WhatsApp Logo Subscribe
For News Alert

News

Blinken warns Azerbaijan over Armenia tensions

By AFP

April 3, 2024 10:25 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Wednesday on Azerbaijan's leader to ease tensions that have flared again with Armenia, ahead of a US-EU bid to support Yerevan economically.

In a phone call with President Ilham Aliyev ahead of the Armenia talks in Brussels, Blinken backed ongoing peace talks between the Caucasus adversaries which he said could bring "economic benefits to the entire region."

Blinken "underscored that there is no justification for increased tension on the border and cautioned that aggressive actions and rhetoric from any side would undermine prospects for peace," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

The top US diplomat also pressed Aliyev to respect human rights at home and discussed climate change, Miller said. Azerbaijan, despite being a major fossil fuel extractor, is the host of this year's UN climate summit.

Armenia and Azerbaijan on Tuesday traded accusations of opening fire across their border, renewing fears of conflict.

Azerbaijan last year seized the Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenian separatists in a lightning military offensive.

But since then, Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have voiced hope for a comprehensive peace agreement.

Pashinyan will meet jointly in Brussels on Friday with Blinken and European Union leaders, with the West looking to solidify ties and economic support with Armenia as it seeks to shift from reliance on Russia

Armenia has a longstanding alliance with Moscow and was infuriated when Russia -- consumed by the Ukraine war and annoyed by Pashinyan's overtures to the West -- failed to stop Azerbaijan's military victory last year.


AFP


Most Read

  1. Fans go gaga over Sajal Aly and Iqra Aziz chemistry in latest photoshoot Fans go gaga over Sajal Aly and Iqra Aziz chemistry in latest photoshoot
  2. Islamabad turns into ‘fortress’ ahead of PTI protest Islamabad turns into ‘fortress’ ahead of PTI protest
  3. Punjab CM Maryam lays foundation of country’s first autism school Punjab CM Maryam lays foundation of country’s first autism school
  4. Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her
  5. Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest
  6. Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP