A seminar on Azerbaijan`s strategic role in the region has been held at Stanford University, California.
The seminar was attended by Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan`s Consul General in Los Angeles, and Gail Lapidus, Senior Fellow Emerita at the Institute for International Studies at Stanford University.
Lapidus praised Azerbaijan`s role from the point of view of the United States` national interests. However, she said official Washington paid an insufficient attention to the South Caucasus.
Suleymanov highlighted the history of statehood in Azerbaijan, the first democratic republic in the East and Muslim world. The Consul General highlighted the traditions of tolerance and openness in Azerbaijan` society. Suleymanov, however, voiced concern over attempts by certain external forces to radicalize the social dialogue in the country.
He touched upon the January 20 tragedy of 1990, calling it "the symbol of the Azerbaijani people`s self-sacrifice for their independence".
Suleymanov highlighted Armenia`s aggressive policy.
"Yerevan made a choice in favor of aggressive ethno-nationalism, at the same time, increasing its dependence on external forces."
The Consul General also touched upon the United States` role in the region, saying Washington could be more active in "settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict".
"The Karabakh conflict, which lasts already for more than twenty years, is a serious threat to the future of the whole region. And the existence of such conflicts can cause a serious damage to the interests of the United States itself."
"And it is difficult to speak of the USA`s regional strategy given a year-long delay in appointing an ambassador in Baku," said Suleymanov.
However, the Consul General noted, the situation somewhat changed after US President Barack Obama bypassed the Senate to appoint Matthew Bryza, a Stanford University alumnus, as Washington`s envoy in Azerbaijan.
Suleymanov also highlighted Azerbaijan`s role in ensuring Europe`s energy security. The diplomat said Baku was committed to diversifying its energy supply routes to the world markets. He urged European energy partners to be more active in this respect.

AzerTAc  

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