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Senior analyst Greg Thielmann: Azerbaijan can help us to strengthen defenses against Iranian attack and intimidation â€“ EXCLUSIVE

Senior analyst Greg Thielmann: Azerbaijan can help us to strengthen defenses against Iranian attack and intimidation â€“ <font color=red>EXCLUSIVE </font>

31 March 2010 09:41 (UTC +04:00)

Washington. Isabel Levine - APA. APAâ€™s Washington correspondentâ€™s interview with Greg Thielmann, senior analyst of the US Arms Control Association in Washington DC

Mr. Thielmann most recently served as a senior professional staffer of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He also was a US Foreign Service Officer for 25 years, last serving as a Director of the Strategic, Proliferation and Military Affairs Office in the Department of Stateâ€™s Bureau of Intelligence and Research. His foreign posts include Political-Military Affairs Officer in Moscow, USSR.

- The United States and Russia declared that, they are close to an agreement on Strategic Offensive Reductions. What about the Russiaâ€™s offer to use the existing missile defense infrastructure towards Iranian direction, including the Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan? Do you still believe that US will finally agree the idea?

- I believe that the New START agreement opens a window of opportunity for U.S.-Russian military cooperation in deploying joint missile defense systems oriented toward protecting against Iranian missiles, including use of the Gabala radar. Combined with the Obama Administrationâ€™s â€œphased adaptiveâ€ approach, deploying mostly sea-based missile defenses against Iranâ€™s short- and medium-range ballistic missile capabilities, the New START limits should assure Moscow that these defenses are not a threat to Russiaâ€™s nuclear deterrent. Improved relations between Washington and Moscow should enhance the prospects of military cooperation against mutual threats.

- US President Barack Obama says he wants to see a tough new round of sanctions against Iran taken up by the UN Security Council within weeks. Are the sanctions a convincing policy in attempts to resolve the Iranian problem?

- In light of Iranâ€™s unwillingness to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency in carrying out its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement to provide sufficient transparency in its nuclear program, it is necessary to raise the costs of non-cooperation through targeted sanctions. At the same time, it is important to keep the door open to diplomatic resolution of this crisis and to refrain from threats of using force.

- What is the role of Azerbaijan, which is a military ally of US and close neighbor of Iran at the same time. What kind of role can Azerbaijan play if the war against Iran will be unavoidable?

- It is very important for the United States and all countries in the region to avoid war with Iran. Azerbaijan can help us pressure Iran to cooperate with the international community and, working through both Russia and the United States, to strengthen defenses against Iranian attack and intimidation.

- As you know, Iran is often threatening its neighbors, if the situation is dangerous, what should Iran’s neighbors do and how can US protect those, including Azerbaijan, who cooperate with US?

- Iran would be well advised to curb support for extremists in the region and to reciprocate the overtures made by the Obama Administration. Iran shares a natural interest with the United States in seeing a more stable Iraq and Afghanistan and in reducing the flow of drugs across borders. Because of its ethnic and religious ties to Iran, its good relations with Europe and the United States, and the positive model of tolerance between its own Sunni and Shia communities, Azerbaijan has much to contribute toward making its southern neighbor less hostile and aggressive.