POLITICS
USA TO CONTINUE STRATEGIC CO-OPERATION WITH AZERBAIJAN
Ali Hasanov cordially congratulated the American diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in this important and honorary position stressing that the warm and friendly relations between President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev and the U.S. President George Bush have a positive impact on expansion of the ties between the countries. Then, touching upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict Ali Hasanov told of historical roots of Nagorno-Garabakh problem and drew the guest’s attention to the plight of one million Azerbaijanis displaced from their homelands because of occupation. Having unveiled the kernel of Armenia’s destructive position towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict deputy Prime Minister noted that despite all difficulties problems of refugees and IDPs are the center of attention of the Azerbaijan’s leadership. Having expressed gratitude for humanitarian aid provided by world countries, including USA, Ali Hasanov stressed that Azerbaijan prefers to cooperate with international humanitarian organizations on the base of the transparent work mechanism.
Having thanked the deputy Prime Minister for the warm welcome and detailed information, Ambassador Reno Harnish stressed the policy of strategic co-operation between Azerbaijan and USA will be further continued, and that he would make every effort to fulfill the tasks he had been entrusted with in the name of further development of interstate relations. Then, he pointed out the US’ readiness to promote economic, political and cultural development of Azerbaijan which supports USA in the international anti-terror coalition and soonest resolution of the Nagorno-Garabakh conflict, improvement of the social situation of refugees and IDPs.