MOSCOW CANNOT RECOGNIZE NAGORNO-GARABAGH
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
May 23 2006
The official Moscow, concerned with serious steps taken by South
Caucasus countries for integration to NATO, is trying to exert upon
them pressure. Reinforced pressure upon Ukraine and Georgia due to
enlargement of their cooperation with NATO the official Moscow is
dissatisfied with Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation.
Recently one of political scientists of Russia stated that if
Azerbaijan becomes a Member of NATO, Russia will recognize so-called
“Nagorno-Garabagh Republic”. Such statements made by Russia can be
regarded just as bluff, as membership to NATO has not any attitude
to settlement of Nagorno-Garabagh conflict. In turn, experts inform
that this statement concerns mainly Armenia, but not Azerbaijan.
Mubariz Ahmedoghlu, Chairman of Political Technologies & Innovations
Center, notes that this statement is directed to Armenian community.
According to him, Armenian public opinion is predisposed to Russia and
for further existing of this factor Caucasus Institute of Democracy
brings the distinguished scholars from Moscow monthly.
Political expert notes that the statement concerning recognition of
“NGR” by Russia if Azerbaijan to accede to NATO, was made by one of
these scholars. In general, the official Moscow maintains very careful
position on this point. Russia does not recognize Nagorno-Garabagh
as Azerbaijan can accede to NATO, says M.Ahmedoghlu.
Talking of NATO-Russia relationship M.Ahmedoghlu noted the fact that
Russia has unfavorable attitude to NATO’s endeavor to collaborate
with the countries of East. According to him, Russia is concerned
with that in NATO autumn session Georgia and Ukraine will sign an
official agreement on accession. In addition, in due time Russia
opposed accession of Baltic States to NATO. “I heard such statements
when the countries of Eastern Europe acceded to NATO, but I do not
remind that Russia has taken any concrete steps. I think that Russia
will oppose accession of Georgia and Ukraine to NATO, but I do not
believe its determination. As the experience proves, when Russia
speaks, NATO acts”.
Regarding Azerbaijan’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures M.
Ahmedoghlu reminded that our country is cooperating with NATO within
the framework of Partnership for Peace Programme. He informed that he
does not expect that the official Baku will apply for accession to
NATO: “Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is well-balanced. Azerbaijan can
think about membership to NATO when it meets all standards of this
organization. If Azerbaijan is not yet ready to take such a step,
there is no need to create problems in relationship with Russia. Our
country desires to collaborate with West as well as with Russia. Our
policy is the integration into the western countries but this process
implies a number of various versions. For instance, Georgia has chosen
such version albeit is obliged to be at enmity with Russia.
Azerbaijan won’t do it in order to keep the friendliest relations
with Russia. From point of this view, Azerbaijan does not hasten to
accede to NATO”.
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