Arminfo.info


 Tuesday, October 3 2017 16:15
David Stepanyan

Avigdor Eskin: Due to referendums in Kurdistan and Catalonia, pressure on Armenia in Karabakh issue may weaken

Avigdor Eskin: Due to referendums in Kurdistan and Catalonia, pressure on Armenia in Karabakh issue may weaken

A well-known Israeli publicist, public figure, political scientist Avigdor Eskin in an interview with ArmInfo discusses the latest developments in world politics, analyzes them in the light of global trends. He also comments on the logic and goals of centrifugal processes in Iraq and Spain. 

 

What are the consequences and threats  of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iran, as countries with a compact Kurdish residence, implementing plans for gaining independence by the Iraqi Kurdistan? 

If these countries recognize Kurdistan and enter into serious negotiations with Erbil on peaceful coexistence, then this will bring universal benefit. Kurds of Turkey, Iran and Syria will have an opportunity to build their country. This can significantly defuse the situation. However, if these countries behave aggressively, this will lead to a war in which they will inevitably lose. Iraqi Kurdistan is de facto independent. They control their own borders and even carry out oil sales themselves. The independence of Kurdistan in the created conditions is simply inevitable. These people were victims of a brutal attack by the Islamic state, by the Arabs. And here is the picture - twenty-two Arab states in the Middle East, now there will be Kurdistan as well. 

 

Almost  all countries of the world, excluding French neutrality, opposed the recent referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan. All except Israel. What is the interest of independent Kurdistan to Jerusalem? 

 I can say that Russia has also taken a neutral and benevolent position. As for Israel, we have been cooperating with the Kurds since the sixties. These are our allies and friends. And Israel does not betray friends. From the first years of its existence, Israel sought to establish friendly contacts with non-Arab nations  of the Middle East. That is why the Kurds in Iraq and the Persians in Iran have become our natural allies. Israel was the first who came to their aid at a time when Saddam Hussein was poisoning them with chemical weapons. It was the Israeli pressure on the US that led to the help of the Kurds. Israel was also the first to assist them in the fight against the IG. And now our relationship looks natural. While Kurds are Kurds, Israel is Israel. Our way of life, of course, is different.

 

 

A few months ago, you expressed an opinion on Israel's interest in establishing relations with Iran, highlighting the changing geopolitical situation in the Greater Middle East as a justification. Is the situation continuing to develop in this vein, or is it already possible to ascertain the change in the vector of its development and, accordingly, the intentions of Jerusalem regarding Tehran? 

 Iran was our ally until 1979. I think there are no rational reasons for the existing hostility today. However, so far the Iranian side is not interested in detente. We expected that after Iran and the Syrian regime collided with Sunni terrorists, they would review their position.

Iran helped the Hamas movement and the Syrian regime too. However, we should not forget that the terrorists of "Hamas" in the course of the war shot in the back to their Syrian benefactors. They are in fact part of the structure of the Muslim Brotherhood. And how great was our surprise when we discovered that Iran had recently resumed financing these terrorists. In this light, while hatred for Israel for Iran is above its own interests, I have to remain pessimistic. 

 

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 for today, in your opinion. 

 Israel helped to liberate its citizen. This was an example of effective and noble behavior on the part of the state. Considering that the aforementioned citizen wrote many bad things about Israel. We do not have full diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan. There is no embassy in Israel. But there is wide cooperation between us: Israel sells weapons to Baku and buys oil. The position of Azerbaijan is unacceptable to me personally. They tell us that they are not ready to open the embassy until we create a Palestinian state. This is an unheard of insult! We do not demand from them urgently to create a state for Kurds, for Talysh or for Armenians ... But I understand the government of Israel. This is business, as with Turkey. Although friendship with them did not work. I think that they lose more from this than we do. 

 

After a recent visit to Transnistria, you proposed your own model of relations between this unrecognized republic and Moldova. Is this model, in your opinion, suitable for the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh? 

No, Transnistria and Karabakh are not alike. Transnistria has a quarter of a century as an independent entity. Karabakh aspires to become a part of Armenia. There is a completely different situation. After the solution of the Karabakh problem is found, part of Karabakh will join Armenia de jure. And Transnistria can in fact exist further as an independent entity. At the same time, I can assume that pressure on Armenia in the Karabakh issue may weaken due to referendums in Kurdistan and Catalonia. The principle of inviolability of borders becomes less significant. But legally and politically for Karabakh, unequivocally, there will be a different solution than for Transnistria.

 

 

Assess the reaction of the Spanish authorities to the Catalan referendum on secession from Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has already stated that "there was no referendum on Catalonia's independence." Do not you think that ignoring the opinion of 90% of voted Catalans creates a threat to European liberalism? 

 

I hope  that the authorities in Madrid are doing everything today to make the separatist forces even stronger. We can already say that they lost both on the street and in the media space. And most importantly, while demonstrating unjustified rudeness and cruelty. In other words, they aroused a burning discontent, while not preventing a referendum. At a minimum, this indicates that in many European countries the existing system can withstand serious tests is practically incapable.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
It is time for us to seriously discuss the matter of stopping the  broadcasting of Russian TV channels in Armenia: Alen SimonyanIt is time for us to seriously discuss the matter of stopping the  broadcasting of Russian TV channels in Armenia: Alen Simonyan
 Labor Ministry  expands access to  state housing program for Artsakh  families Labor Ministry  expands access to  state housing program for Artsakh  families
AraratBank: Special Rate for SWIFT Transfers up to EUR 20,000AraratBank: Special Rate for SWIFT Transfers up to EUR 20,000
A march in support of businessman Samvel Karapetyan to take place in  Yerevan on July 4A march in support of businessman Samvel Karapetyan to take place in  Yerevan on July 4
Serzh Sargsyan didn`t want it either: Alen Simonyan on how the  authorities will achieve removal of Karekin IISerzh Sargsyan didn`t want it either: Alen Simonyan on how the  authorities will achieve removal of Karekin II
Team Telecom Armenia, Team Systems under one roof: new Team Place  smart solutions center  openedTeam Telecom Armenia, Team Systems under one roof: new Team Place  smart solutions center  opened
Armenia`s Deputy PM met with EU Special Representative for the South  Caucasus and the crisis in GeorgiaArmenia`s Deputy PM met with EU Special Representative for the South  Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia
Alen Simonyan believes that Pashinyan`s social media posts on   Ajapahyan case don`t constitute pressure on  courtAlen Simonyan believes that Pashinyan`s social media posts on   Ajapahyan case don`t constitute pressure on  court
There are foreign agents of influence, because Prime Minister talks  about them: NA SpeakerThere are foreign agents of influence, because Prime Minister talks  about them: NA Speaker
Armenia- EU Security and Defense first session of consultations held  in YerevanArmenia- EU Security and Defense first session of consultations held  in Yerevan
Ucom Launches 5G Network in Abovyan and EjmiatsinUcom Launches 5G Network in Abovyan and Ejmiatsin
Armenian defense minister meets with RA military attaches Armenian defense minister meets with RA military attaches 
Professor Armen Charchyan leaves for Spain Professor Armen Charchyan leaves for Spain 
From July 1, 2025, German Embassy in Armenia to offer improved  application service via TLS Contact to all Armenian citizens who need  Schengen visaFrom July 1, 2025, German Embassy in Armenia to offer improved  application service via TLS Contact to all Armenian citizens who need  Schengen visa
Armenia, Iran highlight further efforts to improve transnational  crime control Armenia, Iran highlight further efforts to improve transnational  crime control 
Armenia`s premier sends congratulatory message to Canadian  counterpart Armenia`s premier sends congratulatory message to Canadian  counterpart 
Nonstandard Europe: EU ambassador to Baku enlisted in criminal  circles Nonstandard Europe: EU ambassador to Baku enlisted in criminal  circles 
Azerbaijan cannot do without clashing with Russia in context of  ambitious tasks in Armenian and Iranian theaters - Russian expert Azerbaijan cannot do without clashing with Russia in context of  ambitious tasks in Armenian and Iranian theaters - Russian expert 
Armenia forced to focus its limited resources on servicing its  national debt rather than investing in humanitarian needs - Vahagn  Khachaturyan Armenia forced to focus its limited resources on servicing its  national debt rather than investing in humanitarian needs - Vahagn  Khachaturyan 
Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan could be success story -  Armenian MPPeace between Armenia and Azerbaijan could be success story -  Armenian MP
Professor Armen Charchyan not allowed to leave Armenia Professor Armen Charchyan not allowed to leave Armenia 
Peace achievable in South Caucasus - Armenian MP at OSCE Peace achievable in South Caucasus - Armenian MP at OSCE 
AGBU urges Armenian authorities and  Church to exercise restraint and  unityAGBU urges Armenian authorities and  Church to exercise restraint and  unity
Representatives of  Catholicos of  Great House of Cilicia met with   Catholicos of All ArmeniansRepresentatives of  Catholicos of  Great House of Cilicia met with   Catholicos of All Armenians
Kallas promised Pashinyan EU supportKallas promised Pashinyan EU support
Swiss MP: Pashinyan will hardly work for the return of the displaced  from Nagorno-KarabakhSwiss MP: Pashinyan will hardly work for the return of the displaced  from Nagorno-Karabakh
ARF  Central Committee in Western Europe calls Macron`s stance on the  situation in Armenia unacceptableARF  Central Committee in Western Europe calls Macron`s stance on the  situation in Armenia unacceptable
Azerbaijani Ambassador summoned to Russian MFAAzerbaijani Ambassador summoned to Russian MFA
MFA: Tehran is closely monitoring Israel`s actions to use the  territory of neighboring countries to renew aggression against IranMFA: Tehran is closely monitoring Israel`s actions to use the  territory of neighboring countries to renew aggression against Iran
Samvel Karapetyan`s office: Public support cannot and should not be  subject to censorshipSamvel Karapetyan`s office: Public support cannot and should not be  subject to censorship
After  After  "velvet revolution" Pashinyan tripled RA National Security  Service`s funding  
NA Member: Processes  in Armenia are its internal affairNA Member: Processes  in Armenia are its internal affair
Lavrov: If Armenia turns away from its allies, it will hardly benefit  the Armenian peopleLavrov: If Armenia turns away from its allies, it will hardly benefit  the Armenian people
Armenian MPs held several meetings in  U.S.Armenian MPs held several meetings in  U.S.
Zakharova: Our diplomats in Baku unable to contact Russian citizensZakharova: Our diplomats in Baku unable to contact Russian citizens
Kremlin: Membership in CSTO guarantees certain benefits, but the  decision is only up to YerevanKremlin: Membership in CSTO guarantees certain benefits, but the  decision is only up to Yerevan
Mirzoyan: Armenia, EU signal  important achievements in bilateral  relationsMirzoyan: Armenia, EU signal  important achievements in bilateral  relations
Mirzoyan, Kallas signed agreement on establishing framework for  Armenia`s participation in  EU crisis management operationsMirzoyan, Kallas signed agreement on establishing framework for  Armenia`s participation in  EU crisis management operations
Kallas: EU excited about peace process between Yerevan and Baku and  hopes for a swift resolutionKallas: EU excited about peace process between Yerevan and Baku and  hopes for a swift resolution
NA Vice Speaker, Iranian Ambassador discuss developments in South  Caucasus and  Middle EastNA Vice Speaker, Iranian Ambassador discuss developments in South  Caucasus and  Middle East
Customer Appreciation Day at IDBankCustomer Appreciation Day at IDBank
Poland met about 85% of Armenia`s requests for legal assistance - RA  Prosecutor GeneralPoland met about 85% of Armenia`s requests for legal assistance - RA  Prosecutor General
Mirzoyan calls on Lavrov not to interfere Mirzoyan calls on Lavrov not to interfere "in  internal affairs" of  Armenia
Samvel Karapetyan`s another message from pre-trial detention centerSamvel Karapetyan`s another message from pre-trial detention center
Two clergymen in one cell to wiretapping - lawyer Two clergymen in one cell to wiretapping - lawyer 
Attacks on Armenian church arouse concern - Russian FMAttacks on Armenian church arouse concern - Russian FM
Clergyman`s lawyers explain his position on nomination for Armenia`s  premiershipClergyman`s lawyers explain his position on nomination for Armenia`s  premiership
AraratBank Joins BAFT AssociationAraratBank Joins BAFT Association
Head of the European office of ARF calls on Kaja Kallas to visit  Mother See of EtchmiadzinHead of the European office of ARF calls on Kaja Kallas to visit  Mother See of Etchmiadzin
Armenian Community of Bulgaria condemns attacks on Armenian church Armenian Community of Bulgaria condemns attacks on Armenian church 
1937 back in Armenia - Bagrat Galstanyan 1937 back in Armenia - Bagrat Galstanyan 
Cathedral of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to host prayer service  all week for release of prisoners, consolation of grieving and peace  in homelandCathedral of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to host prayer service  all week for release of prisoners, consolation of grieving and peace  in homeland
Armenian FM not to take part in CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers`  meeting in KyrgyzstanArmenian FM not to take part in CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers`  meeting in Kyrgyzstan
EU High Rep holding negotiations in Yerevan EU High Rep holding negotiations in Yerevan 
Azerbaijan has never been Russia`s strategic partner - Konstantin  Zatulin Azerbaijan has never been Russia`s strategic partner - Konstantin  Zatulin 
Watchful eye of Sauron-Erdogan in Baku, cowardly bleating of freaks  in power in Yerevan and Russia`s silence: Armenians expelled from  their places of thousand-year residence in Nagorno-Karabakh - analyst Watchful eye of Sauron-Erdogan in Baku, cowardly bleating of freaks  in power in Yerevan and Russia`s silence: Armenians expelled from  their places of thousand-year residence in Nagorno-Karabakh - analyst 
French president`s statement encourages establishment of dictatorship  in Armenia - ARD rep French president`s statement encourages establishment of dictatorship  in Armenia - ARD rep 
French president voices support for reforms in Armenia French president voices support for reforms in Armenia 
 Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus` congratulates Aram I on 30th  anniversary of his enthronement Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus` congratulates Aram I on 30th  anniversary of his enthronement
Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemns incident at the Mother  See of Holy EtchmiadzinArmenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemns incident at the Mother  See of Holy Etchmiadzin
Read more



Commented