By Tehran Tapdigov, Baku / Azerbaijan
The relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan has always been filled with ups and downs. Although both countries are strategic partners, the U.S. has resorted to imposing sanctions on official Baku whenever it does not need Azerbaijan.
A similar scenario is unfolding again. The U.S. accuses Azerbaijan of human rights violations and taking a hard stance in relations with Armenia. However, looking back at recent history, we can see that, when U.S. troops were in Afghanistan, Washington presented Baku as a reliable partner because it needed Azerbaijan’s airspace and its cooperation for cargo transportation.
Now, the situation is changing. As Azerbaijan is set to host COP 29, a conference focused on climate change, Washington’s sanction policy suggests that the U.S. may not be a friendly country.
However, Baku also has enough retaliatory measures against the United States. Commenting on the topic, Azerbaijani MPs Arzu Nagiyev and Azer Badamov clarified many points.
Azer Badamov states that the U.S. has always pursued a two-faced policy towards Azerbaijan.
“Unfortunately, the United States continues its two-faced and hypocritical policy towards Azerbaijan. Sixty U.S. Congress members have sent a letter to the State Department requesting sanctions against Azerbaijan. This letter is also, in fact, addressed to the U.S. State Department itself. It was prepared at the request of the State Department. Using its political power, the U.S. is pushing an Azerbaijanophobic and Islamophobic agenda, raising groundless issues about imposing sanctions.”
In response, 43 Azerbaijani deputies have addressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, suggesting that relations with the U.S. be reassessed and calling for the suspension of USAID activities in Azerbaijan.
“In the letter sent, one of the recommendations made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was to halt the activities of USAID in Azerbaijan. Although USAID is presented as a development support fund, it is actually a tool used to disrupt political stability in countries. It serves to create tension between governments and their citizens by funding radical forces that serve their interests. We do not need USAID. Azerbaijan has no need for financial support from USAID. Our country’s economic power is sufficient.”
Deputy Arzu Nagiyev also believes that an organization causing tension should not operate in Azerbaijan.
“The U.S. is pursuing a hostile policy. Through NGOs, they provide aid to Armenia and other forces. If an organization in my country is supporting those who are hostile to us or those acting against us, how can it continue its activities in Azerbaijan? The deputies’ appeal is aimed at putting an end to this anti-Azerbaijan policy.”