Blinken-Aliev Phone Call: Key Highlights from the State Department Report
Headline: US Secretary of State Blinken and Azerbaijani President Aliyev Discuss Peace Process in South Caucasus
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation on March 15, 2023, to discuss the peace process in the South Caucasus. The conversation was initiated by the United States.
During the call, Blinken and Aliyev stressed the importance of continuing to work towards a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They discussed the progress that has been made in recent months, including the establishment of a joint working group on delimitation and demarcation of borders, and the opening of a number of transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Blinken and Aliyev also discussed the need to address the humanitarian situation in the region, including the return of prisoners of war and missing persons. They agreed to remain in close contact and to work together to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
The State Department’s report on the conversation:
The State Department released a readout of the conversation, which stated that Blinken “stressed the continued importance of the US-Azerbaijan bilateral partnership and the US commitment to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region.”
The readout also said that Blinken “urged the parties to exercise restraint and intensify diplomatic engagement to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues.” It further stated that Blinken “stressed the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan.”
The telephone conversation between Blinken and Aliyev is a positive sign for the peace process in the South Caucasus. The two leaders discussed the progress that has been made in recent months and agreed to remain in close contact. This suggests that they are committed to working together to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The State Department’s readout of the conversation is also positive. It emphasizes the US commitment to the peace process and the importance of respecting human rights in Azerbaijan. This suggests that the United States is willing to play a constructive role in helping to resolve the conflict.
However, it is important to note that the peace process is still in its early stages. There are still many challenges to overcome, and it is possible that the conflict could flare up again. However, the telephone conversation between Blinken and Aliyev is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that it will lead to further progress in the peace process.
The telephone conversation between Blinken and Aliyev is a positive development for the peace process in the South Caucasus. The two leaders discussed the progress that has been made in recent months and agreed to remain in close contact. This suggests that they are committed to working together to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The State Department’s readout of the conversation is also positive. It emphasizes the US commitment to the peace process and the importance of respecting human rights in Azerbaijan. This suggests that the United States is willing to play a constructive role in helping to resolve the conflict.
However, it is important to note that the peace process is still in its early stages. There are still many challenges to overcome, and it is possible that the conflict could flare up again. However, the telephone conversation between Blinken and Aliyev is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that it will lead to further progress in the peace process.
The international community should continue to support the peace process in the South Caucasus. The United States, the European Union, and other countries should work with the parties to the conflict to overcome the challenges that remain and to achieve a lasting peace.