U.S. calls on Baku to focus on peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict

PanARMENIAN.Net - One of Azerbaijan's greatest challenges is to find a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh dispute, according to the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.



"The United States, in its role as Co-Chair of the Minsk Group alongside our French and Russian colleagues, continues to actively pursue a diplomatic resolution of this problem. While we support Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, Nagorno Karabakh's final status must be determined through negotiations and a spirit of compromise that respects international legal and political principles," Daniel Fried, said in his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee's "The Caucasus: Frozen Conflicts and Closed Borders" hearing.



"An important step forward was taken by President Aliyev and Armenian President Sargsyan when they met for the first time in St. Petersburg on June 6 to discuss the resolution of the conflict, after which they met with the Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working within the Minsk process and expressed their readiness to continue discussions on the Basic Principles, a document developed under the auspices of the Minsk Group that lays out the basic framework for a lasting, peaceful settlement."



"As Azerbaijan's income from its rich oil and gas resources rises dramatically, we continue to urge its leadership to use these revenues wisely for both current and future generations. We hope that the Azerbaijani government will avoid the temptation of thinking that renewed fighting is a viable option. In our view, it is not. We have noted our concern with persistent bellicose rhetoric by some Azerbaijani officials. We have urged the government of Azerbaijan to focus on the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh dispute and its resultant benefits for regional integration, which will lead to greater prosperity and stability for the entire Caucasus region. In sum, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to accelerate its economic and political development, to build on its successes in establishing good relations in its region, and to settle the Nagorno Karabakh dispute," Mr Fried said.