Azeri political analysts downplay Iran’s Karabakh mediation offer
Yeni Musavat, Baku
9 Jul 06
Text of M. Qasimbayli’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Yeni Musavat
on 9 July headlined "Can Iran be a mediator" and subheaded "Aydin
Mirzazada: ‘Tehran provides extensive assistance to occupying
Armenia’" and also subheaded "Rasim Musabayov: ‘This proposal is
unfeasible"
The recent statements by Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Afshar
Soleymani on the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict has
caused a lot of interest in the country. During his visit to the
villages of Tovuz District bordering Armenia two days ago, the
ambassador said that all the countries bordering the conflicting
sides – Azerbaijan and Armenia – should be involved in the mediation
effort.
The ambassador even proposed Iran’s inclusion in the OSCE Minsk
Group. Soleymani said that the group has failed to properly fulfil
its mission and Azerbaijan may ensure its territorial integrity if
peace talks on the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict collapse.
The mediation proposal of the Iranian ambassador is viewed as
positive, but unfeasible.
An MP from the [ruling] New Azerbaijan Party, Aydin Mirzazada, said
that Soleymani’s statement is interesting and shows that Iran is
interested in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict as soon as
possible. But he said that Iran is not a member of the OSCE. This
issue can be legally addressed only if another international
organization receives a mandate to broker the settlement of the
Karabakh conflict, he said.
"Turkey’s membership of the OSCE Minsk Group was discussed, but
rejected because both conflicting sides should agree to a country’s
mediation as a co-chair. It was not possible because Armenia did not
agree to Turkey’s mediation. In any case it is a positive fact that
Iran has put forward a proposal to mediate the talks. But we should
not forget that Iran’s extensive assistance to the occupying country
is one of the reasons why Armenia keeps Azerbaijani territories under
occupation. It is true that they [Iran] explain it by a desire to
maintain good relations with its neighbours. Anyhow, there is
something wrong about this issue. Iran recognizes Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity and declares Armenia’s occupation of our
territories. But at the same time Armenia has access to the world
through Iran. Armenia would have liberated our territories a long
time ago, had it not been for Iran’s gas and military assistance and
commercial relations with that country. We must be open about this –
we would be very happy to see Iran, a country that wants to mediate
the Karabakh talks, put pressure on Armenia."
Mirzazada believes that the Azerbaijani government may react to
Iran’s official appeal for the mediation in the Karabakh conflict.
"An official appeal may have already been made, but I am not aware of
this. But a response will be given if such an appeal is made," he
said.
Political analyst Rasim Musabayov also stressed that Iran is not a
member of the OSCE Minsk Group and cannot be represented in it. Rasim
bay [form of address], recalled that Iran actually mediated between
Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1992 and the bitter experience of that
mediation can still be felt.
"They organized talks at the highest level and invited the
presidents. The Armenians occupied our territories before the ink on
the signed document dried up," he said.
Nevertheless, the political analyst said that by and large Iran’s
mediation initiative could be regarded as a good sign.
"Iran borders both Azerbaijan and Armenia. The ambassador’s remarks
should be viewed as normal although they can be taken as Iran’s
desire to influence the peace talks. But this proposal is unfeasible.
Everybody understands that it has no future."