Dan Burton says U.S. needs more friends like Azerbaijan
America and the rest of the free world need more friends like
Azerbaijan, Dan Burton, a former Republican member of the US House
of Representatives from Indiana, said in article published by The
Washington Times.
Burton said Azerbaijan is located in a part of the world that is in
a chaotic state.
“Azerbaijan, after a mere 23 years of independence, stands out as a
friend to America and a stabilizing force in the region,” he
said.
“Russia and Iran border Azerbaijan, and the policies of those
countries make it even more important that the United States and
the rest of the free world have a stalwart friend in the
region.”
Burton said there are many other reasons why the US should value
its relationship with Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijan, a 96 percent majority Muslim country, has demonstrated
a commitment to religious tolerance and understanding,” says the
author.
“Building an inclusive society is a priority of Azerbaijan’s public
policy, emphasized in Article 25 of the Azerbaijani Constitution,
which bans political, racial, ethnic, national, cultural, religious
or sexual persecution.”
Burton also noted that Azerbaijan has made a remarkable transition
from the planned economy to a modern market economy.
“The economy is robust, and economic policies are aimed at
improving the lives of citizens and paving the way for the success
of future generations,” he noted.
Burton further noted that Azerbaijan also has integrated itself
into the international community as a partner to NATO, a strong
defense and economic partner to Israel, a member of the European
Council and an elected member of the UN Security Council from 2011
to 2013.
“Azerbaijan and the United States have built a strong partnership
supported by shared values, and it should value Azerbaijan’s
leadership and partnership in the Caucasus region,” he
stressed.
The author also said Azerbaijan has emerged in difficult geographic
and political circumstances.
“It has become an example of social and economic responsibility in
only 23 years,” he said.
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