The U.S. Embassy announceS an illustration contest
for the Azerbaijani version
of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to be published later this year.
One of the true classics of American literature, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over four generations. Originally published in 1900, it was the first truly American fairy tale. The Azerbaijani translation will allow the Azerbaijanis to get acquainted with this classic children’s novel and enjoy the adventures of its characters in Azerbaijani.
All interested participants need to submit one sample illustration in color. The winning illustrations will be light-hearted, fun, and appealing to children.
The deadline for submission of illustrations is July 14, 2008.
The winners will be selected on June 21, 2008 by the famous American Cartoonist Kevin Kallaugher. The 1st prize winner will be offered an $800-contract to illustrate the Azerbaijani edition of the book. The second and third place runner-ups will receive small cash prizes and will be considered as potential illustrators of other books released by the US Embassy in Baku.
Illustrations can be submitted to the Embassy of the United States in Azerbaijan located at 83 Azadlyg Ave. or sent by email to BakuIRCenter@state.gov
To read the full text of the book in Azerbaijani please click the link below: http://azerbaijan.usembassy.gov/uploads/images/w9t14atAejg0In0uhDrnKg/TWWOz.pdf
For additional information please contact Public Affairs Section at (99412) 498 03 35/6/7 (x 4269) or email your questions to BakuIRCenter@state.gov.
On May 18 in an interview with Turan news agency, Ambassador Derse expressed concern over the Justice Ministry’s decision to launch legal proceedings to deregister the Election Monitoring Center (EMC) and the May 14 court decision in favor of the Ministry. The Ambassador urged the Government of Azerbaijan to abide by its original decision to register the EMC earlier in 2008. "We welcomed the EMC’s formal registration in February 2008, following several previous applications, as an important step toward improved election procedures", said Ambassador Derse. "At that time, it seemed the Government of Azerbaijan recognized that the ability of domestic monitors, like EMC’s observers, to conduct their work in an unfettered manner, would be critical to the transparent conduct of Azerbaijan’s upcoming presidential election". The Ambassador stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and respect the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and assembly throughout the entire period of the presidential elections. The Ambassador expressed the U.S. commitment to working with all those in Azerbaijan who support Azerbaijan’s democratic development, essential to its success as a modern, independent state.
