U.S. Senate Committee Backs Ambassador Libby's Nomination To Azerbaijan

Washington D.C./14.07.23/Turan:   The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee late last night confirmed President Biden's pick for Ambassador nominee to Azerbaijan, clearing the way for his likely approval by the full Senate in the coming days, TURAN's Washington correspondent was informed by Senate sources.

"His nomination has already been placed on the Senate Executive Calendar," the source said.

At his June 14 confirmation hearing, career diplomat Mark Libby faced questions on Karabakh peace talks, human rights, and security cooperation between the U.S. and Azerbaijan.

If confirmed, Libby said, he would support Washington's efforts to facilitate a just and sustainable peace agreement. "This tragic conflict has produced a bitter legacy of pain and mistrust," he added.

Signing a peace deal, however, "is only the first step", as Libby put it.  "If confirmed, I will lead the Embassy Baku's inter-agency team to support the implementation of an eventual settlement," he said.

A peace deal would also allow Washington and Baku to take their cooperation to the next level, per Libby.  "... Cooperation in counter-terrorism, border security, energy security, and maritime security serves the U.S. national interest and security. If confirmed,I will redouble our efforts in these areas."

For Libby, democracy in human rights are core to U.S. foreign policy "not just because they reflect our values, but because they have proven to be the best foundation for peace and prosperity"

"If confirmed, I pledge to engage in a respectful, but very frank dialogue with a wide-range of Azerbaijani leaders, and citizens and to advocate persistently for those values, rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan, and in the wider region," Ambassador Libby pledged.

Alex Raufoglu