The United States Charge' D'affaires in Azerbaijan Nancy McEldowney told the press-conference today, that USA regards Azerbaijan as its strategic partner, and expressed confidence of democratic election in Azerbaijan. She stressed as well that the United States is ready to render every assistance to Azerbaijan in this connection.

According to her, existing political, economic, energy and military o-operation between the states may be described today as a strategic partnership. Mrs. McEldowney highly appreciated the Azerbaijan Government’s consultations in the framework of UN, OSCE and NATO, and in all, those in relation to combat against terrorism saying that the U.S. is trying to promote Azerbaijan’s greater integration into NATO.

Touching upon economic and energy spheres, Nancy McEldowney described the joint work on development of ‘Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli’ oil field and construction of the “Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan” pipeline as very successful result of the co-operation between the two countries.

Responding to the question from AzerTac correspondent concerning forthcoming presidential election, the diplomat said the Election Code adopted had been recognized by OSCE Bureau of Democratic Institutes and Human Rights, COE Venice Commission and IFES as a document corresponding to the international standard and the United States regards this as a step forward.

In conclusion, Mrs. McEldowney stressed once again that the USA would promote the holding of a high-level presidential election in Azerbaijan.