U.S. State Department backs Matthew Bryza’s nomination to the post of U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, says the statement of State Department sent in reply to request by the Voice of America.

The message notes that Matthew Bryza is nominee of the State Department and has experience and qualities necessary for the post. The State Department expressed hope that the Senate will approve Bryza’s nomination shortly.

Both Senators Barbara Boxer and Robert Menendez have jointly placed a “hold” on U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan nominee Matthew Bryza. The hold by Senators Boxer and Menendez prevents fast-tracked Senate consideration of the Bryza nomination, effectively blocking his confirmation for this ambassador’s post.