News.Az interviews Milli Majlis (parliament) deputy Fazil Mustafa.
In a response to the decision of Azerbaijan to include a resolution on the occupied lands into the UN agenda, the Armenian parliament is preparing to discuss the recognition of the independence of Karabakh. Which actions can the Azerbaijani side take to respond Armenia’s actions?
The Azerbaijani parliament must pass a decision to annul the document ratified in 1918 which envisions the transfer of Irevan city (Yerevan) to Armenia. Along with this decision, Azerbaijan should also launch serious campaigns to return Irevan to Azerbaijan. These actions will be a response to Armenia’s actions. In addition, the world community should be informed that the Azerbaijani side is taking such actions since Armenia which created a state in the territory of historical Azerbaijan now wants to occupy more lands. It means that the Azerbaijani side must take adequate steps in a response to the possible recognition of the so-called Nagorno Karabakh Republic by Armenia. Azerbaijan must always be ready for these steps, since Armenia is inclined to take such provocative steps.
Does the Azerbaijani side have sufficient documents to demand the return of the current capital of Armenia?
Certainly, it does. On 29 May 1918 the government of the Azerbaijan People’s Republic passed a decision to transfer Irevan to the Republic of Armenia which immediately proclaimed independence. The relevant documents are kept in archives. Therefore, the new composition of the Azerbaijani parliament to form after the upcoming parliamentary elections of November 7 is to pass a decision about the return of Irevan. This step must be taken to restore justice.
Which dividends is Azerbaijan planning to get by putting the draft resolution “On the situation in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan” to the UN agenda for the fourth time?
As is known, the humanity has long been fighting for lands. This struggle continues nowadays. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the struggle both diplomatically and militarily. We should not give up, since unless a nation lives in a definite place, it has a right to protect its historical interests. If some nations use terror for the purpose, we, who have created our state, must concentrate to achieve these goals.
Does the submission of the Karabakh issue in the UN agenda by Azerbaijan mean that Baku does not believe in the OSCE potential?
This is not a contradictory step by Azerbaijan. UN and OSCE have different mandates and status. The OSCE Minsk Group is an institution which supports Armenia, therefore, Azerbaijan should find and use the opportunities of a different area, in this case, the UN capacities. Otherwise, we might be late and Armenians will leave us behind in this issue.
What does the Azerbaijani side expect now considering the fact that the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have earlier voted against the resolution “On the situation in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan”?
The work the Azerbaijani side holds with those states is not satisfactory. We need to intensify this work. We need to intensify our efforts to get the support of those states.
Leyla Tagiyeva
News.Az