Trend, Azerbaijan
Feb 27 2010

Deputy Speaker: Adopting resolution on `Armenian genocide’ to have
negative impact on U.S democratic image
27.02.2010 12:19

Submission of the so-called "Armenian genocide" to the U.S. Congress
for discussions will have a negative impact on this country’s
democratic image in the world, Azerbaijani Parliamentary Deputy
Speaker said.

"The U.S. as a super power should not put the serious global problems
aside and become a representative of Armenians’ interests. This
situation damages the U.S. prestige. It also has a negative impact on
the U.S. democratic image, their role in the development of the world
democracy," Azerbaijani Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Bahar Muradova
said in an interview to the ruling New Azerbaijan Party’s website.

Claims on the "Armenian genocide" represent allegation on the mass
extermination of Armenians residing in Anatolia during World War I.
Turkey considers these events as the Armenian-Turkish confrontation.

If the Congress adopts the resolution on the "Armenian genocide", it
will have a negative impact on the U.S.-Azerbaijani relations. "As one
of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, the United States in this issue
should adhere to a neutral position. It is wrong to take such a step,
guided only by the Armenian electorate. Many of the candidates give a
promise to recognize the so-called "Armenian genocide" during the
presidential elections in the U.S., and then become hostage of these
promises. I think that the Obama administration should take important
decisions in this regard," Muradova said.

She believes that every Azerbaijani citizen should express his own
opinion on this issue. "I’d like to note the fact that the Armenians
try to prevent the activities taking place abroad, which are devoted
to the Khojali genocide. I witnessed this fact in Austria, so we must
intensify our struggle. Azerbaijani Parliament’s position on the
so-called "Armenian genocide" is known to all. We express our strong
protest in connection with its discussion," Muradova said.