Former U.S. ambassador: Conflicting sides should demonstrate perseverance to resolve Karabakh conflict

In his interview with ANS TV channel, Director of the Eurasian Center of the Atlantic Council, an experienced diplomat revealed some features of his country’s foreign policy.

"The recent visit of Robert Gates to Baku, Hillary Clinton’s planned trip to Azerbaijan, and finally appointment of ambassador to Azerbaijan by the President of the United States are very positive steps to open up prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between countries,” Wilson said.

According to him, the long absence of the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan should not affect relations between the two countries. Wilson believes, the delay was a purely technical process.

“Good relations in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey will help Matthew Bryza to organize a new job. The President has nominated Matthew Bryza, formally, but the last decision is after the Senate. If all goes well, his candidacy will be approved in July. From my own experience I can tell you that my nomination was put forward in February, but I was appointed to the ambassador's post in October. Appointment of ambassador takes much time, but this should not affect relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S.,” Wilson explained.

Ex ambassador did not rule out its involvement in the Karabakh conflict resolution.

"Despite the work done, I am very sorry, that the 3-year work in Azerbaijan and the U.S. State Department produced no results in resolving the Karabakh conflict. The solution to this problem is important both for Azerbaijan and Armenia. The parties have the will, which Moscow, Paris and Washington also have. To solve the Karabakh conflict, the parties must exercise patience and perseverance. I hope that the two presidents will come to a unanimous agreement in 2010,” Wilson added.


/ANS PRESS/