Clinton begins south Caucusus tour

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to arrive in Armenia Monday at the start of a tour of the South Caucusus. The trip comes as a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan is looking increasingly fragile. It is hoped that Clinton will ease tensions between the two countries. The region is dependent on US aid so Washington has much influence there, according to the (BBC). The two former Soviet republics fought a bloody war over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh in the 1990s. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan erupted as the Soviet Union collapsed and at least 30,000 people were killed by the time a ceasefire was declared in 1994. Since then, a simmering stalemate has prevailed and both sides have reported sporadic breaches of the truce. Human rights Both sides have been building up arms in recent months and refusing to compromise. It is hoped that Clinton will at least call on both governments to tone down the rhetoric and hold peace talks. Human rights groups also want Clinton to address alleged abuses in the region. Azerbaijan's harsh treatment of government critics has been in the spotlight since it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in May. Authorities have dismissed criticism in the international press as Armenian propaganda. The US State Secretary will travel to Georgia on Tuesday and Azerbaijan on Wednesday. (QNA)