ArmInfo.Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by USAID Administrator Samantha Power. The delegation also included U.S. State Department Acting Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim.
According to the press service of the RA Prime Minister, Pashiyann welcomed Power's visit to Armenia at this difficult time. "I believe you are aware of the overall situation, because we've had the opportunity to discuss this situation with members of the US House of Representatives, and two days ago I had a phone call with Secretary of State Blinken..
Our partners maintain contact and I think it's very important that we have this opportunity to discuss all details of the current situation in our region," the RA Prime Minister said. "As you know, unfortunately at this moment the process of ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh continues, and this is a very tragic fact. We were trying to warn the international community that the ethnic cleansing would happen, but regrettably we were unable to prevent it. But this situation and the tension continues to grow in our region, and now it is very important to take concrete steps to prevent further escalation and even bigger problems. I am very glad for this opportunity and I welcome you in our country," the head of the RA Cabinet of Ministers said.
In turn, Samantha Power thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome provided to the delegation she led. "I know how busy you are given the current situation. President Biden sent me and my delegation here to underscore the U.S.'s deep commitment to Armenia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and democracy. I know that the USAID is working with the Armenian people, and the government of Armenia has never displayed irresolution in this matter, and this is very important.
"We have arrived in Armenia, and I hope to once again have a chance to come here to discuss our steps aimed at strengthening your deepening democracy, but during this visit, of course, we are focused on a concrete crisis, on the humanitarian needs of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, the humanitarian needs of those who fled Nagorno-Karabakh. I believe approximately 5000 people crossed into Armenia today, and we are treating very seriously our responsibility to mobilize resources, ourselves, to support the local self-governing bodies in finding accommodation and other measures of assistance, but also to encourage other countries to do the same," she said.
According to Power, the United States of America will continue to work with both your and the Azerbaijani government in the direction of achieving lasting peace between the countries, also taking into consideration the deep economic benefit and stability it would ensure for the Armenian people. "The steps you have taken in separation of powers, fight against corruption, these are all investments in Armenia's future," said Power, who also conveyed a letter from U.S. President Joe Biden addressed to Pashinyan.
The interlocutors also discussed the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the possibility of providing support to compatriots in Artsakh, events taking place in the region, as well as the further development and expansion of Armenia-US cooperation.
