BAKU: OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair: US Strategic Interests On Caucasus

OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIR: US STRATEGIC INTERESTS ON CAUCASUS ARE TRI-DIRECTIONAL
Author: R. Abdullayev

TREND, Azerbaijan
June 27 2007

Matthew Bryza, Assistant to Us Secretary of State, OSCE Minsk Group
Co-chair, said ‘US President George W Bush stated US closing to the
positions of president Ilham Aliyev, which will positively influence
the progress of democratic reforms in the republic’.

Trend reports referring to Azadlyg radio, Mr Bryza said US interests
on Caucasus relate to three spheres: energy, security and democratic
reforms.

"Indeed, we have some energy interests, and we do not restrain from
statements about them. The United States also have traditional
interests in a security sphere. Firstly, this concerns fighting
terrorism, prevention of nuclear weapon distribution, reduction of
conflicts and preservation of territorial integrity of countries in
the region".

Mr Bryza said also all the conflicts in the region shall be settled
with account for territorial integrity of countries.

"Stating Georgia’s example, one may see that conflicts in this country
shall be settled with account for its territorial integrity.

As to Nagorno-Karabakh, US position is well-known. We support
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity", Bryza said.

American diplomat said US maintain economic and democratic reforms in
the countries of the region. He said security is based on legitimacy
that calls for both democracy and economic welfare.

Mr Bryza stated White House’s serious interest in democratic reforms
in Azerbaijan. "We feel positive changes in the republic ion this
respect" , – he added.