The US official spoke more optimistically this time. Thus, Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State indicated that peace is closer:

 

We look forward to hosting the next round of negotiations in Washington this month as the parties continue to work towards a peaceful future for the South Caucasus region, said Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State in the briefing.

 

"As I previously stated, direct dialogue is the key to problem-solving and achieving sustainable and dignified peace. The U.S. is delighted that negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking place on various platforms, including the recent meeting of the leaders," the U.S. State Department official said.

 

Does this mean that a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia can be concluded in the foreseeable future? Did the last meeting have any effect on this agreement, or is it the result of ongoing negotiations?

 

 

Former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, Board Member of the Jamestown Foundation Matthew Bryza said to Ednews that this statement reflects the views of US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken that a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is sufficiently close to merit Secretary Blinken investing his time and reputation, as well as the prestige of the United States, in trying to help the parties resolve their remaining differences.  And it appears these top-level US diplomatic efforts are conducted in coordination with the European Union and European Council President Charles Michel.

 

“It is impossible for me to know since I did not participate in the meeting in Chisinau.  But it was impossible for that last meeting to have produced a breakthrough because of the participation of French President Macron, whose statements and actions have reflected his one-sided approach to the conflict.   I assume President Aliyev did want President Macron to participate, but acquiesced to pressure from Paris and Brussels (and Berlin) out of a sense of politeness”, former Ambassador concluded.