So this is, I think, the kind of engagement that we need to continue together with our international partners in the countries of the region to reduce those levels of tension over time.

But I don't see that is what the illegal parallel structures are providing.

There is no military solution to the situation, so the issue is how do we galvanize our diplomacy.

So clearly, this is an issue that is going to require sustained engagement, leadership, and contacts.

We all thank you for taking on these very important jobs and look forward to hearing from you this afternoon.

I cannot imagine any specific thing that could help create more stability within the whole Caucasus region than resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

It was, I thought, a great opportunity for those countries who have participated in NATO to point out the continuing relevance of our alliance.

It is fair to say that you will commit to making commercial ties and business advocacy a top priority.

I think we are all concerned that it not become an opportunity for countries to contribute less than their fair share to NATO as well.

It is interesting to me that Azerbaijan has recently agreed to purchase 1.6 billion dollars' worth of Israeli-made weapons.

Can you tell us whether you agree that the discovery of natural gas within Cypriot waters could, with some leadership, help to bring a resolution to the division in Cyprus?

So should we be comfortable that Cyprus is moving forward to take those steps to address the recommendations from the EU, or are there going to be obstacles in trying to get that done?

Are we taking steps to help the Marshall Islands citizens cope with these effects of global warming, and are there any actions that you have heard that you think we should be taking that we are not?

Well, I know that the Marshall Islands is already experiencing the effects of climate change and that it is having an impact on rising sea levels, contamination of water, damage to homes and crops.

Unfortunately, Turkey has called on the major international oil and gas companies to withdraw their bids to seek a license for development of those gas deposits in Cyprus.

Are you confident that the Bulgarian local police will work closely with us and with Israel in trying to get to the bottom of these attacks?

I think it is important that that not be denied.

Senator Barrasso raised the question about energy for Bulgaria, and in March Bulgaria canceled a project to build two Russian nuclear reactors in the country.