World Politics Review: U.S. must strengthen ties with Azerbaijan
Baku, March 2 (AZERTAC). Richard Weitz, the editor-in-chief of the World Politics Review online information service published an article of the 20th anniversary of establishment of Azerbaijan-USA diplomatic relations.
The article says: “This month marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the post-Soviet republic of Azerbaijan, a country that is currently playing a vital role in sustaining NATO forces in Afghanistan, supporting Georgia and other U.S. friends in Eurasia. But Washington needs to prioritize its ties with Baku to strengthen the partnership and to make sure that Azerbaijan and its fragile neighbors in the geopolitically vital South Caucasus region remain strong and stable.
Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Azerbaijan was among the first countries to offer the United States unconditional support in the war against terrorism, opening its airspace to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Since then, its airbases have provided landing and refueling support for U.S. military transports to Afghanistan. Azerbaijan has also assumed a lead role in allowing NATO countries to deliver material to their troops in Afghanistan through the Northern Distribution Network, which passes through its territory.
Azerbaijan supplies the continent with the energy resources and plays an important role in transportation of the Middle Asian energy resources to Europe.
Azerbaijan became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, which is an evidence of its great prestige. The USA must help an official Baku in resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict to strengthen relations with Azerbaijan. A separatist regime was set up in Azerbaijan`s Nagorno Karabakh region after its occupation.
Due to the energy evenues, Azerbaijan carried out useful economic reforms and created the strong army. The Azerbaijani Army may release its lands any time. But, the officials declare Azerbaijan want to peacefully solve the conflict. One of the co-chairs of OSCE Minsk group is USA. Unfortunately, this group has not yet achieved any results. The US administration must exert any effort to solve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The war can undermine the energy security of US and Europe. The White House must appoint a special envoy on Nagorno Karabakh conflict and put forward the relevant proposals.
The US Congress must repeal Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. The amendment impedes rendering assistance to Azerbaijan and weaken the US diplomacy.
Azerbaijan proved its worth as a friend of US. And now, the US needs true friend in this strategic region.”
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