Diplomacy of transit

The US has admitted there are "serious problems" in its relations with Azerbaijan. This was outlined in Barack Obama's letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Pentagon head of Robert Gates brought a message of conciliation to Azerbaijan, saying the White House was confident the problems could be resolved. But Gates' tasks were much wider than mere diplomatic relations.

Azerbaijan is very interesting for the US in the light of its policy in Afghanistan. During the visit, it was announced that about 25% of supplies for forces in Afghanistan will be conveyed via Baku. But Baku also reminded the US of its interests, especially the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit the capitals of South Caucasus states to examine in detail perspectives of bilateral and regional relations. Her visit is due in July, and she is expected to visit Yerevan and Baku. Finally, Washington will pay great attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.