Deputy speaker: Nobody can dictate terms to Azerbaijan

/By AzerNews/

By Aynur Karimova

First Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament Ziyafat Asgarov has stated that nobody can dictate terms to Azerbaijan.

Commenting on Azerbaijan's possible accession into the Eurasian Economic Union, in exchange for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, he told reporters on November 12 that Azerbaijan has the right to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Which organizations the country will cooperate with, and in what form, is another question. If cooperation is in our national interests, this matter may be considered," he said.

Commenting on the statement of the Russian foreign minister in Yerevan regarding Moscow's desire to enhance its role in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Asgarov noted that Russia should be the most interested country in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a conflict that has continued from the times of the Soviet Union, the legal successor of which is the Russian Federation.

He also expressed regret at the lack of results, so far, in resolving the conflict.

"If Russia wants to resolve the conflict, it is good. But Azerbaijan wants the conflict to be settled completely, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts to be restored," Asgarov said.

Events at the national security ministry have no effect on Azerbaijan's security

Touching upon recent developments at the National Security Ministry, Asgarov said that these events had no effect on the national security of Azerbaijan.

Minister of National Security Eldar Mahmudov was dismissed from his post on October 17, in accordance with the president’s decree. Under another presidential decree, the deputy minister of justice, head of the ministry’s penitentiary service Madat Guliyev, was appointed the first deputy minister of national security and entrusted with the duties of the minister.

"The processes taking place could not, and cannot, shake the national security system of Azerbaijan," Asgarov added. "National security bodies are engaged in their activities. The system of national security of Azerbaijan is in safe hands."

Those taking radical steps in Azerbaijan will be punished

The deputy speaker went on to add that persons who, under the guise of religion, take any radical steps in Azerbaijan, will be punished.

"Azerbaijan is a tolerant state, where representatives of various religious faiths peacefully coexist. We are against any kind of radicalism. There are well-established religious traditions in Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijani people are committed to these traditions," he said.

Asgarov noted that Azerbaijan will not allow the destabilization of the situation in the country.