Author: Interview by Jamila Alekperova, Baku, exclusively to VK
Director General of the Center for Current Politics Sergei Mikheyev shared with VK his position on the Azerbaijani-Russian relations and the Russian role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; he also called establishing full relations between Russia and Georgia impossible.
- How do you currently assess the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia?
- These relations can be called constructive and partner. Despite some problems, the Azerbaijani-Russian relations are developing in a positive direction.
- What is the role of Russia in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
- Neither Moscow nor Washington or Brussels can resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The problem is subject only to official Baku and Yerevan. The positions of the two countries in the conflict resolution process are incompatible and completely opposite. The responsibility cannot be shifted to other countries, including Moscow. Russia, America and Europe have no keys on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. It all depends on Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- Last year, Russia refused to use Qabala radar station. Do you think it will leave a stain on Azerbaijani-Russian relations?
- Russia has rejected the radar station for obvious reasons. Azerbaijan has asked too high price for the lease, and the amount of payments has increased drastically. The Russian side does not need this radar for such a value. Russia's refusal cannot greatly change the relations which have already established between Baku and Moscow, but it will not give them anything good. Russia has faced situations like that in Georgia and Ukraine, but now we have built new and more modern radar station. Its construction has cost a certain amount, but now Russia does not depend on anyone.
- How will develop the Russian-Georgian relations?
- The relationship might be established in certain areas. For example, improvement in the trade and economic sphere is quite possible. First of all, it is beneficial to the Georgian side, because it is interested in the Russian market. Despite repeated statements by President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili, Georgia could not replace the Russian market. Neither Europe nor America have bought anything from Georgia. Today, therefore, the Russian market is extremely important for the Georgian economy.
- It is not possible to talk about the complete establishing of bilateral relations, is it?
- There is one frozen question resolving which is not possible - it's the issue of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Unfortunately, this problem is so far not solvable, because Russia has recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and is unlikely to change its decision, but Tbilisi also would not give up its position. If the current Georgian president leaves his office, perhaps Moscow will be able to find some common ground with the new leader. It is impossible to talk about the complete restoration of bilateral relations because of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
- How likely in the near future is a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili?
- The meeting is unlikely for the reason that Vladimir Putin is aPpresident and Bidzina Ivanishvili is a Prime Minister. Presidents generally meet with presidents, and prime ministers, respectively, meet with their colleagues.
