U.S. is interested in the speediest resolution of the Karabakh conflict based on the international law and the Helsinki Principles, said Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg arriving in Baku.

“We hope for certain progress in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We think that both countries are interested in promoting this issue. I plan to learn the opinion of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev how we can move this process forward by common effort,” Azerbaijan-based Trend News quotes the U.S. official.

He stressed it is essential to maintain a diplomatic solution to the conflict, as it is in the interests of all the regional countries.

“We are puzzled by the difficulties we have recently faced, given the potential benefit of both sides of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in case of a peaceful settlement and risks of the conflict escalation,” he added.

The parties must meet in a positive atmosphere to find common ground. It is in the interests of all parties of the conflict, Steinberg stated. There must be no doubts that the parties will continue making efforts in this direction, he said.

James Steinberg arrived in Baku within the framework of his regional visit. Prior to visiting Azerbaijan Steinberg had traveled to Tbilisi and Yerevan.