Today.Az » Politics » Vafa Quluzade: "The past tensions between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan were caused by the specific nature of Turkmenbashi"
20 May 2008 [12:00] - Today.Az
Day.Az interview with Vafa Quluzade, Azerbaijani political scientist, former state counselor on external political issues.
-How would you explain the success of the recent official visit of President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan, taking into account the fact that the differences between these two countries on a wide range of issues have previously threatened to rise into a serious conflict?
-I think the tensions between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan were absolutely artificial and caused by the specific nature of Turkmenbashi, former President of Turkmenistan S.Niyazov. As is known, this person had a difficult character, he was frequently uncontrollable and impulsive.
Considering the national interests of Turkmenistan, this country is doomed to maintaining best relations with Azerbaijan, like Azerbaijan is, as these are two Caspian littoral states, which have many things in common.
I would not remind that these two people have almost the same language. These are two Turkic speaking countries, two Caspian littoral states, two oil and gas producing countries. This is a common fate and these are common interests and they should be coordinated and tandem of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan will attain more than each in isolation.
Therefore, I consider that the visit of Turkmenistan's President to Azerbaijan is timely. I think the statement of President Ilham Aliyev according to which this visit is of historical importance, is justified. If this visit if fruitful and Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan conduct a coordinated energy and Caspian policy, the achievement would be great.
-Does it mean that the settlement of the problem of the Caspian Sea adjoining sectors division will soon be possible?
-I think the interests of Turkmenistan on the division of the Caspian shelf fully coincide with our, not Iranian interests. Iran speaks from position of a super state which wants the forced division of the established order.
Other Caspian states agree on the division principle, which was set in the Soviet times and following the USSR collapse most littoral states act on the basis of that very sectoral division of the sea-including Russia, the biggest and leading country of the region, as well as Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. I think other Caspian states will follow their example and Iran will also come to an agreement as no one will be able to make littoral states reject the established order and follow Teheran's dictates.
-Does it imply your being sure about the soonest resolution of the old conflict between Baku and Ashghabad on the Kapaz field, which Turkmens call Sardar?
-I would repeat that these differences were caused by the complex nature of Turkmenbashi. There is nothing to argue about the Kapaz. Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan should establish a consortium, divide their shares and develop this field together. They should not fight to clarify who is an owner of this field.
-To what extend is the Azerbaijan-Turkmen cooperation in transportation of Caspian energy sources bypassing Russia, actively supported by Americans, possible in such conditions?
You know, it is a difficult question. I think it will certainly be settled not only within the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan coordination but also within the coordination of USA-Russia-Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan. We will see you wins:the regional super state Russia or the global super state -USA.
/Day.Az/
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