U.S. HOPES FOR PROGRESS ON KARABAKH, ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS

Interfax
Feb 8 2010
Russia

The U.S. has spoken in favor of the settlement of Armenian-Turkish
relations without any preconditions, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
James Steinberg said.

The U.S. backs the idea pf progress of Armenian-Turkish relations
without any preconditions, which will benefit everyone, Steinberg said
in an interview with Armenia Public Broadcasting. The U.S. wants to
see progress in both issues without stating any relation between the
processes, he said. There is no need to delay the solution of these
issues as they ensure mutual confidence, Steinberg said.

Steinberg said he believes both Armenia and Turkey realize the value
of progress and have certain questions to each other about their
future plans. The role of the U.S. in this issue could be that the U.S.

can show to the parties the importance of progress and help them make
the necessary decisions, Steinberg said. The presidents of Armenia
and Turkey have made good decisions and the U.S. wants them to become
a reality, he said.

Steinberg said the U.S. is ready to work actively on normalizing
Armenian-Turkish relations.

The U.S. hails the efforts made by the Armenian president, Steinberg
said, adding that progress in Turkish-Armenian relations would benefit
the interests of Armenia and its people. And would bring security,
wellbeing and new opportunities to Armenia and the entire Southern
Caucasus.

Steinberg also said the U.S. has long-term interests in the Southern
Caucasus.

The U.S. is working with all countries of the Southern Caucasus and
Turkey, has good partners in the region and would like to help them
resolve their differences," he said.