ANNE DERSE: RETURN TO VIOLENCE IN KARABAKH ISSUE WOULD BE TRAGEDY

PanARMENIAN.Net
15.05.2006 15:05 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ During her Senate confirmation hearing
today, Ambassador-designate Anne Derse reiterated U.S. policy
for a peaceful, mutually acceptable resolution to the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, stating that “a return to violence would be a
tragedy.” Ambassador-designate Anne Derse responded that if confirmed,
she will work toward expanding and strengthening U.S.-Azerbaijan
security cooperation and help promote democracy and governance. She
said a peaceful settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is critical
to achieving this goal and expressed hope that President of Armenia
Robert Kocharian and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will work
together on this issue. She further stated that as Co-Chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group, the U.S. will also urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to
remain engaged in the process and demonstrate political courage. Derse
also expressed her commitment to work with both countries towards a
peaceful resolution, reports the Armenian Assembly of America.