U.S. AMBASSADOR TO AZERBAIJAN NOMINEE AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF NK CONFLICT

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 15 2006

WASHINGTON, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. During her Senate
confirmation hearing on May 12, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan nominee
Anne Derse reiterated U.S. policy for a peaceful, mutually acceptable
resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, stating that “a return
to violence would be a tragedy.” According to the Armenian Assembly
of America, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), a senior member of the
Foreign Relations Committee, submitted a series of questions for
the record, including the government of Azerbaijan’s continuing war
rhetoric and other bellicose actions taken against Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. Specifically, the Senator inquired about the impact of such
acts on the Karabakh peace process, and what steps will be taken to
end Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of Armenia. Further, he addressed
Azerbaijan’s attempts to isolate Armenia via a proposed railway
that would connect Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, but not traverse
Armenia. The Senator also raised questions regarding the decision
of the Administration to provide asymmetrical military assistance
to Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as on Azerbaijan’s human rights
record. “The Assembly commends Senator Sarbanes for his outstanding
leadership on these issues of great significance,” said Assembly Board
of Trustees Executive Committee Member Annie Totah. Senate Foreign
Relations Committee Chairman Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) asked Derse
about the status of the Karabakh issue and her general assessment
of democracy in the Azerbaijan. Lugar added that Azerbaijan will not
reach its full potential if the rule of law is not improved.

Derse responded that if confirmed, she will work toward expanding
and strengthening U.S.-Azerbaijan security cooperation and help
promote democracy and governance. She said a peaceful settlement to
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is critical to achieving this goal
and expressed hope that President of Armenia Robert Kocharian and
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will work together on this
issue. She further stated that as Co-Chair of the Minsk Group, the
U.S. will also urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to remain engaged in the
process and demonstrate political courage. Derse also expressed
her commitment to work with both countries towards a peaceful
resolution. “We appreciate Ambassador-designate Derse’s intentions to
promote democracy in Azerbaijan and the peaceful settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” said Totah. “But the Nagorno Karabakh
problem calls for the full commitment of the United States to require
Azerbaijan to end its threats of renewed warfare and to defend the
right of the population of Nagorno Karabakh to determine its political
future through a democratic government of their free choice. Regional
security, economic prosperity, and peace will be possible only if
these principles are followed.”

On the issue of good governance, Derse stressed the importance of a
genuine effort by Azerbaijan to respect human rights in order to pursue
democratic reform and ensure long-term political stability. Derse most
recently served as Director for Bio Defense Policy at the Homeland
Security Council at the White House. Prior to this, she served as
Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Embassy
in Baghdad, Iraq. Earlier in her career, she served as Minister
Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Mission to the
European Union in Brussels, Belgium.