Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
Abstract
The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end their dependence on Russia for trade and security. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro-Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and encourages building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, many of which remain unresolved. The Freedom Support Act (P.L. 102-511) provides the major authorization for assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, creation of market economies, trade, and investment. Sec. 907 of the act prohibits most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan until it ceases blockades and other offensive use of force against Armenia. This provision was partly altered over time to permit humanitarian, democratization, and border security aid; Trade and Development Agency aid; OPIC insurance; and Eximbank financing. In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the Administration appealed for a national security waiver of the prohibition on aid to Azerbaijan, in consideration of Azerbaijan's assistance to the international coalition to combat terrorism. In Dec 2001, Congress approved foreign appropriations for FY2002 that granted the President authority to waive Sec. 907, renewable each calendar year. President Bush exercised the waiver most recently on Jan 13, 2005. Azerbaijani and Georgian troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq; Armenian personnel have served in Iraq since Jan 2005.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA474202
Entities
People
- Jim Nichol
Organizations
- Library of Congress