US top diplomat, Azeri leader discuss 'positive momentum' in south Caucasus

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev discussed on Wednesday advances toward peace in the south Caucasus.

The officials "discussed recent positive momentum and future concrete steps on the path to peace in the South Caucasus, including border delimitation and demarcation, opening transport and communication links, and the release of the remaining Armenian detainees," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

"Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States stands ready to help by engaging bilaterally and with like-minded partners, including through our role as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, to help the countries find a long-term comprehensive peace," said Price.

"The Secretary also highlighted the importance of increased respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and recognized the important role Azerbaijan continues to play in European energy security," he added.

In January 2021, the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a pact to develop economic ties and infrastructure to benefit the entire region. It also included the establishment of a trilateral working group on Karabakh.