The Security, Economic and Human Rights Dimensions of US-Azerbaijan Relations

Members

Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin

Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Hon. Christopher Smith

Co-Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Hon. Roger Wicker

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Witnesses

Eric Rubin

Deputy Assistant Secretary

U.S. Department of State

Thomas O. Melia

Deputy Assistant Secretary

U.S. Department of State

Miriam Lanskoy

Director for Russia and Eurasia

National Endowment for Democracy

Brenda Shaffer

Visiting Researcher

Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies, Georgetown University

The hearing addressed security, economic, and human rights dimensions of U.S. – Azerbaijan relations ahead of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly 2014 annual meeting, taking place in Azerbaijan.

Helsinki Commission Chairman Benjamin Cardin opened the hearing by speaking to these three dimensions. Regarding human rights, there are several concerns. Azerbaijan’s presidential elections fell short of international standards and there are several individuals who have been harassed and detained because of their desire to report on events in Azerbaijan, raising concerns about freedom of the media.

Chairman Cardin was joined by Eric Rubin, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State, Thomas O. Melia, Miriam Lanskoy, and Brenda Shaffer.

Relevant Issues

Freedom of Speech and Expression Freedom of the Media OSCE Institutions, Structures, and Meetings

Relevant Countries

Azerbaijan United States of America

Leadership

Ben Cardin Christopher Smith Roger Wicker

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