Category: News

Is Javakhq facing new problems?
By Sergey Minassian
Yerkir/am
September 17, 2004
In the context of recent tensions in Russian-Georgian relations the
problems of Armenians in Javakhq continues to attract public interest
because of the geopolitical significance of the region and existence
of a Russian militarybase there. The developments in South Ossetia
increase the possibility of the 62nd Russian military base becoming an
additional source of tension in Georgia.
Increased tensions can results in military actions in Javakheti which
can complicate the Armenian-Georgian relations. The analysis of
statements and actions of various geopolitical actors in the Caucasus
as well as the information presented in the media suggest two possible
scenarios of further developments. As a result of these developments
the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki can be involved in military
actions which can have serious implications for the Armenian
population in Javakheti and the entire region in general.
The first scenario suggests that Russia itself can use the 62nd
military base to create instability and clashes in Javakheti with
participation of the local Armenian population. Further, under the
cover of `protecting the local Armenian population’ the 62nd military
base will change its tacticsand will actively engage in military
actions.
The majority of the soldiers serving at the base are Armenian and they
will not be able to stay away from any kind of
developments. Alternatively, the Russian military base can be
transformed into some kind of peacekeeping force aimed at the
preservation of stability and security in the context of the absence
of any other forces to separate the Armenians and Georgians.
There have been similar incidents in the history of post-Soviet
Georgia. The 1992 Agreements signed in Dagomis granted the status of
peacekeeping force to the Russian military troops in South Ossetia
thus legalizing the status quo established in one of Georgia’s former
autonomous regions. In this way, Tbilisi lost control over those
territories for many years.
Besides, Russians can prolong the status of peacekeeping forces in
Javakheti as long as they wish. The withdrawal of the 62nd Russian
military base from the Georgian territory is thus being left out of
the agenda. Even though this scenario seems a little unrealistic it is
nor completely from the sphere of science fiction because certain
forces within the Russian military-political elite are interested in
it.
The author holds Candidate’s degree in History and is the head of the
Research Center on Regional Security and South Caucasus Integration,
Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University.

The importance of internal potential
Editorial
Yerkir/am
September 17, 2004
It is no secret that a significant portion of people with higher or
professional education in Armenia are poor. This adversely affects the
development of the country. The potential of qualified human resources
that can contributeto the development of the country is not realized.
A situation has emerged in which the professional and education level
of the individual do not guarantee his/her access to income generation
or regeneration opportunities. Consequently, the value of professional
and higher education for the younger generations is reduced and
Armenia will sooner or later be unable to ensure adequate qualitative
characteristics of its human resources.
The impossibility of achieving material results based on the
individual’s professional abilities and education background has
reduced the demand for quality education. This has had a negative
impact on the level of professionalism of university
professors. Teaching at the university is not considered to be a
profitable job and does not attract highly qualified professionals,
especially younger scientists.
This results in a drastic deterioration of the quality of university
education. The opportunities for getting quality higher education in
Armenia are decreased year by year. This causes a brain drain to the
educational institutions abroad.
The Armenian students who study abroad mostly do not return to the
country. In this situation, administrative methods will not help. The
only solution is to undertake measures necessary to ensure the quality
standards for the higher education system including creating
opportunities for the professional realization of qualified
specialists in the sphere.
It should be noted that in Armenia the problem is not the absence of
qualified human resources, as some high-ranked officials try to
assure. Theproblem is the lack of opportunities for realization of the
qualified professionals’ potential. This is why people leave the
country or prefer self-employment or unemployment to the miserable
salaries offered in the labor market.
The emergence of a labor market where qualified human resources are in
demand should be considered an issue of strategic importance since it
can contribute to the reduction of poverty, prevention of emigration
and emergence of social demand for raising education standards. This
is the only way of attracting highly qualified specialists into the
education system.

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
September 20, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
REPS. ESHOO AND SWEENEY URGE HOUSE COLLEAGUES
TO CALL FOR A VOTE ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
— Support Continues to Grow for Congressional Letter to Speaker
Hastert in Support of the Schiff Amendment and H.Res.193
WASHINGTON, DC – New York Republican John Sweeney and California
Democrat Anna Eshoo have joined together in the effort to encourage
their Congressional colleagues to cosign a letter to Speaker
Hastert urging him to maintain the Schiff amendment in the House
Foreign aid bill and schedule a vote on the Genocide Resolution,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The
letter currently has over 60 signatories and support continues to
grow in the days leading up to the House and Senate conference to
finalize the FY 2005 foreign aid bill.
In a letter to House Members, Reps. Eshoo and Sweeney, both of
Armenian descent, explained:
“Under the Ottoman Empire, nearly two million Armenians who were
living in Eastern Anatolia were deported from their homes. Of the
two million deportees, only 500,000 survived this ordeal. The
historical record is clear. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Empire
succeeded in systematically eliminating the Armenians from their
historical homeland where they had lived for over two thousand
years. H.Res.193 reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to the noble
aims of the Genocide Convention, and urges the American people to
learn from the lessons of past genocides in order to help prevent
future crimes against humanity.”
The complete text of the Eshoo-Sweeney letter follows.
The Schiff Amendment, spearheaded by California Democrat Adam
Schiff, was unanimously adopted by the House in a voice vote,
during discussions of the FY 2005 foreign aid bill. The
legislation would bar the Turkish government from using U.S.
foreign aid funds for lobbying against the Genocide resolution.
Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) and
Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) immediately denounced the measure in
a harshly worded press release placed on the front page of the
House Speaker’s website, citing concerns about its effects on U.S.-
Turkey relations and pledging to remove the language from the final
foreign aid bill.
Following the Speaker’s announced opposition to the measure, more
than a dozen national grassroots Armenian American organizations
cosigned a letter to the House leader, voicing the community’s
unequivocal opposition to efforts to reverse the Schiff Amendment
to the fiscal year 2005 Foreign Operations bill, and expressing the
community’s “great dismay with your public statement against
holding a vote on the Genocide Resolution, H.Res.193.” The
organizations that signed the community-wide letter were the ANCA,
the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church – Eastern and Western
U.S., the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church – Eastern and
Western U.S., the Armenian Missionary Association of America, and
the Apostolic Exarchate for Armenian Catholics, as well as the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Democratic Liberal
(Ramgavar) Party, United Armenian Fund, Armenian Relief Society,
Armenian Bar Association, National Organization of Republican
Armenians, Armenian Youth Federation, Homenetmen – Armenian General
Athletic Union, and Hamazkayn Armenian Cultural and Educational
Association.
Reps. George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) introduced the Genocide resolution
(H.Res.193) in April, 2003. The legislation (H.Res.193) was
unanimously adopted by the House Judiciary Committee in May of that
year and currently has 111 cosponsors. Similar legislation in the
Senate (S.Res.164) has over 40 cosponsors.
#####
Text of Sweeney-Eshoo Letter to House Colleagues
In Support of the Radanovich-Pallone-Schiff Letter to Speaker
Hastert
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
September 15, 2004
Help Honor the Victims of the Armenian Genocide
“It is generally not known in the world that, in the years
preceding 1916, there was a concerted effort made to eliminate all
the Armenian people, probably one of the greatest tragedies that
ever befell any group. And there weren’t any Nurenberg trials.” –
President Jimmy Carter
Dear Colleague:
As Armenian descendents, we respectfully request you to join us in
signing the attached letter to Speaker Hastert in support of the
Schiff amendment to the FY2005 Foreign Operations Appropriations
bill, and H.Res.193, the Genocide Resolution.
As you may know, the Schiff amendment was passed in July,
prohibiting the government of Turkey from using U.S. foreign aid to
lobby against H.Res.193, legislation officially recognizing the
Armenian Genocide. Following the adoption of this amendment,
Speaker Hastert issued a statement announcing his intention to keep
H.Res.193 off the floor, legislation which has already been
cosponsored by 100 of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Both H.Res.193, and its companion measure in the Senate, S.Res.164,
enjoy broad, bipartisan backing and the support of a broad-based
coalition of over 100 human and civil rights organizations,
including the National Council of Churches, American Values, Union
of Orthodox Rabbis, NAACP, National Council of La Raza,
International Campaign for Tibet, Sons of Italy, and all major
Armenian American groups.
Under the Ottoman Empire, nearly two million Armenians who were
living in Eastern Anatolia were deported from their homes. Of the
two million deportees, only 500,000 survived this ordeal. The
historical record is clear. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Empire
succeeded in systematically eliminating the Armenians from their
historical homeland where they had lived for over two thousand
years. H.Res.193 reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to the noble
aims of the Genocide Convention, and urges the American people to
learn from the lessons of past genocides in order to help prevent
future crimes against humanity.
As we watch violence all too familiar unfold in the African nation
of Sudan, we urge you to join us in asking the Speaker to give us
the chance to act by bringing the Genocide Resolution to the floor
for a vote. We hope that you will join us in this significant
endeavor. To sign this letter, or to receive more information, you
can contact Tim Bergreen in Representative Schiff’s office at
[email protected], or at 5-4176.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Anna Eshoo
Member of Congress
[signed]
John E. Sweeney
Member of Congress
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Almanac
September 21, 2004
UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
On this date in history:
In 1792, the Legislative Assembly of revolutionary France voted to abolish
the monarchy and establish the First Republic, stripping King Louis XVI of
most of his power.
In 1893, the first successful American-made, gasoline-operated motorcar
appeared on the streets of Springfield, Mass. It was designed and built by
Charles and Frank Duryea.
In 1921, following the sex scandal caused by the arrest of comedian Fatty
Arbuckle, Universal announced it would require its actors to sign a
“morality clause” in their contracts.
In 1938, an estimated 600 people were killed by a hurricane that battered
the coast of New England.
In 1977, President Carter defended budget director Bert Lance as he
announced Lance’s resignation. Lance had been accused of a series of illegal
acts in banking.
In 1985, Western intelligence estimates said the Iran-Iraq war in five years
had cost nearly one million lives.
In 1991, Armenia became the 12th Soviet republic to declare independence.
In 1993, Russian President Boris Yeltsin suspended the parliament and
announced parliamentary elections would be held in December.
In 1996, President Clinton signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act,
which allows states to disregard “same sex marriages” that might be official
in other places.
And in 1996, John F. Kennedy, Jr., son of the late U.S. president and
described by tabloids as the world’s most eligible bachelor, wed Carolyn
Bessette.
In 1998, President Clinton’s videotaped grand jury testimony, during which
he admitted to an inappropriate relationship with former White House intern
Monica Lewinsky, was shown on television. It ran more than four hours.
Also in 1998, Hurricane Georges began its deadly rampage through the
Caribbean, killing more than 600 people.
In 1999, at least 2,300 people were killed when an earthquake measuring 7.6
on the Richter scale struck Taiwan.
In 2001, a telecast by top movie stars and musicians raised more than $500
million for survivors of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
In 2002, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reportedly told the Bush administration
Israel would strike back if attacked by Iraq. Israel made no response to
Iraqi Scud missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War.
In 2003, the spacecraft Galileo approached the fringes of Jupiter’s
atmosphere and then was directed to destroy itself in a high-speed plunge.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 20, 2004
___________________
EASTERN DIOCESE TO COMMEMORATE THE LEGACY OF HIS HOLINESS VASKEN I, ON
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING
The year 2004 marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of His Holiness
Vasken I, of blessed memory, the 130th Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians.
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) will commemorate
this significant milestone with a solemn requiem service and program, on
Sunday, December 5, 2004, at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, in New York
City.
Beloved and respected by all Armenians during his four decades as
Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Vasken I nurtured and guided
the Armenian Church in extremely difficult circumstances. His
thoughtful actions, deep faith, and strength of character inspired
people around the world, and left the church vital and ready to serve
the Armenian people at the dawn of a new era of independence.
As planned, the December 5 commemoration will begin with the Divine
Liturgy at the cathedral, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate. This will be followed by a
memorial luncheon and program at 1:00 p.m.
More information on the 10th anniversary memorial event for Catholicos
Vasken I will be forthcoming in the press, and on the Diocesan website:
–9/20/04
PHOTO CAPTION: The inspiring legacy of His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed
memory, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians from 1955
to 1994, will be remembered in a special memorial program on Sunday,
Dec. 5, 2004, at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral complex, marking the
10th anniversary of His Holiness’ passing. (Portrait of Catholicos
Vasken I by Cavouk)
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Insurance Journal
Sept 21 2004
Garamendi Appoints Members of Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund
Board
September 21, 2004
Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced three appointments to
the Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board. The board was created
to oversee the settlement of claims against New York Life Insurance
Company as directed in the settlement of a class-action lawsuit on
behalf of heirs and descendants of policyholders who were killed
during the Armenian Genocide more than 90 years ago.
The board members, Viken Manjikian, Paul Krekorian and Berj Boyajian,
will evaluate claims and determine which are to be paid pursuant to
the terms of the settlement agreement. The board’s decisions will be
final with no right of appeal.
“I am honored to appoint these three accomplished, capable and fair
individuals who will further the pursuit of justice for heirs and
descendants of victims of the Armenian Genocide,” Commissioner
Garamendi said. “This is an important step to help bring closure to
the victims and their families.”
Early this year, Commissioner Garamendi, after long negotiations, was
able to secure a $20 million fund to help fund the payment of claims
in the case. New York Life compromised in order to reach a detailed
agreement that will benefit both the survivors of the policyholders
as well as the Armenian community. Of the $20 million fund, at least
$3 million will be put into the ‘Unclaimed/Heirless Fund,’ which will
be contributed to court-approved charitable organizations – as set
forth in the settlement agreement – whose activities advance the
Court-approved charitable interests of the Armenian community.
Manjikian, of Lancaster, is Director of Inpatient and Emergency
Radiology, and Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at
Antelope Valley Hospital. He has extensive credentials in the field
of radiology and earned his medical and undergraduate degrees at the
University of California, Los Angeles.
Boyajian, of Beverly Hills, operates Boyajian and Associates in Los
Angeles. His practice specializes in business and toxic torts, and he
has extensive experience in litigation on behalf of individuals and
workers exposed to toxic substances.
Krekorian, of Burbank, is a founding partner of the law firm Fisher &
Krekorian in Los Angeles. His practice specializes in representation
of business, charitable organizations and individuals in matters
involving trademark, copyright and commercial disputes.
Potential claimants in the Armenian Genocide case have been informed
via Notice by the Court and published statewide. The Department of
Insurance consumer hotline will also be able to direct potential
claimants to the settlement Web site. Or, call the Department’s
hotline at 800-927-HELP (800-927-4357).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ITAR-TASS, Russia
Sept 21 2004
Armenia adheres to Karabakh peace settlement principle

YEREVAN, September 21 (Itar-Tass) – Armenia is keeping adherent to
the principle of peace settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem,
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan stated speaking at a government
reception on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day on
Tuesday evening.
`The settlement should be based on objective realities formed in the
process of USSR disintegration and especially on the basis of the
undeniable fact of existence of Nagorno Karabakh Republic,’ stated
the president.
According to Kocharyan, `Preserving peace in our complicated region
is a vital task.’
`We believe that diversified cooperation between all countries of the
region is an effective means for that,’ stressed the Armenian
president.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 21 2004
Meeting of Azeri, Turkish and Armenian FMs postponed

A meeting of Azerbaijani, Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers,
initially scheduled within the UN General Assembly session in New
York, has been put off.
The reason for the postponement is the different timing of arrival by
Foreign Ministers of the three countries in the USA.
The time for the meeting will be clarified through diplomatic
channels.*

PRESS RELEASE
Armenia Semester Abroad Program- 2005
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Armenian Studies Program
5245 N Backer Ave PB4
Fresno, CA 93740-8001
Email: [email protected]
ASP Office: 559-278-2669
Office: 559-278-4930
FAX: 559-278-2129
Visit the Armenian Studies Program Web Page at
Armenian Studies Program * California State University, Fresno
Spring 2005 Armenia Semester Abroad Program
Semester begins – Feb. 14 – May 14, 2005
Experience a semester abroad in Yerevan, Armenia. This one semester
program is designed to introduce students to Armenian language,
history, art, and contemporary events. The semester schedule is
composed of five courses: Armenian language (4 units); Armenian art
and architecture (3 units); Armenia today (3 units); Armenian studies
(3 units); Independent study (2 units).
Courses, based on curriculum used by the Armenian Studies Program at
California State University, Fresno, will be taught by faculty from
Yerevan State University.
The academic committee in charge of curriculum is composed of Dr.
Dickran Kouymjian, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian
Studies at Fresno State, Dr. Tom Samuelian of Arlex International,
and Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno
State.
Full information on the program is available at the following web
site:
Eligibility: The program is open to all college juniors and seniors
and graduate students who have maintained a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Fees: Fees for the program are $2,250 per person (for 15 units of
courses) and an additional fee of approximately of $160 for health
insurance. Room and board, air fare, and transportation and any
additional costs are the responsibility of the student. (The Program
will assist in finding living arrangements)
Deadline: Students are required to fill in the following application
form and return it to the Armenian Studies Program by December 1,
2004 for study abroad in Armenia in the Spring semester 2005.
Required information for application: Official college transcript;
One page essay on why you would like to participate in the Armenia
Study Abroad Program, what has prepared you for study in such a
Program, and why you are qualified to participate; One passport sized
color photo; Names and telephone numbers of two references
(non-related). In addition please submit Name, Address, City, State,
Zip, Telephone number, Email address, Date of birth: (Please clearly
print all information and make sure that the telephone number and
email address are current). Send the application form, and all
requested material to: Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Armenian Studies
Program, 5245 N Backer Ave. PB4. Fresno, CA 93740-8001
If you have any questions contact: Barlow Der Mugrdechian office
telephone: 559-278-4930 * email: [email protected]
Travel fellowship: Travel fellowships are available to qualified
applicants who are accepted into the Fresno State Armenia Semester
Abroad Program through BirthRight Armenia/Depi Hayk (BR/DH). (See
below for Eligibility). The travel fellowship covers reimbursement of
roundtrip economy class airfare at the average price for that period
upon successful completion of the program and BR/DH requirements.
Applications for the travel fellowships are due by January 15, 2005.
The application form is posted on the

Washington Post
Keeping a key Caspian ally
Commentary
By S. Rob Sobhani
Today is the 10th anniversary of a landmark agreement
that changed the geopolitical landscape of the Caspian
Sea region forever and gave America access to huge oil
reserves previously under total control of the Soviet
Union.
After a decade, the relationship between the
contractual parties should remain a U.S. foreign
policy priority.
The agreement signed on this date in 1994 in Baku,
the capital of Azerbaijan, was a simple one between
the government of Azerbaijan and Foreign Oil Cos. for
developing three giant oil fields – Azeri, Chirag and
Guneshli. Production from the 6 billion barrels of
reserves in these fields will be shipped through the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline directly to the
Mediterranean Sea. From there the oil will be shipped
to Western markets, including ports on the U.S. East
Coast. The Caspian Sea region is home to 10 percent of
the world’s remaining oil reserves.
From the beginning, Azerbaijan wanted to be a friend
of America – the world’s sole remaining superpower –
and America needed access to non-Middle Eastern oil
reserves. But concluding this agreement was most
difficult given prevailing circumstances at the time.
Azerbaijan was at war with neighboring Armenia over
the territory of Nagorno-Karabagh. Twenty percent of
its landmass was under occupation and approximately 1
million of its 7 million citizens were refugees.
The people of Azerbaijan had only enjoyed
independence from the Soviet Union for three years,
during which the country witnessed serious political
and economic dislocation due to the Soviet collapse. A
further obstacle to signing this agreement was the
total opposition of Russia and Iran. This agreement
was seen as a threat to their national security
because it allowed American oil companies to work in
their backyards.
Only the vision, courage and political skills of
Heydar Aliev, former President of Azerbaijan, enabled
this landmark agreement to be signed. Heydar Aliev was
a former member of the Politburo turned Azeri patriot,
who successfully led his country to de facto sovereign
independence by not allowing either Russia to the
north or Iran to the south to interfere with his
country’s affairs.
Heydar Aliev realized very early that
U.S.-Azerbaijan interests were mutually reinforcing:
uninterrupted exploration, development and
transportation of Caspian Sea oil and natural gas to
international markets; peaceful resolution of the
lingering Nagorno-Karabagh conflict; limiting the
influence of radical Islam in the oil-rich Caspian Sea
region; and fighting the global war on terrorism. Mr.
Aliev saw no conflict between Azerbaijan’s Muslim
heritage and a secular government.He frequently said,
“Islam is our faith and belongs in our hearts and in
our deeds but not on the streets and in our politics.”
He was one of the first world leaders to offer
immediate assistance to the United States after the
tragic events of September 11, 2001. Mr. Aliev offered
immediate right to overfly Azerbaijan to U.S. military
aircraft flying to Afghanistan.
Azerbaijan voted for all the U.N. resolutions in
support of the United States. Working closely with
U.S. law-enforcement agencies, Azerbaijan identified
and arrested 30 very dangerous terrorists who had
entered Azerbaijan. A decade of friendship and
cooperation explains the presence of Azerbaijani
troops beside American forces in both Afghanistan and
Iraq.
This legacy of friendship, cooperation and support
has been passed on to Mr. Aliev’s son, Ilham Aliev
(elected president of Azerbaijan by a significant
majority this past year), who vows to continue his
father’s policies. The U.S., in turn, owes a
tremendous debt of gratitude to Azerbaijan and its
people for opening their hearts, despite tremendous
obstacles, to maintain their end of a bargain with
America that started in 1991 when oil contract
negotiations began.
Unfortunately, Washington has not always upheld
its end of this critical friendship. While both
Presidents Clinton and Bush have understood the
importance of Azerbaijan’s contributions to regional
energy security, Congress has turned its back on
America’s best ally, friend and working partner in the
former Soviet Union. Congress has failed miserably to
appreciate the geopolitical importance of Azerbaijan.
Regardless who wins the elections in November, the
U.S. has an obligation to uphold this legacy of
friendship and cooperation by immediately taking the
following corrective initiatives:
(1) Congress must permanently remove Section 907
of the Freedom Support Act that treats Azerbaijan as
an enemy worse than North Korea and has been in effect
since 1991. (Beginning after September 11, 2001,
President Bush has had to waive Section 907 each year
for Azerbaijan to be treated as America’s friend and
receive any direct U.S. assistance.)
(2) Given Azerbaijan’s strategic location as the
gateway to Caspian Sea oil, Congress must appropriate
funds for increased military cooperation between
Azerbaijan and America.
(3) Make the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh
conflict a priority of American diplomacy. Resumption
of this conflict can negatively affect the flow of oil
to the United States.
(4) Invite the new president of Azerbaijan to the
U.S. to thank him for staunchly supporting America’s
war on terrorism.
In conclusion, America has a strong ally just
north of the Middle East that has been taken for
granted for too long. America has been asking its
friends to stand up and be counted. We might consider
doing the same.

S. Rob Sobhani is president of Caspian Energy
Consulting and an adjunct professor at Georgetown
University.