Last week, information was spread in the Azerbaijani mass media that Louis Bono's visit to Baku, the senior adviser of the US Secretary of State, did not take place because the Azerbaijani government refused to receive him. Moreover, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, made several statements in the interview, creating a more complex negotiation situation and targeting the mediating states, particularly the USA. Regarding the latter, Aliyev emphasized that he does not perceive the USA as an impartial party. In this regard, Radar Armenia applied to the US State Department to find out the US position.

1. Azerbaijani mass media reported that the government of Azerbaijan refused to accept Louis Bono, the senior advisor of the US Secretary of State for Caucasus negotiations, and did not recognize the US as an impartial mediator. How can you interpret this?

2. The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has announced that his country will not open its borders with Armenia until an unimpeded corridor from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan (without security, customs, and border controls) is provided through the sovereign territory of Armenia. Is this precondition acceptable to the US government?

In response to these questions, the US State Department told Radar Armenia:

"Louis Bono, senior adviser on Caucasian negotiations, often visits the region to discuss US support for the peace process. Mr. Bono regularly talks with various key representatives in Armenia and Azerbaijan to support the peace process.

In general, we support the Armenian-Azerbaijani efforts that prepare the ground for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the South Caucasus. The United States remains committed to supporting these efforts to resolve lingering issues and achieve dignified and lasting peace."