YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Ambassador at large and special State Department advisor on NIS issues Steven Sestanovich said that the US supported direct talks in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"There seems to be some confusion," said Sestanovich–"In actuality–the proposals by the Minsk Group last year aimed at encouraging direct dialogue between the sides to the conflict."
Sestanovich–who is on a tour of the Caucasus also stated that the US supported the decisions of the Organizations for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk Group.
The US official stated that new ideas and approached had been discussed in the Karabakh peace process–and praised Wednesday’s meeting between the Armenia leadership and US representatives.
Sestanovich and his delegation met with President Robert Kocharian–Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian–Defense Minister Vazgen Sargsyan and prime minister Armen Darbinian. The leaders discussed bi-lateral relations between the two countries–as well as assistance in the spheres of economy–energy and national security.
Sestanovich stated that an almost identical agenda was to be discussed with Azeri leaders as the delegation continues its visit to the Caucasus.
