David Lidington: Members of the British Parliament Concerned about Human Rights Situation in Azerbaijan (video)

(Interview with British Minister for Europe by the agency Turan)

Question: At a briefing in Baku by the end of your visit you emphasized the desire of Great Britain to intensify efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Karabakh conflict. Could you elaborate, what are these efforts?

A: I said that I have not brought to Baku any project settlement. However, in London there is a strong belief that the conflict is too long and there is a risk of destabilization, which is a big political risk for the region.

The employment problem is solved by the OSCE Minsk Group, but the international community should join these efforts, including new mechanisms to search for peace in Karabakh.

To do this, you must be open to debate and compromise in order to find ways to apply in practice the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

Question: Can participation of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the EU program Eastern Partnership help find common ground for peace? On the other hand, as Armenia is becoming a member of the Customs Union, how could this affect the settlement process?

A: I think the role of the EU may be to provide political solidarity and support for the economic reforms in both countries. Common political goals and values will likely contribute to the peace process and the improvement of the economy will help improve the standard of living in both countries.

The desire of Armenia to change the landmark from Europe in a different direction and its refusal to sign an association agreement with the EU is disappointing.

Q: It's no secret that a large role and influence in the region belongs to Russia. After the aggression against Ukraine the geopolitical situation and the balance of power has changed significantly. Recently, Russia has been strengthening its military forces in the North Caucasus and the Caspian Sea, and openly declares that its interests in the post-Soviet space should be recognized by the West. What can you say about this?

Answer: Russia's intervention in the situation in Lugansk and Donetsk should be condemned. This is a direct violation of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, subsequent memoranda and other international agreements and documents signed by Russia itself after the collapse of the USSR.

The annexation of the Crimea is also a violation of the very document recognized and signed by Russia.

All this causes a very serious concern, and it is absolutely clear that Moscow wants to regain the status of a great power by suppressing its neighbors, once part of the Soviet Union.

We believe that these young independent states and their governments themselves must decide with whom and how to build relationships - with Europe or Russia, or both at once. But we are opposed to impose them what decisions to make or take a particular position.

Question: Can Russia’s strengthening military presence in the Caspian threaten energy interests of Britain in Azerbaijan?

A: We would like to see the people of Azerbaijan make a decision about their future and their partners. This applies to both Georgia and Ukraine and other Eastern European countries.

I think that the current situation in Russia will once change. But the current Russian military presence in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Eastern Ukraine or elsewhere is contrary to international law. That is why the EU and the US took a very serious package of sanctions against Russia. All this reflects the degree of our concern about Russia's actions.

Q: How realistic in this situation is the project of Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, considering that Moscow strongly inhibits it?

A: I think that this question concerns the countries that are involved in the project - Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, as well as those of private companies that want to finance it.

We strongly welcome the construction of a pipeline under the Caspian Sea from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan, which will allow Turkmenistan to supply its gas to Western markets. It's up to President Berdymukhamedov, but it is also clear that the diversification of energy supplies is in the interests of all parties.

Question: How do you assess the current situation in Azerbaijan regarding the arrests of civil society activists, tightening legislation and other human rights violations, and did you discuss these issues with the Azerbaijani leadership?

Answer: Yes, of course I have raised these issues and in particular, the issue of human rights. Before arriving in Baku these issues were raised before me by the British parliament deputies. Moreover, I have received written requests from deputies to clarify the situation with civil rights in Azerbaijan and other countries.

My position is that a healthy, diverse civil society only makes the country stronger. Government, regardless of the orientation can only benefit from democratic and objective criticism.

Active opposition and a strong civil society help the government not to relax and be accountable to the public.

Question: What is the answer to your concerns from the leaders of Azerbaijan?

Answer: Ask them about this (laughs). I would not want to interpret their words. The only thing I can say is that we will continue to exchange views on the topic.

Question (BBC correspondent): What can you say about the content of your meeting with the representatives of civil society?

Answer: They expressed concern about recent restrictions in the legislation relating to NGOs and civil society in general, on the facts of the persecution and arrest of prominent journalists and human rights defenders.

I was interested to get information on these issues first-hand about the challenges and difficulties they face. -02B-