US welcomes Azerbaijan, Armenia agreement to release prisoners

WASHINGTON

The US welcomed an announcement Thursday 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," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"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," he said, adding that the US will continue to support efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace.

Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to the mutual release of detainees, according to a statement from the two countries, in a step toward peace.

"Two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it said,