Domestic

Domestic

Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister: The matter on Gabala -- now is between U.S. and Russia

10 July 2007 09:50 (UTC +04:00)

â€œThe matter is -- now is between U.S. and Russia. It is located in our old territory and is being leased by Russian Federation under the terms of an agreement signed for 10 years till 2012.
So these conditions already prescribe Azerbaijan’s interest to the issue. Maybe this is one of reasons why we consult with both sides, with Russian Federation and with the United States. That is another issue of reaction of the United States to the proposal of President Putin and if this reaction will serve a basis for continued follow-up and if both sides will maintain these discussions, then probably Azerbaijan will be further engaged,â€ he said.
Matthew Bryza added that they really don’t know what the Russian proposal actually is.
â€œI just want to say that from my understanding, having seen what Secretary Rice has said, what she has said is that we are going to hear what President Putin’s proposal is. We will have no discussions and make no plans, and, of course, no decisions about Azerbaijan without Azerbaijan. As the Deputy Minister said, the Gabala facility is Azerbaijani property and as a matter not only of pure politeness, but friendship and partnership, we have to think through decisions and next steps together with Azerbaijan as well as with Russia,â€ he said. /APA/