State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
October 10, 2009 Saturday

INTERVIEW OF PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV TO THE AZERBAIJAN TV

Baku 9 October

President Ilham Aliyev, participating in Summit of CIS Council of the
heads of states in Chisinau gave interview to the Azerbaijan TV.

AzerTAc presents the text of interview.

-Mr. President, your regular meeting with the president of Armenia
took place. At the summit of heads of the Turkish-speaking states in
Nakhchivan You have noticed, that now negotiations are at final stage.
>From this point of view, what you can tell about results of the
today’s meeting?

-As you know, the negotiations continue for long years. And,
unfortunately, without any result. I noticed that negotiations are
already at final stage on which certain decisions should be made. Our
position remains unchanged. The Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict should be resolved within the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan. The Armenian armed forces should be withdrawn from all our
occupied lands. Our compatriots, who have become internally displaced
people, should return to their native lands. Our position, at the same
time, bases on the norms of international law. As you know the UN
Security Council has accepted 4 resolutions on the question. There are
decisions and resolutions of other international organizations as
well. In short, from the point of view of international law our
position is very strong.

As to negotiations, I can tell that there is positive dynamics.
Otherwise, these negotiations would not continue till now. The main
reason of our adherence to negotiations is that in negotiating
process, though hardly, there is progress. For last 5-6 years, very
important questions have been coordinated. First of all, the Armenian
forces should be unconditionally withdrawn from all occupied
territories around Nagorno Karabakh. I can tell that it is a big
progress in the course of negotiations as 4-5 years ago it was a
question of clearing of four, and then – five regions. However, as a
result of the steps undertaken in negotiating process, today I already
can tell that it was coordinated.

Peculiarity of negotiations is that as long as everything is not
coordinated, it means nothing has been coordinated. It means that we
have to solve all questions. Only in this case we can come nearer to
the big peace agreement. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan should be
completely restored, and Armenians who live in Nagorno Karabakh, and
Azerbaijanis who will return to Nagorno Karabakh, in the future should
live in the conditions of a high autonomy. It is the approach which
includes the most positive world experience. It is very democratic
approach, and the question can be solved only in this way.

In the world and region, there was very big interest to the Chisinau
talks, as it is already clear for all that negotiations are at final
stage, and especially if Armenians take a constructive position it can
lead to positive result in negotiations. I reiterate our position
remains invariable. We in all processes defended this position. But,
unfortunately, the Chisinau meeting has appeared ineffectual. Yes, I
should notice again, that on certain questions there is defined, but
not such a big progress. But, unfortunately, the parties could not
come to the consent on the major discussed questions. The reason of
it, once again I would tell, is the non-constructive position of
Armenia. In negotiations we base on principles of international law
and we carry on negotiations constructively. We try to understand
concern of the opposite side. We understand, that the population
living today in Nagorno Karabakh, should receive safety guarantees. At
the same time, the Azerbaijani population who after end of occupation
will return to their homes, too, should receive safety guarantees.
Azerbaijanis, who will return to Nagorno Karabakh, Shusha, should
receive safety guarantees. That is, this process should go in
parallel, safety of all people living in region, is equally important.
In that case, once again I reiterate our position, our approach
demonstrated at negotiations, base on international law. I hope, that
the Armenian side, at last, will show constructiveness, will make very
important steps and withdraw its armies from the occupied lands, and,
thus, in region the peace will be provided, all communications will be
open and begin cooperation in a broad sense.

Until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not settled, any positive
tendencies in region are not expected. If someone believes, that it is
possible to solve easily some of problems existing in region, I
concern it with doubt. As the main problem, the basic question of
region is the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. First of all, this conflict
should be settled. And then, all other questions can be solved.

– Mr. President, on October 10 takes place the signing of protocols
providing settlement of relations between Turkey and Armenia. As
known, these protocols dont include the Nagorno Karabakh question.
What is the position of Azerbaijan in this connection?

– Azerbaijan repeatedly stated its position. Azerbaijan has stated its
position in April when this question has been included in the agenda.
In my statements I also mentioned this problem. The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs made official statement. Our position is that we do
not interfere with the relations which develop or can develop between
other countries. We consider it inadmissible. In the same way, we do
not want and we do not allow that someone interfered with our internal
affairs. Azerbaijan interfered neither with internal affairs of other
countries, nor in relations between the countries. It is the first
question.

For nobody is a secret, that occupation of Kalbajar region became the
main and only reason of closing of the Turkish-Armenian border. That
is, for this reason the Turkish-Armenian border has been closed and
remains in such condition till today. Naturally, after elimination of
this reason the border can be opened. This is our position. At the
same time, heads of Turkey also repeatedly stated their position on
the mentioned question. I hope that this position will prevail, and in
protocols and their practical realization, the said factor will be
considered.

You have noted and as provided, these protocols dont provide the
settlement of Nagorno Karabakh question. But, at the same time, heads
of Turkey in official statements and during personal meetings
repeatedly said to us, that until the Nagorno Karabakh question is not
resolved, the Turkish-Armenian protocols will not be ratified by
parliament and, thus, borders will not open. It was stated by the
President, the Prime Minister, the chairman of parliament, the
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, and we trust in it. We believe
that so it will be. In this case, the peace can come to region. In
this case, all countries of region can successfully take advantage of
the said situation and solve all problems among themselves. Only in
this case, large-scale cooperation can be established in region.

At times, there are opinions that normalization of the
Turkish-Armenian relations, opening of borders in the future can
promote settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. I do not share
these opinions as I consider that if the Turkish-Armenian relations
are normalized before settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, then
the position of Armenia in negotiating process can become tougher.
Armenia will try to present it as the political and diplomatic success
and, most likely, will take at negotiations even more rigid and
unacceptable position. There are enough bases to speak so. Process of
negotiations and the events occurring at its various stages give the
bases to speak so.

I am absolutely convinced that these two processes – settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict and opening of the Turkish-Armenian border –
should go in parallel. Between these processes, there is, let be not
official, but informal, connection. This connection should be kept,
and two questions should be solved in parallel and simultaneously.
Otherwise, the status quo in region can change in a negative side.
Status quo change is very important. Our lands throughout many years
are under occupation. Till what time we will suffer it?! But if the
status quo changes in a negative side, it can lead to the beginning of
negative processes in region. We still hope that we can solve the
Nagorno Karabakh problem by negotiations. If these hopes were
exhausted, we would not participate in negotiations. However,
processes occurring in region and inclusion of the big states in this
question simultaneously should impact positively also on settlement of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. I believe that so it will be.

Friendship and brotherhood relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are
at very high level, and I once again would tell, that I trust in the
promise. I trust in statements of the heads of Turkey and am convinced
that until the Nagorno Karabakh question will not be resolved, the
Turkish-Armenian border will not open.

Mr. President, making recently a trip on foreign countries, the
president of Armenia has undergone to insults and pressure from the
Armenian Diaspora. How do you think, what is the reason of it?

-You know, once again I would notice, that we live in this region, and
well know all its problems. We know both its history, and today’s
realities, and, certainly, to predict and propose something easier for
us, than to the politicians or the statesmen who are not living in
region. As you have told, during his foreign trip, the president of
Armenia has faced big pressure. To tell the truth, we do not
understand the purpose of this trip fully, because, as you know, day
of signing of protocols between Turkey and Armenia has been appointed
for a long time, and this date has been coordinated by Turkey and
Armenia. In that case, the meeting with representatives of Diaspora on
the threshold of it, was, in my opinion, of formal character, as
already is known date, the text of protocols and there is no any
possibility to change them. It simply had formal character. But in
fact, it is an indicator. Look, in what this process of normalization
leads.

Armenia, possibly, undergoes political crisis. The coalition in
Armenia falls apart, and connections of Armenia with Diaspora were
undermined. For the first time, compatriots abroad meet the president
of Armenia so. At the same time, this normalization, certainly, is
ambiguously perceived also in the Azerbaijan society. Also it is the
truth. The Azerbaijan society, its most part holds the opinion, that
the Turkish-Armenian border should be opened simultaneously with the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem. In Turkey this question
also has caused wide discussions which at times pass very tensely.
That is, for the present, there is nothing concrete. But look, what
negative consequences are already observed. In Armenia, they sharply
protest against this question. We know also public opinion in
Azerbaijan. In Turkey, this question is perceived ambiguously. But for
the present, there is nothing concrete. There is no certainty also in
the question of ratification by parliament of protocols to be signed.
Therefore, each step to region should be thought over, the detailed
analysis should be carried out, forecasts to be made. Forecasts should
be made on the basis of realities. We should make so that regional
problems were solved. But at times, we see that problems existing in
region even more are aggravated. However, there is one more moment
which consists in the following: articles about the normalization of
the Turkish-Armenian relations for the first time, published in the
Armenian press still in February, pursued one aim – to harm the
Turkish-Azerbaijan relations. But today continuation of the
Turkish-Armenian process leads to very serious consequences already in
the Armenia. As I have told, the internal situation has become
aggravated, and relations of Armenia with Diaspora have deteriorated.

-Mr. President, it is known, that Armenia has appeared in isolation
because of its aggressive policy. If the Armenian-Turkish border is
opened, how you think, whether it will lead to economic revival in
Armenia?

-As you know, the economy of Armenia even before crisis was in
difficult situation. Economic prospects are not so joyful there. As
because of limitation of the market, insufficient development of local
manufacture, and from the point of view of investments, Armenia is not
an attractive country. The geographical position, in particular, the
closed borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, certainly, have caused very
big economic difficulties. And in crisis situation it is seen more
convex. According to the official statistics, this year the economy of
Armenia has reduced approximately to 20 percent. Therefore, to
revitalize the economy which is not in the best situation, will be
very difficult.

Opening of the Turkish-Armenian border has more likely moral
character. At the same time, it, in certain degree, can lead to
economy revival. But I would tell so: it is something like an oxygen
mask. The oxygen mask can help, it is possible to breathe through
oxygen mask, but it is impossible to live normally.

-Mr. President, this question though not on the theme, but arouses
great interest. It is connected with cooperation between Turkey and
Azerbaijan in gas sphere. As you know, the Prime Minister of Turkey
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, being in May on a visit in Baku, has declared,
that the prices existing today for gas are unfair. What was made that
these prices became fair?

-Yes, you are right. Esteemed Mr. Prime Minister, being in Baku, told
this. He has told that the prices are unfair, and we aspire to bring
them to normal level. Our wishes and position taken at negotiations
are based on the international practice. As purchase and sale
questions between other countries in region or in the world are
solved, in the same way they should be solved also between us.
Unfortunately, there is no result. At negotiations on purchase and
sale and gas transit there are three basic questions. The first is the
price which should be fair. We expect that the arrangement on the fair
price will be reached in the near future. The second question is
quantity of gas which in the future will be delivered to Turkey. As
you know, this year to Turkey we have exported approximately 7 billion
cubic meters of the Azerbaijani gas. Still under the unfair price.

What part of gas which will be extracted on the second phase of the
project Shahdeniz, and also gas which is extracted or will be
extracted by the State Oil Company from other deposits, will be
delivered on the Turkish market? We should define it, too. For us, as
well as for any other country, it is very important the
diversification of our export. We have managed to achieve it in oil
sphere. Therefore, our oil is delivered on the world and European
markets via various routes. In gas sphere, we also should use all gas
pipelines available. Certainly, the Turkish market for us is very
interesting.

As you know, Russia and Azerbaijan are starting cooperation in gas
sphere, and I am convinced that in the future it can become very
successful. Negotiations on the basis of the offers made by Iran are
underway. The Iranian market also is very interesting to us. Efforts
are made both from Azerbaijan, and the European countries for
deliveries of the Azerbaijani gas to the market of the European Union
through territory of Turkey. Very serious negotiations with EU member
countries in a bilateral format are carried on. Negotiations with
Greece, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and other countries are
underway. That is, Azerbaijan has sufficient stocks of gas. This is
our huge riches. The confirmed stocks of gas are at level, at least, 2
billion cubic meters. But the real quantity, at least, twice is more.

We should export this gas. Export of gas need huge investments. The
volume of investments on the second phase of the Shahdeniz project is
envisioned at level almost 20 billion dollars. Before to investments,
we and our partners, members of consortium should know where we will
sell this gas. What will be the tariff regulations, and what will be
the price, in what quantity we will sell gas.

The third question – that is, the first question is the price, the
second is quantity, and the third is tariff rates. Tariff rates, as
well as the price, should be fair, and they should be coordinated with
all other tariff rates existing in region. Here, on these three
questions, unfortunately, we for the present have not reached any
result at negotiations with the Turkish side. I once again would tell
that we carry on goodwill negotiations. But, at the same time,
questions discussed at negotiations should be solved according to the
international practice. In this case, the Azerbaijani gas will be
exported to Turkey in even great volumes.

-Thank You, Mr. President!

-Thanks.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress