Fariz Ismailzade: "Armenians have presented Azerbaijan as a military monster in the United States"

US foundation Heritage organized a conference on the South Caucasus "Role of the South Caucasus in the external policyof the United States and the attitude of the new administration to the region", said Fariz Ismayilzade, director of external political programs of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy Fariz Ismailzade.

According to him, director of the institute of Central Asia and Caucasus under John Hopkins Frederick Starr, Ariel Coen from Heritage Foundation, John Chiki from Pentagon, adviser of senator Lugar and others spoke at the event.

"On the whole, the conference was attended by about 150 people. The main discussed issues were the Russian-Georgian war and its influence on the region, relations of the United States with Turkey and Iran. Currently, there are definite chances and Obama wants at least not to be at war with Iran while position of Turkey against Israel changes much. The influence of this on the situation in the Caucasus was discussed.

Moreover, we also discussed the energy issue, as the Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis affected the situation and the role of Nabucco project and Azerbaijan has grown. There were many discussions on the Nabucco project and naturally when discussing the Caucasus it is impossible not to mention the unsettled conflicts", said he.

As for the Armenian side, he said it was represented by deputy ambassador in Washington.

"Armenians attacked Frederick Starr as he called Nagorno Karabakh occupied. The Armenian side rejects the very fact of occupation. When I said that Azerbaijan is ready to grant high autonomy to Nagorno Karabakh they answered they did not need it as Armenians have already self-determined.

They consider the referendum held in the beginning of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict without Azerbaijanis the final decision of Armenians. Certainly, I put forward my own arguments regarding illegitimacy of this referendum. That is the first conclusion is that they do not want to make any concessions. The second is that Armenians view Azerbaijan as a threat for themselves.

They say in open that Azerbaijan is arming, strengthening its military potential and that Armenia is obliged to buy weapon and receive aid. Even in the US Congress and other state structures we are asked why Azerbaijan wants war and the country leadership open says that it is ready to settle the conflict by way of force. Armenians have presented Azerbaijan as a military monster in the United States", concluded Ismayilzade.

/Day.Az/