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Barry F. Lowenkron: Our security cooperation with Azerbaijan excellent

19 December 2006 16:17 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan is a good friend of the United States. The people and Government of Azerbaijan were among the first to offer condolences and assistance in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and Azerbaijan continues to be a stalwart partner in the Global War on Terrorism. Azerbaijani troops stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan plays a key role by providing overflight and landing rights. We are deeply grateful for Azerbaijanâ€™s continuing support,â€? Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Barry F. Lowenkron stated.
â€œOur security cooperation with Azerbaijan is excellent, and it is a pillar of our bilateral relationship. It is not the only pillar. Our relationship rests on three pillars â€“ each of equal importance. One: ensuring global and regional security and stability; Two: building global energy security; and Three: advancing democracy and freedom in Azerbaijan. Likes the legs of a stool, these three pillars are mutually reinforcing. All three must be solid. All three are fundamental to Azerbaijanâ€™s future as a secure, independent and democratic country, and to building and sustaining a strong bilateral relationship with the United States.
We see five areas of crucial importance to democratic development here in Azerbaijan and, indeed in any nation transitioning to democracy: rule of law, a free and fair political process, media freedom, respect for human rights, and an engaged, empowered and educated citizenry.
Azerbaijan has made some progress in judicial reform. We are impressed by the transparency of the new judicial exam process. The legislative framework is being put in place to seriously tackle corruption. Strong efforts to complete and fully implement these laws are critical. Further reform is needed â€“ including hiring new, well-qualified judges, restructuring and opening the defense bar, and retraining current judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers. A major new effort at police reform will be essential to ensuring that individuals are protected from the arbitrary use of state power. The Government of Azerbaijan has made commitments to reform in all of these areas by virtue of its participation in the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
An independent and professional media is an essential guarantor of freedom in a democracy. Everyone should be able to access independent sources of information, free from official censorship.
We were encouraged by the decision to allow ANS to resume broadcasts, and we urge the government to resolve the outstanding legal issues pertaining to ANSâ€™s license,â€? he said. /APA/