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AZERBAIJAN WANTS 'EASING IN TENSION' BETWEEN TURKEY AND ISRAEL
news.az
June 7 2010
Azerbaijan
Asim Mollazade News.Az interviews MP Asim Mollazade, chairman of the
Democratic Reforms Party and a member of parliament's international
relations committee.
What impact may the deterioration of relations between Turkey and
Israel have on Azerbaijan?
We regret very much the loss of life during the raid on the flotilla
taking a humanitarian cargo to Gaza. Azerbaijan also regrets the
near-suspension of the peace process in the Middle East and the
challenge to the peace negotiations posed by the incident.
The absence of progress on peace and the increased tension in the
region are very negative for Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani side is
concerned at the tension between Turkey, which is our fraternal
state, and Israel which is our partner. Our intention is to hold the
necessary investigation, find out who committed this crime and ease
the tension. Azerbaijan's interests mainly lie in attaining peace in
our region and the Middle East as a whole.
Turkish political scientists known to be close to government circles
say that Ankara expects Baku to show more open support on the issue.
Will Baku be able to provide this support in the current situation?
I think Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry was right in declaring our
position. Azerbaijan is always at Turkey's side on most issues.
Azerbaijan is always close to Turkey when there is a threat to the
country. Simply, in this case we do not see a threat to Turkey.
Therefore, Azerbaijan, since it sees no threat to Turkey, does not
think it necessary to voice a tough diplomatic position.
Azerbaijan has good relations with Israel, too. Therefore, Azerbaijan's
intention is to prevent tension. The creation of a Palestinian state
in the Middle East is very important to Azerbaijan.
Therefore, an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement is important to
Azerbaijan.
As for Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, they do not depend on the will
of any political force, they are based on the single intent of the
Turkic world.
Is Azerbaijan's role as a mediator between Turkey and Israel expedient,
considering our good relations with both countries?
I don't think Azerbaijan has such a mission. And I think such
initiatives in international processes may have greater effect if they
come from international organizations or influential countries. For
its part, Azerbaijan supports peace and partnership in the region
and the peaceful co-existence of Israel and Palestine.
How can Azerbaijan benefit from Turkey's growing influence in the
Arab world? Maybe in terms of overcoming support for Armenia from
some Arab politicians?
Turkey's growing influence meets Azerbaijan's interests. Considering
that the common values uniting Turkey and Azerbaijan are very important
and strong, any Turkish success is welcome in Azerbaijan.
As for the Arab world, there is no unity within it. The concept of the
Arab world is a system of countries with different interests. Islamic
morality and Islamic culture may be the only factors uniting us with
the Arab world, but we are glad that the Organization of the Islamic
Conference supports Azerbaijan, which is a very important factor.
In turn, Azerbaijan is always glad that Turkey's position is
strengthening in this system.
From: A. Papazian
news.az
June 7 2010
Azerbaijan
Asim Mollazade News.Az interviews MP Asim Mollazade, chairman of the
Democratic Reforms Party and a member of parliament's international
relations committee.
What impact may the deterioration of relations between Turkey and
Israel have on Azerbaijan?
We regret very much the loss of life during the raid on the flotilla
taking a humanitarian cargo to Gaza. Azerbaijan also regrets the
near-suspension of the peace process in the Middle East and the
challenge to the peace negotiations posed by the incident.
The absence of progress on peace and the increased tension in the
region are very negative for Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani side is
concerned at the tension between Turkey, which is our fraternal
state, and Israel which is our partner. Our intention is to hold the
necessary investigation, find out who committed this crime and ease
the tension. Azerbaijan's interests mainly lie in attaining peace in
our region and the Middle East as a whole.
Turkish political scientists known to be close to government circles
say that Ankara expects Baku to show more open support on the issue.
Will Baku be able to provide this support in the current situation?
I think Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry was right in declaring our
position. Azerbaijan is always at Turkey's side on most issues.
Azerbaijan is always close to Turkey when there is a threat to the
country. Simply, in this case we do not see a threat to Turkey.
Therefore, Azerbaijan, since it sees no threat to Turkey, does not
think it necessary to voice a tough diplomatic position.
Azerbaijan has good relations with Israel, too. Therefore, Azerbaijan's
intention is to prevent tension. The creation of a Palestinian state
in the Middle East is very important to Azerbaijan.
Therefore, an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement is important to
Azerbaijan.
As for Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, they do not depend on the will
of any political force, they are based on the single intent of the
Turkic world.
Is Azerbaijan's role as a mediator between Turkey and Israel expedient,
considering our good relations with both countries?
I don't think Azerbaijan has such a mission. And I think such
initiatives in international processes may have greater effect if they
come from international organizations or influential countries. For
its part, Azerbaijan supports peace and partnership in the region
and the peaceful co-existence of Israel and Palestine.
How can Azerbaijan benefit from Turkey's growing influence in the
Arab world? Maybe in terms of overcoming support for Armenia from
some Arab politicians?
Turkey's growing influence meets Azerbaijan's interests. Considering
that the common values uniting Turkey and Azerbaijan are very important
and strong, any Turkish success is welcome in Azerbaijan.
As for the Arab world, there is no unity within it. The concept of the
Arab world is a system of countries with different interests. Islamic
morality and Islamic culture may be the only factors uniting us with
the Arab world, but we are glad that the Organization of the Islamic
Conference supports Azerbaijan, which is a very important factor.
In turn, Azerbaijan is always glad that Turkey's position is
strengthening in this system.
From: A. Papazian