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Elnur Aslanov: â€œThe meeting initiative of a small group is an attempt to draw attention, but not to have effect on public opinionâ€ - INTERVIEW

Elnur Aslanov: â€œThe meeting initiative of a small group is an attempt to draw attention, but not to have effect on public opinionâ€ - <font color=red>INTERVIEW</font>

20 April 2012 16:24 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Rashad Suleymanov â€“ APA. Interview with the head of the department of political analysis and information of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Elnur Aslanov

- 20 years have passed in March since the establishment of the OSCE Minsk Group. Despite long-time activity, the Minsk Group couldnâ€™t reach serious progress in mediating the settlement of the conflict. Does Azerbaijan change its position to continue the settlement process in this format?

- Of course, we can not speak about the successful activity by the Minsk Group today. Strange situation was created and its strangeness can be explained with several factors.

First, OSCE was in its transformation period and had a purpose to turn into the main security institute in Europe when the Minsk Group was established. Determining the conflict settlement as one of its priorities, the organization directed its main efforts toward the settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The preliminary goals of the mission show that the question was just about the settlement of the conflict. It demanded great efforts and political, diplomatic leverages. The mission, which couldnâ€™t win such support, started to develop ordinary mediation.

Secondly, OSCE doesnâ€™t realize significance of its mission for the international peace and security. Violation of fundamental principles and norms of international law created disbelief in new world order. The aggression must be condemned by the world union. The world leaders must think about it for the sake of the mankindâ€™s future, for peace and security. Today Armeniaâ€™s aggression against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan is the violation of international law, which has been rarely observed recently.

From the other side, the Minsk Group co-chairs are the leading states from political, economic, military and technological standpoint. Why these influential countries canâ€™t force Armenia to settle for a compromise and establish peace in the region? Are they really helpless before Armenia?

Third, the OSCE was not provided with adequate mechanisms. Azerbaijan raised the issue of aggression and occupation in the OSCE, but there were many obstacles preventing necessary decisions. After occupation of Azerbaijanâ€™s Aghdam region by Armenian forces, the Minsk Group condemned this fact in its report and considered it necessary to take measures. However Armenia always prevented the consensus and was encouraged by its supporters to use â€œconsensus minus oneâ€ rule.

Fourth, Armenia creates artificial polemics around the conflict settlement. Adoption of the principles in the OSCE Lisbon Summit in 1996 thanks to resolute position by Azerbaijanâ€™s national leader Heydar Aliyev, was the expression of necessity arising from the essence of the international law. Nagorno Karabakh is a historical territory of Azerbaijan and it was as part of various states established in the territory of Azerbaijan throughout the history. Even in 1919, according to the agreement, the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities of Nagorno Karabakh gained cultural autonomy status within the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR). Currently, these territories are the part of the Republic of Azerbaijan as heir of the ADR. Armeniansâ€™ opinion on self-determination has no healthy and scientific grounds. This right doesnâ€™t violate the principles of territorial integrity, as well as it doesnâ€™t concern Armenian ethnic minority in Nagorno Karabakh. Strengthening the worldâ€™s efforts on the basis of Lisbon principles and adoption of decisions in this direction can promote the peace process.

-Azerbaijan was elected as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Could our country benefit by its new status? Will Azerbaijan use this status for adoption of new resolution on Nagorno Karabakh conflict?

- Azerbaijan’s election as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council is the biggest success of Azerbaijan in its modern history. It is the logical consequence of Azerbaijanâ€™s role in providing international peace and security. Azerbaijan will actively participate in the discussions about significant international issues, decidedly show its position and at the same time will work for the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict on the basis of justice and international law. Security Council adopted 4 resolutions on Nagorno Karabakh conflict and condemned the fact of occupation. Azerbaijan always gives much attention to this issue and the resolutions, which were adopted in the UN General Assembly, are obvious examples of it. Azerbaijan has ensured delicate approach of the world community to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and achieved to reveal the lies of the Armenian state and Diaspora.

- Azerbaijanâ€™s President has issued an order to hold commemorative events on the 20th anniversary of the occupation of Shusha. What events will be held on this occasion?

-This fascinating town of Azerbaijan has been under the occupation of Armenian troops for 20 years, a number of cultural monuments have been destroyed. This is the violation of law damaging Azerbaijanâ€™s cultural heritage. Azerbaijan draws this illegal situation to the attention of the world community. Following the order issued by Mr. President, the measures and events have been determined by the plan of events confirmed by the Head of the Administration. These documents will give an impetus to the efficient organization of the work and promotion of the town of Shusha on the international level. It should be noted that events on the 20th anniversary of Khojaly genocide were held both in Azerbaijan and various countries in February, the world community was objectively informed about it. Armenians have not only occupied Azerbaijanâ€™s territories, but also committed unprecedented genocide against the Azerbaijanis, crimes against humanity. These crimes unambiguously condemned by the world community must not be left unpunished. The events that will be held on the occupation of Shusha are the continuation of Azerbaijanâ€™s communication and aim to increase delicacy of the world community against the Armenian aggression.

- Armenia withdrew from Eurovision song contest referring to the security factors. Despite this, the members of the Armenian delegation to EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly attended the second plenary session of the organization in Baku. How can the paradox in the steps taken by Armenia be explained?

- Eurovision is simply a song contest and plays the role of moral bridge between nations, contributes to their mutual understanding. Azerbaijan as a host country ensures and will ensure the security of all participants. So, the claims of the Armenian representatives are illogical. Armenia has again demonstrated its unconstructive position, avoids peace talks and such an event calling for peace and dialogue. As regards, the participation of the Armenian delegation to EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly in the meeting in Baku, I think they attended the event as they realized that they could not deceive the European politicians with false claims. Moreover, Armenia is a poor country, it has weak economy. It could not miss this political event, as it needs much the aids and donations from Europe. It shows once more that the Azerbaijani state can hold significant events and ensure the security of the participants in accordance with its international commitments. The activities carried out by us in the sphere of dialogue among civilizations and religions can serve as an example.

- How do you value the meetings of opposition parties and pro-opposition youth organizations from the viewpoint of its effect on public opinion?

- Azerbaijan is integrating into Europe, where liberal democracy dominates. Azerbaijan ensures the rights and freedoms of its citizens and creates conditions for them to express their ideas. The right of assembly was given to Azerbaijani citizens by the Constitution. The effect on public opinion is a long and complicated process. The meeting initiative of a small group is an attempt to draw attention, but not to have effect on public opinion. The public opinion is based on objective factors.

- What is new in the governmentâ€™s youth policy?

- The Youth Program was elaborated to create conditions for the implementation of series of projects in 2011-2015. Realization of various events within this program is a successful start. Ganja was declared the youth capital of Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of youth centers in the country and met young activists in Astara region recently. President allocated AZN 5 million for the Youth Fund to finance various projects and it will be an important factor in the activity of youth.