February 18, 2009 - 17:43 AMT
Armenia to become important transit state if it normalizes relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey
The U.S. welcomes the Armenian-Turkish dialogue and hopes for reconciliation between the two countries, the U.S. Embassy official said.

"The dialogue should be continuous. Everything is in your hands. The U.S. is ready to assist it by organizing meetings between NGOs," acting U.S. vice ambassador to Armenia Stephen Banks told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

"Armenia will become important transit state if it normalizes relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey," he emphasized.

As to U.S. relations with other South Caucasus countries, Mr. Banks said that relations are unique. "Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are very different. Consequently, the level of cooperation is different, too. Azerbaijan appears as the energy resources supplier. Georgia and Armenia are also valuable for us," he said, adding that the U.S. is not going to leave the region.