Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday cautioned President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan against what he called “aggressive actions” that could undermine prospects for peace.
“The Secretary underscored that there is no justification for increased tension on the border and cautioned that aggressive actions and rhetoric from any side would undermine prospects for peace,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of a phone call between Blinken and Aliyev on Wednesday.
“Secretary Blinken and President Aliyev discussed the importance of advancing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which would bring economic benefits to the entire region,” Miller said.
“The Secretary reiterated the need for Azerbaijan to adhere to its international obligations and commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms and urged the release of those unjustly detained,” added Miller.
“The Secretary reinforced the importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship and highlighted a growing number of partnership initiatives, including energy and climate priorities,” the state department said.
The Azerbaijani APA news agency reported that Blinken phoned Aliyev to explain that his meeting on Friday with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is not directed against Azerbaijan.
