Monument diplomacy

Yes, its going to be about THAT monument again. You see, it just doesn't stop fascinating me, really. Just today, I came across another article (thanks to a friend of mine who shared it) where my conclusions of just how "strong" and "deep" Azerbaijan's diplomatic relations with its neighbors are, were confirmed. In a press statement Azerbaijan's ambassador to Mexico, Ilgar Mukhtarov stated:

If Ebrard (Mexico's Mayor) decides to remove the monument, we will CANCEL the projects, CLOSE the embassy, it would HURT the relationship between the two countries, and it WOULD NOT BE GOOD for his image to be the person who prevented a USD4billion investment

So not only Ambassador Mukhtarov shows how shallow the essence of our diplomacy is (lets face it, removing a monument of a dictator shouldn't play such an important role in foreign policy but who knew it would?!), he goes much further as to threaten the Mayor of Mexico as well. And wait, there is even more to it, by saying that Mexico will lose the USD4bn investment demonstrates in which ways and "deals" Azerbaijani government "invests" in other countries.

Not sure what softened Mr. Mukhtarov's tone a while later, but whatever it was it didn't make his next statement any less appalling: "his government [Azerbaijan] was prepared to negotiate with the city and find a "friendly" solution to the dispute". 

Now, don't know who nudged our Ambassador, but who ever did it didn't do too good of a job. That nudge should have been a strong shake. But too late now anyway. Still talking about "negotiating" and finding not just a solution but a "friendly" one. And what does that suppose to mean? That Azerbaijani government will offer to renovate another park? Alas, have mercy on your people Mr. President, because you still have the hungry children and many other issues that are awaiting your immediate attention not to mention a drizzle of some of that oil money you are spending elsewhere abroad for park renovations and monuments.

And what is the so- called "dispute"? If the people and the Mayor do not consider the monument fit, why are still even discussing it? Its Mexico's decision! Our government is so much used to meddling with its own people's decisions and their businesses that it considers everywhere and everyone to be the same...

I am just curious to see where this monument diplomacy will end...

When parks at home don't suffice

We all know by now how much Azerbaijani authorities love building parks, re-opening old ones, renovating others all either named after late President Aliyev, or have his statute. We also know that this phenomenon doesn't just exist in Azerbaijan, that there are parks like in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, carrying late President's name and his bust. 

So here is another piece of news for you, according to RFE/RL's Balkan Service, Azerbaijani government will pay approximately 2million euros for renovation of a park in Belgrade with late President's statue erected there too. Isn't this marvelous?! We should all embrace this awesome initiative and take pride in such decision! 

2 million euros?! I can't even imagine what one can do with that money at home. But once again, who cares, as long as there are monuments and busts of late President, current president and anyone from the Aliyev's family, its alright! Who cares about the rest...

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There is one in Romania too.