Russia’s Zhirinovskiy sees Azeri oil as barrier to Karabakh settlement
Ekho, Baku
30 Mar 05
Russian Deputy Speaker Vladimir Zhirinovskiy has said that Azerbaijani
oil is the major barrier to the Nagornyy Karabakh settlement. The
overall responsibility for the conflict rests with the former Soviet
leadership, he told Azerbaijani Ekho newspaper. Zhirinovskiy added
that Russia should be closely involved in the settlement. The
following is an excerpt from H. Hamidov’s report by Azerbaijani
newspaper Ekho on 30 March headlined ” There is the most stable
situation and strong authorities led by Ilham Aliyev in your country
among all other former Soviet Union countries” and subheaded “In an
exclusive interview with Ekho, the deputy speaker of the Russian State
Duma and LDPR leader supported a speedy solution to the Karabakh
conflict”; subheadings have been inserted editorially:
Over a month has elapsed since the deputy speaker of the Russian State
Duma and chairman of the Liberal Democrat Party of Russia (LDPR),
Vladimir Zhirinovskiy, came up with a sensational statement about
making Nagornyy Karabakh an equal member of the CIS. This kind of
statement naturally caused some resentment. Meanwhile, our public
failed to clarify reasons prompting Zhirinovskiy to make such a
statement. An Ekho correspondent has asked Zhirinovskiy to personally
comment on the statement which caused the uproar. However,
Zhirinovskiy avoided this question agreeing to answer others.
Karabakh
[Correspondent] I wonder what is your personal opinion (as a deputy
speaker of the Russian State Duma and a citizen of a neighbouring
state which has never entered a single union) on the Nagornyy Karabakh
settlement?
[Zhirinovskiy] I can say just one thing. It will play a positive role
for Azerbaijan irrespective of the decision to be adopted. This is
unambiguous. In my opinion, your main problem is oil. Had you had no
oil, you would not have had this problem. Direct and intensive talks
are needed at all levels.
[Correspondent] Might Russia play a substantial role in the Nagornyy
Karabakh settlement? If yes, then how?
[Zhirinovskiy] The problem is close and familiar to Russia. We were
all together when the problem arose. The responsibility for such
problems rests with the former Soviet leadership and the former local
leaders. We support today a speedy solution to the problem, a stable
Caucasus and region as a whole. I see a resolution through intensive
direct talks and with the participation of Russia.
[Correspondent] To speak openly, the majority of your statements about
the South Caucasus region are pro-Armenian. What is the reason for
this? It seems particularly strange in view of the fact that you are
an Orientalist and Turkologist and you are well-informed about the
roots of many regional conflicts and problems.
[Zhirinovskiy] I disagree with this opinion in the first place because
I have friends in Georgia and Azerbaijan. Armenia openly supports
Russia in the South Caucasus. Armenia is also our partner in the
region. But we would like, of course, to have other partners in the
person of Azerbaijan and Georgia. Especially as the Caspian Sea
connects us.
Azeri-Russian ties
[Correspondent] Are there ethnic Azerbaijanis in your party? Could you
please tell us their number and the form of their activities?
[Zhirinovskiy] Yes, there are. It is difficult to give the exact
number. But I know that they are represented in regional organizations
and the LDPR top administration.
[Correspondent] What is your opinion about Azerbaijanis living in
Russia?
[Zhirinovskiy] I treat normally everybody who comes to Russia, who
invests in Russia’s economy and creates jobs. I have always been and
will be against those who are doing illegal business, are involved in
illegal trade in arms and drugs.
[Passage omitted: Zhirinovskiy has no plans to visit Azerbaijan soon]
[Correspondent] You are perhaps familiar with the internal political
situation in the republic. It has been often said recently that the
outcome of parliamentary polls in Azerbaijan this autumn will lead to
the next revolution in the post-Soviet area. Do you agree with this
opinion?
[Zhirinovskiy] I am not confident that the next revolution will take
place in your country after the parliamentary elections. There is the
most stable situation and strong authorities led by Ilham Aliyev in
your country among all other [former] Soviet Union countries.
[Correspondent] It is no secret that Azerbaijani-Russian relations
have been developing successfully recently. How do you see prospects
for these relations and what would you personally wish to see in these
ties?
[Zhirinovskiy] I support closer and more active cooperation. I am for
an inflow of Russian businesses in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani
businesses in Russia. I support double citizenship, recognition of
university certificates, etc. There are many fields where we could
expand our cooperation.
[Correspondent] What are your wishes to our people on Novruz?
[Zhirinovskiy] As far as I know, Novruz is a spring holiday. I wish
the Azerbaijani people the spirit of the spring, and clear and blue
skies. Nature and love wake up in spring and therefore, I wish you
more love and joy.