U.S. supports the idea of creating an international mission to ensure the security of Karabakh Armenians- State Department

YEREVAN, September 26. /ARKA/. The United States is concerned about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, US Department of State spokesman Mathew Miller told a September 25 press briefing.

'I will say that in terms of what we think is important, it’s, number one, that the ceasefire that exists now be maintained, that there is no further military action; number two, that the humanitarian needs of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are addressed; and number three, that Azerbaijan and Armenia reach a lasting peace agreement,' he said..

With regard to the humanitarian situation from the ground, he said the ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh should be able to remain in their homes in peace and dignity, with respect for their rights and security if they choose to do so. Those who want to leave and return should be allowed safe passage overseen by a neutral, independent third party. And Azerbaijan has a responsibility to protect civilians and ensure the humane treatment of all, including those it suspects of being combatants.

Asked whether the US supports Armenians’ call for some sort of international monitoring in Nagorno-Karabakh Miller said,' We do believe there should be an international mission to provide transparency, reassurance, and confidence to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community, that the rights and security – their rights and security will be protected consistent with the public statements that Azerbaijan has made.'

Asked to comment on Armenian prime minister’s words that Russia failed to protect Armenia and that Armenia should essentially seek other partners Miller said he thinks that Russia has shown that it is not a security partner that can be relied on.

Asked whether the U.S. has concern that Armenia’s territorial integrity may be jeopardized that will require U.S. support for Armenia’s territorial integrity Miller said,'  I think I would answer that by saying what we think is important is that Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a lasting peace agreement. It’s something that we have pushed for some time – for some time. It’s something that we have said publicly we believed was in reach if both sides were willing to make difficult compromises. Obviously, we have not seen that happen in the last few months. I do note that President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan have announced that they are going to meet next week. We think it’s important that they meet and ultimately bridge the divide between their two countries.'-0-