Azerbaijan plays an important role in regional affairs, Vladimir Zhirinovsky says

 

Azerbaijan plays an important role in regional affairs, Vladimir Zhirinovsky saysLeader of the LDPR party Vladimir Zhirinovsky has called on Russian television not to focus on the Ukrainian crisis, but to cover positive events in neighbouring countries such as Azerbaijan. According to Professor Fikret Sadykhov, the statement is quite remarkable. "The fact that one of the most influential parties in Russia has made such a flattering statement about Azerbaijan shows that the situation in the country is indeed favourable. No one would deny Azerbaijan's successful development, its leading position in the region and cultural influence. As an experienced politician, Zhirinovsky is well aware of this state of affairs," the expert said.Vestnik Kavkaza asked Zhirinovsky to comment on his statement.- Mr. Zhirinovsky, how in your opinion should Russian-Azerbaijani relations develop? How important is Azerbaijan to Russia?- We believe that the Russian-Azerbaijani relations should be based on a positive approach. We should establish successful bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijan plays an important role in regional affairs. Not only in the South Caucasus. The country also affects Russia's relations with Turkey and Iran.- How great is the role the two presidents play in bilateral relations?- Of course it's pretty great. The two presidents maintain good personal relations and these ties have a major effect on Russian-Azerbaijani bilateral relations.- What's Azerbaijan's position in the whole former Soviet space?- Azerbaijan's achievements make it one of the most influential of the former Soviet republics. Azerbaijan may be seen as an example of successful development. I believe other states should learn from its experience. I guess it will be beneficial for all regional states. As it did during Soviet times, Azerbaijan plays an important and positive role in the region. The country's economic achievements are inspiring. The country is successfully developing in such spheres as architecture, tourism, science, tourism, sports and many other fields. The country lives in an atmosphere of stability. Moreover, there is no anti-Russian movement in the country. For instance, the Ukrainian authorities now ban Russian films and books. This would be impossible in Azerbaijan. I believe the reason is that Azerbaijan is a truly independent state, while Ukraine depends on the US. The US is increasing tensions in Eastern Europe. On the contrary, Russia is interested in friendly relations and active cultural ties. We will do our best to secure such kinds of regional relations.- In which Caucasian state does the Russian language have the most favourable status?- I guess in Azerbaijan. There are many Russian schools, an office of Moscow State University, many Russian newspapers. No one complains about the way the Russian language or the Russian people are treated in the country.

 

Leader of the LDPR party Vladimir Zhirinovsky has called on Russian television not to focus on the Ukrainian crisis, but to cover positive events in neighbouring countries such as Azerbaijan. According to Professor Fikret Sadykhov, the statement is quite remarkable. "The fact that one of the most influential parties in Russia has made such a flattering statement about Azerbaijan shows that the situation in the country is indeed favourable. No one would deny Azerbaijan's successful development, its leading position in the region and cultural influence. As an experienced politician, Zhirinovsky is well aware of this state of affairs," the expert said.

Vestnik Kavkaza asked Zhirinovsky to comment on his statement.

- Mr. Zhirinovsky, how in your opinion should Russian-Azerbaijani relations develop? How important is Azerbaijan to Russia?

- We believe that the Russian-Azerbaijani relations should be based on a positive approach. We should establish successful bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijan plays an important role in regional affairs. Not only in the South Caucasus. The country also affects Russia's relations with Turkey and Iran.

 

- How great is the role the two presidents play in bilateral relations?

 

- Of course it's pretty great. The two presidents maintain good personal relations and these ties have a major effect on Russian-Azerbaijani bilateral relations.

 

- What's Azerbaijan's position in the whole former Soviet space?

 

- Azerbaijan's achievements make it one of the most influential of the former Soviet republics. Azerbaijan may be seen as an example of successful development. I believe other states should learn from its experience. I guess it will be beneficial for all regional states. As it did during Soviet times, Azerbaijan plays an important and positive role in the region. The country's economic achievements are inspiring. The country is successfully developing in such spheres as architecture, tourism, science, tourism, sports and many other fields. The country lives in an atmosphere of stability. Moreover, there is no anti-Russian movement in the country. For instance, the Ukrainian authorities now ban Russian films and books. This would be impossible in Azerbaijan. I believe the reason is that Azerbaijan is a truly independent state, while Ukraine depends on the US. The US is increasing tensions in Eastern Europe. On the contrary, Russia is interested in friendly relations and active cultural ties. We will do our best to secure such kinds of regional relations.

 

- In which Caucasian state does the Russian language have the most favourable status?

 

- I guess in Azerbaijan. There are many Russian schools, an office of Moscow State University, many Russian newspapers. No one complains about the way the Russian language or the Russian people are treated in the country.