US State Department Calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to Withdraw Forces from Border

The US State Department has urged the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to agree to withdraw their armed forces from the border. This was announced by Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, during a press briefing on May 11, where he commented on the recent escalation at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

“The violence at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border undermines the progress made by both countries on the path to sustainable and dignified peace. We call on the leaders of both countries to agree to the withdrawal of their armed forces along the border when they meet in Brussels on the 14th,” Patel stated.

According to him, the issue of mirrored troop withdrawal was discussed during negotiations earlier this month in Washington with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Regarding the talks held in Washington, Patel described them as “an important, positive step.” He noted that the parties had the opportunity to discuss several critical issues and “understand the perspective of the other side.”

“We believe that a solid path towards progress continues to exist. We think there is a peaceful resolution to this issue. That is why we continue to engage deeply on this matter,” Patel emphasized.