Interview with political scientist and diplomat Fikret Sadikhov, professor at the Western University in Baku.
Q: Would you comment on remarks by presidential administration official Ali Hasanov that mediation by Turkey is on the agenda for the OSCE Minsk Group?
A: First of all, Turkey is a member of the Minsk conference that created the OSCE Minsk Group in the early 90’s to mediate a Karabakh conflict settlement. Yes, Azerbaijan was interested in Turkey’s co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group, but this requires the agreement of the existing co-chairs as well as Armenia. This being the case, I think Turkey will not become an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair. The composition of this group will remain the same - the United States, Russia and France. But at the same time, Turkey, without being an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, has a great influence on the situation throughout our region and on the Karabakh conflict settlement.
Q: Do you agree that despite its influence on the Karabakh settlement process, Turkey, unlike the OSCE Minsk Group, will not be able to set a formula for its settlement?
A: You are right, unlike the OSCE Minsk Group, Turkey has no legal powers to set the principles that may form the basis for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. But as a leading regional player, Turkey can put forward its own vision for the establishment of stability in our region which is impossible without the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. And I do not think that the fate of this conflict and the essence of Turkey’s position, which spares no effort to liberate our occupied land, will change if Ankara makes these proposals during negotiations with the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries or as a co-chair of this group.
Q: How sincere are the current OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states in their recognition of and support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity?
A: Naturally, all the three Minsk Group co-chairing countries behave as double-dealers and provide open financial, political and moral support to the aggressor, that is to Armenia. And for this reason it would be good to include Turkey in the Minsk Group. But the mechanism of decision making on the issue is that Armenia’s agreement is necessary for a positive decision.
Q: Would Armenia be able to oppose the decision if the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs agreed to involve Turkey?
A: Certainly, if the countries co-chairing the Minsk Group agree to include Turkey into the organization, Armenia will have no opportunity to oppose the decision. Unfortunately, I do not see any conditions for this decision to be adopted by the United States, Russia and France - the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. All three countries continue to take a pro-Armenian position on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, which means they won’t agree to involve Turkey as a Minsk Group co-chair because its presence in the organization might hamper their plans.
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