Azerbaijan-Armenian: U.S. 'Watches Closely', Supports Calls For International Mission To Monitor Rights In Karabakh

Washington D.C./26.09.23/Turan:     The White House said on Monday it's 'watching closely' the reports about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, following the latest developments and the evacuation of ethnic Armenians, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"Certainly, it is concerning," President Biden's Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in the briefing room, adding that the White House National Security Council (NSC) is 'keeping closer eyes" on the topic.

The NSC is "in constant touch with folks on the ground about the situation," a senior administration official told TURAN's Washington correspondent.

"This is a moving picture, and we of course, have eyes and ears on the ground, and are ready to support our partners to respond to the events accordingly" the official, who was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive internal discussions, said.

The move came as senior U.S. officials on Monday arrived in Yerevan to "reaffirm U.S. support for Armenia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and democracy, and of course to help address humanitarian needs stemming from the recent violence in Nagorno-Karabakh," as the State Department's spokesperson Matthew Miller put it.

"It's a stretch to question the depth of our commitment when you see the diplomatic engagement that we’ve had from the most senior levels over the past week," Miller told a daily briefing in response to TURAN's questions about last week's engagements at the UN.

When asked why Antony Blinken didn’t meet in person with Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers in New York, the spokesperson said, as the Secretary was talking to leaders of both countries and that "shows the depth of his commitment to resolving this issue."

Miller also said that Washington supports calls by Armenia at the UN for an international mission to verify the treatment of ethnic Armenians by Azerbaijan.

"We do believe there should be an international mission to provide transparency, reassurance and confidence to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community that their rights and security will be protected consistent with the public statements that Azerbaijan has made," he said, adding that the initiative was “actively discussed” with allies.

"We have called for such a mission for some time, and we are working with our allies and partners to secure one," he added.

According to Miller, Washington "is concerned" about the situation. "I will say that in terms of what we think is important, it’s, number one, that the ceasefire that exists now be maintained, that there is no further military action; number two, that the humanitarian needs of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are addressed; and number three, that Azerbaijan and Armenia reach a lasting peace agreement," he saif.

The spokesperson went on to add, "With regard to the humanitarian situation from the ground, the population of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh should be able to remain in their homes in peace and dignity, with respect for their rights and security if they choose to do so.  Those who want to leave and return should be allowed safe passage overseen by a neutral, independent third party.  And Azerbaijan has a responsibility to protect civilians and ensure the humane treatment of all, including those it suspects of being combatants."

TURAN also asked Miller about Russia's accusing Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan of recognizing Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. According to him, Russia has shown that it is not a security partner that can be relied on.

"Russia cannot be relied on as an international partner.  And as it pertains to Russia’s respect for international territory and – or, I’m sorry, territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries, I think we’ve seen by its own actions that it’s not a principle that it holds itself to," he said.

When it comes to Washington's latest statements reaffirming U.S. support for Armenia’s territorial integrity, Miller said, it is important that Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a lasting peace agreement.

"It’s something that we have pushed for some time – for some time.  It’s something that we have said publicly we believed was in reach if both sides were willing to make difficult compromises.  Obviously, we have not seen that happen in the last few months.  I do note that President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan have announced that they are going to meet next week.  We think it’s important that they meet and ultimately bridge the divide between their two countries," he said.

Miller was also asked about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's latest visit to Nakhchivan. "We continue to hope that all of our allies and partners can play a constructive role in reaching a lasting agreement and that, of course, would include Turkey," he said.

"We have been engaged with the Turkish Government on this issue.  It was one of the issues that Secretary Blinken discussed with his Turkish counterpart when they met in New York on Friday," he concluded.

Alex Raufoglu