Azerbaijan celebrated the anniversary of restoration of its independence in October. Azerbaijani MP, member of parliamentary committee for science and education professor Asaf Gadjiev told a VK correspondent about Azerbaijan’s hard route to independence and sovereignty.
- What were the first countries, which recognized independence of Azerbaijan?
- Turkey was first, then Romania, and after them all other states. Not only Azerbaijan was recognized as independent state, but all other former Soviet republics as well. Situation with the Baltic republics was special; they were taken to the European Union almost at once.
- Except the oil contract of the century, what developments would you stand out for 20 years of independence?
- The key moment of the history of independence is Heydar Aliyev’s raise to power. He had managed to stop potential civil war. People had lost belief in one moment, they lost meaning of life. Factories were shut down. When a person loses belief in future, he loses everything. In this unstable time a leader, who has not only spiritual power, but also outstanding skills of a manager, came. People began to hope, fear disappeared. Plants and fabrics were opened. Foreign investment flew to the country. Investment comes only to stable countries. Before 1995 the parliament only discussed current problems and didn’t make any decisions or adopt laws. In 1995 the parliament began legislative activity, and of the first laws was the law on security of foreign investments. The budget began to grow.
Today only the military budget of Azerbaijan contains $3 300 million. We can return our territories, occupied by Armenia, by force, but we don’t want bloodshed.
What is the war today? It is a war of economies. The side, which has stronger economy, wins. Those days Azerbaijan wasn’t prepared for the war. Today we are strong, and truth is on our side.
- What is the policy of Azerbaijan toward the CIS countries?
- Azerbaijan is a peaceful country and a stable partner. All agreements, signed by Azerbaijan, are being fulfilled. We have great relations with Russia. Recently the Russian-Azerbaijani forum took place. Importance of the forum attracts many foreign guests. We have well relations with Georgia, Turkey, the EU, Western Europe countries, the USA, and Asian countries. Only with Armenia we have problems.
- Can you comment on the position of Russian on the Karabakh conflict?
- Russia is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan. We are connected by deep spiritual ties. More than 200 years we’ve been living together with Russia. Russia as the member of the OSCE Minsk Group admitted territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a member of the UN and other international organizations. Russia has many times stated that territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not an issue for discussion. I think Russia should contribute positively to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
- Recently Baku has hosted the first International Humanitarian Forum. What are impressions of the participants about Azerbaijan?
- I was a moderator in the section “Convergence of science.” The participants presented outstanding reports. I think the forum will be continued. Next year it will be held at higher level: new sections will appear, more participants will come. This forum contributes to enrichment of spiritual ties between Russia, Azerbaijan and other countries.
