Eric Rubin: USA opposes unilateral steps in the matter of opening airport in Nagorno-Karabakh

USA opposes unilateral steps in the re-opening of the airport in Nagorno-Karabakh, said Eric Rubin, at the press conference in Baku Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.  This is how  he commented on the situation at the request of journalists around the plans of the Armenian side to open an airport in Khojaly, and establish air links with Armenia.

Rubin reminded the appeal of the  OSCE Minsk Group on the need to settle the issue through negotiations.

"In this matter none of the parties should take unilateral steps. This may negatively affect the achievement of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict, and to postpone the talks back. America, as co-chair of  the OSCE Minsk Group supports this idea, and supports the resolution of the issue through diplomatic channels," said Rubin.

Commenting on the results of his visit to Azerbaijan, he expressed satisfaction with the results of meetings in Baku with the President, Foreign Minister and representatives of the civil society in the country.

Rubin said that he discussed with the Azerbaijani leadership wide range of issues. "Bilateral relations are more extended and deepened. During these meetings, we discussed in detail cooperation in the economic sphere, trade and investment," said Rubin. He reported that he had  met  in Baku  with leaders of U.S. companies operating in Azerbaijan.

"I met with representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,  and discussed issues of mutual investment, and improving the investment climate," said Rubin.

He stressed that the strategic partnership between the two countries covers various areas, and stressed Azerbaijan's contribution to the international anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan.

Rubin also noted the discussion of  the  U.S. contribution to the development of democracy and civil society in Azerbaijan. He did  not comment on the criticism of the Azerbaijani leadership activities of BP, declaring inexpedience of American intervention.

"This is a question relating to them, however, America is interested in continuing and increasing and oil production in Azerbaijan, and wants to support it. It meets the interests of Western companies and Azerbaijan. At present, there is a huge potential in this direction, which should be used, and we support this," continued Rubin

 The USA supports the formation of a healthy society in Azerbaijan, which ultimately contribute to a healthy and government activities. "The cooperation between civil society and the government contributes to the development of the country as a whole," continued Rubin.

According to him, the USA for a long time support civil society. "I believe that important measures are taken in this direction, but there are questions that still have to be  realized," said Rubin.

As for the sanctions against Iran, Rubin said that it is aimed at ensuring that prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons. Azerbaijan, as a close neighbor can play an important role in this matter.

"We have made progress, by explaining the Iranian authorities that the development of its economy,  and achieving positive progress, Tehran could use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. However, this process must be carried out within the framework of the law on non proliferation of nuclear weapons. As President Obama said, the sanctions had their results, allowing the Iranian government to come to negotiating. Efforts continue in this direction," said Rubin.

Responding the question of democracy in Azerbaijan, Rubin noted that America has always supported democracy in the country. "We have regular productive and positive dialogue with Baku. The U.S. government will  continue support in this direction," said Rubin. -03C06-