U.S. Top Military Official Speaks of Caucasus Importance

U.S. General James Jones, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) and the Commander of the United States European Command, said that the Caucasus ?is increasing importance? to the United States? interests.

Gen. Jones was speaking at the hearing of the U.S. Senate?s Committee on Armed Services on March 1.

?The Caucasus is increasing important to our interests. Its air corridor has become a crucial lifeline between coalition forces and Afghanistan and our bases in Europe,? Gen. Jones said.

?Caspian oil, carried through the Caucasus, may constitute as much as 25% of the world?s growth in oil production over the next five years, while the Caspian hydrocarbons will diversify Europe?s sources of energy. This region is a geographically pivotal point in the spread of democracy and free market economies to the states of Central and Southwest Asia,? he added.

Gen. Jones also said that although the Caucasus is torn by ethnic conflict and is also plagued with corruption and crime, some parts of the region made ?remarkable progress towards democracy in the last year.?