Pro-Armenian former Russian mediator heats up tensions

AzerNews
16 June 05

Tensions rose after the former Russian intermediary on the Upper
Garabagh conflict, largely seen in Azerbaijan as a pro-Armenian
diplomat, visited Baku last week.

Former Russian co-chair of the mediating OSCE Minsk Group Vladimir
Kazimirov’s attending a seminar on the geo-strategic importance of
Azerbaijan in

Baku infuriated the participating representatives of the radical
Garabagh Liberation Organization (GLO).

The pressure group deputy chairman Firudin Mammadov demanded that
Kazimirov leave the seminar and the country, as he does not recognize
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

“Kazimirov has always acted on Armenians’ behest and his participation
at the event sparked protests among those driven out of Garabagh and
all Azerbaijanis.”

The GLO members walked out of the conference room after their demands
to oust the Russian diplomat were not met.

Former state foreign policy advisor Vafa Guluzada tried to ease
the tensions. He noted that he was one of the people who regularly
criticized Kazimirov.

“You know that I have always adhered to a radical position toward
Russia and Kazimirov. But we need him at the seminar so that we can
say what we think and have him convey this to others.”

Guluzada also said that Kazimirov is an independent political analyst
and may express any opinion.

Kazimirov said in his statement that Azerbaijan and Armenia should
adhere to peace, as resumption of hostilities over Upper Garabagh,
along with human casualties and destruction, would negatively affect
the economic and democratic development of the two countries.

“If Azerbaijan launches military action, it will suffer major loss.

First of all, the future of the ongoing regional projects will be
questioned. On the other hand, Baku will miss the chance of taking
advantage of its lucrative geo-strategic position. Moreover, all
international organizations will condemn Azerbaijan and it may further
face sanctions.”

Kazimirov claimed that ‘the frequent ceasefire breaches on frontline
are aimed at achieving the international community’s pressure on
Armenia’. He noted that the ‘adventurous statements’ concerning the
launch of military operations cause a reaction from Armenia as well,
which diminishes ways of settling the Garabagh conflict.

The former Russian diplomat also said that Azerbaijan ‘should guarantee
security of Armenians and assure them that it won’t launch a war’.

“Despite the ceasefire that was reached 10 years ago, Azerbaijan has
not guaranteed so far that it won’t launch hostilities.”

Kazimirov refuted the statements that Russia is trying to freeze the
Upper Garabagh conflict. “On the contrary, Moscow is trying to break
the ice,” he said.

MP Asim Mollazada said that the seminar organizers have taken a
‘smart step’ by inviting Kazimirov to Azerbaijan. “It is good that
you are attending the seminar. I would like you to know that no one
in Azerbaijan will accept the occupation of lands,” he emphasized.

The President’s Office socio-political department representative Fuad
Akhundov said commenting on Kazimirov’s statement that Azerbaijan is
not getting ready for war.

Azerbaijan’s military spending and rampant economic growth will allow
settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, said.

“The fantastic economic development will facilitate settling the
conflict. Rising military expenses will increase as well. Armenia
will not be able withstand this and will concede to official Baku.”

Akhundov added that the country’s military spending will exceed the
entire state budget of Armenia in a few years, creating favorable
conditions for the conflict resolution. He also recalled that ‘US
ex-President Ronald Reagan made the former USSR collapse without
shooting a single bullet.’ The presidential administration official
said that there are forces trying to affect the situation inside
Azerbaijan. He noted that the Azerbaijani President is supported by 77%
[according to a recent poll] of the population but said the government
ready to negotiate with those discontent with his activity.

“We are ready to negotiate with the rest of the people but we do not
accept speaking on ultimatum terms.”

Chairman of Yurddash Party, MP Mais Safarli has suggested that
the country pass a law banning visits by ‘undesirable’ people to
Azerbaijan.

“Visits by undesirable people, such as Kazimirov should be prevented.

But this is currently not regulated by the legislation. I will raise
the issue at the next session of the parliament.”

Safarli said that inviting Kazimirov to the country was aimed at
subversion.

“Everything could happen at the event he attended. He could have been
beaten, killed or thrown out of the window.”