It Is Very Important to Keep the Prospect of Reconciliation with Turkey in Mind: Lynn Tracy

The fundamental principles of the negotiation process for resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remain relevant and applicable, said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynn Tracy during a broadcast on Public Television, addressing the current possibilities for conflict resolution.

“I believe that several of the main principles that existed in the past remain very relevant and applicable. Territorial integrity was one of the main principles, as well as the principle of self-determination of peoples and the principle of non-use of force or threats,” she stated.

According to the ambassador, these principles can still serve as guiding points for negotiations today to overcome difficulties, disagreements, and tensions. “As we continue to reassess the specifics of the situation on the ground, these principles remain, in many ways, guiding, orienting principles for negotiations because as co-chairs, we strive for a lasting, durable peace, and for that, comprehensive negotiations are actually needed. It is important for the parties to be ready to speak to each other sincerely, openly, and to be willing to make compromises,” the ambassador said.

Lynn Tracy added that the U.S. believes the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict still needs to be resolved, and there should be clarity on the status of Artsakh. “A ceasefire was signed in November 2020, so as I have already said, this is the declared policy of the United States regarding this issue. And it is very important that we can understand the interests of each side. One of the interests is territorial integrity, but the self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh has also been and remains one of the main principles that cannot be ignored,” she noted.

Touching upon the possibilities of resolving Armenian-Turkish relations, Lynn Tracy stated that she is familiar with both the announcements of the President of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Armenia. “I certainly saw President Erdogan's recent statement. It was a moderate statement, as far as I understood. I saw the response from the PM of Armenia. I think this is encouraging in the sense that, yes, it is necessary to reduce the tension in rhetoric, to diminish the provocative rhetoric that we have seen in the region, particularly concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan. I think this is very helpful, but still, we are in a very tense situation,” the ambassador said.

She expressed the opinion that the tension persists due to border issues, but the prospect of reconciliation with Turkey should not be overlooked. “I think it is very important to consider and keep in mind the prospect of reconciliation with Turkey as well. We need to reiterate and understand that this cannot happen overnight; it will require significant diplomatic efforts and discussions. However, it is very encouraging to hear expressions like those that have been made. Let's see if there will be opportunities to take practical steps and act after those words,” Lynn Tracy concluded.