News.Az interviews Ikram Israfil, MP, member of the working group on interparliamentary ties Azerbaijan-US.
What was the reason of the delay in the appointment of Matthew Bryza’s candidacy as the US envoy in Azerbaijan by the US Senate?
First of all, it should be noted that the United States has a many-phased procedure of appointing the US envoy in foreign countries and this hamper the appointment of heads of the diplomatic missions by this country. I have studied the history of appointing US envoy in foreign countries, however, I have never come across a similar case, when the appointment of the head of the diplomatic mission was protracted for so long, like it now occurs with Bryza.
A number of senators described Bryza as contradictory personality during the hearings on his nomination. Do you agree with this description?
In fact, most, including me, have an opinion that Bryza is a contradictory personality. Such opinion is likely formed in Azerbaijan because of some vague statements he made regarding the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the fact that no significant progress was recorded in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict throughout the period of his activity in the Minsk Group.
A number of US senators also accuse Bryza of being gracious towards Azerbaijan…
I have never noticed Bryza saying pro-Azerbaijani statements. The most gracious statement made by Bryza is when he noted that the United States recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan though as is known all countries in the world, except Armenia, recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Therefore, in this statement there is nothing which can be regarded as the demonstration of his good will, going beyond the official policy of Washington.
In addition, some Azerbaijan bind some evasive statements of Bryza to the features of the diplomatic service, which almost prohibits making clear statements. I do not agree with this, since in his statements Bryza has never gone beyond the framework of professional powers established for him.
Then which goal does the Armenian diaspora pursue if Bryza has never said a word in favor of Azerbaijan and if the personality of envoys does not play a significant role in their fulfillment of duties?
Naturally, this is a political technology of the Armenian diaspora. Armenian side is well aware of the fact that Bryza is not a pro-Azerbaijani policy, however, they make use of the procedure of his appointment for their purposes, in particular, in voicing the so-called “Armenian problems” from the tribune of the Congress and the US Senate.
On the other hand, it is surprising and suspicious that the Armenian lobby is so strong and has managed to postpone the confirmation of Bryza’s candidacy at the post of the US envoy in Azerbaijan and then put off for an indefinite period.
How does the delay affect the Azerbaijani-American relations?
Naturally, the absence of an envoy of Azerbaijan from such a superpower as the United States has a negative influence on bilateral relations.
Is there a need for Azerbaijan to make corrections in its policy on the United States over the delay in the appointment?
Certainly, no. I have such an opinion after repeated personal meetings with some figures represented in the Azerbaijani government. They note that Bryza is not a person, whom Baku wants to see as the US envoy. I think this opinion in the government has established because they are well familiar with Bryza’s activity and know him quite well. In other words, Azerbaijan is not confident that Bryza will demonstrate himself in a different way, unlike in previous years.
U.U.
News.Az
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