Real and Bold Steps from Yerevan and Baku: Antony Blinken

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov in Washington yesterday, stating that the United States is committed to peaceful negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"Direct dialogue is truly the best way to achieve sustainable peace, and we are very pleased to support it," the Secretary said.

According to him, the United States firmly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, noting that the restoration of independence in 1991 was a vital moment for the guarantee of the rights of both countries, rights that, according to Blinken, the U.S. significantly supports.

"I think it's fair to say that the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh for over 30 years has caused enormous human and material losses—lost lives and deep wounds. But what we see now are real and bold steps by both countries towards leaving the past behind and working towards establishing sustainable peace. Both countries are working towards that goal and, ultimately, for a brighter future for the South Caucasus.

And I just want to say that the United States, as a friend of Armenia and Azerbaijan, is committed to doing everything possible to support you in these efforts, to walk with you along the path to lasting peace, and to help in every way we can. This, I think, is a promise of a better, brighter future. And I welcome both of you and your governments for the courage and determination you are showing to reach that goal," Blinken said.