Ariel Cohen: Unprecedented case when ethnic group to dictate US administration

Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 22 / Trend E. Tariverdiyeva / An unprecedented case has arisen whereby an ethnic group based in the U.S. is trying to dictate whom the presidential administration may or may not appoint as an ambassador, Trend Expert Council member and Heritage Foundation expert on Russia, Eurasia and international energy policies Ariel Cohen said, while commenting on the situation on the possible withdrawal of the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, if the Senate does not vote for him. "Matt Bryza, whom I have known for 24 years, is an outstanding diplomat and a real expert on energy and South Caucasus. "It will be a great loss if the Administration and the Senate will not find a way to extend his service," Cohen told Trend. On December 29, 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama appointed a career diplomat, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew Bryza as ambassador to Azerbaijan. However this was done bypassing the Senate which blocked his appointment for a few months under pro-Armenian senators' pressure. If the U.S. Senate does not approve Mr Bryza's candidacy in the near future, he will be withdrawn. The Armenian lobby is making every effort to ensure the Senate rejects Mr Bryza's candidacy. It is inexcusable that such a great asset for the US foreign policy interests, will not be serving his country in the area he knows so well, he said. "I hope his successor is going to be as good as he is. However, wherever Matt Bryza will work, he will be a great asset to his employer and to the US," he said. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az