Interview with member of Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (parliament) Gudrat Hasanguliyev.
Many expert argue that the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict requires shift in positions of the great powers. Do you expect any changes in their positions?
I do not think that the position of states involved in the Karabakh peace process has changed in recent times. They remain committed to their opinion ignoring interests of Azerbaijan which requires to resolve the conflict based on international law. Besides, I do not see prospects for a shift in the positions of these powers. All these do not promise bright prospects for a peaceful solution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
In your opinion, can the U.S. Congress neglect the country’s national interests and recognize the “Armenian genocide” if Turkey fails to ratify the Zurich protocols signed with Armenia?
I believe when we talk about neglect of national interest in U.S. relations with Turkey, we should not refer to future. Washington has already neglected its relations with Ankara. As you know, many Congressmen and other U.S. officials are dependent on the Armenian diaspora in the States. Therefore, the issue of “Armenian genocide” is regularly raised in the United States which also provides support to the separatist regime of Karabakh.
The U.S. Congress is constantly blackmailing Ankara by recognition of the “Armenian genocide” seeking to control Turkey’s foreign policy. Of course, the U.S. Congress is less likely to adopt such a decision because it would mark end of the Turkish-American strategic partnership.
But I think U.S. Congress’ recognition of the “Armenian genocide” would play into the hands of Turkey. Because this would end Washington’s blackmail to Ankara enabling Turkey to pursue more free foreign policy. At present, Ankara wants to establish closer cooperation with the Turkic countries, as well as with Russia.
Moreover, I believe that in event the United States recognizes the “Armenian genocide”, Turkey should withdraw from NATO and join together with Azerbaijan the CSTO, which already has a Turkic state. I think that Turkey’s withdrawal from the pro-Western NATO and accession to the CSTO is much easier than NATO accession for other Turkic states. Thus, influence of the Turkic countries in the military-political organization like CSTO will increase many times, and, most importantly, our countries will be together in one organization.
Does not Armenia’s presence in the CSTO bother you?
Not at all. This should bother neither Azerbaijan nor Turkey. On the contrary, Armenia could lose one-sided support of Russia in the Karabakh issue, even in the event of resumed hostilities. Moreover, in case of war with Armenia, Russia will no longer be able to unequivocally support Yerevan. I think accession to the CSTO is in line with common interests of Moscow, Baku and Ankara since the West has already denied support to Azerbaijan.
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