Karabakh can be returned to Azerbaijan through dialogue: Head of PACE Sub-Committee on External Relations

Day.Az: Is it possible to achieve peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan any time soon?

Tadeusz Iwiński: Everything will depend on situation in the region, as well as global situation. In addition, we should not forget about the consequences of the war that took place in Georgia last year. It showed that it is difficult to do something by force, despite the fact that almost the whole world knows that Azerbaijan has lost almost a fifth of its territory.

In the past, when I held position of Chairman of the PACE Committee on Migration and Refugees, I was particularly involved in humanitarian issues. I have repeatedly led the international delegation to Baku and Yerevan and Nagorno-Karabakh. I met with refugees in Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Q: As to impact of global events on the processes in the South Caucasus, which is your outlook on further developments in our region and settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

A: One can consider two possible scenarios: optimistic and pessimistic. The optimistic one is largely aligned with Iran and its nuclear program, which still remains a global challenge. Under unfavorable developments serious confrontation in the region and U.S and NATO interference in the situation is not excluded. If there was something negative, for example against Iran, then, of course, the prospect of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would have been remote.

The optimistic scenario composes continuation of dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve all regional problems, including the existing conflicts there.

Development of events under this scenario primarily involves the establishment of constructive dialogue between Russia and Georgia. A dialogue between Turkey and Armenia is also useful.  Azerbaijan has historically excellent relations with Turkey, not in vain, Heydar Aliyev, has formulated them as "One nation - two states".

Q: Do you think the Iranian issue is interrelated with resolution of the Karabakh conflict?

A: In one sense, yes. Main categories of modernity, whether we like it or not - it is interdependence. It is impossible to solve regional and even local conflicts without results at the global, international level. As a college professor, I can remember such a classical paradigm: if a person wants to solve something specific, without a clear picture of the problem in a global level, he/she, as saying goes, volens nolens woll face global challenges.

Q: What can you say about the ongoing dialogue between leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia?

A: I am glad about it. I remember back in post as a minister in the Polish government the Council of Europe organized a summit in Warsaw in 2005. Over 60 years of existence of CE such summit was held only three times: in Vienna, Strasbourg and Warsaw.

So, Azerbaijani and Armenian president had a dialogue in Warsaw.

I am glad that this dialogue is happening in other venues as well. This dialogue must be continued. But the solution to this conflict, that is the return of Karabakh to Azerbaijan, can only happen through dialogue.

/Day.Az/