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Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sarkisian held talks on the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict in Chisinau on Friday along with participation by their Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, following their meeting in the Moldovan capital a day earlier.
Azertag, Azerbaijan`s official news agency, reported that the meeting had taken place but did not elaborate on the gist of the discussions. It said President Aliyev had given an interview to the state television channel afterwards in which he answered questions about the outcome of his discussions with Sarkisian, as well as the state of ongoing peace talks overall.
Aliyev also laid out his views on the future of the protocols normalizing ties between Turkey and Armenia signed on Saturday to influence the status quo situation in the volatile region.
He also clarified the course of talks with Ankara on transporting Azerbaijan`s gas to the European Union states through Turkey and other issues.
AzerNEWS presents the interview to our readers.

Q. Mr. President, your regular meeting with the president of Armenia has taken place. At the summit of the Turkic states in Nakhchivan you noted that peace talks are now in their final stage. From this point of view, what can you tell us about the results of today`s meeting?
A. As you know, negotiations have been underway for many years. And unfortunately, without any result so far. I noted that negotiations are already in the final stage during which crucial decisions should be made. Our position remains unchanged. The Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict must be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The Armenian armed forces must be withdrawn from all our occupied lands. Our compatriots, who have become internally displaced persons, are to return to their native lands. Our position, at the same time, is based upon the norms of international law. As you know, the UN Security Council passed four resolutions on this matter. There are decisions and resolutions of other international organizations as well. In short, our position is very strong in terms of international law.
As to negotiations, I can tell that there are positive dynamics. Otherwise, these negotiations would not have continued thus far. The main reason for our adherence to negotiations is that there is progress in the negotiating process, though with difficulty. In the last five to six years very important questions have been coordinated. First of all, Armenian forces must be unconditionally withdrawn from all occupied territories around Upper Garabagh. I can tell you that this represents significant progress in negotiations, because four to five years ago it was a question of vacating four, and then - five districts. However, as a result of the steps undertaken in the negotiating process, today I can tell you that this has been agreed upon.
The peculiarity of talks is that as long as everything has not been coordinated, nothing is considered coordinated at all. It means that we have to solve all outstanding issues. Only in this case can we draw nearer to a major peace accord. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan should be completely restored, and Armenians who live in Upper Garabagh and Azerbaijanis who will return there should live within the arrangement of a high-level autonomy in the future. This is the approach which builds on the most positive international experience. It is also a very democratic approach, and the problem can be solved only this way.
In the world and region, there had been tremendous interest in the Chisinau talks, as it is already clear to all that negotiations are in their final stage and, especially, if Armenians take a constructive position, it can lead to positive results in negotiations. I reiterate: our position remains invariable. We have been defending this position throughout all the processes. But, unfortunately, the Chisinau meeting turned out fruitless. Yes, I have to emphasize again, that on certain questions there is certain, but not such major progress. But, unfortunately, the parties could not come to an agreement on the main issues discussed. The reason of it, once again, is the non-constructive position of Armenia. In negotiations we are guided by the principles of international law and we carry on negotiations constructively. We try to understand the concerns of the opposing side.
We understand that the population living in Upper Garabagh today should receive safety guarantees. At the same time, the Azerbaijani population who will return to their homes once occupation has ended should receive safety guarantees, too. Azerbaijanis, who would return to Upper Garabagh, Shusha, should receive safety guarantees. That is, this process should go in parallel with the safety of all people living in the region, which is equally important. This being said, once again, I reiterate our position: our approach displayed in negotiations builds on international law.
I hope that the Armenian side, at last, will display constructiveness, will take pivotal steps and withdraw its troops from the occupied lands, and, thus, peace will be ensured in the region, all communications will be opened and cooperation, in a broad sense, will begin.
So long as the Upper Garabagh conflict remains unsettled, any positive trends in the region will not be expected. If someone believes that it is possible to easily solve some of the problems existing in the region, I doubt that. Because the main problem, the key issue for the region, is the Garabagh conflict. First of all, this conflict should be settled. Afterwards, all other issues can find their solution.

Q. Mr. President, on October 10, the signing of protocols on relations between Turkey and Armenia takes place. As is known, these protocols do not include the Garabagh problem. What is Azerbaijan`s position on this?
A. Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated its position. We stated our position in April when this question was included in the agenda. In my statements I also mentioned this problem. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a formal statement. Our position is that we do not interfere with the relations that develop or can develop between other countries. We consider it inadmissible. Likewise, we do not want and we do not allow anyone to interfere with our internal affairs. Azerbaijan interfered neither with the internal affairs of other countries nor with the relations between countries. That is the primary issue.
It is not a secret to anyone that the occupation of the Kalbajar district became the main and only reason for the closure of the Turkish-Armenian border. That is, for this reason the Turkish-Armenian border has been closed and remains shut. Naturally, the border can be opened when this cause is eliminated. This is our position. At the same time, Turkish leaders have repeatedly stated their position on the issue. I hope that this stance will prevail, and the said factor will be considered in the protocols and their enforcement.
You have noted, and as far as we know, these protocols do not envision the settlement of the Garabagh problem. But, at the same time, Turkish leaders, in their official statements and during private meetings, repeatedly told us that until the Garabagh issue is resolved, the Turkish-Armenian protocols will not be ratified by parliament and, thus, the borders will not open. It was stated by the President, the Prime Minister, the Chairman of Parliament, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, and we believe that. We believe that so it will be. In this case, peace can come to the region. In this case, all regional countries can successfully take advantage of the said situation and solve all problems among themselves. Only in this case can large-scale cooperation be established in the region.
At times, some opinions circulate that normalization of the Turkish-Armenian relations and opening of the borders in the future can promote settlement of the Garabagh conflict. I do not share these opinions as I believe that, if Turkish-Armenian relations are normalized before a Garabagh settlement, Armenia`s position in the negotiating process can become tougher. Armenia will try to present it as a political and diplomatic success and, most likely will take, at negotiations, an even more rigid and unacceptable position. There are enough grounds to say that. The process of negotiations and the events occurring at its various stages are grounds to say that.
I am absolutely convinced that these two processes - settlement of the Upper Garabagh conflict and opening of the Turkish-Armenian border - should proceed in parallel. Between these processes, there is a connection - if not official, then an informal one. This connection should be kept, and two issues should be solved in parallel and simultaneously. Otherwise, the status quo in the region can change for the worse. Status quo change is very important. Our lands have been under occupation for many years. How long can we tolerate this?! But if the status quo changes for the worse, it can set off negative processes in the region. We still hope that we can solve the Upper Garabagh problem through negotiations. If these hopes were shattered, we would not spend a single minute negotiating. However, the developments occurring in the region and the inclusion of superpowers in this issue should simultaneously positively affect settlement of the Garabagh conflict. I believe that, so it will be.
Friendship and brotherly relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are at a very high level, and I again note that I trust in that promise. I trust the statements of the Turkish leaders and am convinced that before the Garabagh problem is resolved, the Turkish-Armenian border will not open.

Q. Mr. President, on a recent trip abroad, the Armenian president faced insults and pressure from the Armenian Diaspora. What do you think is the reason for that?
A. You know, once again I note that we live in this region, and know all of its problems well. We know both its history, and today`s realities, and certainly, to predict and propose something is easier for us than to the politicians or the statesmen who are not in this region. As you said, during his foreign trip the president of Armenia faced great pressure. To tell the truth, we do not understand the purpose of this trip fully, because, as you know, the date for signing protocols between Turkey and Armenia had been scheduled a long time ago and this date was coordinated by Turkey and Armenia. This being said, the meeting with representatives of the Diaspora on the eve of the signing was, in my opinion, strictly formal, as the date, the text of protocols were already known, and there was no way to change them. It was simply of a formal nature. But this alone speaks volumes. Look at what this process of normalization is leading to.
Armenia, possibly, is experiencing a political crisis. The coalition in Armenia is falling apart, and Armenia`s links with its Diaspora have been undermined. For the first time, compatriots abroad greet the president of Armenia this way. At the same time, this normalization, certainly, is ambiguously perceived in Azerbaijan society. And it is true. The Azerbaijan society, its majority, holds the opinion that the Turkish-Armenian border should be opened simultaneously with the settlement of the Garabagh problem. In Turkey this issue has also caused broad discussions which at times proceed very tensely. That is, presently, there is nothing concrete. But look what negative consequences are already being observed. There are sharp protests in Armenia. We are aware of public opinion in Azerbaijan as well. In Turkey itself, this issue is perceived equivocally. But presently there is nothing concrete. There is no certainty in the question of ratification of the protocols by parliament. Therefore, each step in the region should be thought through, the detailed analysis should be carried out and predictions made. Predictions should be made on the basis of realities. We should make sure that regional problems are solved. But at times, we see that problems existing in the region are aggravated further. However, there is one more thing, which is: articles about the normalization of the Turkish-Armenian relations, published in the Armenian press for the first time back in February, pursued a single aim - to harm the Turkey-Azerbaijan relations. But today, the continuation of the Turkish-Armenian process leads to very serious consequences already in Armenia. As I said, the internal situation has been exacerbated and the relations of Armenia with its Diaspora have deteriorated.

Q. Mr. President, it is known that Armenia ended up in isolation because of its policy of aggression. If the Armenian-Turkish border opens, do you think this will lead to economic revival in Armenia?
A. As you know, the economy of Armenia was in a challenging situation even before the crisis. Economic prospects are not so bright there. Because of limitations of the market, underdevelopment of domestic production, and from the point of view of investments, Armenia is not an attractive country. The geographical position, in particular, the closed borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, certainly, have caused major economic woes. And in the crisis situation it is seen more convex. According to official statistics, this year the economy of Armenia has shrunk 20 percent. Therefore, to revitalize the economy, which is not in the best situation, will be very difficult.
The opening of the Turkish-Armenian border has more of a moral nature. At the same time, to some extent, it can lead to an economic revitalization. But I would say: it is something like an oxygen mask. An oxygen mask can help, it is possible to breathe through it, but it is impossible to live normally.

Q. Mr. President, this question is unrelated, but arouses great interest. It deals with gas cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan. As you know, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on a visit to Baku in May, stated that the current prices for gas are unfair. What has been done to make these prices fair?
A. Yes, you are right. The esteemed Mr. Prime Minister said this while in Baku. He said the prices are unfair, and we aspire to bring them to a normal level. Our wishes and position taken in negotiations are based on international practices. As purchase and sale issues between other countries in the region or in the world are solved, they should be solved between us accordingly. Unfortunately, there is no result. During negotiations on the purchase and sale and gas transit there are three basic issues. The first one is the price which should be fair. We expect that the arrangement on a fair price will be reached in the near future. The second question is the volume of gas which will be delivered to Turkey in the future. As you know, this year we have exported approximately 7 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas to Turkey. So far, for an unfair price.
What part of the gas to be extracted during the second phase of the Shahdaniz project, and also gas which is extracted or will be extracted by the State Oil Company from other deposits, will be delivered to the Turkish market? We should determine that, too. For us, as well as for any other country, the diversification of exports is very important. We have managed to achieve it in the oil sector. Therefore, our oil is delivered to world and European markets via various routes. In the gas sphere, we should also use all available gas pipelines. Certainly, the Turkish market is very interesting for us.
As you know, Russia and Azerbaijan are beginning to cooperate in the gas sphere, and I am convinced that in the future it can become very successful. Negotiations on the basis of the offers made by Iran are underway. The Iranian market is also very interesting to us. Efforts are being made both by Azerbaijan and the European countries for deliveries of Azerbaijani gas to the market of the European Union through the territory of Turkey. Very serious negotiations with EU member countries in a bilateral format are being carried on. Negotiations with Greece, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and other countries are underway. That is, Azerbaijan has sufficient stocks of gas. This is our huge riches. The confirmed reserves of gas are at the level of at least 2 trillion cubic meters. But the real figure is at least twice as much.
We have to export this gas. Exports of gas require huge investments. The volume of investments during the second stage of the Shahdaniz project is envisioned at the level of almost $20 billion. Prior to investing, however, we and our partners, members of the consortium, should know where we will sell this gas. What will be the tariff conditions, what will be the price, in what quantity we will sell gas.
The third issue - that is, the first question is the price, the second is quantity, and the third one is fees. Tariff rates, as well as the price, should be fair, and they should be coordinated with all other tariff rates existing in the region. These are the three issues that, unfortunately, we have not reached any result upon during our talks with the Turkish side. I would like to reiterate that we are negotiating with good intentions. But, at the same time, the issues being discussed should be solved according to international practices. In this case, Azerbaijani gas will be exported to Turkey in even greater volumes.