Interview Dr. Sezai Ozcelik, Assistant Professor at Cankiri Karatekin University.
Q: How would you assess Azerbaijan’s role in your region?
A: Like Turkey in its region, Azerbaijan can also play a leading role in the South Caucasus. Here it is important to note that the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, which must meet the interests of both parties, would be useful for the whole region and its development. After this task is attained the region will continue more intensive development under Azerbaijan’s leadership, which can create its own regional EU together with neighbors.
Q: Do you believe that Turkey will anyway manage to contribute to the reconciliation of Azerbaijan and Armenia though Yerevan is categorically against this mediation?
A: I think yes, Turkey can play an effective role in this process. All the same, I think the Karabakh settlement needs mediating personalities, such as former British Premier Toni Blair and Finnish President Marti Ahtisaari, or such personalities as Bill Clinton or Jimmie Carter. The personalities of this scale, along with such organizations as the OSCE Minsk Group and EU, could be mediators.
Q: Do you think the United States is sincere in its interest to the resolution of this conflict which is far beyond the US borders?
A: I think there is such an interest and the United States are really interested in the resolution of this protracted conflict. Other big states and organizations, including Russia and EU demonstrate interest to this and even China would like to see this conflict settled at least because of its energy interests.
The resolution of this conflict and all conflict situations in the Caucasus meets the interests of the entire world.
Q: Has the outcome of the situation in Kosovo influenced the resolution of this conflict?
A: The Kosovo is fraught not only for Azerbaijan, this is also a bad example for Turkey. But I believe the case with Kosoco is unique, since the majority of Western countries have been striving for independence of this region.
Q: Do you believe that even after Kosovo the Karabakh Armenians should not hope for independence from Azerbaijan?
A: Yes, I do not think this will happen and someone will recognize Karabakh. Probably, Russia will undertake something in this sense but anyway I believe the Kosovo precedent cannot be applied in the case with Karabakh.
Dr. Sezai Ozcelik, received his Ph.D. on Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University / Assistant Professor at Cankiri Karatekin University.
W.W.
News.Az
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