O`Brien discussed US plans to separate Armenia from Russia and develop an alternative route that bypass Moscow and Beijing

ArmInfo. The US is exploring the idea of establishing a new land route from Central Asian countries to global markets by utilzing the territories of Armenia and Azerbaijan and bypassing Moscow and Beijing. This was stated by Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as reported by the media.  He highlighted the economic potential of Central Asian countries and noted that currently their only options for accessing global markets are through Russia or China. O'Brien is confident that if the US routes through Armenia or Azerbaijan are opened, they will have access to global markets and their dependence on Russia and China is reduced. 

The American diplomat also touched upon relations with Armenia stating that the US is trying to create conditions for Armenia to decrease its reliance on Russia.  According to him, a large portion of Armenians are interested in reducing ties with the Russian Federation.  O'Brien pointed out that currently Yerevan is almost completely dependent on Moscow for its economy and energy, emphasizing the diversification which Washington  aims to  achieve.  "In this regard, a decision was made to create a new platform to help Armenia," he continued.  Speaking about the demarcation process between Yerevan and Baku, the American diplomat said that the parties have agreed on the border demarcation process. "They have agreed on where the borders should be. 

There are some areas that both sides still control. However, they will likely adhere  to the agreed borders, with a particular focus on highlands. I want to emphasize again that this is a collaborative process.  We have made it clear that  any changes to the border must be mutually agreed upon. Negotiations are ongoing for a peace agreement, as well as other channels for border demarcation," O'Brien concluded.