James O’Brien: If the trade route is not pursued by peaceful means, the US would use tools to avoid having that route created

If the decision is made not to pursue the trade route by peaceful means, then we would have to use whatever tools we could to avoid having that kind of route created, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien said at a briefing on Monday.

“We see a real opportunity for Azerbaijan and Armenia to make peace. We’re encouraged that the two sides are speaking with one another directly and with mediators. And with that, we see a real opportunity for the entire region to benefit,” he said.

According to O’Brien, trade from Central Asia could be able to flow through Azerbaijan and Armenia into Turkiye, and it would be a substantial boost for all the countries on that trade route.

“At the same time, if the decision is made not to pursue that by peaceful means, then we would have to use whatever tools we could to avoid having that kind of trade route created. So we’ve been very clear with the parties about what we hope to see and about the consequences of moving forward otherwise. So we’ll look forward to seeing where the parties come out.

We know they’ve expressed an interest in concluding a peace agreement very soon, and we would love to see that happen,” he added.