"It is no coincidence that U.S. Defense Secretary visited precisely Baku..."

What response did U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ recent visit to Baku cause in the United States?

Robert Gates is a key figure in the American administration. Accordingly, his visit to Azerbaijan stressed the strategic importance of our country. It is no accident that he paid a visit only to Baku among all capitals of the region. Baku visit of the U.S. Secretary of Defense was widely highlighted in the U.S. and international press, which, in turn, caused increasing attention to the Azerbaijan-US relations and to our region as a whole.

It should be noted that there is a clear understanding that Azerbaijan cannot be viewed only through the prism of the situation in Afghanistan, or in any other narrow context. Now it is clear that successful partnership with Azerbaijan should rely on multilateral, integrated vision and mutual respect.

What is the current state of Azerbaijan-U.S. relations? What can you say about the letter Barack Obama sent to Azerbaijan through Robert Gates recently?

Azerbaijan-US relations have traditionally been built on long-term and mutually beneficial basis. It is good that such an approach can be traced in the letter of President Obama to President of Azerbaijan. As you know, Azerbaijan is always ready to expand strategic partnership in order to build a prosperous future for our entire region.

This reflects Azerbaijan’s role as a regional leader. At the same time, well-balanced and pragmatic policy of the Azerbaijani President aims to protect national interests of the republic. The letter of the U.S. President stressed the desire to deepen the Azerbaijan-US relations and the intensification of bilateral dialogue. This, of course, creates a positive momentum in the Azerbaijani-American dynamics.

In your opinion, does the fact that Azerbaijan voiced support for Turkey in a conflict with Israel, hinder this process?

Of course, tension between Turkey and Israel is a matter of concern. Azerbaijan's position in this matter is fully consistent with international law and the spirit of brotherly relations with Turkey. It is not surprising that Azerbaijan's position in such matters is always a matter of principle. As for Azerbaijani-American relations, they are based on a bilateral basis, so  I see no link between this issue and tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

In your opinion, is there any risk that the Jewish lobby in the U.S. will unite with the Armenian lobby, and this will result in recognition of America's mythological "Armenian genocide" and increased financial assistance from the United States and Armenia itself to the unrecognized separatist regime of Nagorno-Karabakh?

It is not surprising that the Armenian side is trying to use any event for propaganda purposes.
For example, in this matter, instead of getting concerned over the regional tension, the Armenian lobby spares no effort to persuade the Jewish community that the time has come to recognize the so-called "Armenian genocide". Perhaps, it is not very pleasant for the Armenians to act as a bargaining chip.

In turn, threats to recognize the so-called "Armenian genocide" by the U.S. Congress and other forms of pressure on Ankara are ill-advised and counter-productive, since it meets neither interests of stability in the Middle East, nor interests of the United States and Israel. Rather, the way out from current situation is an objective investigation into the incident and dialogue between the parties involved.

The United States admits importance of relations with Azerbaijan, which we touched upon above. Many friends of Azerbaijan in the United States, including representatives of the Jewish community, appreciate our country's contribution to the dialogue of civilizations. Therefore, I see no reason for optimism with the Armenian separatists. Stepped up U.S. efforts to achieve an early settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict would be much more useful.


/Day.Az/