Azerbaijan

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Pedestrians walk in downtown Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 22, 2012. The capital of this former Soviet republic has shed its dour, industrial image and evolved into a vibrant metropolis combining the old world charms of Istanbul with the architectural ostentations of Dubai. (Associated Press)

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The Baku Crystal Palace in Baku, Azerbaijan, is lit by lights on May 22, 2012, during the rehearsals for the 2012 Eurovision Song contest. (Associated Press)

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Ireland's Jedward performs during the first semifinal of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday. The finals of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest will be held at the stadium on Saturday. (Associated Press)

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From left, President Barack Obama, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari talk during a family picture of NATO leaders at the NATO Summit in Chicago, Monday, May 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Philippe Wojazer, Pool)

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Rafael Ismailov, a retired truck driver injured in Azerbaijan during the Khojaly Massacre 20 years ago, says the hardships will be warranted if he can to return to his homeland. (Eric J. Lyman/Special to The Washington Times)

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Worshippers perform the Eid al-Adha prayers in the mosque of Shuvalan pilgrimage site near Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha, Feast of Sacrifice, when Muslims around the world slaughter sheep and cattle in remembrance of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son. (AP Photo/Manoocher Deghati)

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Sheep are prepared for sacrifice on Eid al-Adha day in the mosque of Shuvalan pilgrimage site near Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, Nov.16, 2010. Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha, Feastl of Sacrifice, when Muslims around the world slaughter sheep and cattle in remembrance of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son. (AP Photo/Manoocher Deghati)

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** FILE ** In this Sept. 24, 2010, file photo, President Obama greets Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during their bilateral meeting in New York. (Associated Press)

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Germany's Miroslav Klose, right, and Sascha Yunisoglu of Azerbaijan challenge for the ball during the Euro 2012 Group A qualifying soccer match between Germany and Azerbaijan in Cologne, Germany, Tuesday Sept. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks in the Armenian capital Yerevan, Sunday, July 4, 2010, during her brief visit to the ex-Soviet nation. mRS. Clinton on Sunday appealed to Armenia and Azerbaijan for a peaceful resolution of a long-running territorial dispute between the neighboring ex-Soviet states, but there were no outward signs of fresh diplomatic progress. (AP Photo/PanARMENIAN Photo)Hakobyan)