Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Thursday, June 20 and underscored the significance of concluding a peace agreement “without delay,” the Department of State said in a statement.

“The Secretary recognized ongoing progress by Armenia and Azerbaijan toward a peace agreement and underscored the significance of concluding an agreement without delay,” the statement said.

“He reiterated the United States remains willing to support further engagement in any way useful to the parties.”

Blinken again urged Azerbaijan to adhere to its international human rights obligations and commitments and releasing all those “unjustly detained”, referencing to the many political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

“He called on Azerbaijan to do so expeditiously,” the statement added.