Johannes Rau: "The European Union is more anxious about possible renewal of war in Karabakh with regards to energy security, as some communications are only 20 kilometers away from the conflict area"

-Currently, much is spoken about the growing economic potential of Azerbaijan. Do you think these circumstances may give political dividends to the resolution of the Karabakh problem?

-This development has already partially turned into political dividends. Geopolitical weight and strength of Azerbaijan have increased in the past few years along with the possible influence on the positive and preferably peaceful resolution of the Karabakh problem.

Europe looks at the Karabakh problem a little bit more different, owing to numerous publications in Russian, Azerbaijani, English and now even in German, which cover this problem in the duly manner with respect to the international law and real history, not falsifications, as it was previously observed. No doubt that today Azerbaijan is an unquestioned leader in the South Caucasus region. If not he, who else? The economic situation in Armenia and Georgia is well known and potentials of these countries are incomparable. Only Kazakhstan can rival Azerbaijan by these indicators.

Therefore, this is a correct opinion and Azerbaijan's weight will only increase.

-Is the forced resolution possible in case Armenia does not follow common sense?

-This is also possible but extremely dangerous and primarily for the European Union, as all communications are passing via Azerbaijan. Some of them are only 20 kilometers away from the conflict area. Therefore, the energy security of Europe requires peaceful resolution of the conflict. But I do not rule out the second variant as well.

I think it is necessary to note that the peaceful resolution of the conflict may become necessary for Azerbaijan. It is necessary to strengthen propaganda, assure the world society not to lead to it and note every time: "We are against war but we will be obliged to restart it as 20% of our lands are under occupation.

As I have already mentioned such developments are dangerous, primarily, for the European Union and the United States. Perhaps, even Russia would be less anxious about the renewal of hostilities, while the European Union and the United States will have a serious reason to be anxious and to strengthen influence on Armenia for peaceful and just resolution of the conflict in line with international law.

-At the international conference in Baku, held on Azerbaijan's modernization on Friday, you voiced regret that Turkmenistan does not strive for active cooperation with the Caspian littoral states in energy sphere. Meanwhile, the topic of interaction in the sphere of fuel and energy complex has become important at the recent talks in Baku with participation of the Turkmen President, which was recognized as historical.

-This is true.

-Is cooperation between these two countries in the transportation of Caspian energy sources to the west possible, considering the already existing agreement between Turkmenistan and Russia on the Caspian pipeline project via Russia?

-This agreement has reduced possibility of cooperation, but did not rule it out. I see the good sign in the soonest opening of the Turkmen embassy in Baku, which means progress in strengthening of cooperation. But the point is that Turkmenistan has no idea about the volumes of energy resources, including oil and gas. It is likely to be a bluff.

-From the side of Turkmenistan?

-Yes, especially from the side of Turkmenistan (laughs). On the whole, I would like to note that cooperation of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan would have become the strongest factor of independent energy policy in the region, especially, towards Russia, as it still defines geo-strategic plans and opportunities. Therefore, I am for creation of such an energy alliance between these three country, which would facilitate everything dramatically.

/Day.Az/