
The United States has responded to heightened tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan by demanding the immediate establishment of a humanitarian corridor in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
In an emergency statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says "the use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable."
The United States calls on the two countries to return to dialogue on resolving conflicts.
Statement from the U.S. Department of State:
The United States is deeply concerned about the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. We note that humanitarian supplies are positioned near Lachin and Aghdam roads and we reiterate our call for the immediate and simultaneous opening of both corridors to allow the passage of humanitarian supplies desperately needed for men, women and children in Nagorno-Karabakh. We also call on leaders not to take every action that raises tensions or distracts from that goal. The use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable.
In light of the recent rise in tensions in the South Caucasian South, the United States will continue to strongly support Armenia and Azerbaijan's efforts to resolve outstanding issues through direct dialogue, with a view to achieving a dignified and lasting peace. We reiterate that any peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan must protect the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabaak. We also encourage dialogue between Baku and the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The United States further affirms that the only way forward is peace, dialogue, and normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.