Exclusive interview of Trend special correspondent in Russia with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Rene Van Der Linden, who participated in a conference "Dialogue of cultures and inter-religious cooperation in Russian city Nizhniy Novgorod
Question: How do you estimate the level of co-operation between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe?
Answer: Azerbaijan is an important member of the CE, because a major part of its population is comprised of Muslims and it enables us to have an inter-culture and inter-religious discussion at an inter-parliamentary level.
During the last observation at the elections in Azerbaijan we corrected many shortfalls, as it was noted in the CE report. At present we try to use all contacts with the Countrys authorities, non-governmental organizations, and opposition parties to bring the election process in Azerbaijan in line with its obligations undertaken whilst entering the CE.
Question: What are your views on the perspective of the final cessation of the Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan that is still continuing?
Answer: It is a growing problem. Moreover, it would be unacceptable if members of one and the same organization, those that took the peaceable resolution, peaceable community and peaceable co-existence as basis, would have conflict with each other. In this case it is dealt with Nagorno-Karabakh.
I sincerely believe that the two leaders, with the assistance of the CE and the international organizations, will continue discussions to find a final peaceful resolution, as our key objective is to render assistance and avoid further resistance with respect to solving the conflict between the two CE members.
Under no circumstances, even if it is specified by the law and political defense expediency, should either CE member declare war. War is excluded. We give priority to a resolution achieved through peaceful means, through discussions and talks. It would be a very serious problem, if any of the sides declares war. It will undoubtedly lead to serious discussions at the PACE and of course, a question on the expediency of membership at the CE.
Question: A referendum is to be held in Pre-Dniester on 17 September 2006. Now they frequently sound calls on the necessity of isolation of this region from Moldova. How do you regard this kind of processes in the self-proclaimed republics, such in South Osetia, Abkhazia, Pre-Dniester, and Nagorno-Karabakh? Isnt it dangerous for Europe?
Answer: We do not recognize the referendum and we will not observe it. We hope in the peaceful resolution of the Pre-Dniester conflict. It is one of the frozen conflicts and this region is of interest to Russia, as well as all international organizations, including the CE. We should co-operate to develop a final resolution. In any case we do not support the referendum as a mean of achievement of independence.