Journalists address questions on downed helicopter at U.S. Department of State

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The United States will continue to work through its contacts on the ground to see if the sides can move closer to a resolution. As reports “Armenpress”, the State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki stated this.

Among other things, Psaki noted: “We are aware of the report and we regret the loss of life as a result of yesterday’s, I should say, downing of a helicopter along the line of contact. We extend our condolences to the families of those killed or injured. These events – this event is yet another reminder of the need to redouble efforts on peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including reducing tension and respecting the ceasefire.”

“As a co-chair of the Minsk Group, we certainly remain committed to helping both sides. Obviously, we are engaged through diplomatic channels with both sides about our belief that they need to redouble efforts to get back to a peaceful negotiation. And naturally, retaliation, further violence, escalating tensions certainly does not help that effort, but we will continue to work through our contacts on the ground to see if we can move closer to a resolution,” the State Department Spokeswoman noted.

Then, a journalist stated: “Do you acknowledge that it was Azerbaijan which violated the ceasefire yesterday, and also violated one of the main principles of peaceful settlement of the conflict, which is no use of force? Do you acknowledge this part?” In this regard Psaki noted: “I don’t have any analysis of the exact events on the ground. We’ve seen the same reports. There are obviously comments and claims from both sides, but I don’t have any analysis beyond that.” Also, the journalist voiced another question and said: “Azerbaijan shooting an Armenian vessel, then it’s pretty clear which party is violating the ceasefire.”

Ms. Psaki tried to justify herself and stated: “We understand there are views by both sides, but I don’t have any comment from the U.S. Government on it.”