POLITICS
INTERVIEW OF PRIME MINISTER OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV
Q: Mr. Aliyev, are there any problems on implementation of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project?
A: I can say that main funds have been already allocated for this project. Some 30 percent of works on Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project have been already fulfilled. Today’s construction shows that all works are going on according to the schedule. Besides, there are no and will not be any problems with funds.
Q: Mr. Aliyev, you are considered as the follower of Heydar Aliyev’s political school. As a follower, what have and haven’t you managed to study from Heydar Aliyev ?
A: I try to learn. I try to contribute to Heydar Aliyev’s policy. This policy has been bringing fruits to Azerbaijan for recent ten years. Azerbaijan is developing and turns into a powerful state from the point of view of economy. I am sure we shall need this policy for long to lead the country out of difficult situation, to make it strengthen, to take more stable place in the world, to preserve security in the region. I say again, I am trying to make my contribution to this policy, to assist Azerbaijan’s development by my activities.
Q: Is there any news about the President today? Probably, you are in touch with him. We would like to know the latest news.
A: Yes I am in touch with him. The latest news is good. I had a telephone conversation yesterday. I had no chance to talk to him today in the morning. Everything is O.K., he feels well. Doctors say, the process of recovery took a positive turn and still goes on.
Q: Is there any information, when he is coming back to Baku?
A: No, there is no news yet.
Q: Mr. Aliyev, what are the results of talks between State Oil Company and a sponsor group? They say that an American company refused to operate in Azerbaijan?
A: There are no problems. Today, Azerbaijan has financed its share. At the same time, you know that we exchanged the views with BP COMPANY on financial issues and agreed that BP or other companies will solve our problems until we get a credit. Therefore, we will get assistance, all agreements remain valid. In other words, there are no and will not be any problems related to financing of the project.
Q: What about Baku-Erzerum gas pipeline?
A: The works are going on according to the program. In case of necessity we will take steps related to Baku-Erzerum gas pipeline, we will solve financial issues. We do not see any difficulties with this project either. I believe no problem will appear. The route of Baku-Erzerum will cross nearly same area. Of course, implementation of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan will be of great assistance to Baku-Erzerum project.
Q: When do you intend to visit regions? Do you have any special program? In general, what does Ilham Aliyev take with him to this trip?
A: Ilham Aliyev starts this trip with care and love. Every spot of Azerbaijan is native and dear for me. Every time when I go to regions, I open something new for myself, I communicate with people closer. That is why I will take my love, my thoughts, and my ideas with me. I will try that every Azerbaijani region develops and we will make success in all regions, I believe. Speaking about the date of the trip, I cannot fix it yet. I think it takes place very soon.
Q: Mr. Aliyev, some issues have been touched upon by world press. There is information that President Heydar Aliyev’s signature under the decree on your appointment is a forgery. What can you say about it?
A: These are lies. Everything that opposition says, including this fact, are lies. The whole procedure was held within the frames of the law. It is a pity that opposition released this false information.
On August 2, I was there with him in Ankara, when Mr. President sent his recommendations to the Milli Majlis (Parliament). We discussed between us this issue. After that, I took off for Baku.
On August 4, Milli Majlis approved this recommendation, and Mr. President signed the decree. It means that all statements made by opposition are lies. Do not believe their words. You had better believe work really done. This is a real work and truth. This is Heydar Aliyev’s policy. We have lived difficult and tense moments before and we cannot underestimate Heydar Aliyev’s contribution to implementation of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan. Without his devotion, policy and bravery we could have never managed to do it with our partners, with BP COMPANY. These are realities of Azerbaijan, not those of opposition’s.
Q: Opposition says it is not democratic that Heydar Aliyev’s son has been appointed to this position. How do you comment this?
A: These are lies as well. Everything has been done according to the Constitution. I have been working on one of the most important positions in the State Oil Company for about ten years and you know that oil is the most important field in economy of Azerbaijan. In addition, my activities in other fields give me a chance to hold this position. That is why; there is nothing to do with violation of laws or Constitution. All issues were solved according to the Constitution. This is only another evidence of ridiculous situation of opposition.
We have revealed their lies again. Again, they carry out a slandering and provocative campaign. It is a pity, but I do not pay attention. I would advise you not to pay attention to them as well. Life of Azerbaijan, realities of Azerbaijan are different. We are working hard. We develop Azerbaijan and its independence, but they are only talking much.
Q: Mr. Aliyev, there are ideas in Turkish press that Azerbaijan’s authorities give priority to Russian interests first and then to Turkish. It means that they do not protect fully Turkish interests in Azerbaijan. What can you say about it?
A: I heard about it few days ago. This information sounded on one of the Turkish TV channels. This is incorrect information. Azerbaijan protects and will protect its interests first of all. If interests of Azerbaijan are protected properly, of course, friendly states can turn it into their advantage.
Speaking about the “contract of the century”, both Russian and Turkish companies have their shares in it - I would like to make it clear. During the work over this contract, previous authorities gave 1,6 percent to the Turkiye Petrollari Company. At personal initiative of Heydar Aliyev, this share increased by 5 percent and came to 6,6 percent. Taking into consideration the fact that Turkey does not produce oil, there is no oil industry in that, we realize that this is Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev who involved Turkiye Petrollary Company into this international project.
The fact that the route of a giant project Baku-Ceyhan goes via Turkey is another evidence. You know, there were many ideas to make this pipeline to go in the other direction. We underwent blackmail, pressure and so on. However, we were stuck to our position. This was a part of Heydar Aliyev’s oil strategy. That is why we were upset over these thoughts expressed. In Turkey, they should not give way to people, wishing to violate the relations between our two countries, especially allowing them to TV channels, such as NTV. If they give an opportunity to them, we should have a chance to express our thoughts there as well.
Q: Mr. Prime Minister, the head of the state, is he controlling the situation in the republic today?
A: Everything is under control in the republic. There are no facts to be concerned. Everyone is busy with his activities. The government is dealing with its work. Everything is controlled. There are no grounds for concern. Thank you.
