Interview with Israeli journalist and political activist Avigdor Eskin, who recently visited Baku.
Q: What struck you most about Azerbaijan during your recent visit?
A: What I saw in Azerbaijan did not surprise me. I had studied the situation in your country diligently and was ready for the visit. The only thing that surprised me was the cleanliness and the fact that young people behave politely, no-one walks around with cans of beer.
Q: Do you share the view that the Karabakh conflict might become as protracted as the one in the Middle East?
A: I don’t think so. Azerbaijan is ready for military action in terms of its economic and strategic potential. The rest is a question of the willpower of the people and its politicians.
One can say unequivocally that if Armenia had originally chosen the path of peace rather than aggression, the whole region would have been a blooming garden. It is not yet too late to think about it.
Q: Do you think Azerbaijanis and Armenians can be reconciled, despite the war between the two nations?
A: Both nations would benefit from a peaceful solution. It is important that the Azerbaijani side start an active diplomatic and public campaign around the world to convince the Armenian side to implement the UN decisions. This is the only way to avoid war.
Q: Do you think Azerbaijan will open an embassy in Israel soon? Does the lack of an embassy impede the development of bilateral relations?
A: Given the complicated situation in the region, I think a public discussion on this topic is inappropriate. I can say that the embassies of some Arab and Muslim countries operate successfully in Israel.
Q: Azerbaijan and Israel are friendly countries. Besides bilateral contacts, our countries are united by their communities. How do you assess the prospects for further cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel?
A: Your people have been our friend and brother for many centuries. I have suggested to the Azerbaijani government a program to promote the interests of your country and to strengthen the friendship. I await your reply.
Leyla Tagiyeva
News.Az
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