AZERBAIJAN’S OPINION SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT: CONSUL GENERAL IN LOS ANGELES

Today.Az
24 September 2009 [12:09]

Azerbaijan’s Consul General in Los Angeles Elin Suleymanov spoke to
Day.Az in an interview.

Day.Az: Recently, media in many European countries, including almost
all the leading ones, pay great attention to Armenian-Turkish relations
and the coming signing of the protocols scheduled for mid-October. What
kind of reaction to this can be seen in the U.S.?

Elin Suleymanov: Prospects for normalization of Turkish-Armenian
relations really are of great interest worldwide. In general, there
is very positive attitude to the Turkish-Armenian dialogue in the
United States. This is natural, because it was the United States and
European countries that have been pushing Ankara to reopen borders and
establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Besides, a dialogue and
the normalization are perceived positively from a purely philosophical
point of view in the West, if only this normalization does not affect
any real interest.

Meantime, there are some concerns that hasty moves could lead to
undesirable consequences. Today, Azerbaijan is a key country in the
region, therefore, the country’s opinion should be taken into account.

The basic position of the country’s leadership clearly based on
national interests of Azerbaijan, did not leave any doubt in this
regard. That is, as a result of the balanced foreign policy by
President Ilham Aliyev, our country acts not based on emotion, or a
dictation from the outside persuasion, but on long-term interests of
Azerbaijani people as it should be an in independent, sovereign state.

Of course, the bilateral dialogue between Turkey and Armenia is a
sovereign matter of these countries. The question is how it will impact
the region as a whole. After all, unresolved Armenian- Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict continues to remain the reason behind the
current situation.

The fact that Turkey closed its border in response to Armenia’s
occupation of Kalbaj de effects and symptoms will not hurt, but
without solving the fundamental problem one can hardly expect major
changes. In fact, normalization of relations with Turkey as well as
with Azerbaijan is the best way to promote development and regional
integration of Armenia. In this case prospects of Armenia’s development
in the regional context can be debated.

I think the United States and Turkey are deeply interested in
Azerbaijan and realize importance of contribution of Turkish-Armenian
dialogue to the complex resolution of challenges of the region,
but would not be a potential factor of destabilization. Moreover,
precisely such a comprehensive approach that includes the need for
speedy settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict primarily
meets American, Turkish and even Armenian interests.

Q: What is the attitude of the Armenian diaspora, known to be very
skeptical of establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey without
any recognition of the so-called "Armenian genocide", to this matter?

A: Often there is a very negative reaction towards the Turkish-Armenian
dialogue from certain circles of the Armenian diaspora. Moreover,
it is not only about the events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire, but
a whole spectrum of territorial, financial and political demands
against Turkey. Many Armenian activists believe that protocols
discussed between Ankara and Yerevan can put an end to their claims.

As to the previous question, it is interesting that some members
of Congress who have close ties with Armenian lobby were against
the protocols.

There are some Armenian diaspora organizations that generally welcome
Turkey-Armenia normalization. To some extent, attitude to this process
by the Armenian organizations are likely to reflect the degree of their
radicalism. Opponents of Turkish-Armenian dialogue often are guided
not by real interests based on self-isolation of Armenia, but rather
by ideological symbolism, based on the unilateral interpretation of
the past.

Such outdated symbolism has nothing to do with t ealities. In this
case the main point is not to what degree details of the negotiations
contribute to the overall regional normalization, but rejection of a
Turkish-Armenian dialogue,and the Azerbaijani-Armenian talks guided
by solely narrow ethnic views.

Q: As a diplomat, how can you describe the work of the Armenian Foreign
Ministry recently? I am referring to the contradictory statements
by the Armenian side concerning approval of the Madrid principles,
then, on the contrary, their rejection.

A: I would like to refrain from assessing activities of the Armenian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The main thing is that negotiations
continue in the right direction in accordance with basic principles.

Q: You are going to take part in discussions on the
Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict in Boston. It is not the first such
experience for you…

A: Indeed, a symposium on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
will be held in the heart of Law and Diplomacy in Fletcher,
Boston. Both Azerbaijani, Armenian and American experts will deliver
speeches. Representatives of the Diplomatic Academy and the Center
for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan are also
expected to address the symposium.

I will also deliver a speech as Fletcher graduate. I hope the
discussion will be held in a constructive and healthy environment.