Today.Az » Politics » Jonathan Henick: "I want to return to Azerbaijan no matter as a tourist or for business"
27 June 2008 [09:32] - Today.Az
Day.Az interview with Jonathan Henick, chief of public policy department of the US Embassy to our country, completing his mission in Azerbaijan.
- Which impressions do you have while leaving Azerbaijan"
- I have been working for Azerbaijan for three years and I am now leaving it with great regret. Within these three years I got used to Azerbaijanis, learned national traditions and language. It is usual for diplomats. They get used to one country and then have to quit it. Therefore, it is difficult to leave the country. On the other hands, the new country. where I will work, and the new position will be interesting for me. I will have a new responsible work.
- Do you already know where you will continue your career?
- I will be assistant of US ambassador to Eastern Timor. I will go there in 2009 and until that I will leave in the United States.
- What is the most important that you have mentioned for yourself within these three years in Azerbaijan?
- Well, Azerbaijan is passing one of the most important moments in its history. The country gained independence 17 years ago. The first years were important for preservation of independence, while now they are implementing oil and gas projects. The last and the next three years will be very important for Azerbaijan, especially, in the sense of democratic and economic development. Therefore, it was very interesting to live and work here and though I will live in Eastern Timor I will closely watch the developments in Azerbaijan.
- How will the the presidential elections in Azerbaijan be held and how do you assess the pre-election situation, especially following introduction of amendments to the Electoral Code and the law "On Freedom of Assembly"?
- As to the long-term perspective I consider Azerbaijan will be developing democratically. At the same time I would like to note certain problems. I will not say anything new in this sphere. The situation with freedom of speech when three journalists are in jail is not quite correct. Pressure is imposed on some other journalists. Therefore, I consider that these problems should be settled. If Azerbaijan wants to develop as a democratic state, all these problems must be settled in the nearest future.
Among other issues I can note the problem with freedom of assembly. People are free to hold meetings in each democratic state. Unfortunately, there are some restrictions in this direction. As we have seen, few meetings have been held in the country through the last 1.5 years. As for the United States, where there will be presidential elections this year, numerous meetings are held there every day. It is clear that in the year of elections the right for free assembly is important for each country, as it is a cause for raising social and political problems. We do not see it in Azerbaijan so far but we hope the problem will be settled as well.
- What would you recommend to a person, who will replace you in your position?
- His main advantage is that he had been in Azerbaijan for several months, he is studying Azerbaijani and I think he will be soon able to speak the language better than I do. We have considered all our programs, directions and policies. I can not say which will be the main topic. All problems I have mentioned before are important.
- Do you intend to visit Azerbaijan, at least as a tourist?
- Of course, though I have been in Azerbaijan for three years I was not able to visit some places, for example Lagich, Khinaliq. Azerbaijan will be developing. I want to see it.
I want to return here no matter as tourist or for business.
/Day.Az/
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