Interview with Vladimir Kolesnikov, a Russian State Duma deputy from the ruling United Russia Party and former deputy prosecutor general.
Q: How do you explain Russia's far greater activity than the other two co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, mediating a solution to the Karabakh conflict? How successful will Russia be?
A: Thank you for the question. I want to note that Russia has never pushed anyone out of this process. I am grateful to President Dmitriy Medvedev for dealing with this complex issue together with the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia. And I have no doubts that we will manage it.
I have always represented the law-enforcement system. Impartiality and legality are the most important things for me. A surgeon has to first cause pain for the good of the patient. There may be friends, there may be acquaintances, but I say: The truth is dearer.
Therefore, the top priority is to learn the truth. And it is necessary to settle this task once and for all, probably even with pain. This is my position and I say it in Azerbaijan and tomorrow I will say it in Armenia. The truth is the most important thing for me. I really want this complicated problem, which causes problems for most citizens, to be settled on the best terms.
Q: The president of Azerbaijan does not rule out the possibility of war if the talks reach deadlock. What do you think about it?
A: I cannot comment on the statements of the Azerbaijani president but I will say what I have already said. I want the process involving my president to be settled soon and the problem to be removed. I sincerely believe that he will cope.
Q: Speaking of Karabakh, some draw parallels with what happened in Georgia.
A: As for Georgia, there are Georgians and the Georgian government. I want to say openly about the leadership of this country that I am dissatisfied with its policy. In addition, I think that the president of this country has violated all laws and must be brought to criminal responsibility by the international community. He must be sentenced at least to life in prison. Those who encouraged him to commit this bloody crime must also be held accountable.
Q: What do you think about the prospects for Azerbaijani-Russian relations?
A: I assess them positively. The aim of the recent visit of the Russian delegation, including me, to the elections in your wonderful country was the harmonious development of three security targets - man, society and the state. And the second goal was to give new substance to relations between our countries. I support the further unification of our countries and the overcoming of administrative borders in this sense.
Lala B.
News.Az
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