EDITOR's NOTE: Quotes added to fourth paragraph
Azerbaijan attaches immense importance to the upcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Presidential Administration Social and Political Department head Ali Hasanov told journalists today.
Clinton will arrive in Baku July 4, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip H. Gordon said Tuesday at special briefing.
Hasanov stressed that Azerbaijan establishes relations with foreign countries given their attitude toward the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
"First and foremost, U.S. support and the U.S. attitude toward the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is important for us," he said.
Azerbaijan also takes into account Washington's stance cooperation in the energy, international security, human rights and democracy spheres, Hasanov said.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994.
The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the United States - are currently holding the peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the occupied territories.
Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]