Interview with Vladimir Timoshenko, military expert.
Q: The Azerbaijani parliament has approved a military document that has long been proposed by military specialists. What can you say about it?
A: I was in Milli Medjlis (parliament) during the adoption of doctrine. This document proves once again that Azerbaijan is an independent state both in the issue of security and development of foreign-policy course. This is a priority to us and by adopting this doctrine we have reiterated it. This is an extremely important document which will settle not only military but also most other issues and the country will base its foreign and internal policy on it.
Q: The central idea of the doctrine is the elimination of the implications of occupation. Will this doctrine encourage return of lands?
A: The reflection of this task in the doctrine is quite objective. In fact, this threat of occupation is important to us. Without calling the adjacent steps we know well what to expect from each. But this does not rule out the forced solution of the conflict or the consolidation of diplomatic line aimed at settling the Karabakh conflict.
Q: Is the forced way to the conflict settlement real?
A: Karabakh will be ours only in the result of the victorious war. This is my opinion. The regions will be liberated and Armenia will not have any other way out. Today we do not live in the isolated world, the international community is on our side. Karabakh is not recognized by any state. Thus, we will follow two ways: unless there is an opportunity to settle the problem by diplomatic way, we will hold talks, otherwise, we have a right to settle our internal issue by ourselves.
Q: And something more about the doctrine. This document stresses the possible presence of foreign military bases in Azerbaijan. Is it possible and which countries may have their bases? Can it imply Russia whose soldiers have been present in our territory-in Gabala radar station for already several years?
A: The doctrine is adopted for a long-term perspective rather than a year. Today we are not planning to open any bases in Azerbaijan. This is the issue for the future. Everything will depend on the settlement of definite problems.
As for the military presence of other countries, Gabala radar station is our station. Russia is renting it. There will not be Russian bases here, I can say it for sure. This is not dictated by anything. On the whole, this issue is hypothetical but if we speak about the bases, it is the United States that is most interested in the military presence in Azerbaijan. It is interesting in placing its basis here. But I would like to repeat that this issue is hypothetical considering the fact that the issue of foreign presence is the issue of far perspective.
U.U.
News.Az
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