The Security, Economic and Human Rights Dimensions of US-Azerbaijan Relations
Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 4:00 am
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 Countries
Leadership