Elkhan SULEYMANOV: “Nagorno Karabakh is not a conflict, this is military aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan”
On 10 June 2013, the International Conference “Geopolitics of Azerbaijan and Energy Security in Europe” organized by the magazine “Industrie Magazin Verlag” was held in Vienna, Austria. According to IA APA, Alfred Gusenbauer, the former Chancellor of Austria and Elkhan Suleymanov, Head of Azerbaijani delegation to the Euronest PA and MP of the Shamakhi region were the moderators of the conference.
The composition of Azerbaijani delegation attending the conference also included Minister of Industry and Energy of Azerbaijan Mr. Natiq Aliyev, MPs Gudrat Hasanguliyev and Fazil Mustafa. Israel’s ambassador to Austria Aviv Shir-On, the former Minister of Trade and Industry of Italy and the President of Farefuturo Fund Mr. Adolfo Urso, MPs, ambassadors, the scientific community and the staff of the institutes, students, representatives of a number of companies, a leading media representatives participated at the conference. The participants of the conference exchanged views on the role of Azerbaijan as a reliable supplier of oil and gas and as a stable ally of the West in non-stable South Caucasus region and made speeches on energy carriers, economy, relations with the European Union, religious tolerance and intercultural dialogue issues. Extensive discussions were held on the most painful issue for Azerbaijan and constant threat to stability in the region – Nagorno-Karabakh problem and its consequences. At the beginning of the conference, Florian Zangerl, the editor of the “Industrie Magazin” introduced the speakers to the audience. Then, Mr. Alfred Gusenbauer, the former Chancellor of Austria, welcomed the participants and informed about the importance of the theme of the event.
Addressing the conference the Professor of the Innsbruck University Mr. Gerhard Mangot, has commented broadly on the current geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus region and mentioned that conflicts in the region are not frozen at all and at any time the armed phase of the conflict can be restored. “Russia stands behind the conflicts in the region and there are 2 Russian military bases in Armenia which allows military units to control the situation in the whole region. Iran in its turn is Russian ally in the region and is interested in keeping the situation tense. In addition a strong Armenian Diaspora in the United States has a direct impact on the country’s policy in the region. EU does not have such an impact on the region. Turkey is the only country that gives political support to Azerbaijan. Under these circumstances, proving that it pursues the strong and independent foreign policy, whereas it does not get any significant political support from the European Union Azerbaijan insists on playing an important role in the energy security of Europe”.
The representative of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies Vasili Astrov mainly touched ensuring energy security issues of EU. He noted that the Europe must provide the diversification of energy supply.
Aviv Shir-On, Israel’s ambassador to Austria spoke about the friendship and cooperation relations between Azerbaijan and Israel and shared views on the similar fate and the geopolitical situation of the two countries.
Natig Aliyev, Minister of Industry and Energy of Azerbaijan gave a speech on Azerbaijan’s oil exports history, on its readiness to play an important role in the energy security of the European Union. He noted that, Azerbaijan’s proven gas reserves comprise of 2.6 trillion cubic metre and the country has the potential to export 12 billion cubic metre of natural gas. N. Aliyev informed of the prospect of a new gas fields and the readiness of Azerbaijan to supply gas to neighboring countries and notified that Georgia’s 90% energy supply is currently provided by Azerbaijan. He also noted that, Azerbaijan is interested in investment in the development of non-oil sector of the country by EU countries.
Giving a detailed speech at the conference MP Elkhan Suleymanov, congratulated the participants of the conference on the occasion of such a prestigious event and expressed his gratitude to the organizers. He gave detailed information about Azerbaijan and noted that, Azerbaijan which is located in the complex and politically sensitive geographic area has been a point of intersection of trade and commerce between East and West for centuries. 22 years ago, after the restoration of state independence of Azerbaijan has announced the building of civil, democratic, legal state and civil society on the basis of the market economy, as well as the integration to Europe of its domestic and foreign policy priorities. He noted that, the elimination of aggression, the exemption of occupied territories of Azerbaijan, achieving settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of international law has been one of the main directions of the foreign policy of Azerbaijan.
In addition to the statements, the Member of Parliament mentioned that in the first years of the state independence, Azerbaijan faced with Armenian aggression. As a result of aggression, the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding regions were occupied, and more than 1 million Azerbaijani people became refugees and internally displaced persons: “Regretfully told that in many cases Nagorno-Karabakh is considered as a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the problem is considered as a conflict. However, this problem is not a conflict; this is military aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan. So that Armenia waged a war through military aggression to Azerbaijan, and has occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Armenia is an invader, while Azerbaijan is the side exposed to occupation. Moreover, they do not distinguish between aggressor Armenia and Azerbaijan, victim of aggression; on the contrary, in most cases Armenia is defended. None of the international organizations does apply sanctions against this state, thus turning on green color for them to consolidate their aggressive positions. The resolutions on Nagorno Karabakh problem adopted by the UN Security Council and its General Assembly, European Parliament, PACE, OSCE, and other international organizations have remained on paper, and none of them are implemented”.
As an example, the Member of Parliament drew the attention to the plenary session of Euronest Parliamentary Assembly held in Brussels in May of this year. He told that there Armenian Delegation and their several supportive MEPs included absurd provisions to the resolutions of this organization regarding opening of borders with the invader state, establishment of cooperation between the territories under occupation and de-facto authorities, free access of EU representatives to Nagorno Karabakh and surrounding territories without the consent of Azerbaijani Government, re-granting of the right of self-determination to Armenians who have an independent state, etc. “The most regretful point is that the authors of these proposals did not consider the elimination of occupation necessary, and the support of aggressor Armenia was more important for them. However, the principal position of the Azerbaijani Delegation and their serious approach to the issue prevented the realization of their crafty plans”.
Elkhan Suleymanov stated that civilians living in frontline provinces of Azerbaijan live under danger for almost 25 years. Thus, Sarsang water reservoir, which is of strategic importance for Azerbaijan, is located in the territories occupied by Armenia. “Sarsang reservoir, which is highest water reservoir of Azerbaijan situated at 726 meters above sea level (with dam of 125 meters high and capacity of 560 million cubic meters) was built on the Tartar River in 1976. As a result of the occupation, 7 provinces of Azerbaijan can no longer enjoy water from this reservoir. Sarsang reservoir is currently in an emergency condition, as it was not maintained due to the occupation. Therefore, the risk of destruction in the result of possible natural disasters, technical and deliberate diversion is high. Consequently, Sarsang reservoir has currently become a serious source of threat, and this threat gradually becomes real. Thus, the lives of 400,000 (four hundred thousand) people of these 7 provinces are under serious danger. Obviously, any accident will result in both ecological crisis and mass casualties of civilians and humanitarian crisis. The world community, particularly leading power centers of the world should finally show objectivity and take concrete steps to end military Armenian occupation. To my opinion, these steps should be immediately realized and a new humanitarian catastrophe due to a possible accident in Sarsang reservoir in a region should be prevented”.
Having stated that Azerbaijan surely goes on the way of creation of the secular, democratic, constitutional state, the speaker emphasized that his country can be an example of tolerance, social unity: “Azerbaijan is a multinational and multi-religious country. For centuries, people belonging to different religious and ethnic groups have been treated tolerantly. None of the numerous ethnic and religious groups has been subjected to discrimination; everyone has maintained their national and religious identity. Although today the vast majority of the population in Azerbaijan is Muslim, one of the oldest Christian churches in the South Caucasus, Christian-Orthodox churches, the Catholic Church, the Jewish synagogues, Zoroastrian fire temple are located beside mosques in the country”.
At the end of his speech Elkhan Suleymanov addressed participating politicians and representatives of mass media calling on them to help Azerbaijan to raise an alarm for informing world community, raising the issue before international organizations, and taking immediate measures in order to prevent a possible humanitarian catastrophe in the region as a consequence of accident in Sarsang reservoir.
Speaking in the conference, Mr. Adolfo Urso, ex Minister of Trade and Industry and President of Farefuturo Foundation told that Nagorno Karabakh problem was a forgotten conflict. He noted that the resolutions of international organizations are not implemented, the resolution of the issue is vague, and the relations of Azerbaijan with neighbors are complicated. Moreover, he talked about the dependence of Italy on oil import and stated that chemistry and engineering industry depend on this import stressing the necessity of diversification of oil import. Mentioning Sarsang reservoir, Mr. Adolfo Urso told that the collapse of similar dam in Italy in 1963 resulted in a huge catastrophe with 2000 casualties and expressed his concern regarding the threat of such accident at any time in Azerbaijan.
Gudrat Hasanguliyev, Member of Parliament called on the EU not to remain indifferent to the problems of Azerbaijan. He noted that fostering of relations with EU irritates some neighboring states, and artificial obstacles are created to this cooperation: “However, Azerbaijan pursues an independent policy and makes serious achievements”.
Fazil Mustafa, Member of Parliament noted that Azerbaijan and Turkey are the closest Muslim countries to the European Union. He expressed his opinions regarding considered and goal-oriented historical scenario of regional conflicts and stressed again the problems of our country.
Summarizing the conference, Mr. Gusenbauer stressed the need to strengthen relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan and called on media representatives to cover the threat of accident in Sarsang reservoir and possible multiple human casualties, speaking about the development of non-oil sector of Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijan: Caucasus mosaic” reportage of Euronews channel was presented at the end of the conference.
95th anniversary of Azerbaijani AF
Armed Forces of Azerbaijan
-the strongest army in Caucasus
Armed Forces first in the East of Azerbaijani Democratic Republic (ADR) was created 95 years ago, nearly a month after proclamation of republic when Azerbaijani nation lived hard times of its history: in one side the Bolshevik Russia didn’t want to give up about the country with great strategic position and rich natural resources and that’s why made pressure only on the proclaimed ADR, from the other side Armenia showed its teeth with its baseless territorial claims. And the second one started the war against the young independent state with support of the first one. These conditions caused the immediate formation of national army.
The process of creation of army was done with great difficulties, because it had to be created from emptiness, also the reasons of external character prevented this, and cadre problems, and weakness of the newly-established republic from economic and political points of view.
But together with all the mentioned difficulties, in condition of war with Armenian, there was formed Azerbaijani corps by resolution of ADR’s leadership on 26 June 1918. Basing on Russia’s model, Generals Khosrovbey Salimov and Mammadbey Sulkevich prepared staff list for military units, and general-major Ibrahimaga Usubov started forming infantry divisions in Aghdam. The colonel Nukha Sofiev was leading the newly-established 1st Tatar equestrian regiment, the colonel Jumshudkhan Nakhchivanski created the 2nd Karabakhian. The colonel Rustambey Shikhlinski created the first artillery brigade and teaching and machine-gun team, the colonel Khosrov Mirza Kadzhar formed the second artillery brigade and the 3rd Shaki equestrian regiment.
Of course, preparation of military cadres had paramount character. For this aim in Ganja city there was opened military school and the colonel Shirin-Huseynbey Kasamanski was appointed as its director. Besides, there were created also teaching battalion for preparation of officers and the sapper school too.
Before proclamation of independence of Azerbaijan, Armenians had started their bloody activities against Azerbaijanis. To realize the control on situation in the whole territories of the country was very hard and also it was necessary to low the pressure by the side of neighbor Armenia which always tried to invade the territories of Azerbaijan, especially Zangazur, Nakhchivan and Karabakh from the first day of its existence.
Armed Armenian bands led by Dro, Andranik, Amazasp and others, killed Muslims massively in all regions of Azerbaijan and Iravan province with support of Russia. At the same time the states of Triple Entente required from the head of Azerbaijani government Fatali-khan Khoysky to give Iravan and other territories to Armenia instead of recognition of the independence of ADR by them. Appeared a very complicated situation and Azerbaijan had to give Iravan to Armenia on 29 May 1918, but Armenia didn’t stop its pretensions for Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) even after this which caused the war between two neighbor Caucasian republics.
After appointment to military minister of ADR in December 1918, the general of artillery Samadbay Mehmandarov together with the General Aliaga Shikhlinski and his other associates realized great work in a short time, which as the result ADR had two infantry and one equestrian divisions in the end of 1919, also other kinds of army where the number of soldiers reached to 20 thousand. It was really a great job for those times, but at the same time ADR couldn’t provide full and safe defense of the country till the middle of 1919 from Armenian aggression which had some reasons: pressure by the existing command of Triple Entente in the region and its armed forces, threatens for invasion by the army of general Denikin, the existing internal social-economic crisis e. t. c. But it is fact that Azerbaijani government reached so great lucks in creation of armed forces and defense of the country.
But Armenians didn’t calm. Although the fifth assembly of Armenians of Karabakh on 23 June 1919 recognized the powers of Azerbaijani general-gubernator and Azerbaijani army took off the bands of Andranik from its territories, the Armenian side continued realizing its aggressive activities: there were created new bands, attacks on Zangazur, Shusha, NK, Nakhchivan and other border points of Azerbaijan with Armenia were realizing time by time. In real, the young Azerbaijani armed forces showed the worthy repulse to Armenians, but Armenians’ aggressive activities caused great damages for Azerbaijan in all fields.
The existing conditions made the State committee of defense of ADR adopt resolution about mobilization of army. But ADR hadn’t enough time for realization of the resolution: the Bolsheviks invaded great powers and as the result of intervention of Soviet Russia on 28 April 1920 ADR fell down. In all cases, establishment of national army is one of the most important achievements of ADR. After 71 years, in summer 1991 when the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict related with the next territorial pretensions of Armenia against Azerbaijan became to open non-declared war, time and the complicated situation caused the necessity of restoration of Armed Forces of Azerbaijan (AFA). The legislative body of the republic on 9 October 1991 adopted the Law “About Armed Forces of Azerbaijani Republic”. The first article of the law defines the main tasks of AFA in the following manner: “Armed Forces of Azerbaijani Republic serve for armed defense of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, its immunity and interests of Azerbaijani Republic, prevention of armed attacks to the state, and during aggression – its reflection”. Then due to requirements of the mentioned Law there were adopted the needed measures over formation of the structure, provision with cadres and military equipment of AFA. It should be mentioned that the process was realized in existence of hard conditions – at the same time with establishment of National Army of Azerbaijan (NAA), the republic had to stand before aggression of Armenia which with the support of its “elder brother” was holding an open war against Azerbaijan which had newly restored its liberty and could occupy one fifth part of Azerbaijani territories.
During the past 22 years after restoration of independence of Azerbaijan, its AF became to the strongest army in the Caucasus as the result of permanent increasing of economic and social strength of the country. No doubt Azerbaijani armed forces are much better than Armenia’s in all moments. It is enough just to look over the report of Britain institute of international strategic investigations “Military balance 2013” about 171 states of the world.
According to information mentioned at the underlined report, the military budget of Azerbaijani AF in 2012 was 1 billion 400 million, and in 2013 – 3 billion 700 million USA dollar (this indicator over Armenian AF is 312 and 410 million dollar) (it will be also mentioned the details over Armenia); structure – 66 950 and reserve – 300 000 persons (48 850 and 210 000); 339 tanks (110); 111 military cars of infantry (104); 575 armored military cars (136); 458 artillery facilities (239); 44 military planes (15); 66 helicopters (31). Air Forces (AF) of the republic has 1 squadron of planes “Mig-29”, 1 regiment of planes “Mig-21”, “SU-17”, 1 squadron of planes “AH-12”, “YAK-40”, 1 regiment of helicopters “MI-8”, “MI-24”, “MI-2”. AF and Air Defense Forces (ADF) dispose military planes SU-25, Mig-29, L-39, Mig-25, Mig-21, Su-24, helicopters Mi-8, Mi-24, Mi-35M, rockets S-300, S-75, S-125, rocket complexes “Round” and “Osa”, anti-aircraft rocket complexes “Buk”, “Tor” e. t. c. Other elements of AF of Azerbaijan are lands army, Military-Sea Forces (MSF), half-military units also are improved and equipped permanently. AF of the country takes an active part in peaceful operations over the line of international organizations. At the present time Azerbaijan has double-sided agreements about military partnership with many countries of the world including the USA, Turkey, Pakistan, Ukraine, Georgia, Germany, Russia, China, Romania, Lithuania and others.
At present the main task before Azerbaijani AF is liberation of territories of our republic occupied by Armenians for which it has enough potential.
Hikmat ALLAHVERDI
By editor
Is J. Carry friend of Armenians?!
or again about patronage of “strong countries of the world” on Armenia and Armenians
In the beginning of the present year in the USA there were hold dialogues at the level of state secretary with official representatives of two enemy countries – Azerbaijan and Armenia.
On 4 June the USA State secretary John Carry received the minister for external affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov, and at the next day the colleague of the last one from Armenia Edvard Nalbandyan. Due to concurrency of meeting ceremonies and visibility of their suddenness they weren’t meaningless as the state secretary would hardly receive the ministers just for “yearning” to him. The problem is that Armenian-Azerbaijani contradiction is a strict obstacle before great energy, in general geopolitical interests of America.
So, firstly meeting E. Mammadyarov, then E. Nalbandyan, J. Carry, of course, mainly made stereotype-formulaic statements as “Azerbaijan (Armenia) is an important partner of the USA over great scale of problems”, “American side is interested in future expansion of lucky partnership with Azerbaijan (Armenia), “The USA as a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, is strictly interested in regulation of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict” e. t. c.
But there were also other moments in his speech involving attention. For example, during his meeting with E. Mammadyarov he especially noted the great role of Azerbaijan for the USA in the problem of energy safety of Euro region. Yes, exactly this moment cares the American government and it looks over the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict from this point of view. In other cases, it would hardly be interested in contradiction between any two countries, especially when one of them can’t take any benefit for them. In all cases, the factual behavior of the USA shows it us.
One more moment takes our attention. At the meeting with Mammadyarov J. Carry said: “It is important that all sides, I mean not only Azerbaijan, but also Turkey, Russia, Iran and others, would try to find a way to the end of the deadlock which keeps the conflict in dangerous level”. Did the secretary forget that one side of the conflict was Armenia? Why didn’t he note Armenia among the mentioned sides? Does he want to say that Armenia shouldn’t do anything, its position is clear, and the rest sides have to try to “adapt” their positions with Armenia’s?
Also at the meeting with the Armenian Minister E. Nalbandyan J. Carry was distinguished with especially endowed position in his speech. He underlined in a special manner (it was seen from his mimics on face): “I’m from Massachusetts State where many Armenians live in and there’re many representatives of Armenian society among my friends”.
You can’t find anything surprising or extraordinary here from the first sight. Every person can have friends from various national subordination. But let’s agree that there’s something special here. State secretary of the USA – the country which is one of three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group which has been “busy” for regulation of Armenian-Azerbaijani contradiction, receives minister for external affairs of these countries alternately and uses the above-mentioned sentences especially for the minister of Armenia being an aggressor and keeping one fifth part of Azerbaijani territories under occupation till today. This situation causes some unclear questions.
What did he want to say with those words? Why did he mention of his friends of Armenian nationality? Maybe he wanted to say that don’t be worried, I’m with you and everything will be so as you want or? If it is so, he shouldn’t open his cards. Nearly everybody in the world knows that the American leadership is under permanent pressure of the Armenian diaspora. The recognition of the state secretary in his speech proves the underlined fact.
By the way, the pressure of Armenian diaspora is easily observed also in “manners” of many international organizations. Let’s not repeat about the clear facts of ineffectiveness of 4 resolutions adopted by UN Security Council, 2 resolutions of EC, 2 resolutions of European parliament, and decisions of the OSCE e. t. c. I’ll mention of just one fact obviously demonstrating the moment that unbelievable things till absurdity happen in the international level under pressure of Armenian diaspora often. As you know, from July of the present year Armenia will lead the Cabinet of Ministers of European Council. Isn’t it absurd that a country which occupied territories of another country-member of European Council two decades ago and keeps under occupation until today, would lead over the international institution controlling the European values, democracy, human rights and supremacy of law? It is a place here to remember the question of the deputy of Azerbaijani parliament Elkhan Suleymanov addressed to the president of the PAEC, EC general secretary, PAEC general secretary and members of PAEC: “Can a bandit be a judge? How can a country-aggressor lead over such great body?”. Yes, of course it can’t! But it will! Due to unwritten laws of patronage on Armenia and Armenians. You just pay attention to the happened at the assembly of Permanent soviet of OSCE in the beginning of June, after speech of Edvard Nalbandyan, receiving the chairman staff of CM EC. Ambassador of Russia noted in the OSCE that Russia also shared the priorities proclaimed by Armenia and welcomed the aim of Armenia about rising the role of European Council in European problems which “completely adapted with Russian views about the existence of the organization as one of the most important ones in the European structures which could make its contribution in establishment of Great Europe without separating lines”. Chairman of American delegation said in his speech: “There was established close partnership over different kind of problems between the USA and Armenia as keeping the peace and regional safety, stimulation of trade and investments, strengthening of democracy and supremacy of law. The USA appreciates Armenia’s contribution in our joint mission in Afghanistan and peace-making activity in Kosovo”. Representative of EC in the OSCE noted in his speech that “promotion of European values, fights against racism and xenophobia in Europe are among the priorities of Armenia”. And all these were addressed to Armenia – the aggressor country which the above-mentioned humane values haven’t any relation to. Which contribution of this country in formation of Great Europe without separating lines can they talk about while it is trying to enlarge its separating lines? Which guarantee for peace by Armenian side can they talk about when it is one of the first disturbers of the peace and safety in the modern history? Which democracy, supremacy of law in attitude to Armenia can they talk about when the latest presidential and parliamentary elections were hold there with total disturbing and falsifications, and where they wildly mannered with the nation as the result which tens if citizens died? How is it possible to fuck up the word “peace-maker” – the symbol of savior in attitude to Armenia which has fascist essence?!
Yes, the present Armenia and Armenians live thanks to patronage of “strong countries”. But not always as it can’t continue always. And imagine what will happen with it when all “patrons” turn their backs?
Tribune of Internally Displaced Persons
Let the guilty in our misery be accursed!
After 2-3 months there will appear the 20th anniversary of occupation of Gubadly region – one of splendid parts of Azerbaijan.
Every time when you remember the nightmare, you as if live the same tragedy and appear in such terrible situation that you feel your heart will burst in a moment. It seems this moment is the main reason of increasing of number of deaths among internally displaced persons. The war, hold by Armenia against our republic, together with huge economic damage, caused the irrecoverable moral harm to Azerbaijani citizens. I am one of those hundred thousands of people. Our region bordered with Armenia and from the beginning of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict we permanently had to meet fires by “Grad” from territories of the mentioned republic. Hundreds of houses were destroyed, hundreds of people died until the occupation. Our house was also among the destroyed by bomb – the house which we had built in years and with incredible difficulties. In a moment it fell down and burnt with all our things inside. Fortunately there was nobody in the house at the same moment, in another case there would absolutely be human lose, but we lost all our things. In the end of August of 1993 the region was occupied by Armenian armed bands which were attacking from territory of Armenia and Jabrayil region at the same time where had been occupied by them before.
During the war our region had great human loses. Beginning from start of our struggle against them and also till the occupation – exactly for three years I lost eleven close relatives, 3 far relatives and 5 friends. How is it possible to live all these without any damage to your health? And here’s I’m 50 years, but I look like 65-70 years old crone.
And I even don’t note the unbelievable physical and moral sufferings we had to live after how we had to leave our native lands. Together with the immeasurable moral pains from the stress we lived, deprivation, separation from native places, relatives and friends, we – internally displaced people also met the vagrant life, bloodlessness, unemployment! And here’s we have been living in these hard conditions for 20 years. Yes, our state supports us as much as it can, there have been built many buildings for settling the IDPs. But the feelings we lived can’t be paid by anything.
And why did we have to live all these? Only for the stupid territorial greediness of Armenians, only for their dreams about creation of the mythical “Great Armenia”. Let them who are guilty in all these humane misery be accursed!
Solmaz ALIEVA,
internally displaced person from Gubadly region