US Calls for the Return of All Captured Individuals: Secretary's Statement

The United States welcomes Azerbaijan's release and return home of 15 Armenian captives. This was stated in a declaration by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to Armenpress.

“We also welcome Armenia's decision to provide Azerbaijan with critical information that will aid humanitarian demining efforts and help avoid further unfortunate incidents. We are grateful to Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Georgian government for their significant role in facilitating these steps, which bring the people of the region closer to the peaceful and prosperous future they deserve,” the statement reads.

The United States is pleased to support these initiatives and hopes they will pave the way for additional cooperation. The US again calls for the return of all captives and expresses its readiness to assist the countries in the region in their efforts to continue cooperation and resolve their existing unresolved issues.

“We also continue to urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume substantive negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group to negotiate a comprehensive political settlement of the conflict,” the statement emphasizes.