The United States still believes that peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is within reach, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Matthew Miller said Wednesday, February 21.

At a press briefing, Miller was asked whether Secretary of State Antony Blinken still believes that the “peace is within reach” – a phrase Blinken himself has used in 2023.

“He still does believe that peace is within reach, and he discussed that directly with the leaders of both of those countries, and encouraged them to work together to bridge what ultimately are just a remaining few issues,” Miller said citing Blinken’s meetings with Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Munich last week.

“And we will continue to encourage those countries to reach a peace agreement. I know that the two leaders met bilaterally in Munich, and so we will continue to offer the assistance and the support of the United States in reaching agreement.

Earlier in February, four Armenian soldiers were killed and a fifth wounded when Azerbaijan opened fire on Armenian positions from across border.