Arminfo.info



 Thursday, November 12 2015 11:30

Степанян Դավիթ Stepanyan Ստեփանյան David Давид

Avaz Hasanov: Hardly anyone in Azerbaijan likes idea of country’s turn towards Russia

Avaz Hasanov: Hardly anyone in Azerbaijan likes idea of country’s turn towards Russia

 

Do you expect the state policy against the internationally funded NGOs in Azerbaijan to be toughened even more?  

 

Everything that can be done for destroying the civil society network in Azerbaijan has already been done.  The civil society of Azerbaijan lags behind the civil societies in the other South Caucasus countries. The dissidents are paralyzed. Some of them are outside the country, while others are imprisoned or cannot act due to the shortage of financing. It is almost impossible to receive financial assistance from the West, because the relevant procedure has not been adopted so far and the donors have suspended their activities in Azerbaijan. The authorities promise to gradually normalize the legislation related to western grants. No one knows how long it will take or whether the US donors involved in "color revolutions" will be able to return to Azerbaijan. It is a big question.

 

How do you think the parliamentary election results will affect Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union countries and the United States? 

 

Naturally, the elections in Azerbaijan were held with many shortcomings that are unlikely to please the international institutions in the United States and Europe, given that all these structures have certain standards for elections in the countries they cooperate with. Therefore, their attitude to the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan is far from being unambiguous. But I would not say that the elections are of big importance to establishment of relations with the country, especially as we have heard rather weak criticism from some important institutions: US Department of State, European Union, Council of Europe, etc. Only a few international organizations - for instance, the Human Rights House Network - have criticized the election results, calling them 'illegitimate'. I think the election results in Azerbaijan are paling into insignificance amid the tense geopolitical situation in the region. It is very important for Europe and the United States that Azerbaijan - as a link in the South Caucasus - should not fall into the trap of Russia and should perform its role, helping the Iranian economy integrate with the European market.

 

The deterioration of relations with the West has to a certain extent turned Baku’s foreign policy towards the north. What do you think of such trends?    

 

Moscow keeps a wary eye on the developments in Azerbaijan. Moreover, Russian politicians and analysts emerge in our media outlets even more often than our own analysts. The Russian politicians do not even hide their joy over the fact that the Azerbaijan-West relations are deteriorating with every passing day and they even contribute to that process in every possible way. At the same time, they demonstrate loyalty to the domestic political processes in Azerbaijan. Unlike western countries, they do not criticize the leadership's actions against the opposition and the civil society. Nevertheless, possible accession of Azerbaijan to the Eurasian Economic Union does not meet Azerbaijan's interests and causes many people's concern. I think hardly anyone likes the idea of Azerbaijan’s turn towards Russia. More preference is given to the neutrality of the country. Time will show how Baku will manage to do it.

 

What can you say about the statement of Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces General Staff Hulusi Akar about Turkey’s willingness “to liberate the territories of Azerbaijan from occupation”?   

 

Turkey has made quite interesting steps amid the tension on the border. In particular, many analysts have qualified the joint air force exercises with Azerbaijan as promotion of bilateral military cooperation. The hope that Turkey is able to provide military support to Azerbaijan if Baku has to resolve the Karabakh conflict in the military way is growing. Turkey always expresses willingness to render political support to Azerbaijan in the Karabakh peace process, but any opinion about military support is expressed carefully. In this light, I think that the statement of the Turkish Armed Forces General Staff Chief Hulusi Akar about the support to Azerbaijan is most likely of political nature. It does not mean that Turkey is ready to take the side of Azerbaijan in the war against Armenia.

 

Can the parliamentary election results in Turkey affect the relations with Azerbaijan? 

 

The parliamentary election results in Turkey can affect the relations with Azerbaijan only in case the Turkish government is changed. To achieve constitutional changes, Recep Erdogan should have stable partners. Azerbaijan and some countries of Central Asia can perform this role very well. Therefore, having won the elections and having received the right to form the Cabinet, Erdogan's party seeks to deepen the bilateral relations with Azerbaijan. Thus, given Azerbaijan's significance for Turkey, Davutoglu's government is likely to retain the previous political course in relations with Azerbaijan.    

 

How do you assess the prospects of Iranian-Azerbaijani relations given that Tehran’s role and capacities are growing following the Iranian nuclear deal?  

 

In case the sanctions against Iran are lifted, Tehran will have a wide field for maneuvering in economic and political areas. New economic channels with the western countries will open and the foreign trade turnover will grow, giving a fresh impetus to the trade relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. Iran, in turn, will get additional bonuses in the fight against the Islamic State and will intensify the control over terrorism in neighboring Syria. This means that Azerbaijan - as a Shiite country - finds an ally in the anti-ISIS fight. Given Iran's return to the active global politics, such alliance will bring quite many benefits to Azerbaijan.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Armenian leadership deliberately leads Armenian-Russian relations to  collapse - LavrovArmenian leadership deliberately leads Armenian-Russian relations to  collapse - Lavrov
ECHR accepts complaints in cases of Armen Ashotyan and Artur  Danielyan for preliminary proceedings ECHR accepts complaints in cases of Armen Ashotyan and Artur  Danielyan for preliminary proceedings 
Freedom House ranks Artsakh Not Free after Azerbaijani occupation; it  losses 40 points at onceFreedom House ranks Artsakh Not Free after Azerbaijani occupation; it  losses 40 points at once
"Europeans for Artsakh" platform outlines Artsakh`s interests  protecting vector 
Government  allocates about AMD1.4 billion to properly organize 100th  anniversary events of Sergey Parajanov, Charles AznavourGovernment  allocates about AMD1.4 billion to properly organize 100th  anniversary events of Sergey Parajanov, Charles Aznavour
France expresses readiness to consider UFAR`s development and  expansion agenda within Academic City project France expresses readiness to consider UFAR`s development and  expansion agenda within Academic City project 
Armenia to send 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza StripArmenia to send 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip
No No "governments in exile" for Armenia`s premier 
Armenia is turning into extremely dangerous instrument in the hands  of the West - Maria Zakharova Armenia is turning into extremely dangerous instrument in the hands  of the West - Maria Zakharova 
Former Nagorno-Karabakh president calls on France to expert pressure  on Azerbaijan Former Nagorno-Karabakh president calls on France to expert pressure  on Azerbaijan 
Housing programme for forcibly displaced people to be presented next  month - vice-premier Housing programme for forcibly displaced people to be presented next  month - vice-premier 
40+10 assistance programme for forcibly displaced people to be  extended until end 2024 40+10 assistance programme for forcibly displaced people to be  extended until end 2024 
CSTO Sec Gen on Armenia`s participation in CSTO work CSTO Sec Gen on Armenia`s participation in CSTO work 
Meeting in Brussels is to focus on Armenia`s economic resilience -  U.S. Department of State Meeting in Brussels is to focus on Armenia`s economic resilience -  U.S. Department of State 
Upcoming high-level meeting in Brussels not directed against any  third party - Armenia`s foreign office  Upcoming high-level meeting in Brussels not directed against any  third party - Armenia`s foreign office  
World has experience in development of even failed states - Artak  Zakaryan World has experience in development of even failed states - Artak  Zakaryan 
Zakharova: information on Azerbaijan`s arms supplies to Ukraine is  carefully checkedZakharova: information on Azerbaijan`s arms supplies to Ukraine is  carefully checked
Russian Foreign Ministry: France`s actions are hindering  implementation of Azerbaijan-Armenia agreements Russian Foreign Ministry: France`s actions are hindering  implementation of Azerbaijan-Armenia agreements 
Russian Foreign Ministry: Anything that will benefit the people of  Armenia is only welcomedRussian Foreign Ministry: Anything that will benefit the people of  Armenia is only welcomed
Gnel Sanosyan: Upon completion of demarcation and delimitation  process, there will be no unresolved problemsGnel Sanosyan: Upon completion of demarcation and delimitation  process, there will be no unresolved problems
Statements by Alen Simonyan are carte blanche for aggression:  Opposition MPStatements by Alen Simonyan are carte blanche for aggression:  Opposition MP
Armenia does not join  CSTO PA delegations heads  statement  condemning violent terrorist attack in Crocus City HallArmenia does not join  CSTO PA delegations heads  statement  condemning violent terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall
NA Speaker: I would like to meet with a person who can prove on a map  that the four villages of Tavush belong to ArmeniaNA Speaker: I would like to meet with a person who can prove on a map  that the four villages of Tavush belong to Armenia
National Assembly Speaker: there were no political overtones in my  meeting with Svetlana TikhanovskayaNational Assembly Speaker: there were no political overtones in my  meeting with Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
Armenian PM, French parliamentarians discuss processes in South  Caucasus Armenian PM, French parliamentarians discuss processes in South  Caucasus 
Baku irritated by Pashinyan`s upcoming meeting with Blinken and Von  der LeyneBaku irritated by Pashinyan`s upcoming meeting with Blinken and Von  der Leyne
French delegation inspects security in Sotk mine French delegation inspects security in Sotk mine
Offering Armenia EU candidate status makes its pivot to West  irreversible - report Offering Armenia EU candidate status makes its pivot to West  irreversible - report 
AraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bondsAraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bonds
Armenian MP meet with Danish counterparts  Armenian MP meet with Danish counterparts  
Surrender of Tavush villages to destroy locals` ecosystem - expert Surrender of Tavush villages to destroy locals` ecosystem - expert 
Renowned Swiss-American lutenist to perform in Armenia  Renowned Swiss-American lutenist to perform in Armenia  
Azerbaijan uses military-political leaders of Artsakh in captivity to  achieve its propaganda goals - statementAzerbaijan uses military-political leaders of Artsakh in captivity to  achieve its propaganda goals - statement
No details of upcoming meeting between Armenia`s premier, U.S. Sec of  State, European Commission president No details of upcoming meeting between Armenia`s premier, U.S. Sec of  State, European Commission president 
People of Nagorno-Karabakh determined to return to their homeland -  Leevon KocharyanPeople of Nagorno-Karabakh determined to return to their homeland -  Leevon Kocharyan
Armenian committed to peace and stability in South Caucasus Armenian committed to peace and stability in South Caucasus 
Tatoyan Foundation, together with other human rights organizations,  publishes joint report on torture committed by Azerbaijan against  ArmeniansTatoyan Foundation, together with other human rights organizations,  publishes joint report on torture committed by Azerbaijan against  Armenians
Mirzoyan: Armenia considers Argentina as reliable partner in South  AmericaMirzoyan: Armenia considers Argentina as reliable partner in South  America
French Ambassador: The right of Artsakh people to return to their  homeland has been violatedFrench Ambassador: The right of Artsakh people to return to their  homeland has been violated
State Dept on US policy principles in relations with ArmeniaState Dept on US policy principles in relations with Armenia
Slander aimed at removing National Democratic Pole from political  arena: party responds to IC Slander aimed at removing National Democratic Pole from political  arena: party responds to IC 
Armenian diplomat to EU special rep: Aliyev regime is gearing up for  new aggression against Armenia, as he faced no consequences for last  onesArmenian diplomat to EU special rep: Aliyev regime is gearing up for  new aggression against Armenia, as he faced no consequences for last  ones
ICLaw presents cases of 8 Armenian servicemen to UN Working Group on  Enforced DisappearancesICLaw presents cases of 8 Armenian servicemen to UN Working Group on  Enforced Disappearances
Following Armenian foreign office, references to Artsakh `disappear`  from president`s websiteFollowing Armenian foreign office, references to Artsakh `disappear`  from president`s website
Sati Spivakova and the Moscow Theater of Nations soon in YerevanSati Spivakova and the Moscow Theater of Nations soon in Yerevan
CSTO Secretary General calls for creation of tools to counter  terrorismCSTO Secretary General calls for creation of tools to counter  terrorism
No discussions yet held on the issue of Armenia`s new Constitution -  minister No discussions yet held on the issue of Armenia`s new Constitution -  minister 
Establishment of lasting peace and stability in South Caucasus  Armenia`s top priority - Nikol Pashinyan Establishment of lasting peace and stability in South Caucasus  Armenia`s top priority - Nikol Pashinyan 
Azerbaijan should end the intimidation and harassment of journalists  and civil society activists - Dunja MijatovicAzerbaijan should end the intimidation and harassment of journalists  and civil society activists - Dunja Mijatovic
Armenia`s minister of justice on reforms in judicial system Armenia`s minister of justice on reforms in judicial system 
Armenian expert on Azerbaijan`s policy of misappropriation of  Armenian heritage Armenian expert on Azerbaijan`s policy of misappropriation of  Armenian heritage 
Incident with ex-minister of defense followed by numerous dismissals  - minister Incident with ex-minister of defense followed by numerous dismissals  - minister 
Russia is going through a rather difficult period in relations with  friendly, fraternal Armenia - Russian presidential spokesman Russia is going through a rather difficult period in relations with  friendly, fraternal Armenia - Russian presidential spokesman 
Azerbaijan creates artificial grounds for military aggression against  Armenia - Arman Tatoyan Azerbaijan creates artificial grounds for military aggression against  Armenia - Arman Tatoyan 
Armenian FM takes part in presentation of book Armenian FM takes part in presentation of book "Armenian Buenos  Aires" 
Threats against Armenia in Azerbaijani media channels unacceptable -  Toivo KlaarThreats against Armenia in Azerbaijani media channels unacceptable -  Toivo Klaar
Opposition MP: Threatening people with war is not the mission of  country`s leaderOpposition MP: Threatening people with war is not the mission of  country`s leader
Roundtable on geopolitical developments in South Caucasus held at  Belgian SenateRoundtable on geopolitical developments in South Caucasus held at  Belgian Senate
Andranik Tevanyan: Political struggle is the only guarantee of  success, a chance not to turn real Armenia into historical oneAndranik Tevanyan: Political struggle is the only guarantee of  success, a chance not to turn real Armenia into historical one
Vahagn Khachaturyan Vahagn Khachaturyan "closes" book of condolences at Russian Embassy  in Yerevan
Read more



Commented