US ambassador to Azerbaijan resigns due to health concerns

Mark Libby, the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has announced his resignation, citing persistent health problems as the primary reason for stepping down.

In a statement released today, December 3, Libby expressed his deep regret at leaving diplomatic service but emphasized that his health must take priority, Caliber.Az reports.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from U.S. diplomatic service. The health concerns I noted in my testimony before the U.S. Senate in 2023 have, unfortunately, persisted. Since coming to Baku, I have benefitted from excellent medical attention, including from the diagnostic radiology team at 'Mərkəzi Klinika' [], to whom I am especially grateful. But recent test results indicate that it is time for me to return home to focus fully on my health," Libby said in his announcement.

He further stated that his retirement would take place after the conclusion of what he described as a "busy – but exceptionally successful - 2024 calendar year."

Libby also noted his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition during his final weeks in Azerbaijan. "I intend to use my remaining few weeks in Azerbaijan to set the stage for a successful 2025 and to promote cancer awareness," he added.

During his tenure as Ambassador, Libby expressed immense pride in the work the U.S. Embassy had accomplished in Azerbaijan.

"We have forged stronger people-to-people ties by sponsoring English language programs, dramatically boosting the number of Azerbaijani students studying in the USA, and facilitating visits to Azerbaijan by a diverse range of U.S. scholars, sports, and cultural representatives," Libby highlighted.

He also pointed to the strengthened economic cooperation, particularly in the shift from traditional to renewable energy, as a major achievement.

"Our close cooperation to produce a successful outcome at COP29 has demonstrated that the governments of the United States and Azerbaijan can work together to change the world for the better when we put our minds to it," Libby said.

While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, particularly in human rights and peace efforts in the South Caucasus, Libby remained optimistic about the future of U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. "I leave with great optimism for the future of U.S.-Azerbaijan relations," he said.

"I also leave with a great love for the resilient people, astounding natural beauty, and enthusiastic hospitality my wife Danusia and I have encountered everywhere throughout Azerbaijan," Libby added.

By Khagan Isayev