Philip Reeker is leaving the post of senior advisor for the US Caucasus negotiations.  This was announced by the spokesperson of the US State Department, Ned Price.

 "Today, we are announcing the resignation of Ambassador Philip Reeker, Senior Adviser on Caucasus Negotiations, effective tomorrow, January 5," Price said.

He emphasized that Ambassador Reeker's departure in no way undermines the US commitment to promote a safe, stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful future in the South Caucasus region.  

"The United States continues bilateral cooperation with like-minded partners, such as the EU, and with international organizations, such as the OSCE, to facilitate direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to find solutions to all issues related to or arising from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."

According to Price, Ambassador Reeker's work as Senior Adviser on the Caucasus negotiations accelerated engagement and helped build a structured process to bring peace to the troubled region.  

"His contribution reaffirms the importance the United States places on helping Armenia and Azerbaijan negotiate a lasting bilateral peace, as well as our commitment to supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity as head of our delegation to the international discussions in Geneva."

Ned Price said that since Reeker's appointment in August of last year, it was always understood and expected that he would serve on a short-term basis until the end of 2022.