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STEP BY STEP IN NATO'S DIRECTION; FOREIGN MINISTRY OF AZERBAIJAN REFRAINS FROM POLITICALLY STIRRING STATEMENTS
by Jasur Mamedov
Source: Voenno-Promyshlenny Kuryer, No 43, November 8 - 14, 2006, p. 3
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 15, 2006 Wednesday
Tahir Tagizade, Chief Of The Directorate Of Politics, Press, And
Information Of The Foreign Ministry Of Azerbaijan: We Are Not Saying
We Will Be In NATO Tomorrow;
An interview with Tahir Tagizade, Chief of the Directorate of Politics,
Press, and Information of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.
Two NATO delegations visited Azerbaijan in October. One of them was
headed by Robert Simmons, Special Envoy of the NATO General Secretary
for the Caucasus and Central Asia, the other by NATO Parliamentary
Assembly Vice President Vahit Erdem. As a matter of fact, a great
deal of NATO functionaries visited Baku in September and October.
What for? This correspondent met with Tahir Tagizade, Chief of the
Directorate of Politics, Press, and Information of the Foreign Ministry
of Azerbaijan.
Question: As far as experts are concerned, frequent visits of NATO
representatives to Azerbaijan indicate that it is its turn now to
follow in Georgia's steps and establish intensive contacts with the
Alliance. Would you care to comment?
Tahir Tagizade: We do not make politically stirring statements.
That's our position. We are not saying that we will be in NATO
tomorrow, a week or a month from now. We believe that the existing
framework of partnership offers us an adequate opportunity for
development of cooperation and relations of partnership.
All countries of the southern part of the Caucasus promote different
objectives nowadays. It does not take a genius to see by the way
that Armenia's practical deeds do not concur with its proclaimed
determination to integrate into Euroatlantic structures. NATO sets
political frontiers for countries of this part of the Caucasus within
whose framework they are welcome to aspire for their objectives. That
is why I believe that the Alliance will take resolution of regional
conflicts as progress, a step forward, a positive factor in the
process of Euroatlantic integration.
As for the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh,
Azerbaijan keeps trying to attract the attention of international
organizations to the problem. I know for a fact that the Alliance too,
would like to play a political part in conflict resolution.
Azerbaijan welcomes this determination.
Question: Some reports indicate that IPAP compels Azerbaijan to stick
to a non-violent resolution of the Karabakh conflict. Does it?
Tahir Tagizade: To tell you the truth, I have no information
pertaining to any such obligations within the framework of this
particular document or any other international documents that bear
Azerbaijan's signature. I can only say that Azerbaijan views peace
talks and diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution as a priority. On
the other hand, as I've said more than once already, Azerbaijan finds
it unacceptable when identical demands are put forth to the aggressor
and the victim.
Being a victim of aggression, Azerbaijan cannot afford talks just
for the fun of it. Neither do we maintain in the meantime that the
potential of diplomatic contacts is expended. We will contemplate
every acceptable proposal. Nobody can accuse Azerbaijan of being
resolved to restore its territorial integrity regardless of the cost.
Question: The Gabala Radar is the only Russian military object in
Azerbaijan. Do you think it may eventually create problems with NATO?
Tahir Tagizade: Firstly, it is not a military base. Secondly, the
object in question is property of Azerbaijan on lease to the Russian
Federation. Purposes and terms of the lease are known. That is why
this object cannot be regarded as an obstacle impeding Azerbaijan's
integration in NATO.
Question: The lease expires in 2012. Do you think there is a
possibility of prolongation?
Tahir Tagizade: Why make guesses? When 2012 comes, we will make the
decision with the current regional, political, and military situation
analyzed.
Question: Do you perceive Azerbaijan in NATO at some future date?
Tahir Tagizade: I know that Azerbaijan perceives advantages of regional
integration into European and Euroatlantic structures. What counts is
that this integration will certainly bring about regional stability,
that it will facilitate normalization of the situation.
by Jasur Mamedov
Source: Voenno-Promyshlenny Kuryer, No 43, November 8 - 14, 2006, p. 3
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 15, 2006 Wednesday
Tahir Tagizade, Chief Of The Directorate Of Politics, Press, And
Information Of The Foreign Ministry Of Azerbaijan: We Are Not Saying
We Will Be In NATO Tomorrow;
An interview with Tahir Tagizade, Chief of the Directorate of Politics,
Press, and Information of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.
Two NATO delegations visited Azerbaijan in October. One of them was
headed by Robert Simmons, Special Envoy of the NATO General Secretary
for the Caucasus and Central Asia, the other by NATO Parliamentary
Assembly Vice President Vahit Erdem. As a matter of fact, a great
deal of NATO functionaries visited Baku in September and October.
What for? This correspondent met with Tahir Tagizade, Chief of the
Directorate of Politics, Press, and Information of the Foreign Ministry
of Azerbaijan.
Question: As far as experts are concerned, frequent visits of NATO
representatives to Azerbaijan indicate that it is its turn now to
follow in Georgia's steps and establish intensive contacts with the
Alliance. Would you care to comment?
Tahir Tagizade: We do not make politically stirring statements.
That's our position. We are not saying that we will be in NATO
tomorrow, a week or a month from now. We believe that the existing
framework of partnership offers us an adequate opportunity for
development of cooperation and relations of partnership.
All countries of the southern part of the Caucasus promote different
objectives nowadays. It does not take a genius to see by the way
that Armenia's practical deeds do not concur with its proclaimed
determination to integrate into Euroatlantic structures. NATO sets
political frontiers for countries of this part of the Caucasus within
whose framework they are welcome to aspire for their objectives. That
is why I believe that the Alliance will take resolution of regional
conflicts as progress, a step forward, a positive factor in the
process of Euroatlantic integration.
As for the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh,
Azerbaijan keeps trying to attract the attention of international
organizations to the problem. I know for a fact that the Alliance too,
would like to play a political part in conflict resolution.
Azerbaijan welcomes this determination.
Question: Some reports indicate that IPAP compels Azerbaijan to stick
to a non-violent resolution of the Karabakh conflict. Does it?
Tahir Tagizade: To tell you the truth, I have no information
pertaining to any such obligations within the framework of this
particular document or any other international documents that bear
Azerbaijan's signature. I can only say that Azerbaijan views peace
talks and diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution as a priority. On
the other hand, as I've said more than once already, Azerbaijan finds
it unacceptable when identical demands are put forth to the aggressor
and the victim.
Being a victim of aggression, Azerbaijan cannot afford talks just
for the fun of it. Neither do we maintain in the meantime that the
potential of diplomatic contacts is expended. We will contemplate
every acceptable proposal. Nobody can accuse Azerbaijan of being
resolved to restore its territorial integrity regardless of the cost.
Question: The Gabala Radar is the only Russian military object in
Azerbaijan. Do you think it may eventually create problems with NATO?
Tahir Tagizade: Firstly, it is not a military base. Secondly, the
object in question is property of Azerbaijan on lease to the Russian
Federation. Purposes and terms of the lease are known. That is why
this object cannot be regarded as an obstacle impeding Azerbaijan's
integration in NATO.
Question: The lease expires in 2012. Do you think there is a
possibility of prolongation?
Tahir Tagizade: Why make guesses? When 2012 comes, we will make the
decision with the current regional, political, and military situation
analyzed.
Question: Do you perceive Azerbaijan in NATO at some future date?
Tahir Tagizade: I know that Azerbaijan perceives advantages of regional
integration into European and Euroatlantic structures. What counts is
that this integration will certainly bring about regional stability,
that it will facilitate normalization of the situation.