Blinken Urges Pashinyan To Continue To Work With Azerbaijan On Peace Process

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged Armenia's Prime Minister to "continue to work with Azerbaijan on time-bound and measurable steps to support the peace process" in a call with Nikol Pashinyan, State Department said in a readout of the call.

Blinken, who also spoke with Azerbaijan's Ilham Aliyev Monday morning, expressed appreciation for the positive steps Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking towards reaching a sustainable peace agreement, including direct talks between the foreign ministers and leaders.

The Secretary reiterated U.S. support, including for clear border delimitation, transportation linkages, recovery and identification of missing persons, return of detainees, and other issues, and 'welcomed' plans for a civilian EU mission along the border with Azerbaijan to build confidence.

"He underscored the importance of discussions around the rights and securities for the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and need for both sides to maintain the cease-fire and focus on a negotiated agreement as the only path to a lasting peace," the State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.