The US Embassy in Azerbaijan responded to the statement of Hikmet Hajiyev, the Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, that the US Embassy had openly ignored the invitation of the Azerbaijani government to go to Shusha. 

The Embassy stated: "The United States believes that through continued dialogue and engagement, including at the highest levels, we can do everything possible to help achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace. As we said earlier, there is no greater supporter of Azerbaijan's independence and sovereignty than the United States." 

"The employees of the United States Embassy have made and continue to make extensive visits to all regions of Azerbaijan, including Aghdam, Zangilan, and Fuzuli. US Embassy employees visit all regions of the country to establish relations with Azerbaijan on important issues such as security, health, energy, and economic development," the US Embassy in Azerbaijan stated.

Commenting on Baku's displeasure with Western diplomats' refusal to visit Shusha, Richard Kauzlarich, the former US ambassador to Azerbaijan (1994–1997), said: "If I were the US Ambassador, I would not go to these territories until a peace agreement is concluded between Armenia and Azerbaijan." According to Kauzlarich, the purpose of such trips is the opportunity to take pictures. "I would go there whenever I wanted, not because I was invited," he added.

Earlier, Hikmet Hajiyev said that the Ambassadors of France and the US to Azerbaijan are not taking part in the visit to Shusha. "They have openly ignored the invitation of the Azerbaijani government. We regard this as disrespect for our territorial integrity. France and the US have made no contribution to resolving the conflict as co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group over the past 30 years. They made Azerbaijan lose time during these 30 years. By refusing to join the visit, they have once again demonstrated negligence," he stated.

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