Serzh Sargsyan does not have concrete logical position: Azerbaijani senior official

APA: Is there a need for Azerbaijan to accept the suggested agreements in the present stage?

Novruz Mammadov: I reiterate that the question is Madrid principles. All are aware of the Basic Principles. It is shown in the Madrid Principles and Azerbaijani President repeatedly stated that the conflict should be solved within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. The problem should be solved stage by stage. First of all, Azerbaijan’s 5, or 6 regions, then 1 or 2 regions should be emptied, after that IDPs should be settled, peacekeepers deployed, after that reconstruction should follow and communications open. At the same time settlement process of 1 or 2 regions should take place, even refugees and IDPs should simultaneously return to Nagorno Karabakh. After that Nagorno Karabakh’s autonomy should be solved within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Armenia often changes its position for fear of losing its power.

Q: Some say pressure is exerted on Azerbaijan in connection with these agreements. Are there any pressures on Azerbaijan?

A: Those who say it are mistaken, they tell a lie, or express biased views. I attend Azerbaijani president’s meetings, see his character and will. Therefore, I can say that Azerbaijan is one of the countries where there is no pressure, influence on domestic or foreign policy. It is impossible to influence Azerbaijani president. The president is pursuing independent foreign policy to ensure the interests of the state. The representatives of various countries note this both in the region and in the international arena. The poll conducted by the Gallup Institute has been released recently. According to the poll, Azerbaijan is the country where there is the strongest ties and confidence between the leader and people. There is no such an indicator in other countries. Why should the president having such a support undergo any pressures? It is impossible. Pressures are exerted on weak countries.

Q: Does Armenia agree with the high autonomous status proposed by Azerbaijan?

A: This issue is being discussed in the negotiations. If there is an agreement on this issue, we will express concrete position. There is still no a full agreement on that and therefore it is impossible to say anything.

Q: Who will determine transitional and final status reflected in the Basic Principles?

A: Of course, this status will be determined by Azerbaijan. No one else can determine it. Azerbaijan’s goal is that the conflict is solved peacefully through the negotiations. The transitional status means the return of internally displaced persons to the occupied seven regions of Azerbaijan, as well as Nagorno Karabakh, reconstruction work there, restoration of communications, deployment of peacekeeping forces and creating transitional corridor between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. It will take at least 5-6 years. The return of internally displaced persons is not an easy process. This process can take 7-8 to 10 years. Everything was destroyed there and it is not easy to reconstruct it and to return to the normal conditions. It will take years. Our main goal and the co-chairs’ position is that the process will go on and the people can provide their previous life style and then we can review the issue of status, which must be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. There is no other way.

Q: Is any document will be signed during presidents’ Chisinau meeting in October?

A: I can not say anything yet. Let the co-chairs visit the region and after that we can review the question. Everything depends on the Armenia’s position, let us to see it.

Q: Armenian president Sargsyan made terms before Ankara to visit Turkey. He said he wouldn’t visit Turkey to watch football match in October if the borders were not opened. How do you value his position?

A: It shows that Sargsyan has no concrete logical position on the solution to the conflict and relations with the neighbor country. He is frequently changing his position. How it can be that Turkish president visited Armenia, but he says that he will not visit Turkey. It is like kids’ game. They make terms and think that they will achieve something. This is wrong. Therefore I wouldn’t like to comment on this issue. There is no ground for his move. The opening of the borders depends on other factors and the Armenian president should understand that.

Q: There are reports about Matthew Bryza’s appointment as an ambassador to Azerbaijan…

A: This is a business of US. President Obama and the State Department know which country Bryza will be appointed to.

Q: Turkmenistan said it would sue Azerbaijan at the International Court of Arbitration Arbitrary over the Caspian issues. What is the Baku’s position on that?

A: We didn’t receive official documents about that and there is no need to make comments on media reports. I think Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have deep historical roots. Azerbaijani president visited Turkmenistan and Turkmen president visited Azerbaijan in previous years. The Caspian issues have not been solved between us yet. There are different thoughts about that. But the most optimal and profound decision is to solve such issues through the useful negotiations. It will bring better results. There is no concrete report that they will appeal the International Court of Arbitration. We can express an opinion after the official confirmation. It is important for us to solve this issue. There are many factors on the basis of our position. Our thoughts have scientific and practical basis. I think the issue will be solved sooner or later and the two countries will have normal relations again.

/APA/