"We need to take all views into account as we work towards a lasting settlement," OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair of the United States James Warlick said in an interview with 1news.Az.
"The United States recognizes only two sovereign states, Armenia and Azerbaijan. There are also affected parties which include the people in Nagorno-Karabakh and those refugee and IDP communities that are a result of the conflict," Ambassador Warlick said.
In addition, the U.S. mediator called the status quo unsustainable and increasingly dangerous. According to him, the worst outcome of the status quo would be renewed conflict.
"The territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh are occupied and must be returned to Azerbaijan as one element of a comprehensive settlement. The Co-Chairs also used this language in our May 12 statement on the anniversary of the ceasefire. However, it is important that all six elements must be accepted for a peace deal to be possible," Warlick said.
He came out for further work for a peaceful settlement. "My challenge to the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan is that they meet again soon and we begin peace negotiations that can result in an agreement to resolve the conflict. Peace is within grasp if there is the political will. If not now, when?" he said.