenians in Khankendi and for inciting fights among both groups. Reports that Azeris who wanted to attend the party congress meeting have been murdered. He states that the famous slogan of �divide and rule� is Russia�s aim in this region. Azeris from other areas such as Shusha have been helping those who are badly in needs.
2. Mehdi calls from Baku. He plays back a recording saying from a rally saying: "Karabaq is ours and no resolution can take it way from Azerbaijan." 3. Zemine Khanim calls from Baku. Complains that the democratization process is moving slow. Imprisonment of innocent people and lack of a gov. based on strong democratic practices are noticeable. She states that individuals fired from their jobs by officials cannot find any jobs. Reports that government courts act willfully and decide on prison terms without any juristiction.- 1989 [+] Reporting by various journalists.
1. A caller exposes corrupt officials who intimidate those who speak up about corruption. Ismail Jabbarov is on hunger strike. Workers are on strike in his support. Ismail�s demands are: a) Free Siyamek, b) punish the officers who took away Siyamek�s documents.
2. Mehdi Mamedov reports. He complains about the authorities� autocratic and barbaric actions. Talks about lawless society and hot it resembles the situation to 1937�s massive arrests. An eyewitness describes how the militia violently attacked and beat up Karabaq and Yerevan Azeri refugees and forced them into a bus and took them away. Soldiers arrest whoever they suspect might go to a meeting or rally.
3. Elchibey talks about Vaqif�s court case �criminal� code # 67. He is charged with "provoking disorder." He is accused of suggesting that Armenians in Azerbaijan can live in homes of Azeris who left Armenia and Azeri refugees can settle down in Armenian homes in Azerbaijan. Elchibey states that Vaqif is framed by his enemies. He talks about the new waves of Azeri refugees arriving in Baku and being cared for by their relatives.- 1989 [+] Reporting by various journalists.
1. Describes how his cousin and he were arrested and kept in jail for 8 days for no reason. He ridicules the "Oppenness" policy of Gorbachev for being fake and doing nothing to curtail the injustice and autocratic actions of the officials. The cousin describes how at a rally the demonstrators were brutally beaten up and mistreated in jail Soviet.
2. Live broadcast from a Kalkhoz. A speaker addresses a gathering in his Kalkhoz, complaining how after 40 years of work he does not have housing for his large family and his 19 year old sick son. Talks about Kalkhoz officials being corrupt and demands for their dismissal. People talk about the director of their Kalkhoz who had embezzled cooperative�s funds. A woman talks about officials� willfull arrest of his brother who has been imprisoned for 6 months, leaving his five children without supervision. The official in charge agrees to meet with the workers and discuss their demands, including releasing those who have been arrested.- 1989 [+] On the 18 of the month, representatives of regional branches of PFA met and discussed their situation.
"The representatives spoke of being harassed by the gov. forces and talked about their activities. They state that these meetings will lead to a future congress of the PFA. People have embraced the arrival of Meskheti Turks from Central Asia. Etibar says Azeris are afraid of becoming a target of anti-Turk sentiment in Central Asia. Detail report about the anti-Meskhati pogroms in Uzbekistan. "
- 1989 [+] Yusuf Asadov reports.
Talks about his interview with the English Daily Telegram correspondent. Gives his opinion about the PFA. Shares his view why we should be referred to as Turkic not Azeri. At this juncture he says calling ourselves Azerbaijani is politically correct. Talks about the situation being complex in Borchali region of Georgia for Azeris. The idea of joining forces made him become a member of the PFA. He believes that Azeris do not understand their legal rights and this is why they are suffering. He attributed the democratic atmosphere to Gorbachev but points out that perestroika does not function well. The reason is that law is not upheld above all. He considers Gorbachev�s last statement about the national movement to be unclear. He views Gorbachev�s stance can be good or bad for Azeri interests.
- 1989 [+] Reports on the fights and skirmishes on the borders of Az. & Armenia.
Skirmishes on Azeri populations by Armenians and soldiers. Continuation of strike in Stepanakert. A Special Emergency Session would be held today. Meeting of the Supreme Soviet Ministers convened today about Karabaq. Veremya TV program states that the Committee won�t release its findings. The Committee hopes to find a compromise for this dilemma. Rehber criticizes the Soviet media for spreading negative propaganda against Azeris. Two special Soviet envoys form Moscow, Geiderov and Vorovsky, members of the Special Committee, criticized the leaders of ASSR and the Soviet system for handling the situation poorly.
- 1989 [+] Feramerz reports about Siyamek�s case pending in the court (13 m).
Siyamek is charged with criminal action according to the Code # 76 of the Soviet Judicial Law, #76. He is accused of crossing over the Soviet border from Iran in 1986. Siamak an Azeri from Iran, born in Maraqa in 1964, fled to the Soveit Union and received political asylum. Because of his 1988 political involvement in the independence movement of Az. The authorities are trying to frame him for criminal actions. He is also charged with hooliganism. The police arrested him and sent him over to Iran against his will violating the International Agreement on political asylum seekers. Siyamek managed to return to Soviet Union and now is sitting in prison waiting for his case.
- 1989 [+] Report of a rally at the Freedom Square.
"The speaker mentions that PFA is formed and people�s dream has come true. He warns the Soviet leaders to accept the demands of the Azeri people led by PFA. Talks about forming branches at work places throughout the Republic."
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. A resolution adopted by the workers of Baku is read. It criticizes the Soviet gov. for siding with Armenians over the issue of Karabaq. It condemns Moscow for interfering with the internal affairs of Azerbaijan. It demands the sovereignty of Karabaq within Azerbaijan; the release of the arrested people in connection with Karabaq; recognizing PFA as the sole representative of the Azeri people.
2. Interview with Mehdi. Talks about the situation in Lankaran. Talks about PFA�s sympathizers being removed from their jobs. Complains that irresponsible and incapable gov. officials work in certain offices. The complaints of the people of have remained unanswered.
3. Prayers at a gathering. A religious speech about the Hajj ceremony aired from Mecca. The mulla is a Turk.- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. Vahabzade recites four of his poems about hope, motherland, and freedom.
2. Inqilab reports about yesterday�s rally. Many members of PFA spoke at the meeting. Gov. officials such as Orujuv also spoke. The meeting crafted the following resolution:a) Strike will continue b) On Wednesday a rally will be held in Baku and the entire Republic.
3. Report on Turkish minority immigrants from Bulgaria. Turkish Gov. plans to help the immigrants to integrate in society. It has set up special schools for immigrant children to master the Turkish language before entering the public schools.
4. Ibrahim Abbasov calls from Moscow. Demands for the release of Nemet Penahli whose imprisonment violates Soviet constitutional law.- 1989 [+] Yusif Samadov, member of the Central Committee of PFA reports.
A 100,000 men rally was held in an organized fashion in Baku today. The rally put an end to the slandering campaign against PFA. He Criticizes the evil forces for branding PFA to be national chauvinist and advocating hatred against ethnic groups. While he criticizes Armenians pride of having monoethnic state, he emphasizes Azeris pride in having a multi-ethnic state.
- 1989 [+] Mehdi Mamedov talks about characteristics of meeting held today.
1. He states that people do not trust Azeri officials. In his opinion the Az. Communist Party is not capable of solving the Karabaq issue because the Party follows Moscow�s orders. Az. Communist Party is afraid the PFA will take over power. He states that the today�s meeting was special for two reasons: a) the public came to the meeting with serious questions in mind; b) it was a true national and international meeting. Participants were Russians, Jews, Meskhati Turks and Talish people.They all supported the weeklong strike proposal by PFA. They came to show their sympathy with those who lost their homes in Karabaq.
2. A caller sates that today we are witnessing the growth of democracy in Azerbaijan. "Democracy is the only way to achieve our genuine rights," the caller maintians.
3. Rehber reports about the situation in Khojali. A group of Armenians, released from hospitals, attacked 500 villagers in Khojali with the weapons that they stole from Russian soldiers. Complains about the fate of two people spending two years in prison for defending the motherland against Armenian Dashnaks. Khojaly is in a bad situation. No one from Agdam and other nearby villages or cities is allowed to come to Shusha. He believes as long as officials like Vezirov are in power nothing will change.- 1989 [+] Someone reports about the situation in Shusha and Khojali.
People met with Russian generals asking for protection. They complained about why Dashnaks are allowed to dress in soldiers clothes and attack villagers with Klashinkov machineguns? States that soldiers attacked Khojali at 10 am. Four people died, few were wounded and three arrested and taken away. Accuses Russia to be the number one enemy that creates chaos and benefits from it. Armenian Dashnaks are the number two enemies who are supported by Russia. The PFA formed a Karabaq fund to assist the victims of the region.
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. Phone conversation with Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh. About unwillingness of authorities to legalize People's Front; Unbalanced position of the center (Moscow) towards republics with Moslem populations; Commentary on Imam Mustafayev (a well-known scientist who served as the first secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan in the 1950s. Following Stalin's death, he was fired for attempts to become less dependent on Moscow); People's attitude toward People's Front of Azerbaijan; About the declaration of Azerbaijani being adopted as the state language of Azerbaijan. Special notice: recording on this cassette partly repeats one of the previous recordings.
2. Phone interview with a man by the name Akram. Activities of the People's Front in Lenkaran were discussed; Resistance by the local authorities toward the course of "perestroyka" proclaimed by the Communist Party; About the unlawful elections of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union in Lenkaran.- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Statement of the People's Front of Azerbaijan adopted on the 2nd Conference in Baku on December 9-10, 1989. Read by Agamali Farzaliyev. Statement reflects tensions that existed in the People's Front of Azerbaijan at that time; Second Conference of the PFA suspended by the authorities of the current executive and legislative bodies of the PFA until new elections; In order to call for the establishment of a new conference, a committee of five people headed by the chairman of the People's Front, A. Aliyev (Elchibey), was created.
2. Phone conversation with a woman (name not mentioned). She read a list of Azeri soldiers lost during the Second World War and now searched for by their relatives.
3. Phone conversation with two men. About unlawful investigations in Giranboy region; workers are accused of showing incorrect numbers in cotton production and supply to the cotton processing factories; These men compared the abuses of people during their investigation with those of Stalin's time; 41 people died from heart attacks and nervous breakdown during the 6 years of long investigation continuing in 1988; The names of the prosecutors who broke the law and severely abused the accused ones were revealed. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Phone Interview with the chairman of the People's Front A. Elchibey. -A. Elchibey reads a commentary-critique of Azeri intelligentsia of the letter of Azeri writer Akram Aylisli sent to Editor-in-Chief of "Drujba" magazine (Moscow) Sergey Baruzdin and published in third edition of magazine in 1989. -In the opinion of the authors of this commentary, Akram Ayrisli's letter does not reflect the current situation in Azerbaijan and it portrays the wrong image of the national democratic movement in Azerbaijan. -About continuing unlawful investigations in cotton production. -About attempts of Armenian authorities to seize lands belonging to Azerbaijan in the border village Sadarak in Nakhchivan. -About peaceful methods used by People's Fron of Azerbaijan in achieving its objectives. -Situation in Mountainous Karabakh is discussed. -Problems of Azeri refugees from Armenia are discussed.
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Phone conversation with a man named Ahmed (more likely Ahmed Garacha) the secretary of the Azeri National Center in Ankara. -The visits by poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, writer Elchin Efendiyev and surgeon Nureddin Rizayev to Turkey are discussed.
2. Phone conversation with writer Elchin Efendiyev. -About Elchin's visit to Turkey and later to Germany; -request made by Elchin to have a copy of Bible made by Mirza Khazar.
3. Phone conversation with Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh. -Mirza Khazar expresses his desire to vist Turkey, to see Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh and conduct an interview with him.
4. Phone conversation with chairman of the Azeri National Center in Turkey, Mehmet Kengerli. -Inquired about Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh's health and the possibility of the poet visiting Turkey so that Mirza Khazar can interview him in Turkey. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Interview with publicist Sirus Tebrizli, politician, currently Minister (Secretary) of Press in Azerbaijan. -Thanks Mirza Khazar for disseminating objective information about Azerbaijan; -Opinion about the Socialist Revolution in October 1917, and its negative influence on Azerbaijan; -Similarities between tragic events in Moscow, Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, where the authorities tried to repress people; -About his firm desire to give up membership in Communist Party, and his written statement presented to party organization; -About social differences in Azerbaijan; -that the territory of Azerbaijan during the Soviet time has been from 114 thousand square kilometers to 85 thousand square kilometers; -That perestroyka until now has given nothing to Azerbaijan except the territorial claims by Armenia of Mountainous Karabakh.
2. Phone conversation with Faramaz Allahverdiyev, a student from Sherur region on Nakhchivan. -About arrests of his friends; -that his university graduation diploma was presented to him in prison; -That as a protest towards the deceitful policies of Soviet authorities, he has applied for emigration visa to Turkey; -About activities of the People's Front of Nakhchivan and the Sherur region in particular; -About offensives of Armenians on Azeri trains crossing Armenian territory (the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan is separated from greater Azerbaijan by Armenia) -About relevant responses to these offensives; -Attitudes of people in Nakhchivan towards Communist Party and the People's Front; -That Muzaffar Mamedov, a Soviet soldier who lost three daughters during the Second World War, who were found in the Devechi region of Azerbaijan. - 1989 [+] Recording from a meeting in Baku organized by the People's Front.
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-Overture to the "Koroglu" opera by Uzeir Hajibekov, which serves as a hymn for the national democratic movement, is played; -Information about situation in different regions of Azerbaijan is presented; -Etibar Mamedov talks about the results of neg
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Criticism of the BBC�s report of the events in Stepanakert. Shusha is attacked by Armenians and is in bad condition. Soviet and Azeri soldiers battle Armenians. Etibar reads PFA�s statement. The Azerbaijan gov. inability and one-sided policy of Soviet gov. are blamed for the chaos. Armenians� "Greater Armenia Homeland" idea is backed by certain forces in Kremlin. PFA believes in Karabaq belonging to Azerbaijan. PFA�s statement mentions that Azerbaijan gov. has no right to compromise on this issue. Soviet Union should put an end to this chaos and protect Azeri sovereignty.
2. Feride calls from Moscow. She reports that Azeri representatives did not do anything at the Special Session concerning Karabaq issue. The representatives did not mention the flight of 150,000 Azeris from Armenia.
3. Rehber Reports. A special committee is formed to review the situation in Khojaly. Vorovsky meets with Azeris in Kerkijahan and asks them stop working since Armenians are not working. Azerbaijan gov. has put aside 400 million manats to help the hard-hit areas in Kerkijahan. Azeri intellectuals� letter, about the creation of the �Greater Armenia� is published in Moscow�s papers. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Ibrahim Abbasov calls from Moscow. Condemns Azeri officials� imprisonment of Nemet Penahli. He states that the situation is bad in Baku. Talks about elections being fraudulent and PFA was not allowed to be on the ballots.
2. Interview with Ramiz Musayev. Holds Vezirov responsible for destroying the rally in Freedom Square. Vezirov wanted to frighten the public. Younger generation wants independence and to free Azerbaijan from Russian influence. He criticizes the army commanders of being Moscow�s lackeys and follow its orders.
3. Azerbaijan in World News: Chicago Tribune reports. Soviet Gov. has created a special administrative unit for Mountainous Karabaq. Despite the creation of administrative unit, Moscow believes in keeping Karabaq within Azerbaijan. Since Feb. 88, special army units have been deployed in Karabag and no one knows how long they will stay there. Karabaq Armenians will only agree to Russian administrative rule. Azeris believe that such a move will lead to loosing Karabaq in the end. Sakharov suggests that Karabaq should be administered by Moscow. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Solmaz Jahangirov, wife of Khatayi Jahangirov, deputy of PFA of Absheron is interviewed. She is ostracized for being outspoken against party minister Sadiq Murtazayev who practices discrimination policies.
2. A rally in Baku. A speaker says Azeris are not against Russians and the Communist Party. Our people demands that our national rights be recognized and respected. He asks the crowd not to act emotionally and give gov. an excuse to plot against Azerbaijan A member of Chanlibel organization gives information about the charter of his group. Chanlibel advocates the true history and literature of Azerbaijan.
3. Brief information about the situation of language and culture of Southern Azerbaijanis. The study compares the period of Pisheveri with Pahlavi and Islamic Republic. - 1989 [+] Mirza Khazar reports.
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1. PFA is approved as a legal organization. In Moscow Azeri intellectuals demonstrated against the biased Soviet media. The protesters demanded the withdrawal of Armenians from Karabaq. Police dispersed them and they met with Azerbaijan permanent representative in Moscow. The chief editor of Russian media stated that the news are received from the Soveit Gov. and they have to publish them as they receive them. 50,000 Azeris live in Moscow and they belong to three different organizations Among them, Dayag supports PFA.
2. Metlab calls from Baku. Reports how he was arrested for establishing PFA�s branch of Nesimi region. He intends to boycott tomorrow�s election for not being real elections. Reports that 700,000 people took part in yesterday�s rally in Baku. Strikes are continuing in Baku. States that a strike is planned for the entire Republic. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Mayil reports. Armenians have destroyed many Azeri cultural monuments and tombs.
2. Nadir Aydin: R.L. broadcaster summarized the Molotov Pact. Quoted Die Welt Newspaper saying than the Stalin-Hitler Pact brought misery to Europe. Europeans welcome Gorbachev�s reforms 100%.
3. Ramiz, a military draftee, reports from Ganja. Situation in Azerbaijan is tense and bad. People dislike Vezirov and his administration. People carry Turkish and Iranian flags to show their hatred towards Soviet Union. Dec. 2, soldiers attacked a rally and people became violent and destroyed property. PFA was formed today. Azeri younger generation wants to leave the Soviet Union and become independent. The issue of changing the alphabet was raised at Baku�s rally today. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Ezize Khanim, Prof. of literature, author of novel 1501 Baku, is interviewed. States that anti-Azeri propaganda dates back to many centuries back. She talks about an Armenian writer, Rafi whose book is filled with hatred. Turks and Kurds are called savages, thieves in his book. In her opinion views like this lead to Karabaq events. Dashnaks started this kind of hatred in the 18th century. She states that the Azeri intellectuals use Perestroika to present the historical truth about Azeri people.
2. A PFA member interviews Hasan at a hospital. Hasan talks about his arrest and mistreatment by the police. He was asked to write a statement saying that the militia was kind to him.
3. A PFA member called. He stated that PFA uses Perestroika to organize better and become the party of the future. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Solmaz Jahangirov, wife of Khatayi Jahangirov, deputy of PFA of Absheron is interviewed. She is ostracized for being outspoken against party minister Sadiq Murtazayev who practices discrimination policies.
2. A rally in Baku. A speaker says Azeris are not against Russians and the Communist Party. Our people demands that our national rights be recognized and respected. He asks the crowd not to act emotionally and give gov. an excuse to plot against Azerbaijan A member of Chanlibel organization gives information about the charter of his group. Chanlibel advocates the true history and literature of Azerbaijan.
3. Brief information about the situation of language and culture of Southern Azerbaijanis. The study compares the period of Pisheveri with Pahlavi and Islamic Republic. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. PFA is approved as a legal organization. In Moscow Azeri intellectuals demonstrated against the biased Soviet media. The protesters demanded the withdrawal of Armenians from Karabaq. Police dispersed them and they met with Azerbaijan permanent representative in Moscow. The chief editor of Russian media stated that the news are received from the Soveit Gov. and they have to publish them as they receive them. 50,000 Azeris live in Moscow and they belong to three different organizations Among them, Dayag supports PFA.
2. Metlab calls from Baku. Reports how he was arrested for establishing PFA�s branch of Nesimi region. He intends to boycott tomorrow�s election for not being real elections. Reports that 700,000 people took part in yesterday�s rally in Baku. Strikes are continuing in Baku. States that a strike is planned for the entire Republic. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Criticism of the BBC�s report of the events in Stepanakert. Shusha is attacked by Armenians and is in bad condition. Soviet and Azeri soldiers battle Armenians. Etibar reads PFA�s statement. The Azerbaijan gov. inability and one-sided policy of Soviet gov. are blamed for the chaos. Armenians� "Greater Armenia Homeland" idea is backed by certain forces in Kremlin. PFA believes in Karabaq belonging to Azerbaijan. PFA�s statement mentions that Azerbaijan gov. has no right to compromise on this issue. Soviet Union should put an end to this chaos and protect Azeri sovereignty.
2. Feride calls from Moscow. She reports that Azeri representatives did not do anything at the Special Session concerning Karabaq issue. The representatives did not mention the flight of 150,000 Azeris from Armenia.
3. Rehber Reports. A special committee is formed to review the situation in Khojaly. Vorovsky meets with Azeris in Kerkijahan and asks them stop working since Armenians are not working. Azerbaijan gov. has put aside 400 million manats to help the hard-hit areas in Kerkijahan. Azeri intellectuals� letter, about the creation of the �Greater Armenia� is published in Moscow�s papers. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Ibrahim Abbasov calls from Moscow. Condemns Azeri officials� imprisonment of Nemet Penahli. He states that the situation is bad in Baku. Talks about elections being fraudulent and PFA was not allowed to be on the ballots.
2. Interview with Ramiz Musayev. Holds Vezirov responsible for destroying the rally in Freedom Square. Vezirov wanted to frighten the public. Younger generation wants independence and to free Azerbaijan from Russian influence. He criticizes the army commanders of being Moscow�s lackeys and follow its orders.
3. Azerbaijan in World News: Chicago Tribune reports. Soviet Gov. has created a special administrative unit for Mountainous Karabaq. Despite the creation of administrative unit, Moscow believes in keeping Karabaq within Azerbaijan. Since Feb. 88, special army units have been deployed in Karabag and no one knows how long they will stay there. Karabaq Armenians will only agree to Russian administrative rule. Azeris believe that such a move will lead to loosing Karabaq in the end. Sakharov suggests that Karabaq should be administered by Moscow. - 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
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1. Memed Mehmudov reports. He criticizes Elchin, Zakir Khandan and Jamil Elibeyov for their interview. Consideres them to be part of the past aparatchik and doing no good for Az. Soviet medias anti-Azeri stance is condemned. Warns PFA to be careful of Vezirov whose aim is to discredit PFA in Ganja and Shamakhi and other places.
2. Ingilab calls from Baku. Strike goes on in Baku in an organized manner. Condemns the articles of Azerforum that intends to scare people about the shortage of the water supply due to the strike. Julfa-Tehran railroad connections are stopped. Passengers are sent away in busses with Azeri flags. - 1989 [+] Mehdi Mamedov reports.
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PFA�s interviews have touched peoples� hearts and souls. Reports how gov. officials imprison innocent people and intimidate people. States that the officials are intimidating him by discontinuing his pension. He is questioned about why he is being interviewed by foreign media such as by R.L. He talks about Nemet Penahli�s court case.
- 1989 [+] Update on Memet Penahli.
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Memmed could not give any information about this case for he has not seen the documents yet.
- 1989 [+] Commentary by R.L. from the book of History of Musavat Party of Azerbaijan by Mirzabala Memedzade.
The book covers the Az. parliament during the independence period (1918- 1920). The party pledged support for other Turkic and Muslim people movements. Secretly tried to assist Turkish Anatotian army in 1919.
- 1989 [+] Some Azeri officials showed their anti-Azeri sentiments.
Rehber criticized Moscow for its hand-picked puppets such as Vezirov, who follows Kremlin�s orders blindly. He stated that the fact that Vezirov does not speak Azeri is a good testament that Vezirov is not an Azerbaijani.
- 1989 [+] Interview with Necef Necefov.
Interview with Necef Necefov, editor of the Maladiyosh Magazine.
- 1989 [+] Nureddin Rizayev talks about his visit to Turkey as a member of Veten Society.
He is in favor of expanding cultural and academic programs with Turkey. According to him, two million Azeris live in Turkey. Talks about the issue of health situation in Az. States that Az. has 22,000 doctors and 12 scientific medical institutes.
- 1989 [+] Rehber of PFA reports.
He reports about his meeting with Azeris living in Russia.He criticizes Elchin, head of the Veten Society for betraying the interests of Az. people. Rehber citicizes Elchin for accusing Nemet Penahli of being a foreign agent, hence trying to damage the national movement. He accuses Elchin for spending the people�s money on his foreign trip and for not mentioning the issue of Karabaq at all. A caller asks for the release of Isfandiyar Joshgun, a 63 years old individual who has been the conscious voice of Azeri people. He was arrested on June 21 for participating in a gov. approved rally held in May.
- 1989 [+] Phone interview with a woman named Rufa (khanum), a member of Azeri Culture Society in New York; Interview with a commander of the local mujaheddin military division in the Jalilabad province of Afghanistan.
1. About the establishment and activities of the "Vatan" society; -About the provocation of Armenians against Azeris; -Commentary on tragic events in Sumgait; -Commentary on an interview given by the French writer Umbulbanu of Azeri origin. 2. -About military offensives by Soviet air forces in Jalilabad; -About dynamic changes within the organization of military resistance against the Soviet invasion. Special notice: Recording is in Russian.
- 1989 [+] Phone conversation with A.Elchibey, leader of People's Front, later President of Azerbaijan in 1992-1993.
-Democratic character of events in Azerbaijan; -About the founding of the People's Front of Azerbaijan; Slavery methods used in cotton production sector in Azerbaijan; -Problems of divided Azerbaijan; -About the necessity of bringing the question of
- 1989 [+] Report about massive arrest for attending a rally organized by PFA.
Those arrested are on hunger strike. The public supports PFA 100% and does not recognize Moscow�s hand-picked representatives. Azerbaijan gov. has cheated the nation for 70 years by selling it to Moscow.
- 1989 [+] Interview with Elchibey.
He verifies the existence of a law allowing 800(?) people to elect a candidate as their representative. He states that bureaucrats hinder everything because they are afraid of loosing their posts. He is nominated by his colleagues at the Institute of Old Manuscripts. Ziya Bunyadov�s candidacy to represent the Academy of Science was rejected. He believes that the democratization process in Russia is faster than in Azerbaijan He views fear to be the worst enemy of the people for change.
- 1989 [+] Interview with Gamber, a worker of a Vine Factory #2 in Baku.
Gamber, a Vine Factory worker (last name not identified) complained that he was fired on December 13, 1989 on the ground of a three hour absence in the work place. However, during these three hours the factory was not functioning due to the mass-meeting in Baku. Director and other leader of a factory also participated in this meeting. Later they decided to fire Gamber and to use this fact as an evidence of their loyalty to authorities. In Gamber's opinion, they have chosen him because he was born in Armenia in 1934. Now, 54 years old Gamber, who has been working for more than 34 years is unemployed. He has a son being in military service in Soviet Army and school age daughter. And now his family is actually living without means. All his complaints to authorities were met with misunderstanding. Mafia in Vine Factory's leadership does not fear anything. In contrast, Gamber is afraid for his life.
- 1989 [+] Interview with Ali, citizen of Mountain Karabakh.
In Ali opinion, Azeris living in Mountain Karabakh were suffering from Armenian leadership of Autonomous region; He thinks that not common Armenian, but Armenian leadership connected with authorities in Moscow, are fueling conflict; In his opinion, religion in this conflict does not play role, as Armenians are trying to introduce it to the West; Azeri villages, schools, etc. in Mountain Karabakh Autonomous region are in much more bad shape than those of Armenians.
- 1989 [+] Alesker reported on countrywide strikes.
He reported that the strikes have been going on for fifteen days throughout the republic. Mehemmed called from Tehran. He exchanged news with Mirza Khazar.
- 1989 [+] Poetry.
Isfendiyar, a 63-year-old, prominent poet, read three of his poems.
- 1989 [+] Mamedov read the declaration of the PFA.
The declaration stated that the reactionary forces try to stop the people�s movement before it can reach a strong political maturity.
- 1989 [+] Ali called to urge Azeris living abroad to teach the history of Azerbaijan to their children
Ali called to urge Azeris living abroad to teach the history of Azerbaijan to their children. He placed an ad to find his uncle who has been missing since WWII.
- 1989 [+] Interview with Isfendiyar, a well-known Azeri poet.
Dedicates one of his poems to Mirza Khazer, R.L. staff member. The poem talks about the importance of Novruz, the day of hope. Longs for independence of Azerbaijan and the day of unification with the South Azerbaijan He writes that this Novruz was not a happy one due to many arrests being made. He complains how other people enjoy more freedom than citizens of Azerbaijan. Talks about the number of organizations which led to the formation of PFA. Talks about Mehemmed Hatemi being a pioneer in helping to form many democratic organizations. He states that had Hatemi not been arrested by the officials, PFA would have been formed much earlier. He criticizes the Soviet leaders for considering Karabaq as a national (Soviet) issue. He sees Karabaq as Azeri issue not Soviet�s. He criticizes the Soviet leaders for stealing 90% of Azeri wealth and poisoning its environment.
- 1989 [+] Interview with Ayshe Khanim, a spoke person for Crimean Tatars.
She gives detailed account about the Crimean Tatars� pogroms in Fergana Valley. Tatars are accused of protecting Meskhatian Turks. Reports how the Uzbek youth attacked Yunus Osmanov�s house and burned him alive while beating up every member of his household. She gives the historical account of Tatar�s deportation to Fergana Valley. Stated to solve these kinds of barbaric actions, Soviet Gov. should return Tatars to their original motherland and help them to settle down there. Tatar Diaspora has contacted world governments, including the US congress, for help.
- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. A panel with Nurredin, Elchin and Vehabzade. The panelists emphasize on Karabaq�s being an inseparable part of Azerbaijan. Provide historical and archeological evidence for their claims. Russian sources point out that Armenians came to Karabaq in 1815.
2. Mirza calls Moscow to interview Etibar. A letter in Russian delivered to Soviet Gov. is read that talks about the PFA & Karabaq issues.- 1989 [+] Mirza calls Zohrab Bayramov.
Zohrab accuses Armenians of being involved in the Meskhetian�s pogroms in Uzbekistan. An acquaintance of Zohrab coming from Uzbekistan has a newspaper article stating that 16 Armenians were arrested at the sight of the crime. The article states that the arrested ones wanted to create problems between Meskhatians and Uzbeks. He states that Baku is calm. People are waiting for the result of the Special Session in Baku to see how the gov. will solve the Karabaq problem. Azeris� situation is bad in Karabaq. A support fund is created in Shusha with a bank account so that people can help.
- 1989 [+] Etibar Mamedov reports.
A new committee by Moscow�s decree will begin its work on the issue of Karabaq. People do not respect the committee for they are unaware of the committee�s agenda. The committee has jurisdiction over Karabaq. Armenians want to break away from Azerbaijan and the creation of this committee is a step towards their goal. Democratization is the only way to solve the economical and social ills of Azerbaijan In his opinion Islam is a superficial issue and has no base in Azerbaijan He does not see any problem with Islamic flag or Khomeini�s pictures being carried at rallies. He argues that people should be allowed to practice democracy. Officials try to discredit our movement by branding it as fundamentalist movement.
- 1989 [+] Mehdi Mamedov, professor of history reports.
Believes that the new first secretary (Mutalibov?) supports democracy but cannot do much against conservative forces. Appeals to Armenian intellectuals not to make the situation sensational and worse. Suggests that R.L. should include foreign paper�s coverage on Azerbaijan in thir programs. The radio should provide more information about the history of independent movement of Azerbaijani 1900- 1920. Democratization movement is growing and people are not afraid any more.The Armenian program of the R.L�s information about Azerbaijan is not accurate. Sakharov�s statement about genocide against Armenians in Azerbaijan is baseles. Nemet Penahli�s accusation of inciting the crowds to ""kill Armenians"" is baseless. Mehdi states that there is a recording of his voice urging people to stay away from any uncivilized act and hooliganism.
- 1989 [+] Nasir, director of the PFA in Ezizbek region with 5,132 members reports.
He talks about the problems of establishing PFA in his region. He states that the situation is tense in Azerbaijan. People overcame the obstacles to establish the PFA branch in their region. PFA members have difference of opinions on many issues. People decided to put aside their differences and work towards stopping the plan of creating the "Greater Armenia Motherland" dream. Suggests that the personal differences within PFA�s directorate committee should be avoided and troublemakers be expelled. Reported about the activities of his branch: Criticized the USSR�s biased policies towards Azerbaijan Appeals to the Turkic and Islamic societies to support Azerbaijan�s independence.
- 1989 [+] Etibar Mamdeov reports.
Fuad Agayev, a prisoner, is waiting for his case in court. His mother was promised that he will be released soon. Etibar criticizes the judicial system for being powerless without Moscow�s order. Fuad�s is accused of helping to form PFA. Fuad was arrested by the special security forces sent by Moscow. The judicial situation in Azerbaijan is different from other republics and Moscow ignores Azerbaijan The elections in Azerbaijan were not covered in Russian papers. Etibar ridicules the election procedures for being faulty. The person in charge of ballots gave a man six ballots since there were six people in his household. Special meeting in Shusha about Karabaq. Moscow has chosen Hovanesian to lead the Karabaq�s negotiations. (summary continued in next record).
People informed the Soviet Supreme officials that they support the formation of PFA. 250 delegations from and other cities have requested the same. Baku authorities create obstacles for PFA. Officials try to intimidate the sympathizers of PFA. Jemile Jabbarova, a founding member of PFA is beaten up by the director of her institute, Aslan Quliyev, for handing out PFA�s charters to her colleagues. Quliyev views PFA�s activities as anti-Russian and anti-Soviet. Etibar states that the officials are preparing a campaign against Vahabzade to discredit him. Vahabzade criticized those officials who cannot speak Azeri and want to represent Azerbaijan Officials accuse Vahabzade as nationalist and wanting to force out Armenians. Vahabzade proposed that Azeri language to be recognized as the official language in the Constitution.- 1989 [+] Reporting by Mirza Khazar.
1. Aide Khanim, Mehdi�s spouse reads a report.
2. Ibrahim Niyazov reports. Armenians� attacks on Azeri villages and human casualties. Villagers will perish if they are not protected or armed. His appeal to officials, including Vezirov, have not be answered. Ibrahim received prison terms for calling the Communist Party as Mafia. He wishes to revoke his Soviet citizenship.
3. A caller shares his opinion. He criticizes those intellectuals who call for cooperation with the gov. officials. States that the Azerbaijan representatives should be dismissed for doing nothing in Moscow.- 1989 [+] Samad Mehdiyev, brother of Nemet Penahli, talks.
He provides detailed information about his brother Nemet and his activities. Nemete is charged with organizing rallies in Baku. He is framed for accepting bribes form Aliyev Mafiosis. Nemet has been in prison for 6 months and his lawyer is denied visitation rights. Samad appeals to R.L. to expose Nemet�s case to the human rights organizations. Talks about Rasul, another activist, who was arrested for raising money for Azeri refugees arriving from Armenia.
- 1989 [+] Report that Fuad is released.
The ""elections"" took place and no one knew whom they were voting for. People�s candidates are: Vahabzade, Nejefov, Etibar Mamedov &Yusuf Samadov. A student is on hunger strike for not receiving his scholarship. A conference pertaining to Azeri national issues was held at the Baku State University. Gov. refuses to recognize PFA as a legal organization. People in the gov. are vying for power and posts.
- 1989 [+] Call from Moscow with these reports.
Azeris living in other countries can apply for Azeri citizenship documents. Azeri Gov. can mail these documents at no cost. An Azeri official spoke at an official meeting stating that he won�t follow orders from Moscow and he will be on the side of his people from now on. Rehber reads some news printed in PFA�s media. He disagrees with the view of his peer Qulu complaining that Azeris living in abroad have done nothing about the homeland. Rehber blames Motherland Society "Veten Jemiyyet" for not doing its job in attracting the diaspora. He accuses the Society of being run by corrupt officials who just think about their own pockets and nothing else. He talkes about Ziya Bunyadov�s interview in Bakinskii Rabochii in which Ziya has accused Etibar Mamedov and Zartusht Elizade of being extremists.
- 1989 [+] Fuad talks about his release from prison.
States how the Soviet prosecutor�s view conflicts with the Az. SSR�s prosecutor�s. Discusses the case of another prisoner Bakhtiyar Shahverdiev who is imprisoned for refusing to work with his co-worker who is the director of their plant now. Authorities have accused Bakhtiyar of being a foreign agent and promoting Islam and Turkish nationalism and for possessing the 1918 flag of Independent Azerbaijan. Fuad talks about being a member of Oghuz organization that promotes the ethnic origin of Azeris.
- 1989 [+] Etibar Mamedov reports.
1. Talks about Vahabzade�s TV appearance and his request for adopting the Azeri language as the Republic�s only official language. Talks about frauds in the elections. Gov. claims that 95% participated in the elections, yet less the 10% went to the polls. The language of the ballots and bulletins was in Armenian. In his district, Etibar was given a ballot in Armenian to vote.
2. A member of the directorate of Azeri Society in Moscow reports. The society was created in Moscow to unite 50,000 Azeris there. The society supports the PFA for the defense of the independence of Az. The Society has taken certain steps to neutralize the anti-Azeri hysteria in the Russian papers that are under the influence of Armenians. The caller is displeased with passivity of Azeri Gov. representatives at the Second Special Meeting of Soviet Ministers. He is not surprised about this fact for he views the representatives as the remainders of the old bureaucrats. He reports that a group of students met with Azeri representatives in Moscow and realized that representatives are anything but helpful. One Azeri representative who met with the students requesting his name not to be disclosed mentioned that Az. Communist Party has budgeted 380,000 Manats to run an anti-PFA campaigns to create chaos within the PFA.- 1989 [+] Numerous phone calls to thank R.L. Azeri program staff.
A caller phoned to thank M.Khezer for reading a portion of his book on the program. The callers praise the high quality of the R.L. program. People appreciate the democratic atmosphere of the program and thank them for staying away from extremism. A woman called to express her appreciation for the introduction of perestroika. And she said that she prays for Gorbachev for creating an atmosphere of openness.