14 September 2004, 19:18
Azerbaijan sustains 'diplomatic defeat'
Political scientist Arif Yunus called NATO's decision to cancel military exercises in Baku "Azerbaijan's diplomatic defeat". In his opinion, serious damage was done to the relations between Azerbaijan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. "It shows the lack of foresight of the present authorities. I think the question of Armenian officers' participation in the maneuvers on the territory of the country should have been solved long before the action itself."
Political scientist Zardusht Alidaze also holds this decision can create complications in NATO's relations with Azerbaijan: "The Armenians could have arrived and could not have arrived at all, but it would have influenced the resolution of the Karabakh problem in no way. I think the Azerbaijan public should not have created this stir and taken a hurrah-patriotic stand. This stand is absolutely foolish and non-constructive."
Independent military expert Uzeir Dzhafarov also believes the situation that has arisen will have negative consequences for Azerbaijan: "I'd like to note that the incident of such a kind is the first one in the history of NATO's Partnership for Peace. The NATO Secretary General's decision to cancel the maneuvers in Azerbaijan is evidence of serious intentions directed against Azerbaijan."
Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent Source: Caucasian Knot
