Pelosi said the trip was pre-planned deadly Clashes broke out on September 12 along the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia near the disputed territory. of Nagorno-Karabakh in flash-up of years of conflict, which Azerbaijan may have tried to take advantage of of Russian concern with this is invasion of Ukraine. Armenia is a close ally of Russia, and Azerbaijan is leveling off with Turkey.
military officials in Azerbaijan acknowledged strikes, but blamed Armenia of “large-scale provocation”, laying mines near border facilities and shelling of Azerbaijani positions earlier on Monday. Armenia called these allegations “absolute lies” and accused Baku for renewed hostilities.
In a joint news Sunday conference with Chairman of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan stated that Pelosi clear the attacks were initiated by Azerbaijan and must be stopped, and that the United States should use his influence and leverage for show support for Armenia.
“The immediate response of the United States was to stop the violence and stop the fire,” Pelosi said. “Our delegation was very frank in saying that this was initiated by the Azerbaijanis and that there should be recognition of this and how it will stop.”
Pelosi said President Biden was a strong supporter of Armenia, and swore two countries would “work together on what the next steps maybe” to eliminate the flash up of violence.
“Democracy in Armenia is a value for the world a joy for world”, – said Pelosi. “We must expand issue although … What does security have to do with it in Armenia belongs to the regional and global safety? What does democracy mean in Armenia wants to end fight between democracy and autocracy, which is on in in world currently? In both cases, it means great to deal with.”
Pelosi office said she highest US rating official visit Armenia since the country gained independence in 1991 from former Soviet Union.
Other members of The U.S. delegation includes Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (DN.J.), Chairman of House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Rep. Jackie Speyer (D-Calif.), who is of of Armenian descent and Rep. Anna G. Eshu (D-Calif.), who is of Armenian of Assyrian origin.
Period leading up the visit was marked by days of fierce fighting that represents the largest outbreak of military operations with full-scale war in 2020, in which Azerbaijan conquered the territories occupied by Armenia for decades. six-week of war is over with military victory for Azerbaijan and the fragile truce supported by Moscow, in to which Armenia surrendered large stripes of territory.
South Caucasus region has long been a source of diplomatic feelings for United States. But after lobbying members of Congress and Armenian Americans, Biden last year officially recognized as a massacre of Armenians of the Ottoman Empire in early 20s century like genocide, term which the United States has long avoided for fear of damaging his relationship with Turkey. Historians estimate that 1.5 million Armenians were killed. in a campaign of marches and massacres during the First World War.
Pelosi referred to these deaths in context of ongoing war in Ukraine. “That’s the moral duty of everything to never forget: a commitment made by on heightened urgency as atrocities are committed around the world, including by Russia against Ukraine,” Pelosi said. in statement ahead of her trip.
Maria Ilyushina contributed to this report.
