U.S. Congressman McMahon: Azerbaijan is a strategic ally

Mr. McMahon, how do you see the role of the Azerbaijani Caucus in strengthening bilateral relations between our countries?

The role of a caucus is to strengthen the bond between the particular country and Members of Congress. In this case, the Azerbaijani Caucus allows us to focus on strategic importance of Azerbaijan. This relationship is important for the American people for many reasons. By joining the Caucus, I sent the signal that this is a very important relationship. It will allow us to have means to exchange information, learn more about each other, have higher level of human interaction that will ultimately lead to better ties between our nations.

Two weeks ago the Caucus members addressed a letter to the chairman of Appropriations subcommittee Nita Lowey asking to emphasize Azerbaijan in the language of fiscal year 2011 bill. Has there been any response or feedback to that letter?

Indeed, I was one of the people proud to sign this letter, because, I think, what we call Section 907 prohibiting government aid to Azerbaijan is misguided. We think it should be repealed. Congresswoman Nita Lowey told me she received the letter, she is looking at it. But we haven’t received a formal response yet at this time. There’s some comfort in knowing that the Administration will waive it again as necessary in the next fiscal year. But I would prefer its permanent elimination.

Congressman, we’ve recently been witnessing some comments from your colleagues in Azerbaijan- some Parliament members have been stating that US isn’t treating Azerbaijan according to its status of “strategic ally”. If we recall recent developments, it certainly makes clear why they might feel this way- President Ilham Aliyev being left out from a Nuclear Summit in DC, Washington pushing for Turkish-Armenian border opening without considering Azerbaijan’s position or US ambassador seat in Baku remaining vacant for almost a year now...

I certainly regret that there’s a tension. We have to work hard to relay their concern at this time. I think it’s certainly important for Americans to realize that Azerbaijan is a strategic ally. I just travelled to Afghanistan and Pakistan on a fact-finding trip. That gave me a better understanding of the region. Certainly, with Azerbaijan providing a means of transport for coalition supplies, it is critical that we recognize the strategic importance of our allies like Turkey and Azerbaijan. It’s also very important for America to understand that its relations with Muslim democracies that are secular in nature. For instance, we appreciate very much that Azerbaijan recognizes women rights. That is why I joined the Caucus and look forward to being an active member.

The unhappiness that official Baku has with America in some cases has to do with some of the decisions that have been made by Congress. Financing a separatist regime in Nagorno-Karabakh or efforts to legitimize the history in Turkey have created a lot of concern. Why is that we don’t see more statements from the House on things like US-Azerbaijani energy security cooperation, or supporting the Administration’s role as a mediator in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Some of things mentioned are reflections of politics here. And as you know Armenians have a strong lobby here in some of the districts. But there’s also a growing number of Azerbaijani Caucus. There’s a growing understanding here that we have to work on Turkey and Armenia adopting protocols - that would be a good first step in improving their relations. But, instead of taking one side we have to be mindful that Azerbaijan is a strategic ally. That is something I’ll continue to advocate as well. Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the last one remaining in Europe. We would like to see a fair resolution of that. But it has to be fair to both sides - I understand that. In the meantime US Congress is not really the place to resolve that. It has to be done in UN, EU and OSCE Minsk group. I think we shouldn’t make statement on that. So I’d hope those who do that come down on rhetoric a little bit.

Congressman, thank you for talking to us and we hope to see you in Baku one of these days.

I certainly want to do that as a member of Foreign Affairs committee. Unfortunately, the focus right now is on re-election. Hopefully, with some luck and hard work we’ll be able to do it in the future.


/AzerTAc/