PRESIDENT OF NIXON CENTER DIMITRI SIMES: RUSSIANS LOST MUCH BY SUPPLYING ARMENIANS WITH ARMS

APA
March 17 2009
Azerbaijan

Washington. Zaur Hasanov – APA. President of Nixon Center Dimitri
Simes’ interview to APA

-How do you think why Washington did not take a step to protect its
two closest allies in the region after the August conflict in the
South Caucasus and Russia’s $800 million arm supply to Armenia?

-I would differentiate between Azerbaijan and Georgia in this issue. As
regards Azerbaijan, the country’s leadership behaved in a responsible
manner. We did not observe any provocation against Russia, and you note
properly the concern over Russia’s arm supply to Armenia. As is known,
Armenia is strategically close to Russia. As regards Georgia, we know
who attacked. It happened as a result of Russians’ provocation. We
are not going to praise Russia’s obvious behavior. The same can be
said about the developments following the war, ethnic cleansing in
the local Georgian villages of South Ossetia.

But it does not mean that the United States should offer more
assistance to Georgia. We supported them so much that Saakashvili
decided to use force against Russia. I do not think that the August
happenings served the interests of Georgia and particularly of the
United States.

-Though Azerbaijan did not irritate Russia during the August conflict,
it did not prevent Moscow from supplying Armenia with $800 million
arms.

-Russia lost much in this issue. It should be the main theme of
Russia-Azerbaijan dialogue. Like any country, Azerbaijan has the right
to say that it is the most important issue for them. Russia’s answer
will influence Azerbaijan’s future steps.

-How should the most acceptable foreign policy be for Azerbaijan
under current circumstances?

-Of course, Georgia’s independence should be supported. You should
explain that further steps to separate Georgia will become serious
problem for the region. Moreover, Azerbaijan should not coordinate
itself with Saakashvili’s actions. By the way, all pro-western
politicians of Georgia protest against Saakashvili’s policy.