Gudrat Hasanguliyev, chairman of the Justice, Law, Democracy (AHD) Party and a member of parliament, answered questions from the party’s press service.
elchi presents the interview:
– Gudrat bey, what is your take on the information spread by CNN regarding Azerbaijan helping Israel in a war against Iran?
– Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that it will not allow anyone to use its territory against other states, especially its neighbors. 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 wouldn’t be writing this. It seems 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 Biden administration’s unfair treatment of us. There are other reasons driving CNN to do this as well. Azerbaijan has responded positively to steps taken by the opposing sides to resolve tensions 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 predict 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 pressuring Pashinyan during the election, Russia achieved the result that Pashinyan firmly declared he would remain in the Eurasian Economic Union. Also, Putin wants to strengthen 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, sanctions could be imposed on Armenia by the European Union. Currently, Russia buys many goods that are not sold to it through Armenia. It seems 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 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, I tell them 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 do, enforcing it is another problem. They say ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs to look into our issue. I have had conversations with other deputies on this topic, and they receive the same appeals. This shouldn’t be the case. The court chairman receives citizens, makes promises, then doesn’t keep them, or cannot keep them, it doesn’t matter. Our country has stability, we have financial reserves, we have a President whom the people believe is capable of carrying out reforms; the only thing left is 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 competitions of strong teams is a real rest; 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 southern compatriots. The Spaniards’ chances of becoming champions are highly rated. But football is full of surprises, and that is its beauty.