Laurence Schits: "Russia's unilateral and disproportional actions in Georgia have already had a negative impact on its relations with the West, which made the activity of the Minsk Group"

- Do you think that the upcoming presidential elections will be fully democratic?

- I believe that the upcoming presidential in Azerbaijan is a suitable moment for the Azerbaijani government to raise its international influence and democratic indicators, especially in the light of the incorrect presidential elections in Armenia in April of 2008 and the current political instability in Georgia.

Azerbaijani government should use this moment for improvement of its experience in organization of elections and initiate deeper structural reforms in this direction.

- Do you think the negotiation process on the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict will intensify following the presidential elections in Azerbaijan?

- A new president in Azerbaijan will have to deal with a complex geopolitical situation, established in the region in the result of Russia's invasion of Georgia.

The results of the Georgian crisis have already affected the process of the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, especially the activity of the OSCE Minsk Group. Its normal work has been hampered by the growing differences between Russia and West, caused by Moscow's actions in Georgia.

Yet, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the world community are well aware of the need to search new and more decisive ways for the peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan welcomed the recent Turkish initiatives, aimed at creating the atmosphere of trust in the region.

Normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations could enable Ankara to assist to mediation efforts, which will have a positive impact on the possible resolution of the Karabakh conflict. It will also help Armenia evade the regional isolation. The success of the Turkish initiative will primarily depend on the good will of all the involved parties.

- Will USA and EU intensify efforts for the soonest peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict after the events in Georgia and South Ossetia?

- Certainly, the crisis in Georgia raised the interest of the world community in the unsettled conflicts in the South Caucasus. It also proved the vulnerability of existing quo status and showed that there is no alternative for the peaceful resolution of the regional conflicts.

Events in Georgia have raised importance of Azerbaijan for the United States, which was proven by the visit of US vice president Dick Cheney to Baku. The crisis also made the European Union to think over the importance of the South Caucasus for the European security in more strategic scales, strengthening the voices of those, who call for Europe's increased attention to this region.

The recent events in the region created a good moment for Armenia and Azerbaijan to attract attention of the world community to their conflict and get support for its peaceful resolution.

- Do you think Turkey can assist to the peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict?

- Turkey can and must assist to the facilitation of the peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. It is interested in stability in the Caucasus. Assistance to peace and stability in the Caucasus will strengthen Ankara's position in the region and help its efforts to become the EU member.

The possible opening of the currently closed borders and resumption of trade between Turkey and Armenia can be used by Ankara as a stimulus for Yerevan to take steps for searching peaceful solution to the Karabakh conflict. Considering this perspective, Azerbaijan must not react too emotionally to the possible restoration of the Armenian-Turkish relations. Instead, Baku must support the Turkish policy vis-a-vis Armenia.

- Is Russia's presence in the OSCE Minsk Group on the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict legal, considering the fact that Moscow has already recognized separatist regimes in Abkhazia and South Ossetia?

- As I have already said the unilateral and disproportional actions in Georgia have already had a negative impact on its relations with the West, which made the Minsk Group's activity more difficult. Russia's actions have strengthened the dominating idea that Moscow is not interested in the resolution of the regional conflicts. Yet, Russia can not be isolated from the international mediation, just because Russian presence in the region can not be ignored.

Russia must be persuaded that the stable and peaceful South Caucasus meets its interests, which will further lead to stability in its own unstable North Caucasus. The firm principal approach to Russia by international community is a key to the resolution of the problems in the region.

- Do you agree that the United States, EU and Russia use the Nagorno Karabakh conflict for the sake of their own interests in the South Caucasus?

- The theories of plot are very popular throughout the former USSR. Yet instability in the South Caucasus does not meet the interests of either the United States or EU and this also damages the long-term interests of Russia.

EU is concerned with the conflicts on its eastern borders. I suppose that EU has a wide potential of assistance to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in this region.

/Day.Az/