Riga. Mubariz Aslanov – APA. Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia Elman Zeynalov’s interview to APA
- What is the level of current relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia, what new works are planned?
- The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia developed in all spheres. Currently, the relations are developing comprehensively. For example, Latvia is represented at the highest levels in all great events held in Azerbaijan. Of course, there are real consequences of this development for us. Today, Latvia unambiguously supports Azerbaijan's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I am sure that this support will continue from now on. We, as well as the Ambassador of Latvia to Azerbaijan are jointly working to develop this process.
The agreements signed between Azerbaijan and Latvia also pave the way for the development of economic cooperation in all fields. Latvia is very interested in Azerbaijan’s investments in the country. Latvia also tries to use the experience of Azerbaijan’s economic opportunities. They are interested in learning Azerbaijan’s experience of becoming a stronger state, gaining the independence after the collapse of the USSR. Unfortunately, this achievement of Azerbaijan causes jealousy of some forces in the region.
Latvia has always been connected to Russia and this country’s economy was regulated by Russia until it joined the European Union. Today, Latvia wants to break the stereotype and have its own economic line and chooses Azerbaijan as a main partner. We are planning carry out works in this direction. We have already planned to hold days of Latvia Azerbaijan and days of Azerbaijan in Latvia by the end of this year.
- Azerbaijani Ambassadors in foreign countries and diplomatic representatives have recently held a conference in Baku with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan. What works are considered to be carried out in Latvia following this conference?
Mr. President gave us instructions at that conference. They were particularly about the transition to a policy of attacking. The matter is about the Armenian lobby that is a patron of Armenia, which occupied the Azerbaijani lands. As an embassy in Latvia, we are building plans basing on these instructions and taking into account the local specific characteristics. I don’t want to go into details as this is a diplomatic secret, however, all will be aware of it when we implement them.
Our aim is to neutralize the Armenian lobby. Upon the advice of the Mr. President we thought of not an emotional but a rational plan of attack. These plans include building of closer relations with Latvia. These relations will lead to weakening of the enemy too. We should bear in mind that strengthening of Azerbaijan in the region causes the increase of its influence in distant countries and decrease in attention to the Armenians.
- In recent days, there were a tension and losses on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, as a result of the Armenian diversion. How did this affect the Armenian lobby’s activity abroad as well as in Latvia?
- After these incidents, we increased our readiness against all threats. Although not any danger threatens us and the Latvian government guarantees our safety here, we took proper measures in any case. Because we have witnessed a number of terror acts committed by the Armenian lobby. The terror acts committed against the Turkish diplomats are one of them. We can never overlook it. In all cases, generally we don’t expect any extraordinary danger as relevant Latvian bodies are also aware of the Armenians’ activities here.
- Several countries’ parliaments have approved a number of draft resolutions regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Khojaly genocide. Is it expected in Latvia?
- There are high-level relations between the parliaments of Latvia and Azerbaijan. Along with the relations between the two states, the activity of the inter-parliamentary friendship group has had a great role in this regard. Our goal is to achieve the Latvian Parliament’s giving a legal assessment to the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and Khojaly genocide. Of course, we will achieve it.
- The Armenian lobby attempts to achieve the draft resolution on the so-called “Armenian genocide” to be approved in parliaments of several countries. What is the situation in Latvia?
- It will never be possible. Our activity and consequently, opinion of the local community as well as Azerbaijanis’ growing influence will not allow it. At the same time, there are a number of points, so I am absolutely sure that such so-called draft resolutions cannot be raised in the Latvian parliament. This is impossible.
- There was a tension between Azerbaijan and Latvia in recent years regarding the sale of arms to Armenians from Latvia. What was happening?
- I can assure you that the Latvian state has never sold arms to Armenia. This is accurate information. Simply, the system here is so that a number of companies are operating as they wish. One of them attempted to resort to an outrageous act. However, these attempts were prevented. A lot of uncertainties were revealed in the company's activities as a result of the investigation by the Latvian state. There is no longer such a problem.
It is certain that Latvia recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including Nagorno-Karabakh that was occupied by the Armenians and supports all of our efforts in this direction.
- How are the Azerbaijanis operating in this country?
- The activities of the Azerbaijanis, Azerbaijani diaspora rapidly increased in this country over the past 3 years. I must confess that the Azerbaijani government, particularly the State Committee for Work with Diaspora played an active role in it. The advantage of the Baltic states, especially Latvia for us is that there are some influential Azerbaijanis here and it played an important role in the concentration of the diaspora here. Now, there is a minister of the Azerbaijani origin here and it is likely that such indicators will increase as a result of the activity of the Azerbaijanis. The basic feature of it is that our embassy is working in coordination with the State Committee for Work with Diaspora. It is a good support for the Azerbaijanis who want to hold high positions. Of course, the relations between the two countries also play an important role in it. Currently, preparations are underway in the country for the upcoming parliamentary elections to be held in October. As Latvia is a parliamentary republic, we are working with the State Committee for Work with Diaspora to achieve activity of the Azerbaijanis in the election process.
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