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US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hold hearing on Morningstarâ€™s candidacy to post of ambassador to Azerbaijan

14 June 2012 07:36 (UTC +04:00)

Senator Jeanne Shaheen presided the hearing. Morningstar responded the questions about Azerbaijan and the region.

Touching upon the problem of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Morningstar said that the solution to the conflict is important not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but whole region. â€œTo achieve a more secure and prosperous future for the region, there is no higher immediate priority for the United States than the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflictâ€, said the ambassadorial nominee.

Richard Morningstar noted that the settlement of the conflict will create new economic opportunities for Armenia and benefit the countries involved in conflict and whole region as well.

The settlement of this conflict will enable Azerbaijan to focus attention on political atmosphere and security, Morningstar said.

Senator Shaheen reminded about the Secretary of State Hillary Clintonâ€™s last visit to the region and said the human rights issues were discussed during this visit. Richard Morningstar said that he would give much attention to human rights in case of his appointment to the ambassadorial post. He reminded that Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was released from jail on the eve of Clintonâ€™s visit and the US would continue to watch the Hajiyevâ€™s case.

The ambassadorial nominee also responded the energy questions. Underlining the importance of South Corridor and TANAP projects, Morningstar said Shah Deniz consortium would determine the projectâ€™s future until the mid-2013. â€œFirst of all, we need to develop the South Corridor project, which will transport the energy resources to Europe because if we donâ€™t rush Azerbaijan can find other waysâ€.

Senator Robert Menendez asked several questions. Reminding about the last incidents on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, Menendez said that three Armenian servicemen were killed as a result of violation of ceasefire by Azerbaijan. Morningstar said: â€œI am happy to be nominated to the post of ambassador to this country. Azerbaijan is very important country for the US interests. If confirmed, I will support the US administrationâ€™s commitmentsâ€. Responding the question about the Azerbaijanâ€™s arms deal, Morningstar said: â€œThere is no question that Azerbaijan is located in a tough neighborhood, facing real pressures.â€

At the end of the meeting, Senator Shaheen gave additional 48 hours for the senators to ask questions to the candidate.