Interview with Fazil Mustafa, Azerbaijani MP.
Q: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov has recently said Transdniestrian problem must be settled within the framework of the territorial integrity of Moldova with granting high self-government status to this region. Should we expect from Moscow to demonstrate a similar position on Karabakh conflict?
A: No, since Russian can take definite effective measures on Transdniestria, even Abkhazia and South Ossetia but Nagorno Karabakh issue is an exception against other conflicts in the post-Soviet area. Armenians in Karabakh are the separatist regime there are backed by Russia, Armenia and world Armenian diaspora. In this view, I think these statements on Russia’s part are insincere. Russia can apply this position on Karabakh settlement in case its ally ties with Armenia are spoiled.
I would like to repeat that Russia is directly backing the so-called Transdniestrian republic. For this reason, Russia can make such statements due to the absence of exterior factors in this conflict. The same situation when Russia’s stance does not depend on alien factors is observed on the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Therefore, I believe it unreal that Russia may change its approach in Karabakh conflict.
Q: Chief of department at the Russian Foreign Ministry on CIS states Andrei Kelin has recently stated that it is time for Moscow to ‘take control of the Karabakh process to achieve a breakthrough in the conflict settlement’. Considering this, is it possible to say official Moscow still has real leverages of influencing the conflict parties to achieve a breakthrough?
A: This statement in case with Russia can only imply Moscow’s unwillingness to settle the Karabakh conflict. Moscow’s activeness in Karabakh settlement means greater support to Armenia and continuation of scripts targeting Azerbaijani interests. Russia is now willing to play a more active role in the OSCE Minsk Group but anyway all these steps of the Russian side do not mean positive changes in settlement in the favor of Azerbaijan. Russia is still actively supporting its ally Armenia. In other words, Russia’s activeness will do harm to Azerbaijan.
Q: An opinion about the need to refuse the services of the OSCE Minsk Group is strengthening in Azerbaijan. How can the rejection of the Minsk Group services influence the Karabakh settlement?
A: Anyway, Azerbaijan should reject the Minsk Group services. The activity of this group overall contradicts Azerbaijan’s interests. The activity of this group, on the background of the United States and Europe, in fact, serves Russia’s interests. For this reason, Azerbaijan should negotiate directly with Russia.
Q: Can separatists’ intention to open air flights in Khankendi influence the negotiation process?
A: Azerbaijan’s decision to physical prevention of civil air flights in Khankendi is problematic. But all the same, Azerbaijan can take definite actions over military air flights. Armenians should realize that Azerbaijani airplanes will soon land at the Khankendi airport and this airport will pass under Azerbaijan’s control. I believe such rude actions of the Armenian side will create problems for them. I am convinced that this problem will be solved in Azerbaijan’s favor, since such actions taken without Azerbaijan’s permission must have a logical end and Armenia will get its just deserts.
Q: Which implications can be caused by the termination of the passenger airplane over Khankendi, as promised by Azerbaijan’s civil aviation representatives?
A: Certainly, it is not serious, since terminating passenger airplanes in any case is unacceptable. Over this issue, Azerbaijan should follow international law and raise diplomatic pressure.
Lala B.
News.Az
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