Azernews.Az

A US Congressman has called on his counterparts to take into account Azerbaijan's interests in the country’s relations with the Caucasus region.
"It is vital that the U.S. not take Azerbaijan for granted in its diplomatic initiatives toward Turkey, Armenia and the entire Caucasus region", says John Shadegg’s letter, titled "Don't forget Azerbaijan", sent to all members of Congress on Tuesday.
He wrote that at the time most Congressmen have been heartened by the recent signing of protocols on normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia it is important that the United States not forget the vital interests of Azerbaijan, its close ally in the region.
The US congressman welcomed the signing of Armenia-Turkey protocols and Turkey’s bid for leadership in the South Caucasus region in order to establish peace and stability in the conflict-plagued South Caucasus. He indicated, however, that just like Turkey, Azerbaijan has been facing a long-standing conflict with Armenia.
Shadegg reminded that the armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan had resulted in forcing hundreds of thousand Azerbaijanis from their homes and occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, including Upper Garabagh, by Armenia.
"The success of the Armenia-Turkish negotiations should not result in the Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations being relegated to the diplomatic back burner", the letter says.
According to Shadegg, Azerbaijan has backed Washington as a strategic partner over the past five years. Azerbaijan assisted US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Also, the congressman noted that Azerbaijan’s vast gas resources allow to diversify energy routes to Europe and eliminate Western reliance on Russian supplies.
Shadegg also referred to US Under Secretary of State William Burns` statement that Azerbaijan is the U.S. strategic partner situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Shadegg is a Republican Congressman representing the state of Arizona.*