DIRECTOR OF ALL-RUSSIA CONGRESS OF AZERBAIJANIS: ARMENIA SEEKS SLIGHTEST EXCUSE TO SLOW DOWN CONFLICT SETTLEMENT
H. Hamidov
Today
4390.html
March 18 2010
Azerbaijan
Day.Az interview with Azerbaijan’s former representatives to the United
Nations (1994-2001), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
and Executive Director of the All-Russia Congress of Azerbaijanis
Eldar Guliyev.
In your opinion, what prompted the U.S. Congress House committee to
pass the Res. 252 recognizing the "Armenian genocide?
In recent years, I would say, even decades, pro-Armenian forces in the
U.S. Congress (which is more than a hundred congressmen in the House
of Representatives) have attempted to push this resolution through the
Congress. But every time it was stopped after it reached some point.
The U.S. presidents played important role in this.
It is wrong to say adoption of this resolution by the Congress
committee was a surprise. It must be noted that Obama does not enjoy
as much popularity as he had before. In addition, we recall that during
his election campaign he promised to recognize the "Armenian genocide"
if elected.
So, nothing unexpected has happened. This resolution still needs to be
approved by the full Congress. The president will have the final say.
Why everything is seen so painful today? Because there is a factor
of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. The United States
is also concerned with Turkish-Russia relations, which have become
closer in recent times. I hope that strategic interests linked with
Turkey will eventually take up in the United States.
Turkey has already called back its ambassador to the U.S.? In your
view, what will happen next?
I think this is the most serious step that Turkey took in connection
with the recent developments. Things will not go beyond this. Turkey
and U.S. have so close mutual interests that none of the sides will
make steps to further deteriorate ties. Of course, they will seek to
put certain pressure on each other, but will make no sharp moves. I
think the relations will take the previous shape over time.
Turkey has announced that it will further develop relations with
Russia. What will the Kremlin do in this case?
The recent events indicate that no matter what steps the U.S.,
Turkey and Russia take, none of them can take more significant steps
in the region. On the contrary, as we see from case of Iran or Iraq,
only joint action enables to maintain the situation.
As to ties between Russia and Turkey, these countries already have
active cooperation in many spheres. They have huge trade turnover.
There are also other factors that boost political cooperation.
However, it is wrong to assume that the U.S. Congress Committee’s move
will bring Turkey and Russia even closer. But both Russia, Turkey and
U.S. and even Iran will try to benefit from the current situation as
much as possible. Of course, all these factors have certain influence
on Azerbaijan.
Does this state of affairs have something to do with resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Do they have common links?
Of course, there is some impact on the conflict. We all see how
Azerbaijan’s leadership, especially, President Ilham Aliyev does his
utmost to resolve the conflict as soon as possible. But it is wrong
to suppose the U.S. Congress committee’s will have a direct impact
on the conflict resolution. There will be no substantial changes.
The Armenian side has sought slightest excuses over the last decades
to drag out resolution of the conflict. It is ready to seize any
opportunity, even climate change if necessary. It will be not
surprising at all if it links the Karabakh conflict with the U.S.
Congress committee’s resolution in a bid to win time.
Armenia suffered from the current situation most of all…
We cannot say this for sure. We can not be sure that the borders would
have been opened long ago if the U.S. Congress Committee did not take
a move to recognize "Armenian genocide." Turkey would not open borders
with Armenia so soon. Situation remains unchanged for Armenia. But
we should continue the negotiations to solve the Karabakh problem.
What was reaction of the Armenians residing in Russia to the U.S.
Congress Committee’s recent decision?
They closely watch the developments. But they are not so active.