Tweet
IRANIAN ENVOY SAYS ANNEXATION BILL RESPONSE TO CONFERENCE IN AZERBAIJAN
APA, Azerbaijan
April 16 2013
Tehran's ambassador in Baku, Mohsen Pak-a'in, has said that the bill
on annexing Azerbaijan tabled in Iran's parliament was a response to a
recent Baku-hosted controversial conference regarding ethnic issues in
northwestern Iran. In an interview with APA news agency, he said
events like this would adversely impact bilateral relations. The
ambassador denied that Iran's relations with Armenia were directed
against Azerbaijan and reiterated that his country was ready to
mediate the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict between Yerevan and Baku. The
following is the text of the interview by private Azerbaijani news
agency APA on 16 April
[Correspondent] Dear ambassador, some Iranian MPs have proposed
preparing a draft law to review the [1828] Treaty of Turkmenchay
[between Iran and Russia] and join Azerbaijan to Iran. We would like
to learn your point of view on this.
[Pak-a'in] Iran and Azerbaijan have very robust relations. We support
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, confirm the inviolability of the
borders recognized on the international level and we are completely
loyal to the commitments that exist between the two countries. The
proposal voiced in the Iranian Majlis [parliament] was put forward in
response to the anti-Iranian event held in Baku on 30 March (refers to
conference called "Future of Modern Southern Azerbaijan" held by the
National Liberation Front of Southern Azerbaijan [north-western Iran]
- editor). You know that some party chairmen, MPs and intellectuals
attended this event. Prior to that one Azerbaijani MP said that he
wants southern Azerbaijan to be separated from Iran, become
independent and he wants to become the speaker of its parliament.
Naturally, ideas like this do not reflect the official state position
of Azerbaijan. However, they caused a reaction in Iran. The issue of
territorial integrity is a red line for Iran. We could never agree to
somebody carrying out measures against Iran and working against Iran's
territorial integrity. Ideas voiced by some Iranian MPs were made as a
response to this gathering. I repeat once again that the officials on
both sides want bilateral relations to develop and support territorial
integrity of the two countries.
[Correspondent] How were bilateral relations affected by Iran sending
a note [of protest] to Azerbaijan over this event and by Azerbaijan's
response to this note?
[Pak-a'in] Naturally, holding such an event has and already had a
negative influence on bilateral relations. Although we have been
implementing for many months various programmes to develop bilateral
friendly relations, such gatherings have a negative impact on
relations. I hope that officials in both countries will consider the
importance and sensitivity of relations and will take measures in
advance to prevent such moves.
The objective of this meeting held against Iran was to worsen relations.
Sometimes they say that there should be freedom of speech and assembly
and that anybody can hold an event and express their views. However,
this event has nothing to do with freedom of speech. About 30 took
part in this event and voiced their ideas unilaterally. That is,
people with opposing views were not allowed to speak out or even to
attend. They invited journalists selected in advance and thus created
a biased atmosphere and used very bad and insulting expressions about
Iran.
Therefore, we cannot say that this event was held for freedom of
speech, although we are proponents of the right of free assembly. If
there is a wish or proposal of any party or political group, then we
will send our representatives from Iran, hold a meeting and call
journalists so that participants can freely express their thoughts.
Should suspicion arise regarding any issue, the matter will be
discussed. This is what democracy means, for representatives of both
sides to participate and express their views. Otherwise, gathering
representatives from one side behind closed doors and with the
participation of select journalists hurling insulting expressions at a
friendly country is not democracy and these steps leave their negative
trace in bilateral relations.
Lake Orumiyeh
[Correspondent] What is the latest situation with regard to the Lake Orumiyeh?
[Pak-a'in] Natural processes continue in the Lake Orumiyeh. As you
know, as a result of negative natural factors the level of water in
this lake decreases. By pumping water into the lake and using other
scientific methods we are preventing the drying up of the lake.
According to information presented by West Azarbayjan Province
officials, the volume of water in the lake has increased by 10 per
cent and this positive trend continues. This gives us grounds to say
that the Lake Orumiyeh has passed the critical point and the situation
has changed for the better.
No earthquake damage in Bushehr
[Correspondent] Recently an earthquake occurred in the vicinity of the
Bushehr nuclear power station. Is there a possibility of the station
being destroyed in the event of a strong earthquake? In general, can
this nuclear facility be regarded as a danger to the region?
[Pak-a'in] Many Iranian cities are located in seismic zones and
earthquakes occur there. However, the place where this earthquake
occurred was far from the Bushehr nuclear power station. The
earthquake mainly damaged villages and some old buildings. Engineers
built the nuclear power station and the buildings constructed there
with the power of earthquakes in mind and there is no threat to the
power station.
[Correspondent] Has Azerbaijan offered assistance to overcome the
effects of the earthquake and has any foreign country offered aid to
Iran? What is the current situation of the people in East Azarbayjan
who suffered from an earthquake in 2012?
[Pak-a'in] Azerbaijan and several other foreign countries announced
that they were ready to help and we offered them our gratitude.
However, we managed to deal with the aftermath with our domestic
resources and there was no need for foreign assistance.
People who suffered from the earthquake in East Azarbayjan were given
help with unprecedented speed and there were no problems there. All
minor problems and issues are being tackled.
International relations
[Correspondent] The next meeting of the Azerbaijani, Iranian and
Turkish foreign ministers is set to take place in the Turkish city of
Erzurum. Has the timing of this meeting been agreed?
[Pak-a'in] Consultations are being held for the meeting of the three
ministers and no precise date has been announced yet. God willing, we
expect the sides to reach agreement on the date for the meeting very
soon.
[Correspondent] Has development been observed in bilateral economic
relations after the Araz free economic zone was opened?
[Pak-a'in] I can say with certainty that Azerbaijan's activities in
this free economic zone help strengthen bilateral ties. This is a fact
that if there is a country that uses to the full and benefits from the
trade zone it is Azerbaijan because the biggest joint border this zone
has is with Azerbaijan. We believe that a more active participation by
Azerbaijan in this zone may speed up development of border districts.
Bilateral relations
[Correspondent] What is the state of affairs with cooperation in
tourism? Generally, how many people went from Azerbaijan to Iran and
vice versa as tourists in 2012?
[Pak-a'in] I personally visited the Bilasuvar [Bilehsavar] checkpoint
and I can say that over 15 days during the Novruz holiday 23,000
travelled to Iran from there. Similar figures were recorded at the
checkpoints in Culfa [Jolfa] and Astara. Overall, some 300,000
travelled from Azerbaijan to Iran, while approximately 100,000 came
from Iran to Azerbaijan. If Azerbaijan cancels visa requirements for
Iranian citizens - as Iran has done [for Azerbaijanis] - then the
number of Iranian tourists who come to Azerbaijan will greatly
increase.
[Correspondent] Recently relations between Iran and Armenia developed
rapidly with mutual visits and signing of official documents. This
caused concern in Azerbaijan. What can you say about this?
[Pak-a'in] Relations between Iran and Armenia are normal as with a
neighbouring country. Just as we are interested in developing
relations with Azerbaijan, similarly we wish to develop our ties with
Armenia. However, our good cooperation with Armenia will never
influence our existing good cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict mediation
[Correspondent] Some time ago Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Ramin Mehmanparast stated that Iran may act as a mediator in the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict [between Armenia and Azerbaijan]. In your
view, what role can Iran play in settling this conflict?
[Pak-a'in] We wish that the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict be resolved as
soon as possible. Prolonging this conflict damages establishing
security and peace in the region. I believe that members of the OSCE
Minsk Group [which mediates a peaceful solution to the conflict] who
are not from this region are not interested in resolving this
conflict. By prolonging the conflict they wish to advance their
economic and political goals. For this reason, Iran, both as the
chairman of the Non-Alignment Movement and as a country with power to
influence, never tires of offering its assistance to resolve the
conflict. We think that looking for regional ways would be more
effective to resolve the conflict. Considering that we have ties with
Azerbaijan and Armenia, should the opportunity present itself we will
put forward our proposals on resolving the conflict.
[In an interview with 1news.az published on 18 April, the ambassador
commented on priorities in cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan. He
said: "Our main priority is to develop economic cooperation.
Cooperation between the two sides in the Araz [Aras] economic zone is
an important step towards the implementation of this goal."]
[Translated from Azeri]
APA, Azerbaijan
April 16 2013
Tehran's ambassador in Baku, Mohsen Pak-a'in, has said that the bill
on annexing Azerbaijan tabled in Iran's parliament was a response to a
recent Baku-hosted controversial conference regarding ethnic issues in
northwestern Iran. In an interview with APA news agency, he said
events like this would adversely impact bilateral relations. The
ambassador denied that Iran's relations with Armenia were directed
against Azerbaijan and reiterated that his country was ready to
mediate the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict between Yerevan and Baku. The
following is the text of the interview by private Azerbaijani news
agency APA on 16 April
[Correspondent] Dear ambassador, some Iranian MPs have proposed
preparing a draft law to review the [1828] Treaty of Turkmenchay
[between Iran and Russia] and join Azerbaijan to Iran. We would like
to learn your point of view on this.
[Pak-a'in] Iran and Azerbaijan have very robust relations. We support
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, confirm the inviolability of the
borders recognized on the international level and we are completely
loyal to the commitments that exist between the two countries. The
proposal voiced in the Iranian Majlis [parliament] was put forward in
response to the anti-Iranian event held in Baku on 30 March (refers to
conference called "Future of Modern Southern Azerbaijan" held by the
National Liberation Front of Southern Azerbaijan [north-western Iran]
- editor). You know that some party chairmen, MPs and intellectuals
attended this event. Prior to that one Azerbaijani MP said that he
wants southern Azerbaijan to be separated from Iran, become
independent and he wants to become the speaker of its parliament.
Naturally, ideas like this do not reflect the official state position
of Azerbaijan. However, they caused a reaction in Iran. The issue of
territorial integrity is a red line for Iran. We could never agree to
somebody carrying out measures against Iran and working against Iran's
territorial integrity. Ideas voiced by some Iranian MPs were made as a
response to this gathering. I repeat once again that the officials on
both sides want bilateral relations to develop and support territorial
integrity of the two countries.
[Correspondent] How were bilateral relations affected by Iran sending
a note [of protest] to Azerbaijan over this event and by Azerbaijan's
response to this note?
[Pak-a'in] Naturally, holding such an event has and already had a
negative influence on bilateral relations. Although we have been
implementing for many months various programmes to develop bilateral
friendly relations, such gatherings have a negative impact on
relations. I hope that officials in both countries will consider the
importance and sensitivity of relations and will take measures in
advance to prevent such moves.
The objective of this meeting held against Iran was to worsen relations.
Sometimes they say that there should be freedom of speech and assembly
and that anybody can hold an event and express their views. However,
this event has nothing to do with freedom of speech. About 30 took
part in this event and voiced their ideas unilaterally. That is,
people with opposing views were not allowed to speak out or even to
attend. They invited journalists selected in advance and thus created
a biased atmosphere and used very bad and insulting expressions about
Iran.
Therefore, we cannot say that this event was held for freedom of
speech, although we are proponents of the right of free assembly. If
there is a wish or proposal of any party or political group, then we
will send our representatives from Iran, hold a meeting and call
journalists so that participants can freely express their thoughts.
Should suspicion arise regarding any issue, the matter will be
discussed. This is what democracy means, for representatives of both
sides to participate and express their views. Otherwise, gathering
representatives from one side behind closed doors and with the
participation of select journalists hurling insulting expressions at a
friendly country is not democracy and these steps leave their negative
trace in bilateral relations.
Lake Orumiyeh
[Correspondent] What is the latest situation with regard to the Lake Orumiyeh?
[Pak-a'in] Natural processes continue in the Lake Orumiyeh. As you
know, as a result of negative natural factors the level of water in
this lake decreases. By pumping water into the lake and using other
scientific methods we are preventing the drying up of the lake.
According to information presented by West Azarbayjan Province
officials, the volume of water in the lake has increased by 10 per
cent and this positive trend continues. This gives us grounds to say
that the Lake Orumiyeh has passed the critical point and the situation
has changed for the better.
No earthquake damage in Bushehr
[Correspondent] Recently an earthquake occurred in the vicinity of the
Bushehr nuclear power station. Is there a possibility of the station
being destroyed in the event of a strong earthquake? In general, can
this nuclear facility be regarded as a danger to the region?
[Pak-a'in] Many Iranian cities are located in seismic zones and
earthquakes occur there. However, the place where this earthquake
occurred was far from the Bushehr nuclear power station. The
earthquake mainly damaged villages and some old buildings. Engineers
built the nuclear power station and the buildings constructed there
with the power of earthquakes in mind and there is no threat to the
power station.
[Correspondent] Has Azerbaijan offered assistance to overcome the
effects of the earthquake and has any foreign country offered aid to
Iran? What is the current situation of the people in East Azarbayjan
who suffered from an earthquake in 2012?
[Pak-a'in] Azerbaijan and several other foreign countries announced
that they were ready to help and we offered them our gratitude.
However, we managed to deal with the aftermath with our domestic
resources and there was no need for foreign assistance.
People who suffered from the earthquake in East Azarbayjan were given
help with unprecedented speed and there were no problems there. All
minor problems and issues are being tackled.
International relations
[Correspondent] The next meeting of the Azerbaijani, Iranian and
Turkish foreign ministers is set to take place in the Turkish city of
Erzurum. Has the timing of this meeting been agreed?
[Pak-a'in] Consultations are being held for the meeting of the three
ministers and no precise date has been announced yet. God willing, we
expect the sides to reach agreement on the date for the meeting very
soon.
[Correspondent] Has development been observed in bilateral economic
relations after the Araz free economic zone was opened?
[Pak-a'in] I can say with certainty that Azerbaijan's activities in
this free economic zone help strengthen bilateral ties. This is a fact
that if there is a country that uses to the full and benefits from the
trade zone it is Azerbaijan because the biggest joint border this zone
has is with Azerbaijan. We believe that a more active participation by
Azerbaijan in this zone may speed up development of border districts.
Bilateral relations
[Correspondent] What is the state of affairs with cooperation in
tourism? Generally, how many people went from Azerbaijan to Iran and
vice versa as tourists in 2012?
[Pak-a'in] I personally visited the Bilasuvar [Bilehsavar] checkpoint
and I can say that over 15 days during the Novruz holiday 23,000
travelled to Iran from there. Similar figures were recorded at the
checkpoints in Culfa [Jolfa] and Astara. Overall, some 300,000
travelled from Azerbaijan to Iran, while approximately 100,000 came
from Iran to Azerbaijan. If Azerbaijan cancels visa requirements for
Iranian citizens - as Iran has done [for Azerbaijanis] - then the
number of Iranian tourists who come to Azerbaijan will greatly
increase.
[Correspondent] Recently relations between Iran and Armenia developed
rapidly with mutual visits and signing of official documents. This
caused concern in Azerbaijan. What can you say about this?
[Pak-a'in] Relations between Iran and Armenia are normal as with a
neighbouring country. Just as we are interested in developing
relations with Azerbaijan, similarly we wish to develop our ties with
Armenia. However, our good cooperation with Armenia will never
influence our existing good cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict mediation
[Correspondent] Some time ago Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Ramin Mehmanparast stated that Iran may act as a mediator in the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict [between Armenia and Azerbaijan]. In your
view, what role can Iran play in settling this conflict?
[Pak-a'in] We wish that the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict be resolved as
soon as possible. Prolonging this conflict damages establishing
security and peace in the region. I believe that members of the OSCE
Minsk Group [which mediates a peaceful solution to the conflict] who
are not from this region are not interested in resolving this
conflict. By prolonging the conflict they wish to advance their
economic and political goals. For this reason, Iran, both as the
chairman of the Non-Alignment Movement and as a country with power to
influence, never tires of offering its assistance to resolve the
conflict. We think that looking for regional ways would be more
effective to resolve the conflict. Considering that we have ties with
Azerbaijan and Armenia, should the opportunity present itself we will
put forward our proposals on resolving the conflict.
[In an interview with 1news.az published on 18 April, the ambassador
commented on priorities in cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan. He
said: "Our main priority is to develop economic cooperation.
Cooperation between the two sides in the Araz [Aras] economic zone is
an important step towards the implementation of this goal."]
[Translated from Azeri]