Azerbaijan, Baku, June 11 / Trend , E. Ostapenko/ "I believe that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be resolved, there is certain progress," Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Philip Gordon said.
He said the sides have understanding on Basic Principles on resolution of conflict.
"The United States is focused on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. There is opportunity to advance conflict's resolution. All sides can benefit from it," he said.
The U.S. supports constructive dialogue between sides of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Gordon said.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.
As a part of regional visit, Gordon visited Azerbaijan and held talks with country's officials.
Assistant U.S. Secretary of State visited Armenia and Georgia before arriving in Baku. This is Gordon's first visit to the region since he assumed office on May 15. Previously he served as senior fellow for U.S. and Europe foreign policy at Brookings Institute in Washington. Earlier he was responsible for European Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council.