Expert comments on Clinton's visit to Azerbaijan

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's forthcoming official visit to the region and in particular to Azerbaijan testifies to the importance attached by the U.S. to the region, as well as bilateral relations between the U.S with each country, Trend Expert Council member, Professor of the Western University, political analyst Fikret Sadikhov said today.

"It is no secret that the U.S. has its own strategic interests in the region," he told Trend. "It is interested in stability and the development of democratic values and safe operation of the grandiose projects where they are involved."

U.S. Secretary of State will visit Azerbaijan during her tour to the South Caucasus on June 6.

He added that of course, the White House attaches particular importance to Azerbaijan. The country has come a long way in its development over 20 years. It virtually became a leading country in many respects. It has been elected a member of the UN Security Council. All this gives great importance to Azerbaijan. He added that Azerbaijan is also interested in developing relations with the U.S.

"Of course, if anyone thinks that all regional problems and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are immediately resolved after the visit, one should not deceive themselves," Sadikhov said.

Another question is that the U.S. can take the initiative. Being interested in stability in the region, the U.S may have an impact on Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. This would attach the significance to Clinton's visit and in general the U.S. role in the region, he added.

He stressed that another important aspect of the upcoming visit, which cannot be forgotten is that it will take place within the U.S. presidential campaign. In this situation, the White House should determine the priorities of its foreign policy, show interest in stability in certain regions and enlist the support of its electorate on the policy in the South Caucasus. In this regard, the White House must be interested in the final settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.


/Trend/