July 03, 2014 | 12:15
The United States are committed to helping both sides reach a peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, spokesperson for State Department Jen Psaki said.
“It’s our hope that the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan will accept French President Hollande’s invitation to hold a summit in Paris as soon as possible, and that they will agree to structured negotiations that will lead to a peace agreement. And we call on both sides to redouble their efforts at the negotiation table and to focus on the benefits that peace will bring to people across the region,” she said.
Asked about numerous ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan, Psaki noted that inflammatory rhetoric and statements run counter to the principle of reducing tensions.
“So we certainly think that that damages the peace process, and that’s why we’re encouraging them to redouble their efforts,” State Department official added.
As to the reports of attacks on Armenian settlements by Azerbaijan, Psaki said she does not have any confirmation of those specific reports, “but clearly, a peaceful settlement is in the interests of both countries”.