Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan Adam Sterling was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan in connection with the meetings Speaker of the Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament Ashot Ghulyan held at the U.S. Congress.

Azerbaijani foreign office Spokesman Elhan Polukhov told APA that a note of protest was handed over to the U.S. diplomat. In the note Azerbaijan expressed its deep regret and strong protest over the events. Azerbaijan remains committed to its principle: “Such facts as organization of visits by third persons from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan caused Azerbaijan’s strong protest, especially as the USA is co-chairing an organization holding peace talks. Such visits overshadow the bilateral relations.”

NEWS.am reminds readers that an NKR parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Ashot Ghulyan paid a visit to the USA and held a meeting with Robert Bradtke, U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. The sides exchanged views on the present stage of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, mediators’ actions, as well as on parliamentary diplomacy’s potential to strengthen regional peace.

NKR Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulyan also held a meeting with Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Howard Berman. The U.S. Congressman welcomed the fact of his meeting with the NKR NA Speaker and said NKR-related issues will remain the focus of his attention.