By Ivan Gharibyan

Head of the Foreign Relations Department, Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, Novruz Mamedov’s latest interview with Trend News proved to be one more proof of the Azerbaijani authorities’ destructive position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is noteworthy that Mr. Mamedov, who normally coordinates all his statements with President Ilham Aliyev, did not say anything special. He once again appealed to the international mediators for their support for Azerbaijan’s completely unrealistic position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Without citing any concrete examples, the high-ranking Baku official began accusing Armenia of the “sins” that are actually standard practice in Azerbaijan. Specifically, he accused the Armenian authorities of constantly changing their position. And this claim was made by an official of Azerbaijan, whose leader now calls for peace “because no one will ever go anywhere from the region” now delivers a militant speech, which is not typical of a civilized state leader in the 21st century. We do not have to mention lower-ranking officials, who savagely attack now Russia now the United States – taking advantage of the political situation.

What stands out in Mamedov’s interview is his appeal to the world leaders and international mediators for “pressuring Armenia and cutting it down to size.” At this point, however, the Azerbaijani official fell into a trap. What is the point of pressuring Armenia if the Armenian authorities clearly outlined the limits of concessions — including territorial ones — they are ready for in exchange for a status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Running serious political risks, the Armenian authorities actually do not rule out the return of seven regions forming a security zone around Nagorno-Karabakh, except for the Lachin corridor, to Azerbaijan. Well, it is no secret for anyone.

The result is a situation when Azerbaijan is not proposing anything in response to Yerevan’s readiness for painful concessions. The international community, however, has repeatedly stressed the inevitability of mutual and painful concessions.

This is, in fact, the answer to the question Mr. Mamedov is so vexed at! The answer, however, is clear to everybody: it is Azerbaijan that has to be “cut down to size” as the only stumbling block to peace and stability in the region because of its unwillingness to make any concessions on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. It is important that the world powers act promptly, before the threat issued by the “Baku khanate” gets out of control.

T.P.