Today, a regular media briefing was held at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. During the event, State Department spokesperson Temmy Bruce answered questions from journalists. The briefing was attended by journalist and human rights defender Ahmad Shahidov, the U.S. representative of Editor.az Information Agency.
During the briefing, Ahmad Shahidov addressed a question regarding the meeting held earlier today in Abu Dhabi between the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. He also recalled a statement made two days ago by U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio, in which Rubio expressed hope for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the near future. Shahidov asked whether there was any connection between Rubio’s statement and today’s meeting in Abu Dhabi, and whether Washington currently has a concrete plan regarding the peace process.
Responding to the questions, Temmy Bruce stated that the United States supports efforts to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus and continues to closely monitor relevant media reports. She added that, for now, there is no additional information to share on the matter.
Commenting on the U.S. administration’s position, Bruce noted: “As you know, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mark Rubio’s approach speaks for itself. The President’s remarks during the recent Cabinet meeting clearly demonstrated this administration’s commitment to peace.”
Ahmad Shahidov’s second question concerned the long-vacant U.S. Ambassador post to Azerbaijan. The journalist asked whether the delay was due to procedural and technical reasons or if there were political factors behind it, and how important the U.S. government considers having a fully accredited ambassador in Baku at this time.
The State Department official said that a written response would be provided to this question.
