Price Remarks on Putin's Statements: 'We Engage with Armenia and Azerbaijan for One Purpose Only'

“First of all, disinformation continues to emerge... including from Moscow, when it comes to our intentions regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan,” stated Ned Price, spokesperson for the State Department, during a press briefing commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks on October 27 at the Valdai Club regarding the so-called 'Washington' variant for resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Price said, “First of all, disinformation continues to emerge... including from Moscow, when it comes to our intentions regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan. The United States is a partner of these two countries. We have been partners of these two countries for decades. There is no greater supporter of the sovereignty and independence of the countries of the South Caucasus, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, than the United States. Thus, when we engage with Armenia and Azerbaijan, we do so for one purpose only, which is to end violence and put these countries on the path to sustainable and comprehensive peace.”

“We have encouraged and made it clear to these countries—Armenia and Azerbaijan—that they should meet in the format that is most beneficial for them. We believe in the utility of direct dialogue for resolving issues and achieving that sustainable peace. I am not going to specifically comment on the efforts of the Russian Federation, except to say that I will note that once again, these two countries are the ones deciding on the approach they will take to this upcoming round of negotiations. I think the world knows about Russia's history when it comes to its neighbors and neighborhood. The Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 and its ongoing aggressive invasion of Ukraine show that Moscow has little respect for the sovereignty of its neighbors and is unlikely to be a reliable, long-term partner. We believe that this is sharply at odds with the United States. And again, our only goal is to help these countries achieve an end to violence and a sustainable and comprehensive peace, which the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan desire greatly.”

It should be noted that Vladimir Putin specifically stated, “The so-called Washington variant, as far as I understand, implies recognition of Azerbaijan's sovereignty over all of Nagorno-Karabakh. If Armenia sees it this way, we will support any choice of the Armenian people. If the Armenian people and the leadership of Armenia believe that Nagorno-Karabakh has its peculiarities that need to be taken into account in the future peace treaty, that is also possible. But, of course, it must be agreed with Azerbaijan. It is necessary for these agreements to be acceptable for Azerbaijan as well. This is a complex, difficult issue. Armenia is our strategic partner, ally, and we will, of course, take into account Azerbaijan's interests while being guided by exactly Armenia's proposal.”