Azerbaijan: U.S. Energy, Security, and Human Rights Interests

AGENDA:

Chairman Rohrabacher on the hearing: “Azerbaijan is a country in a tough part of the world; it is surrounded by several countries that are not friendly to its interests.  The United States has worked to help Azerbaijan grow its economy and we are grateful for the security cooperation that has developed. Yet, in the areas of human rights and democracy, progress has not been as steady, and has even backslid. The recent closure of the Baku bureau of Radio Free Europe Radio/ Radio Liberty is not the way to encourage relations between our two nations. This hearing will help identify areas of concern and areas where cooperation could be increased. We will discuss what actions should be taken to ensure continued good relations.”

 

WITNESSES:

 

Audrey Altstadt, Ph.D.

Fellow

Kennan Institute

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

 

The Honorable Richard Kauzlarich

Adjunct Professor

School of Public Policy

George Mason University

(Former American Ambassador to Azerbaijan)

 

Svante Cornell, Ph.D.

Director

Central Asia-Caucasus Institute

School of Advanced International Studies

Johns Hopkins University