22:52, 18 June 2004

US holds interest in resolution of Karabakh conflict

"The United States is interested that the Karabakh conflict be resolved as soon as possible, within one or two years, otherwise this conflict will affect security of the countries in the region," US Ambassador to Armenia John Ordway said at a press conference on June 17. He denied circulating rumors that great pressure was put on Armenia in the issue of handing over three districts of Azerbaijan controlled by Armenia. "Neither the United States nor the other countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group have forwarded any proposals to the sides," the ambassador said.

Ambassador Ordway also did not agree with the statements that the OSCE Minsk Group was not active enough. "Meetings between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Prague through the mediation of the Minsk Group and two visits paid by the US ambassador in the Minsk Group Stephen Mann to the region over the last two months are graphic evidence of the active work conducted by the Minsk Group," Mr Ordway noted.

Author: Ashot Ter-Grigorian, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot