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"For 23 years since the independence of Azerbaijan we have supported it and have never interfered in its internal affairs. I have just shared my thoughts on certain issues, in accordance with the balanced U.S. policy. And if, after my interview the society and even the government is still discussing my position, then I believe that it has reached its goal," at the “Hesabat” program on ANS TV stated U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar commenting on his interview with "Radio Liberty" where he had told that the Azerbaijani government is not monolithic and there is risk of recurrence of the Ukrainian events, the Azerbaijani news portal "Haqqin.az," reports.
The ambassador stated that his words were misinterpreted.

"Anyone can read the text of my interview at the official site of the embassy and make sure that it is balanced and fair," said the Ambassador.

He also stressed that he had told the following, "“If you take too hard a line and do not give enough breathing space to civil society, arguably, it is more likely that at some point there could be a real issue; if not today, then in 5, 10, 20 years from now."

Morningstar stated that to ensure the development and stability in Azerbaijan it is necessary to create conditions for the civil society’s activities, "Someone may disagree with me again, each has its own position, and this is my opinion."

The U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar stated in the interview given to the Azerbaijani service of "Radio Liberty" that the Azerbaijani authorities for no reason cause artificial barriers for the development of the civil society, persecute and suppress the freedom of speech and the media. Continuation of this policy may eventually lead to "Maidan" in Azerbaijan, and there is no need to blame the West in it, he said.

After the interview of the Ambassador, the deputy heads of the presidential administration of Azerbaijan Novruz Mammadov and Ali Hasanov, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev and the head of the presidential administration Ramiz Mehdiyev have harshly criticized Ambassador Morningstar and the U.S. as a whole. In its turn, the U.S. Embassy stated that it does not agree with such a criticism.