AZERI POLITICAL SCIENTIST SAYS RUSSIA USES KARABAKH CONFLICT FOR NOT LETTING AZERBAIJAN BECOME MEMBER OF NATO

BAKU, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS:The head of the Political Research Fund of the Caspian Region Vafa Guluzade told Trend news agency that the past year was very tensed for Azerbaijan. According to him, “on one hand Azerbaijan was pressed by Russia which tries to crush us and not let Azerbaijan develop cooperation with Georgia, Ukraine and Belarus as the economic cooperation of Azerbaijan with these countries, particularly in the sphere of energy, eliminates Russia’s influence,” he said adding that Russia is particularly displeased that in spite of its threats, Azerbaijan, together with its partners, is going to construct Baku-Akhalkalak-Kars railway and promote the work of Odessa-Brody oil pipe line. On the other hand, according to him, Azerbaijan is being pressed by NATO. “Our country was carrying out policy of balance between Russia and NATO. Thus, this year the West and our ‘former owner’ demanded that Azerbaijan specifies its position. The West wants from Azerbaijan to conduct the same policy as Georgia does at present, and Russia is exerting pressure on us by increasing tariffs for energy, driving out Azerbaijanis from Russia and suspending the solution of problem of Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan,” he said, adding that Russia thinks that if the conflict remains unregulated Azerbaijan will not be able to enter NATO. According to Guluzade, it is impossible not to come into terms with Russia as it is the “greatest player in the region. At the same time new players have appeared in the region – U.S. and NATO. In such situation Azerbaijan will also become member of NATO,” Guluzade said.