Thursday, February 16 2023 11:14

ArmInfo. "Our message to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the parties themselves, but also to the entire region is the need to find a way to de-escalate tensions  to put this back on a path towards a comprehensive and lasting  peace," Ned Price, Spokesperson for the U.S.  Department of State,  told a briefing on February 15. 

"We have been engaged in that effort; we've been engaged in that  effort bilaterally, we've been engaged in that effort multilaterally,  and we'll continue to do everything we can as the United States  directly with the parties, through multilateral institutions and  groupings, to advance that cause. It is our hope that other countries  will send precisely the same message, but I'm not in a position to  speak to the messages that other countries are sending," he said as  he commented on Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to the Turkey  earthquake zone. 

As to his view the role of earthquake diplomacy, in terms of Armenia  and Turkey and whether the U.S.  Department of State welcomes that,  Mr Price said: 

"Well, we certainly welcome countries around the world stepping up  and showing up for the people of TЃrkiye, for the people of Syria who  have been devastated by these massive earthquakes that struck on  February 6th. A number of countries have demonstrated a generosity of  spirit that will be necessary if we are going to be able to address  the full consequences and implications of these massive earthquakes.  The United States has attempted to lead by example. So far, we have  already contributed or announced $85 million in support from the U.S.  Government to the response in TЃrkiye and in Syria. The Secretary, as  Matt just alluded to, will have an opportunity to travel to TЃrkiye  in the coming days, he'll have an opportunity while there to witness  some of what the U.S. Government is doing, and I think he'll also be  in a position to speak to what more the United States will be  prepared to do for our Turkish allies and for the people of Syria in  the days to come."