PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO KAZAKHSTAN
Before departure at the Bina International Airport, the Head of State gave an interview to the media representatives:
Q. Mr. President, what questions are You going to focus during Your visit in Kazakhstan?
A. Of course, the talks will cover the bilateral relations. You know that economic cooperation is increasing year by year. Our countries are necessary for each other. We shall also focus cooperation in energy, situation in the region. Generally, we shall have discussions of large extent.
Q. Mr. President, the Kazakh officials have stated on delay of Kazakhstan until 2010 to join the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan MEP. Will you discuss this question? In general, what are Kazakhstan’s prospects to join this Project?
A. I consider, we will. You know that this question has been on the agenda in last years. However, we have stated that we build the BTC to transport only Azerbaijan’s oil. On the other hand, geographical position of the region causes such discussions. Perhaps, the questions will be discussed.
We would like that the oil of other countries would transport through the territory of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan, from this standpoint, became a transit country. At the same time, we are confident that Azerbaijan’s oil will be enough for effective operation of the BTC MEP.
You know that new oil prospects are being explored here. Colossal oil production is expected in the country. But I consider that, of course, it would be better for Kazakhstan that it had also an alternative export routes. We have already two routes. The third is constructed and we all see that how significant it is.
Q. Mr. President, will you touch the legal status of the Caspian?
A. The two countries have reached an agreement on legal status of the Caspian. But we all want the all-round solution of the issue be possible. We are ally in this question. Of course, we shall discuss this issue as well.
Q. Mr. President, once President Nursultan Nazarbayev suggested to create an organization alternative to OPEC. How do You regard this issue?
A. It needs to look over. If to take the current oil production and the expected volume of oil production in the Caspian basin, then we shall see that it cannot go with production of OPEC. And should there be explored new prospects and oil production increased, probably, the regional countries can have some influence on the world oil market.
Q. Mr. President, there are important international organizations in Geneva. But Azerbaijan is not represented there. Are there expected recent appointments?
A. Yes, it is. I have stated on this, we shall open Azerbaijan representations in several countries, including Geneva. It is necessary for successful foreign policy of Azerbaijan. Representation in Geneva and other countries, as well as in other international organizations, may be embassies are to be opened.
Q. Mr. President, during his visit to Azerbaijan Mr. Terry Davis said that Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken commitments on them before the Council of Europe and the war is excluded. Is it truly so?
A. There is such a commitment and the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as all political parties in these countries took such a commitment. This is true and was stipulated before Azerbaijan’s admission to the Council of Europe.
And our position is so and we have stated it several times that we want to solve the problem peacefully. But of course, it should have certain time. That is, we would not like this process to prolong forever. Every negotiation has certain limit. We hope that there will be new proposals shortly and we can reach the fair solution of this question in the frame of international law.
Q. Mr. President, did Terry Davis tell You when it will be discussed in the Organization?
A. No, he did not. Even we asked when the report would be ready. You know that this question should be considered, first, at the CE Political Committee. And then submitted to the session. He did not say anything.
Q. Mr. President, cargo transportations on the Great Silk Road seem to be reduced. But in the alternative transit ways, for example, in Iran, it increases. What is the reason? Will You focus this item?
A. Reductions may be. But I am convinced that this is not traditional. In the last years, volume of the cargo transportations is increasing. It gives a reason to say that this corridor operates efficiently. But, of course, we would like it to work more effectively and it has great potential. Geo-political position of Azerbaijan gives us additional opportunities. In any case, it is not right to make conclusions over one year’s results. It should be analyzed that on what reasons it is reduced.
If other corridors will operate, I am certain that Azerbaijan will also join them. Now we try to join the North-South corridor. I hope that we shall. In this case, it will possibly make no difference for Azerbaijan what corridor it will use for transportation. The major is that it is via the Azerbaijan territory.
Q. Mr. President, last times You have made some staff changes. What made You to realize them and is it possible to think that they did not go with their position?
A. I consider that these changes were necessary. Because the country is renewed, we face new tasks. New branches appear and Azerbaijan needs to strengthen its positions in these fields. At the same time, there were many vacancies and appointment of the cadres was necessary. And I did it. Of course, should we need the process will go ahead. Thank you.
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At Bina airport, Chairman of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Republic Murtuz Alaskarov, Prime Minister Artur Rasizadeh, head of the President Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev and other officials saw off President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
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