Let us take a broader, analytical approach to this issue. “Reuters” indeed published the information. This is not the first false and slanderous information on Azerbaijan disseminated by this agency. Surely, Azerbaijan may be criticized, but slander is inappropriate. You may recall the number of fictitious publications about our country prior to “Eurovision”. They also went out of their way to depict Israel-Azerbaijan relations as the ones targeting a third country, insisting that Azerbaijan has authorized its territory to be used for Israeli strikes against Iran.
Those issues are not incidental. They are saying Azerbaijan is a risky country like Afghanistan, Yemen or Somalia. What does it mean? What are the criteria for such conclusions? For years, not a single terrorist act has been perpetrated here, and there have been no threats to free movement of foreigners inside the country. Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies prevent any malicious activity and as such, the country enjoys safe environment. Dissemination of such information is aimed at misleading the international community and shaping a false image of the country. Clearly, provocations of such kind against Azerbaijan, a country that is dynamically developing and actively participating in the international projects, whilst aspiring to built a democratic state, serve the interests of certain forces. Thoughtfully, information published by “Reuters” leads to the State Department – agency quotes the latter.
Mr. Mammadov one gets an impression that conducting of foreign policy in America lacks coordination, because the most senior officials of the U.S.`s leadership always declare Azerbaijan as friend.
As I have mentioned earlier, there are several aspect that deserve contemplation. Anyways, there is an impression that everyone in the U.S. acts upon his discretion. However, they are forgetting something: should someone bother to take an interest in the issue and to investigate the matter more diligently, a real picture would emerge. How can one explain the acts of terrorism committed in Europe and the U.S. to date? Does not that make those countries risky?
Most recently a young man entered a school and murdered 20 elementary school students and 6 teachersin the U.S. Another vivid example - a 62 year old man sets his house ablaze aiming to kill his sister. Two firefighters rushing to his aid find their deaths too. It also happened in the U.S. What would you call this? Have we already forgotten the heinous murder of 77 innocent people by Breivik in Norway? Did the memory of the events in France this fall already fade? Does not Islamophobia that has permeated the countries of Europe entail risks? It seems that in the West they could not care less to find the answers.
I should add that such events have been occurring in the U.S. and Europe for years. Bear in mind, that albeit not affiliated with any terrorist organization but overwhelmed by certain moral, economic or psychological factors, perpetrators of those terrorist acts are nurtured by their respective societies. Somehow the U.S. or a certain European country does not make the list of the risky states. On the contrary Azerbaijan that ensures public order and incident free environment for foreign tourists ends up enlisted.
Mr. Mammadov, what is the motive? Is this what Azerbaijan gets in exchange for its cooperation with the West?
Those questions ought to be addressed by those circles. Interestingly, new wave of provocations coincides with the announcement of the decision to stage inaugural European Games in Azerbaijan. In this connection I wish to make a rather extraordinary comparison. Azerbaijan’s decision to combat terrorism alongside the West is only welcomed. They are expressing their consent and hail the participation in the anti-terrorism coalition as the contribution to global security. Thus, a decision to stage European Games in Baku should also be duly commented in the Western media. Instead, they unleash wrath and exaggeration of bogus facts on Azerbaijan. Compare it yourself: those are the “contributions” of the West for Azerbaijan’s part in the global fight against terror. How long will it last? Is not this unfair attitude detrimental to the very notion of justice?
So, it turns out that certain circles are persistently displaying unjust position against Azerbaijan?
I wish to remind you real facts. Politician must be guided by true and concrete facts. Such disinformation is aimed at obstructing the interest of foreign companies and their possible investments in Azerbaijan, and hampering the influx of tourists to the country. They seem to forget however, that for the past 20 years leading international companies are successfully operating in Azerbaijan and nothing has endangered their activity in the country.
For the last several years Azerbaijan has impeccably hosted number of grand events without force majeure, and any possible provocation was prevented in timely fashion. If the category of risk is defined by the probable events, then this Summer Olympics host city of London and some other Western European capitals that house international organizations’ headquarters must be firsthand included in the list. Are there any countries insured from that risk? Concrete facts have to be the primary criteria.
Interestingly, every achievement of Azerbaijan on the international arena seemingly brings about disinformation. We have encountered those during Eurovision, UN Security Council membership, and now the ill practice continues with the announcement of Baku as a host city of inaugural European Games.
Azerbaijan has repeatedly proven its capability to host the biggest of the events. Azerbaijan is the only country of the South Caucasus to successfully stage events dedicated to political cooperation, energy security, economic integration and sports. What would be the reaction of the Western media should those very events be organized by the Christian state of this region. That country would probably be hailed as a role model on the international arena. Yet superficial actions and shady games is what Azerbaijan encounters in exchange for its dynamic activity and hosting of world class events. This is attitude is totally inappropriate. It is beyond any norms and frameworks.
Regardless, Azerbaijan is moving forward in the right direction, because its position is righteous and fair. Its actions pursue global peace, cooperation and dialogue. From the early years of independence the country has rigorously adhered to the chosen course of successful development.
Newtimes.az
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