Cheney in Azerbaijan for energy talks

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney arrived Wednesday in Azerbaijan, beginning a swing through former Soviet republics.

Cheney's visit to the region, which is to include stops in Georgia and Ukraine, signals support for Georgia and its prime minister, Mikheil Saakashvili, The New York Times said. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was expected to announce an aid package for Georgia.

Cheney also wants to ensure a diversity of energy and stable supply routes from Azerbaijan, a key U.S. ally that borders Georgia, CNN said. The Bush administration hopes to make Western Europe less dependent on Russia and Russian pipelines.

He is to be briefed in Georgia on Russia's recent incursion and continuing military presence in the former Soviet republic.

During a press appearance with President Ilham Aliyev, Cheney said that the United States is committed to the security and independence of former Soviet republics like Azerbaijan.

"Mr. President, although we decided on this visit months ago, we met this evening in the shadow of the recent Russian invasion of Georgia -- an act that has been clearly condemned by the international community," he said.

Cheney also is scheduled to visit Italy to address the annual Ambrosetti Forum on Lake Como, CNN reported.