Blinken's telephone conversations with Aliyev and Pashinyan

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for the positive steps Azerbaijan and Armenia are taking towards reaching a sustainable peace agreement, including recent direct talks between the foreign ministers and leaders," the State Department said in a readout of the call.

Blinken "welcomed Azerbaijan’s release of 17 POWs to Armenia on October 4 and urged President Aliyev to continue time-bound and measurable steps to support the peace process," the Department said.

Blinken also reiterated U.S. support, including for clear border delimitation, transportation linkages, recovery and identification of missing persons, return of detainees, and other issues.

"He underscored the importance of discussions about 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 said.

It should be noted that on the same day Blinken had a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan. According to the Armenian side, the same issues were discussed. -0-

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.