Russia has never criticized Azerbaijan for democratization. When asked if this means that Azerbaijan has chosen the pro-Russian way by the Russian Regnum news agency Thomas de Vaal, British expert, author of the modern Transcaucasus studies, leading specialist of the Caucasus of the Washington-based Carnegie Fund, answered negatively.
He believes that Azerbaijan chooses both. As far as energy and oil and gas resources are concerned, Azerbaijan chooses the West. It is convenient for Azerbaijan to have good relationships with Russia and prove it that it suppresses the pro-western forces and nothing threatens it. “This is Azerbaijan’s policy,” the expert added.
REGNUM correspondent asked if “Russia wants Azerbaijan to join the Eurasian and Customs Union using the Karabakh conflict,” Thomas de Vaal answered: “ I think this is fantasy.”
“This is unreal. Azerbaijan is strong enough to independently manage its own foreign policy,” expert added.
He explained “it is in the interests of Azerbaijan to maintain its energy ties with the West. I emphasize energy ties, because there is nothing in common there on the political level – almost all pro-western forces are now under a strong pressure and prosecution in Azerbaijan. Situation is the same in Kazakhstan, which has strong ties with big oil companies, but is more pro-Russian. But I think this will happen in Azerbaijan, but this time without the Eurasian Union. Azerbaijan has the policy of isolation and the policy of balance – neither here, nor there.”
