10:32, 2 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 2, ARMENPRESS. Peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing when asked on the trilateral foreign ministerial in Washington D.C.

Patel said that “the U.S. is pleased to be hosting Foreign Minister Mirzoyan of Armenia and Foreign Minister Bayramov of Azerbaijan to facilitate negotiations this week as they work together to pursue a peaceful future for the South Caucasus region.”

“Secretary Blinken was honored to welcome the foreign ministers at a dinner yesterday and attend the opening plenary session this morning at the George P. Shultz National Affairs Foreign Affairs Training Center,” he added.

The spokesperson reiterated that the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken “believes that direct dialogue is key to resolving issues and reaching a lasting peace.” “This is something that he’s been deeply engaged on. It’s something that Senior Coordinator [Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations] Bono has been deeply engaged on as well. And it’s something that we will continue to pay close attention to.”

Patel said that the U.S. believes that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and that Washington is glad to be welcoming the two countries.

Asked on the possible success of the talks, the State Department spokesperson said: “Ultimately, the way for it to be prescriptive is up for these two countries to decide. Ultimately, what we believe is that peace is possible in the South Caucasus. That’s what we’re looking for, peace and stability between these two countries in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.”

“We think that direct dialogue through diplomacy is key here,” Patel added, noting that the U.S. will continue to be engaged on this issue.

Patel added that the U.S. still insists that free flow of traffic and people and commerce through the Lachin corridor must be ensured.