Washington Awaits Decisions from Baku and Yerevan: We Have Clearly Stated Our Expectations, O'Brien

The United States is prepared to support efforts to establish a trade route from Central Asia through the South Caucasus to Turkey, while also blocking such initiatives if Azerbaijan uses force against Armenia. This was stated by James O'Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

“We see a real opportunity for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. And thus, we see a real opportunity for the entire region to benefit. For instance, if trade routes from Central Asia pass through Azerbaijan and Armenia to Turkey, it would significantly boost all the countries involved in that trade corridor,” he stated.

The diplomat warned, “If a decision is made not to achieve this through peaceful means, then the U.S. authorities will be forced to use any means necessary to prevent the establishment of such trade routes.”

James O'Brien also commented on the peace process between Yerevan and Baku: “Washington is waiting for decisions from Baku and Yerevan.” According to O'Brien, Washington has made it clear what it expects from both sides: “We have also made it clear what the consequences of decisions to the contrary would be. So, let’s see what the parties decide. We know they have expressed interest in quickly concluding a peace agreement, and we would very much like to see that happen,” he noted.