The US Discusses Technical Support for the Unblocking of Armenia and Azerbaijan

The US is discussing the possibility of providing technical assistance for the unblocking of the region with Armenia and Azerbaijan, said the US Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracey, in an interview with 'Azatutyun'.

“Azatutyun.” - It was announced yesterday that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has had phone conversations with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and as he himself wrote on Twitter, he "has highlighted the positive momentum generated by the bilateral negotiations.” For the last 30 years, we have often heard about positive shifts in the region, but the situation on the ground has not changed positively as a result. Is there any reason to assume that this time we will have a different outcome?

Lynn Tracey: - I think you are right to focus on Secretary Blinken's phone call. It was a very warm conversation. The Secretary highlighted his perception, and I believe it is the United States' perception that we have a historic opportunity to make progress toward a sustainable and comprehensive peaceful resolution of a very long-standing conflict in the region. That doesn’t mean it will be easy. You are correct to refer to the significant past efforts and the disappointments that have followed. I think these are warnings we need to keep in mind. But at the same time, we see no alternative but to pursue and support the efforts of both Armenia and Azerbaijan to negotiate directly and try to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict. And we are going to stay focused on that.

There is significant diplomatic engagement, not only from the United States. Our partners in the European Union are also involved, as are others. And I think that is very helpful for maintaining this momentum, and understanding that these are complex issues, and solutions will not come easily. But we must persevere.

“Azatutyun.” - During the conversation with the Prime Minister of Armenia, the Secretary of State offered the support of the United States in facilitating transportation and communication links in the region. Can you elaborate on what assistance Washington is offering? Can we expect more involvement from the US as we see from the EU or Russia, which participate in trilateral meetings?

Lynn Tracey: - What we are discussing with the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan are certain technical assistance options, some technical assessments that will contribute to unblocking transportation links in the region. We value that goal very highly. I would note that another topic the Secretary addressed was the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey. We also consider that direction very important. We welcome the steps that Armenia and Turkey have taken thus far, and we urge both sides to continue making progress. Because we see that many of these issues are ultimately interconnected, and when we see positive steps in one direction, it can reinforce the momentum toward achieving broader peace in the region.

“Azatutyun.” - Referring to Armenian-Turkish relations, both sides have agreed to move forward without preconditions, however, Ankara continues to link the process with Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. In this context, do you consider reconciliation realistic?

Lynn Tracey: - I think we need to continue to test proposals and engagements, try the areas that have been isolated by Armenia and Turkey. We have also seen good negotiations at the level of special envoys, which have resulted in agreements on the opening of certain border points. We have seen some agreement on direct freight transportation. The details need to be worked out, and I think that is where we will continue to encourage both Armenia and Turkey to make progress and see that progress can ultimately have a positive impact on Armenian-Azerbaijani discussions.