U.S. to continue supporting efforts to conclude Azerbaijan-Armenia peace treaty - State Dept

BAKU. Dec 8 (Interfax) - The U.S. Department of State welcomed agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia to exchange detained servicemen and pledged support for the two countries' efforts to conclude a peace treaty.

"The United States welcomes the announcement by Armenia and Azerbaijan of the release of two Azerbaijani and 32 Armenian detainees. This commitment represents an important confidence building measure as the sides work to finalize a peace agreement and normalize relations. We commend Azerbaijani President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan for their joint efforts to lay the groundwork for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the South Caucasus," the Department of State said in a statement.

"The United States will continue to strongly support efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace," it said.

The Azerbaijani Presidential Administration and the Armenian Prime Minister's Office issued a joint statement on Thursday evening, announcing a Baku-Yerevan agreement on confidence building measures. Azerbaijan will release 32 Armenian soldiers and Armenia will free two Azerbaijan soldiers as part of these measures.

European Council President Charles Michel also welcomed the two countries' agreement to exchange detained servicemen. Establishing and deepening the bilateral dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia was the key goal of the EU-led Brussels process, Michel said.

"I now encourage the leaders to finalize the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal as soon as possible," Michel said.