ArmInfo. The U.S. Department of State has evaded a question about Director of the U.S. State Department's Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflicts Mark Cameron's trip to Armenia's border regions.
At a press briefing on October 26, Vedant Patel, U.S. Department of State's Principal Deputy Spokesperson, in response to a question about the recent trip to the Armenia-Azerbaijani border by Mr Cameron and whether it was an independent mission - "independent from the OSCE and EU missions," said:
"We have encouraged both leaders to meet in whatever format is most useful to them. Our viewpoint is that direct dialogue is key to resolving these issues and reaching a lasting peace. There is no greater supporter than the U.S. for the sovereignty and independence of the three countries in the South Caucasus, and the restoration of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia's independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union was a seminal event that guaranteed each of these countries the right to pursue their own foreign policy interests and sovereignty."
The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan said on Monday that Mark Cameron, Director of the U.S. Department's Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflicts, travelled to Gegharkunik province to meet with the commander of an Armenian army corps stationed in the area and "observe the situation on the Armenian- Azerbaijani border."
A statement released by the embassy said Cameron also visited the border village of Sotk, which was heavily shelled by Azerbaijani forces during the September 13-14 hostilities.
"During his visit, he underscored the continued U.S. support for Armenia's sovereignty, and lasting peace in the South Caucasus," added the statement.