Azerbaijan-U.S. relations were characterized by many positive developments in the field of security and energy during 20 years of Azerbaijan’s independence, U.S. envoy Matthew Bryza said in an interview with RFE/RL.

U.S. wants to establish cooperation with partners so that Azerbaijan would not take course of political authoritarianism and Islamic extremism but chooses an alternative way, said Bryza.

“It seems that Azerbaijan has chosen the right path, and this must continue,” he added.

There are fair proposals for fair resolution of the Karabakh conflict, he said commenting on statement by Azerbaijani official Novruz Mamedov that U.S. and international agencies adopt unfair position on Karabakh peace process.

These proposals should be finalized until the sides reach an agreement, Bryza said adding the presidents have reached progress on basic principles but there is still much work to do.

As regards U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan in the field of democracy and human rights criticized in the State Department’s reports, the Ambassador said he is discusses these issues with the Azerbaijani government. These discussions also cover detention of journalists and protesters.