Interview with Mubariz Gurbanly, member of the Azerbaijani Parliament and political scientist.
Q: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that a political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the Transnistrian conflicts will be a priority in the Russia’s foreign policy in 2012. How effective can this activity of Russia be if to consider that assistance of this country to settle the Karabakh conflict hasn’t yet brought any result?
A: Such a statement by the Russian foreign minister was a new manifestation in the foreign policy of this country - the state, which is also a co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group. In general, the announcement from Russia, one of the priorities of its foreign policy is to promote the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, opens up new possibilities in solving this problem. It should be noted that Russia has a distinctive role in resolving the Karabakh conflict compared to other states.
And this is due to the fact that this country knows the history and nature of the problem better than any other of the OSCE Minsk Group and familiar with the mental traits of the conflicting parties involved in the solution from the first day it started. In addition, we should not forget that Russia is the only country that has real leverage over Armenia which occupied part of Azerbaijan's territory. And so, Moscow can achieve constructiveness of Armenia in negotiations. I emphasize announcement by Russia that the Karabakh settlement will be a priority of its foreign policy in 2012, creates not only hope of achieving progress in addressing the problem, but can also play a crucial role in this regard.
Q: Russia in recent years states that the Transnistrian conflict should be resolved within the territorial integrity of Moldova. In this regard, given the statement of Sergey Lavrov, how much possible can the demonstration of Russia’s similar position be regarding the Karabakh conflict?
A: Such an approach of Russia could assist to create a clear direction in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. In other words, the prospects for solving the problem would become more clear-cut outlines, both for the parties of the conflict and for international mediators. As you know, a number of international organizations, in particular, the UN, the European Commission, European Council and OIC have already adopted resolutions which note the need to resolve the Karabakh conflict in compliance with the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Therefore, a statement from the Russian side, as I said would give clear direction to solve this problem.
Q: Should be expect that Vladimir Putin, if elected as president in 2012 elections, will resume tempo of organizing meetings between Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents launched by current head of Russian state, Dmitriy Medvedev?
A: Drawing attention to the work of Dmitriy Medvedev in the foreign field, we can see that it was based on politics, which Putin himself pursued during his tenure. Therefore, it is safe to say that Putin if returns to the presidential office will more actively pursue the same line of policy of Russia. In addition, Putin also will actively promote negotiations on the Karabakh settlement.
Q: What does Azerbaijan expect from activation of Russia in settlement of Karabakh conflict?
A: Our expectations are associated only with the restoration of justice. At the same time, we expect that the fair treatment of the Karabakh conflict will be manifested by very Russia. Only with such approach, Russia will find solution to the problem.
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