Azerbaijani media distorted the statement made by Richard Morningstar, the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

As reported earlier, Morningstar made a few notable statements in connection with settlement of Karabakh conflict.

The Armenian News-NEWS.am corresondent addressed the Embassy of U.S. in Baku and received an answr with the exact quote in English. 

As interpreted by Interfax-Azerbaijan, one of the “quotes” was the following: “The presidents of both countries must take precise steps for finding final settlement of the conflict, must come to an agreement within the framework of which is liberation of seven occupied regions around Nagorno-Karabakh” [ the quote was translated from Russian – ed. Президенты обеих стран должны предпринять совместно конкретные шаги для окончательного решения конфликта, должны прийти к соглашению, в рамки которого входит освобождение от оккупации семи районов вокруг Нагорного Карабаха ].

In fact Ambassador said: “It is going to take the two presidents, I believe, to sit down and once and for all come up with concrete steps to resolve the situation, including, the return, of course, of the seven territories to Azerbaijan”. 

It is obvious that the phrase “occupied regions” was not used. Besides, the colouring of the statement was changed.

The mentioned seven regions are the territories of the security zone around Nagorno-Karabakh, which are one of the factors that ensure physical safety of the population.