Posted on 12/09/2004 6:45:21 AM PST by jb6
BAKU, December 7 (Itar-Tass) -- The United States is ready to assist Azerbaijan in the entry to the World Trade Organisation, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a message to Azerbaijani President Ilkham Aliyev on Tuesday.
The US administration supports the final abolishment of the Jackson-Vanik amendment in Azerbaijan, the message said. Powell pledged that the US government will continue negotiations on abolishing this amendment in Azerbaijan as this Caucasian republic meets international standards on the freedom of emigration.
The US secretary of state praised highly close cooperation of the countries. Powell noted that the real symbols of this partnership are joint efforts in the fight with international terrorism, free flights in the Azerbaijani air space and the contribution of the Azerbaijani contingent in the peacekeeping efforts of the coalition in Iraq.
Powell also stressed Azerbaijan’s efforts on the liberalization of economy and democratic development.
What's the contingent of Christians there?
I believe that this is yet another example of the Bush Doctrine. We had to get something from them to throw our significant weight their way. In other words, they want to do business. My Uncle works for an oilfield service company out of Houston and is in Baku on a sales trip as I type. He says he feels safe. He does not always feel safe when in the ME, but will be going to Kabul after he leaves Baku.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.