Moscow still thinks that the USSR can be restored in a different format; however, the balance of power in the world has changed, and the Kremlin does not want to understand this, political scientist Zaur Ibrahimli, a member of the Board of Directors of the Azerbaijani National NGO Forum, said in his statement to Report.
According to Ibrahimli, what provoked Russia to raid the houses where Azerbaijanis live in Yekaterinburg is Azerbaijan's independent foreign policy:
"Azerbaijan's resolute, principled position and the creation of new geopolitical realities worry some circles. Azerbaijan pursues an independent foreign policy based on its national interests and takes steps in accordance with these interests. At the same time, the main criterion of foreign policy is Azerbaijan's national interests. Azerbaijan does not compromise its sovereignty under any circumstances and seeks to establish equal relations with both neighboring states in the region and leading countries in the world."
Ibrahimli said that Azerbaijan has established a system of relations based on the principles of mutually beneficial partnership:
"This policy of Azerbaijan contradicts the imperial interests of Kremlin strategists. Moscow still believes that the USSR can be restored in a different format, and that the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Baltic countries are Russia's minor 'partners.' Moscow can talk to them on the basis of directives."
The political scientist noted that Azerbaijan has always worked to avoid straining relations with Russia and has never joined anti-Russian coalitions:
"It has not shied away from cooperation in transport and logistics issues, which are important for Russia. But unfortunately, this constructive neighborly policy of Azerbaijan has not been properly appreciated in the Kremlin. Russia has not objectively analyzed and taken into account the strategic importance of Azerbaijan. It seems that, as a follow-up to the old imperial thinking, a policy of threats, blackmail and fear is being applied against Azerbaijan."
The NGO official emphasized that racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and inhumane crimes against Azerbaijani citizens are used as tools in the implementation of this policy of fear:
"They believe that with this pressure, they can turn Azerbaijan from its path and force it to compromise its sovereignty. However, our modern history has shown that despite the fact that its territories were occupied and subjected to aggression for 30 years, Azerbaijan never renounced its independence. It did not give up its right to liberate its lands by military and political means. Even the pressure from the great powers could not stop it. Russia should also take this reality into account. It would be naive to think otherwise."
Ibrahimli noted that Azerbaijan has already taken adequate steps regarding the Yekaterinburg events:
"Events of Russian cultural figures and cultural institutions in Azerbaijan have been postponed. Azerbaijani civil society supports these steps. There is a consensus in society regarding the adequate position in relations with Russia. If adequate steps are not taken by Russia, Azerbaijan should also continue its tough steps. Bilateral relations can only be normalized if Russia takes these steps - those involved in crimes committed against Azerbaijan are held accountable, punished, the rights of the Azerbaijani side are recognized, compensation is paid, and Russia pursues a policy based on peace and mutual respect in neighborly relations."