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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has a lot of optimism about potential of Azerbaijan (UPDATE) (PHOTOS)

Politics Materials 4 July 2010 15:56 (UTC +04:00)
Editor's note: Secretary of State's words were added after third paragraph
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has a lot of optimism about potential of Azerbaijan (UPDATE) (PHOTOS)

Editor's note: Secretary of State's words were added after third paragraph

Azerbaijan, Baku, July 4 /Trend, V.Zhavoronkova/

U.S. stands ready to help Azerbaijan and its citizens build a prosperous, independent and democratic state, said the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a meeting with representatives of Azerbaijani youth on July 4.

Secretary of State's visit to Baku began on July 4.

"I have a lot of optimism about the potential of Azerbaijan. I think it is strategically located, it is the country that has extraordinary history to tell the rest of the world," said Clinton.

"The success of many countries in the 21st century in the long-term period will depend on the open society if they have an opportunity to conduct dialogue, learn, and my mission as Secretary of State is to support democracy, freedom and youth," said the Secretary of State.

And that, she said, includes social activism, Internet freedom, new opportunities, through which young people communicate.

U.S. commitment to freedom of expression does not change, said Secretary of State.

Since the declaration of its independence, the United States has overcome many obstacles in its path, and each country should pass a similar path, it is important not only for citizens, but also for governments in order to make democracy stronger and give a chance to many people," she said.
According to Clinton, Azerbaijan has made significant progress, "but much remain to be done."

"It needs to work on the independence of the judiciary in the country. Democracy is not only elections, but also an independent judiciary, transparent institutions and leaders," she said.

The meeting was attended by representatives of youth organizations "Irali", "Dalga", "European integration of Azerbaijani Youth" organization, Association of Azerbaijani Students.

During her visit, U.S. Secretary of State met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, is also expected to meet with Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group.

The United States' Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, on July 4 visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country's independence and territorial integrity. She laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.

Today, Clinton will leave for Yerevan, and July 5 will arrive in Tbilisi.

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