The new U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick seems to be determined to settle the Karabakh conflict, indenting to “pursue his activities in line with principles of realism and pragmatism.”

At a Baku-hosted briefing, Warlick urged to find a way to achieve piece and prosperity in the region on the threshold of the 20th anniversary of ceasefire.

"It's time for the Minsk Group, Azerbaijan, Armenia and other countries in the region to take necessary steps to achieve a lasting peace in Karabakh," Azeri media quoted the co-chair as saying.

"I'm here to better understand the situation. I'm not here for the past, I'm here to help build a conflict-free future," the co-chair said, expressing hope for the conflicting parties to realize that the settlement will be to everyone's benefit.

Upon completion of his Baku visit, Warlick will further travel to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. This is the first visit of Warlick, who assumed the post last month, in the capacity of the OSCE MG co-chair.

Earlier, Warlick passed President Barack Obama’s address to his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev.

In the statement, the U.S. leader urges for new effort to achieve compromise in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.