Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Eric Rubin, is satisfied with the talks with the Azerbaijani officials, saying that the meetings were held at a high level. According to the embassy, he met with Defense Minister, Zakir Hasanov , Deputy Foreign Ministers, Araz Azimov, Mahmud Mammadguliyev , as well as the deputy head of the Presidential Administration, Novruz Mammadov.
At a press conference on 5 December on the results of these meetings, he expressed a hope that the coming 2014 will be the "year of progress" in bilateral relations.
Replying a question whether he discussed the issues of democracy with officials in the light of harsh criticism by Washington the recent presidential elections in Azerbaijan , Rubin said that democracy and human rights are always part of bilateral dialogue for more than 20 years of relations between the two countries. And it will continue, he said.
"The United States supports the independence and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. In the basis are: economic progress, civil society, defenses and open state," he said.
Referring to the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the diplomat welcomed the resumption of talks at the highest level after a long pause, and expressed the hope that this will activate the peace process.
Rubin also welcomed Azerbaijan's contribution to the operation in Afghanistan, deliveries to the country and export of goods. He expressed a hope for the successful functioning of the transport corridor East-West even after withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
Asking the question on the ability to eliminate the embargo on arms delivery to Azerbaijan from the USA, Rubin said that he had met with the new Minister of Defense, and Washington looks forward to enhanced cooperation in the field of defense and security. However, the issues of arms deliveries are not within his jurisdiction, said Rubin.—03С06--
Politics
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On November 26, a group of reserve officers from the Nakhchivan special forces held a protest near the Azerbaijani presidential administration. The protesters participated in the 44-day war and were discharged after sustaining injuries. They claim that the payments they are entitled to have not been provided.
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On November 26, the Baku Court of Appeals heard a complaint regarding the extension of the detention of former diplomat Emin Ibrahimov. During the hearing, the investigator requested that the complaint be rejected, while Ibrahimov's lawyer, Aghil Laidj, pointed out the lack of grounds for keeping Ibrahimov in custody.
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Arrested economist Fazil Gasimov has reportedly faced pressure after protesting the interruption of a phone call with his family on November 16. "The phone call was cut off, and Fazil demanded that the connection be restored. Then, Jalal Alizadeh, a detention center officer, along with his colleagues, forcibly removed Fazil from the phone room in the medical unit of the facility, tearing his jacket and dragging him across the floor before throwing him into a cell.
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