Accession to UN Security Council will play significant role in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy: Russian expert

Day.Az: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that he had asked the U.S president to accelerate work of the OSCE Minsk Group on Karabakh conflict. What steps do you think Washington will take to accelerate the solution to  the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Kiryll Tanayev:  Frankly, I do not really believe in the prospects of accelerating solution to such complex conflict as the Karabakh conflict. Resolution of this conflict by force is futile, therefore, path of negotiations remains the only way out. Negotiations are not a quick thing, and lately have seen quite significant progress. We see also intensified efforts both by Russia and the United States. This gives some hope that negotiations will move more steadily. I think that all participants of the OSCE Minsk Group are interested in achieving progress.

Q: Azerbaijan intends to file a candidacy for a non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in 2012-2013. How do you assess the chances of Azerbaijan to join the Security Council? How this might change world community’s attitude to Azerbaijan?

A: I find it difficult to assess Azerbaijan's chances for membership in the UN Security Council, since many countries have expressed a similar desire. By and large, one can hardly assume that Azerbaijan is not worthy to be a non-permanent member of UN Security Council. I think that if Azerbaijan has such a will, it will be realized at some point.

As to world community, I think everything will depend on a state of affairs. In itself, a non-permanent membership of the Security Council does not mean anything, but it all depends on how a country which is a member of the Security Council behaves, what positions it adheres or whether it adheres own position. All these are important factors. This is a kind of test for Azerbaijan and its foreign policy. I think that if this happens, it will be a very significant event, and will play a significant role in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.

Q: Media reports say Armenia and Turkey will sign an agreement to establish diplomatic relations on Oct. 10-11. Will this lead to reopening of borders between the two countries?

A: Establishment of diplomatic relations will necessarily lead to reopening of borders, because when such relationships occur, countries are starting to decide a whole range of issues, including issues related to national borders.

It is not ruled out that it will take some time for both parties to adopt relevant documents at international level, which will address the issue of borders between the two countries, but is unlikely to be able to hinder them in establishing diplomatic relations and begin an active trade. I doubt that Armenia and Turkey will not introduce a visa regime between themselves  But the fact that trade and economic relations will revive is obvious.

/Day.Az/