University of Southern California hosts seminar about Azerbaijan

Professor at University of Southern California International Relations Department Robert Inglish and Consul General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles Elin Suleymanov made speeches at the seminar dedicated to Azerbaijan’s views on politics and security in the Caucasus region.

The discussions attended by academics and university students built on role of the United States and Russia on the Eurasian continent, future of regional energy projects, the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenian-Turkish relations.

Professor Robert Inglish noted the strategic importance of the Caspian region, as well as the discrepancies among analysts as to reasons for Turkey’s recently intensified foreign policy and possible consequences of opening of Turkish-Armenian border.

In turn, Elin Suleymanov stressed that unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict remains major threat to regional security.

The diplomat said Azerbaijan has always pursued a policy aimed at integration in the South Caucasus, but to achieve this requires a complete process, which includes conflict resolution and respect for basic human rights such as right to life and right of displaced persons to repatriation.

Suleyman said he was hopeful that the U.S. policy will be based on a comprehensive resolution of problems facing the region, and not on short-term symbolic steps.

Responding to questions from the audience, Suleymanov recalled that Azerbaijani leadership’s stance both in terms of energy security and foreign policy is based solely on national interests of Azerbaijan.

Day.Az