VK editor-in-chief Alexey Vlasov discusses developments in Azerbaijan with the head of the RSUH Caucasus Study Center, Ismail Agakishiyev.
Vlasov: Another important issue connected with Azerbaijan in 2010 is relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. I think this year they developed dynamically, not only in the sphere of energy, as has been the case in recent years. Humanitarian links were strengthening, for example, the Forum of heads of universities for the Humanities in Baku. Such meetings should be held systematically. In this regard we need not only the support of our heads of state, but also of the
bureaucracies and regional authorities.
Agakishiyev: To develop humanitarian and educational links money is not the only thing needed. Many bureaucratic obstacles prevent us from implementing projects developed by Russian universities, for example, the RSUH or the History Department of the MSU. However, a lot is being done in this direction. The Heidar Aliyev Fund implements many major projects. Its branch in Moscow works effectively. Contacts between young Russian and Azerbaijani people are being improved. One of platforms for these activities is the Azerbaijani youth organization of Russia. In addition to the Forum of heads of universities the Humanitarian Forum was held in January in Baku, at which many representatives of the scientific and artistic elites took part. To tell the truth, I think the only problem is insufficient coverage of all this information by the mass media. That is why it is important to form expert information platforms for regular communication, not only
during big meetings, but every day.
Vlasov: I would like to add that this concerns not only information exchange and communication between Russian and Azerbaijani journalists. As the chief executive of the Trend agency, Ilgar Guseinov, proposed, we should see the wider territorial context in perspective, I mean Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Turkey, as well as
all the countries of the South Caucasus.
Agakishiyev: However, notwithstanding all the efforts made by Russia, there was no breakthrough in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, even though expectations were very positive. What do you think is the reason for this stagnation?
Vlasov: I think that efforts of the mediators were not useless. Of course, the OSCE summit in Astana hasn't answered the question as to whether 2011 will be a successful year for a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Many questions still have no answers. However, I think that a bad peace is better than a good war. The sides have managed to maintain peace in the region, and that is a great success. On many points Russia and Azerbaijan share common views. The key to a settlement is in Baku and Yerevan. In many ways the mediators cannot influence the process of negotiations. For example, the protocols between Armenia and Turkey haven't been ratified, even though the mediators have been doing their best.
Agakishiyev: However, I am an optimist. I think that even though the summit was somehow unsuccessful, the features of the conflict settlement are becoming clear. To solve the problem in an adequate period of time, only political will is needed.
