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Ambassador Anne Derse: â€œSecretary Clinton and President Obama are focused on the process of Nagorny Karabakh settlementâ€

23 April 2009 14:04 (UTC +04:00)

And I hope the people of Azerbaijan are looking forward to making progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement process, as wellâ€, said US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse regarding the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation efforts, US embassy Public Relations department told APA.
"The Minsk Group co-chairs, including U.S. co-chair Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, are back in Azerbaijan today, and we are optimistic that intensified efforts by all the parties â€“ leaders in Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the Minsk Group co-chairs â€“ can bring about positive steps. Secretary Clinton and President Obama are focused on this process, and we believe their attention can help bring enduring peace to this regionâ€.

During US House Committee of Foreign Affairs hearing on â€œForeign Policy Priorities in the Obama Administrationâ€, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she had been encouraged by the bold steps that have recently been taken by Turkish and Armenian leaders to reconcile their countries with each other and with their shared and painful past. "I believe that the steps that Turkey and Armenia are taking toward normalizing relations and opening their borders will foster a better environment for confronting that shared tragic history. The Turkish and Armenian governments have sought U.S. support and encouragement of their reconciliation efforts. And following that request, both the president and I have supported them fullyâ€, said Clinton.

"We have also assured the government of Azerbaijan that we will intensify our efforts to resolve the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and other outstanding issues between Azerbaijan and Armeniaâ€, said Secretary of State speaking about the negotiation process over the solution to Nagorny Karabakh conflict.

"There is a Minsk Process, as you know, that we are going to be deeply engaged in. We already are. Weâ€™ve sent a State Department official to Azerbaijan, I think, two times in the last three weeks. And we hope that there will be some resolution in the next months, Clinton said.