Tweet
PETER TASE: "THE UNITED STATES MUST TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE TOWARDS SOLVING THE ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN CONFLICT"
The Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency
Oct 29 2014
29.10.2014 [22:03]
Washington, October 29, AzerTAc.
Peter Tase, International Programs Assistant of Marquette University
(WI) and International Relations expert gave an interview to Washington
Bureau of AzerTAc following her recent visit to Azerbaijan.
- You recently attended Baku Humanitarian Forum. What are your general
impressions about the forum itself and the capital of Azerbaijan?
-Azerbaijan is not only the birthplace of fire but also is the
foundation of genuine patriotism, hardworking people, consolidated
democratic government and has emerged as a nation with avant-garde
architecture in Eurasia. Azerbaijan is a dynamic young nation with
a vibrant capital city. Over the last two decades Baku has become a
genuine metropolitan city at the heart of Eurasia, which rivals some
of the best western European capitals; it has also adopted its own
urban landmarks similar to the Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago,
with exclusive shops and restaurants just like the wind city. I am
honored to be part of this prestigious Global Forum in which more than
600 former heads of state, politicians, Nobel laureates, scholars,
journalists and diplomats attended from over 60 countries around the
world. Azerbaijan is currently playing a vital role towards fostering
intercultural dialogue, religious tolerance and promotion of peace
and democratic values worldwide. There is no other country in the
world like Azerbaijan that invests so much time and energy towards
preserving global peace and stability by organizing such strategic
forums which help us in resolving today's most pressing issues. Over
the last decade, the government of President Ilham Aliyev has always
emphasized the religious tolerance and peaceful solution of current
regional and global disputes and pending disagreements.
- Metaphorically speaking, what puts Azerbaijan on the map for you? In
other words, what is, in your opinion, significant about Azerbaijan
that will draw attention of an American to the Land of Fire?
-Azerbaijan, is home of the Paleolithic period, Azykh Cave is located
in the territory of the Fuzuli district, which is considered to
be the site of one of the most ancient proto-human habitations in
Eurasia. In 2007 another ancient monument southwest of Baku, Gobustan
was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be an
"outstanding universal value" for the quality and density of its rock
art engravings.
The Government of President Aliyev has made great efforts to make
Azerbaijan one of the most developed countries in Eurasia and has
pursued a dynamic foreign policy that serves well to the economic and
social development of the Caspian region. I must emphasize that the
positive reforms set by the government of President Ilham Aliyev should
serve as a perfect example and success story to those underdeveloped
countries that aspire to reach high levels of economic development and
eradicate poverty. My deep gratitude and appreciation goes to Mr. Aslan
Aslanov, the Director General of the Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency
(AzerTAc). This information agency has always played an important
role towards the promotion of history, culture and government reforms
of Azerbaijan. Quite frankly, my introduction to the Republic of
Azerbaijan was through the employees and the website of AzerTAc.
- Azerbaijan is a fast developing economy. Although oil and gas is a
driving force, it's also developing its non-oil sector. What is your
outlook for Azerbaijan in a decade? What areas of economy, in your
opinion, can or should develop and make it a regional hub?
-In 2006-2008, Azerbaijan was the fastest growing economy in the
world. Contemporary architecture and cutting edge urban development
nationwide will increase the development of tourism sector. Ancient and
archeological sites, religious centers that are used for pilgrimages
as well as beautiful landscape give Azerbaijan unparalleled advantages
in order to further develop its tourism industry.
Research in Information Technology, satellite design and launching
technology, defense industry, renewable energy projects and sustainable
public works projects will continue to make Azerbaijan a leading nation
towards the socio-economic development in the Caucasus region. In the
next three years Azerbaijan is expected to inaugurate public works
such as paved roads in every district and village nationwide. High
quality food industry will also take a major focus in the next years.
- What should be done to enhance educational and cultural exchange
between Azerbaijan and the United States?
-Washington is lagging behind towards fostering the university to
university partnerships with Baku. In order to better understand
the culture and society of Azerbaijan it is essential that
universities establish centers of Azerbaijani Studies across the
United States, just like we have well established academic centers
that focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. The economic and
attractive government reforms of Azerbaijan have received less to
none international attention. We live in a multi-polar world and as
result our universities must adapt to these new geopolitical trends
and educate their students no only about the Americas but also about
highly important countries such as Azerbaijan. The United States
must adopt and encourage a National Policy of International Branch
Campuses for its public and private universities in Azerbaijan.
Currently the United States has 76 Branch Campuses and their majority
is located in the United Arab Emirates.
In the same vein, the implementation of Azerbaijani language and
history programs in the US Universities, hosting guest professors from
Baku is greatly needed in the US Universities. It is imperative for
America's young generations to understand that Azerbaijan has more
than one million refugees and internally displaced people (IDP),
including 250,000 Azerbaijanis who were expelled from Armenia,
700,000 Azerbaijanis who were expelled from Nagorno-Karabakh and seven
districts of Azerbaijan, and refugees from wars in other countries.
Currently Azerbaijan has been doing its best to improve the living
standards of these people. Every year the administration of Azerbaijan
resettles more than 20,000 IDPs, they have built 82 settlements and
40,000 families have been provided with flats or houses. The main
stream media in the US never pays attention to the Caucasus and
establishing various centers of Azerbaijani Studies in our country
would greatly help foster bilateral cultural ties.
- Finally, U.S. and Azerbaijan are recognized as allies. How should
Washington and Baku develop their ties to draw both nations' closer?
-In 1992, the United States established its diplomatic relations with
Azerbaijan, following its independence from the Soviet Union. Over
the years Washington, has been committed to strengthening democracy
and formation of an open market economy in Azerbaijan. The United
States and Azerbaijan have promoted regional security, enhanced energy
security, socio-economic development and strengthen political reforms.
However, it is unfortunate that Secretary John Kerry has not yet
conducted his first official visit as Secretary of State in Baku even
though U.S. Ambassador Richard Morningstar announced his possible
trip since March 19, 2014. Although Hillary Clinton paid an official
visit to Baku in June 2012, it is important that Washington continues
to have high level visits to Baku. Moreover, the United States must
take a leadership role towards solving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
to ensure full integrity and bring peace on the sovereign territory
of Azerbaijan.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a region of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenian forces
since the end of the war in 1994 and has been suffering from protracted
warfare or sporadic armed clashes since that time.
The United States government must condemn the crimes against humanity
such as Khojaly Massacre and honor its victims with a resolution in
the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Department of State must call upon the
community of nations to condemn the atrocities committed by the
Armenian armed forces. Security partnership and energy security
cooperation should further be enhanced between the two countries,
and commercial ties must reach new levels every year.
Yusif Babanli Special Correspondent
http://azertag.az/en/xeber/Peter_Tase_The_United_States_must_take_a_leadershi p_role_towards_solving_the_Armenia_Azerbaijan_conf lict-806601
The Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency
Oct 29 2014
29.10.2014 [22:03]
Washington, October 29, AzerTAc.
Peter Tase, International Programs Assistant of Marquette University
(WI) and International Relations expert gave an interview to Washington
Bureau of AzerTAc following her recent visit to Azerbaijan.
- You recently attended Baku Humanitarian Forum. What are your general
impressions about the forum itself and the capital of Azerbaijan?
-Azerbaijan is not only the birthplace of fire but also is the
foundation of genuine patriotism, hardworking people, consolidated
democratic government and has emerged as a nation with avant-garde
architecture in Eurasia. Azerbaijan is a dynamic young nation with
a vibrant capital city. Over the last two decades Baku has become a
genuine metropolitan city at the heart of Eurasia, which rivals some
of the best western European capitals; it has also adopted its own
urban landmarks similar to the Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago,
with exclusive shops and restaurants just like the wind city. I am
honored to be part of this prestigious Global Forum in which more than
600 former heads of state, politicians, Nobel laureates, scholars,
journalists and diplomats attended from over 60 countries around the
world. Azerbaijan is currently playing a vital role towards fostering
intercultural dialogue, religious tolerance and promotion of peace
and democratic values worldwide. There is no other country in the
world like Azerbaijan that invests so much time and energy towards
preserving global peace and stability by organizing such strategic
forums which help us in resolving today's most pressing issues. Over
the last decade, the government of President Ilham Aliyev has always
emphasized the religious tolerance and peaceful solution of current
regional and global disputes and pending disagreements.
- Metaphorically speaking, what puts Azerbaijan on the map for you? In
other words, what is, in your opinion, significant about Azerbaijan
that will draw attention of an American to the Land of Fire?
-Azerbaijan, is home of the Paleolithic period, Azykh Cave is located
in the territory of the Fuzuli district, which is considered to
be the site of one of the most ancient proto-human habitations in
Eurasia. In 2007 another ancient monument southwest of Baku, Gobustan
was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be an
"outstanding universal value" for the quality and density of its rock
art engravings.
The Government of President Aliyev has made great efforts to make
Azerbaijan one of the most developed countries in Eurasia and has
pursued a dynamic foreign policy that serves well to the economic and
social development of the Caspian region. I must emphasize that the
positive reforms set by the government of President Ilham Aliyev should
serve as a perfect example and success story to those underdeveloped
countries that aspire to reach high levels of economic development and
eradicate poverty. My deep gratitude and appreciation goes to Mr. Aslan
Aslanov, the Director General of the Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency
(AzerTAc). This information agency has always played an important
role towards the promotion of history, culture and government reforms
of Azerbaijan. Quite frankly, my introduction to the Republic of
Azerbaijan was through the employees and the website of AzerTAc.
- Azerbaijan is a fast developing economy. Although oil and gas is a
driving force, it's also developing its non-oil sector. What is your
outlook for Azerbaijan in a decade? What areas of economy, in your
opinion, can or should develop and make it a regional hub?
-In 2006-2008, Azerbaijan was the fastest growing economy in the
world. Contemporary architecture and cutting edge urban development
nationwide will increase the development of tourism sector. Ancient and
archeological sites, religious centers that are used for pilgrimages
as well as beautiful landscape give Azerbaijan unparalleled advantages
in order to further develop its tourism industry.
Research in Information Technology, satellite design and launching
technology, defense industry, renewable energy projects and sustainable
public works projects will continue to make Azerbaijan a leading nation
towards the socio-economic development in the Caucasus region. In the
next three years Azerbaijan is expected to inaugurate public works
such as paved roads in every district and village nationwide. High
quality food industry will also take a major focus in the next years.
- What should be done to enhance educational and cultural exchange
between Azerbaijan and the United States?
-Washington is lagging behind towards fostering the university to
university partnerships with Baku. In order to better understand
the culture and society of Azerbaijan it is essential that
universities establish centers of Azerbaijani Studies across the
United States, just like we have well established academic centers
that focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. The economic and
attractive government reforms of Azerbaijan have received less to
none international attention. We live in a multi-polar world and as
result our universities must adapt to these new geopolitical trends
and educate their students no only about the Americas but also about
highly important countries such as Azerbaijan. The United States
must adopt and encourage a National Policy of International Branch
Campuses for its public and private universities in Azerbaijan.
Currently the United States has 76 Branch Campuses and their majority
is located in the United Arab Emirates.
In the same vein, the implementation of Azerbaijani language and
history programs in the US Universities, hosting guest professors from
Baku is greatly needed in the US Universities. It is imperative for
America's young generations to understand that Azerbaijan has more
than one million refugees and internally displaced people (IDP),
including 250,000 Azerbaijanis who were expelled from Armenia,
700,000 Azerbaijanis who were expelled from Nagorno-Karabakh and seven
districts of Azerbaijan, and refugees from wars in other countries.
Currently Azerbaijan has been doing its best to improve the living
standards of these people. Every year the administration of Azerbaijan
resettles more than 20,000 IDPs, they have built 82 settlements and
40,000 families have been provided with flats or houses. The main
stream media in the US never pays attention to the Caucasus and
establishing various centers of Azerbaijani Studies in our country
would greatly help foster bilateral cultural ties.
- Finally, U.S. and Azerbaijan are recognized as allies. How should
Washington and Baku develop their ties to draw both nations' closer?
-In 1992, the United States established its diplomatic relations with
Azerbaijan, following its independence from the Soviet Union. Over
the years Washington, has been committed to strengthening democracy
and formation of an open market economy in Azerbaijan. The United
States and Azerbaijan have promoted regional security, enhanced energy
security, socio-economic development and strengthen political reforms.
However, it is unfortunate that Secretary John Kerry has not yet
conducted his first official visit as Secretary of State in Baku even
though U.S. Ambassador Richard Morningstar announced his possible
trip since March 19, 2014. Although Hillary Clinton paid an official
visit to Baku in June 2012, it is important that Washington continues
to have high level visits to Baku. Moreover, the United States must
take a leadership role towards solving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
to ensure full integrity and bring peace on the sovereign territory
of Azerbaijan.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a region of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenian forces
since the end of the war in 1994 and has been suffering from protracted
warfare or sporadic armed clashes since that time.
The United States government must condemn the crimes against humanity
such as Khojaly Massacre and honor its victims with a resolution in
the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Department of State must call upon the
community of nations to condemn the atrocities committed by the
Armenian armed forces. Security partnership and energy security
cooperation should further be enhanced between the two countries,
and commercial ties must reach new levels every year.
Yusif Babanli Special Correspondent
http://azertag.az/en/xeber/Peter_Tase_The_United_States_must_take_a_leadershi p_role_towards_solving_the_Armenia_Azerbaijan_conf lict-806601