In the context of tensions in relations between Iran and Azerbaijan, Baku is trying to gain the support of foreign political players. It is confirmed by intensification of contacts with NATO at the top level. At the same time, Azerbaijani and Turk diasporas of the USA began a campaign criticizing Iran’s pressure on Azerbaijan, APA reports. The initiators of the campaign remind that in 1991 after dissolution of the USSR the Iranian official mass media spread aggressive statements: “There were efforts of non-recognition of Azerbaijan’s right for existence and its own history. The USA government has to support Azerbaijan, which is a strategic ally of America in the region. It should be stated in speeches in favor of independent Azerbaijan, as well as in resolutions and exporting the systems Patriot for energy security of Azerbaijani infrastructure.”
It should be noted that often incidents, which sometimes lead to people’s death, always happen at the Iranian-Azerbaijani border. Last year Azerbaijani soldiers shot dead the Iranian border guard, who penetrated to the territory of Azerbaijan. Some reports said he was armed, others – he had no armament. Anyway, fire-fights between Azerbaijani and Iranian border guards confirm tension in relations between two countries.
Meanwhile, the mass media, close to the Azerbaijani opposition, reports on new episodes of the secret services’ war. The information agency Turn informed that during recent days about 20 people were arrested, and they could be connected with Tehran. The majority of the arrested are from Nardaran, a village, which is highly influenced by the Iranian religious groups. Illegal Islamic Party of Azerbaijan, which a megaphone of Tehran in Baku, stated that it criticizes “arrests of the faithful.” In Baku this party is considered as a hired secret service of Tehran. Ahead of arrests in Nardaran three Azerbaijani activists were arrested in Iran for espionage for Azerbaijan. Moreover, the Iranian news agency FARS reported that the government of Azerbaijan gave a political asylum to the Iranian agent of Mossad, which is suspected of liquidation of the Iranian nuclear physicists. It is interesting that last week the correspondent of FARS news, Anar Bairamly, was arrested in Baku for storing heroine.
Azerbaijani officials try to reduce passion around the situation, as the relations between two countries are reaching “a boiling point.” Ali Gasanov, the head of the department of Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, said that Azerbaijan doesn’t allow any anti-Iranian activity at its territory, however, Baku demands the same from Iran. He stated that Azerbaijan is building its foreign policy within its state interests and security: “Azerbaijan has never used its foreign ties against Iran or other neighboring countries. That is why such accusations have no reasons.”
Arrests in both countries confirm the crisis in bilateral relations and the concerns of two states toward each other. While Iran is concerned with activity of Azerbaijani activists, who could shake “the Iranian boat” from inside, Azerbaijan is afraid of influence and propaganda of Shiah radicals, who are inspired by Iranian Ayatollahs.
Baku and Tehran are undergoing a so-called “point of making decisions.” Yet no steps of no-return have been made, and the countries have serious chances to carry out their own “Reload” of bilateral relations. The question is whether Iran is ready to refuse from demonstrative support of Armenia and from sponsorship of radical groups in Azerbaijani society in attempt to ruin secular statehood of the neighbor.
It is more difficult to say what steps should be made by Azerbaijan. Demanding complete breaking relations with the US and Israel might be considered in Baku as unacceptable. Ceasing covering of South Azerbaijan problem in the Azerbaijani media is also impossible in reality: there is no censorship in Azerbaijan; even theoretically, pressure on all newspapers is impossible. As for direct anti-Iranian activity, official Baku prevents it in its territory. It is interesting that laying claims to Azerbaijan, Iran refers to such sources as publication in The Times.
Nevertheless, with maintenance of such tension between Iran and the international society the objective conditions for an effective dialogue between Baku and Tehran are difficult. Two countries have many contradictions, their interests do not coincide. Moreover, bilateral relations between Baku and Tehran are influenced by geopolitical factors. Of course, the strong political will of the heads of two states is able to melt ice between two Muslim countries. Without it the effective dialogue around the Iranian nuclear program and reduction of tension around Iran could “reduce the temperature” of relations between Baku and Tehran.
Orkhan Sattarov. Exclusively to VK
