We urge the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Karen Donfried, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the US Department of State, said this in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am. Below is the text of this interview.
The US has numerously stressed the Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)] conflict is not resolved, and the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be determined. What kind of status can lead to a lasting peace and stability ensuring the core rights of the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh, if Azerbaijan excludes any possibility to self-determination?
We urge the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We remain ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan with these efforts, including in our capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.
The Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk group doesn't function, in fact. The US has welcomed the mediation of the EU in Armenia-Azerbaijan talks. What is Washington's position on the mediatory role of Russia which brokered the ceasefire of November 9, 2020 and has a peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh. Do you see opportunities to cooperate with Russia towards Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution and normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
The United States stands ready to engage with Armenia and Azerbaijan in any format, including via the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, in which progress towards a resolution can be forged.
The United States is open to discussions with fellow Minsk-Group Co-Chairs Russia and France on how the international community can best help Armenia and Azerbaijan find peace.
What prospects do you see for Armenia-Turkey normalizations?
The normalization in relations between Armenia and Turkey is important to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity for the wider region. We welcome the Turkish-Armenian dialogue and applaud both countries for engaging in diplomacy and dialogue to resolve their differences.