Different statements from Moscow and Washington on the Karabakh conflict [Updated]

In light of escalating tensions surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, Russia and the United States have sent new messages.

Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikhail Galuzin, expressed Russia's unwavering commitment to engage in dialogue with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. "We are consistently open to dialogue with our Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts," Galuzin stated, hinting at potential upcoming diplomatic meetings between the two nations. He noted that official announcements would be made once such engagements are confirmed, the ARMENPRESS reports.

On the American front, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the dual focus of U.S. intervention in the region. The immediate objective is reopening the Lachin Corridor, a crucial passageway, while the overarching goal is to facilitate a swift and lasting peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to the ARMENPRESS, highlighting the urgency of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Miller stated emphatically, "The Lachin Corridor's reopening is imperative. This sentiment echoes statements from Secretary Blinken, who has actively engaged with both nations' leaders."

In a call for de-escalation and building mutual trust, Ambassador-at-Large Edmon Marukyan underscored the potential significance of an Azerbaijani withdrawal from occupied Armenian territories. Reflecting on Azerbaijan's military aggression against Armenia over the past year, Marukyan stressed the pressing need for mutual steps toward trust-building, which could pave the way for a more stable peace.