Azerbaijan is important U.S. strategic ally in Caucasus: U.S. congresswoman

Q: Recently you and your colleagues sent a letter to the committee of the House of Representatives about the 907 amendment. What do you estimate about the current situation?

A: Yes, I joined this reference. We just wanted to remind the hug-committee of the House of Representatives about some realities of Azerbaijan. By this statement I and my colleagues are asking the House of Representatives hug-committee on foreign aid to provide Azerbaijan extra financial aids, and to stay constant in this policy.

Q: During Bush administration's period the 907 amendment was brought out of force every year. Do you think that the same experience will be used during Obama's administration?

A: I think you probably already know - Obama's administration declared foreign policy as their main priority, and also with the Muslim world. And that policy is based on strengthening these relationships. I can remind Obama administration's interest in the region, especially in Azerbaijan. We should stretch a hand and strengthen the relations with Azerbaijan which is the most devoted partner and ally of the United States in terms of energy security and fight against international terrorism. Azerbaijan is one of the most important strategic allies in the Caucasus region for the United States, which has met all the obligations in terms of freedoms and continues to ensure that these commitments are fulfilled.

Q: In the address, sent to the House of Representatives about Azerbaijan a number of possible threats, which Azerbaijan can face, are mentioned. What kind of threats do you mean?

A: First of all, Azerbaijan is in a very serious and dangerous neighborhood with Russia and Iran. Plus Azerbaijan's aid to American Military Forces in Afghanistan can increase the danger to the country. So we must be supportive to our partner Azerbaijan. There is also one thing I should mention - Azerbaijan and Armenia are facing such a sensible issue as Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group US always kept its neutral point of view. We are asking the hug-committee of the House of Representatives to avoid any steps that might be a blow to the neutrality of US position during the discussions of the state budget for 2010. 

/Trend News/