Fikret Sadikhov: "Azerbaijan simply has no choice and it will be bound to support Georgia in the moment of serious straining of Georgian-Russian relations"

-Mr. Sadikhov, who, you think, is to be blamed for escalation of tensions in the Georgian-Russian relations?

-It can be said that new escalation of tensions in the relations between Georgia and Russia is a fault of both parties. Yet, Russia, which is striving to return its previous influence on the South Caucasus region, should have been more flexible.

I think, this conflict is a part of processes, ongoing in the world. You see, after Kosovo declared its independence, Russia started to make statements and undertake steps, aimed to return its influence in the world and in our region, in particular, striving to advance its interests of a super state.

-How far will Russia proceed in advancing its interests in the South Caucasus region?

-I think, this will depend on when NATO and US will contribute to this issue. Yes, we have already heard some statements on the said issue made by NATO and the United States. Yet these statements are reserved enough.

-When are the NATO and US expected to toughen statements on this issue?

-I think, the confrontation between Tbilisi and Moscow has not yet reached criminal point, which means that it is early to expect stiff announcements, and even so more, actions by NATO and US in the issue of the settlement of the next Georgian-Russian crisis.

It can be stated however that all actions of Russia, which are aimed at restoring its influence in this country, are doomed to failure, as not only official Tbilisi, but Georgian opposition are pro-American and there are no pro-Russian forces in Georgia. The Kremlin is aware of it. Therefore, they undertake due steps to to put pressure on Georgia by supporting Abkhaz and South Ossetian separatists.

-How would you comment on information that the number of Russian peacekeepers in the villages of the lower part of the Gali region has risen by 4 and heavy technique has been applied in Gali?

-This is an obvious example of the course, which Russian conducts towards Georgia. These actions of Russia can be called a direct threat to territorial integrity of Georgia, But on the whole, to assess situation in our region, we should remember the political changes, which will occur in Russia and in the world in the near future. New President Dmitri Medvedev will be inaugurated soon. Former President Vladimir Putin strives to strengthen positions in the world and in our region, in particular. Moreover, this year the new president will be elected in the United States. So, we can speak of the last stage of counteraction for influence in the South Caucasus region between the working presidents of the United States and Russia.

-Direct question: is war expected between Georgia and Russia?

-I think, no, because it is impossible to compare economic, diplomatic and military strength of Georgia and Russia. Everything may stop on clashes on the border, new crash of aircrafts and new losses from both sides. Yet, the matter will not escalate to large scale hostilities.

How can you then comment on the announcement of some representatives of Georgian opposition, who state that Mikhail Saakashvili will use a new wave of confrontation with Moscow for his own PR inside Georgia?

-Undoubtedly, this is a hypertrophied approach to existing problem. Mikhail Saakashvili has never concealed his pro-American spirit and unwillingness  to preserve close Georgian-Russian relations. This means that it is impossible to state his failure to adhere to his principles or report the purposed confrontation with Russia. Moreover, this was not Georgia who knocked down Russian aircraft. These were Russian air forces who knocked Georgian robot plane. Therefore, the announcements of the Georgian side, are erroneous.

-And finally, whose side should Azerbaijan take in the Georgian-Russian conflict?

-Frankly speaking, Azerbaijan is in a difficult state due to the need to choose in the said issue. But despite good relations with Russia, our country should take Georgia's side.

Georgia is our strategic partner and the country, where the oil and gas pipeline, supplying Azerbaijani hydrocarbons to European market, are passing. Moreover, Georgia has always supported Azerbaijan in combat with Armenian separatism. Thus, Azerbaijan simply has no choice and it should support Georgia in the moment of strained relations with Russia.

/Day.Az/