British MP: If I were in Armenians’ place, I would be very angry at my government

Day.Az: What are prospects for soonest resolution of the Karabakh conflict?

Mike Hancock: I think the resolution is coming closer. This will happen neither today nor tomorrow. But I think it will happen sooner than we expect. Reality is that the economic situation in Armenia is becoming worse. The country has 15-percent unemployment. The question of prosperity of the country is undermined and people travel abroad in search of a better life.

In order to resolve the conflict we all need to think about together. European Union, which, in my opinion, should play a role in the region, should lead Armenia to realize the reality. Armenians should understand that they can not continue to occupy 20 percent of foreign territory. If they really want to be a full member of the European community, they should think about their policies. If this does not happen, there should be a pressure.

Q: A pressure by the European Union?

A: By the European Union, Russia and other countries in the region, especially Turkey, which I think, will be a key player in solving this problem. In general, Turkey has an obligation to solve these problems as it meets country’s economic interests. Azerbaijan can not solve all these issues alone, it needs partners, but that those partners who will actually be able to take practical steps in the right direction.

Q: Do you seriously believe that the international community is interested in solving the Karabakh problem?

A: I think from the viewpoint of the European Union,  settlement of the Karabakh problem is extremely important. Otherwise, adverse events may occur, such as the recognition of Karabakh’s independence by Armenia, Russia. But, I am convinced that if Russia wants to play in this game, it will be extremely difficult for it to resist territorial problems inside Russia. At one time, Russia did not like the declaration of independence of Kosovo, and it provided a response as in the example of Abkhazia.

If Russia does not cooperate in an effort to recognize and support the integrity of Azerbaijan, it makes a big mistake. I hope that the EU will have an impact on Russia in order to change its position. Moreover, I think that today Moscow is prone to change its approaches. They are interested in a stable Caspian region.

Q: How important factors if the economic success of Azerbaijan for Armenians in terms of settlement of the Karabakh conflict?

A: Of course, it should have an impact. Ordinary citizens of Armenia can not help but want to share the wealth of the Caspian region. Azerbaijan is nterested in friendly economic ties with Armenia, but Armenia does not expect this, and it will be so until it returns what it took by force. Socio-economic life in Armenia will never improve until this country improves its relations with Azerbaijan. This improvement meets interests of ordinary Armenians.

Apparently, some political leaders of Armenia are interested in continueing this fight in the naive hope that they will forever remain in power, and it continues to harm ordinary Armenians. This does not help citizens to find a job, does not help to save work, does not give them the many possibilities of the citizens of Azerbaijan. If I were in Armenians’s place, it would be very angry at my government for what it does not give the opportunity to share prosperity of other countries in the region.

Q: Many say the problem is obstinacy of the Armenian diaspora, which is rich, influential, and impedes solution to the conflict.

A: That is why governments of the U.S. and France, which host large Armenian diasporas, should explain the situation to its own citizens, not of Armenian origin, but above all the French and Americans. If these countries want to see peace in the region, Mr. Obama and Sarkozy have to tell the Americans and French that one can not support a violation of state sovereignty, and if there is a real desire to maintain peace and stability in the world, conflicts such as Nagorno-Karabakh need urgent peaceful resolution. Therefore these countries have to act individually as a single state, as it should be, where the population is not fragmented by the interests and lives with single aspirations.

Q: At the beginning of our conversation you noted the importance of Turkey's role in solving regional problems. Turkish leaders link the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations with the advances in the Karabakh settlement. Can this position be successful in negotiations with Armenia?

A: I think that Turkey has its own issues and disputes which need to be addressed with Armenia. These two countries are now trying to resolve these issues. Turkey says: "We are friends for Azerbaijan and Armenia, and we can solve existing disputes, if we cooperate."

I hope Turkey will be able to accelerate the peace agreement, which will be a long-term deal. In my opinion, the role of Turkey in the future will be very, very important. Under this influence, Armenia should change its attitude, because without this there can be no solution. Turkey and Russia are major forces that have the greatest influence on regional processes. Together, these countries can achieve the result.

/Day.Az/