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'ISRAEL ABLE TO HELP AZERBAIJAN TO BECOME STRONGEST REGIONAL POWER'
Avigdor Eskin
News.Az
Thu 03 May 2012
News.Az interviews Avigdor Eskin, Israeli political scientist.
Israeli FM A.Lieberman told reporters during his visit to Baku that
Azerbaijan could mediate between Israel and Arab world. Does it mean
that after worsening of ties with Turkey, Israel started to view
Azerbaijan as a perspective bridge for a dialogue with the Arab world?
Azerbaijan today has different potential than it had ten years ago.
Its potential to become the strongest regional power seems quite real
today. Heydar Aliyev once chose Israel as a main military and strategic
alliance. As one of the wisest politicians of the twentieth century,
he had the good understanding that Azerbaijan needs a strong strategic
partner, but it has to preserve maximal independence. Thus, full
obedience to US interests cost very much to Georgia. Full obedience
to Russia can hardly be even better. Meanwhile, Israel is able to
help Azerbaijan become the strongest regional power without attempts
to influence the special nature of this unique country.
One of the scripts of developments in your region is the Iranian
split. Ahmadinejad's power is on the verge of collapse. It is just
about internal processes in Iran rather than its external conflicts.
Strengthening Azerbaijani factor inside Iran is the main component
of any future tendencies there. If Tehran does not provide the rights
for their schools, their language and their culture to Azerbaijanis,
they will obtain a very strong opposition in their face. It all is
discussed in the days when the power of Ayatollahs resembles the last
years of power of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
In this situation, Azerbaijan is gradually becoming a big actor on the
world arena. It is quite natural that he may become a very interesting
and creative mediator between Arabs and Israel.
Did Lieberman manage to disperse the rumors about Israel's intention
to use Azerbaijani airdromes to attack Iran?
Such a plan exists on the pages of some western newspapers and that's
all. Israel does not need such services by Azerbaijan. After Israeli
operation against Iranian nuclear facilities is conducted, you will
see that my words were based on the knowledge and understanding of
the real situation, rather than speculations like the majority of
the journalists do.
Do you think that the absence of the anti-Iranian rhetoric of
the Israeli FM will influence the Iranian annoyance with the
Azerbaijani-Israeli cooperation and the very fact of Lieberman's
visit to Baku?
Iran is envious about Azerbaijan today. While Tehran's policy has led
to a disaster in the country today, Azerbaijani achievements are stable
and undoubted. I think that the Azerbaijani leaders can easily show
up to the high-handed neighbor. The peaceful and creative essence of
Baku's policy is undoubted. This country has a special path. No one
must interfere with the internal affairs of Azerbaijan.
Foreign Minister Lieberman has demonstrated respect related to the
country and its leaders and avoided the statements that could embarrass
his partners.
During the Azerbaijani-Israeli talks in Baku, the sides discussed
interaction within the UN Security Council. In what issues can the
parties cooperate within this structure?
Israel is keen on strengthening the world status of Azerbaijani
diplomacy. Jerusalem is able to help Azerbaijan to turn into a big
world actor from a country of which we heard only in the context of
the conflict with Armenia earlier. By promoting Baku's involvement in
world diplomacy, Israel is doing a great favor to the entire Muslim
world. Azerbaijani model is worthy of studying and following.
Its introduction can reduce tensions between Muslims and Europe. This
is a model of coexistence and constructive cooperation.
Azerbaijan has supported the initiative of Palestine in UN for
the international recognition of the Palestinian state. Can this
circumstance hinder the interaction of Azerbaijan and Israel in the
same organization?
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry did the right thing in the context
of short-term interests. But if we speak about the long-term
strategy, the recognition of the right of Arabs residing here for an
independent state of Palestine is a blow to the strategic interests
of Azerbaijan. You have been fighting terrorism and extremism for
all those years. In terms of a simple logic and the very ideology
of the conflict, recognition of Palestine inevitably promotes the
recognition of Karabakh as an Armenian sovereign territory.
However, disagreement on separate issues will not hinder the strategic
cooperation between our countries. They proceed so successfully and
naturally that there are no reasons for doubts and concerns.
Avigdor Eskin
News.Az
Thu 03 May 2012
News.Az interviews Avigdor Eskin, Israeli political scientist.
Israeli FM A.Lieberman told reporters during his visit to Baku that
Azerbaijan could mediate between Israel and Arab world. Does it mean
that after worsening of ties with Turkey, Israel started to view
Azerbaijan as a perspective bridge for a dialogue with the Arab world?
Azerbaijan today has different potential than it had ten years ago.
Its potential to become the strongest regional power seems quite real
today. Heydar Aliyev once chose Israel as a main military and strategic
alliance. As one of the wisest politicians of the twentieth century,
he had the good understanding that Azerbaijan needs a strong strategic
partner, but it has to preserve maximal independence. Thus, full
obedience to US interests cost very much to Georgia. Full obedience
to Russia can hardly be even better. Meanwhile, Israel is able to
help Azerbaijan become the strongest regional power without attempts
to influence the special nature of this unique country.
One of the scripts of developments in your region is the Iranian
split. Ahmadinejad's power is on the verge of collapse. It is just
about internal processes in Iran rather than its external conflicts.
Strengthening Azerbaijani factor inside Iran is the main component
of any future tendencies there. If Tehran does not provide the rights
for their schools, their language and their culture to Azerbaijanis,
they will obtain a very strong opposition in their face. It all is
discussed in the days when the power of Ayatollahs resembles the last
years of power of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
In this situation, Azerbaijan is gradually becoming a big actor on the
world arena. It is quite natural that he may become a very interesting
and creative mediator between Arabs and Israel.
Did Lieberman manage to disperse the rumors about Israel's intention
to use Azerbaijani airdromes to attack Iran?
Such a plan exists on the pages of some western newspapers and that's
all. Israel does not need such services by Azerbaijan. After Israeli
operation against Iranian nuclear facilities is conducted, you will
see that my words were based on the knowledge and understanding of
the real situation, rather than speculations like the majority of
the journalists do.
Do you think that the absence of the anti-Iranian rhetoric of
the Israeli FM will influence the Iranian annoyance with the
Azerbaijani-Israeli cooperation and the very fact of Lieberman's
visit to Baku?
Iran is envious about Azerbaijan today. While Tehran's policy has led
to a disaster in the country today, Azerbaijani achievements are stable
and undoubted. I think that the Azerbaijani leaders can easily show
up to the high-handed neighbor. The peaceful and creative essence of
Baku's policy is undoubted. This country has a special path. No one
must interfere with the internal affairs of Azerbaijan.
Foreign Minister Lieberman has demonstrated respect related to the
country and its leaders and avoided the statements that could embarrass
his partners.
During the Azerbaijani-Israeli talks in Baku, the sides discussed
interaction within the UN Security Council. In what issues can the
parties cooperate within this structure?
Israel is keen on strengthening the world status of Azerbaijani
diplomacy. Jerusalem is able to help Azerbaijan to turn into a big
world actor from a country of which we heard only in the context of
the conflict with Armenia earlier. By promoting Baku's involvement in
world diplomacy, Israel is doing a great favor to the entire Muslim
world. Azerbaijani model is worthy of studying and following.
Its introduction can reduce tensions between Muslims and Europe. This
is a model of coexistence and constructive cooperation.
Azerbaijan has supported the initiative of Palestine in UN for
the international recognition of the Palestinian state. Can this
circumstance hinder the interaction of Azerbaijan and Israel in the
same organization?
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry did the right thing in the context
of short-term interests. But if we speak about the long-term
strategy, the recognition of the right of Arabs residing here for an
independent state of Palestine is a blow to the strategic interests
of Azerbaijan. You have been fighting terrorism and extremism for
all those years. In terms of a simple logic and the very ideology
of the conflict, recognition of Palestine inevitably promotes the
recognition of Karabakh as an Armenian sovereign territory.
However, disagreement on separate issues will not hinder the strategic
cooperation between our countries. They proceed so successfully and
naturally that there are no reasons for doubts and concerns.