NOVRUZ MAMMADOV: "PARTICIPATION OF AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA IN ANY PLATFORM IS IMPOSSIBLE, UNLESS NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT IS SOLVED"
Azeri Press Agency
Sept 8 2008
Azerbaijan
Baku. Elnur Mammadli – APA. Head of International Affairs Department
of the President’s Office Novruz Mammadov’s interview to APA
-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.