Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The United States has voiced confidence in the OSCE Minsk Group in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Richard Hoagland, the U.S. principal deputy assistant Secretary of State told reporters in Baku on July 23 that the parties must settle the issue on the basis of mutual respect.

The U.S. is engaged in the settlement process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as one of the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, along with France and Russia.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict emerged in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since a lengthy war in the early 1990s that displaced over one million Azerbaijanis, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions.

‘Silk Road’ project has great prospects

Hoagland further noted that Azerbaijan is playing an important role in the ‘Silk Road’ project.

Noting the importance of developing the trade, he said the project has great prospects.

The diplomat also noted that he discussed the issue with Azerbaijan’s foreign minister, adding that Azerbaijan is playing an important role in transportation.

He stressed that so far the ‘Silk Road’ project is being discussed, and specific decisions haven’t been taken yet.

Iran nuclear deal

On the recent nuclear deal between the world powers and Iran, Hoagland said the U.S. and Iran have signed a historic agreement.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will work on the technical aspects of the agreement, he said.

Hoagland further said the sanctions won’t be lifted, adding that this process can start after six months.

It is unknown how the situation will change after six months, he added.

A final agreement was reached on Iran's disputed nuclear program in the Austrian city of Vienna on July 14 after some 22 months of talks between Iran and the P5+1 (five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany).

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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