Former Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkey: "Azerbaijan should increase its diplomatic moves on the world scale"

Sadettin Tantan, the Foreign Minister (May 29, 1999 – June 6, 2001) in the 57th Government of Turkey Bulent Ejevit (May 28, 1999— November 18, 2002) answered the questions of the Turan News Agency.

Turan: At the end of the 44-day war, the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Russia and the head of government of Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement, and a contingent of Russian armed forces including 1,960 soldiers settled in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and took control of 4,000 square kilometers of territory. Despite being a country that ended the war with victory, Azerbaijan is often attacked by both the defeated country and separatist terrorists settled in its territory. What should be done?

Tantan: It is unacceptable for Azerbaijan to be attacked by both a defeated country and separatist terrorists settled in its territory, and the armed forces must resolutely respond to this within the framework of the powers provided by international law and military conventions. Furthermore, Azerbaijan should demand war reparations from Armenia without delay. There is absolutely no need to waste time on compensation.

Turan: Azerbaijan closed the border when it was determined that weapons were sent from Armenia to Azerbaijan under the name of "humanitarian aid" and terrorists entered. Not accepting this, Armenia brought the issue to the UN Security Council for discussion. Can we find out your attitude to these actions against a country that won the war despite the fact that no resolution against Azerbaijan has been adopted?

Tantan: Behind every war, there is a diplomatic goal. Despite the victory of Azerbaijan on the battlefield, Russia created a balance between the parties at the table. This balance is against Azerbaijan, which is militarily strong. Azerbaijan should keep this issue on the agenda of the world through the media and strengthen its struggle in the field of diplomacy by putting international law and the principle of justice in the foreground.

Turan: According to the agreement, the Russian armed forces must withdraw from the territory of Azerbaijan in November 2025. If Moscow does not accept it, what alternative plans should Azerbaijan have?

Tantan: The struggle between Turkey and Russia in the last 300 years in the geography of the Caucasus is determined by the constantly changing forces of the parties. Western countries have intervened in this struggle from time to time according to their interests. Most likely, in 2025, Russia will not want to withdraw its troops from the territory of Azerbaijan. In such a case, there will be a strong possibility of tension in the relations between Turkey and Russia in 2025. Without Turkey's support in that region, there is no question of Azerbaijan using any military force against Russia. Therefore, Turkey should be economically strong in front of Russia and should support Azerbaijan behind the scenes. In particular, it needs to be analyzed very well: agreeing with another imperialist power against the threat of Russia could lead to greater damage in the future. Instead, it is the most profitable way to force Russia to withdraw from Azerbaijani lands by strengthening with national capabilities.

Turan: In particular, the unconditional support of the United States, France, and Iran to Armenia was supplemented by India's support. The country that unconditionally supports Azerbaijan is Turkey, and Israel has arms sales. How do you assess this situation?

Tantan: In terms of military, trade, and culture, Turkey's power in the region has the greatest potential. If there is a question about the intervention of the USA or any other country in that region, none of them can stand in front of a determined Turkey. The most important thing is to achieve independent decision-making by those who govern Turkey and the opposition parties. Israel's arms sales can strengthen Azerbaijan diplomatically rather than militarily. In particular, Israel may have political influence over the United States. Building good relations is essential to translate a military victory into a diplomatic victory. Due to its demographic structure, the concern of Iran against Azerbaijan is an important reality. Iran will take a step back in front of a determined Turkey.

Turan: Is it possible for victorious Azerbaijan and defeated Armenia to sign a peace agreement between themselves, leaving aside foreign forces?

Tantan: Countries that want to maintain their influence in the region have always been hindered by imperialist forces in one way or another. We should not see Azerbaijan separately from Turkey. That is why the countries that want to stop Turkey do not want good relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Since it is impossible for Armenia, which is a puppet state, to make a decision on its own, it is difficult for these two states to reach an agreement among themselves. Although Pashinyan tried to act independently from time to time, we see that he was also made a prisoner from a political point of view. Therefore, there is no possibility of a direct agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the current situation.