Azeri leader appeals to UN
By Sun Staff

Baku Sun, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006

The Human Rights Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of
Azerbaijan last week held a round table to discuss the role of the
Diaspora in Azerbaijani-Russian relations.

Tatyana Poloskova, head of department at the Center for International
Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (CISCC) under the Russian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, also attended the event.

Baku Sun~Rs Mammad Bagirov asked Ms Poloskova for her comments on the
problems facing Russia~Rs sizeable ethnic Azerbaijani community. ~W
What are the main problems facing Azerbaijanis in Russia today? ~W
During the round table, we agreed that Azerbaijanis really are facing
problems in Russia.

The main problem is the negative image of Azerbaijanis which has
developed in Russia. As I said at the round table, it is actually
possible to improve this image. A group of Russian and Azerbaijani
experts are going to look into the reasons for this negative image.

On the surface, the negative attitude towards Azerbaijanis in Russia
stems from the fact that Azerbaijanis have filled a certain economic
vacuum in Russia, particularly in the sphere of trade. But in fact,
there were no other contenders for this vacuum apart from Azerbaijanis.

As Russians have traditionally never shown interest in trade,
Azerbaijanis engaging in trade cannot serve as a reason for this
negative image. Yes, we have to admit that one can frequently observe
Azerbaijani vendors behaving incorrectly in Russian markets. However,
vendors representing other nationalities behave in the same way as
well. This is a special market environment.

I think one of the main reasons behind this negative image of
Azerbaijanis is their ability to compete. They are hard working,
mobile and less inclined to alcoholism. There are ways of building up
a positive image, and we are ready to work with the Azerbaijani side
on this. Why is this important for us? One of the responsibilities of
the CISCC is to accompany Russia~Rs foreign policies with informational
initiatives in the humanitarian field.

It is very difficult to hold a humanitarian dialogue with Baku as
long as the problem of Caucasusphobia remains in Russia. If we do not
resolve this problem, it will hinder our humanitarian relations. ~W One
of the problems hindering Azerbaijani-Russian relations is Russia~Rs
policy of double standards toward Azerbaijan. For instance, when dozens
of Azerbaijanis were killed in a market roof collapse in Moscow, Russia
did not declare mourning. But Russia did mourn Armenians killed in
a recent aircraft crash. ~W Yes, Russia should have declared morning
after the roof collapse in the Basmanniy market. It is difficult to
say why the Russian authorities did not do so. I think in politics
lobby systems play a greater role than states. However, I cannot say
that there is an efficient Armenian lobby in Russia today. They are
much less efficient than they might be.

On the contrary, the Azerbaijani lobby in Russia is becoming more
powerful with each passing year.

Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. As strange as it may seem, Russia
reacted calmly to this. Is this a sign that the position of Russia~Rs
political elite is changing towards realism and pragmatism? ~W Reaction
always means something. Moscow realizes that Azerbaijan is a key player
in the South Caucasus region with its political, economic and cultural
potential. Russia has spiritual and religious ties with Armenia and
Georgia. But Azerbaijan is the key player because of its potential.

Therefore, one should address the key player while building relations
with the region. The reaction of the presidents is important. You may
have noticed that the issue of the Diaspora receives great attention
in the Azerbaijani-Russian dialogue. If you have such a large Diaspora
in Russia, one cannot but view Azerbaijan as the key player.