Ilgar Mammadov: The mission of the Azerbaijani people should be higher

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- Ilgar-bey, before your arrest, the situation in the country was different. At that time, although little, but there was still free media, there were not such a pressure on independent NGOs. Now the situation has changed for the worse, after your arrest the number of political figures has increased. Members of civil society, functionaries of opposition parties, journalists were arrested. Free media have closed. Is it not difficult for you to resume your struggle in the present conditions?

-On the one hand, professional media has been strangled, lost their previous quality, although they did not even stand out. But on the other hand, this strangulation partially neutralized technological development. Currently social networks have replaced professional media. One can even say that, as a result of the actions of the state, new political links appear instead of the lost; and this is a result of the possibilities of Internet technologies, without any administrative permission. And this opportunity, of course, is a chance for implementation. The weight of political prisoners has always rested on the shoulders of democratic forces, Republicans of Azerbaijan. And this load is always there. I myself was under arrest for 5 and a half years. Although for people who participate in democratic activities this load is important, it does not turn away and does not turn people away from participation in the process of democracy. If we, as a political organization, can mobilize people for political activities in the name of political ideas, then the issue of political prisoners will sooner or later, in one form or another, find its solution in the general political concept. Should all people sit and turn a blind eye to violation of their rights only because 100-150 people are constantly under arrest? This approach is incorrect and we do not accept it.

- While you were in custody, there were innovations in the system of state administration. For example, the institute of vice-presidency was created, the liquidation and unification of ministries, and extraordinary presidential elections were held. What do you think about all this? Is it creating problems for the democratic process or vice versa?

-If to ask foreigners living abroad or traveling abroad about what kind of conversations are held at conferences, events or even restaurants with Georgians and Armenians, they will tell you about the arrogance of our neighbors. Georgians and Armenians say that their people have at least tested the democratic experience. And your people are all rolling back into the political system of the Middle Ages. There are some who say this with bitter irony. Socially and economically active Azerbaijanis, who are abroad, confirm that, when compared with other countries, they feel uncomfortable with Georgians and Armenians. From this point of view, we can say that Azerbaijan has lost much over the past 5-6 years. In addition, even if somebody had doubts about the way in which our government is moving, now there are no doubts anymore. The leadership of Azerbaijan intends to build a dynastic regime in the country, strengthen it, trample on the republican ideas; and not only the latter, but also the form of republican rule. However, what happened in the last 5-6 years can reverse everything. Political participation, political mobilization of people, methods of peaceful and civil struggle can change this historical trend and turn it in the right direction.

- As a party leader, what can you do to change this? Who can help you in this matter? Whom do you think to create connections with?

-With citizens. With the citizens of Azerbaijan. In addition to Azerbaijanis, no one will create a state on this earth or strengthen the idea. We hope only on the citizens of Azerbaijan. From now on, we intend to strengthen the social and political ties with the citizens of Azerbaijan.

-So, you do not trust the democratic statements by the West, the statements you have made?

-I believe. I also believe in the sincerity of the West. But it's a different matter. No matter how sincere they are, the people's participation is still the decisive factor. The decisive factor is not third-party participation and support. The participation of the people themselves will determine everything. Of course, any moral support from the outside or political sympathy is important, but this is a second-priority issue. The main thing is that the fate of Azerbaijan is in the hands of the people themselves, in the hands of the citizens living here. Because at present the fate looks somehow vague, in the near future, political participation should be increased, and it will increase.

-In connection with Azerbaijan, the West makes democratic appeals. At the same time, we see cooperation of the West with the power, which is being criticized. This, in turn, is perceived by society as the insincerity of the appeals by the West.

- Let's not generalize the West. It is wrong to generalize neither the West nor the East. People everywhere are different, and their interests are also different. A very large public part of the West wants governments and systems in Azerbaijan, and throughout the world, to be more humane, democratic. There are also people who are not interested in ideological goals. And, finally, there are people who deliberately oppose a democratic transition. From this point of view, to generalize everything is wrong. Forces that desire our progress and development in the West are greater than forces that pursue only material benefits. At the same time, if someone from the West makes appeals in connection with democratic changes in Azerbaijan, this does not mean that this someone should not cooperate with Azerbaijan in the economic field. Of course, I must cooperate, and will do it. And no one can blame it. There have always been economic ties between countries. The main question is to find a balance that would ensure a democratic development between positive intentions from outside and the participation of the people.

- After being released you had an opportunity to take an interest in the ongoing processes. On July 12, Azerbaijan and the EU initialed the document. The signing of an agreement is expected in the near future. At the same time, relations with Russia continue. Currently, even the question of CSTO membership is being discussed. How do you assess the current foreign policy of the leadership of Azerbaijan?

-The document, written in July, determines the priorities of the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU until 2020. That is temporary. Until now, an agreement on strategic partnership had to be signed, but it was not signed. The main reason for its non-signing is the following: any country that becomes a strategic partner of the EU must comply with the system of European values. If one of the countries does not agree with this system of values, then this will not be called a strategic partnership. Azerbaijan wants the signed document to be a document on strategic partnership. The EU claims that if it is in what it is now, it is not a strategic partnership, it is simply a partnership. Maybe not even a partnership, but just an agreement on cooperation. The ruling regime in Azerbaijan, of course, wants to raise the status of this cooperation. However, he does not want to take outgoing obligations. I do not consider the prospect of signing this agreement positively. Because Azerbaijan has been negotiating for WTO accession for 20-25 years. The person is conducting these negotiations (Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev-ed.), who is currently having negotiations on a strategic partnership agreement with the EU. This person has been talking about the name of Azerbaijan with the WTO for 20 years. And now he speaks on behalf of Azerbaijan with the EU. No one can rule out that this process will go too slowly. Therefore, we should not be tied to these agreements, although they are important. Much more important is the participation of the people of Azerbaijan in solving their own destiny.

As for the initiative with the CSTO, this makes Azerbaijan a second-class state. If the conversation originated from scratch, this is one thing. But the issue was raised against the backdrop of the creation of a pro-Western government in Armenia. It turns out that our presence in the CSTO is foreseen only for confrontation with Armenia. And this function proposed to us comes from the government of Russia. Should Azerbaijan be an instrument in Russia's hands for oppressing the current Armenian government? I'm negative about this. We should not in any case allow Azerbaijan to become such an instrument. We are a sovereign state, a sovereign nation. Our mission in the world and in the region must be different, higher.