Mollazade says Armenia's dependence on Russia obstacle to regional peace

The chairman of the Democratic Reforms Party of Azerbaijan, Asim Mollazade, participated in the Energy and Economic Summit of the Atlantic Council held in Istanbul. The summit was opened by Turkish President Abdullah Gul. U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the former U.S. presidential adviser on national security, General Brent Scowcroft, Samuel Richard Berger and others spoke about regional politics, economy, energy, business development, political relations, as well as difficulties in relationships. The Iraqi minister of energy touched on the possible export of Iraqi gas to the European market through the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline ( TANAP ). Also discussed was the prospect of transporting Israeli gas through TANAP to Europe. They also exchanged views on solving global issues and regional challenges in the Black Sea and the Caspian region, the Middle East, the Balkans, the U.S. and the EU countries.Participants in the summit emphasized the importance of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline ( TAP ), which is being jointly implemented by Turkey and Azerbaijan. It was said that in recent years Turkey, implementing oil and gas projects jointly with Azerbaijan, has become a leading energy alternative for the United States and the Euro-Atlantic space in general. Representatives from a number of European countries spoke on the issue of getting rid of the Russian gas monopoly and particularly stressed the joint projects of Azerbaijan and Turkey.Mollazade took an active part in the discussions. He spoke about the importance of regional projects that Azerbaijan participates. He touched on the results of the economic crisis in the U.S. and Europe. Mollazade regretted the fact that the U.S. and Europe are not paying due attention to the region because of the financial crisis which can benefit dangerous regional forces. The MP spoke about the Russian pressure on the regional countries, as well as problems arising from the occupation policy of Armenia against Azerbaijan, an exporter of oil and natural gas. According to him, Armenia has lost its independence and the level of its development is no different from that of Kaliningrad, a province of Russia. He said that Armenia's dependence on Russia is an obstacle to peace, stability and the implementation of major energy projects in the region. Therefore, international organizations and big powers should try to reduce the Russian influence and resolve regional conflicts for the development of the region.ANN.Az