We Use Every Opportunity to Call on Azerbaijan to Release Remaining Detainees – Donfried

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Karen Donfried, stated during a committee discussion that following the outbreak of military operations on September 13-14, they immediately engaged to halt the clashes. According to her, these confrontations underscored the fragility of the situation and the urgent need for a comprehensive peace agreement.

Donfried believes that Armenia and Azerbaijan have a historic opportunity to establish a durable peace by resolving the conflict that began with the collapse of the Soviet Union and has continued for over 30 years. "Secretary Blinken played a vital role in fostering dialogue. He hosted meetings for the foreign ministers of both countries on September 7 and November 7 and also held phone conversations with the two ministers on October 4. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with his counterparts from both countries in Washington on September 27, demonstrating the administration's commitment to establishing peace. Primarily through our mediation, Azerbaijan released 17 Armenian prisoners of war on October 4, who had been captured during the September hostilities. These steps help build trust between the two sides, and we are using every opportunity to call on Azerbaijan to release the remaining detainees. We continue to encourage Armenia and Azerbaijan to maintain the momentum of negotiations, doing so in close coordination with the EU and other partners," said Donfried.