Meeting with Nikol Pashinyan

On September 18, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, the Press Office of the Armenian Prime Minister reported.

Prime Minister Pashinyan said, "This is truly an unprecedented visit from the USA to Armenia, and we appreciate it. I would like to express our gratitude to you personally, Madam Speaker, for your personal efforts and contribution to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States, as well as for the efforts of your delegation."

"It is highly appreciated, and even considering only that fact, all Armenians consider you a reliable friend of Armenia. But I want to continue the words of appreciation because I also want to express gratitude for the US support for Armenian democracy because it is also very important for us," he added. "We see the readiness of the US Government to support the democratic agenda of our country. I would like to express our devotion to the agenda of democratic reforms, despite the fact that, as you can see, it is not an easy path," Pashinyan stated. The Armenian Prime Minister added: "One more fact that I would like to mention: We appreciate the clear position of the USA regarding Azerbaijan's aggression against Armenia. Of course, the US Government's clear formulations are appreciated because they are very important for us." Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that the Armenian Government will continue consistent steps in the direction of strengthening democracy and developing democratic institutions. The Head of the Executive highly appreciated the US assistance in promoting the rich agenda of the Armenian Government's reforms.

In her turn, Nancy Pelosi said: "Support for democracy in Armenia, the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution, countering Turkey in the Nagorno Karabakh issue, and in all other issues we are Armenia's friend. We are here with respect for your Government."

"Past year you had elections which were recognized as free and fair, and your wonderful victory in the light of the war and other circumstances. And the thing is, normally, when we come to a country, it is to pay respect, to listen and to learn, but I can truly say that this delegation from the United States to Armenia has brought with it the love of the American people, respect for your Government and love for the people of Armenia. Thank you for your hospitality," she stated. The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress assured that the American side will continue to actively contribute to the further expansion of bilateral multi-sectoral cooperation and the programs to develop democracy in Armenia.

Then the interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues related to the Armenian-American partnership and the further development of cooperation in different directions. Nikol Pashinyan and Nancy Pelosi referred to the aggression of Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia and the need to withdraw Azerbaijani units from the territory of Armenia. The parties discussed issues related to the opportunities of unblocking transport infrastructure in the region and the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Accusation towards Azerbaijan

On the same day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the United States strongly condemns the "illegal and deadly attacks by Azerbaijan on Armenian territory and the assault on the sovereignty (and) border of Armenia." She was speaking alongside a small congressional delegation on a visit to Armenia.

At a news conference, Pelosi stated, "As you witnessed, the United States' initial response was to stop the bloodshed and create a ceasefire. We, our delegation, have been extremely vocal about the fact that the Azeris started this. That fact needs to be acknowledged." Further support for advancing security, economic development, and democratic institutions in Armenia and the region was promised by Pelosi. Moving on to development, Pelosi brought up the prospect that the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US government organization that provides foreign aid, would once more begin providing help to Armenia. Finally, Pelosi vowed to keep supporting Armenia's democratic changes, adding that Armenian democracy and sovereignty are a priority and that democracy in Armenia is a delight to the world.

Regarding security, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) stated that Washington is aware that Armenia is part of this security arrangement with Russia, ostensibly alluding to Yerevan and Moscow's friendship agreement and Armenia's participation in a Russian-led military alliance. Pallone stated, "We are not recommending (changing) anything about that. We are saying that the security of Armenia is a top priority for the United States, and we want to do all in our power to help."

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) said that Washington would keep supporting regional demining initiatives.

Response from Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated that the statement made by Nancy Pelosi during her visit to Armenia on September 18, which distorts the situation in the region, is deeply regrettable. "Groundless and unfair accusations made by N. Pelosi against Azerbaijan are unacceptable," it added.

"The incident that took place on the deemed border, which is not delimited yet, on the night of September 12-13, 2022, was a large-scale military provocation by Armenia against Azerbaijan, and the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan prevented this provocation, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country were ensured. Currently, the ceasefire regime is observed, and the escalation of the situation has been prevented. All responsibility for the escalation of the situation in the region and the large-scale provocation lies with the military-political leadership of Armenia," the report said.

"Generally, N. Pelosi is known as a pro-Armenian politician, and the presence of pro-Armenian members of Congress in her delegation to Armenia is pure evidence of this. Considering that the period of mid-term elections to the US Congress is approaching, it seems that N. Pelosi is using this visit for her domestic political agenda and to gain the support of the Armenian lobby circles in the US. It is unacceptable to transfer political intrigues and lobbying interests from the US domestic political agenda to the South Caucasus region via Armenia.

We regretfully emphasize that N. Pelosi, who speaks about justice, has not demonstrated any position regarding the policy of aggression by Armenia against Azerbaijan, occupation of Azerbaijan's territory for almost 30 years, the ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis and other such serious crimes for which Armenia is responsible," the Ministry added.

"What N. Pelosi said during her visit to Armenia should be regarded as a statement made based on Armenian propaganda. This is a serious blow to efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Such unilateral steps and groundless statements serve not to strengthen the fragile peace in the region, but rather to escalate tension," the information underlined.

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