Press Conference:
H.E. Dr. Hasan Murat Mercan
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey
H.E. Mr. Gursel Ismayilzada
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan
11:00 - 12:00, October 21, 2020
(The speech will be in Japanese with English interpretation.
Q & A will be in English and Japanese with English interpretation.)
Last month, an old and violent conflict on the edge of Europe between Azerbaijan and Armenia flared up again. The two countries are fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, in the southern Caucasus. The region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but ruled by ethnic Armenians. A ceasefire has been called but it appears to be unraveling with both sides accusing each other of unprovoked attacks. Meanwhile, Turkey, a NATO member, has fully backed Azerbaijan with which it has historical and ethnic ties. Critics say Turkey is pushing the war and providing logistic support for fighters there. There is also concern that Russia may intervene as it did 30 years ago when its strategic ally Armenia forced Azerbaijan's troops out of the region, creating thousands of internally displaced people on both sides.
The Azerbaijan Ambassador to Japan, Gursel Ismayilzada, has agreed to discuss recent developments in the region and answer questions about this complex issue. Hasan Murat Mercan, Turkey's ambassador in Japan, has indicated that he is ready to answer any questions related to his country's role and discuss how the conflict might be ended.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, name of media outlet, FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions, please note there will be a limited number of reservations to attend. Doors open at 10:30. Please sign in your name and contact details at the reception with your pen and to have your temperature taken before proceeding.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8K6odES9H0wSq71vppauA/live
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
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Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form (English only).
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Door open for TV crews only at 10:15. There will be five positions available for livestreaming.