JOHN EVANS: "EVERYONE RECOGNIZES KARABAKH CANNOT BE RETURNED TO AZERBAIJAN"

PanARMENIAN.Net - In spite of the US pursuing a policy of territorial integrity of states, "everyone recognizes that Nagorno Karabakh cannot be returned to Azerbaijan," US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans stated, addressing the University of California, Berkeley. In his words, if official Baku and Yerevan work out a plan of actions for settlement of the conflict, the Ambassador said he hoped that everyone would facilitate supporting the parties. "If a settlement is attained, we cannot prevent it," the Ambassador noted when answering a question on the US policy towards the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. At present there is a light precondition for optimism in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, as none of the parties is in electoral race that is always connected with risk. Answering a question on a statement by Elizabeth Jones, Mr. Evans noted that the term "criminal separatists" does not refer to Karabakh and that the former Assistant State Secretary has apologized in a private conversation with the Armenian Government. When commenting on a statement of Azeri Defense Minister Ramiz Melikov that in 25 years no Armenian will be left on the Earth, Mr. Evans noted that the statement "is cruel and aggressive." US officials often privately work to prevent of such problems. "One of our main tasks is to provide stability in the region. The South Caucasus does not need wars any more," the Ambassador stated.