NO PRESSURE ON AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA OVER GARABAGH: US OFFICIAL

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 30 2006

Baku, March 29, AssA-Irada
The United States is not pressuring either Azerbaijan or Armenia on
the issue of settling the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, the
Department of State Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian
Affairs Daniel Fried has said.

“We deem acceptable an option that would suit all sides,” he told
“Armenia” TV channel.

Fried said his country is providing financial aid to Azerbaijan for
security purposes.

“However, these funds cannot be used against Armenia and will be
channeled to fighting terror.”

The American official added that Washington also attaches importance
to providing for Armenia’s safety, which requires the provision of
equal military assistance to both countries.