Senate Foreign Relations Committee members Robert Menendez and Barbara Boxer questioned Secretary of State-designate John Kerry on a range of Armenian American concerns – from U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide to our nation’s efforts to address ongoing Azerbaijani threats against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh – during the confirmation process for President Obama’s nominee for this top diplomatic post, reported the Armenian National Committee of America, Asbarez reported.

Asked about what steps the U.S. can take to put pressure on President Aliyev to reconsider his decision and return Mr. Safarov to jail, Kerry said the United States raised its concerns directly with the highest levels of the government of Azerbaijan.

“Immediately after learning of Azerbaijani President Aliyev’s pardon of Ramil Safarov, the United States raised its concerns directly with the highest levels of the government of Azerbaijan.  In addition, both the White House and the State Department released strong statements of concern over Mr. Safarov’s transfer and subsequent pardon.  Mr. Safarov was tried and convicted of a brutal murder, and the United States was extremely troubled to learn that he would not serve the remainder of his sentence.

As a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States continues working to help the sides reach a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the United States condemns any action that fuels tension in the region or threatens to damage the peace process.  If confirmed, I will continue to raise the concerns expressed by the United States previously and do everything I can to help the parties resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully.”

Asked about Azerbaijan’s threat to down planes heading to Stepanakert airport, Kerry the parties to this dispute must resolve this dangerous situation diplomatically.

“The Administration has firmly opposed any steps by any party that increase tensions in the region or threaten to damage the peace process in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  As a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, along with Russia and France, the United States responded swiftly when such threats first appeared, and the Administration has continued to raise the issue bilaterally and through the Minsk Group Co-Chairs.  If confirmed as Secretary of State, I will continue working to support the peace process and to oppose actions that could increase tensions in the region or damage the peace process.”

Senator Kerry was approved by a vote of 94 to 3 to serve Secretary of State.