U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the plans to deploy an EU civilian mission along Armenia's border with Azerbaijan to build confidence. This is according to a State Department statement following a telephone conversation between Blinken and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

"Blinken expressed appreciation for the positive steps taken by Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a lasting peace agreement, including direct talks between foreign ministers and leaders.

The Secretary of State urged Prime Minister Pashinyan to continue working with Azerbaijan on steps to support the peace process as scheduled.

He reiterated U.S. support, including for clear border delimitation, transportation links, search and identification of missing persons, return of detainees, and other issues.

He also stressed the importance of discussing rights and guarantees for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the need for both sides to uphold the ceasefire and focus on a negotiated agreement as the only path to lasting peace," the report noted.

On his Twitter, Blinken wrote "Spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan to welcome progress on formal peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. A negotiated agreement is the only way to a lasting peace."