Interview with Lider TV expert, political scientist Tofiq Abbasov.
Q: I will probably start our interview with a bit unexpected issue. A number of local and even foreign political scientists recently say that the worsening economic, demographic problems, as well as problems in Armenian army and the democratization level of this country will force Armenia to disavow its destructive position in the process of negotiations on the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh. Meanwhile, official Yerevan does not take any steps. In addition, Armenians voice their claims on Nakhchivan more clearly. Does it mean that the local political scientists are too optimistic and mistaken in their forecasts?
A: Not all local and especially foreign political scientists support your point of view speaking of the prospects of settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh. The growing claims and appetites of our neighbors comply with the traditional logic of Armenians according to which “the more you demand, the more you get”. In addition, this is Armenians’ attempt to distract the attention of the community from the dangerous position of Yerevan that continues undermining the negotiation process around the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
Finally, we should not forget that the actions of official Yerevan are defined outside Armenia. The diaspora, Russia, United States, France continue controlling this “sovereign” formation. Unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan has voiced its clear position on the updated Madrid principles and it expects Armenia’s reaction. Baku’s position is that the conflict settlement must be implemented within the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan that is after the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied lands.
Q: Then why do almost all foreign experts, political scientists rule out the fact that Azerbaijan may restore its territorial integrity by way of war due to the unconstructive position of Armenia in the negotiation process?
A: Experts and political scientists are free to make their forecasts or voice opinions but the real state of affairs does not depend on this. Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity will be restored by any means. Otherwise, Azerbaijan will never take purposeful steps to raise army and defense capacity. Several days ago our country took part in martial exhibition Forex in Amman (Jordan). Being new in such events, we have managed to present about 50 types of arms. This proves that Azerbaijan is developing its defense capacity. Therefore, it is possible to say that the country will be able to restore its territorial integrity in case the political process does not give any expected result. We should not forget that Azerbaijan needs permanent peace with Armenia. If our neighbors do not make concessions themselves, we will have to force them to do so.
Q: Here we should assess our opportunities in the information war with Armenia rationally. Has Azerbaijan been successful in informing the world community about the real causes and implications of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh and is our country ready for information war with Armenia in case of the start of operation on deoccupation of the occupied lands of our country?
A: Azerbaijan has long been losing Armenia in information warfare. But currently the situation has changed dramatically and the advantage is on our part. This has been proven by the conference on “Regional conflicts in mass media” that was held in Israel. Participation of our colleagues showed that our mass media, the expert community in information war with Armenia take not defensive but offensive position. This explains the nervousness of the Armenian side that sometimes does not understand what it is doing and that it makes unforgivable mistakes. Our most important achievement is that the world has a clear understanding about who is an aggressor and who is a victim of aggression in the Karabakh conflict.
News.Az
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