Mikhail Zabelin

Are you satisfied with the results of the official visit of Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev to Baku last year?

In general, we must be satisfied with Medvedev’s visit and the issues that are settled for the sake of the Azerbaijani and Russian nations. Certainly, we laid great hopes on this visit of the president, especially when the official visit of Russian president to Azerbaijan is at issue, since there are many issues that must be settled. Primarily, we are always interested in progress in the issues of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. And every meeting we hope for the settlement of definite matters. But despite these expectations, there are no real achievements so far. Though, like the president of Azerbaijan said, these talks are held not for negotiations, they have definite results. I think sooner or later, it will be necessary to take some steps, especially because the Russian president Medvedev understands that Armenia is leading us to a deadlock.

By the way, if we familiarize with the Armenian press, it is possible to see that the Armenian side is annoyed with Russia’s determination in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict and especially with the fact that our ties with Russia are stronger (at least, as I think) than the relations with Armenia.

Do you think Azerbaijan is not concerned with the recent agreements on the Russian military base in Armenia?

Though sometimes we voice our unwillingness to see the Russian base in Armenia, especially in connection with the signing of the document on prolongation of the presence of Russian servicemen in Armenia, but this does no influence our relations with Russia. Certainly, we would like to hope for the resolution of the conflict peacefully, but even if we have to return our lands by force, I am confident that this base will not play any role in these events.

What about CSTO?

The same as the CSTO, because the military actions in this case will be conducted in the territory of Azerbaijan rather than Armenia.

On the whole, the problem of Karabakh certainly causes our concern. Anyway, the Azerbaijani side, our president, and our citizens, including the Russian community are satisfied with Medvedev’s visit, especially because our countries reach understanding in economic and cultural respect.

How do you assess the agreement between the parties reached in Baku about raising the gas cooperation considering the growing competitiveness of Azerbaijan on this market where the Russian hegemony has recently been ruling?

Probably, Azerbaijan and Russia sometimes compete on the market of energy sources but we come to a compromise anyway. As you see, Russia will raise purchases of Azerbaijani gas. We will always find a common language in the issue of oil and gas pipelines, because, as we see, the relations between our presidents are very friendly and aimed for the future.

What can you say about the agreement signed during Medvedevs visit which puts an end to the issue of delimitation of the state border between our countries?

Undoubtedly, it is very important for us to sign an agreement on interstate border at last. Though it was very difficult to do. In fact, all issues have been settled except for the borders along the Samur river. However, here the Dagestani side made a compromise with Medvedev’s participation and the agreement was signed though negotiations on this issue have been held for a long time.

The Russian delegation included heads of Dagestan and Ingushetia, as well as deputy chairman of the Russian president on the South Caucasus Federal Province Khloponin. At the negotiations with their participation they sides probably touched upon the issue of instability in the North Caucasus. Which role can Azerbaijan play for normalization of the situation in this region?

I have managed to talk to Khloponin. I think it is here necessary to speak of Azerbaijan’s role in improvement of interregional economic ties rather than in stabilizing the situation in the North Caucasus. I think it is important to develop Azerbaijan’s ties with the Russian region and ensure the possible involvement of our country into the resolution of definite economic issues in the North Caucasus.

Anyway, I think we will be attentive to the opportunity of holding joint special operations. In addition, the role of our country in border trespassing by persons undesirable for Russia and Azerbaijan is important. As far as I know, this issue was settled with intelligence services, other representatives of the powers but we will certainly not take part in the resolution of these issues directly. But I would like to repeat that certainly a number of direct issues concerning Azerbaijani interests were discussed. I think we will further learn about Azerbaijan’s position on the problems of North Caucasus.

I think the main accent will be laid on the resolution of primarily economic issues, as well as Azerbaijan’s cultural ties with the North Caucasus countries.

W.W.
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