ILHAM ALIYEV: “ CAUCASUS MUST BE RELEASED FROM ALL MILITARY BASIS”

New President Ilham Aliyev, who replaced his father Heydar Aliyev began yesterday exactly in Paris his first foreign official visit. While the “Velvet revolution” in Georgia frankly demonstrated competition between Russians and Americans in unstable Caucasian region, choosing Paris was obviously not accidental at all. The new President taking first steps in the international arena in the capacity of head of state demonstrates decisive position.

Q: This is your first foreign visit. Why did You chose Paris?

A: After election as President, I received a lot of invitations from the heads of states. One of the first invitations was sent by President Chirac. And I accepted it with deep satisfaction. France is very important partner to Azerbaijan. We established very good relations with this country. At the same time, France is OSCE Minsk group Co-chair and engaged directly in settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno Karabakh. As a matter of fact, there were many reasons to choose France. The first foreign visit of Heydar Aliyev was also paid to Paris.

Q: Doesn’t your choice demonstrate your country’s independence concerning relations on the one hand with Russia, on the other hand with United States?

A: The period of independence we now live in has already shown that our country is a state capable to carry our independent policy in the true sense of the word. We have established very good relations with the United States. We have ere good relations with Russia as well. We consider ourselves as a part of Europe. Azerbaijan is fact is situated on the eastern border of Europe, and sees its future in integration into European structures. That’s why our relations with EU member states, France, which is considered as one of the main countries of the European Union are of paramount importance.

Q: Your father used to carry out a policy aimed at strengthening relations with the West, in particular, with the United States. Are you going to continue this policy?

A: Of course, because this policy has gained great success. But, at the same time to have good relations with the certain countries doesn’t mean bad relations with others. Success of Heydar Aliyev’s diplomacy was conditioned by the fact that he managed to establish good relations with all.

Q: Will You give consent to deployment of American basis?

A: As You know, there are no any foreign military forces on our territory. We are not discussing the matter with the Americans.

Q: Before your election, in particular, on September 2003, in Yalta, very sincere rapprochement was observed between You and President Putin. Do You think the new warming of relations with Russia which is strategic partner of Armenia and holds the key to the settlement of the conflict, will allow to achieve progress in resolution of Karabakh conflict?

A: The warming of our relations with Russia began in 2000, after Putin came to power. Then, good personal relations established between President Putin and President Heydar Aliyev. They managed to achieve great results in all spheres of cooperation. We already export part of oil through Russia. At the same time, we import large volume of natural gas from Russia. We have achieved the demilitarization of our common borders. In fact, our links should be considered as a model of good relations between the neighboring countries. As for the Karabakh problem, I want to say that though Russia’s partnership with Armenia is very important, one should not forget that Armenia has other partners as well. It has very powerful lobby in the United States and France. That’s why the best way of the problem’s resolution both for Azerbaijan and Armenia is, altogether, to rely on the Minsk group. The Minsk group member states must put joint pressure to make Armenia release our territories. It is no secret that Armenia has occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory. One million refugees have been left without roof over their heads. Unfortunately, however, the international community has not yet taken necessary measures to withdraw the aggressor from the occupied territories. The conflict contradicts out commitments to the Council of Europe, because both Armenia and Azerbaijan are the members of this organization. Therefore, the problem must be solved as soon as possible. But it should be realized that we will never recognize neither independence of Karabakh nor its joining Armenia.

Q: Here, we are approaching the key role of Russia, as Armenia has become its strategic support in the region. Thousand of Russian militants, large military installation are now in Armenia…

A: This installation is a source of threat. Caucasus must be release from all foreign military basis. From this standpoint, Azerbaijan may serve as an example. Our economy is being developed. We have highest rates of growth and best infrastructure. Reestablishment of the regional cooperation can become useful from all. Armenia must realize that military way will lead to nothing.

Q: What is your conclusion in connection with “Velvet Revolution” in Georgia?

A: We have different situation, because we enjoy the support of people.

Q: You have mentioned strong factors of Azerbaijan. Your election was accompanied by disorders. OSCE condemned the irregularities. Is your position quite firm?

A: Yes, it is. Of course, we are a young country, our oil industry is modernized. We must support our Army, solve great social problems of the transition period. We need time. At the same time, the annual GDP growth in our country is 9 percent. As for the elections, they were held quite fairly. If You compare initial statement by OSCE and the European Union, You can see, they took holding elections with enthusiasm. But, unfortunately, after the opposition provoked confrontation with police and committed disorders, the foreign representatives made absolutely opposite statements condemning falsifications and manipulations. During our personal meetings, they congratulated me on holding good elections. But, before the public, they cast doubt on the election results. That is unacceptable.

Q: In many oil rich countries, oil revenue is lost because of corruption. Do You keep in minds this threat on your way of development?

A: Struggle against corruption is one of our priorities. A few days ago, we have passed related Law. To prevent loss of oil revenue, we have founded an Oil Fund. The oil revenues are accumulated in this fund. And this is absolutely transparent structure. The fund’s money spending is under control of the society. Its audit is conducted by “Ernst & Young”. We build our activity in this sphere in accordance with Norwegian model. In order to avoid problems we ensure transparency.

Le Figaro, 23 November 2004