Involvement of this country’s representative with OSCE MG would be useful approach: Azerbaijani Social Research Fund president

Day.Az: In recent days, Georgia finally withdrew from CIS. How do you see future of this organization? Could any country to follow Georgia’s example?

Rashad Rzaguliyev: Georgia withdrawal from CIS will not affect prospects of the organization. At least for the simple reason that prospects for the development of the Commonwealth is simply not in sight. The organization was formed under the slogan “republic of former USSR-  come apart” and this process is taking its course in the context of the natural course of history. The main point is  that 12-member-Commonwealth has two armed and unresolved conflicts - between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Russia and Georgia. This is a paradox in all CIS history.

None of the former Soviet Union republics including Russia which plays role of locomotive of the Commonwealth, did not make a single attempt to transfer this organization to active and effective system. Apparently, no one needs it. There is a reorientation of CIS countries in the context of the global geopolitical situation to a more sustainable system of regional cooperation and tie with countries with a similar mental constructs.

Q: Will replacing two of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group could affect the future process of settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

A: Few people believe that the solution to the conflict depends on personalities of ‘political  travelers’ wandering in the region for already a decade and encouraging strong academic activities. The settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is directly related to final approval of a rival geopolitical centers in the region.

The choice is not great – either Russia or the United States of America. Today, there are certain interim agreement on the issue between these centers to keep the conflict in the “frozen” condition. It is not known what will happen tomorrow . In any case, to put it figuratively, the Karabakh conflict is a geopolitical time bomb. No one has managed to turn off the timer.

Q: Could Turkey participate in the settlement of the conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group? How it can help those interested in solving the problem?

A: Ankara diversify its foreign policy quite actively and consistently. But bear in mind the fact that Turkey, despite its ambitious projects, is not self-serious world geopolitical point. It is  unlikely that it will become so in the next decade.

Centers of the South Caucasus conflict consider Turkey mediator by which each side tries to win back its scheme in the struggle for leadership in the region. Turkey has our tactical interests and the country is able to obtain maximum benefit by using the conflict between the parties.

Undoubtedly, participation of a representative of that country within the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs would be a useful and adequate approach in this situation. Perhaps, we will witnesses this event in the next year or two. If the situation in region does not change radically, it is quite possible in the current situation.

Q: In recent times, media reports about presence of peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh have become frequent. Is there a need for peace-keeping forces in Karabakh? Which countries it should involve?

A: I think, presence of any foreign peacekeeping troops on the territory of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenian armed forces is violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Everything else is a compromise ...

Armenia is obliged to withdraw occupying forces from Azerbaijan without preconditions. Format for restoration of country’s sovereignty as well as rehabilitation format for the Karabakh population - citizens of Azerbaijan - is up to Azerbaijan with the support and under the supervision of international institutions of democracy and the world's human rights centers. This is the best way to solve the problem. This is such an idealistic vision of the problem I favor.

/Day.Az/