U.S. Dismisses Azeri Claims of Military Talks with Armenia in Brussels

The U.S. State Department has firmly rejected allegations made by Azerbaijani media that a military document was signed during an April 5 meeting in Brussels between Armenia, the United States, and the European Union. Vedant Patel, the principal deputy spokesperson for the State Department, called the circulated document "pure disinformation" and emphasized that security issues were not on the agenda of the trilateral discussions.

According to the State Department, the meeting in Brussels focused exclusively on Armenia's economic resilience, diversifying its trade partnerships, addressing humanitarian needs, and supporting the country's ongoing reforms in areas such as democracy and the rule of law. "The meeting in Brussels concentrated solely on Armenia's economic resilience, diversification of trade partnerships, humanitarian needs, and support for Armenia's ongoing reforms, including in areas such as democracy and the rule of law," Patel stated, directing inquiries to the joint press release issued after the meeting which outlined the actual agenda and discussions.

The spokesperson for the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the document published by Azerbaijani media claiming certain issues were discussed is "fake" and does not correspond to the actual agenda of the meeting. "The Brussels process has been completely transparent and will remain so," the spokesperson stressed, underlining that there was no hidden agenda.

Why this matters: The dismissal of these allegations by the U.S. State Department comes amidst ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The clarification of the meeting's agenda and the rejection of the circulated document as disinformation serve to maintain transparency and prevent the spread of false narratives that could further escalate regional tensions.

Patel also expressed the U.S. government's strong support for efforts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a durable and dignified peace, stating that the U.S. stands ready to continue facilitating this process. However, he noted that the U.S. has not seen anything to indicate that Russia's military was contributing to a more peaceful and stable South Caucasus region, particularly in light of the recent withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh, which was confirmed by both Moscow and Baku.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. rejects Azerbaijani claims of military deal with Armenia as "pure disinformation".
• Brussels meeting focused on Armenia's economic resilience, trade, and democratic reforms.
• Armenia confirms document circulated by Azerbaijan is "fake" and does not match agenda.
• U.S. supports Armenia-Azerbaijan peace efforts but notes Russia's unhelpful role.
• Transparency and fact-checking aim to prevent escalation of regional tensions.