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US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Philip Gordon made his first report to the Subcommittee on Europe of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Relations, APA US bureau reports. He called Azerbaijan as an important ally of the United States in the regional security and anti-terror war. Gordon also emphasized the important role of Azerbaijan in the energy supply to the European countries.
The US official said his country assisted the achievement of progress in the solution to Nagorno Karabakh conflict. “Our co-chair in the Minsk Group Matthew Bryza together with his French and Russian colleagues organized five meetings between the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents over the past year. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined several meetings with the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders. Last meeting was held between ministers Mammadyarov and Nalbandian on May 5”.
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe Robert Wexler asked Gordon about focusing the issues related to Azerbaijan on the back of Turkey-Armenia rapprochement. Gordon said the Turkey-Armenia rapprochement and settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict were the parallel processes. The Assistant Secretary of State said Turkey and Armenia agreed on the opening of borders, restoration of diplomatic relations, important fields, as well as establishing the joint commission for historical research.
Gordon said he supported and encouraged this process. “This is independent process and it has to move forward not depending on the processes in other countries of Europe because it will be useful for both countries”.
Gordon said the State Department closely participated in the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict and added that if these two processes are successful historic progress will be made in the region.
Gordon mentioned the issues related to Russia as well. He said US didn’t recognize the Russia’s influence on Europe and univocally supported the independence and territorial integrity of its neighbors.
