Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 17
If the big states want to ensure stability, security and development, they should step back a little from their claims, said the deputy head of Azerbaijan's presidential administration, the chief of the administration's foreign relations department, Novruz Mammadov.
He was addressing a press conference on Jan. 17.
"Throughout the years of its independence, Azerbaijan has chosen its political path, to which it is true and which it follows," he said. "However, it is necessary to pay attention to what processes are taking place in the current international relations and why."
Mammadov further said that today a very tense situation is being observed in the world, as evidenced by numerous reports of television channels about the processes in the leading states.
"It is necessary to stay away from these dangerous processes that are largely dependent of the big states. If they really want to ensure stability, security and development, they should step back a little from their claims," he said.
Mammadov went on to add that these claims lead to the fact that everyone must do what these countries want.
"But, undoubtedly, there is a state that will not accept this," Mammadov said, adding, "From this point of view, Azerbaijan, in the period of its independence, has cooperated very successfully and fruitfully in all vectors. The US and Europe are one of such most important vectors."
He further said that in the area of political reforms, Azerbaijan is not behind the post-Soviet countries, as well as from other countries.
"The situation in Azerbaijan is much better than in most of those countries," Mammadov said.
"If not taking into account the work done by Azerbaijan, the energy and international cooperation, the fight against terrorism, the bilateral economic cooperation, then the country's domestic development and independent political path is comprised of our desire to get a fair attitude," he said.
"We respect the interests of all states and demand them to respect our interests. If these relations aren't mutually beneficial and aren't built on mutual respect, as a result, everything will come to the situation we currently have," he said.
Mammadov also regretted that the very biased, unfair attitudes that do not correspond to reality can be observed being expressed towards Azerbaijan.
"The desire of certain circles in some states can't be a law for us, we can't accept it. We are open for cooperation with all countries, as it has been since the early years of our independence," Mammadov stressed.
He said similar pressure was observed during the election of Azerbaijan as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
"However, in any situation, in any processes on international arena, the Azerbaijani president pursues his foreign policy. And this policy is protecting the interests of the country, state and the people," Mammadov said.
He said there are also double standards with regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts have been under occupation for over 20 years, there are over a million refugees and internally displaced persons in Azerbaijan. No NGO and structure in Europe and the US say anything about this," Mammadov added.
He stressed that Azerbaijan has its own path and its own interests.
"We are committed to our path," Mammadov said, adding, "The way the others understand and assess this, the same attitude they see."
Touching upon the terrorist attack that took place in Paris, Mammadov said the West loves to impose what it wants on people.
"Some time ago 150 teens aged 15-16 were killed in Pakistan. Everyone confined to condolences. Why these teens were not talked about for weeks, months? Terrorists have no religion or nationality. Injustice, protecting own interests, too, must have a limit," he said.