U.S. diplomat: Important that Armenia, Azerbaijan talk to each other

PanARMENIAN.Net - Former U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick believes the most important thing in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is that the sides talk to each other regardless of the format or the participants of the negotiations.

Warlick said in an interview with the Voice of America that he is optimistic about the processes of the last few months, citing, in particular, the meeting of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Sochi where the two agreed to not use force.

According to the diplomat, the biggest challenge is that it’s impossible to settle everything at once as the sides should work on the delimitation of the border, the determination of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, the opening of transport communications, the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Warlick also weighed in on Azerbaijan’s reluctance to engage in talks mediated by French President Emmanuel Macron. He said Macron really understands the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and he can be an impartial, fair mediator in the process. However, he added, that it is important to have a process that will be trusted by both Armenia and Azerbaijan.