Azerbaijani expert: Obama accepts Azerbaijan's requirements

How do you assess results of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ recent visit to Azerbaijan?
 
I believe this visit should be considered in the context of the normalization of US-Azerbaijani relations. Robert Gates is one of the top five officials of the American establishment and one of the key figures in the administration. I believe eliminating tension in relations is one of the key interests of the United States. Moreover, the U.S. leadership highly appreciates the issue of supply of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. The issue of presence of a reliable air corridor between Afghanistan and the rest of the world acquired significance as soon as situation in Kyrgyzstan destabilized.

Can the letter by the U.S. President Obama that Minister Gates conveyed in Baku be considered a step in this direction?  

Of course, it can. Obama, unlike his predecessor, is a capable politician, conscious of his words and actions he takes. It is no secret that the cause of tension in the Azerbaijani-US relationship was formalism Washington displayed contrary to Azerbaijan’s expectations in terms of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Obama’s letter which states that the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be a priority for the United States indicates that the current head of White House accepts Azerbaijan’s requirements. This also means that the U.S. makes it clear that it does not shirk responsibility for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

In what exactly this will be expressed?

First of all, an algorithm that will help to resolve the crisis should be developed. In particular, Armenia should determine its attitude to the updated Madrid principles. And judging by the content of letter of the American president, the U.S. will step up efforts to ensure that Armenia has recognized its responsibility in the peacemaking process.

Azerbaijan has strategic relationships with both Russia and U.S., brotherly relations with Turkey and developing relations with Iran. Azerbaijan’s importance as an energy supplier to European markets is growing day by day. As a result, can we witness a breakthrough in the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict soon?

All the specified factors demonstrate Azerbaijan’s capabilities in terms of alternative lines. It is therefore that the United States, Russia and West want to achieve a speedy resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Otherwise, no one can hinder Azerbaijan to restore its territorial integrity on its own. This is our legitimate right, and it has nothing to do with the mood of external forces.


/Day.Az/