Putin visit as viewed by political parties

Political parties in Azerbaijan have given differing assessments to Russian President Putin's visit.

While describing the visit as very important from the standpoint of bilateral Russo-Azeri relations, chairman of the PFPA reform wing Ali Karimov voiced his concern over the fact that $1 billion worth of illegal Russian arms supplied to Armenia, as well as the status of more than one million Azeris dwelling in Russia, remained unresolved.

The Musavat leader Isa Gambar said the document on cooperation in the Caspian would facilitate the discussion over disputed offshore oil fields. Since the West isn’t interested in aggravation of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, the current rapprochement of the two countries will not cause any problems, he said.

The "Adalat" party has a different position on the issue, as its press-secretary E. Shukurlu does not rule out pressure on Azeri authorities on part of the West.

According to the PNIA chairman Etibar Mammadov, improvement in Russo-Azeri relations, including economic ties, is beneficial for both countries and it is necessary to eliminate all obstacles in the way.*