Tofig Zulfugarov: If Armenians Do Not Leave Us Another Choice, We�ll Have to Fight

Baku / 01.05.18 / Turan: Ex-Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Tofig Zulfugarov in an interview with the Chetin Sual (Difficult Question) program of the Turan news agency commented on the political crisis in Armenia.

One of the reasons for the crisis that led to the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan was the usurpation of power by the "Karabakh clan". The internal and foreign policy of the clan was rejected by society and the intelligentsia, because those in power were perceived as provincials. This ultimately led to a political confrontation, Zulfugarov said.

The ex-minister does not agree with the opinion that the crisis in Armenia is the result of a clash of interests between the West and Russia, and an attempt by the West to drag Armenia over to its side.

Zulfugarov does not believe that, for the sake of Armenia, which does not represent any geopolitical significance for the United States, Washington would start confrontation with Russia.

As for Moscow's position, unlike similar processes in Georgia and Ukraine, Russia reacts very calmly and with restraint. Moscow sent a small parliamentary delegation to Yerevan from among the pro-Armenian MPs, but it does not take any concrete steps. This shows that Moscow loses interest in Armenia as an outpost. In Russia, it is openly said that Armenia no longer has any military significance for the defense of the Russian Federation.

In economic terms, the Armenian market is also shrinking from year to year. The population of Armenia has already decreased to 1.6 million people. In this sense, Armenia is turning into a "suitcase without a handle" for Russia, Zulfugarov said.

How will the events in Armenia affect the negotiations on the Karabakh settlement? To this question Zulfugarov said these processes will have a very serious impact on the solution of the Karabakh problem.

"If Russia leaves Armenia, the Armenians will rely only on their capabilities. If this happens, then the real peace is possible. But, most likely, the peace will become more real after some military operations.

All these years the Armenian propaganda formed the public opinion that there is no stronger army than the Armenian troops. The April war sobered them, and after the current crisis, they will be greatly weakened, which will have an impact on the Karabakh problem," Zulfugarov said.

How should Azerbaijan use it in the current situation? Answering this question, the ex-minister noted that Azerbaijan should closely monitor the situation and be ready for any turn - either peace negotiations, or military operations. "I think this is already being done. All should be in good time, and a timely step is valuable, especially if it concerns Karabakh. Military actions can have severe consequences and it is difficult to make such a decision. But if Armenians do not leave us another way, then we will have to take this step," Zulfugarov said. -03 / 06D-