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.
QUESTION: Moving to a D.C. ministerial, today Secretary met with Azerbaijan-Armenian foreign ministers. I think you saw it. We were told by senior officials that discussions have already been successful. Can you please help us unpack that little bit? Was there anything that happened today that help you shape your expectations of how things are going to look like in the days ahead?
MR PATEL: Alex, I certainly am not going to be one to get ahead of the process. But since you’ve given me the opportunity, what I do want to say is 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.
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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. You know this, Alex; you’ve covered this issue for a long time: The Secretary 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 Bono has been deeply engaged on as well. And it’s something that we will continue to pay close attention to.
And we – look, we believe that there is a – that peace is possible between these two countries, and we are glad to be welcoming them.
QUESTION: I’m sorry for jumping the gun. I know this is going to continue for a couple more days. But how does the success look like, to your understanding?
MR PATEL: Alex, the – 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. We look – that’s what we’re looking for, peace and stability between these two countries in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.