Doctor of Law Sciences, professor, head of the International public law department of Baku State University, Rustam Fahraddin ogly Mamedov comments on the results of the political year for Azerbaijan in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza.
Could you comment on the foreign policy of Azerbaijan in 2010?
This year wasn't easy. It was a year of serious challenges in the sphere of ecology, policy and morality. However, Azerbaijan has achieved certain political and economic success. We didn't manage to cope with Karabakh problem, but we take several progress steps. Due to our wise policy Azerbaijan didn't find itself in the deep of the economic crisis. Incomes of population grew, unemployment decreased. We remain unprovoked by some international forces as we guide reasonable policy towards Turkey, Iran and Russia. In general 2010 was successful for Azerbaijan in all spheres of social political and state life.
What do you think about Russian-Azerbaijani relations?
We manage careful policy concerning Russia. Russia is a strong country. We have similar traditions, as well as logics. We have common mentality. That is why to spoil our relations artificially is impossible. Relations between our countries began to improve after Vladimir Putin came in office. President Medvedev continues this direction. We not only political partners, we are friends. There is no country closer to us than Russia.
And what can you say about Azerbaijani-American relations?
It seems we are friends and even strategic partners. But our relations are not ideal. Americans follow interests different from the interests of Russia, Azerbaijan and other countries.
Please, comment on the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
As for internal policy, Azerbaijan is a stable country. Of course, we could expect such results of the elections. Members of the parliament have learnt how to attract the population. People want stability. The country moves forward and achieves progress that is why the governmental party has won the elections.
Why did the opposition fail?
What could they suggest? Only criticism of the ruling party. How could they say that there was no progress in Azerbaijan? The country is developing. New roads and bridges are built, wages grow, new work places are founded. There are no serious mistakes in the foreign policy.
What steps has Azerbaijan taken to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Azerbaijan prevented opening of the boundary between Armenia and Turkey. The main result of the year is that Turkey has at last taken right position. Armenia has no routes of escape thanks to Azerbaijan.
Why did the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia not meet during the summit of the OSCE in Astana?
It is connected with the position of Sargsyan in Armenia. The opposition accuses him in corruption. However, they should understand that indefinite prolongation of talks is impossible and someday Azerbaijan will get a mandate for military operation.
What are results of the NATO summit in Lisbon?
It was successful for Azerbaijan too. Azerbaijan provides Europe with energy resources. That is why they respect our interests.
This year Azerbaijan saw the third summit of the Caspian Sea region countries. What was the importance of it for Azerbaijan?
We were initiators of signing the Caspian Sea Security Treaty. We managed to develop, agree and sign the document in a short term. This treaty is a guarantee of the future status of the Caspian Sea.
Interviewed by Ramin Naziev. Baku. Exclusively to VK
