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news.az, Azerbaijan
Oct 8 2011
Sarkozy witnessed poverty in Yerevan, development in Baku
Sat 08 October 2011 07:59 GMT | 3:59 Local Time
News.Az interviews Rasim Musabayov, member of the Azerbaijani
Parliament, Milli Majlis, and political expert.
What benefits will French President Nicolas Sarkocy's visit bring for
South Caucasus countries in terms of further expansion of inter-state
relations?
French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to all three South Caucasus
countries was very important for Azerbaijan. This was important since
Sarkozy saw poor Armenia, Tbilisi which also makes a lot of effort,
but has not changed so much and also completely changed, progressing
and developing Baku.
What is important is that Sarkozy personally could see the possibility
of capitals of the three Caucasus countries so that he would recall
the panorama of Yerevan, Tbilisi and Baku when making decisions in
future. Sarkozy saw poverty in Yerevan, minor changes in Tbilisi and
progress in Baku.
Are claims of Armenian politicians that the visit to Armenia was more
important for Sarkozy than those to Baku and Tbilisi?
A visit to Armenia was important for Sarkozy in terms of solution of
domestic problems in France. It is known that Sarkozy has slightly
spoiled relations with the Armenian diaspora in recent years as he
dismissed one of their representatives in government. He also rejected
a Senate bill which envisaged criminal responsibility for denial of an
imaginary "genocide" of Armenians. Therefore, Sarkozy tries to regain
the support from the Armenian diaspora with this visit to Armenia.
As for Armenia, as we know, the Armenian market is small, and
therefore, the economy of Armenia is not of any interest to France.
The things are different in Azerbaijan where large French companies
have presence. In addition to major French oil companies in
Azerbaijan, French capital is also involved in construction of large
industrial enterprises and other facilities. Moreover, Azerbaijan
constantly purchases French-made airplanes. In this regard, I believe
Sarkozy's visit to the region was important. The visit was very
important for Sarkozy himself, too. So, Sarkozy's visit will have an
impact on policy of this country towards South Caucasus countries in
event of re-election as president of France.
Is Sarkozy an influential politician in the European Union so that his
mediation mission will cause a progress in Karabakh conflict
resolution?
Germany is an economic engine of Europe while France is a county which
identifies direction of European policy. So, in addition to a
statement in Yerevan that in event of Turkey's refusal to recognize
"Armenian genocide", he, as a president of France, will also make
efforts to institute a criminal responsibility for denying the
"genocide", Sarkozy also said that the parties to the Karabakh
conflict should be prepared for difficult decisions. I think it is
possible that before the 2012 presidential elections Sarkozy will not
take drastic action on the Karabakh conflict settlement, so as not to
oppose the Armenian diaspora itself. However, we can witness new
initiatives on the part of France after the electoral process.
Can the intensified efforts by France be interpreted as Moscow's
handing over brokerage to Paris within the OSCE Minsk Group?
Such a hand-over did not tae place though it is expectable. Anyway,
handover of brokerage by one OSCE Minsk Group co-chair to another will
take place after the elections. As it is known, previous French
President Jacques Chirac organized two meeting between Azerbaijani and
Armenian Presidents which, unfortunately, did not produce results.
May the European Union become a leading power center to assist in
achieving progress in the Karabakh conflict settlement?
Not yet. But I do not rule out that appointment of an official
responsible for the negotiating process can help solve the problem. I
also do not rule out that the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict can change if such an influential politician like Martti
Ahtisaari (former President of Finland) or not less influential Tony
Blair (former UK PM) are appointed as a moderator.
A moderator must be a reputable person who will not only meet with
leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also, if necessary, will be
able to contact directly with the presidents of France, the United
States and Russia in order to unite their efforts to achieve peace in
the right time.
I therefore believe that in case such influential persons like Martti
Ahtisaari and Tony Blair are appointed moderators, the EU will have
significant opportunities to influence Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
resolution process.
What does Baku expect the stepped up efforts of France bring about in
the conflict settlement?
Either way, Azerbaijan needs to establish close ties with France.
Azerbaijan has no ability to attract France through power. I say this
once again that it was enough for Nicolas Sarkozy to arrive in Baku to
witness the opportunities Azerbaijan possesses.
N.H.
News.Az
Oct 8 2011
Sarkozy witnessed poverty in Yerevan, development in Baku
Sat 08 October 2011 07:59 GMT | 3:59 Local Time
News.Az interviews Rasim Musabayov, member of the Azerbaijani
Parliament, Milli Majlis, and political expert.
What benefits will French President Nicolas Sarkocy's visit bring for
South Caucasus countries in terms of further expansion of inter-state
relations?
French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to all three South Caucasus
countries was very important for Azerbaijan. This was important since
Sarkozy saw poor Armenia, Tbilisi which also makes a lot of effort,
but has not changed so much and also completely changed, progressing
and developing Baku.
What is important is that Sarkozy personally could see the possibility
of capitals of the three Caucasus countries so that he would recall
the panorama of Yerevan, Tbilisi and Baku when making decisions in
future. Sarkozy saw poverty in Yerevan, minor changes in Tbilisi and
progress in Baku.
Are claims of Armenian politicians that the visit to Armenia was more
important for Sarkozy than those to Baku and Tbilisi?
A visit to Armenia was important for Sarkozy in terms of solution of
domestic problems in France. It is known that Sarkozy has slightly
spoiled relations with the Armenian diaspora in recent years as he
dismissed one of their representatives in government. He also rejected
a Senate bill which envisaged criminal responsibility for denial of an
imaginary "genocide" of Armenians. Therefore, Sarkozy tries to regain
the support from the Armenian diaspora with this visit to Armenia.
As for Armenia, as we know, the Armenian market is small, and
therefore, the economy of Armenia is not of any interest to France.
The things are different in Azerbaijan where large French companies
have presence. In addition to major French oil companies in
Azerbaijan, French capital is also involved in construction of large
industrial enterprises and other facilities. Moreover, Azerbaijan
constantly purchases French-made airplanes. In this regard, I believe
Sarkozy's visit to the region was important. The visit was very
important for Sarkozy himself, too. So, Sarkozy's visit will have an
impact on policy of this country towards South Caucasus countries in
event of re-election as president of France.
Is Sarkozy an influential politician in the European Union so that his
mediation mission will cause a progress in Karabakh conflict
resolution?
Germany is an economic engine of Europe while France is a county which
identifies direction of European policy. So, in addition to a
statement in Yerevan that in event of Turkey's refusal to recognize
"Armenian genocide", he, as a president of France, will also make
efforts to institute a criminal responsibility for denying the
"genocide", Sarkozy also said that the parties to the Karabakh
conflict should be prepared for difficult decisions. I think it is
possible that before the 2012 presidential elections Sarkozy will not
take drastic action on the Karabakh conflict settlement, so as not to
oppose the Armenian diaspora itself. However, we can witness new
initiatives on the part of France after the electoral process.
Can the intensified efforts by France be interpreted as Moscow's
handing over brokerage to Paris within the OSCE Minsk Group?
Such a hand-over did not tae place though it is expectable. Anyway,
handover of brokerage by one OSCE Minsk Group co-chair to another will
take place after the elections. As it is known, previous French
President Jacques Chirac organized two meeting between Azerbaijani and
Armenian Presidents which, unfortunately, did not produce results.
May the European Union become a leading power center to assist in
achieving progress in the Karabakh conflict settlement?
Not yet. But I do not rule out that appointment of an official
responsible for the negotiating process can help solve the problem. I
also do not rule out that the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict can change if such an influential politician like Martti
Ahtisaari (former President of Finland) or not less influential Tony
Blair (former UK PM) are appointed as a moderator.
A moderator must be a reputable person who will not only meet with
leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also, if necessary, will be
able to contact directly with the presidents of France, the United
States and Russia in order to unite their efforts to achieve peace in
the right time.
I therefore believe that in case such influential persons like Martti
Ahtisaari and Tony Blair are appointed moderators, the EU will have
significant opportunities to influence Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
resolution process.
What does Baku expect the stepped up efforts of France bring about in
the conflict settlement?
Either way, Azerbaijan needs to establish close ties with France.
Azerbaijan has no ability to attract France through power. I say this
once again that it was enough for Nicolas Sarkozy to arrive in Baku to
witness the opportunities Azerbaijan possesses.
N.H.
News.Az