EX-US STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: SELF-DETERMINATION DOES NOT JUSTIFY SEPARATISM AND USE OF FORCE
news.AZ
Nov 5 2009
Azerbaijan
Richard Armitage News.Az interviews Richard Armitage, former US deputy
secretary of state.
Do you expect any changes in the present US leaders’ approach to
Azerbaijan?
I don’t expect a major change in the relationship between the US
and Azerbaijan.
Is it possible to make progress on the Karabakh settlement in the
near future?
Although progress is possible, I don’t see a rapid resolution.
Do you think that the right to self-determination can justify
separatism and occupation by use of force, as was the case in Karabakh?
No
There is an opinion that Moscow has more power than the US as mediator
in the Karabakh process, because it is closer to Azerbaijan and
Armenia geographically and economically, and has influence over them.
Do you agree?
Moscow may have more influence than the US for the reasons you state
but the question is whether they truly intend to seek a resolution.
What could the great powers (the US, Russia, the EU) do if Azerbaijan
decides to liberate Karabakh by war?
War would not be in the interest of Azerbaijan, as it would inhibit
the economic growth of the country and limit the government’s ability
to develop human capital.
Are you sure that Azerbaijan can play its role in Europe’s energy
security by seeing through Nabucco and other energy projects?
Azerbaijan (and Turkey) have long been at the crossroads of East and
West. I believe that Azerbaijan can play this role with energy… but
also as a transportation hub. The future should be bright.