Caspian Energy (CE): Mr. Mammadov, Azerbaijan is celebrating the 90th jubilee of Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev this year. How would characterize presidency period of Heydar Aliyev?

Novruz Mammadov, Deputy Head of the Administration of President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department for Foreign Relations: First of all I would like to note that prominent figures play and will keep playing an important role in building process that every state goes through. A figure must always be atop in order to play an important role in the life of the society and state. He should be capable in pulling all his potential together and using it properly so that to help his people, community and state move forward. Considering different states (referring to the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries) through this prism, you will definitely run into it. From this standpoint, it must be said that Azerbaijani people are a great nation possessing rich history, culture and customs. Unfortunately, the stream that historical processes flew through did not let Azerbaijani people who fought for independence over the past few centuries create its sovereign state. Different opinions may be expressed on this matter. Geopolitical, geographic, internal and other processes also played a certain role in it. The historical processes led to the collapse of the Union and Warsaw Treaty. So Azerbaijan gained its independence for the second time through the 20th century. Unfortunately, the government and people who gained their independence for the first time early in the 20th century did not manage to save it. We certainly do not blame them for that but I would like to note the phrase that many politicians, philosophers and historians say: “sometimes it turns out much easier to gain independence rather than to save it”. The nation which gained independence must preserve it and prove that it really deserves it. Not every nation lucks into such fate. From this standpoint, I assume that Heydar Aliyev phenomenon has been written with golden letters in Azerbaijan’s history.   

Heydar Aliyev, the son of Azerbaijani people, is a great state and political figure, historical personality whom the Azerbaijani nation presented to the world over the past centuries. Heydar Aliyev came to help Azerbaijani nation to defend sovereignty and preserve independence at the end of the 20th century that is another reason why this period must be written with golden letters into history of Azerbaijan. Why am I talking about it? The thing is that we had to fight hard for maintaining and strengthening our independence during the first years of independence and for several years after Heydar Aliyev came to power by the demand of the nation. There was no opportunity for us to pass the exam for preserving our independence when the country was governed by the People`s Front of Azerbaijan. Besides, all steps in this direction resulted to the emergence of new problems that we witnessed. Some measures undertaken by the authorities could lead to the loss of our independence. 

In such hard period the subconscious of the nation which fought for its independence for many years, even in the years of the soviet power (all of this information is found in archive documents), awoke. An instinct of independence preservation changed into the will of people whose wisdom called Heydar Aliyev. He was the last hope at that period. 

As you know, Heydar Aliyev sent in resignation from all high-ranking positions of the former Union in 1987. But we thank luck for its having kept him for Azerbaijan which gained its independence a few years later. 

I would like to note that policy is the most complicated sphere of activity. However, it appears to be very attractive. One must realize that it is not an easy matter at all. A politician must indeed weight the consequences of every sayings and actions for many years to come. One cannot be a wise politician if he is not capable to foresee his actions for future. I chanced to work near such great politician and state figure as Heydar Aliyev for 7 years. Today, comparing at least several generations of politicians replaced at several states, I still can not call a politician who may range with Heydar Aliyev. 

CE: Which aspects did Heydar Aliyev have to solve during the first years of running an independent country? 

Novruz Mammadov: If we consider all steps Heydar Aliyev took since June 1993, each of them may be used as the subject for big dissertation or monograph. Studying his every step and decisions, today we may see their essence, significance and capacity for that particular period of time. From 1993 to 1996 Heydar Aliyev worked on elimination of consequences of utopian decision made by the previous government during the first years of independence. However, it was not only the solution of accumulated problems that Heydar Aliyev focused his work on. Meanwhile, his efforts were directed for future development and strengthening of statehood. Along with it, the country should have been dragged out of the political disorder including the establishment of statehood development basis. There was a need for undertaking radical measures for reducing the unemployment rate and making the community realize the responsibility for the future destiny of the state. All of these issues were controlled and solved by Heydar Aliyev. 

Apart from this, issues concerning prevention of provocation by external and internal forces which were not interested in prosperity of the country required their solution. That period marked with several coups d’etat and attempts on the life of Nationwide Leader. 

In difficult condition that Azerbaijan found itself the previous government headed by Abulfaz Elchibey admitted in different forms that it was not able to govern the state. Realizing the heaviness of the situation, Heydar Aliyev made a determined step toward the maintenance of independence of the country and assumed the government. Heydar Aliyev chose that way because he was a preeminent personality, state figure and politician. He had sense of responsibility for his nation and country at all times. He considered it his duty to help his people in the heavy situation they fell in. All the steps he had taken till 1996, the period of establishment of political stability, aimed at reaching this goal. 

CE: What steps taken by Nationwide Leader played a fundamental role for preservation of statehood? 

Novruz Mammadov: One interview will not suffice for covering all his steps and actions. The third book that I wrote about Heydar Aliyev and called “External policy, realities and outlooks” is published now. In this book I thoroughly describe external policy that our Nationwide Leader implemented. The first two volumes were dedicated to geopolitics and the Azerbaijani model of foreign policy. But there is one point that I would like to talk about in details.

As you know, the national interests of the state should be always put above everything in international and interstate relations regardless of the amount of agreements, memorandums and declarations signed. States may reject all the rest agreements in order to ensure their national interests. In such conditions, it was difficult enough to preserve independence and protect interests of the small state located between big states and powers. Besides, it was an unstable period of development of the global community as the Soviet Union and the Warsaw treaty collapsed. Amidst such tense political processes including the domestic situation, Heydar Aliyev managed to mobilize domestic resources, established important relationships with the external world and obtained signing of the contract of the century in September 1994. Heydar Aliyev knew that signing of the contract of the century was one of the most important steps for reaching future goals. A slight deviation from the right course could lead to the failure of the future development of the country. This process had its own risks, challenges as well as hopes. The contract must have considered positions, interests and opportunities of all players in the international arena. Heydar Aliyev managed to take all interests into account and have the contract signed very skillfully. Though, no certain decision regarding its signing had been made 15 days before this event. Therefore, signing of the Contract of the Century was written as the great step of Heydar Aliyev into history of Azerbaijan. Today, we are witnessing the results of this brilliant policy of Heydar Aliyev. 

CE: The Contract of the Century signed under the chairmanship of Heydar Aliyev paved the way toward the rapid economic development of the country. How would you characterize this period of development of the country and do you believe that it laid basis of such concepts as energy security and diversification of supply sources worldwide?

Novruz Mammadov: Every step that Nationwide Leader undertook pursued more than one goal. Looking far ahead, he used to consider, analyze and forecast all possible versions and course of events. The first goal pursued during the signing of the contract of century was stage-by-stage revival of the economy of Azerbaijan. But Heydar Aliyev had a strategic vision of decisions he made. What did they aim at? As you know, oil and gas were sold at very lower prices late in the 20th century. It was in 1994 when Heydar Aliyev foresaw that the whole world economy would face an energy security problem early in the 21st century. He foresaw that not as an oilman or economist but as a great state figure. This is the reason why he made this step. His decision to sign the Contract of the Century in 1994 is considered to be one of his most important and wise steps even 20 years later. Not only this contract contributed to the stability of the region but also strengthened global energy security. I.e. today, production and export of Azerbaijani oil together with biggest states and oil companies certainly play an important role in the energy map of the world. 

Addressing the well-known Istanbul conference “The legend of the three seas” at that period Heydar Aliyev visually showed the way the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean seas will be linked to one another by oil-gas lines. 

Construction of a terminal in Ceyhan and delivery of Azerbaijani oil extracted from Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) fields to the world markets in 2006 became the realization of grandiose plans of Heydar Aliyev. Today, Azerbaijan, a reliable partner that fulfills all contract obligations, plays an important role in ensuring energy security of the number of European and Asian states. 

Today Azerbaijan is the country which many countries focused their interests on from the standpoint of provision of energy security, expansion of economic cooperation, fight against terrorism, etc. On the one hand it is associated with the right policy implemented in this sphere, on the other with further development of these projects. Azerbaijan has diversified its export supplies and delivers its energy resources along 7 directions in different parts of the world. I think that these aspects will contribute to the development of the community and state for many years to come. 

CE: Which examples from history of modern Azerbaijan could you note when problems of regional importance were solved under the supervision of Nationwide Leader?

Novruz Mammadov: A lot can be said about it. It especially concerns the energy sphere. I remember it was 1999 when Istanbul hosted big event with participation of heads of states of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and USA. Heydar Aliyev suddenly raised an issue about an oil pipeline and Istanbul Declaration was passed on the project of the main export pipeline Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC). Azerbaijan, the region and the world community needed it. This document initiated by the head of our state, served as support for construction of the oil pipeline from Baku to Ceyhan in future. 

CE: What could you tell about success that modern Azerbaijan has been gaining owing to the strategy that was set by Heydar Aliyev and is successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev? 

Novruz Mammadov: I must note that it is always more difficult to preserve rather than to acquire it. And it refers not only to independence. Heydar Aliyev devoted part of his life to the people. He found it very important to serve his people and his successor Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, continued fulfilling this mission with all responsibility. The head of the state keeps following Heydar Aliyev’s course even today by implementing internal and external concept of Nationwide Leader successfully in all areas especially in the energy and non-oil sector. 

The external and internal policy that President Ilham Aliyev is implementing today in compliance with the strategy of Nationwide Leader led Azerbaijan to goals set by Heydar Aliyev. As early as the beginning of 2013 when Azerbaijan, penetrating into geopolitical interests of big states, managed to acquire a pie from their political, economical, cultural and sport life by pushing its internal and external policy course forward.

I would like to set a few examples in this aspect. Firstly, Azerbaijan managed to win the first position after several years of participation in the Eurovision song contest that Europe actively uses for propagandizing its culture. Besides, it was the population of these countries that voted for Azerbaijan. In this way we once again proved that that our culture does not lag behind the European and even excels it in certain aspects. Moreover, we showed that we were capable to organize this contest at the highest level. It was some sort of a cultural breakthrough for Azerbaijan in the cultural sphere. 

Secondly, as far as the political area is concerned, Azerbaijan entered the UN Security Council after passing 17 rounds. The support of 155 countries elected Azerbaijan a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two year period. We even presided in this organization in May. It is also a political breakthrough for Azerbaijan. 

Thirdly, as you know President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attaches big importance to the development of sports sector. Noting Europe’s wish to conduct the 2015 European Olympic Games in Azerbaijan for the first time in history suffices. 

And finally, Azerbaijan hosted the Davos economic forum in April of this year. It is also a breakthrough in the economic sphere. 

Thus, Azerbaijan gets its pie by penetrating in interests of world states. Each of 200 world countries wishes to get such share. However, it is not a simple task. Azerbaijan hosts several big world events every year. If other countries could host one of those events, they would talk about it for many years. All of it is the result of implementation of the Heydar Aliyev strategy and its reaching of new horizons. 

CE: How would you assess the period when Heydar Aliyev governed the country during the times of the Soviet Union? What did it give to Azerbaijan during the independence period?

Novruz Mammadov: I have already noted that Heydar Aliyev was an outstanding figure who linked his work with his people and the state. All of his steps were inseparably linked with our people. In the hardest grip of the soviet regime, Heydar Aliyev, a head of Azerbaijan KGB (Committee for State security) from 1967, and head of Azerbaijan from 1969, undertook measures that could serve the development of Azerbaijan in future. They covered both political, economic, infrastructure and social spheres. 

I came to Baku in 1964. At that period it was difficult to find people in Baku who could speak in the Azeri language. Starting from 1969, people in Baku began speaking their native language. Hundreds of steps were taken for reaching this goal. 

A little later, the Azerbaijani language was secured in the Constitution of the country. It was a big event for Azerbaijan. In the meantime, the work on construction of plants and factories, expansion of infrastructure and improvement of the Baku city and regions of Azerbaijan began. All of these measures aimed at prosperity of Azerbaijan in the following years. Remembering all these merits, the people once again called Heydar Aliyev to head the country in 1993. The ongoing rapid development of Azerbaijan has been associated with Heydar Aliyev. And I find it to be a big historical event that fell to the share of Azerbaijan people. Why am I saying that? Pay attention that the size of Azerbaijan’s land territory was gradually reducing throughout 200-300 of years. This process even speeded up in 1988-1993. However, it stopped after Heydar Aliyev came to power. It was not a simple matter as there were other reasons for the reduction of the territory of Azerbaijan. I don’t want to stick on this issue long, but about 300,000 Armenians moved out of Azerbaijan at that period. Considering the support of certain circles, it is hard to imagine which processes would have run in Azerbaijan if they had stayed here. Heydar Aliyev foresaw all these processes and solved these issues. 

CE: You personally had been working with Nationwide Leader for many years. Which key moments from this period would you note in particular?

Novruz Mammadov: I would like to touch upon one moment. Nationwide Leader visited France in January 1997. I translated certain meetings for Heydar Aliyev. It was the period when he held meetings starting from 9 am until 1 am. The last meeting was held with the management of the French Company Bouygues. At the end of the meeting, noting that Azerbaijan will have a splendid future they said that the country needed a good Presidential palace and offered their services. Heydar Aliyev agreed with them but he said that he would return to this issue later. I stayed with Nationwide Leader after the meeting. He said: “You see what they say”. I answered that such a prominent figure needs a modern palace. But Heydar Aliyev interrupted me: “Novruz Mammadov, I know that we do. But it is not time for it now. We have to spend money on other needs. We will build these palaces when the right time comes”.

He knew that the palaces would be built, we see them now and everyone admires them. It is what I call a wise step. 

CE: Azerbaijan is currently a regional leader on many parameters. What personal qualities of the Nationwide Leader helped to reach this level?

Novruz Mammadov: Firstly, Heydar Aliyev was a very talented and wise person. Secondly, his life experience and the way he had been through were a whole academy for him. Besides, he used to reach the top on his own. Thirdly, he had a strong affection to the homeland and state. Fourthly, he had a big care for his people and nation. This interview cannot cover the whole list of his qualities. 

Noteworthy is also Heydar Aliyev’s phenomenal memory that would not yield to any modern computers. 

When he was recruiting me he found out about the village that I came from. He could recollect roads, houses and infrastructure of our settlement in details. He was there only once in 1946, but as an artist he gave a description of the whole picture of our village. He had a prefect memory. 

And finally, it was a strong-willed and unique person. Giving a speech in the republican palace, he had a heart attack. However, he managed to overcome it, returned to the tribune and completed his speech. No one has done in history before and will never be able to do it. 

CE: What is your opinion on the further foreign policy of Azerbaijan and country’s positioning as the center of regional development? 

Novruz Mammadov: Today, Azerbaijan has become regional leader in policy, economy, security and other spheres. As I have already mentioned, owing to its position in the global arena, Azerbaijan gets its pie by penetrating into geopolitical interests of big states. One should not think that it was obtained easily. It is a very difficult task, but the work in this direction is ongoing and will continue in future. 

International relations are very ruthless and insidious. Though they have smiles on their faces, but none of them wish to make concessions. 

Once talking to a high-ranking state official of a big country I noted about things that we had been told in the past: international relations are based on the “divide and rule” principle. He called another principle that is followed now: “smile and exert pressure”. According to him, it is a much simpler way of reaching results. So today, every country takes steps on basis of the “smile and exert influence” principle for ensuring its own interests. 

In spite of all this, I assume that by the demand of people and the decrees of fate Azerbaijan is in hands which will be developing and raising the country sustainably in accordance with our long term programs for many years to come. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who follows All-National Leader’s course, is certainly a driving force of this development. This tandem is the basis for ensuring happy future of Azerbaijan. 

CE: Which new opportunities does the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor projects open up?

Novruz Mammadov: The international cooperation built up by Azerbaijan in the field of oil, gas and energy is the only great cooperation in the post-Soviet space. By now there is no state in the world that managed to establish so successful relations with the West in the energy sector like Azerbaijan did. And it means the fulfillment of the very difficult challenge. 

We have fulfilled our goal from the viewpoint of constructing oil pipelines. As far as the gas sector is concerned, works are now in process within the frame of the Southern Gas Corridor. All this is the path towards ensuring regional and global energy security, economic development and prosperity of Azerbaijan. The relations established with Turkey in such sectors as oil, gas and petrochemistry have enabled Azerbaijan to develop independently together with its partners any regional projects without attracting funds from the outside. This is our greatest achievement.

CE: What are preconditions for Azerbaijan’s becoming a transit country?

Novruz Mammadov: Azerbaijan has already proved itself as a reliable transit country. Already now 30% of freights transported to Afghanistan go through the territory of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is reviving its historical mission - the Great Silk Road. Its basis was laid by Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev and the incumbent President Ilham Aliyev is successfully following it. We are becoming a gate for Asia towards Europe and simultaneously a gate for Europe towards Asia. It concerns the transit of energy resources and other goods as well. The construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which initially did not seem attractive for the West, is moving ahead. However at present this project is also successfully implemented.  All this can be considered as a great historical contribution of the President of Azerbaijan on both the regional and global scales. 

In the coming 3-5 years you will witness growing transit of energy resources from the East to the West and other goods from the West to the East through Azerbaijan. The country leadership is implementing relevant work in this direction. Nowadays the Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan need cooperation with the West, while the countries of Europe in their turn need cooperation with the Asian countries.

Thank you for the interview