In a traditional briefing on July 31, Matthew Miller, the official representative of the State Department, said that the US continues to believe that a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is at an achievable level.

"We continue to talk about a peace agreement, and we believe, as before, that a peace agreement is within reach," he added. The Press Secretary added: "However, we have always said that both sides must make difficult compromises, and that is why the secretary of state continued to talk to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to agree to these compromises."

When asked whether the situation in the region has worsened, Miller refused to make any assessment. "Has the State Secretary raised the issue of human rights before President Aliyev after the recent arrest of Gubad Ibadoglu," Miller was questioned. "Human rights are always on the table for the United States, and we express our concerns publicly and privately," he said.