PRIORITY IN OUR RELATIONS IS THE REALISATION OF THE WORLD CLASS PROJECTS

INTERVIEW OF EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF GEORGIA IN AZERBAIJAN MISTER ZURAB GUMBERIDZE

You are satisfied development of international relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia? What are the main events in the field of international relations of Azerbaijan and Georgia, which has occurred for elapsed year you consider as most relevant?

The relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia have the historical radicals and were always characterized as provisional. We consider relation in last 5-6 develop with rather fast paces. We consider ourselves as the strategic partners. There are many examples of rather successful development of two-sided relations. Among the main events which have occurred for last years if to mean political aspect, it is possible to mark occurring top-level of presidents of Azerbaijan and Georgia, and also outcomes reached on these occurring. One of the main purposes of our cooperation is the achievement a pattern and stability in all the Transcaucasian locale. The relevant momentum became the maiden application of two presidents " About Peaceful Caucasus ", made during visit of the president of Azerbaijan to Georgia in 1996. The declaration "About Peaceful Caucasus" became the beginning of all those initiatives, which one now have accepted more broad scales.

Economical relations between our countries very successfully develop also. Most obvious case of these relations it is possible to consider implementation of the grandiose project, as to a Baku- Supsa. At decision marking about building the given pipe line there were definite differences in judgements on its necessity, but the solution of the President of Azerbaijan Heidar Aliyev has allowed to overcome all these difficulties. This pipeline once again has demonstrated large possibilities of using of terrain of Georgia for transit. In particular, we already have completed intergovernmental negotiations, which one concern a following oil pipeline to a Baku- Tbilisi-Ceyhan. Together with this are conducted negotiations concerning gas pipelines of Azerbaijan - Georgia-Turkey. These are the most important events in the economical schedule between our states.

If there is such high level political and implementation of the projects of a world scale as pipelines, transport corridors etc. we can actively realize the two-sided projects in other branches of economics. For example, in metallurgy, chemical branches, electronics and others. There is for us an obviously definite reserve.

In what reference directions two-way communications of our states now develop? What main problems cost on paths of development of economical relationships between our countries?

We actively aim to realize mutually advantageous cooperation in all orbs. As to economical relations, development of those branches, which have been traditionally existed in our country, in conditions of independent economics, it is represented problematic without mutual support. Here there is a definite capability for cooperation.

It’s the traditionally for us good relations between a metallurgical plant in Rustavi and firms in Azerbaijan. The possibility of using of ore in Dashkesan, as raw for production on Rustavi a metallurgical plant is now esteemed. This project very interesting, because he will supply many workstations, and at the same time will give production, which one in the world market is in great demand. One of the major projects, which one we now prepare, and we shall realize, as soon as possible it is the civil-engineering design of a power line from Azerbaijan and Georgia in Turkey.

I think, that in economical relations we lag a little more that political level, which one we have achieved. In implementation of these problems will play a large role the joint intergovernmental economical commission. Problems, which one face by Azerbaijan and Georgia, demand constant decision making and commission, which one in batches will collect at a high level, would give a capability to decide problems which sometimes wait for the next round of occurring at a high level.

What your way prospects for the development of relationships of countries included in CIS? As far as it is effective, in your judgement, the cooperation of countries included in the unit GUUAM develops?

To show one unit would be abnormally. As independent and sovereign states we participate in many international organizations and in each we have definite purposes and problems.

In spite of the fact that CIS exists during the long-lived term, the purposes and problems are permanently reformed. I want to mark, that last term is characterized by looking up of problems and problems, which should be most priority in countries of CIS. This union included those countries, which still recently were in a structure of one state and had close economic ties, industry. And if today our relations will give that desirable effect, for which we search and we want to receive, we shall be only pleased.

The relationships of countries –participants of GUUAM develop now more dynamically. Recently in New York the memorandum by the presidents of countries-participants GUUAM was signed. It is very significant, that our presidents, meeting on a high forum, as summit of millenary and sign such relevant document, which one will give new development of this unit. One of a major problem - problem on systematization of occurring of our presidents yearly, ministers of foreign affairs two times annually, and also coordinators, which one will meet more intensively, and accordingly, to decide those problems, which one we put in the given frame.

One of priority problems is again economical. We give large value to such of directions as the transport, tourism, cultural values of our countries. I think, that as a result of this activity the new tourist routes on countries GUUAM, and also new transport schemes will appear. There are also political problems, there are also other problems, I think, that the memorandum, which one was signed in New York, and which one was prepared by all five countries, will give a severe momentum for development of the given unit.

At what stage there is an implementation of the project of the pipeline to a Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan? What main problems which stand on paths of implementation of this project?

We now are in expectation of the decision of the companies, and from the Azerbaijan party are negotiated with the possible sponsors of the given project. I am sure, that that large activities, which were made by governments of three countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey with the purposes of opening-up of the major document for creation of legal base of this project, will be evaluated by the companies. I am optimistic in this respect, and I consider, that this very relevant and severe project will be realized. And if between the companies there are some discords, they are problems of discussion and negotiations, and they should be finished positively in the near future. (The interview was held on September 15, 2000).

What, in your judgement an outlook of further development of the project "A Great Silk Path "? How close in this project is Georgia involved today?

Idea of implementation of "The Silk Paths", authors of which are the president of Georgia Eduard Shewardnadze and President of Azerbaijan Heidar Aliyev, now successfully develops. We have created a transport corridor and we cooperate in a problem of implementation of such relevant project, as "TRACECA". In this project we try alongside with two-sided relations also to realize the project with our partners - participants of " TRACECA ". Major event in this area was the Baku conference, where not only participants of the project, but also other countries have signed the document on development and recovery of an ancient silk path. This project has large value both with political, and from the economical point of view.

In the given moment in Baku the constant secretariat has initiated with activity, which one is engaged in many problems, including fares and problems of unified customs tariff policy. At implementation of our routes, we should achieve flexibility on this an isthmus, first of all in our terrain the Black Sea - Caspian sea, and also to develop by way of joining, both to European, and to the Asian transport frames. In this direction the activities on renovation of the Baku and Batumi port and port in Poti, building of new terminals, advancing of iron roads of Azerbaijan, Georgia, building of bridges are now conducted. Rather successfully and good paces there is a renovation of port in Aktau in Kazakhstan.

What main plans on cooperation between Georgia and between Azerbaijan for 2001?

The following 2001 is anniversary for Georgia and for Azerbaijan, as we shall mark the tenth anniversary of recovery of our state independence. By priority in our relations I would call implementation of the projects of a world level an oil pipeline, gas pipeline, power and transport projects. The implementation of these projects speaks about a high level of our relations, both in economics, and in policy. The 2001 should pass in an atmosphere of further federating. I am sure, that Georgia and Azerbaijan will develop an integration process, which one is watched for last years.