"A COUNTRY OF BRIGHT CONTRASTS"

Herbert Quelle is new to Azerbaijan. He took up his duties as German ambassador in Baku a few months ago - in August this year. An experienced diplomat, he worked for over 20 years in the German Foreign Ministry and in Germany's diplomatic missions in Los Angeles, Pretoria, Havana, Warsaw and London. He attaches great importance to developing relations between Azerbaijan and Germany - both bilaterally and within the European Union.

It is symbolic that as the interview went to press, the ambassador was visiting Ganca and Goygol District, in which German settlers from Baden-W?rttemberg founded the city of Helendorf in 1819. It is from that date, according to the ambassador, that the history of relations between Azerbaijan and Germany begins.

- Mr Quelle, we congratulate you on your appointment as ambassador to Azerbaijan. What are your first impressions of our country?

- Thank you. I'm glad that I've been appointed to Azerbaijan, because I myself wanted to work here. Your country is of great regional importance and is, economically, the most powerful state in the South Caucasus.

As for my impressions of Azerbaijan, I cannot say anything at the moment, because I've only been to Baku, nearby towns (Sumqayit and Qobustan) and Ismayilli (our conversation with the ambassador took place before his trip to Ganca and Goygol). But some of my expectations associated with Azerbaijan have already been fulfilled. Azerbaijan is a country of vivid contrasts, where modern achievements get on well with old traditions. The Old Town (Icari Sahar) is surrounded by shiny new buildings. Perhaps not everyone likes this, but this exemplifies the rate of development since the country's independence.

I also discovered Azerbaijan to be a secular state. The dominant Muslim majority in the population gives an example of high religious tolerance.

- What are the main issues on the agenda for bilateral cooperation between our countries? What directions will you prioritize as ambassador?

- The first German settlers from modern Baden-W?rttemberg came to the western part of Azerbaijan nearly 200 years ago. They were warmly received here and found a new home. These historical ties remain a reference point for us in our bilateral relations. The Germans, and German products, have good reputations in Azerbaijan. I have not come across any prejudice with respect to Germany in your country. This makes an ambassador's life and work pleasant.

In the sphere of culture and education, I'm thinking about further measures to promote the German language in Azerbaijan. The better you know German, the better your chances of continuing your education in Germany. We look forward to enhancing the skills of young Azerbaijanis so that, subsequently, they can play an important role in Azerbaijan's politics, economy and culture. And we are not talking here only about academic (university) education. The country has a high demand for specialists - from technicians and craftspeople to trained personnel for the hotel and restaurant business, which is developing rapidly. Thanks to the German vocational education system, we have something to offer your country in this area.

As for economic relations, energy is the first thing that springs to mind. Germany and other EU countries are short of raw materials and are dependent on energy supplies from abroad. This dependence is, of course, in the interests of suppliers. And Azerbaijan is no exception. In relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, I see a great opportunity to satisfy mutual needs with maximum benefit to both sides. German energy companies are taking part in various projects here. Incidentally, EU Commissioner for Energy Guenther Oettinger was previously prime minister of Baden-W?rttemberg. He comes from the same region as the first German settlers in Azerbaijan and referred to this fact repeatedly while in Azerbaijan at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev.

As President Ilham Aliyev told me while taking my credentials, in addition to the oil and gas sectors, Azerbaijan also wants to develop other industries, with foreign aid. I keep telling my local partners that preparations for the establishment of a German-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce in Baku are dragging on - a Chamber of Commerce would be the ideal body to assist in the diversification of the Azerbaijani economy. It is gratifying that every official has assured me that they realize the great importance of transparency in trade, particularly in legal guarantees (this includes issues of customs and tax). For small and medium-sized German enterprises, which form the backbone of the German economy, this is a determining factor when deciding on the establishment of an overseas business, especially when investing.

I would also like to touch upon political cooperation, for political dialogue has become increasingly important in developing associative talks between Azerbaijan and the EU. Germany is the most populous and strongest economy in the EU. My Azerbaijani friends also emphasize Germany's political influence. Therefore, we take dialogue with Azerbaijan very seriously; for example, obligations under the second priority of the EU-Azerbaijan action plan - namely, fostering democratic development. This requires a respectful but, at the same time, open and frank conversation about progress made and shortcomings. Good cooperation can only benefit from this.

- As you know, Azerbaijan is at war with its neighbour Armenia. The conflict has been going on for almost 20 years, and peace talks have not yielded results. What is Germany's position on the conflict and how can it help to resolve it?

- The Nagornyy Karabakh conflict inflicts permanent suffering on the people directly affected and it is an obstacle to development in the region. I find questionable the widespread belief that the conflict is frozen, as incidents occur regularly on the line of contact, with dead and wounded soldiers on both sides.

Peace and stability in the South Caucasus are in Europe's interests. Therefore, Germany fully supports the negotiating process between Armenia and Azerbaijan within the OSCE Minsk Group. The OSCE mechanism promises likely success in finding a peaceful solution. The Madrid principles have created a good basis for finding a balance between the principles of territorial integrity and the right to self-determination. Germany's position has always been clear: for us, the territorial borders of Azerbaijan at the time of its accession to the UN are valid. This firm position was also expressed in a Bundestag resolution adopted in May 2009. I look forward to long-term progress in the negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE.

In addition, I think it important that the societies of both countries participate in the process of conflict resolution and enhance their understanding of the benefits of peaceful coexistence. I know that this is easier said than done. But, as shown by historical experience, arrangements between governments are viable and lasting only if they are supported by the people. In my opinion, the responsibility for creating the preconditions for reconciliation and understanding lies with governments. And it is never too late to begin here.

- What do you think are the prospects for Azerbaijan acceding to the EU?

- As far as I know, Azerbaijan has never expressed a desire to join the EU. Accordingly, this issue is not currently on the agenda. But, personally, I very much welcome the fact that formal associative talks between the EU and Azerbaijan began this year. This will bring our countries together. I look forward to their continuing progress. Of course, there are areas in which progress and understanding will be achieved faster than in others. If, during successful negotiations, Azerbaijan decides to join the EU, the EU will certainly have to address this issue seriously. But I see this as a topic for the distant future...

- And the last question which is not directly related to bilateral relations, but which is still relevant in the context of our relations. What did you think of the last football match between Azerbaijan and Germany in Cologne? It would also be interesting to hear your assessment of the German Berti Vogts as coach of the Azerbaijani team in general?

- Unfortunately, I was able to watch the game on television, although I was in Germany at the time. But I've been to the Tofiq Bahramov stadium three times and watched the games against Kuwait and Turkey. 1-0 against Turkey was a great result, not only for Azerbaijan but also for Germany, which thus strengthened its leading position in the qualifying group. So we congratulate and thank Azerbaijan! And losing by a wide margin to a team that beat Argentina 4-0 in the World Cup in South Africa is not disappointing. I look forward to our next game on 7 June in Baku. In the game against Turkey, the Azerbaijani team showed that they can hold their own in a critical situation. I think they have already come closer to western European standards. Perhaps this is because of the hard training sessions guided by Berti Vogts. He is an experienced and professional coach whom everyone knows in Germany.