http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=114741
Azeri Press Agency January 27, 2010 US Congressman stresses Azerbaijan’s importance for US Isabel Levine -Congressman Shadegg quoted Under Secretary of State William Burns’ recent statement: “The US views Azerbaijan as a strategic partner sitting at the crossroads of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia”. -“During the past five years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated support for US strategic interests. It has supported our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and its vast gas resources show promise for diversification of Western Europe’s energy needs away from its current heavy dependence on Russia...." Washington: US Congressman John Shadegg sent a letter to all members of Congress about Azerbaijan on January 26th. According to APA’s Washington correspondent, in the letter named “Don’t forget Azerbaijan” Congressman Shadegg stressed Azerbaijan’s importance for the US. According to the letter, the Congressman said: “Most of us have been heartened by the recent signing of protocols between Turkey and Armenia that are designed to lead to the normalization of relations between these two traditional enemies, both of whom are good friends of the United States. It is good to see Turkey starting to play a leadership role in the maintenance of stability in the volatile Caucuses region. At the same time, it is important that the United States not forget the vital interests of Azerbaijan, one of our strongest allies in the region”. Congressman Shadegg quoted Under Secretary of State William Burns’ recent statement: “The US views Azerbaijan as a strategic partner sitting at the crossroads of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia”. Also, he reminded that congressman Bill Shuster, Co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus called Azerbaijan “an indispensable ally in the fight against terrorism.” .... In the letter, Congressman Shadegg also mentioned that the success of Armenia-Turkish negotiations should not result in Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations being relegated to the diplomatic back burner. “During the past five years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated support for US strategic interests. It has supported our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and its vast gas resources show promise for diversification of Western Europe’s energy needs away from its current heavy dependence on Russia. It is vital that the US not take Azerbaijan for granted in its diplomatic initiatives toward Turkey, Armenia and the entire Caucasus region,” Congressman Shadegg added. =========================== Stop NATO http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stopnato Blog site: http://rickrozoff.wordpress.com/ To subscribe, send an e-mail to: rwroz...@yahoo.com or stopnato-subscr...@yahoogroups.com Daily digest option available. ==============================
