"Peace Is Within Reach": U.S. 'Welcomes' Continuing Engagement Between Azerbaijan And Armenia

Washington D.C./09.05.23/Turan:    The United States 'welcomes' reports that Azerbaijan and Armenia are continuing to engage in peace discussions, the State Department said on Monday following the news about the upcoming Brussels meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"We reiterate our conviction that peace is within reach and that direct dialogue is key to resolving issues and reaching a lasting peace," Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told a daily press conference when responding to TURAN's questions.

An announcement on the EU Council's website said a three-corner meeting with Council President Charles Michel would take place on May 14 at EU headquarters.

The Brussels dialogue follows recent talks in Washington which prompted Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week to suggest a breakthrough was possible.

When asked by TURAN's correspondent whether the Secretary stood by his positive assessment of the dialogue, Patel said the following: "Our view... is that last week’s discussions were constructive, and we believe that the delegations from Armenia and Azerbaijan made significant progress in addressing difficult issues.  Both countries, as you know, agreed in principle to certain terms and have a better understanding of each other’s points of views."

Patel went on to add, "We believe that with additional goodwill and flexibility and compromise, that an agreement is within reach, and we continue to provide full support and engagement from the United States as the two countries continue to engage in dialogue and continue to secure a durable and sustainable peace."

Alex Raufoglu