Azerbaijan, Baku, July 11 / Trend E. Ostapenko /
U.S policy in Azerbaijan reflects the U.S president Barack Obama's statements about qualitative new level of relations with Muslim world, U.S deputy secretary of state James Steinberg said being on two-day-visit in Baku.
The USA is interested in energy cooperation with Azerbaijan. It is basis for cooperation in this region for a long time. But the USA also strives to establish broader cooperation between communities of both countries, he told media on July 11.
Steinberg stressed multilateral development of U.S-Azerbaijani relations. He expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijan government for support of U.S efforts in Afghanistan.
"It is very important part of our partnership. Azerbaijan is very important partner of the USA," he said.
Steinberg commented possible abolition of 907 Amendment on freedom support of the U.S act. He said that amendment has been a part of the US law for a long time now.
But U.S goal is to try to cooperate with the Azerbaijani government and the U.S Congress to strengthen relations with Azerbaijan, he said.
907 Amendment to the law Act for support of freedom is in effect in the USA. It was approved by the U.S congress in October 1992. This amendment bans rendering of direct U.S governmental aid for Azerbaijan due to so-called Blockade of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan.
Clinton's administration made attempts to liquidate 907 Amendment by the Congress over 1997-2000. Effect of amendment has been suspended by the U.S president since 2002. Effect of 907 Amendment for 2009 was also suspended.
"I think the example of our constructive cooperation is important in forming trust and confidence between the USA and Azerbaijan. So, it is difficult to predict how it is like going in the nearest future. But I think we will achieve high level of cooperation and closer contacts for moving forward," Steinberg said.
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