Matthew Bryza assumes office

On Sunday a new American ambassador in Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza, arrived in Baku. His way to this post wasn’t easy. Pro-Armenian US senators came out against Bryza’s appointment. Because of that, the position of the American ambassador to Azerbaijan went begging since July 2009.

 

Last December US president Barack Obama appointed Bryza to the position of the ambassador in Azerbaijan, using the law according to which the president can appoint personnel on his own when the Congress is on holidays between sessions. This decision means that the American administration is trying to improve relations with Baku. The US have wide interests in this region and Washington is counting on strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan.

 

First of all, Azerbaijani oil and gas resources play big role in providing the energy security of America's partners in Europe. Secondly, Washington won’t let Russia be the leader in mediating between Yerevan and Baku. In addition, the United States is trying to scale down the influence of Moscow on Armenia and in the South Caucasus in general.

Bryza’s appointment probably makes Yerevan balance between Moscow and Washington. In order to strengthen the US's position as mediator in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Bryza is perfect as ambassador, as he used to be a co-chairperson of the OSCE Minsk group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He is not only aware of the current situation in the region and the country, but also he has strong relations with the Azerbaijani authorities, the opposition and representatives of the public and the media.

However, it is unknown whether this process will be long-term or successful. If the Senate doesn't vote for him, he will leave this position in December 2011. He is hardly likely to change anything in American-Azerbaijani relations. Nevertheless, the current relations between two countries are stable and positive.

Elmira Tariverdieva, Baku. Exclusively to VK.