US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price answered the question of whether Washington has a plan for Armenia-Azerbaijan, and if there is one, how does this differ from Putin’s peacemaking approach? What the US expects of the upcoming Sochi meeting
“First, misinformation, or, perhaps more accurately, disinformation, continues to come from certain quarters, including Moscow, about our intentions towards Armenia and Azerbaijan. The United States is both of these countries’ partner. Over the years, we have been partners with both of these countries.
The United States is the strongest supporter of the sovereignty and independence for the countries in the South Caucasus including Armenia and Azerbaijan. Price stated that the restoration of Armenia and Azerbaijan independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 was a seminal moment which guaranteed each country the right to pursue its own foreign policy, to pursue its own interests independent of Moscow, or any other countries around the world.
He said that when the United States engages with Armenia and Azerbaijan they do so with a single purpose, which is to end the violence and put these countries on a path to enduring and comprehensive peace. “We have encouraged these countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, to meet in whatever format they find most useful. We believe that direct dialogue is the best way to resolve issues and achieve lasting peace.
He said that it was up to the two countries to decide how they would approach these upcoming discussions. “I think the world is aware of Russia‘s past when it comes to its neighboring countries and its neighborhood. The 2008 invasion of Georgia by Russia and its ongoing brutal invasion of Ukraine shows that Moscow has no respect for the sovereignty of its neighbors and is not a reliable partner. This is in stark contrast with the United States. Price stated that our sole intention is to help these two countries achieve a lasting peace and an end to violence, which the people of Armenian and Azerbaijan desperately desire.
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