Confused Debate in the Parliament Ended with Invitation of R. Kozlarich

On Saturday at Committee for foreign relations of the Milli Majlis  were held  debates on Azerbaijani-US relations, in response to the hearings on February 12 at the US Congress on the same topic.

The head of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations Samad Seyidov described relations between the two countries 'strategic partnership'. He further spoke about the support that Azerbaijan provides to Washington and how the US does not appreciate this.

Azerbaijan and the United States cooperate closely in combating international terrorism, through Azerbaijan there is transit for coalition forces in Afghanistan, the Azerbaijani servicemen are in the coalition, providing airport security in Kabul. In addition, Azerbaijan provides energy security of Western countries.

"Therefore, we expect a fair and adequate treatment from the United States, and especially in the Karabakh conflict," Seyidov said, alluding to the bias of the United States in this matter.

He sees the reason for this in active operations of the Armenian lobby, "which does not consider the interests of Washington."

He further accused some geopolitical circles that raise the issue of human rights as a tool. "Human rights are not a toy or a tool in the hands of a small number of states," he said.

The economist Vugar Bayramov also urged the US to show "objectivity" in relation to Azerbaijan in all spheres. According to him, the policy of "double standards" would be a serious blow to US interests in the South Caucasus. At the same time, he did not explain what is expressed in these double standards.

Other pro-government experts and MPs accused the United States of providing financial support to Nagorno-Karabakh separatists and the recognition of the separatist regime by a number of US states.

"If the situation does not change, the relations between Baku and Washington will face serious tests," said the columnist Elman Nasirov.

MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev also spoke about the double standards of Washington, not only in relation to Azerbaijan. "We do not see any support for Ukraine in Washington, given that it has lost the Crimea. Washington is demanding from Kiev to negotiate with the separatists and does not supply arms to Ukraine," he said indignantly.

A private visitor to the United States Asim Mollazade noted strengthening of the position of Azerbaijan and the change in Washington's position. He called for continued efforts to promote Azerbaijan in the United States.

MP Zahid Oruj condemned statements by some circles in the US in matters related to Russia and Iran.

"Why do we have to change our position and spoil relations with our neighbors?" he said, without specifying what and whom he had in mind.

  "The West is taking steps in the matter of Ukraine, which for years has been wanted by Azerbaijan, i.e. the need for pressure and sanctions against the aggressor state," said Oruj.

MP Azay Guliyev stated for systematization of inter-parliamentary dialogue between Baku and Washington.

"We must show that we are ready for dialogue. It is necessary to invite representatives of the US to debate, including former diplomats like Richard Kozlarich. Then we shall prove the subjectivity of their positions and all will see the absurdity of their statements," said the MP. -02B-