Interviews
Aleksander Rahr: “Russia is always ready to resolve the Karabakh conflict, if it meets its geopolitical interests”
Interview by Orkhan Sattarov. Exclusively to VKThe German political analyst, expert of the German Council on Foreign Policy, Alexander Rahr, told VK about prospects of the Russian policy in the Caucasus.- Alexander Glebovich, could you comment on the inauguration of Vladimir Putin? First of all, on its influence on the Caucasus policy. Will Russia play more active role in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under Putin?
Eurovision Organizer Defends Azerbaijan Song Contest
Ingrid Deltenre heads the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the Eurovision Song Contest being held in Azerbaijan, a country widely criticized for human rights violations, at the end of May. In a SPEIGEL interview she defends the choice of the controversial location and warns that politicizing the contest could kill it.
Bakhan Muzakayev: “The revival of the Russian Theatre is very important for Chechnya”
Interview by Timur Utsayev, exclusively to VK The Russian school forms the foundation of all contemporary genres of Chechen art. On May9 the Lermontov State Russian Theatre of Drama is due to be re-opened in Grozny. It was first created in 1938, but in the last 30 years the troupe of the Theatre didn’t have its own stage. The creative director of the theatre, Bakhan Muzakayev, told ‘VK’s’ correspondent about the new era that is about to open for his troupe.
Dikalu Muzakayev: “We can create a united all-Russian culture only through the spiritual and cultural components”
Interview by Timur Utsayev, exclusively to VKAfter the war, the notion of culture was almost leveled in Chechnya. The Chechen Minister of Culture, Dikalu Muzakayev, told a VK correspondent about efforts aimed at the revival of culture in Chechnya.- What are your topical priorities in developing cultural life in Chechnya?
Oleg Kusov: “When the Azerbaijani President deals with something, it is successfully settled”
Foreign journalists are becoming more active in light of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. Baku is a dynamic, developing city where eastern exotica and western modernism are mingled. It is interesting that the character of publications differs depending on the policy of the mass media. The material prepared by Radio Svoboda is worthy of mention in this context. An observer of Radio Svoboda, Oleg Kusov, has recently visited Baku and described his impressions.
Chingiz Abdullaev: "Azerbaijan is a unique country – we are located in Asia, but we are also part of the European community "
Interview by Oleg Kushaty. Moscow-Baku. Exclusively for VKThe VK is presenting the next text by Oleg Kushaty as part of the "Unknown Caucasus" project. He has recently visited Azerbaijan and has seen not only Baku, but also the mountainous regions of the country. In the coming days, the VK will publish the texts of Kushaty on Gabala and Ismailli rayons of Azerbaijan.
Chingiz Abdullaev: "Azerbaijan is a unique country – we are located in Asia, but we are also part of the European community "
Interview by Oleg Kushaty. Moscow-Baku. Exclusively for VKThe VK is presenting the next text by Oleg Kushaty as part of the "Unknown Caucasus" project. He has recently visited Azerbaijan and has seen not only Baku, but also the mountainous regions of the country. In the coming days, the VK will publish the texts of Kushaty on Gabala and Ismailli rayons of Azerbaijan.
Manvel Sarkisyan: “Armenia is facing a legal precedent based on the crisis of lawfulness”
Interview by David Strpanyan, exclusively to VKThe head of the Armenian Center for National and Strategic Research Manvel Manvel Sarkisyan, who is also a member of the ‘brigade’ for the takedown of the illegally constructed boutiques in the Mashtots Park, told ‘VK’ correspondent about the goals and the prospects of the Armenian public movement against the "illegitimate" actions of the government.- Officials say that your ‘brigade’ is sponsored by some ‘external forces’. Whom are they implying?
Yefim Pivovar: “Preservation of the traditions of mutual interest is one of the most important tasks of our intellectuals”
Interview by VKThe Chairman of the Russian-Azerbaijani Friendship Society, RSUH chancellor Yefim Pivovar told ‘VK’ correspondent about his new book “Russian-Azerbaijani relations: late 20th – early 21st centuries”.- Congratulations on your new book! How did the concept of this work come to you?
Azad Ragimov: “We will be able to introduce our region to Olympic values”
Azerbaijan presented its application for holding the Summer Olympic Games 2020. The executive director of the ‘Baku-2020’ Organizing Committee Kenyul Nurulayeva and Azerbaijan’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Azad Ragimov predicted prospects of Baku in interview to VK.- Could you point out the strong and the weak aspects of this candidature?
Galas Taimaskhanov: “Chechen industry is at a starting point”
Speaking about recovery of Chechen economy, experts mention necessity of industrial potential development and establishing of working places in this sphere. In prewar years two thirds of domestic product of the republic referred to industry. The minister of industry and energy of Chechnya Galas Taimashanov told VK about the ministry’s activity.- Galas Sultanovich, what are the republic’s chances to recover industrial potential?
David Petrosyan: “Foreign political concept should be co-subdued the concept of NationalSecurity”
Interview by Susanna Petrosyan, Yerevan. Exclusively to VKThe project of Foreign-political Concept (PFC) is being intensively discussed in Armenia today. It concerns some political circles. For example, the chairman of the party Dashnaktsyutun Armen Rustamyan expressed his concerns on some articles in the project. The political observer of the information and analysis center Noyan Tapan, David Petrosyan, comments on the discussed project.
Sergey Mikheev: "The person who will be elected will be a legitimate president"
This Sunday South Ossetia is due to hold the second round of the presidential elections. Leonid Tibilov, who won 42.48% in the first round, and David Sanakoyev (24.58%) will compete for the presidential chair. Sergei Mikheev, the head of the Political Situation Center, tells ‘VK’ about the pre-election situation in Ossetia.- Can you please comment on the political situation in South Ossetia?
Vyacheslav Chirikba: “Abkhazia without the Abkhaz people would merely turn into a second Sochi or Adler”
Abkhaz FM Vyacheslav Chirikba told VK about the main vectors of Abkhaz foreign politcies, about its relations with Russia, business connections with Turkey and the prospects of the further recognition of Abkhaz sovereignty.- After the early presidential elections in Abkhazia there were discrepant rumors about Abkhaz-European relations. So are these relations broadening or widening?
Katrin Werner: “Germany has to start talks on human rights with Azerbaijan”
By Orkhan Sattarov‘The amnesty of 62 convicts is an important step towards improving the situation with human rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan’, said Katrin Werner, BRD MP, member of European Parliament Commission for human rights, commenting on a recent amnesty decree issued by the Azeri president.
Elman Abdullayev: “Peaceful coexistence of two communities on one territory is the only true path to general peace in the region”
Interview by Elmira Tariverdiyeva, exclusively to VKThe official representative of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Elman Abdullayev, comments on the major trends of Azeri foreign policy.- How would you characterize current Russian-Azeri relations?
Eurovision 2012: In expectation of a great holiday
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, MP Mehriban Aliyeva answers questions of Trend Agency - First of all, let us congratulate you on the occasion of Nowruz holiday. It is already the end of March and there is very little time left for the Eurovision Song Contest in Baku. What does its approach mean to you - joyful expectation of the holiday, as for the majority, or the period of heavy and hard work?
Sergey Minasyan: “Armenian military industrial sector might be interesting for Russia”
As part of the recent visit to Yerevan Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev, has signed the Protocol on establishing in Armenia new Armenian-Russian military technical facilities. The document presupposes participation of Russia in modernization of boundary infrastructure between Armenia and Turkey and Armenia and Iran. For example, Armenian-Russian centers on border guard training will be established. Deputy Director of the Institute Kavkaz, Sergey Minasyan, answers VK’s questions on military technical cooperation.
Elmar Mammadyarov: “If someone wants to sing, let him sing”
by Die WeltDie Welt has published an interview with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov on the upcoming visit of German foreign minister to Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani minister has given his first comments to the German media about violations of human rights by the Azerbaijani government. Vestnik Kavkaza offers an exclusive translation of the interview.- Mister minister, do you like pop music?
Marina Gordeyeva: “In the North Caucasus examples of specific, but modern social work exist”
Marina Gordeyeva, the chairman of the Fund of Support for Children in a Difficult Situation, told VK about the need to help children in the North Caucasus.
Thomas Schreiber: “Baku is a city of European essence”
By TageszeitungOn May, 22-26 Baku will host the international music contest ‘Eurovision – 2012’. Azerbaijan won the right to conduct the contest after the Ell&Nikki duet won the contest in Dusseldorf. “VK” publishes an interview by the chief editor of the Tageszeitung, Jan Fedderson with Thomas Schreiber, ARD coordinator entertainment, responsible for the channel’s ‘Eurovision’ coverage.
Nadir Bitiyev: “Without a fully-fledged parliament Abkhazia has no future”
Interview by Maria Platonova, Sukhumi, exclusively to VKThis Saturday, on March 10, Abkhazia will hold parliamentary elections. 156 candidates will compete for 35 parliamentary seats. One of the candidates, ex-presidential aide Nadir Bitiyev, commented on the campaigning for “VK”.- How would you characterize the present pre-election situation in the country?- Over a hundred and fifty candidates, coinciding with elections in Russia and South Ossetia – to sum up, it’s pre-election anarchy.
Richardas Lapaytis: “I never earn money from war”
Moscow has presented a film marking the 20th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre. The documentary “Endless Corridor” was filmed by the Union of European Cinematographers within the framework of the project “Peaceful Caucasus”. The film was based on diaries of Lithuanian military reporter Richardas Lapaytis who was in Baku in late February 1992 and witnessed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.- Please, tell us more about the movie “Corridor Without End”.
David Petrosyan: “I’m not sure that the return of Robert Kocheryan to power is in the best state interests of Russia”
Interview by Susanna Petrosyan, exclusively to VKAlmost four years have passed since Robert Kocharyan left the field of public politics. Nevertheless, the rumors of the possible ex-President’s return keep circulating in the media. Political expert David Petrosyan answers VK’s questions on possible implications of such a return.- After the creation of a ‘Putin-club’ in Armenia the media has focused on the supposition that Russian power would bet on Robert Kocharyan. Is this assumption in any way realistic?
Farhad Mehtiyev: “2011 proved that Azerbaijan is a part of European family”
Interview by Ramin Naziyev, exclusively to VKIndependent political expert, professor of “The Caucasus” Institute, Farhad Mehtiyev, told VK correspondent about the results of Azerbaijan’s political efforts of the year.- How did Russia and Azerbaijan get along this year?
Alexei Vlasov: “Aquab’s death could have brought crisis to Abkhazia”
Interview by RIA NovostiUnknown perpetrators fired upon Abkhazian President’s cortege on February, 22. The head of the Republic wasn’t hurt, but one of his bodyguards was seriously injured. RIA Novosti correspondent asked the head of the Politological Center ‘North-South”, Alexei Vlasov, to comment on possible culprits and on the general situation in Abkhazia.- Who would benefit today from the Abkhaz President’s death?
Farhad Mehtiyev: “Azerbaijan will be subjected to a test: whether it is as strong a political player as it claims to be”
Independent political expert, professor of “The Caucasus” Institute, Farhad Mehtiyev, spoke to a VK correspondent about the results of Azerbaijan’s political efforts of the year.- Was there any actual progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement this year?
Eduard Sharmazanov: “There’s no guarantee that all fraud would be eradicated if Armenia turns to proportional election system”
In his interview to VK, the vice-speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, member of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia Eduard Sharmazanov, commented on the party’s preparations for the upcoming presidential elections that are due to take place this May.- Does the RPA expect to win a parliamentary majority once again? How is the party preparing for the campaign? What are the main points of its pre-election program?
Nino Abesadze: “26 centuries connect Georgia and Israel”
In the early 1990s Nino Abesadze was one of the most popular journalists of Georgia. Later he moved to Israel and worked in various Russian-speaking media institutes. Today Abesadze is a deputy of the parliament of Israel, a member of the party Kadima and the parliamentary lobby on ties with Georgia. VK talked to her about the prospects for Israeli-Georgian relations. This interview was made several days before a terrorist attack attempt in Georgia. However, these events wouldn’t influence the position of Abesadze.
