February 22, 2012 - 15:01 AMT
U.S. Department of State disfavors Karabakh status quo

U.S. policy regarding Nagorno Karabakh problem has remained unchanged, according to U.S Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

In an interview with AzerTaj news agency, Eric Rubin noted that the U.S. bases its stance on Helsinki Final Act principles of Non-Use of Force, Territorial Integrity, and Self-Determination of Peoples.

“U.S. government has no intention to make any shifts regarding its position on Karabakh. As OSCE Minsk Group co-chair country, America fosters achievement of tangible progress in talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Our impartial stance on the issue and statements aim to approximate positions of the parties,” Mr. Rubin said.

The official further noted OSCE MG as the only format to achieve agreement in terms of conflict resolution.

“Minsk Group is the sole format to achieve advancements in the process. The current status quo is unacceptable. Though the situation is dangerous, we believe the formats in which we have pursued activity until now were the most effective for achieving an agreement,” Mr. Rubin said.