Ali Hasanov about the conditions of partnership with the United States

 The Head of Socio-Political Department of the Administration of Azerbaijan, Ali Hasanov,  stated about the interests of Baku to maintain partnerships with the United States, on the principles of "non interference in internal affairs." Azerbaijan's foreign policy is based on principles of equal cooperation, non-interference in internal affairs, Hasanov said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Azerbaijan opened the Caspian region to the West, provided the participation of the US companies and Europe in the production, and export of Caspian hydrocarbons. In 1994 Azerbaijan joined the NATO program "Partnership for Peace", participated in NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Azerbaijan, as "modernist" Muslim country, has worked closely with the West, joined the Council of Europe, joined the EU program "Eastern Partnership", provides comprehensive support for the development of civil society, independent media, ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens, argued Hasanov. However, in recent years, "some circles in the US," and especially the number of NGOs, independent experts carried out a campaign unhealthy black PR against Azerbaijan, contrary to the principles of partnership.

"In addition, some officials of the US State Department make statements misleading the Azerbaijani society, damaging relations between the two countries," said Hasanov, without specifying exactly which application he has in mind.

The question whether it was true that the relations have never been so strained, Hasanov said that attempts to former US officials, "teach" independent states "can" aggravate bilateral relations.

In his view, the positions of the two sides  coincide  in terms of transnational interests,  in the global plane, and the  nature of the relationship is a partnership.

   "Ilham Aliyev wants everyone to respect the will of his country and its politics. Azerbaijan expects  such attitude from the United States, China, Russia, Britain and France, as well as Iran and Turkey - and other neighboring partner countries," said Hasanov.

Those who want to see Azerbaijan as its "satellite" or outpost, should abandon this, Hasanov noted.

Does the US want the change of power in Azerbaijan through the "fifth column"? Answering this question, Hasanov said that there are attempts under the guise of democracy to implement interference in the internal affairs of States, taking control of public policies and social processes in them.

Such a scenario at one time was used in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East.

Such led to destabilization, civil strife, economic decline,  and social cataclysms.

"Some facts give reason to believe that such plans will be prepared in respect of Azerbaijan. I would not want to directly link these efforts with the president and the US administration. President Obama and other American officials have stated the importance of cooperation with Azerbaijan, and expressed willingness to work with the government of President Ilham Aliyev. We believe in the sincerity of these intentions," said Hasanov.

Referring to the criminal investigation of the Baku bureau of  "Radio Azadlig",  Hasanov repeated Prosecutors said that this is done on the basis of information on the "financial opacity" edition.

"Foreign media correspondents in Azerbaijan or operate on the basis of their statutes and laws of Azerbaijan and accreditation rules. Relevant state agencies oversee compliance with the law, and if there is a violation, to take legal action.

"Radio Azadlig" has no local frequency and operates as an Internet radio in accordance with its charter. She went on and probably would continue to work through the Internet. Of course, the question of further activity of the "Radio Liberty" will depend on the results of the investigation," he said.

Hasanov denied any link between the closing of  the "Radio Liberty" and phone calls of the  US Secretary of State, John Kerry, with Ilham Aliyev five days before the raid on the radio "Azadlig."

According to him, in conversation, the sides discussed issues of bilateral relations. Hasanov refuted the opinion that Azerbaijan has made a strategic choice in favor of Russia. According to him, Azerbaijan supports the development of cooperation in accordance with the national interests of all countries, including the United States and the Russian Federation, and this policy is not directed against other stran.-06D-