United States hopes for swift Armenian-Azeri peace deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed hope for a swift peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in the White House, Rubio credited President Trump for ending and preventing conflicts around the world.

“Just going through a list here Mr. President…and all these achievements that have happened domestically.…Under your leadership,” Rubio said.

“We prevented and ended a war between India and Pakistan; NATO is now at 5 percent for the first time ever, the highest numbers ever; a peace deal between the [DRC] and Rwanda; a 12-day war [Iran-Israel] that ended with an American operation that we’re the only country in the world that could have done; hopefully, pretty soon a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia; the entire Middle East and the infrastructure of it has the potential now to change because of Syria and Lebanon; and it hasn’t even been six months,” Rubio said.

Following the remarks the State Department was asked to comment whether there is any active U.S. involvement in the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process.

“It was important enough, of course, for him to mention. And we’re excited about the multitude of arrangements and ceasefires and changes that we’ve been able to be involved in. The Secretary noted that for a reason, and when we have some more details for you I’ll get it to you,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said when asked at a press briefing.

Earlier in March, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to the terms of the peace treaty. Armenia announced readiness to sign the peace agreement as soon as possible, but Azerbaijan has been stalling the process ever since with preconditions.