Washington: Former U.S. Congressman Greg Laughlin has revealed that Azerbaijan was excluded from the Freedom Support Act due to the actions of a senator, John Kerry. Laughlin made these remarks during an event at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Laughlin stated that the Freedom Support Act, which was designed to provide financial assistance to countries in the region to promote freedom, excluded Azerbaijan because of Section 907. This exclusion was allegedly introduced by Kerry during the conference committee stage. Laughlin mentioned that this move went unnoticed when the Act was passed.
Laughlin, who supported the Act, recounted an encounter with Texas oil men who informed him about the discrimination against Azerbaijan due to Section 907. He acknowledged that this section prevented funding from reaching Azerbaijan, affecting companies that approached the State Department but were unable to proceed due to congressional actions.
Reflecting on his early visit to Azerbaijan after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Laughlin emphasized the strategic importance of the country, highlighting his position as the first American congressman to visit Azerbaijan during that period.