"THE US STRIVES TO achieve PEACE IN THIS REGION"

Carey Cavanaugh was the first US co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group. In different years he represented US interests in different countries, including Russia, Germany, Georgia, Italy and Switzerland. Currently, Cavanaugh is the director of the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Com-merce at the University of Kentucky.

- The international Azerbaijan-USA forum "Vision for the Future" took place in Baku recently. It was attended by 360 representatives of the US. How significant do you think this forum is for the development of bilateral ties?

- This forum is of great importance and creates opportunities for many Americans to get to know Azerbaijan. Many of my fellow countrymen have never been to Azerbaijan, nor do they know about the economy or politics in this country. As for me, I have seen a completely different country. I often visited Azerbaijan when I was a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. In comparison with that time, I can now see very big changes. For me this was of big importance, I could meet my old friends and colleagues and renewed my ties with the government and the Foreign Ministry. I was interested to hear the speech by President Ilham Aliyev about the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. I think that a peaceful solution will be found to this conflict.

- What results did you achieve as a former co-chair of the Minsk Group?

- When I was a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Azerbaijan had just only become an independent state. There were many problems, we worked hard. At the time, we worked on package and phased projects for the settlement and learnt the opinions of the sides. I also took an active part in the talks in Key West.

- Azerbaijan backed the USA in the operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo. What does the US back Azerbaijan in? Can this backing be seen in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict?

- The USA provides support in several areas, the most important of which is the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. The US primarily strives to achieve peace in this region. Both back then and now the US intensifies its activities towards resolving the problem in a peaceful manner. You could also see this from the visit to Azerbaijan by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

- What is your assessment of the current level of Azerbaijani-US relations?

- I think the relationship further develops and improves by the year. I see positive sides of this relationship. By the way, the level of the relations was clearly demonstrated by the impressive US delegation that arrived at the Azerbaijan-USA forum "Vision for the Future".

- What is your assessment of Azerbaijan's foreign policy in this difficult region?

- I think that Azerbaijan conducts a wise policy. In any case, Azerbaijan always makes its own decisions. The reality is that Russia is a neighbouring country. On the other hand, the USA and Azerbaijan are strategic partners.