U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan believes that his recent sensational
interview has reached its goal

17:12 09/06/2014 >> REGION

“For 23 years since the independence of Azerbaijan we have supported
it and have never interfered in its internal affairs. I have just
shared my thoughts on certain issues, in accordance with the balanced
U.S. policy. And if, after my interview the society and even the
government is still discussing my position, then I believe that it has
reached its goal,” at the “Hesabat” program on ANS TV stated U.S.
Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar commenting on his
interview with “Radio Liberty” where he had told that the Azerbaijani
government is not monolithic and there is risk of recurrence of the
Ukrainian events, the Azerbaijani news portal “Haqqin.az,” reports.
The ambassador stated that his words were misinterpreted.

“Anyone can read the text of my interview at the official site of the
embassy and make sure that it is balanced and fair,” said the
Ambassador.

He also stressed that he had told the following, “”If you take too
hard a line and do not give enough breathing space to civil society,
arguably, it is more likely that at some point there could be a real
issue; if not today, then in 5, 10, 20 years from now.”

Morningstar stated that to ensure the development and stability in
Azerbaijan it is necessary to create conditions for the civil
society’s activities, “Someone may disagree with me again, each has
its own position, and this is my opinion.”

The U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar stated in the
interview given to the Azerbaijani service of “Radio Liberty” that the
Azerbaijani authorities for no reason cause artificial barriers for
the development of the civil society, persecute and suppress the
freedom of speech and the media. Continuation of this policy may
eventually lead to “Maidan” in Azerbaijan, and there is no need to
blame the West in it, he said.

After the interview of the Ambassador, the deputy heads of the
presidential administration of Azerbaijan Novruz Mammadov and Ali
Hasanov, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev and the head
of the presidential administration Ramiz Mehdiyev have harshly
criticized Ambassador Morningstar and the U.S. as a whole. In its
turn, the U.S. Embassy stated that it does not agree with such a
criticism.

Source: Panorama.am

From: Baghdasarian