Pompeo hopes Armenia can 'defend' itself from Azerbaijan
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said that Turkey was increasing the risk of more bloodshed.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that he hoped Armenia could "defend" itself against Azerbaijan in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, adding that Turkey’s role had increased the risk of further violence.
The fighting between the two former Soviet republics over the contested territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but run by ethnic Armenians, has left more than 500 dead since late September.
The United States has sought to remain neutral in the intensifying conflict, but Pompeo seemed to endorse Armenia during an interview with Atlanta TV station WSB.
“We’re hopeful that the Armenians will be able to defend against what the Azerbaijanis are doing,” Pompeo said, adding that he hopes both sides can reach a cease-fire.
