U.S. puzzled by difficulties faced in Karabakh conflict settlementFebruary 24, 2011 - 18:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. is interested in rapid settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the international law and the Helsinki principles, U.S. First Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg said upon arrival in Baku. "We hope for certain progress in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We think that both countries are interested in promoting this issue," Steinberg said. He said that it is very important to maintain a diplomatic solution to the conflict, as it is in the interests of all countries in the region. "We are puzzled by the difficulties we have recently faced, given the potential benefit of both sides of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in case of a peaceful settlement and risks of the conflict escalation," he said. “It is in our interests to do everything we can. It was highlighted at a meeting with Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan. The parties must meet in a positive atmosphere to find common ground. It is in the interests of all parties of the conflict. There must be no doubts that the parties will continue making efforts in this direction,” Trend cited Steinberg as saying. Steinberg left Tbilisi and arrived in Baku. Earlier, he was in Yerevan. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |