POLITICS
“US`s current activity in Minsk Group inadequate”, Araz Azimov
Baku, December 23 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan has dedicated 20 years of its independence to search of foreign policy priorities. We tried to fully and successfully benefit from this historical chance.
This was stated by Araz Azimov, Azerbaijan`s deputy foreign minister, in his lecture at the Washington-based Atlantic Council on the theme “US-Azerbaijan Relations and View At South Caucasus”. At his words, Azerbaijan`s decision on integration to Euro-Atlantic space is unchangeable and plays important role in establishment of the East-West corridor, though these decisions sometimes were costly.
Noting importance of the relations with the United States for Azerbaijan, the diplomat said America`s current activity in the Minsk Group as a co-chair is inadequate and that this activity has notably lessened than after the events of August in 2008. Azimov said the peace talks on Nagorno Karabakh suffer from several factors including geo-political interests of super powers in region, the regional trends, and mainly indifference to the basic principles of the OSCE who mediates in negotiations. He said: “I always state in Washington that the conflict will not prevent development of Azerbaijan. And it will be a priority for us to restore our territorial integrity. We believe there is a simple way of solution: Azerbaijani refugees have to return to their homelands, and their security should be guaranteed. This concerns not only the surrounding areas, but also Nagorno Karabakh. Further, Armenia can be included to the economic projects in the South Caucasus”.
Concerning Armenia`s position in talks, Azimov said Yerevan`s keeping the Kalbajar and Lachin regions of Azerbaijan in hostage and its attempts to control over the Lachin corridor unilaterally is the sign of insincerity of the Armenians for cooperation and co-existence/ This strategy and such game will bring no use.
Azerbaijan`s deputy foreign minister Araz Azimov on December 20-22 has been on a working trip to the United States on invitation of the Department of State to conduct bilateral consultations with US.
During the visit, a number of issues of mutual interest were discussed.