European expert: Azerbaijan is a pivotal state at the crossroads of Eurasia - INTERVIEW

Day.Az Interview with Andreas Adrianopoulos, Director of the Institute of Diplomacy and Global Affairs of Greece

-How would you characterize a place and the role of Azerbaijan in the region?

Azerbaijan is a pivotal state at the crossroads of Eurasia. It keeps splendid relations simultaneously with the West and Russia, while is important for the preservation of peace in the critically significant Caucasus region. At the same time Azerbaijan is an Islamic state that shows to the world how Islam can be compatible with an open society, with the establishment and gradual enhancement of democratic institutions and with major technological achievements and economic development.

-What do you think about current cooperation between Azerbaijan and Greece?

Azerbaijan enjoys major natural resources which have enabled it to become a major player on issues of regional and international energy security. Greece stands very close to Azerbaijan and this proximity along with Greek geographical position on the main sea routes of the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean facilitates the realization of this guarantee of security in energy matters. The two countries can cooperate to ensure the realization of important projects and peaceful goals. Major steps have already been taken towards the bringing closer of the two countries and significant further initiatives will definitely follow.

-As you already mentioned, Azerbaijan and Greece enhance their cooperation, playing a role in resolving energy security problem in Europe. What can you tell about political importance of this cooperation?

The political significance and symbolism of this cooperation cannot be sidelined. Greece belongs to the European Union and thus can enable Azerbaijani companies to secure easier access to European markets. At the same time Greece can help guarantee the security of Azerbaijan by indicating to the West in general the importance of the country as a paragon of stability and cooperation in this, at times turbulent, part of the world.

Athens can also advocate Azerbaijan to the West as a role model for the successful implementation of moderate Islamic values. In the critical times we live, this can be a major issue for analysis and consideration, indeed.

-Lat year's Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius has shown that the EU is not always  ready to defend its interests in the post-soviet space. Azerbaijan from the beginning has demonstrated its will to maintain a balance of foreign policy between the EU and Russia. How important is Azerbaijan for Europe?

As I have mentioned earlier, Azerbaijan maintains a majestic balance in its relations with the West and Moscow. Russia is very near and it conditions a history of close contacts with this important Caspian state. There have been various ups and downs in this relationship but Russia is at Azerbaijan’s doorstep and inevitably cannot be absent from the fate of the country. At the same moment, however, Azerbaijan has never concealed its eagerness to cooperate with the West and to forge closer ties in the field of energy mainly. Regardless the relations of the other former Soviet states with Europe and the US, nothing can stop Baku’s efforts to drawn to Europe.

- What role, do you think, the Europeans can play in the settlement of the Karabakh problem? Could this conflict can be solved in the near future?

Very seldom, if at all, Europe involves itself politically in the direct resolution of major political problems. It takes certain steps and gradually consolidates its new position. Don’t expect Europe to act so that it can guarantee solutions on the ground. Especially, if these solutions involve military realities.

It is possible to influence on Europe, so that it could see the just path and gradually exercise impact on final solution of the conflict. The South Caucasus has embarked in recent years upon a course of stability and improved economic welfare. It is a shame that an issue of military occupation casts its shadow upon the region. In the epoch that we live similar occurrences that refer to former ages of military might and conflict appear outdated. It as my feeling that the time has come for peace to triumph and for viable solutions to be negotiated.