Baku and Yerevan Reach Agreements. O'Brien on Prisoner Exchange

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, James O'Brien, discussed the negotiation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the recent exchange of prisoners in an interview with Nayak Chingin, head of the Voice of America bureau.

“Voice of America”: “You have just returned from Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged prisoners at the border. How significant is this event?”

O’Brien: “I think what’s really important is that the two countries are speaking with each other and reaching practical agreements. They announced the release of these detainees last week, and now, just this week, the detainees are home. They issued a joint statement that demonstrates support for each other in many ways, including [support for] their international aspirations, such as Azerbaijan’s right to host the upcoming UN conference on climate issues, which it has now received. We hope this will be beneficial for both countries, as well as for Armenia’s international aspirations. This kind of expression of support is an essential step toward building normal bilateral relations. We hope to see the parties reach a peace agreement very soon. Both sides have stated they are interested in doing so. We, along with our partners in the European Union and others, are ready to help. We would like to see all of this come to a conclusion soon, as a prompt peace agreement would bring tremendous benefits.”

“Voice of America”: “Can you characterize the US relations with Azerbaijan as having returned to ‘normal’ after your meeting in Baku? Will the State Department host the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia before the end of this year?”

O’Brien: “What we have told both countries is that we are very happy to support them in signing a peace agreement. We have already hosted several rounds of peaceful negotiations between the two foreign ministers, and we would do that again if the parties decided it would help them reach peace. We are ready to assist. We encourage both sides to meet, and so far, each has indicated it is prepared to work toward that goal.”

“Voice of America”: “By the end of this year...?”

O’Brien: “There is not enough time left this year, but we will do everything we can.”