Exclusive interview of Trend with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov
Question: How do you estimate the results of the 33rd meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Baku? How efficient did it turn out in Azerbaijan?
Answer: The results of the 33rd meeting of the OIC held in Baku were very fruitful from the aspect of political significance of the issues discussed and resolutions taken here, as well as from the aspect of estimation given by the member-countries. Broad opportunities were opened to address on appointment the global problems, threats and challenges, which the contemporary world faces with.
The discussions focused on the peace processes in the Near East, situation in Somali and Iraq, nuclear program of Iran. The session took very important resolutions: Termination and destruction of historic and culture monuments of Islam in the territory of Azerbaijani Republic as a result of Armenian aggression, Armenian aggression against the Azerbaijani Republic, Economic Assistance to Azerbaijani Republic.
Question: What compromises should Azerbaijan make to progress the negotiations process on the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Are the preparations for the forthcoming meeting on the top underway?
Answer: The efforts directed at the resolution of the conflict should be continued within the framework of peace talks. In this context the Armenian side should refuse from non-constructive statements in respect to the negotiations, reconcile with the fact that the belligerent policy and ethnic cleansing is unacceptable in the contemporary world.
As to the meetings on the top, if it is dealt with the meeting of the Presidents, I can say that at present the talks are carried out under the Prague process. In compliance with the mandate of the Prague process, the uncoordinated issues are submitted for the consideration of the Presidents following initial unification on the level of foreign ministers.
Unfortunately, Armenias non-constructive position on some issues, including the repatriation of internally displaced people to their native lands, hinders the negotiations. The positive resolution of the issue requires definite period of time. The international law and international convention unilaterally recognize the right for repatriation of internally displaced people to their permanent places of residence.
Question: What measures does Baku intend to take on the acts of vandalism by Armenia, which terminates natural and cultural heritage in the Armenian-occupied territory of Azerbaijan?
Answer: The issue was put forward during the 33rd session of OIC Foreign Ministers. In this respect they took a resolution that the OIC Secretary General will address to the UN Secretary General. Besides, definite tasks were set with respect to inform the world community about the document and satellite photos in connection with firing and other acts of vandalism prior in front of the diplomatic representations of Azerbaijan, accredited in foreign countries, especially, in the international organizations.
In this connection we state that no matter whether the fires were natural, or commuted purposefully, Armenian is answerable for negative results of fires from the ecological and material and moral point of view for Azerbaijan, or the entire region.
Question: What are the perspectives of development of Azerbaijans cooperation within the framework of the GUAM?
Answer: I hope the GUAM will become an influential international organization in the resolution of issues such as the establishment of democratic society and socio-economic development, integration into the European institutions, establishment of stability and security in the region, as well as promote the joint settlement of similar problems, which the member-countries face in the modern stage.
Question: Taking into consideration the statements by some CIS countries on their leaving from the organization, what is Azerbaijans position in the issue?
Answer: For the time being we have no plans to reconsider the level of participation in the CIS. We support deeper reforms in CIS with respect to accordance to contemporary world building.
Question: What is Bakus position in respect to the tension on Iranian nuclear projects? What impact could the possible attempts on the armed resolution of the conflict make on the situation in the region?
Answer: We have repeatedly sated that the development of nuclear program for peace purposes under the cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency is a sovereign right of every country. We hope that as a result of efforts of the international community the tension will be removed through diplomatic ways.
Considering the provision of stability and security in the South Caucasus and the Caspian region as a priority task, we dont believe that the problem will be resolved in an armed way.