Ali Gasanov, head of the section for socio-political affairs of the
Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, gave an interview to The New
York Times, in which he expressed his attitude towards the
Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.
Gasanov said that there are no guarantees that a war would not start
at any time. Nothing can replace the territorial unity of Azerbaijan.
Baku is disappointed with the efforts of the USA, France and Russia.
The US puts emphasis on Afghanistan and Iraq, North Africa and
European missile defense, but not regional problems, such as the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
One of the reasons for reconsideration of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict is the lack of reasons of both sides for war. Azerbaijan may
easily rid the territory of Armenian forces but Russia may send its
forces as aid to Armenia. Russia and Armenia have a regional defensive
union, such as South Ossetia has.
The situation is worsening. The OSCE talks ended with the basic
principles on settlement of the conflict, which no one has signed for
5 years. Both states are strengthening their military forces. The
International Crisis Group says that Azerbaijan is a wealthier state
and has increased military expenditure 20-fold since 2003.
