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James Steinberg: Azerbaijan is a very important partner of the U.S

30 March 2010 20:01 (UTC +04:00)

According to him, United Stated deeply cooperates with Azerbaijan on a wide range of issues and is committed to the Minsk process.
The diplomat recalled that he had a conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Munich few months ago and he stressed at that meeting that the United States attach major importance to relations with Azerbaijan.

Mr. Steinberg also noted that later US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had several telephone conversations with the Azerbaijani leader.

The top US diplomat expressed his appreciation to Aliyev for his support of the OSCE Minsk Group.
"We know that these issues are difficult for all parties and that we must find ways to overcome existing differences," Steinberg added.

Washington is convinced that "in the long run, greater integration in the Caucasus will serve the interests of the entire region."
Speaking about the Minsk Groupâ€™s activities, Mr. Steinberg noted that these issues are complicated for all the parties, and they should find a way to overcome existing disagreements. He also added that Washington is confident that greater integration in the Caucasus in long-term prospects will meet the interests of the whole region.
Speaking about the US-Turkish relations, Mr. Steinberg mentioned they wanted to see Turkish Ambassador in Washington, D.C. again.