Azerbaijan’s opinion should be taken into account: Consul General in Los Angeles

Day.Az: Recently, media in many European countries, including almost all the leading ones, pay great attention to Armenian-Turkish relations and the coming signing of the protocols scheduled for mid-October. What kind of reaction to this can be seen in the U.S.?

Elin Suleymanov: Prospects for normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations really are of great interest worldwide. In general, there is very positive attitude to the Turkish-Armenian dialogue in the United States. This is natural, because it was the United States and European countries that have been pushing Ankara to reopen borders and establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Besides, a dialogue and the normalization are perceived positively from a purely philosophical point of view in the West, if only this normalization does not affect any real interest.

Meantime, there are some concerns that hasty moves could lead to undesirable consequences. Today, Azerbaijan is a key country in the region, therefore, the country’s opinion should be taken into account.

The basic position of the country’s leadership clearly based on national interests of Azerbaijan, did not leave any doubt in this regard. That is, as a result of the balanced foreign policy by President Ilham Aliyev, our country acts not based on emotion, or a dictation from the outside persuasion, but on long-term interests of Azerbaijani people as it should be an in independent, sovereign state.

Of course, the bilateral dialogue between Turkey and Armenia is a sovereign matter of these countries. The question is how it will impact the region as a whole. After all, unresolved Armenian- Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict continues to remain the reason behind the current situation.

The fact that Turkey closed its border in response to Armenia's occupation of Kalbajar in 1993 is a kind of "side effect" of the conflict. To treat side effects and symptoms will not hurt, but without solving the fundamental problem one can hardly expect major changes. In fact, normalization of relations with Turkey as well as with Azerbaijan is the best way to promote development and regional integration of Armenia. In this case prospects of Armenia’s development in the regional context can be debated.

I think the United States and Turkey are deeply interested in Azerbaijan and realize importance of contribution of  Turkish-Armenian dialogue to the complex resolution of challenges of the region, but would not be a potential factor of destabilization. Moreover, precisely such a comprehensive approach that includes the need for speedy settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict primarily meets American, Turkish and even Armenian interests.

Q: What is the attitude of the Armenian diaspora, known to be very skeptical of establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey without any recognition of the so-called "Armenian genocide”, to this matter?

A: Often there is a very negative reaction towards the Turkish-Armenian dialogue from certain circles of the Armenian diaspora. Moreover, it is not only about the events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire, but a whole spectrum of territorial, financial and political demands against Turkey. Many Armenian activists believe that protocols discussed between Ankara and Yerevan can put an end to their claims.

As to the previous question, it is interesting that some members of Congress who have close ties with Armenian lobby were against the protocols.

There are some Armenian diaspora organizations that generally welcome Turkey-Armenia normalization. To some extent, attitude to this process by the Armenian organizations are likely to reflect the degree of their radicalism. Opponents of Turkish-Armenian dialogue often are guided not by real interests based on self-isolation of Armenia, but rather by ideological symbolism, based on the unilateral interpretation of the past.

Such outdated symbolism has nothing to do with the present-day realities. In this case the main point is not to what degree details of the negotiations contribute to the overall regional normalization, but rejection of a Turkish-Armenian dialogue,and the Azerbaijani-Armenian talks guided by solely narrow ethnic views.

Q: As a diplomat, how can you describe the work of the Armenian Foreign Ministry recently? I am referring to the contradictory statements by the Armenian side concerning approval of the Madrid principles, then, on the contrary, their rejection.

A: I would like to refrain from assessing activities of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The main thing is that negotiations continue in the right direction in accordance with basic principles.

Q: You are going to take part in discussions on the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict in Boston. It is not the first such experience for you...

A: Indeed, a symposium on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict will be held in the heart of Law and Diplomacy in Fletcher, Boston. Both  Azerbaijani, Armenian and American experts will deliver speeches. Representatives of the Diplomatic Academy and the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan are also expected to address the symposium.  

I will also deliver a speech as Fletcher graduate. I hope the discussion will be held in a constructive and healthy environment.

/Day.Az/