The chairman of the Justice, Law, Democracy (AHD) Party and member of parliament, Gudrat Hasanguliyev, has answered questions from the party’s press service.
Xalqcebhesi.az presents the interview:
– Gudrat bey, what is your opinion on the information spread by CNN regarding Azerbaijan’s alleged assistance to Israel in a war against Iran?
– Azerbaijan has repeatedly declared that it will not allow anyone to use its territory against other states, especially its neighbors. This applies regardless of how close we are to the state that wants this. This could only happen if Azerbaijan itself were subjected to aggression. If Azerbaijan were truly helping Israel, they would not be writing about it. It seems that some circles are concerned about both this and the warm relations between President Ilham Aliyev and Trump. CNN is in a state of “war” with Trump. Ilham Aliyev was one of the few heads of state who openly supported Trump before the election. The reason for this was the unfair behavior of the Biden administration towards us. There are other reasons that prompted CNN to do this. Azerbaijan has responded positively to steps taken by the opposing sides to eliminate the tension that has arisen in relations with both Iran and Russia. It provides humanitarian aid to Iran, remains a favorable corridor between Russia and Iran, etc. Therefore, I do not think that Iran will fall under the influence of such a cheap provocation.
– How do you forecast the outcome of the elections to be held in Armenia tomorrow?
– Pashinyan will win the elections, but the question is whether he will have a constitutional majority in parliament. Putin’s call to Pashinyan before the election and the news that they will meet soon showed that Russia is also confident that Pashinyan will remain Prime Minister. By putting pressure on Pashinyan during the election, Russia achieved the result that Pashinyan firmly declared he would remain in the Eurasian Economic Union. Also, Putin wants to achieve the strengthening of the pro-Russian opposition in parliament to keep Armenia under constant pressure. Now, the coming to power of a pro-Russian person in Armenia does not serve Russia’s interests, because in that case, Armenia could be sanctioned by the European Union. Currently, Russia buys many goods that are not sold to it through Armenia. It seems that Trump and Putin have reached an understanding on this issue as well. Azerbaijan and Turkey also need Pashinyan to remain in power.
– How do you assess the situation in our own country?
– There is a need to expand reforms. The signing of $8.5 billion worth of agreements with the USA is a major event. However, for the rapid development of agriculture, processing enterprises, light and machine-building industries, and the economy, favorable conditions must be created for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, and the inviolability of property must be ensured. At the very least, an institution of jurors should be introduced in commercial and administrative courts. People and small entrepreneurs complain about their violated rights, and after listening to them, I say this is a civil matter, you must apply to the court. They say no, aside from the red tape, we have little faith that we will achieve a fair result. Even if we achieve that, its execution is another problem. They say ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs to look into our matter. I have spoken with other deputies on this topic, and they receive the same appeals. It shouldn’t be like this. The court chairman receives citizens, makes promises, and then does not keep them, or cannot keep them, it makes no difference. Our country has stability, we have financial reserves, we have a President whom the people believe has the power to carry out reforms; it remains to be seen when to start the reforms.
– Gudrat bey, the World Cup is starting, which team will you be rooting for?
– The start of the championship is a great holiday for football fans. Watching the matches of strong teams is a real vacation; people get excited, adrenaline rises, and they enjoy it. I will be rooting for the teams of Turkey, Iran, and Uzbekistan. I read that half of the members of the Iranian team are Azerbaijani Turks. I will be rooting for them together with our compatriots from the South. The Spaniards’ chances of becoming champions are highly rated. But football is full of surprises, and that is its beauty.