ArmInfo. Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, reported the details of a phone call between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Below is the readout:
"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Secretary reinforced the importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship and highlighted a growing number of partnership initiatives, including energy and climate priorities.
"Secretary Blinken and President Aliyev discussed the importance of advancing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which would bring economic benefits to the entire region. The Secretary underscored that there is no justification for increased tension on the border and cautioned that aggressive actions and rhetoric from any side would undermine prospects for peace.
"The Secretary reiterated the need for Azerbaijan to adhere to its international obligations and commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms and urged the release of those unjustly detained."
In an official readout of the conversation, Azerbaijan said Aliyev "had expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and inclusiveness" around a trilateral meeting Armenia is due to hold with the United States and the European Union on Friday.
Aliyev aired concerns that increased EU and U.S. backing for Armenia, along with Baku's concerns about potential military support for Yerevan, could fuel an arms race in the region and potentially lead to provocations.