PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO RUSSIA
Before the departure at Bina international airport, head of the Azerbaijani state gave interview to media representatives.
Q. Mr. President, though one of the major discussions will be on the Karabakh problem, it is not fairly to expect some changes in the issue currently. This was stated by Yuri Merzlyakov. How do you count?
A. We try to solve the problem. The Minsk Group co-chairs also follow this. The negotiations will show that. I cannot tell something now. Probably, I shall have more detailed information on this.
Q. Mr. President, Trubnikov suggests that the format of talks should be changes. That is, leadership of the so-called “Nagorno Karabakh Republic” should take part in the talks. How do regard this?
A. Whom he has offered that? We have not received such a proposal.
Q. He stated on this in his interview
A. I am not aware of this interview. However, we cannot agree with that. Format of the talks were defined. This conflict is the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Therefore, this should be solved by Armenia and Azerbaijan. I consider participation of the third side is not right.
Q. Mr. President, if the schedule will let, do you intend to visit the Azerbaijani school in Moscow, and meet the Azerbaijanis there? They are very keen on the visit.
A. Of course, we shall have a meeting with Diaspora representatives. I would like also to visit the school. I had some contracts with that school. It will be interesting to know how this school functions. Anyhow, it will depend on the schedule of the visit. I will try to realize it.
Q. Mr. President, Armenia has approximately 80 embassies in foreign countries. But number of Azerbaijani embassies is less. If we have a diplomatic fight for Karabakh, will the number of embassies increase?
A. I am planning that. I have made certain assignments to the foreign minister Vilayat Guliyev. Number of our embassies should be increased greatly. Currently, we have 20 embassies and I deem their number should increase twice at least. Perhaps, there must be financial opportunities to realize that. I have assigned to the Cabinet of Ministers. The issue was considered under the leadership of Rasizadeh, and they have made proposals. We should do it shortly. I fully agree with you that lack of the Country’s embassy in some foreign countries causes misrepresentation both on the Karabakh problem and on Azerbaijan generally. Therefore, I have made certain assignments.
Thank you.
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At Bina airport, President Ilham Aliyev was seen off by Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament Murtuz Alaskarov, Premier Artur Rasizadeh, and head of the Executive Office of President Ramiz Mehdiyev, other officials.
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