Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at US Department of State referred to the meeting between State Secretary Antony Blinken, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
Senior officials told reporters 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?”, asked a reporter during the press briefing.
“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.
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” Patel said in response.
“I know this is going to continue for a couple more days. But how does the success look like, to your understanding?” tried to clarify the journalist
“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” Patel said.
On the venue of the meeting, Principal Deputy Spokesperson said, “It’s a newly completed campus, newly constructed, that is reflective of our commitment to updated, modernized diplomacy that’s rooted in the 21st century”.
In the recent months Secretary Blinken called several times the presidents, and the prime minister of Armenia and all. “So how confident is he that this time could be the time that they agree on normalizing relations? And second, what kind of pressure is he putting on them?” asked another journalist.
“I’m just not going to get ahead of the process here as we’re only on the first day. What I will say is that we believe that peace is possible between these two countries. We think that direct dialogue through diplomacy is key here. And you were right; this is something that the Secretary has been deeply engaged on; he’s had the opportunity to convene trilateral meetings as well as speak to the foreign ministers and leaders of these two countries. And we will continue to be engaged on this issue”, Patel said.
Another question referred the possibility for the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan might stay longer in Washington and have more meetings during the upcoming days.
The Government of Azerbaijan has disregarded all calls previously made by also Department of State to unblock the Lachin corridor. “I was wondering if this administration has any other steps – considers any other steps to take in order to make sure that the road is unblocked and that the nearly disastrous humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh improves?” asked the journalist.
“I will let the two ministers speak to their own schedule. I don’t have anything to offer or update on that.
And secondly, we have not parsed our words about the need for the free flow of traffic and people and commerce through the Lachin corridor. That continues to be the case and it’s something that we will continue to raise directly with our Armenian counterparts”, Vedant Patel answered.
