Interview with Jason Katz, principal of the Tool Shed Group, a US-based consultancy that advises foreign governments.
Q: Do you think that the WikiLeaks revelations could harm the USA's relations with other countries, Azerbaijan in particular?
A: The WikiLeaks “information dump” is not only harmful to US relations with Azerbaijan, but US relations with nations throughout the world. For successful diplomacy to occur, there must be trust. This was a shocking breach of trust and terribly embarrassing to the US. That said, I believe that should the US finally refocus on Azerbaijan and the region in general, the relationship will quickly be repaired.
Q: What is your comment on the delay in appointing a US ambassador to Azerbaijan? Doesn't this harm bilateral relations?
A: The delay in appointing an ambassador to Azerbaijan is one of the most harmful situations to the traditionally close bilateral relationship between the US and Azerbaijan. It is unconscionable that one US senator is holding up the confirmation of an eminently qualified and capable presidential appointee in order to please a small constituency. This is yet another example of an American lawmaker losing sight of the dual role of the US Congress - of representing constituents and acting in the best interests of the United States. Playing ethnic politics in a case such as this is reprehensible.
Q: Russia as a mediator is very active in the Karabakh settlement. Do you believe that Russia is really interested in the settlement?
A: Russia has taken an increasingly active role in the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations, mainly because it suits its interests and the fact that the US is again not engaged. Whether Russia’s involvement is positive remains to be seen, as Russia can be depended upon to do whatever is in its own best interests. Given the close ties between Russia and Armenia, the renewal of Russian military base leases in Armenia, the fact that Russia guards some Armenian borders, etc., it would not necessarily appear that a resolution is in Russia’s best interest.
Q: Do you expect progress in the Karabakh settlement?
A: Although there were significant expectations for negotiations relating to Nagorno-Karabahk at the OSCE conference, I was not optimistic. Armenia seems never to miss the opportunity to miss an opportunity. The reality is that as a result of Armenian occupation and its unwillingness to come to any resolution, Armenia is an isolated third world nation. The only way for Armenia to share in the successes of the rest of the region is finally to start to negotiate in good faith.
Lala B.
News.Az
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