Azadlig: West demands from Azerbaijan to demonstrate its disposition on joining Customs Union
The West is worried by the fact that the results of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Baku are kept secret, which means that Ilham Aliyev has adopted the conditions put by the head of the Russian Federation. According to "Azadlig" which cites some diplomatic sources, the most important thing for West is Azerbaijan's disposition on joining the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Community. Azerbaijan's participation in these projects is not in the interests of the West.
Despite the fact that Azerbaijan does not openly demonstrate its desire to join those organizations, the termination of Russian pressure on Azerbaijan has given rise to doubts and West urges Baku to clearly show its disposition on the issue.
The head of the foreign relations department of the presidential administration of Azerbaijan Novruz Mamedov and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov discussed this issue during the official meetings in the United States and asked to take a softer stance in the upcoming October 9 presidential elections in Azerbaijan. It is noted that the Azerbaijani officials had made some promises, which, however, had no effect, taking into consideration the further reaction of the U.S. on the pre-election process. Proof of this is the statement of the US Deputy Assistant Secretary and OSCE representative to that the country on brutal suppression of freedom of speech in Azerbaijan and questionable election atmosphere.
This is an allusion to a possible lack of recognition of the results of the presidential elections in Azerbaijan. On the one hand this is connected with the support of democracy, on the other, with the uncertain position of Azerbaijan concerning Russia’s proposal. Official Baku is fears to voice its disposition on the eve of the presidential elections, as it may find itself under the intense pressure of either Russia or the United States. "Thus, the Azerbaijani authorities are faced with a dilemma; either United States or Russia and they do not know how to get out of this situation," writes "Azadlig."