Interview with Asim Mollazade, member of committee of international relations, interparliamentary ties of Azerbaijani parliament.
Q: What has caused the postponement of the ratification of Matthew Bryza’s candidacy by the US Senate for the post of the US envoy in Azerbaijan?
A: As is known, pro-Armenian senators asked to postpone the detainment. Authors of amendment 907 “Act in support of freedom” adopted by the US Congress in 1992 and envisioning the veto on assistance to Azerbaijan agreed on this request with a great pleasure. Thus, the ratification of Bryza’s candidacy was postponed until September of this year. Thus, they have fulfilled the order of the Armenian diaspora and now there have been created conditions when the US Senate adopts resolutions contradicting to the interests of the US national security.
Q: Several senators described Bryza as a contradictory personality during hearings. Is this assessment real?
A: This comes from the fact that Armenian organizations have recently being conducting a campaign of lie against Bryza. Congressmen who were elected under support of the Armenian organizations played their role in formation of such an opinion. The lobby activity also played a role there. We have repeatedly noted that the active Armenian diaspora in the United States can achieve the adoption of resolutions contradicting to the US national interests in the US congress.
As for Bryza, I fully share the opinion of Senator Lugar who said Bryza is an experienced diplomat, he has done much for the US interests and he is well aware of Azerbaijan’s role in the region.
Q: Which goal does the Armenian diaspora really pursue if the personality of the envoys does not play a significant role in execution of their powers?
A: Here the Armenian diaspora, demonstrating its power, is trying to influence the processes. The Armenian diaspora holds the indirect policy contrary to the US interests. Therefore, both the Republic of Armenia and “virtual Armenia” including all Armenians conducts a similar policy. However, this policy is contrary to global processes, events ongoing in our region, as well as the interests of the United States and its allies.
Q: How does the protraction of appointment of the US envoy in Azerbaijan influence the US-Azerbaijani relations?
A: I have a negative attitude to the Senate decision and I think it is contrary to the national interests of the United States and causes damage to the US-Azerbaijani relations.
This problem, in general, is contrary to the US interests in the region since the United States is not represented in Azerbaijan on the level of the ambassador. Thus, this country cannot execute a number of issues. That is quite a paradoxical situation has been created, when the main damage of the Armenian diaspora is caused to the United States rather than Azerbaijan. Thus, this issue has turned into the factor creating problems for the United States.
Q: Is there a need for Azerbaijan to make corrections to its policy on the United States due to the appointment of the ambassador?
A: I do not think that Azerbaijan needs to make any changes in its foreign policy. Azerbaijan holds stable policy, which is completely transparent and clear. Therefore, Azerbaijan’s policy cannot be changed in the result of the activity of the Armenian lobby. We continue holding the policy based on partner relations with the United States. The foreign policy strategy of Azerbaijan is built on creation of friendly and partner relations with other countries. I think the delay in the appointment of an envoy is a problem of the internal policy of the United States. I hope the US voters will be able to assess these decisions contrary to the national interests of the United States in the duly manner after the upcoming November elections in the United States.
Lala B.
News.Az
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
