Hikmet Hajizade: "GUAM is a "belt of security" used by the European Union in an attempt to safeguard itself from Russia"

- How do you assess results of the GUAM summit in Batumi?

- The results prove the continuing expansion of cooperation between the GUAM states, the formed single outlook on international state in the region. On the whole, we should be pleased with the activity of this organization.

- Can we hope for GUAM expansion, particularly, by means of Poland?

- Yes, this idea is being discussed, but it all is abstract. The thing is that Poland, being the EU member-state, has not completely found its place in this organization and is constantly arguing with the main EU states and in such conditions it would be difficult for Poland to spare energy on a new organization.

- Russia has recently staked on the Crimea card with Ukraine. Don't you think it is connected with GUAM's consolidation?

- I think this is primarily connected with the external political course of Ukraine striving to reduce its dependence from Russia. Ukraine wants the withdrawal of the Russian Black Sea fleet by 2017 and it already states it in open, though 9 years are left till the deadline, therefore Russia is concerned. Certainly, GUAM is a tool, Ukraine uses to reduce its dependence on Russia.

- Is GUAM a kind of Europe's guard from Russia's gas blackmail?

- In general GUAM is a kind of a security belt, used by the European Union in an attempt to isolate from Russia. GUAM's help in the issue of energy (and gas) security is important for Europe.

- Then, is the first official visit of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to our country connected with an attempt to prevent GUAM's growing influence on the whole and Azerbaijan's, in particular, on the Kremlin's plans for further speculation with Europe in gas supplies issue?

- Yes, I think it is true. One of the issues at these talks will be Russia's offer to buy Azerbaijani gas to become the gas monopolist and put pressure on Europe. This issue is more urgent for Russia today, as compared to GUAM, which is not so active so far.

- Can GUAM promote the resolution of territorial conflicts in the territory of countries, involved in this organization?

- Today, we get only diplomatic support in this issue, for example during voting on Karabakh issue in UN. Perhaps, we will also be able to buy weapon from Ukraine. But it all proves that comprehensive cooperation in the GUAM framework will expand. I think Azerbaijan should get involved in GUAM as it is a stair to integration with democratic Europe.

- Well which are the economic and political advantages of GUAM membership for Azerbaijan?

- Though today GUAM membership gives us less than bilateral ties with the GUAM states, with development of our countries and changes in the geopolitical situation in our region, GUAM will become an important instrument for attaining our goals. Today, we already see how GUAM states are voting for US resolutions in support of the interests of their partners in the organization. Thus, this is a promising start.

- I will broaden my question. Don't you think Azerbaijan has less from GUAM membership than Georgia, which gets our gas by privilege prices and benefits from the transit of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project through its territory?

- Yes, we help Georgia and I often told this help is excessive. This is not true. It should be reminded that we help Georgia mainly for our own interests, as Georgia is our only gate to the world ocean, and if these gates close, we will suffer from it. We must keep these gates open.

/Day.Az/