Miscellaneous

ANAMA demining projects moving ahead
Beginning from July 2002 Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) started demining operations in Khanlar district of Azerbaijan Republic, the location of ex-military bases of Soviet Army. The territories adjoining these bases were mined. According to ANAMA information, 17 people were injured and 1 died as a result of mine incidents in Khanlar district.
In February 2003 ANAMA completed clearance operations in the territory of Topalhasanli village (Khanlar district) with total area of 21 922 sqm. There were maps of minefields and certificates of their clearance available. However, 4 people were injured in two mine incidents here in 1998. In September 2002, there was another mine explosion, resulting in the injury of a 62 years old local woman. After the detailed survey, in November 2002 ANAMA started clearance operations in this area. Demining operations were conducted using mine detection dogs support. During the operations 11 anti-personnel mines (3 - POMZ2, 8 - PMN2) and 10 unexploded ordnances were found and destroyed. Currently, control of this area is ongoing with handovers of clearance certificates to local authorities.
At the same time, ANAMA operates near Gushgara village (Khanlar district). Demining activities in this area were initiated based on requests received by ANAMA from the local population. Initial funding for the training of 10 deminers and conducting of operations was provided by the Government of Japan.
The total area is 300 000 sq m. Demining operations started in July 2002. 6 unexploded ordnances and 3 anti-personnel mines (1-POMZ 2M, 2-PMN2) were found and destroyed during the ongoing demining operations in this area.

Azercell keen to please
Azercell Telecom JV is entrenched in the lives and business of the Azerbaijani people. Sometimes, you may wonder how it was possible to do without a mobile phone. Azercell which started with Baku now has expanded its reach into remote rural areas. Despite of its success, Azercell always seeks to improve services and satisfy subscribers.
The latest surprises made by Azercell are the following:
Expansion
Recently, the JV has expanded its reach, installing new stations in Vendam village of Ismayilli District, Karimli of Oguz District, Aliabad of Zaqatala District, Tatalar of Balakan District, Ugurbayli of Barda District, Cibir of Qusar District, Ganca city as well as in the capital of Azerbaijan.
Thereby Azercell reaches 93.6 per cent of the population and 63.8 per cent of the territory of Azerbaijan.
Azercell Telecom JV is planning to expand its reach in the near future to include the remaining regions of the country.
Talk time increased
Azercell continuously strives to present high quality service and maximum discounts to its subscribers. 
It was a nice surprise for Azercell subscribers when SimSim card contours rose by over ten per cent on the average. So, now SimSim subscribers can afford to talk more for the same price.
Int'l call tariffs lowered
Besides local calls, Azercell JV has lowered tariffs for international calls to over 70 countries by up to 30 per cent. The lowered international call tariffs are effective from January 27, 2003.
Now international call tariffs to Iran and Turkey for Sim-Sim subscribers are down by 29 per cent, and by 10 per cent for calls to the US and other countries. Meanwhile, charges for post-paid calls to CIS and Baltic nations have been decreased by 21 per cent, Iran and Turkey - 30 per cent, Europe - 8 per cent, the US and other countries - 20 per cent.
Moreover, the following discounts on international calls are available for Sim-Sim subscribers during the overnight period (00:00-08:00):
· CIS and Baltic nations - 33 per cent
· Iran and Turkey - 36 per cent
· Europe - 29 per cent
· The US and other countries - 22 per cent
Seemingly, the biggest discounts are offered for calls to Turkey and Iran, which constitute the greater portion of international telephone conversations in Azerbaijan.
In addition, deposits to be placed by subscribers has been cut by 53.3 per cent from AZM1.2m to AZM0.5m removing the main obstacle - high deposit cost that keeps subscribers from joining the international call line.
50/50 promotion
Under the terms of the campaign, all Azercell subscribers making calls from 00:00 to 08:00 within the network will pay only 50 per cent of the call charge. The campaign started on January 6 to last till April 6. If the campaign becomes popular among Azercell subscribers, similar events may be conducted in the future. About one month has passed over the start of the campaign that has already gained great popularity.