Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijan
January 29, 2015 Thursday
Musabekov: New War in Karabakh in Russia’s Interest
Baku / 29.01.15 / Turan: The tension of the last days in Karabakh and
on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan are unlikely to go into
large-scale fighting. This opinion was expressed in an interview with
Turan by the political scientist, MP Rasim Musabekov, commenting on
the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The rise and fall of tension occurs periodically. In this sense,
nothing extraordinary happens. However, the number of victims has
increased. But I do not think that in the near future this will lead
to offensive operations using heavy equipment or the resumption of
war. At least, it is due to the fact that Armenia is preparing to hold
events to mark the “anniversary” of so-called “Armenian genocide” and
Baku is to hold the European Games,” said Musabekov.
But it is also clear that the war was only suspended, but not yet
completed. He also did not rule out that some distraught commander can
use heavy machinery, leading to bloody clashes.
Commenting on the recent statements by the OSCE Minsk Group, Musabekov
said: “These statements without principled assessment are designed to
ensure that the parties respect the ceasefire and negotiations are
continued. In fact, it is nothing but evasion of responsibility.”
There are four UN Security Council resolutions, and they must be met.
Within these resolutions they must respect the ceasefire and withdraw
the troops from the occupied territories, he said.
What is the way out, if negotiations do not work? In answering this
question, Musabekov said that if Armenia says it can make a
pre-emptive strike on Azerbaijan, then Baku also has every right to
strike such a blow on the occupation troops stationed on the territory
of Azerbaijan.
According to Musabekov, Azerbaijan just wants to restore its
territorial integrity. With regard to the question of who will benefit
from this, first of all, he did not rule out Russia’s interest in the
hostilities.
World prices of oil are falling, and Russia is suffering from this.
The oil market supply exceeds demand by about 1 million barrels. It is
just enough oil to enter the market through the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.
If war breaks out and pumping oil and gas is disrupted, demand for
Russian hydrocarbons will increase.
On the other hand, it is possible that Russia will try to take
advantage of the war for the penetration in the region as an
interposition force.
“I believe that the leadership of Azerbaijan and the Western partners
are well aware of this. Azerbaijan does not intend to artificially
bring any force here as an interposition force. However, Azerbaijan
does not intend to cede its territory to anyone,” said Musabekov.
Why, then, do Azerbaijani officials criticize the United States and
the West and do not say anything against Russia?
Musabekov evaded a direct answer, saying that “they should first let
one million refugees return to their places and then lecture us.”
Azerbaijan asks no one for help and does not want anyone to teach it.
We have not violated our partnership with America. There is still
transit to Afghanistan and cooperation in large energy projects.
However, there are issues in which the current US administration shies
away from solutions and lectures us. Naturally, the answer is tough
enough,” said Musabekov. -06C-