On September 19, a meeting was held between Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, on the initiative and participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken within the framework of the high-level week of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Immediately after the meeting, the senior US diplomat expressed his condolences to the family members and relatives of those who died in the last week fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Blinken expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of a ceasefire and the absence of active fighting in the past few days. "Strong, sustained diplomatic contacts are the best way for everyone. There is no military solution to the differences between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Blinken said, adding that the United States is ready to do everything in its power to support diplomatic efforts in this direction.
In the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan after the meeting, it is noted that Minister Jeyhun Bayramov cited "Armenia's provocations and attacks" as the reason for the clashes that took place on September 12-14. Bayramov drew attention to the "deep damage caused by the occupation of internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan by Armenia for 30 years." "Despite Azerbaijan's efforts in the process of normalization with Armenia, the opening of communications, delimitation, and demarcation of borders, as well as in humanitarian directions, Armenia has obstructed the processes and grossly violated its obligations within the framework of tripartite statements," the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan stated.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan called for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia and the introduction of international mechanisms to prevent further escalation. "The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia stressed the importance of immediate resolution of humanitarian issues, including the return of prisoners of war," said the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.
The parties expressed their readiness to make efforts to ensure peace and normalize relations.
Timeline by Caucasus Watch regarding recent clashes:
Tension Grows along Armenia-Azerbaijan Border
Armenia and Azerbaijan Hold Phone Conversations with World Leaders on Major Clashes along Border
Azerbaijan Releases Information on Casualties in the Border Conflict with Armenia
Tension along Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Remains Despite Russian-brokered Ceasefire
Recent Developments regarding Deadly Clashes along Armenia-Azerbaijan Border
