CIS can not remain in current form it exists: political expert

Day.Az: Georgia will officially withdraw from CIS on August 18. What impact it will have on Georgia’s relations with organization’s member states, specifically with Azerbaijan? 

Rasim Agayev: I think despite the fact that Georgia’s decision made a year ago contained an element of emotion, Georgia has no choice but to leave the Commonwealth after a year of reflection since it is difficult to stay in the organization where two members are in state of war. 
Georgia’s withdrawal from the CIS will not change relations with the CIS countries, in particular, with Azerbaijan.

Q: How do you see the CIS future?

A: CIS can not remain in the form in which it exists. As to the remaining CIS countries, many countries have claims to the organization, for example, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Armenia. I think that Georgia’s decision could speed up the reforming of the Commonwealth. Now the organization needs to reform the principles of reforming the Commonwealth and determining perspectives, but surely taking into account the real threats looming over the region.

Q: Can Azerbaijan withdraw from the CIS in future?

A: Experience has shown that hasty decisions in a situation Azerbaijan faces, I mean unresolved Karabakh conflict, is inappropriate. This is not consistent with the wishes of the country. Azerbaijan’s withdrawal from the CIS will hardly be considered a well-thought political way. There is no danger for Azerbaijan in the CIS, but on the other hand, it did not bring political dividends to Azerbaijan in terms of resolution of the Karabakh conflict. I think Azerbaijan should  not follow Georgia’s example and to delay  the matter until time when it would be reasonable.

In addition, there are things that are necessary not for politicians, but ordinary people. The fact that we have an advantage in moving to the CIS countries means we have a huge trade market. This must not be ignored. Georgia, for example, will need to seek a new mode of coexistence with their neighbors. But some neighbors will remain the same.

One must not  forge the fact that many Azerbaijanis live in  the CIS countries. So, there is no need for hasty decision and forget about them.

/Day.Az/