Attempts to "reanimate" the practically non-functioning Minsk Group can lead to the alienation of the U.S. from the normalization process of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations. Leyla Abdullayeva, Head of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's Press Service, commented on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's yesterday's statement to the press.

According to APA, Abdullayeva said that the press statement of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the appointment of Philip Reeker to the post of senior adviser on negotiations in the Caucasus demonstrates an approach far removed from the post-conflict realities prevailing in the region, which causes surprise.

"The Azerbaijani position on the Minsk Group has been repeatedly expressed and clearly stated at the highest level. Attempts to "reanimate" the practically non-functioning Minsk Group can lead to the alienation of the U.S. from the process of normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations. The Karabakh conflict has been settled and Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan. The international community, including our partners, should realize that linking talks on the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations with the Karabakh issue in no way serves the normalization process," said the representative of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.