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Azerbaijanâ€™s Deputy Foreign Minister addresses International Caspian Forum in Istanbul

06 December 2012 10:42 (UTC +04:00)

Deputy Minister said Azerbaijan hopes an agreement will be reached with Russia, Iran and Turkmenistan on the status of the Caspian Sea.

The diplomat said Azerbaijan plays an important role in Europe’s energy security, gave detailed information about the existing and future energy projects. Touching on the discussions on Trans-Caspian project, Khalaf Khalafov said the fact that the project has both supporters and opponents is connected with the seriousness of the project.

“Trans-Caspian project should be approached within the sovereign rights of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. This does not touch the interests of the other Caspian states,” he said.

Underlining the importance of ensuring security, lasting peace for the development in the Caspian region, Khalaf Khalafov said the conflicts in the region impede the development of the region in the atmosphere of peace and stability.

Speaking about Nagorno Karabakh problem, Khalaf Khalafov said Armenia together with its foreign supporters occupied Azerbaijan’s territories.

“Unfortunately, aggressor and the aggression sufferer are treated equally, as the international community turns a blind eye to the occupation and OSCE has double-standard approach,” he said.

According to the diplomat, achieving peace in the Caspian region is one of the priorities in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.