U.S.: Armenia, Azerbaijan can move forward in normalizing relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried believes there is opportunity for Armenia and Azerbaijan to move forward in normalizing relations and seeking a peace settlement.

Donfried told a briefing on Wednesday, June 8 that Russia’s war against Ukraine affects the entire region, including the South Caucasus, as well as spoke about the EU's role in that process

"I think we’ve seen both countries take important steps. That is something the United States very much encourages," the diplomat said.

"When we think about Azerbaijan and Armenia, we also see the critical role the European Union is playing there. So it’s a wonderful example where the European Union and the EU, working together with Azerbaijan and Armenia, can be hopeful about advancing that peaceful process."

The United States earlier offered assistance with Armenia and Azerbaijan's border delimitation and demarcation efforts. Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said on May 24 that the matter was discussed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.