New york: Former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta highlighted the ongoing progress between Azerbaijan and the United States, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration. “First and foremost, it is truly gratifying to see President Ilham Aliyev at the United Nations and to hear Azerbaijan’s voice on such a global platform,” Cekuta stated.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Cekuta noted that President Aliyev is uniquely effective in delivering Azerbaijan’s message to the world. He praised the remarks made by the president, particularly regarding the progress in peace-building efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He acknowledged the significant role played by the United States, specifically mentioning President Trump’s involvement in the August 8th meeting, and stressed the need for continued U.S. engagement. However, he underscored that the peace achieved was primarily due to the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Cekuta also addressed the long-standing issue of Section 907, which involves restrictions on aid to Azerbaijan. He explained that changing American law to address this would be challenging, although a waiver provision has been utilized in the past. This provision was exercised by President Trump on August 8th, an action Cekuta views as a positive step. He concluded by emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to build on these developments, noting the significance of progress amidst predominantly negative global news.