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Blinken's assistant: "Supporting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a national security interest of the U.S"

Karen Donfried, U.S Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs

16 November 2022 20:29 (UTC +04:00)

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which began after the collapse of the Soviet Union and has lasted for more than 30 years, has a historic chance to achieve long-term peace, said Karen Donfried, U.S Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs during the hearing held in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, APA reports.

She said that there were some setbacks in this direction, as on September 13-14.

"When the conflict began, we immediately engaged in the cessation of hostilities. This setback has reminded us all of the sensitivity of the situation and the significance of a lasting and comprehensive peace agreement" Karen Donfried said.

She added that the United States, under the leadership of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, was a mediator in continuing the dialogue and hosted a joint meeting of foreign ministers on September 19 and November 7.

She also recalled that Blinken held a phone conversation with both sides on October 4: "Thanks to our participation, on October 4, Azerbaijan released 17 Armenian prisoners captured during the September battles. Such steps are needed for trust between the two sides."

Karen Donfried noted that the United States encourages Azerbaijan and Armenia to continue negotiations in close coordination with the European Union (EU) and other partners.

She emphasized that the United States welcomes the dialogue conducted in the direction of the normalization of Turkiye-Armenia relations: "We positively assess the dialogue on the normalization of Turkiye-Armenia relations and have expressed our readiness to play a supporting role to both sides. This can increase regional stability and lead to greater economic development. Also, it is more important now against the backdrop of Russia's illegal and brutal war in Ukraine."

Karen Donfried emphasized that supporting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is not only the right behavior but also a national security interest of the United States.