Foreign

-How do you assess Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform offered by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan?

-Any step taken for stability is acceptable and praiseworthy. The existence of such a platform is importance for the region. Hans Hoffer, the founder of German geopolicy, says there are two hot points in Eurasia: Balkans and South Caucasus. The Europeans are regulating the situation in the Balkans, The main problem is in the Caucasus. Caucasus is even considered the center of the world now. All processes boil up from here. In this respect the existence of such a platform is important. Of course, coexistence of Russia with Georgia and Azerbaijan with Armenia is very hard. We approve the proposal related to all this. We expect full mechanism of the target lying ahead theoretically to be prepared. Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia and Georgia are interested in this issue. Maybe, Armenia will also take a stance on it. The most desirable thing for the South Caucasus is the establishment of stability and security. I think no other fact may have stronger impact on the world’s history and international relations. It will be a positive step, if such a platform draws the countries closer.

-Can Azerbaijan and Armenia, Russia and Georgia be represented in the same platform under these circumstances?

-It is still questionable how it can be. That’s why it is not known what results will be achieved in connection with the pact. We offer to solve Nagorno Karabakh conflict peacefully, in line with the norms and principles of the international law and then establish normal relations in political, economic and humanitarian spheres. As the saying goes “move, if your neighbor is bad”, but moving is out of question when it concerns neighboring states, or peoples. Since it has no alternative we should reach an understanding and solve the conflict.

-Does it mean that Nagorno Karabakh conflict will be one of the main conditions in the talks related to the pact?

-Our participation in any platform together with Armenia is impossible, unless Nagorno Karabakh conflict is solved. What can we talk about here? Is there a bigger obstacle than Karabakh issue, if we speak about stability and security? Turkish Prime Minister’s initiative is approved, because processes causing anxiety in terms of international law are observed in the world. Unfortunately, after the World War II, the states, which form this international law, sometimes show disrespect, ignorance ands sometimes injustice to these norms, sacrifice these norms to their interests. This results in the situations like in the South Caucasus. And as a result of it, Nagorno Karabakh conflict is not solved.

If co-chairs had stood at just position, the problem would have already been solved long before. Everybody should defend an international law. Big states, small states and all of us should respect and obey it. Nonexistence of it causes serious threat to discipline of the world and it is at the competence of big states. They should see, understand it and take steps. Sometimes, the end of such situations is linked with themselves as well. Unfortunately, unjustness, indifference to international law is carried out culturally in the 21st century. It was so in 19th century and middle centuries as well. Essence is same, only shape has been changed.

-How do you evaluate Turkish President’s visit to Armenia?

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has already taken stance on it. The position is that Turkey is a friend and ally of Azerbaijan. Our interests are same in all issues. We have good cooperation and friendship. Azerbaijan and Turkey are strategic allies and these relations have historical background and will have good future. Turkish state, its leadership has right to pass decision on all issues. We cannot state opinion on it. Various opinions are sounded in Azerbaijani and Turkish media in terms of analysis. Methinks, strict, radical and concrete position should not be stated. This is very sensitive step. It should be waited. This situation is not the one to be forgotten tomorrow. There will be something on the results of the visit within two-three months. What was the position of Armenia and Turkey on this issue, what did they speak about, what measures did they take? All of these issues are not yet known. This is tactical step. I think that there exists strategic aim, target between Azerbaijan and Turkey and our union will continue henceforth. Certainly, the Turkish President will state concrete position on Azerbaijan during the visit. I cannot say anything about result of it.

-Is Azerbaijan anxious about the visit?

I do not want to link Azerbaijan-Turkey relations with the visit and it is not right. Relations between our countries have been formed during decades. The line formed by presidents of the two countries, Turkish state leaders, Azerbaijani President, National Leader Heydar Aliyev is unchangeable and I do not think that any situation cannot influence on the relations. Some people state their opinions absorbing in feelings. The visit of president of any country to other country is estimated as the end of proper level of diplomatic relations or beginning of new relations. Several questions occur because this is an extraordinary step. I am anxious about it a bit. Armenian leaders are in difficult situation and there are not moral principles for them in such condition. Armenia has difficulties because of ongoing developments in the region. Only Iran supports it. It has not relations with its big supporter Russia at present. They can do next hypocrisy abusing difficult situation.

-Does Armenia need the visit more?

Armenia maybe needs it more. But there is one issue that what Armenia needs it should be given it. The visit does not mean that Turkey opens borders with Armenia. All problems between the states will be debated during the visit. Our position is that this is decision of Turkey and we accept it.

-Is Abdullah Gul’s visit to Armenia coordinated with Azerbaijani side?

I cannot say anything about it. There will not be any need for such coordination. Turkey is an independent country. Azerbaijan and Turkey can take independent steps. There is some nicety in this visit. But Azerbaijani and Turkish communities want to attach formal importance to the issue and achieve logical results. There is no need for hasty steps in politics. We will see everything. Those, who state such opinions, will repent. It is possible theoretically.

-Relations between the US and Russia are tense enough. How do you see the prospects of OSCE Minsk Group under these circumstances?

-These states should come to an understanding. Everything will be good, if they do it. But if the confrontation becomes complicated, it will pose threat to all, as well as these states. Is there a need for rearming, the states’ applying sanctions against each other? Neither Azerbaijan, nor any other state is to blame for it. How can one shut eyes to the occupation of seven regions? Richard Cheney expressed a more concrete view on the settlement of the conflict. But why it has not been said before that Armenia has no right to occupy seven regions of Azerbaijan, it is an aggressor and should leave the occupied territories. It should have been said. When it is not said, it delays the resolution of the conflict, which favors neither Azerbaijan, nor mediators. That’s why the parties should be together so that the problems can be solved. Otherwise, it will be difficult.

-How is Azerbaijan’s attitude towards the developments between Georgia and Russia?

-We have already expressed our opinion and stick to our opinion.

-Some commentators consider that Azerbaijan should have chosen between the US and Russia…

-Some can say anything in line with their interests. We have our own concept. Our national leader Heydar Aliyev established Azerbaijan’s foreign policy on such a conceptual basis, that the whole world saw Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is the wisest and strongest. It does not only consist of Georgia-Russia relations. You see the developments have made an influence on so many states and posed threat to some targets of the states…

-What does U.S. Vice President Richard Cheney’s visit mean for Azerbaijan?

-I tell you in all sincerity that Richard Cheney’s visit to Azerbaijan was planned very earlier than these processes. It was specified early June that US Vice President will visit Azerbaijan on September 3. The aim of the visit was to review US-Azerbaijani relationship, to analyze its past and to discuss its current situation and future as well. Bush administration is working with us for 8 years already and we reached very big achievements. Undoubtedly there are certain problems we need to speak about. This visit was important in sense of Bush administration’s support for US-Azerbaijan relations in future. It is naturally that everyone made own comment on this visit because it coincided with the certain events. Many people didn’t know that this visit was planned very early and therefore they thought that it related with the latest processes in the Caucasus. US-Azerbaijani relations are developing, there are certain interests and energy, war on terrorism and security issues are at the high level. One of the Azerbaijan’s main principles in the international relations is a trusty partnership. We have successive, logistic, resolute and concrete course of policy. Therefore others don’t concern over the Azerbaijan’s actions. On the other hand, Azerbaijan’s successes, achievements and stability make some circles anxious. For example the incident in Abu Bakr Mosque related with that. However committers of this incident were found. Nobody can overstep the law. It will be better if all strata of the society actively participate in this issue, understand the president’s policy and support him. Then Azerbaijan will be strong and move forward.

-It was reported that Cheney’s health declined during the flight to Azerbaijan. How is it true?

-These are empty talks. Richard Cheney arrived in Azerbaijan at 10.00. He began the meetings after short break. The meeting exceeded the scheduled time. The negotiations were completed in five hours despite it was planned to hold two-hour talks.

-Just after the Richard Cheney’s visit to Azerbaijan Dmitriy Medvedev made phone call to Ilham Aliyev and following that Elmar Mammadyarov visited Moscow. Is there any relation between these events?

-Only relation between these events is that Azerbaijan is a leader in the region. Azerbaijan’s position in this region effects on all processes. Azerbaijan saved its status-quo in political, economic and security fields despite the certain developments in the region, but if something happened in Azerbaijan, it would change status quo of the region. All take interest in this. Azerbaijan is loyal to its principles and never uses its relations against others. Russian, Iranian and US interests show the positive role of Azerbaijan.

-When co-chairs expected to visit the region?

-The visit is expected, but its date has not been specified yet because events in Georgia effected on this.

-Azerbaijan passes through the election period. May unexpected events happen on the eve of elections in Azerbaijan?

-I have to say it, despite that I am an official. If there was no genius Heydar Aliyev over 20 years in Azerbaijan and if Ilham Aliyev didn’t take his path, even wisest politician can not imagine Azerbaijan’s condition today. Azerbaijan’s policy and the president’s course fully meet the interests of Azerbaijan. This is a balanced policy. Azerbaijani president has own position, platform, concept and mechanism in the most sensitive moments related to the country’s fate. Today our concept has enough opportunity of maneuver to defend Azerbaijan’s independence, stability and security. Azerbaijan’s course enables it to respond all threats and to take its path not depending on the elections. There is no any doubt.

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