Tweet
MOLDOVAN AMBASSADOR: "WE RECOGNIZE AND SUPPORT AZERBAIJAN'S SOVEREIGNTY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY" - INTERVIEW
APA
June 1 2012
Azerbaijan
Baku. Anakhanim Hidayatova - APA. Interview with Moldovan Ambassador
extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan Igor Bodiu
- Mr. Ambassador, Moldova and Azerbaijan mark 20th anniversary of
establishment of diplomatic relations. How do you assess the level
of development of relations between the two countries?
- As you know, the diplomatic relations between our countries were
established on May 28, 1992, and new stage started in bilateral
cooperation from that period. We have been conducting a successful
dialogue at the international level over a distance of 20 years. This
period is remembered for many bright events. More than 50 interstate
and intergovernmental accords and agreements were signed between
our countries, high level mutual visits were paid, Moldova and
Azerbaijan became members of the different international and regional
organizations. Our countries always support each other, because both
countries have similar problems, protracted conflicts.
I would like to note that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and
Moldovan President Nikolai Timofti met in Moscow within the informal
summit of the CIS heads of states on May 16. The Heads of States
noted the existence of great potential for development of cooperation
between two countries in energy, investment and other spheres. It
is important to note that Nikolai Timofti invited the Azerbaijani
President to our country. Former Moldovan President Petru Lucinschi
has recently visited Baku and became familiar with the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, met with the students of Baku State University. He read
a lecture on current situation in two independent countries in front
of the students. In one word, I can describe the Azerbaijan-Moldova
relations as friendly, partnership and strategic relations.
- Azerbaijan-Moldova intergovernmental commission has recently held
a meeting in Chisinau. What agreements were reached at the meeting?
- Yes, it was very important for us, because this meeting has
been held for the first time since 2007. In particular, the sides
arranged for development of action plan to increase the volume of
trade turnover, as well as to study possibilities for creating joint
enterprise in agricultural sphere, especially in winemaking, meat and
dairy productions, activate relations between trade chambers of both
countries, AZPROMO and Moldovan Export Promotion Organization.
Chisinau will host energy forum at the second half of this year. The
sides decided to continue exchanging experience in IT sphere for
creating and developing the state registers, information systems,
including biometrical and personal data. Besides, the Days of
Azerbaijani culture will be held in Moldova in November, 2012, and
the Days of Moldovan culture in Azerbaijan in May, 2013. I think that
this commission must give impetus to the relations in all spheres,
because concrete tasks were set to every ministry and organization.
- How do you see the development of bilateral cooperation within
the GUAM?
- I think that the GUAM has a great potential. The participating
countries attended the activity of the organizations at various
levels. The countries found points of contact and the spheres, where
mutual cooperation is efficient, have been revealed. Recently, the
press-tour of a large group of Japanese journalists, who studied the
new tourist routes in the format "GUAM +" ended. I would like also to
note the efficient cooperation which was carried out in the line of
the law enforcement bodies. We will extend our cooperation in future
by adding pragmatism to the activity of GUAM.
- How do you think, why are the discussions of resolutions submitted
by the GUAM to the UN on occupied territories and protracted conflicts
systemically postponed?
- The systematic expression is not correct here, the GUAM countries
wait for appropriate time to submit these draft resolutions for
discussion. We need to find appropriate time for the settlement of
these serious issues related to changes in the international arena
so that raising and admission of this issue doesn't have a negative
effect on the relations of the UN with the "X" country.
This pause is based to the tactical consideration and wills of all
members of the organization. The political situation was unfavorable
when we planned to submit the resolution for discussion. It is
needed to choose such moment that will not damage positions of GUAM
participating-country in relation with the UN. That's why the tactics
is also important in this issue. It is needed to wait for appropriate
time which will be suitable for all countries' interests. Everything
cannot be solved in policy.
-Some political forces in Moldova consider that Moldova's arms sales
to Armenia have damaged the relations between Moldova and Azerbaijan.
How do estimate you this situation? Did this incident impact the
violation of confidence between the two countries?
-This incident has a negative effect on the development of our
friendly relations. I have already said it. The representatives of the
inter-governmental commission made a mistake. They claimed that lot
of weapon delivered to Armenia was erroneously included in the list
of countries to which Moldova traditionally sells weapons. Moldova
acknowledged that, ministries of Defense and Economy made mistakes.
Azerbaijan was apologized, given relevant explanations, as well as
it was promised that such cases will not be reiterated anymore. So
the issue was solved.
Of course this incident has an impact, the mass media had written
about it. Some forces both in Azerbaijan and Moldova tried to strain
the situation and they estimated these facts as turning point in the
relations of the two countries. Moldovan Prime Minister met President
Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan on January 17-19. They
solved the above-mentioned issue at the meeting.
-Is it possible to hold discussions in Moldavian Parliament on
condemning the Khojaly genocide?
-There must be appropriate appeal to discuss the internal affairs of
one country in the parliament of another country. So, Azerbaijani
embassy in Moldova must be engaged in this issue, there must be an
initiative about holding such discussions in the line of the commission
on foreign affairs. Such initiative has not been raised yet. May be,
this issue will be discussed in the parliament, but it is needed to
observe the relevant procedures. Azerbaijani embassy in Moldova must
initiate this work.
Mr. Ambassador, if we take into consideration the same problems
occurring in Moldova, how does your country see the solution of
Nagorno Karabakh problem?
- Moldova wants the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem
within the international legal norms. We support the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and consider that the sides will
reach a compromise on the basis of Madrid principles. Our position
in this situation is clear - Moldova stands for solution of conflicts
with regard to the main three principles: international law, territory
integrity and sovereignty.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
APA
June 1 2012
Azerbaijan
Baku. Anakhanim Hidayatova - APA. Interview with Moldovan Ambassador
extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan Igor Bodiu
- Mr. Ambassador, Moldova and Azerbaijan mark 20th anniversary of
establishment of diplomatic relations. How do you assess the level
of development of relations between the two countries?
- As you know, the diplomatic relations between our countries were
established on May 28, 1992, and new stage started in bilateral
cooperation from that period. We have been conducting a successful
dialogue at the international level over a distance of 20 years. This
period is remembered for many bright events. More than 50 interstate
and intergovernmental accords and agreements were signed between
our countries, high level mutual visits were paid, Moldova and
Azerbaijan became members of the different international and regional
organizations. Our countries always support each other, because both
countries have similar problems, protracted conflicts.
I would like to note that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and
Moldovan President Nikolai Timofti met in Moscow within the informal
summit of the CIS heads of states on May 16. The Heads of States
noted the existence of great potential for development of cooperation
between two countries in energy, investment and other spheres. It
is important to note that Nikolai Timofti invited the Azerbaijani
President to our country. Former Moldovan President Petru Lucinschi
has recently visited Baku and became familiar with the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, met with the students of Baku State University. He read
a lecture on current situation in two independent countries in front
of the students. In one word, I can describe the Azerbaijan-Moldova
relations as friendly, partnership and strategic relations.
- Azerbaijan-Moldova intergovernmental commission has recently held
a meeting in Chisinau. What agreements were reached at the meeting?
- Yes, it was very important for us, because this meeting has
been held for the first time since 2007. In particular, the sides
arranged for development of action plan to increase the volume of
trade turnover, as well as to study possibilities for creating joint
enterprise in agricultural sphere, especially in winemaking, meat and
dairy productions, activate relations between trade chambers of both
countries, AZPROMO and Moldovan Export Promotion Organization.
Chisinau will host energy forum at the second half of this year. The
sides decided to continue exchanging experience in IT sphere for
creating and developing the state registers, information systems,
including biometrical and personal data. Besides, the Days of
Azerbaijani culture will be held in Moldova in November, 2012, and
the Days of Moldovan culture in Azerbaijan in May, 2013. I think that
this commission must give impetus to the relations in all spheres,
because concrete tasks were set to every ministry and organization.
- How do you see the development of bilateral cooperation within
the GUAM?
- I think that the GUAM has a great potential. The participating
countries attended the activity of the organizations at various
levels. The countries found points of contact and the spheres, where
mutual cooperation is efficient, have been revealed. Recently, the
press-tour of a large group of Japanese journalists, who studied the
new tourist routes in the format "GUAM +" ended. I would like also to
note the efficient cooperation which was carried out in the line of
the law enforcement bodies. We will extend our cooperation in future
by adding pragmatism to the activity of GUAM.
- How do you think, why are the discussions of resolutions submitted
by the GUAM to the UN on occupied territories and protracted conflicts
systemically postponed?
- The systematic expression is not correct here, the GUAM countries
wait for appropriate time to submit these draft resolutions for
discussion. We need to find appropriate time for the settlement of
these serious issues related to changes in the international arena
so that raising and admission of this issue doesn't have a negative
effect on the relations of the UN with the "X" country.
This pause is based to the tactical consideration and wills of all
members of the organization. The political situation was unfavorable
when we planned to submit the resolution for discussion. It is
needed to choose such moment that will not damage positions of GUAM
participating-country in relation with the UN. That's why the tactics
is also important in this issue. It is needed to wait for appropriate
time which will be suitable for all countries' interests. Everything
cannot be solved in policy.
-Some political forces in Moldova consider that Moldova's arms sales
to Armenia have damaged the relations between Moldova and Azerbaijan.
How do estimate you this situation? Did this incident impact the
violation of confidence between the two countries?
-This incident has a negative effect on the development of our
friendly relations. I have already said it. The representatives of the
inter-governmental commission made a mistake. They claimed that lot
of weapon delivered to Armenia was erroneously included in the list
of countries to which Moldova traditionally sells weapons. Moldova
acknowledged that, ministries of Defense and Economy made mistakes.
Azerbaijan was apologized, given relevant explanations, as well as
it was promised that such cases will not be reiterated anymore. So
the issue was solved.
Of course this incident has an impact, the mass media had written
about it. Some forces both in Azerbaijan and Moldova tried to strain
the situation and they estimated these facts as turning point in the
relations of the two countries. Moldovan Prime Minister met President
Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan on January 17-19. They
solved the above-mentioned issue at the meeting.
-Is it possible to hold discussions in Moldavian Parliament on
condemning the Khojaly genocide?
-There must be appropriate appeal to discuss the internal affairs of
one country in the parliament of another country. So, Azerbaijani
embassy in Moldova must be engaged in this issue, there must be an
initiative about holding such discussions in the line of the commission
on foreign affairs. Such initiative has not been raised yet. May be,
this issue will be discussed in the parliament, but it is needed to
observe the relevant procedures. Azerbaijani embassy in Moldova must
initiate this work.
Mr. Ambassador, if we take into consideration the same problems
occurring in Moldova, how does your country see the solution of
Nagorno Karabakh problem?
- Moldova wants the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem
within the international legal norms. We support the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and consider that the sides will
reach a compromise on the basis of Madrid principles. Our position
in this situation is clear - Moldova stands for solution of conflicts
with regard to the main three principles: international law, territory
integrity and sovereignty.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress