U.S. responds to Russia: Yerevan-Baku agreement remains within reach

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s assessment of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations, as well as the role Turkey could play on the conflict in South Caucasus.

Russian officials last week threatened both sides, Armenia and Azerbaijan, against signing any peace agreement, saying that they should expect further conflict if they rush into a peace agreement.

“I don’t want to speak with respect to Russia when it comes to Armenia and Azerbaijan. I want to speak with respect to those two countries who are directly related – who are direct parties in this dispute,” Miller said when asked whether it was time for the West to call Russia out for undermining your efforts to bring about peace.

“We have been engaged directly with those countries; Special Envoy Bono traveled to the region last week and engaged directly with them. And we believe, despite any comments from other countries who are not a party to this matter, that an agreement remains within reach, and we will continue to work with them to pursue it.”

Miller also maintained that the United States believes that Turkey has a productive role it can play in the process.