"AZERBAIJAN RETAINS POSSIBILITY TO SOLVE THE CONFLICT BASED ON ITS OWN INTERESTS"
Today
litics/67679.html
May 11 2010
Azerbaijan
Interview with research fellow at the Russia-based Institute of
Religion and Politics and political expert Zurab Todua.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pays an official visit to Turkey
today. What do you expect from this visit? How can you characterize
the current state of the Russia-Turkey relations?
These relations can be characterized as very good and even excellent,
mutually beneficial with great potential. Relations between Russia
and Turkey are developing continuously and steadily over the last 15
years. Today, both countries share many political, economic, cultural
and even military ties.
During the current visit more than 20 papers in the field of trade
and economic relations, transport, agriculture, energy, education
are expected to be signed. Medvedev said in an interview published
in the Turkish newspaper "Zaman" on May 10 that "Russia and Turkey
are becoming strategic partners, and Moscow sees Ankara as good and
reliable neighbor. The intention of the parties to form a top-level
Cooperation Council to be led by the Russian president and Prime
Minister of Turkey supports this statement. The objective of this
council is to develop a strategy and direction of development of
bilateral relations, monitor the implementation of important projects
and facilitate contacts between businessmen of both countries.
I think that the Russian-Turkish relations can serve as an example
of how one can and should build relationships between countries.
However, it is obvious that none of this would happen if Moscow and
Ankara were focused on their past finding out which party suffered
much from the Russian-Turkish war. The leaders and political community
of Russia and Turkey show the highest state of wisdom. They left the
history to historians, and engaged to establish and develop mutually
beneficial relations. I am sure this course is the most suitable and
profitable, and it is supported by the vast majority of population
in Russia and Turkey.
Some experts believe, that lately Turkey has played an increasing role
in the region. Do you agree with the views that Russia is concerned
with this kind of situation, as well as prospects for Turkey to become
a regional superpower?
No, I do not agree with this kind of assessment of the situation.
Turkey behaves responsibly in the international arena and in the South
Caucasus region and understands all the features and complexity of
international problems and issues. There are no serious grounds to
be concerned with prospects for Turkey’s becoming a regional power.
Russia and Turkey today are involved together in large-scale trade
and economic projects and communications, which are estimated at tens
and even hundreds (potentially) billions of dollars. No one wants to
thwart these plans. I am sure the leaders of Russia and Turkey will
always be able to agree, without prejudice to their own interests on
all contentious issues.
Are Russia and Turkey’s views on resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict similar or different?
Official positions of Moscow and Ankara are based on a need to preserve
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We can see the similarity of
positions in this respect. Some differences are observed in approaches
to the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh, security and protection of
the interests of its residents, the return of refugees and others. I
believe that, in general, there are more common points, rather than
differences.
In your opinion, can Turkey become fourth co-chair of the OSCE Minsk
Group? Can this facilitate resolution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Theoretically, it is possible. But in practice, I think this proposal
will meet opposition as Turkey obviously sympathises with Azerbaijan.
Turkey’s becoming Minsk Group co-chair will strengthen Azerbaijan’s
position. It is unlikely to accelerate the settlement process.
The Minsk Group is quite functional and effective in its current
composition. All the complaints about it is to the fact that the
conflicting parties expect a miracle from it, namely, a solution to
that would be fully satisfy only Azerbaijanis or only Armenians. But
this is impossible. The final document on the conflict settlement
will be a compromise.
How do you assess the current situation in the South Caucasus region
as a whole?
The answer to this question requires a thorough analysis of the
situation in each country of the South Caucasus. If we restrict
ourselves very brief overview, we can say the following. I have
repeatedly said before that Azerbaijan is in a better position than
other countries in the region. These are geographic location and oil.
But all this would be insufficient if Azerbaijan was not lucky with
its rulers.
Heydar Aliyev was a politician from God. I remember in what condition
he took Azerbaijan in 1993, and how left in 2003. During these
difficult ten years I have repeatedly visited Azerbaijan (three to
five times a year) and witnessed everything. Ilham Aliyev continues
the course of his father and does it more than successfully. Yes,
there are still problems, but they are all solvable.
With regard to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the main thing here is that
Azerbaijan retains possibility to solve the conflict based on its own
interests. Armenia is in a more difficult position. Armenia’s stance
left the country aside from the promising economic projects. Indeed,
today Armenia is lagging behind for its socio-economic development.