HOW DO AZERBAIJANI POLITICAL SCIENTISTS VALUE TURKEY’S RECENT INITIATIVES FOR SOLUTION TO NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT? – OPINION POLL

Azeri Press Agency
Sept 11 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Elnur Mammadli-APA. "The Minsk Group says for years that
Nagorno Karabakh problem is resolved, only details remain, but 17
years later it is clarified that there is no any agreement, it was
imitation only. How we can believe that we will not lose another
17 years with Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s initiative", said
political scientist Vafa Guluzadeh in his interview to APA about
his reaction to Turkey’s recent initiative for solution of Nagorno
Karabakh problem. In his opinion Abdullah Gul said nothing concrete
except common words. "Gul did not say that he talked with Sargsyan
and Armenian troops would leave the occupied regions. There were no
such talks. Therefore these ideas are only the words".

Guluzadeh said the Minsk Group was not working and even if its
composition changed it would give nothing to Azerbaijan. "There is
one question. These lands will be liberated when Russia falls. It is
only imitation to establish groups or to organize meetings in Paris,
Brussels and other places".

Political scientist Rustam Mammadov also said that Russia had a key of
Nagorno Karabakh problem. "The foreign forces, who intend to interfere
it face with Russia’s dissatisfaction and military force. Both Europe
and the United States make step back before this force. It was observed
during the Georgian events. I do not believe that Armenia will make
steps toward the solution of the problem at Turkey’s direction, because
Armenia directly connects with Russia. Armenia will do that what Russia
orders". Mammadov said Turkey also understood that and it made efforts
to solve problems with Armenia only. The scientist said he did not
expect the elimination of the Minsk Group, "because the countries
represented in the Group tried to carry out their interests here".

Political scientist, MP Aydin Mirzazadeh is dissatisfied with activity
of OSCE MG and noted that it was impossible to establish the best
group than it. MP supports Turkey’s mediation and added that Turkey’s
mediation in MG would be good step.

"Co-chairs have been elected with agreement of the conflict
parties. There is need for mediation of Turkey. Armenia has rejected it
every time. If Armenia wants mediation of Turkey, Azerbaijan will agree
to it. All efforts should be made to solve Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Political scientist Gabil Huseynli noted that withdrawal of Russia
from OSCE MG was on the agenda today. To him, the US pursues policy
in this direction.

"Turkey wants to substitute MG with Caucasus Platform. Though
International actors, states defining world policy attach importance to
the role of Turkey in the region, they will not allow official Ankara
to enter OSCE MG. Change of format is real. If Azerbaijan insists on
the issue, probably Turkey can enter the group", he said. To him,
Turkey’s mediation in MG will have considerable influence on the
solution to the problem.

Political scientist, Head of Political Innovation and Technology
Center Mubariz Ahmadoglu positively assessed Turkey’s initiatives for
mediation. Moreover, he did not think that MG could be withdrawn from
the process.

"The relations between the US and Russia are tense and I cannot
imagine that their representatives will sit around the same table
soon. I do not think that MG can be collapsed. The group will function
inactively. It is understood in Turkey as well. I suppose to Turkey’s
mediation seriously. Armenian side is not expected to agree to it",
he said.