US State Department spokesman Ned Price, at the request of a journalist, referred to the statement of the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, that “the West is engaged in self-promotion and is trying to push Russia out of the region.”

 “First, we dispute the characterization of our efforts as self-promotion.  There is nothing self-promoting about trying to end years of conflict and years of flare-ups that have led to violence and ultimately death among Armenians and Azerbaijani citizens alike.

As the Secretary of State emphasized, we are committed to the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  We have encouraged both leaders to meet in a format that works best for them.  We believe that direct dialogue is key to solving problems and achieving lasting peace,” Price said.

Referring to the scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 31, the representative of the State Department said: “Ultimately, Armenia and Azerbaijan must decide whether President Putin’s invitation will be useful or suitable for them in their quest for sustainable peace.  Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia and its continued brutal incursion into Ukraine demonstrate that Moscow has little respect for its neighbor’s sovereignty and is unlikely to be a reliable, long-term partner.  But, in the end, this will be a decision that should be made by Armenia and Azerbaijan.