Obama hopes to "broaden and deepen" Azeri ties

A U.S.-backed push for a historic rapprochement between Azerbaijan's
foe Armenia and its historic ally Turkey has damaged ties between
Washington and Azerbaijan, which worries its interests will be damaged
by the reconciliation efforts.
"I am aware of the fact that there are serious issues in our
relationship, but I am confident that we can address them," Obama
wrote in the letter delivered on Sunday by Gates, the most senior U.S.
official to visit Azerbaijan since Obama took office in January 2009,
reports Reuters.
On the plane leaving Azerbaijan on Monday, Gates said his visit "set
the stage for further expansion of the relationship."
In the letter, Obama praised Azerbaijan for sending military personnel
to serve in Afghanistan and opening its land and air space to help
resupply U.S. and NATO forces there.
Azerbaijan is also a significant oil producer and hub on a route for
Central Asia and Caspian Sea energy to Europe, bypassing Russia to the
north and Iran to the south.
"Azerbaijan's leadership in the development for a Southern Corridor
for energy has also increased regional prosperity and enhanced global
energy security," Obama wrote.
"It is my hope that we will be able to broaden and deepen our
relationship in the months and years ahead."
Obama praised Azerbaijan's commitment to a continuing effort to
resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, mediated by the United States,
Russia and France, and warned against using force.
"I ... believe that a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict is essential for the long-term stability of the South
Caucasus region, and support for this outcome will remain a priority
for the United States."