ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS

While the Armenian diaspora is trying to prevent the appointment of a new US ambassador to Azerbaijan, with the help of some US senators, relations between Baku and Washington are on the rise -  despite the absence of an ambassador to our country. Visits to Azerbaijan by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with Barack Obama's meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in New York, illustrate the two sides' interest in leading their relations out of a kind of "summer break". To find out how high-level contacts affect the quality of relations, what problems take priority and the short-term priorities for Baku and Washington, we interviewed the US charge d'affaires in Azerbaijan, Adam Sterling.

- On 24 September, the presidents of Azerbaijan and the US - Ilham Aliyev and Barack Obama - had a meeting in New York. How do you assess the outcome of this meeting in terms of the further development of relations between the two countries?

- Currently, US-Azerbaijani relations are at a very high level, as was confirmed once again by the meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Barack Obama in New York. I must add that the positive relationship between our two countries is also proved by the recent visits to Baku by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defence Secretary Robert Gates. America and Azerbaijan have common priorities in various areas. Therefore, high-level contacts will give a great boost to the development of cooperation. The aim of these meetings was to strengthen ties between the two countries.

- Some believe that before Ms. Clinton's visit, relations between the US and Azerbaijan were somewhat cool. In that case, what exactly did the visit of the US Secretary of State to Baku change?

- Actually, I would like to emphasize that we had good relations initially, and that was long before the visits by senior officials. But the main effect of these meetings usually lies in a better understanding between officials. For example, while visiting Azerbaijan, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had the opportunity to become better acquainted with your country. The meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Barack Obama also contributed to a better understanding of the principles of cooperation between the two countries. Naturally, all these meetings provide an impetus for future relations. At the least, we have mutual interests.

- A new US ambassador to Azerbaijan has not yet been appointed. Is it really a complicated procedure or are there other reasons?

- According to the United States Constitution, an ambassador is nominated by the president and confirmed by Senate. In this case, President Obama nominated Matthew Bryza in May. The Senate Committee on International Relations recently endorsed the candidacy of Bryza after examining all the information about him. The Committee recommended the ambassador to Senate, and we are now awaiting approval there. I should note that there is nothing unusual in this. Such a procedure is used not only to elect the president, but also to appoint other high-ranking government officials. In the two years of Barack Obama's presidency, more than a hundred candidates have undergone this procedure, and there are still cases postponed or waiting. We are also waiting for the appointment of an ambassador to Azerbaijan. But I must say that cooperation between the two countries continues in spite of everything.

Of course, there are delays in appointing ambassadors to this region. A similar case occurred in connection with Armenia. Currently on the agenda is the question of approving the candidacy of the US ambassador to Turkey. I have to say that such delays can be incorrectly interpreted. But Senate is an independent body and has no specific timetable. That is, there is no official provision saying that an issue should be discussed within a specific period of time. Senate has its own rules and timetable. In addition, the senators themselves can demand that consideration be deferred.

- Much is being said about the importance of ensuring stability in the Caucasus. But when it comes to action, it is clear that things are not so easy...

- Ensuring stability in the Caucasus is an important priority for the United States. This was emphasized by the US president at the meeting with Ilham Aliyev. He noted the importance of resolving the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. Barack Obama, Robert Gates and Hillary Clinton brought the US' interest in resolving the conflict to the attention of the Azerbaijani leadership. This is why we are members of the OSCE Minsk Group. The US government believes that democratic development and free economies will secure stability in the region.       

- On 7 November, Azerbaijan will hold parliamentary elections. How do you assess the pre-election situation in the country?

- During Hillary Clinton's visit to Baku, and even at the meeting between the presidents in New York, many issues, such as democratic elections, democratic development etc., were discussed. President Obama said in his speech to the UN General Assembly that democratic development is the development of human capital.

Recently, at a meeting with Mazahir Panahov, head of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission, I stressed that our embassy will work closely with election commissions, constituencies and other bodies. We are ready to cooperate in this field. I would also note that, for sure, we will spare no effort for the development of a favourable climate in this election. We intend to monitor the elections along with international organizations and other states. Then we will share our observations with them.

- What kind of country is Azerbaijan for Adam Sterling personally?

- Since Azerbaijan gained its independence, the US' main priority has been support for the strengthening of this independence. One might say that this has been the focus of all our efforts - from the sphere of security and energy to the development of democracy and a free society. During the years of independence, Azerbaijan has achieved a great deal. But your country, if I may say so, is still very young. Even Barack Obama reiterated at his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev that he will support him even further on future democratic reforms in Azerbaijan. I repeat once again that Azerbaijan is a young, democratic country whose future has yet to come.

- You spent three years of your career working in the White House as director for Central and Eastern Europe at the National Security Council. How was Azerbaijan seen from the White House?

- I served at the White House mainly during the Bush administration. I worked a little with the Obama one. Azerbaijan was within the purview of our office, although I was not directly responsible for this sphere. At the same time, I know that US priorities in Azerbaijan have not changed. For the US government, Azerbaijan is an important strategic partner. We cooperate closely in many areas, especially on security matters. At his meeting with President Aliyev, Barack Obama thanked him once again for supporting the mission in Afghanistan. In general, cooperation on the prevention of extremism is important for both countries. And on the issue of energy security, Azerbaijan is of tremendous importance to Europe and the region.

- When and how did you learn to speak Azerbaijani?

- The State Department has a language institute. Diplomats learn the language of their host country there. So I learnt the Azerbaijani language back in Washington - before my arrival in Baku. I was taught by two Azerbaijani teachers. I learnt about the history and literature of Azerbaijan, but knowledge of the language is most important for us. Of course, the fact that we speak Azerbaijani is a diplomatic gesture. But it is not just a gesture, it is a very useful asset. The official language of your country is Azerbaijani. Most of the population speaks this language. It seems to me that to understand each other better, we need to speak Azerbaijani.