Arminfo.info



 Saturday, October 7 2017 10:57
David Stepanyan

Ilgar Velizade: It is no longer possible to ignore the political reality that is being raised  everywhere in the world by the specter of separatism

Ilgar Velizade: It is no longer possible to ignore the political reality that is being raised  everywhere in the world by the specter of separatism

The head  of  "South Caucasus" political scientists club (Baku) Ilgar Velizadeh in his  interview with ArmInfo discusses the latest trends in the Karabakh talks, comments on Baku's position on the centrifugal sentiments in Iraqi Kurdistan and Catalonia. He shares the vision of the Azerbaijani-Israeli relations, justifies the scandal around  the "Azerbaijani laundry." 

 

Not so long ago, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated that during the last stages of the talks on Karabakh, the issues of a final settlement of the conflict are not being discussed. Is the last meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan a  part of the above-mentioned negotiating logic,  or do you have other considerations? 

I believe that at this stage it would be more expedient to withdraw the final status of Nagorny Karabakh beyond the negotiating process and concentrate on resolving those issues that create conditions for normalizing the situation around the settlement process. Simply put, it is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the negotiation process in order to minimize the risks of a new war in the region. In this context, the form of substantive negotiations, which involves the discussion of topics in a sequential order and depending on the degree of their importance and mutual consistency, is appropriate. And if we take into account that both the moderators of the negotiation process and its immediate participants are increasingly talking about substantive negotiations, it is not difficult to imagine that the final settlement of the conflict is considered just as one of the subsequent stages of negotiations. 

 

Moscow has repeatedly offered the West, through the American and French co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group, "to find a common denominator" by permission. Karabakh problem. What, in your opinion, could such a common denominator be based on and what are the prospects for developing a common position of the mediators on Karabakh? 

I think that the "common denominator" in the understanding of Moscow is the so-called "Kazan formula", proposed by the Russian side. We are talking about the return of areas around Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, the deployment of peacekeeping forces in the conflict zone. Perhaps, under the condition of parity participation of peacekeepers from Russia and NATO countries, and possibly with the participation of peacekeepers from those countries that have no direct relationship to the negotiation process, this is the subject of subsequent agreements, the deblokade of the conflict region and provision of temporary status to Nagorno-Karabakh. In general, there were no objections from Western mediators to this proposal, but we also did not see any clear agreement. In my opinion, Western countries prefer to adhere to the Madrid principles, which have a common resemblance to the Kazan formula and differ only in details.

 

Comment on Baku's reaction to centrifugal processes in Iraqi Kurdistan and Catalonia. Is Karabakh the only motivation or are there new, more relevant reasons for Azerbaijan? 

Things  happening in Spain and Iraq is attentively monitored in Baku  and  the appropriate conclusions are being drawn. In both cases, we are talking about destructive processes that have the consequence of disintegration inside important political players on the map of Europe and the Middle East, respectively, and the emergence of a new political reality, new hotbeds of open conflicts. Of course, analogies are being made with Karabakh, but there is another motivation in the interest displayed. For example, Iraq, in a sense, is a neighboring state with Azerbaijan. The two countries have close historical and humanitarian ties. Suffice it to say that it is commonly believed that the tomb of one of the well-known Azerbaijani thinkers and poets Fizuli in the East is in Iraq. A lot of Iraqi students were trained in Baku at the time, and now businessmen of the two countries are actively interacting, mutual trade is developing, Azerbaijani pilgrims often make visits to holy places in Najaf and Karbella, all these are connected by our countries. And the disintegration of this state in connection with the referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan, fraught with a serious aggravation of the military and political situation in the region, can lead to negative humanitarian consequences, lead to the growth of refugees from Iraq and this wave threatens to cover the entire region. I am not talking about the prospects of the disintegration of Iraq into several states. Of course, Azerbaijan can not remain indifferent to what is happening, and Turkey, Iran, other regional and extra-regional states support the neighboring countries, after all, the Iraqi government itself in their desire to keep Iraq a single state. The state, viewed not as a hotbed for the subsequent destabilization of the entire region, but as an example of the coexistence of various ethnic and confessional groups within a single country. The further fragmentation of Iraq, and indeed of the entire Middle East, carries risks for all countries, both within this region and the regions bordering on it. The same applies to Spain. Catalans have the right to determine their own destiny - this is fair, but it is also fair that the interests of other nations should not suffer. His happiness at the expense of the misfortune of another cannot be built. The history of the Karabakh conflict,  the history of many other conflicts like ours shows this more than eloquent. 

 

Kurdistan and Catalonia became regular examples of the realization of the international principle - the right of peoples to self-determination. And, given the rapid growth of UN member states during the past and the beginning of the 21st century, it seems very likely that in the future the trend will only gain momentum. In your opinion, does this process have a common ground that fits into global politics, justification, or should we only have in mind the local features of each situation? 

Any referendum on the fate of a self-governing autonomy can only be considered legitimate if it is the result of an encompassing political compromise and is recognized by all parties involved in the agreement. Just like  it took place  in Scotland, for example. That referendum was the result of a large political agreement between the central authorities in London and the regional ones in Edinburgh. At the same time, both of its participants agreed to recognize the results of the vote, whatever it showed. What happened in Catalonia and in the north of Iraq is not any compromise, no consensus, it goes beyond the legal field and, in fact, is illegitimate. However, the main international organizations and states have already expressed their attitude to these plebiscites, calling them inconsistent with the norms of the constitution of Spain and Iraq. At the same time, objectively assessing the situation, we must admit that, figuratively speaking, the specter of separatism has long been moving around the world, creating a new political reality everywhere, which cannot be ignored. This circumstance is already willingly used  for a  pretty long time for realization of the purposes of  various political players that leads to rather pitiable consequences. That is why there is a need to make all these facts, in general, and individually, a coherent political and legal assessment and the definition of more precise instruments on this issue at the supranational level, at the level of the United Nations. Moreover, I'm talking not so much about punitive measures as about preventive measures that would prevent the emergence of new foci of separatism and prevent current people from accepting the form of open conflicts, with all the ensuing consequences. We must try to prevent  the erosion of the current world order by developing clearer and more articulated rules of the game. It is not a secret that the question concerning the fact that the "territorial integrity of states" or "the right of nations to self-determination" has long been the subject of endless disputes not only in the political field, but also in scientific discussions and debates of jurists. Naturally, international law as a whole prioritizes the principle of "territorial integrity" and puts it in the first positions, but how then to interpret the concept of "the right of nations to self-determination", does that mean that the realization of this right implies only and only the creation of their own state? There is no unequivocal attitude to these issues. But in a number of cases there are clear answers. So, according to the EU Global Strategy, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, inviolability of borders and peaceful settlement of conflicts are key elements of the European concept of security. Does this approach take into account local features, or is it still about generalizations found in the world practice, everyone is free to judge in his own way.

 

The journalistic investigation "Azerbaijan laundry" is just one of numerous Western initiatives to pacify Baku. "Official" reasons - corruption, anti-democratic authorities of the country. Let's talk about the informal and unofficial?

The foreign policy of Azerbaijan is to ensure the greatest possible equidistance from the world's policy centers, which is not always satisfied with influential political circles in these same centers. Various means of direct and indirect pressure are used to integrate Azerbaijan into the orbit of their plans. The example you mentioned is more suitable for indirect pressure methods. Exactly one year later presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan. It seems that someone decided to prepare in advance for this event. It is something like playing ahead. 

 

 

The arrest and imprisonment of an Israeli citizen in the Baku prison showed the presence of certain underwater reefs in Israel-Azerbaijan relations. Describe the state of these relations, in your opinion, for today? 

In my opinion, there are no significant underwater reefs in the Israeli-Azerbaijani relations. At least, the so-called "Lapshin case" did not affect their condition in any way. Suffice it to recall that the visit of Israeli Prime Minister B. Netanyahu to Azerbaijan in December last year, I must say a successful visit, fell precisely at the time when the flywheel of this case was actively spinning. I believe that if the Lapshin factor played any significant role in the relations between the two countries, this visit might not be at all. Today, it can be said without exaggeration that relations between the two countries are an important factor in regional politics, a unique experience of the productive cooperation of the Muslim country with the Jewish state. Both Israel and Azerbaijan value the long-standing experience of cooperation. A large number of Mountain Jews still live in Azerbaijan, and tens of thousands of immigrants from Azerbaijan live in Israel, it is a resource that serves as a bridge for maintaining humanitarian ties between the two countries. I do not specifically dwell on the known facts of military-technical cooperation to demonstrate a significant part of other factors, often falling out of sight. In addition, Israel is one of the buyers of Azerbaijani oil in significant volumes and an important supplier of new technologies to the Azerbaijani market in a wide variety of areas.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Official voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announcedOfficial voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announced
With With "demarcation" going at this rate it will reach Yerevan:  Pashinyan points out to Tavush residents the need to quickly transfer  4 villages to Azerbaijan
Pashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been providedPashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been provided
Stoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relationsStoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relations
Armenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec GenArmenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec Gen
Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists 
Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!
Higher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premierHigher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premier
Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries 
Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian 
U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden 
Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities 
Moscow Moscow "testing" its relations with Yerevan
Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep 
Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan 
Three Sad Stories about FraudstersThree Sad Stories about Fraudsters
Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification 
Opposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MPOpposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MP
Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023
Peter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EUPeter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EU
Azerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied ArtsakhAzerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied Artsakh
Zatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEUZatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEU
Basic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFABasic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFA
Oppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTOOppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTO
Foreign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to AzerbaijanForeign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to Azerbaijan
Foreign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month agoForeign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month ago
Statue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in MarseilleStatue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in Marseille
Armenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los AngelesArmenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los Angeles
Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan 
Turkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperationTurkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperation
Senior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  AnkaraSenior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  Ankara
Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement  Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement
Our main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei SergeenkoOur main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei Sergeenko
AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year 
Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker 
European Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and ArmeniaEuropean Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and Armenia
Armenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirementsArmenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirements
Artsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authoritiesArtsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authorities
4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister
Defense Minister: Defense Minister: "Nobody gave the order not to open fire"
Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus 
Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO 
Armenia hosting Francophonie Days Armenia hosting Francophonie Days 
Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan 
South Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s prioritiesSouth Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s priorities
Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador 
EU applies anti-Russian EU applies anti-Russian "geopolitical optic" everywhere - Russian  official 
Deployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  HovhannisyanDeployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  Hovhannisyan
Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality 
PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1
Pashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with MoscowPashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with Moscow
Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process 
At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh 
Pashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in KarabakhPashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in Karabakh
Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan 
Yerevan is ready to expand its agenda with BrusselsYerevan is ready to expand its agenda with Brussels
Soviet Encyclopedia `to help` Pashinyan; Armenia`s territory is less  than 29,800 sq. km.Soviet Encyclopedia `to help` Pashinyan; Armenia`s territory is less  than 29,800 sq. km.
Yerevan is working to return prisoners from Baku, although at times  it looks like `Sisyphean task` - PashinyanYerevan is working to return prisoners from Baku, although at times  it looks like `Sisyphean task` - Pashinyan
If Armenia`s borders are If Armenia`s borders are "red line" for CSTO, let them demonstrate it  - Pashinyan
Pashinyan specifies timeframe of Armenia`s new Constitution  referendum Pashinyan specifies timeframe of Armenia`s new Constitution  referendum 
Read more




Commented