Eldar Jahangirov: "I was astonished at the Russian agitation campaign, which turned the first rate mass medias into hysterical battle lists of Goebbels times"

- Was Russia's military aggression against Georgia a surprise for you?

- I was not so much surprised at the very fact of aggression, as everything could be expected from the working leadership of Russia, intoxicated with oil revenues, maximally high stabilization fund and Russia's growing role in the world, especially considering the Putin's personal antipathy to Saakashvili.

I was astonished at the open cynicism, one-sidedness and unprofessionalism of Russian mass media. I am far from the romantic assessment of political events and it is obvious to me that there are conflict parties in any conflict. Each party has its own motives for actions. Revealing and even biased coverage of this motive is one of the functions of the mass media, while in Russia we have become witnesses of the merely insulting fooling of the audience.

All means were used here, including open subject falsifications, role interviews, physiognomists, who diagnosed Saakashvili by his mimics... and it occurred on the first rate channels with participation of serious journalists and analysts, as they had previously seemed to be.

Thus, I was astonished with the Russian agitation campaign, which turned first rate mass media into hysterical battle lists of Goebbels times

- How far can the Kremlin go in its aggressive policy?

- Under pretense of doubtful arguments about Russian passports and offended "peacekeeping forces", Russia has invaded the territory of a sovereign country by the help of its regular troops. Isn't it the farthest end? If there is something more, it will be necessary to throw away the whole structure of international law and live by the principle "the strongest wins".

- How can the world society stop Russia, considering the fact that the Kremlin does not care about its opinion in the Georgia's issue?

- The recent events and statements of world leaders state that the process of stopping has been launched.

Everything that is going on in Russia and in the Caucasus region has recently been under microscope and today it is possible to say that pressure started on all possible fronts including political, information, diplomatic and financial ones.

For example, Russia has been temporarily excluded from the G-8 format-the member-states did not invite the Russian representative to their session. Protests in front of the Russian embassies are held in most world capital cities. The diplomatic rhetorics and terminology has changed towards Russia and its leadership.

World mass medias, by Saakashvili's hint, recalled the forgotten case of Litvinenko, accusations of poisoning Ukrainian President Yuschenko. The urges to minimize West's energy dependence on Russia became more frequent and tougher. As is known, two US congressmen introduced to the house of representatives a draft resolution, calling on the International Olympic Committee to deprive Sochi of the right to hold winter Olympic Games. Moreover, in several days, from August 9 until August 13, the outflow of funds, invested into Russia, made $239,000,000. This occurred within just several days and everything proves that the volumes of outflow will be even higher soon. Thus, the process has been launched, with less left-to reveal the signs of adequacy of the working leadership of Russia.

- What can be the consequences of Russia's consolidation for Azerbaijan?

- Our interests have rarely coincided with those of Russia historically. We are in direct stiff competition on many issues, especially on energy issues. Nevertheless, our countries are geographically doomed to neighboring. Civilian economic and cultural consolidation of Russian on transparent and predictable rules does not pose any threat to us. The threat is posed by the growing militarism and loss of feeling of political reality among young Kremlin leaders. For Azerbaijan it is a threat of transferring to a narrow corridor of pro-western orientation, loss of resources for opposing Russia and additional obstacles in restoration of our territorial integrity.

- Is it possible to say that Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili has strengthened Armenia's position in Nagorno Karabakh issue, in fact betraying Azerbaijan, though indirectly?

- I think nothing is too unambiguous in this issue. On the one hand, Russia has asymmetrically prevented Georgia's attempt to restore its territorial integrity. During private talks and by means of propaganda, Armenians will undoubtedly refer to this precedent. But, on the other hand, Russia has not yet issued its passports in Khankendi and Shusha residents. There are no offended peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh. Only the CSTO may serve as a ground, but considering the concentration of world interests in the region, it is a real step to a more global opposition. These events have attracted world attention to our region and experts started to draw parallels between the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno Karabakh. The recent events showed that people's patience is not limitless and it is impossible to ignore international law all the time.

- Which steps should official Baku take to prevent possible repetition of Georgia's script in Azerbaijan's case?

- Though Azerbaijan has consistently supported Georgia in combat with separatism, the possibility of execution of Georgian script towards us is absent. We have taken the only right position in this conflict. Our position has been dictated by national interests and is absolutely consistent. We have supported Russia in the issue of the constitutional order in Chechnya. We have supported Russia in the Kosovo issue. It is only left to hope for the adequate steps of the opposite side.

/Day.Az/