VAFA GULUZADE: US WON’T ENGAGE IN SETTLEMENT OF KARABAKH PROBLEM UNLESS IT STRIKES ON IRAN

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 7 2007

"I see no perspective in the coming St Petersburg meeting of head
of states of CIS. Russia intends to discuss issues of leading joint
policy with Azerbaijan and Armenia if the US attacks on Iran",
political scientist Vafa Guluzada told APA. According to him, the
summit will not debate Nagorno Karabakh issue.

"There is no favorable ground for the discussion of Nagorno Karabakh
problem. Because, states have not changed their position- Armenia
wants Karabakh to be independent while Azerbaijan wants to settle
the conflict within its territorial integrity. Russia’s position
is unchanged. Russia wants freezing the Karabakh issue and uses
the conflict as the lever in stopping Azerbaijan and Armenia from
joining NATO.

As to the position of the US, it will not get engaged in the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict until it has attacked
Iran. The settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict needs Russia’s
collapse. This process is underway. If Russia retreats from pursing
policy on freezing Karabakh conflict this problem could find its
solution.

Rasim Musabeyov told APA he does not share optimistic views on the
settlement of Karabakh conflict soon. "The hopes on the settlement
of Nagorno Karbakh conflict have not proved to be true until today.

During the meeting in St Petersburg besides co-chairs, Russian
President and Foreign Minister can influence Armenia. If Russia uses
its levers then certain progress can be made. I think after the St
Petersburg meeting, Azerbaijani government will seize an opportunity
of choosing more exact policy."