Can Armenian reconcile Iran and USA?
Unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan has always uttered terrorist threats, says Richard Giragosian, Director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS).
"It is not surprising that Azerbaijan is considered to be a hotbed of international terrorism," he said.
According to the ACNIS Director, Azerbaijanis have become more vigilant after the anti-government protests in Tunisia, Egypt and Iran as Azerbaijani authorities are like their Egyptian counterparts.
"Azerbaijan is taking every measure to prevent protests in the country," said Mr. Giragosian.
Recently, the UK and U.S. Embassies in Azerbaijan warned their citizens against visiting Azerbaijan, saying a terrorist threat is being plotted in Azerbaijan. The structure stresses that Azerbaijan ranks among the countries that coordinate international terrorism.
In a security alert, the U.S. State Department said there was a "potential for attacks in Azerbaijan, including against American interests." It said the warning was "based on terrorist threat information." The U.S. State Department urged that U.S. citizens in Azerbaijan "should remain vigilant, particularly in public places associated with the Western community."
In reply, Baku said they were taking all measures to ensure security in Azerbaijan and to remove threats endangering the country's interests.
Richard Giragosian says that Baku has threatened the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan for many years.
The political scientist does not share the opinion that the process of "Islamasitation" is underway in Azerbaijan.
"Today the country is facing social injustice, corruption and a lack of legitimacy as the power is passed from the father to the son," said Giragosian.
Speaking about the influence of the Iranian political crisis on Armenia, Richard Giragosian said that Armenian could become a bridge between Iran, America and the European Union.
