U.S. ambassador Anne Derse: There should be a good basis to strengthen the partnership between the United States and AzerbaijanU.S. ambassador Anne Derse: There should be a good basis to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan
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 it is possible to define the main outlines of the foreign policy. 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. As to the defence, he sent 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 orders 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.
-What 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. In the time of serious changes in the country it is important to fully engage people in this process. 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 United 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 for 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 is 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 States 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. /APA/