U.S. AMBASSADOR ANNE DERSE: THERE SHOULD BE A GOOD BASIS TO STRENGTHEN THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND AZERBAIJAN – INTERVIEW
APA Azerbaijan
Jan 26 2009
Baku. Viktoria Dementieva – APA. U.S. Ambassador Anne Derse answers
journalists’ questions.
-What policy will new U.S. President Barack Obama pursue and what
will be the priorities the new administration’s policy with respect
to Azerbaijan?
-It is early for me to give you details on specific policy issues. But
I think we can see from some of the early steps that president has
taken and from some of his statements in the early days of this
administration and some of the directions. Barack Obama said our
foreign policy will be based on diplomacy, development and defence. He
has emphasized the importance of addressing issues of development,
the global challenges of development, poverty, disease. And of course
defence he said a very strong, clear, unequivocal message to those who
will consider themselves enemies of the United States that the United
States will defend its security. President Obama has made clear that
we will promote our interests, ideals and values. He took a couple
of specific steps that show his interest in moving quickly to address
some very pressing global problems. He appointed his special envoy to
Near East, Afghanistan and Pakistan and signed three executive order
that underscore our commitment to promote our interests and ideals,
executive orders prohibiting torture, closing Guantanamo and the
issue on terrorism.
I do not know the details of the policy that will be pursued by
the new president towards Azerbaijan, but I think we can state with
certainty that our interests here remain, they are important and they
will take a high priority in the foreign policy agenda. Energy security
is an important issue for the United States and for the world. We will
continue cooperation with good partners to fight terrorism and other
global threats. President Obama has been to Azerbaijan, he traveled
here with Senator Richard Lugar. I have seen some of the pictures
of this visit to Sangachal. So, taking into account all this, there
should be a good basis to strengthen the partnership between the US
and Azerbaijan.
-How is the United States’ attitude towards the referendum on proposed
amendments to Azerbaijan’s Constitution in March?
-With respect to changes to Azerbaijani Constitution only the people
of Azerbaijan can make the decision as to whether these changes should
be made or not. I am not going to comment on the substance of the
proposed changes. But I would like to note that for international
partners who are interested in Azerbaijan’s democratic development,
the process by which these amendments are considered and decided
is very important. Azerbaijani people need to hold debates. They
need to have the people who support the amendments, outline their
position and why they support them, they need to have the people who
oppose the amendments, outline their positions, and why they oppose
them. Independent media facilitates this kind of debate and exchange
an examination of ideas. Importantly citizens need to exercise their
rights to assemble, associate and express their views. As a strong
supporter of Azerbaijan’s development we hope that the government
will support a transparent and fair process.
-The US has recently signed a charter with Georgia and Ukraine. Is
the Unites States going to sign similar document with Azerbaijan?
-I do not have any details about this specific initiative, we have a
new administration and we defined our policy towards Azerbaijan. As
you know we have cooperation across a range of issues, from energy
cooperation, economics, to cooperation on security. All these are
pillars of strong relationship. As I have said before, we are the
partners who share not only interests, but also their values.
-How can the suspension of foreign radio stations in Azerbaijan impact
on the relations between Baku and Washington?
We should work together to find solution this situation. The
situation around mass media, freedom of press and media sometimes
causes serious problems in our relations. The main aspect of the
US policy is the freedom of press and media. That’s why, I hope
we will succeed to find constructive ways of this problem. I don’t
think this matter will negatively impact on relations between our
countries. Our representatives have contributed suggestions with
regard to continuation of these radios’ broadcasting in accordance
with Azerbaijan’s legislation and the talks are underway. We are
waiting for the answer of the opposite side as soon as possible.
– What is your stance on information regarding Russia’s supplying
Armenia with $800 million arms and ammunitions?
– I’ve heard about it only from the press. The main goal of the United
States is to achieve fair and peaceful solution of Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. The United States if a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group
and we continue our efforts in this direction. And from this point
of view, we negatively assess any fact directed to violation of peace
process and aggravation of situation in the region.
– Does the United State intend to give more attention to its energy
policy after the problem occurred in gas transport to Europe?
– The latest happenings affirmed that the US proposals put forward
about the diversification of energy resources are true. To me,
Azerbaijan’s role is very important as a potential transit country
and this role considerably increased after the last incident.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
