In a recent conversation, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev discussed the importance of advancing peace between their countries. The State Department released a statement highlighting that this process would bring economic benefits to the entire region. Blinken cautioned that aggressive actions or rhetoric from either side could harm the prospects for peace and emphasized that there is no excuse for tension on the border.
Aliyev refuted accusations made in the West about Azerbaijan’s intention to attack Armenia as baseless. He emphasized the need for speeding up negotiations and highlighted discussions held by foreign ministers in Berlin regarding the peace agreement text as beneficial. Aliyev also reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to declarations adopted in Prague in 2022 and Almaty.
During their phone call, Blinken called for the release of those unjustly arrested. Aliyev raised concerns about a meeting scheduled for April 5 potentially exacerbating tensions in the South Caucasus and creating new dividing lines instead of establishing peace. He expressed frustration with the refusal to postpone the meeting despite Baku’s valid concerns.
The Azerbaijani side reported that Blinken reassured Aliyev that concerns expressed during meetings with Armenian leaders were not directed against Azerbaijan. However, Aliyev emphasized the need to avoid actions that could escalate tensions and create new challenges in the region.
Overall, it seems clear that both Blinken and Aliyev are committed to finding a peaceful resolution to conflicts between their countries, but they also recognize that any actions or rhetoric from either side could undermine these efforts.
