Of course, Azerbaijan determines transitional and final statuses envisaged in the basic principles
Chief of international affairs department of Azerbaijani President’s Administration Novruz Mammadov interviewed by APA
– Can the replacement of the co-chairs have a negative influence at the time when the process on the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict has reached the final stage?
– The main parties in the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict are Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijan’s position is known to the entire world. The conflict should be solved within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. But Azerbaijan wants to solve it through negotiations and in a peaceful way. The question is “What will Armenia’s position be?” Armenia impedes the solution of the conflict by often changing its position. In this respect, I think if Armenia, like Azerbaijan, demonstrates will and does its best for the peaceful solution to the conflict, the conflict will be solved irrespective of the co-chairs. Each of the co-chairs represent one country, they simply try to simplify the settlement of the conflict. Of course, the co-chairs have worked for certain time, have experience in this field, deal with the problem. I think they will continue working till the end of this year. But if both parties demonstrate will, especially if Armenia has constructive position, the problem may be solved. The recent processes make the settlement of the conflict necessary. Pressures on Armenia have increased. Armenia-Turkey issues, recent process of negotiations, the increase of the co-chairing countries’ interest in the settlement of the conflict, Azerbaijani president’s recent steps, joint statement issued in Italy by the presidents of the US, Russia and France, the opinion of the U.S. Department of State on the Madrid principles and Russia’s activeness in this issue increase pressure on Armenia. On the other hand, if we take into account the international financial crisis, this leaves Armenia in a difficult condition. Armenian authorities should understand that they have no alternative way to the settlement of the conflict. Despite this, they have become prisoners of their ideas, they still hesitate in taking serious steps concerning the solution of the conflict. But now the negotiations are on active phase and very likely a step will be taken forward in one of the forthcoming meetings.
In this respect, we should wait for the co-chairs’ visit to Azerbaijan. What will they suggest basing on the Madrid principles? Only after that something concrete may be said.
– Is there a need for Azerbaijan to accept the suggested agreements in the present stage?
– I reiterate that the question is Madrid principles. All are aware of the basic principles. It is shown in the Madrid principles and Azerbaijani President repeatedly stated that the conflict should be solved within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. The problem should be solved stage by stage. First of all, Azerbaijan’s 5, or 6 regions, then 1 or 2 regions should be emptied, after that IDPs should be settled, peacekeepers deployed, after that reconstruction should be done and communications opened. At the same time settlement process of 1 or 2 regions should take place, even refugees and IDPs should simultaneously return to Nagorno Karabakh. After that Nagorno Karabakh’s autonomy should be solved within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Armenia often changes its position fearing to lose its power.
– Some say pressure is exerted on Azerbaijan in connection with these agreements. Are there any pressures on Azerbaijan?
– Those who say it are mistaken, they tell a lie, or express biased views. I attend Azerbaijani President’s meetings, see his character, will and concept. Therefore, I can say that Azerbaijan is one of the countries in the world where there is no pressure, influence on domestic or foreign policy. It is impossible to influence Azerbaijani President. President is pursuing independent foreign policy to ensure the interests of the state. The representatives of various countries note this both in the region and in the international arena. The poll conducted by the Gallup Institute has been released recently. According to the poll, Azerbaijan is the country where there is the strongest tie and confidence between the leader and people. 77 percent is their indicator. There is no such an indicator in other countries. Why should the President having such a support undergo any pressures? It is impossible. Pressures are exerted on weak countries.
– Does the Armenian side agree with the high autonomous status proposed by Azerbaijan?
– This issue is discussed in the negotiations. If there is an agreement on this issue, we will express concrete position. There is still not a full agreement on that and therefore it is impossible to say concrete word.
– Who will determine transitional and final status considered in the basic principles?
– Of course, this status will be determined by Azerbaijan. No one else can determine it. Azerbaijan’s goal is that the conflict is solved peacefully through the negotiations. The transitional status means the return of internally displaced persons to the occupied seven regions of Azerbaijan, as well as Nagorno Karabakh, reconstruction work there, restoration of communications, deployment of peacekeeping forces and creating the transitional corridor between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. It will take at least 5-6 years. The return of internally displaced persons is not an easy process. This process can take 7-8, or 10 years. Everything was destroyed there and it is not easy to reconstruct it and to return to the normal conditions. It will take years. Our main goal and the co-chairs’ position is that the process will go on and the people can provide their previous life style and then we can review the issue of status, which must be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. There is no other way.
– Is any document to be signed during the Chisinau meeting of the presidents in October?
– I can not say anything yet. Let the co-chairs visit the region and after that we can review the question. Everything depends on the Armenia’s position, let us to see their position.
– Armenian president Sargsyan made terms before Ankara to visit Turkey. He said he wouldn’t visit Turkey to watch football match in October if the borders were not opened. How do you value his position?
– It shows that Sargsyan has no concrete logical position on the solution to the conflict and relations with the neighbor country. He is frequently changing his position. How it can be that Turkish president visited Armenia, but he says that he will not visit Turkey. It is like children game. They make terms and think that they will achieve something. It is not correct. Therefore I wouldn’t like to comment on this issue. There is no ground for his action. The opening of the borders depends on other factors and the Armenian president should understand that.
– There are reports about Matthew Bryza’s appointment as an ambassador to Azerbaijan…
– This is a business of US. President Obama and the State Department know which country Bryza will be appointed to.
– Turkmenistan said it would sue Azerbaijan at the International Arbitrary Court over the Caspian issues. What is the Baku’s position on that?
– We didn’t receive official documents about that and it doesn’t need to make comments on the press reports. I think Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have deep historical roots connected them with each other. Azerbaijani president visited Turkmenistan and Turkmen president – Azerbaijan in previous years. The Caspian issues were not solved between us yet. There are different thoughts about that. But the most optimal and profound decision is to solve such issues through the useful negotiations. It will bring better results. There is no concrete report that they appeal the International Arbitrary Court. We can express an opinion after the official confirmation. It is important for us to solve this issue. There are many factors on the basis of our position. Our thoughts have scientific and practical basis. I think the issue will be solved sooner or later and the two countries will have normal relations again.
APA
