US BACKS DEMOCRATIC REFORMS IN AZERBAIJAN, AGAINST TENSION WITH ARMENIA – ENVOY
Turan news agency
Oct 19 2012
Azerbaijan
In an exclusive interview with Turan, the US ambassador expressed
the attitude of official Washington to the most serious recent events
and topical issues of political life in Azerbaijan.
Q: In recent days, the situation in the region deteriorated in the
light of two events: the pardon of Safarov and statements of the
Armenian side on the launch of the airport in Xocali city. Some experts
do not exclude that the resumption of flights may cause hostilities
in Karabakh. What does the official Washington think about it, and
what steps are being taken to prevent conflict?
US envoy on pardon of Azeri officer, Xocali airport
Ambassador Morningstar: I can give you a general answer and then
more specifically if you want to talk about the Safarov pardon and
the airport.
First of all, we are doing everything that we can to discourage any
kind of increased tensions and any escalation of conflict. What I
do here in Baku is certainly discourage any kind of escalation of
conflict. We’re doing everything possible to achieve a peaceful
resolution through the Minsk Group process.
With respect to the specific issues that you’re concerned about, on
the Safarov pardon, I certainly stand behind the statements that were
made, by the State Department and by the White House, with respect
to the Safarov pardon. Those statements clearly say that we condemn
any actions that will escalate tensions in the region.
In connection with the airport, I would refer to the statements made
by the Minsk Group. One particular statement made last week, on 14
April last year, and then again on 13 July of this year. In last
year’s statement the Minsk Group co-chairs expressed their concern
that the planned opening of the airport in Nagornyy Karabakh could
lead to further increased tension. It very explicitly stated concern
by the Minsk Group co-chairs and that the co-chairs have received
continuing assurances that there will be no violence against civil
aircraft which is very important.
The Minsk Group co-chairs have also stated that the opening of the
airport would have absolutely no effect on the current status of
Nagornyy Karabakh under international law. They reject any argument
that that the airport would somehow give increased status to Nagornyy
Karabakh. The hope, of course, is that the parties can resolve the
issue through international conventions and international law, but
again it is clear that the Minsk Group has raised all these issues
and made the statement that the opening of the airport could increase
tensions.
Envoy salutes Azerbaijan’s energy projects
Q: You have been an active participant in the implementation of
international energy projects in Azerbaijan. Today it is often heard
that the positives from the sale of oil contracts have benefited
only a narrow segment of the population, leaving aside most of the
country’s population. Do you agree with this opinion?
Ambassador Morningstar: I’ll answer the question this way. I strongly
believe that Azerbaijan is better off because of the development of its
energy resources. At the same time it’s important that Azerbaijan’s
economy become more diversified and I think the government is
trying hard to diversify the economy into other areas – information,
communications, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and many
other areas.
There’s always progress to be made as well. It’s important that the
needs of the Azerbaijani people be taken care of and that the energy
resources and revenues from the energy resources can help to do this.
Q: So, the problem is not in the contract, but such issues as
corruption and inequitable distribution? And what do you think of
the fight against corruption in Azerbaijan?
Ambassador Morningstar: I think it goes without saying that the less
corruption, the more benefit to the people. This is an issue that
we constantly press the government on. President Aliyev, in public
statements this week, has talked about the need to reduce corruption.
We work with the Azerbaijani government to increase transparency with
respect to the economy. It’s a very important part of our agenda. We
continue to urge the government to make continuing progress with
respect to eliminating corruption. And hopefully steps will be taken
to further improve that situation.
Priorities
Q: At your first press conference in Baku on 10 September, you stated
priority of security, energy, democracy and human rights. You also
mentioned the dialogue between the government and opposition in
Azerbaijan. Your predecessor, Ambassador Bryza was the initiator of
the dialogue for promoting reform, but his idea was unsuccessful. Do
you plan to organize such a dialogue?
Ambassador Morningstar: We have. And in fact there has been already
one session between the presidential administration, opposition and
civil society representatives. He has committed to do more. But I
think the important point to make is that the democracy and human
rights are critically important to Azerbaijan’s future. Secretary of
State Clinton has said that our closest relationships are with those
countries that value democracy and human rights.
So we continually raise these issues with the government. We will
continue to seek improvement with respect to these issues. We believe
it’s advantageous for the government of Azerbaijan to create a more
pluralistic society. I have spent a lot of time since I’ve been here
speaking to youth groups here. In the future Azerbaijan depends upon
the youth and I think that the young people in this country are going
to have to see that they have opportunities here. I think it’s up
to the government to ensure that that happens and to create a more
open society, to continue to progress and create a more open society,
to provide opportunities to all citizens.
So this is an issue that is very high on our agenda. In every meeting
with senior officials we talk about these issues. We talk about some
specific cases. We also talk about the importance of continuing to
open up the society and create more transparency within the society
and recognizing democratic values.
On reforms
Q: Do you believe that authorities have the political will for
real reform? Civil society believes that it does not, and talks
about the dialogue are of a formal nature. In our society there
is an opinion that the cause of general apathy is frustrating to
democratic values, because the current reality in the form of an
authoritarian political system, total corruption and the violation
of fundamental freedoms is seen as a consequence of democracy. This,
in turn, drives a significant part of society, especially the youth,
to turn to religion. Do not you think that this should be an alarm
bell for the supporters of democracy?
Ambassador Morningstar: Obviously dialogue will not be successful if
it is purely formalistic. It is important as part of any dialogue
and important for any government to listen to its citizens and to
listen to what their concerns are and what their problems are. And
to deal with those problems. And it’s important for any society,
including Azerbaijan, for the people, particularly young people, to
believe that they have an opportunity to grow, to be educated, to be
able to have careers where they can succeed and better themselves in
that society as well. To be able to have strong families that can make
ends meet and can live a reasonable life. These are the real issues.
And if the government listens to those kinds of concerns and helps to
develop in that direction, then Azerbaijan will be a very prosperous
and strong country.
On upcoming presidential poll
Q: Next year presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan. How
does the USA assess the intention of Ilham Aliyev to run for president
a third time?
Ambassador Morningstar: Well, I don’t think the issue is whether
Aliyev runs for a third term or not. The issue is will there be fair
elections? And we’ll see. We hope they are fair. We’re certainly
happy to work with the government, helping the government meet its
commitments, its international commitments with respect to these
elections. I certainly hope that will be the case and we’re happy to
help ensure that.
We also have to remember that a true democracy is more than just an
election day decision. Democracy requires civil society, democracy
requires institutions that are open and transparent. Elections require
a freedom of the media, freedom to express ideas.
So all of these things are important. We certainly, these are
issues that we do talk about with the government. We hope that we
can cooperate with them and that the government will ensure that
the elections coming up will be free and fair and will provide for
freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and that there will be
a truly fair and open election.
On freedoms
Q: The reports of the US State Department, Freedom House and other
formal and informal structures of USA state serious problems with
freedom of speech, democracy and human rights in Azerbaijan. What
specific measures are planned by Washington to improve the situation
in this regard?
Ambassador Morningstar: We can look at specific projects as well as
our ongoing discussions that we always have with the government with
respect to these issues, with respect to some of the specific cases
that come up. But we also have various programmes that can help to
foster civil society, help to develop transparency, and to work with
the youth, to encourage an opening of the society. I think in the
day of the social network it’s virtually impossible to control the
internet and the social network and I think there’s real opportunity
for pluralistic ideas to develop through the society network and that
the government can also use the social network and the internet to
help prove to the citizens of Azerbaijan it is doing things to open
up opportunities for all of its citizens.
On developments around Iran
Q: The next important topic is the tension around Iran. Many experts do
not exclude a quick military action against Tehran. Is the USA ready
to defend Azerbaijan in case of attack by Iran, which threatened to
bomb the “American targets” in neighbouring countries in case of war?
Ambassador Morningstar: I’d answer that in two ways. One, Iran is
certainly an issue with respect to Azerbaijan. We work closely with
the government with respect to issues relating to Iran and relating
to security assistance, counter-terrorism and the like. It is an
important part of our relationship.
But I also think it’s important to understand what the United
States policy is with respect to Iran. We hope very much that the
combination of diplomacy and very tough sanctions will ultimately
bring about an agreement with respect to Iran’s nuclear programme
that will be satisfactory to all concerned. We think that there is
still time for diplomacy along with sanctions to work. So we are
hopeful that military action will not become necessary and at the
same time I think the President has made clear that a nuclear armed
Iran is not an acceptable option. Hopefully diplomacy and sanctions
will work. We’re working at that every day.
I understand the concerns of people in Azerbaijan with respect to
this issue. It’s a concern for everybody. That’s why our government
is working so hard to ultimately come to a resolution using very
tough sanctions to come to a diplomatic resolution.
But again, the President has made clear that a nuclear armed Iran is
not an acceptable option.
Q: For Azerbaijan, there is a more serious problem, the Karabakh
conflict, which remains unresolved for over 20 years. In recent times
there are opinions that the OSCE Minsk Group has exhausted itself,
and there is a need to search for new formats of settlement. A number
of American experts such as Mary Ouen, suggest applying the method
of coercion to peace, as it did in Bosnia. What are your thoughts on
the matter?
Ambassador Morningstar: We’re committed to the Minsk Group process. At
this point we certainly, there is no existing alternative to the Minsk
Group process. We are totally committed also to a peaceful resolution
of the conflict.
What’s necessary ultimately for resolution is political will of all the
parties to reach a resolution. Whatever the format of negotiations is
or is not, unless there’s that strong political will of all parties,
it’s going to be very difficult to achieve a solution.
Certainly speaking from our position here in Baku, the US position,
I’m working hard with our Minsk Group negotiators and with the
government to look at possible creative ways to resolve the conflict.
The whole Nagornyy Karabakh issue, I can tell you from my conversations
with Secretary of State Clinton prior to coming here, is a top
priority and the number one issue I know in her view with respect to
Azerbaijan. And I’ve said publicly in public before, I would be the
happiest person in the world if this were resolved during the time
that I was here in Baku. I will continue to work with our Minsk Group
negotiators and others, to see what we can do to help and be creative
and hopefully come to a solution.
I also recognize that the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict is just a deep
and emotional issue for all Azerbaijanis. It really doesn’t matter
what a person’s political views are. Everybody I’ve met, are deeply
concerned about the suffering this conflict has generated. The pain
that it’s generated.
On Azeri president’s criticism of BP
Q: Let’s go back to energy issues. How do you assess the prospects
of Trans-Caspian gas pipeline?
Ambassador Morningstar: Well, we’ll see. I’ve been involved in trying
to get a Trans-Caspian Pipeline done since 1998. It still hasn’t
happened. The European Union, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan negotiated
to try and get a Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline done. Turkey has a strong
interest, a strong desire to see a Trans-Caspian Pipeline. Again,
I know nothing more than those negotiations will be successful. But
again, we’ll see. We certainly support a Trans-Caspian Pipeline and
hopefully the negotiations that are taking place will be successful.
Q: How do you assess sharp criticism by Ilham Aliyev against BP?
Ambassador Morningstar: Certainly we’re aware of the issues that
President Aliyev raised yesterday that has been reported on in
the press. The relationship between the government of Azerbaijan,
and SOCAR, with BP is critically important. BP and the Azerbaijani
government have had a relationship that has gone on now for close
to 20 years. There are issues. I’m sure that if all the parties act
in good faith that they’ll resolve those issues. We certainly don’t
take sides. We encourage that these issues be resolved and I’m also
confident that they will be resolved.
Q: Last week there was a scandal in connection with a video, where a
member of parliament extorted money from the rector of the university
for the last elections as a deputy. How do you feel about this event?
Ambassador Morningstar: It’s hard for me to comment on that. We follow
it closely. We obviously don’t know all of the facts. The only thing
that we would encourage is that there be a thorough transparent
investigation of what happened.
On strengthening of Islamic factor
Q: It’s no secret that in Azerbaijan in recent years the Islamic factor
has strengthened in Azerbaijan, the role and influence of believers
is growing. In this case, there are concerns that Islam is becoming
a more political factor. How do you assess these trends?
Ambassador Morningstar: I’ll go back to what I said earlier, that the
issue that Azerbaijan or any country faces with respect to any kind
of radical opposition, whether it be radical Islamic opposition or
other radical oppositions of other kinds, is that governments have
to convince their citizens that they have opportunity. Particularly
the youth, the women, they all have opportunities to succeed in the
society. If in fact, the society in general believes that Azerbaijan
is becoming increasingly democratic, is becoming more open, and
is providing the requisite opportunities for all of its citizens,
then I think any kind of radical opposition would be, it would be
very unlikely that radical opposition could develop in that kind
of environment.
[Tranlated]