Azerbaijan needs the EU, for the authorities has no alternative

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-Intigam bey, the Europarliament put forwatd some conditions due to the signing of the document between Azerbaijan and the Europarliament. What"s your opinion, are these demands fair?

-People preconceived and concerned can only claim that the document is unfair. Let"s turn to another question, since I"m not a person of this sort.

-There also those presenting this as EU retreat. For instance, currently imprisoned Ilgar Mamedov insists that the document provides conditions for him and other political prisoners to remain jailed till 2020. How far these claims substantiated?

-Ilgar bey"s anger is undertstandable. Resolutions of this sort were adopted earlier and if the authorities openly ignore them, then a question arises If there are not specific measures, why should adopt these resolutions iteratively. Or why a structure putting forward tight statements begins to collaborate with the government later and even backs it through providing large-scale financial aid. In other words, repressions in the country are actually backed. We"d like to say: "please, behave in a masculine way." But such an approach is slightly emotional. An account has to be taken of the fact that within the framework of international relations the issues economy and security are od paramount importance.

The European Union is not a parliament only which is made of politicians elected by citizens of a country. One cannot forget that the EU gives preference to economic and geopolitical interests of the states. When parliamentary decisions fail to coincide with economic and geopolitical interests, there is "a government" (Council) that sabotages these decisions, as well as "f ministry of foreign affairs" (Foreign Activity Service), to say nothing about a EU bureaucratic apparatus which bolsters numerous, largely senseless projects with authoritarian states, as well as representations which flirt with presidential apparatuses. However, it"d be unfair to criticize all those supporting us. It is necessary to understand these people: they want changes as well but facing failure of all their attempts fall in despair. If we can afford to criticize them, they have the right to charge us with injustice. They cannot be harmed; it is essential to explain that their activity is not senseless; they are appreciated and should keep on moving on this track.

- There is an opinion that international organizations and the West are engaged in manipulating over the human rights issue in Azerbaijan. In other words, if they are tough and uncompromising, the Azerbaijani authorities would sooner or later retreat. In so doing, they are creating conditions for speculations in the matter of human rights and political prisoners. How do you think, all these come from overstated expectations from the West and international organizations or all these are far from reality?

- The West is engaged in speculating not only with Azerbaijan but other countries as well. The West is not a structure to order or punish those unwilling to adopt democracy nor capable of filling prisons with political prisoners. Our expectations are normal; one-sided approach is abnormal. The EU (CE, OSCE, ertc.) is composed of varied states and persons. Some states pursue their own interests in Azerbaijan, for instance, pipelines" laying; others are engaged in restoring their churches; thirds are brothers; fifths do not care what is happening here. Some deputies are corruptionists; others are involved in election juggling; thirds say "to the glory of Allah, you are not hung as is the case in other Moslem countries - Iran or Arabian countries, etc.

-Unfortunately, a question of political prisoners has become trivial in society. For example, Ilkin Rustamzadeh is raising an alarm from the prison; however, his calls remain unanswered. What"s happened in our society?

-One reason is linked with internal situation; another with developments worldwide. The government removed NGOs, media, political parties, etc., i.e. those informing the government about existing failures. Suffice it cite an example as follows: there are just 5 lawyers venturing to plead political cases. There are above 150 political prisoners. On the other hand, the whole world is experiencing the crisis of moral values, specifically human rights. Under arrest in Turkey there are thousands of journalists, lawyers and politicians. Practically the same is true of the situation in Poland, Czechia and Hungary with their previously strong civil societies. In fact, the EU is experiencing a serious migrant-related crisis. Suffice it to remind that deaths, tortures and other forms of violence have come ususl for wars with strong powers involved. It is, hence, difficult to attract EU, CE, OSCE and UNO" attention to the problems of young activist in Azerbaijan facing prison injustices. All difficulties notwithstanding, there are still voices in the country to inform the world about problems of Ilkin and other political prisoners. The work on this track is still in progress.

-Will there ever appear a political will to restore the democracy and address rights of political prisoners and human rights in the country? When will the current authorities have to address the issues above? What can be the West and international structures" expectations in the issue?

-It"d be naive to expect a manifestation of political will from the authorities. Observance of human rights, ensuring of democracy and fair judicial court processes, prisons without political prisoners, police departments without tortures, education without bribes, economy without monopoly - all these are none other than end of the power. Those avid for power understand it very well. If the power is aware that citizens with their right to free elections will arrive to vote for these monuments and be silent when beaten by policemen when trying to protect their homes being demolished, in this case the democracy of this type will be given to them in full.

It has to be kept in mind that authoritarian governments exist at the expense of tightening the screws. Their morbid imagination cannot admit those incapable of enduring the screws. The day comes, and the screws will be broken. The latest tragic events are none other than a next warning to the authorities. If they do not want arms to shoot, they should consider EU resolutions.

-Is Azerbaijan in need of talks with the EU? If yes, why? Is the authority ready to fulfill EU requirements?

- The question was answered above. Azerbaijan needs the EU, for the authorities have no alternative. On the one hand, Russia (with its Turkey and Iran), on the other hand, the EU (with America). Russia is a competitor in some economic projects, and went to show that it is not a reliable partner in case of Armenia. Rapprochement with Iran, a country of mullahcracy is a risky gamble. Fraternity with Turkey is none other than a corruption partnership with Erdogan. Note that Turkey abounds in numerous problems, including the Syrian and Kurdish issues. America is far away, and our authorities are satisfied with the fact that the USA does not disturb the government. Under the current circumstance the EU"s importance for the country grows. The government is engaged in selling oil and gas to EU member-countries and in position to spend obtained money for consolidation of its power. The authorities realize that it is not so good to remain a Caucasus" single state maintaining no agreement with the EU. Opportunities to manipulate the situation were much broader when Armenia was in the same situation. Note that Armenia"s growing integration into Europe increasingly disadvantages the Azerbaijani authorities, and not only abroad but inside the country as well. Until recently Armenia has been described as a hostile country with the hostile people. In addition to the occupation of territories, the Sarkisyan"s power helped visibly to fortify the image. With the deepening of democratization processes, the country will inevitably be affected, including stereotypes. Even today, the current developments in Armenia with its change of power seem to be mostly positive than negative as was the situation earlier. The authorities realize all possible consequences of the process. Some EU requirements are to be fulfilled by the authorities; some never. At best, it will be imitating to drag the time out or, at worst, swear, intimidate and threaten. But at any rate, our functionaries will try to play. Those deliberately involved in the game may be criticized, including all these Agramaunts, Vilontes, Pedros, etc. and explain slow-witted persons that it is none other than a game; strengthen collaboration with those willing to help and support. Developments on this track may heavily hurt the EU, including identical international organizations. The wait-and-see policy is likely to result in economic crisis, migration problems, corruption scandals, strengthening of nationalism and racism. And it"s our duty to join these voices.