Azerbaijan-Armenia: U.S. Issues Statement Ahead Of Chisinau Talks, Reiterates Its Readiness To Support Peace

Washington D.C./31.05.23/Turan:    The State Department on Tuesday issued a rare statement ahead of this week's Chisinau talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reiterating its readiness to support peace efforts, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"We are pleased to see that talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan have continued," reads the statement by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. "As Secretary Blinken said, peace is achievable in the South Caucasus," he noted.

The State Department reminds that it recently expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Pashinyan’s commitment to peace, and "we welcome President Aliyev’s recent remarks on consideration of amnesty."

"Armenia and Azerbaijan’s leaders will meet later this week in Chisinau with our European partners, and we hope that will be a productive step to resolving these issues at the negotiating table and not through violence," reads the statement.

The Statement also warns against escalations. "Aggressive rhetoric can only perpetuate the violence of the past; constructive dialogue—both public and private—can create peace, opportunity, and hope," Miller noted.

"The United States stands ready to support the efforts of both parties to conclude a durable and dignified peace agreement," the statement concludes.

Alex Raufoglu