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ENVOY TO BAKU WARNS OF US, ISRAELI "PLOTS" TO "SABOTAGE" IRAN-AZERI TIES
E'temad (in Persian), Iran
May 20 2014
Text of interview with Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Paka'in
When you are passing through sections of the mountain road connecting
the [Caspian] port of Astara to Ardabil, it would be only enough for
you to look at your right to see the buildings and possibly the people
of another country from behind the fences and the not so thick or
tall metal barriers. This is a region that has always been societally
engaged with us in various areas, particularly in the areas of culture
and commerce. These relations also continued after the Republic of
Azerbaijan gained its independence in 1991 and took a more formal
and lucid form. In the early years [of its independence], when [the
Republic of] Azerbaijan was looking for political and commercial
partners, Iran recognized that country and initiated multifaceted
relations with that country. The Republic of Azerbaijan's relative
short political history is not without differences with the political
histories of Eastern European countries and other newly independent
states that gained independence following the collapse of the former
Soviet Union.
Internal wars such as the conflict over [Nagorno-] Karabakh, border
clashes with Armenia, the administrative corruption due to the
high revenues generated by the selling of oil and [natural] gas,
the government's swinging actions back and forth between Russia and
the United States, commercial relations with Israel, and ultimately
the global concerns over the concentration of political and financial
power in the hands of the Aliyev family and people close to them as
well as the situation concerning the freedom of the press and freedom
of activities by political and civic activists are among the most
noteworthy issues concerning the Republic of Azerbaijan. Nevertheless,
the Republic of Azerbaijan is an important country for Iran for
a variety of reasons including Azerbaijan's geopolitical role,
its long and important borders, its inclusion in the legal regime
of the Caspian Sea, and also because of Iran's security interests
and commercial markets in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is this
importance that has caused the relations between the two countries
to remain stable over time. However, a review of these relations and
a look at the past with the aid of reports and statistics reveals
a kind of coldness in the relations between the two countries which
have remained somewhat dormant under the 9th and 10th governments and
especially during the last three years. On occasion, we even saw some
contentions in the relations as well. But with the coming to power
of the 11th government and the expressed desire by the new team in
the foreign ministry to establish relations with the neighbours, the
Azerbaijani officials quickly extended a hand in friendship towards
Iran and this served as a beginning for renewed relations between the
two countries. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's visit to Iran
in the month of Farvardin [month starting 21 March] marked a new high
in this new chapter in the relations. We used these developments as
a pretext to organize an interview with Mohsen Paka'in who has been
active as Iran's Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan since two
years ago and asked for his analysis of the past and future relations
between the two countries and his plans and proposals for the future.
[Caption] One of the important dimensions of the relations between
Iran and [the Republic of] Azerbaijan is the cultural dimension. The
two countries share a common history, culture, faith, religion,
manners and customs and the Azeri language also constitutes another
commonality between the Azeri speakers in the two countries. All these
factors combined provide Iran with rich resources for the pursuit of
cultural diplomacy.
[The text of the interview with Iran's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen
Paka'in is as follows:]
[Nowruzpur] Let us start with this [question] and ask you, essentially,
what is your assessment and analysis of the relations between Iran
and the Republic of Azerbaijan during the eight years of the previous
administration?
[Paka'in] We know that ever since its independence, the Republic of
Azerbaijan has continuously played an important and central role in the
Caucasus. Iran and Azerbaijan also have commonalities and historical,
cultural and religious ties and a lot of efforts have been made in
the past to expand the relations between these two countries.
Iran is one of the first countries that officially recognized
Azerbaijan's independence and rushed to the aid of the people of
Azerbaijan during hard times especially when they were suffering
as a result of the war in [Nagorno-] Karabakh. One cannot deny
the importance that Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have for
each other. The two countries share a land border that is about
618 kilometres long and have mutual and common values. After Iran,
Azerbaijan holds the second highest percentage of Shia population in
the world. The two countries membership in the regional organizations
such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is another important factor
that brings these two countries together and makes them dependent on
each other. The Republic of Azerbaijan is the gate for Iran's entry
into the Caucuses; therefore, we always have had good relations with
this country. But under the previous government, to state it briefly,
interferences by some foreign and domestic elements had caused some
coldness in the relations between the two countries. But the ups and
downs of this relationship and its distance from the desired level
have always been one of the concerns of those who are interested in
establishing [good] relations between the two countries.
[Nowruzpur] Which factors had contributed to the coldness in the
relations between the two countries?
[Paka'in] Certain historical misunderstandings, efforts by third
parties such as the pro-ethnic groups in the Republic of Azerbaijan,
and also the propaganda by the Western and Zionist media which have
always wanted to deepen the split between these two countries. At
certain junctures, this propaganda even had fund its way into the
domestic media which repeated those assertions. [Furthermore,] some
disagreements over the borders, the type of contradictory relations
that the two countries have had with the United States and the West and
on occasions some extremist and immoderate views among the officials
on both sides have also been factors that had prevented the expansion
of relations between the two countries in the recent years.
[Nowruzpur] would you comment more openly about, for instance, which
obstacles [have been erected] and acts of sabotage have taken place
[to undermine the relations]?
[Paka'in] Usually the reports that identify the territory of Azerbaijan
as the launching pad for the Zionist regime's threats against Iran
either come from the Israeli media or sources close to the Zionist
lobbies. For instance, the issue concerning Israeli spy drones was
first raised [text: published] by these sources and although the Azeri
officials strongly denied those allegations, the issue resonated with
some in the domestic media and led broad reactions. The Republic of
Azerbaijan, according to its constitution, cannot permit foreigners
to establish military bases on its territory.
For this reason, a few months ago the Gabala base [i.e. Gabala radar
station] which was established by the Russians also was closed. But
the Zionist sources constantly broadcast reports that say that Israel
and America have military bases in Azerbaijan; then, some people take
those reports and run with them!
[Nowruzpur] As it happens, many Iranians also question how can
Azerbaijan define its relations with Iran within the framework of its
foreign policy given its close ties to Israel - especially considering
this country's geopolitical role?
[Paka'in] The government [of Azerbaijan] and the Azeri officials
believe that their relationship with Israel does not have a negative
effect on their relations with the Islamic countries including Iran.
No strong evidence has been obtained so far that would contradict
this view either.
[Nowruzpur] What place does the Republic of Azerbaijan occupy in the
plans of Iran's new foreign policy team and what needs and factors
do Iranian decision makers consider as they develop their plans?
[Paka'in] Without a doubt after the election of Mr Dr Hasan Rouhani as
the president and the positive response by the states in the region
to the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's proclaimed
desire to elevate the level of its relations with the neighbouring
countries, Iran's regional policies have entered into a new stage. The
diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the
Republic of Azerbaijan have also been influenced by this policy and
have undergone some positive developments in the recent months. Today,
the public opinion in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the media in
that country are welcoming this change in Iran's perspective and
foreign policy position. Likewise, Iran's increased engagements in the
international arena have also led to the expansion of relations with
the neighbouring countries including the Republic of Azerbaijan. It
was without a doubt for this reason that Ilham Aliyev, the president
of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was among the first heads of countries
that congratulated Mr Rouhani following his election as the President
of Iran and paid a visit to our country As well.
[Nowruzpur] I want you to answer this question [text: I want to
ask you this question] as a political expert and not as a diplomat:
considering the scattered domestic problems and protests facing Aliyev,
would there be any changes in the Tehran-Baku relations should a
different government come to power [in Azerbaijan] at any time?
[Paka'in] I don't think that it is very likely that the Republic of
Azerbaijan would undergo any special changes in the coming years and
it appears that Mr Aliyev will be able to overcome the problems.
Meanwhile, there are no signs or indications for [the possibility of]
a sudden or unusual change either. But the Islamic Republic of Iran
would customarily continue to work with any president who comes to
power with people's vote through an election in any country in the
world [text: in the countries of the world].
[Nowruzpur] What place does Azerbaijan occupy in Iran's cultural
diplomacy, especially in the region?
[Paka'in] Considering the [historical] ties between the two countries
and the fact that they are neighbours, the Islamic Republic of Iran
and the Republic of Azerbaijan have had broad and multidimensional
relations from the beginning of Azerbaijan's independence following
the collapse of [the former] Soviet Union and the cultural dimension
constituted one of the most important dimensions of these relations.
The two countries share a common history, culture, faith, religion,
manners and customs and the Azeri language also constitutes another
commonality between the Azeri speakers in the two countries. All these
factors combined provide Iran with rich resources for the pursuit
of cultural diplomacy. The two countries have effective cultural
capacities including great luminaries such as Nezami Ganjavi. In the
domain of religion, many of the two countries' religious scholars,
individuals such as Lankaranis, Badcube'is, Ganje'is, and Jalijabadis
have for years propagated Shiism alongside [other] religious scholars
at Qom and Najaf and have exchanged views with them. Should these
cultural capacities and scientific and educational potentials be
put to good use, the ties and interactions between [the two] nations
would also be strengthened.
[Nowruzpur] Taking into account the existing capabilities, the figures
show that the economic relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are not
at a desirable level. What plans do you have to change this situation?
[Paka'in] The Islamic Republic of Iran has active economic relations
with the Republic of Azerbaijan in the three areas of commerce,
transit, and energy. We also have seen a ?? [punctuation as received]
percentage increase in the commerce [between the two countries]
within the last several months compared to the same period in the
previous year. Keeping in mind that we do not sell oil to the Republic
of Azerbaijan, the value of the Islamic Republic of Iran's non-oil
exports to this country is near 600 million dollars which as far as
non-oil exports are concerned is a considerable figure. Of course this
figure does not include the amounts that we receive from the Republic
of Azerbaijan for oil swap or investment in the Shah Deniz gas field
or transit costs. Certain customs problems that existed between the
two countries at the borders and in part created difficulties for
the nationals of both countries were solved following meetings and
exchanges between different delegations in the recent months. [Now,]
the strengthening of the relations between different provinces in
our country and the Republic of Azerbaijan has also been added to
the agenda for the purpose of greater realization of the capacities
for mutual cooperation.
[Nowruzpur] Until the middle of 1391 [second half of 2012] the Iranian
citizens did not require a visa in order to visit the Republic of
Azerbaijan; but in that year this county's parliament refused to
extend that agreement. Has there been any efforts to [reverse that
decision and] return to the previous situation?
[Paka'in] Yes, you are right. We are currently talking with the
Azerbaijani officials. They are currently in the process of changing
their consular structures and computerizing their system. Once that
these changes take place [text: In this way] this problem will probably
be solved in the future as well.
[Nowruzpur] One of the ongoing challenges in the relations between
Iran and Azerbaijan has been the border and territorial problems
between the two countries. What effect has the recent visit to Iran
by Azerbaijan's defence minister has had on reducing these problems?
[Paka'in] As I pointed our earlier, due to having more than 600
kilometres of borderline between the two countries, at some junctures
there have been some clashes at the border. But following the increased
contact between the border guards in the recent years, the problems
at the borders between the two countries have been almost entirely
eliminated. There have been some meetings between the commanders of
the two countries' border guards in 1392 [1992: 21 March 2013 to 21
March 2014]. Especially the visit to Baku by the Islamic Republic's
border guard commander Brigadier General Hoseyn Zolfaghari led to
some talks and agreements that brought calm to the borders between
the two countries.
[Nowruzpur] As the Iranian ambassador to Baku, which factors do you
think have contributed to Azerbaijan's interest in strengthening its
relations with Iran?
[Paka'in] In my opinion, it was after the constructive meeting
between the two presidents on the sidelines of the Davos [Economic]
Forum in Switzerland that a strong will appeared for the expansion
of relations. The two sides concluded that the expansion of mutual
relations not only can secure the national interests of both countries
but would also elevate the regional security. There is this belief
that the two countries have positive capacities that if properly
used can turn them into strategic partners. Baku, being ware of
Tehran's role and position in the region, has welcomed Iran's active
participation in finding a solution to the conflict over [Nagorno-]
Karabakh and considers it beneficial to the establishment of peace and
security in the region and safeguarding its territorial integrity. The
Islamic Republic of Iran also sees the Republic of Azerbaijan as an
important country in the region and a window towards Caucasus. Also,
considering the fact that the two countries share common land and sea
borders, Iran is interested in consolidating its relations with Baku
in the areas of commerce, transit and energy. The visit to Iran by Mr
Kamaladdin Heydarov, the Azerbaijani minister for Emergency Situations
and the key member of the Azerbaijani cabinet, the visit to Baku by
Mr [Ebrahim] Rahimpour, Iran's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
[for Asia-Pacific Affairs] and Iran's representative for Caspian [Sea]
issues which took place in last Esfand [], and finally the Azerbaijani
President Mr Ilham Aliyev's very successful visit to Iran and very
warm meetings that ensued and following that the Azerbaijani defence
minister's visit to Iran are all indicative of a bright future for
the Iranian-Azerbaijani relations. We can be hopeful that due to
the [existence of a] serious will and the friendship between the
two presidents and considering the unique historical, cultural and
religious commonalities, the relations between the two countries
and the two nations following a period of coolness and depression
can develop into a model relationship for the other countries in
our neighbourhood.
[Nowruzpur] What are the main obstacles and challenges in the relations
between Iran and Azerbaijan in different dimensions?
[Paka'in] Without a doubt, the United States, Israel, and the
Zionist media along with the extremist and pro-ethnic groups are
not happy about the expansion of ties between Tehran and Baku and
will plan actions to sabotage the relations and [negatively] affect
the positive trend in the relations. Although the roots of mutual
relations have become stronger due to the recent developments, we
must remain vigilant against foreign plots and adopt the necessary
measures to neutralize those plots in both countries so that the
current positive developments would not be derailed.
[Nowruzpur] What is Azerbaijan's position regarding the recent
developments in the nuclear issue and the talks between Iran and
the P5+1?
[Paka'in] The Republic of Azerbaijan has always supported peaceful
nuclear programmes and that country's officials have also found Iran's
new diplomatic approach to their liking and have supported it. Without
a doubt, the solving of the nuclear issue and the strengthening of
Iran's international relations and engagements will create a new
atmosphere of cooperation in the region as well; and the indications
of this new atmosphere of cooperation have of course become evident
since some time ago. In this environment, the Republic of Azerbaijan
will similarly create greater opportunities for new movements and
developments in the relations which is what we desire as well.
Therefore, Azerbaijan's position [regarding recent developments]
can be overall described as positive and supportive.
[Nowruzpur] And the last question: Will there be any specific changes
to Iran's policy concerning the [Nagorno-] Karabakh issue in the
coming years?
[Paka'in] From the early days of the crisis and following the
declaration of a ceasefire in the region under territorial dispute
in the May of 1994, Tehran has tried to play its role in solving the
crisis and remained very active in this area until the year 1997. But
after the two sides in the conflict accepted the mediation by the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), or the
Minsk Group, the dimensions of Tehran's activities in this area
diminished. [Now,] considering the Minsk Group's inability for the
last 20 years to solve this conflict, we think that Iran's political
weight in the region and a capacity such as the Presidency of the
Non-Aligned Movement in this term can be effective in establishing
peace in the region and preventing the start of [another] war over the
disputed territory of [Nagorno-] Karabakh. I am of the opinion that
it is possible to help solve the dispute, improve the conditions,
and invent a win-win game by means of a general plan and a roadmap
that takes into account the conditions of the dispute and the basic
differences between the parties in this conflict and with the aid
of some flexibility, patience and bargaining marked by inventiveness
and creative mediation.
[Translated from Persian]
From: A. Papazian
E'temad (in Persian), Iran
May 20 2014
Text of interview with Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Paka'in
When you are passing through sections of the mountain road connecting
the [Caspian] port of Astara to Ardabil, it would be only enough for
you to look at your right to see the buildings and possibly the people
of another country from behind the fences and the not so thick or
tall metal barriers. This is a region that has always been societally
engaged with us in various areas, particularly in the areas of culture
and commerce. These relations also continued after the Republic of
Azerbaijan gained its independence in 1991 and took a more formal
and lucid form. In the early years [of its independence], when [the
Republic of] Azerbaijan was looking for political and commercial
partners, Iran recognized that country and initiated multifaceted
relations with that country. The Republic of Azerbaijan's relative
short political history is not without differences with the political
histories of Eastern European countries and other newly independent
states that gained independence following the collapse of the former
Soviet Union.
Internal wars such as the conflict over [Nagorno-] Karabakh, border
clashes with Armenia, the administrative corruption due to the
high revenues generated by the selling of oil and [natural] gas,
the government's swinging actions back and forth between Russia and
the United States, commercial relations with Israel, and ultimately
the global concerns over the concentration of political and financial
power in the hands of the Aliyev family and people close to them as
well as the situation concerning the freedom of the press and freedom
of activities by political and civic activists are among the most
noteworthy issues concerning the Republic of Azerbaijan. Nevertheless,
the Republic of Azerbaijan is an important country for Iran for
a variety of reasons including Azerbaijan's geopolitical role,
its long and important borders, its inclusion in the legal regime
of the Caspian Sea, and also because of Iran's security interests
and commercial markets in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is this
importance that has caused the relations between the two countries
to remain stable over time. However, a review of these relations and
a look at the past with the aid of reports and statistics reveals
a kind of coldness in the relations between the two countries which
have remained somewhat dormant under the 9th and 10th governments and
especially during the last three years. On occasion, we even saw some
contentions in the relations as well. But with the coming to power
of the 11th government and the expressed desire by the new team in
the foreign ministry to establish relations with the neighbours, the
Azerbaijani officials quickly extended a hand in friendship towards
Iran and this served as a beginning for renewed relations between the
two countries. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's visit to Iran
in the month of Farvardin [month starting 21 March] marked a new high
in this new chapter in the relations. We used these developments as
a pretext to organize an interview with Mohsen Paka'in who has been
active as Iran's Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan since two
years ago and asked for his analysis of the past and future relations
between the two countries and his plans and proposals for the future.
[Caption] One of the important dimensions of the relations between
Iran and [the Republic of] Azerbaijan is the cultural dimension. The
two countries share a common history, culture, faith, religion,
manners and customs and the Azeri language also constitutes another
commonality between the Azeri speakers in the two countries. All these
factors combined provide Iran with rich resources for the pursuit of
cultural diplomacy.
[The text of the interview with Iran's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen
Paka'in is as follows:]
[Nowruzpur] Let us start with this [question] and ask you, essentially,
what is your assessment and analysis of the relations between Iran
and the Republic of Azerbaijan during the eight years of the previous
administration?
[Paka'in] We know that ever since its independence, the Republic of
Azerbaijan has continuously played an important and central role in the
Caucasus. Iran and Azerbaijan also have commonalities and historical,
cultural and religious ties and a lot of efforts have been made in
the past to expand the relations between these two countries.
Iran is one of the first countries that officially recognized
Azerbaijan's independence and rushed to the aid of the people of
Azerbaijan during hard times especially when they were suffering
as a result of the war in [Nagorno-] Karabakh. One cannot deny
the importance that Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have for
each other. The two countries share a land border that is about
618 kilometres long and have mutual and common values. After Iran,
Azerbaijan holds the second highest percentage of Shia population in
the world. The two countries membership in the regional organizations
such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is another important factor
that brings these two countries together and makes them dependent on
each other. The Republic of Azerbaijan is the gate for Iran's entry
into the Caucuses; therefore, we always have had good relations with
this country. But under the previous government, to state it briefly,
interferences by some foreign and domestic elements had caused some
coldness in the relations between the two countries. But the ups and
downs of this relationship and its distance from the desired level
have always been one of the concerns of those who are interested in
establishing [good] relations between the two countries.
[Nowruzpur] Which factors had contributed to the coldness in the
relations between the two countries?
[Paka'in] Certain historical misunderstandings, efforts by third
parties such as the pro-ethnic groups in the Republic of Azerbaijan,
and also the propaganda by the Western and Zionist media which have
always wanted to deepen the split between these two countries. At
certain junctures, this propaganda even had fund its way into the
domestic media which repeated those assertions. [Furthermore,] some
disagreements over the borders, the type of contradictory relations
that the two countries have had with the United States and the West and
on occasions some extremist and immoderate views among the officials
on both sides have also been factors that had prevented the expansion
of relations between the two countries in the recent years.
[Nowruzpur] would you comment more openly about, for instance, which
obstacles [have been erected] and acts of sabotage have taken place
[to undermine the relations]?
[Paka'in] Usually the reports that identify the territory of Azerbaijan
as the launching pad for the Zionist regime's threats against Iran
either come from the Israeli media or sources close to the Zionist
lobbies. For instance, the issue concerning Israeli spy drones was
first raised [text: published] by these sources and although the Azeri
officials strongly denied those allegations, the issue resonated with
some in the domestic media and led broad reactions. The Republic of
Azerbaijan, according to its constitution, cannot permit foreigners
to establish military bases on its territory.
For this reason, a few months ago the Gabala base [i.e. Gabala radar
station] which was established by the Russians also was closed. But
the Zionist sources constantly broadcast reports that say that Israel
and America have military bases in Azerbaijan; then, some people take
those reports and run with them!
[Nowruzpur] As it happens, many Iranians also question how can
Azerbaijan define its relations with Iran within the framework of its
foreign policy given its close ties to Israel - especially considering
this country's geopolitical role?
[Paka'in] The government [of Azerbaijan] and the Azeri officials
believe that their relationship with Israel does not have a negative
effect on their relations with the Islamic countries including Iran.
No strong evidence has been obtained so far that would contradict
this view either.
[Nowruzpur] What place does the Republic of Azerbaijan occupy in the
plans of Iran's new foreign policy team and what needs and factors
do Iranian decision makers consider as they develop their plans?
[Paka'in] Without a doubt after the election of Mr Dr Hasan Rouhani as
the president and the positive response by the states in the region
to the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's proclaimed
desire to elevate the level of its relations with the neighbouring
countries, Iran's regional policies have entered into a new stage. The
diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the
Republic of Azerbaijan have also been influenced by this policy and
have undergone some positive developments in the recent months. Today,
the public opinion in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the media in
that country are welcoming this change in Iran's perspective and
foreign policy position. Likewise, Iran's increased engagements in the
international arena have also led to the expansion of relations with
the neighbouring countries including the Republic of Azerbaijan. It
was without a doubt for this reason that Ilham Aliyev, the president
of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was among the first heads of countries
that congratulated Mr Rouhani following his election as the President
of Iran and paid a visit to our country As well.
[Nowruzpur] I want you to answer this question [text: I want to
ask you this question] as a political expert and not as a diplomat:
considering the scattered domestic problems and protests facing Aliyev,
would there be any changes in the Tehran-Baku relations should a
different government come to power [in Azerbaijan] at any time?
[Paka'in] I don't think that it is very likely that the Republic of
Azerbaijan would undergo any special changes in the coming years and
it appears that Mr Aliyev will be able to overcome the problems.
Meanwhile, there are no signs or indications for [the possibility of]
a sudden or unusual change either. But the Islamic Republic of Iran
would customarily continue to work with any president who comes to
power with people's vote through an election in any country in the
world [text: in the countries of the world].
[Nowruzpur] What place does Azerbaijan occupy in Iran's cultural
diplomacy, especially in the region?
[Paka'in] Considering the [historical] ties between the two countries
and the fact that they are neighbours, the Islamic Republic of Iran
and the Republic of Azerbaijan have had broad and multidimensional
relations from the beginning of Azerbaijan's independence following
the collapse of [the former] Soviet Union and the cultural dimension
constituted one of the most important dimensions of these relations.
The two countries share a common history, culture, faith, religion,
manners and customs and the Azeri language also constitutes another
commonality between the Azeri speakers in the two countries. All these
factors combined provide Iran with rich resources for the pursuit
of cultural diplomacy. The two countries have effective cultural
capacities including great luminaries such as Nezami Ganjavi. In the
domain of religion, many of the two countries' religious scholars,
individuals such as Lankaranis, Badcube'is, Ganje'is, and Jalijabadis
have for years propagated Shiism alongside [other] religious scholars
at Qom and Najaf and have exchanged views with them. Should these
cultural capacities and scientific and educational potentials be
put to good use, the ties and interactions between [the two] nations
would also be strengthened.
[Nowruzpur] Taking into account the existing capabilities, the figures
show that the economic relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are not
at a desirable level. What plans do you have to change this situation?
[Paka'in] The Islamic Republic of Iran has active economic relations
with the Republic of Azerbaijan in the three areas of commerce,
transit, and energy. We also have seen a ?? [punctuation as received]
percentage increase in the commerce [between the two countries]
within the last several months compared to the same period in the
previous year. Keeping in mind that we do not sell oil to the Republic
of Azerbaijan, the value of the Islamic Republic of Iran's non-oil
exports to this country is near 600 million dollars which as far as
non-oil exports are concerned is a considerable figure. Of course this
figure does not include the amounts that we receive from the Republic
of Azerbaijan for oil swap or investment in the Shah Deniz gas field
or transit costs. Certain customs problems that existed between the
two countries at the borders and in part created difficulties for
the nationals of both countries were solved following meetings and
exchanges between different delegations in the recent months. [Now,]
the strengthening of the relations between different provinces in
our country and the Republic of Azerbaijan has also been added to
the agenda for the purpose of greater realization of the capacities
for mutual cooperation.
[Nowruzpur] Until the middle of 1391 [second half of 2012] the Iranian
citizens did not require a visa in order to visit the Republic of
Azerbaijan; but in that year this county's parliament refused to
extend that agreement. Has there been any efforts to [reverse that
decision and] return to the previous situation?
[Paka'in] Yes, you are right. We are currently talking with the
Azerbaijani officials. They are currently in the process of changing
their consular structures and computerizing their system. Once that
these changes take place [text: In this way] this problem will probably
be solved in the future as well.
[Nowruzpur] One of the ongoing challenges in the relations between
Iran and Azerbaijan has been the border and territorial problems
between the two countries. What effect has the recent visit to Iran
by Azerbaijan's defence minister has had on reducing these problems?
[Paka'in] As I pointed our earlier, due to having more than 600
kilometres of borderline between the two countries, at some junctures
there have been some clashes at the border. But following the increased
contact between the border guards in the recent years, the problems
at the borders between the two countries have been almost entirely
eliminated. There have been some meetings between the commanders of
the two countries' border guards in 1392 [1992: 21 March 2013 to 21
March 2014]. Especially the visit to Baku by the Islamic Republic's
border guard commander Brigadier General Hoseyn Zolfaghari led to
some talks and agreements that brought calm to the borders between
the two countries.
[Nowruzpur] As the Iranian ambassador to Baku, which factors do you
think have contributed to Azerbaijan's interest in strengthening its
relations with Iran?
[Paka'in] In my opinion, it was after the constructive meeting
between the two presidents on the sidelines of the Davos [Economic]
Forum in Switzerland that a strong will appeared for the expansion
of relations. The two sides concluded that the expansion of mutual
relations not only can secure the national interests of both countries
but would also elevate the regional security. There is this belief
that the two countries have positive capacities that if properly
used can turn them into strategic partners. Baku, being ware of
Tehran's role and position in the region, has welcomed Iran's active
participation in finding a solution to the conflict over [Nagorno-]
Karabakh and considers it beneficial to the establishment of peace and
security in the region and safeguarding its territorial integrity. The
Islamic Republic of Iran also sees the Republic of Azerbaijan as an
important country in the region and a window towards Caucasus. Also,
considering the fact that the two countries share common land and sea
borders, Iran is interested in consolidating its relations with Baku
in the areas of commerce, transit and energy. The visit to Iran by Mr
Kamaladdin Heydarov, the Azerbaijani minister for Emergency Situations
and the key member of the Azerbaijani cabinet, the visit to Baku by
Mr [Ebrahim] Rahimpour, Iran's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
[for Asia-Pacific Affairs] and Iran's representative for Caspian [Sea]
issues which took place in last Esfand [], and finally the Azerbaijani
President Mr Ilham Aliyev's very successful visit to Iran and very
warm meetings that ensued and following that the Azerbaijani defence
minister's visit to Iran are all indicative of a bright future for
the Iranian-Azerbaijani relations. We can be hopeful that due to
the [existence of a] serious will and the friendship between the
two presidents and considering the unique historical, cultural and
religious commonalities, the relations between the two countries
and the two nations following a period of coolness and depression
can develop into a model relationship for the other countries in
our neighbourhood.
[Nowruzpur] What are the main obstacles and challenges in the relations
between Iran and Azerbaijan in different dimensions?
[Paka'in] Without a doubt, the United States, Israel, and the
Zionist media along with the extremist and pro-ethnic groups are
not happy about the expansion of ties between Tehran and Baku and
will plan actions to sabotage the relations and [negatively] affect
the positive trend in the relations. Although the roots of mutual
relations have become stronger due to the recent developments, we
must remain vigilant against foreign plots and adopt the necessary
measures to neutralize those plots in both countries so that the
current positive developments would not be derailed.
[Nowruzpur] What is Azerbaijan's position regarding the recent
developments in the nuclear issue and the talks between Iran and
the P5+1?
[Paka'in] The Republic of Azerbaijan has always supported peaceful
nuclear programmes and that country's officials have also found Iran's
new diplomatic approach to their liking and have supported it. Without
a doubt, the solving of the nuclear issue and the strengthening of
Iran's international relations and engagements will create a new
atmosphere of cooperation in the region as well; and the indications
of this new atmosphere of cooperation have of course become evident
since some time ago. In this environment, the Republic of Azerbaijan
will similarly create greater opportunities for new movements and
developments in the relations which is what we desire as well.
Therefore, Azerbaijan's position [regarding recent developments]
can be overall described as positive and supportive.
[Nowruzpur] And the last question: Will there be any specific changes
to Iran's policy concerning the [Nagorno-] Karabakh issue in the
coming years?
[Paka'in] From the early days of the crisis and following the
declaration of a ceasefire in the region under territorial dispute
in the May of 1994, Tehran has tried to play its role in solving the
crisis and remained very active in this area until the year 1997. But
after the two sides in the conflict accepted the mediation by the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), or the
Minsk Group, the dimensions of Tehran's activities in this area
diminished. [Now,] considering the Minsk Group's inability for the
last 20 years to solve this conflict, we think that Iran's political
weight in the region and a capacity such as the Presidency of the
Non-Aligned Movement in this term can be effective in establishing
peace in the region and preventing the start of [another] war over the
disputed territory of [Nagorno-] Karabakh. I am of the opinion that
it is possible to help solve the dispute, improve the conditions,
and invent a win-win game by means of a general plan and a roadmap
that takes into account the conditions of the dispute and the basic
differences between the parties in this conflict and with the aid
of some flexibility, patience and bargaining marked by inventiveness
and creative mediation.
[Translated from Persian]
From: A. Papazian