Bakı/06.10.23/Turan: On November 4, German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock held a press conference in Baku, emphasizing the European Union and Germany's commitment to supporting Azerbaijan and Armenia in their pursuit of peace. Berbock underscored the importance of any peace agreement between the two nations being based on the principle of respecting their territorial integrity.
The purpose of Minister Berbock's visit to the South Caucasus region has raised questions and prompted discussions among experts and political commentators. One such commentator, Elkhan Shahinoglu, shared his insights on the matter in the program "Difficult Question."
Shahinoglu suggested that Germany's diplomatic mission to the region reflects its desire not to be left behind in the context of France's active involvement in the South Caucasus. Minister Berbock's visit included stops in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, highlighting Germany's interest in the region's stability.
During a joint briefing following negotiations in Baku, Minister Berbock made statements that raised concerns on the Azerbaijani side. Specifically, she referred to the cities of Khankendi and Shusha using terminology associated with Armenian irredentism. In response, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov rightfully called on his German counterpart to respect the names of Azerbaijani cities.
Shahinoglu also pointed out another contentious issue during Berbock's visit. When asked why she didn't meet with people expelled from Armenia in Azerbaijan, while in Armenia she met with Armenians who had left Karabakh, Berbock initially claimed such a meeting had taken place. However, it was later revealed that there had been no such meeting, only discussions with a few representatives of civil society.
Furthermore, Berbock suggested that Karabakh Armenians should be given a chance to return. Shahinoglu countered this statement by highlighting that Karabakh Armenians were indeed offered the opportunity to stay with the condition of accepting Azerbaijani citizenship before their exodus. However, they chose to leave, despite having been given that chance.
Shahinoglu stressed the importance of Azerbaijani diplomacy ensuring that Germany does not adopt a position similar to that of France. He noted that some of Minister Berbock's statements were acceptable to Azerbaijan, including her recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty over Karabakh. Additionally, Berbock mentioned Germany's proposal to strengthen Azerbaijan's mine clearance capabilities.
The political commentator emphasized the need for Azerbaijan to foster cooperation with Germany rather than viewing the country as an adversary. Shahinoglu argued against the idea of mediation by Germany in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, asserting that Azerbaijan favors direct negotiations.--0--
Difficult question
-
In an interview aired on January 7, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a scathing critique of the West, singling out the United States, France, and the European Union. The question of who these remarks were directed toward and their broader implications was addressed by Arkady Dubnov, a political analyst and Central Asia expert, during the program “Difficult Question.”
-
As Azerbaijan enters the winter season, concerns are mounting about the spread of respiratory illnesses, with speculation centering on the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Initially reported in China and subsequently detected in Kazakhstan and Russia in late 2024, HMPV is now under scrutiny in Azerbaijan. While the Ministry of Health has confirmed public awareness campaigns regarding the virus, questions remain about its prevalence and severity in the country.
-
On January 7, President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to local television channels. During the interview, he clarified several pressing issues. Political analyst Elkhan Shahinoglu commented on the president's statements in the program "Difficult Question."
-
Rumors are circulating on social media that after the increase in prices for electricity, gas, and water, some other tariffs may also be raised. Economist and chairman of the REAL Party, Natig Jafarli, addresses this and other issues on the agenda in the program "Difficult Question."
Leave a review