Tuesday, May 18 2021 12:41

ArmInfo. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke separately today with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.   As the press service of the White House reports: <Mr. Sullivan  conveyed the commitment of the United States to peace, security, and  prosperity in the South Caucasus.  He expressed concern over recent  tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and emphasized that military  movements near un-demarcated borders are irresponsible and  provocative.  

He welcomed the ongoing communication between the two sides and both  leaders' commitment to resolving this issue peacefully.  In addition,  he underscored the need for the two countries to conduct formal  discussions to demarcate their international border. Finally, he  conveyed the commitment of the United States to achieving regional  reconciliation through bilateral engagement and as a Minsk Group  Co-Chair>. 

 Meanwhile, according to Azerbaijani media, in a conversation with  Aliyev, Sullivan expressed concern over the latest tensions on the  border between Azerbaijan and Armenia and stressed the importance of  resolving such differences peacefully. He also stressed the need for  constructive discussions between the parties on the demarcation of  the international border. 

Jake Sullivan expressed US commitment to regional reconciliation.  

In turn, Aliyev announced Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring peace  and stability in the region and positively assessed the post-conflict  situation in the region. He noted that the situation in the region,  including on the Azerbaijani- Armenian border, is stable six months  after the end of the conflict.  

Aliyev agreed with Sullivan's opinion on the need to start  negotiations on the delimitation of the international border between  Azerbaijan and Armenia, and noted the importance of this process in  accordance with the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020.  

At the same time, Aliyev once again assured that "attempts to  internationalize this issue can lead to an increase in tension in the  region" and stressed the importance of resolving all issues  peacefully within the framework of the negotiation process.  

Meanwhile, as ArmInfo previously reported with reference to the RA  government, Nikol Pashinyan discussed with Sullivan the situation on  the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

"The American side considered unacceptable the movements carried out  by Azerbaijani troops inside Armenia's state borders.  

Jake Sullivan noted that the U.S. position will be presented to  Azerbaijan's leadership with a demand to withdraw its troops from the  Armenian territory.

Adviser Sullivan praised the restraint shown by the Armenian side in  the current situation and the steps aimed at settling issues through  diplomatic means. The American side expressed concern over the  Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan and stressed the need to have  them repatriated as soon as possible>, the message of the RA  government noted.