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Moldovan Ambassador: â€œWe recognize and support Azerbaijanâ€™s sovereignty and territorial integrityâ€ - INTERVIEW

Moldovan Ambassador: â€œWe recognize and support Azerbaijanâ€™s sovereignty and territorial integrityâ€ - <font color=red>INTERVIEW</font>

01 June 2012 13:15 (UTC +04:00)

- Mr. Ambassador, Moldova and Azerbaijan mark 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. How do you assess the level of development of relations between the two countries?

- As you know, the diplomatic relations between our countries were established on May 28, 1992, and new stage started in bilateral cooperation from that period. We have been conducting a successful dialogue at the international level over a distance of 20 years. This period is remembered for many bright events. More than 50 interstate and intergovernmental accords and agreements were signed between our countries, high level mutual visits were paid, Moldova and Azerbaijan became members of the different international and regional organizations. Our countries always support each other, because both countries have similar problems, protracted conflicts.

I would like to note that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Moldovan President Nikolai Timofti met in Moscow within the informal summit of the CIS heads of states on May 16. The Heads of States noted the existence of great potential for development of cooperation between two countries in energy, investment and other spheres. It is important to note that Nikolai Timofti invited the Azerbaijani President to our country. Former Moldovan President Petru Lucinschi has recently visited Baku and became familiar with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, met with the students of Baku State University. He read a lecture on current situation in two independent countries in front of the students. In one word, I can describe the Azerbaijan-Moldova relations as friendly, partnership and strategic relations.

- Azerbaijan-Moldova intergovernmental commission has recently held a meeting in Chisinau. What agreements were reached at the meeting?

- Yes, it was very important for us, because this meeting has been held for the first time since 2007. In particular, the sides arranged for development of action plan to increase the volume of trade turnover, as well as to study possibilities for creating joint enterprise in agricultural sphere, especially in winemaking, meat and dairy productions, activate relations between trade chambers of both countries, AZPROMO and Moldovan Export Promotion Organization.

Chisinau will host energy forum at the second half of this year. The sides decided to continue exchanging experience in IT sphere for creating and developing the state registers, information systems, including biometrical and personal data. Besides, the Days of Azerbaijani culture will be held in Moldova in November, 2012, and the Days of Moldovan culture in Azerbaijan in May, 2013. I think that this commission must give impetus to the relations in all spheres, because concrete tasks were set to every ministry and organization.

- How do you see the development of bilateral cooperation within the GUAM?

- I think that the GUAM has a great potential. The participating countries attended the activity of the organizations at various levels. The countries found points of contact and the spheres, where mutual cooperation is efficient, have been revealed. Recently, the press-tour of a large group of Japanese journalists, who studied the new tourist routes in the format â€œGUAM +â€ ended. I would like also to note the efficient cooperation which was carried out in the line of the law enforcement bodies. We will extend our cooperation in future by adding pragmatism to the activity of GUAM.

- How do you think, why are the discussions of resolutions submitted by the GUAM to the UN on occupied territories and protracted conflicts systemically postponed?

- The systematic expression is not correct here, the GUAM countries wait for appropriate time to submit these draft resolutions for discussion. We need to find appropriate time for the settlement of these serious issues related to changes in the international arena so that raising and admission of this issue doesnâ€™t have a negative effect on the relations of the UN with the â€œXâ€ country.

This pause is based to the tactical consideration and wills of all members of the organization. The political situation was unfavorable when we planned to submit the resolution for discussion. It is needed to choose such moment that will not damage positions of GUAM participating-country in relation with the UN. Thatâ€™s why the tactics is also important in this issue. It is needed to wait for appropriate time which will be suitable for all countriesâ€™ interests. Everything cannot be solved in policy.

-Some political forces in Moldova consider that Moldovaâ€™s arms sales to Armenia have damaged the relations between Moldova and Azerbaijan. How do estimate you this situation? Did this incident impact the violation of confidence between the two countries?

-This incident has a negative effect on the development of our friendly relations. I have already said it. The representatives of the inter-governmental commission made a mistake. They claimed that lot of weapon delivered to Armenia was erroneously included in the list of countries to which Moldova traditionally sells weapons. Moldova acknowledged that, ministries of Defense and Economy made mistakes. Azerbaijan was apologized, given relevant explanations, as well as it was promised that such cases will not be reiterated anymore. So the issue was solved.

Of course this incident has an impact, the mass media had written about it. Some forces both in Azerbaijan and Moldova tried to strain the situation and they estimated these facts as turning point in the relations of the two countries. Moldovan Prime Minister met President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan on January 17-19. They solved the above-mentioned issue at the meeting.

-Is it possible to hold discussions in Moldavian Parliament on condemning the Khojaly genocide?

-There must be appropriate appeal to discuss the internal affairs of one country in the parliament of another country. So, Azerbaijani embassy in Moldova must be engaged in this issue, there must be an initiative about holding such discussions in the line of the commission on foreign affairs. Such initiative has not been raised yet. May be, this issue will be discussed in the parliament, but it is needed to observe the relevant procedures. Azerbaijani embassy in Moldova must initiate this work.

Mr. Ambassador, if we take into consideration the same problems occurring in Moldova, how does your country see the solution of Nagorno Karabakh problem?

- Moldova wants the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem within the international legal norms. We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and consider that the sides will reach a compromise on the basis of Madrid principles. Our position in this situation is clear â€“ Moldova stands for solution of conflicts with regard to the main three principles: international law, territory integrity and sovereignty.