Azernews.Az

MOSCOW – The United States considers that Azerbaijan’s influence has recently begun to increase, a Russian analyst has said.

Nikolay Zlobin told reporters from the South Caucasus states in Moscow that this is particularly due to Baku’s pursuing an active energy policy.

"Azerbaijan appears to be shifting to a more superior league. This is due to the energy policy, the status of the Caspian Sea, Iran and many other reasons. Azerbaijan is not the same any more. However, the Caucasus is not a full-fledged ally, but remains a tool [to achieve US goals]."

Speaking about the United States’ role in the South Caucasus, Zlobin said America aims "to fill any gaps".

"But it does not have any special plans in the region," Zlobin maintained. "The South Caucasus territory is not of that much interest to the American establishment. This is due to the lack of a market and workforce. But the U.S. seeks to be involved anywhere it can."

Touching on the nomination of Matthew Bryza as the next US ambassador to Azerbaijan, he said the issue should be considered in terms of the division of powers in the US government.

"Bryza has turned into a victim of differences within the White House, and one can’t claim that there is any confidential agreement behind this.

"His appointment depends on the division of powers within the Obama administration. In other words, someone’s positions there are strengthening, while others’ are weakening."

Zlobin added that the US Armenian lobby has influence, but it is rather limited.

The post of US ambassador to Azerbaijan has been vacant since July 2009. The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee was to hold a hearing on Bryza’s appointment Tuesday. During the previous hearing early in August, discussions on Bryza’s nomination were postponed due to the efforts of several senators led by pro-Armenian Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer, who accused him of advancing Turkey and Azerbaijan’s cause.

Bryza was one of the most visible US officials in the Caucasus region during the Bush administration. President Barack Obama nominated him for the post in May.