USA Indicates Assistance for Karabakh Refugee Crisis

During the visit of the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power on September 25, the United States expressed its readiness to provide assistance to those seeking refuge in Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Power's visit to Yerevan came in response to the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh caused by Azerbaijan's recent military offensive. She planned to meet with those affected by the crisis during her trip.

"As USAID, our focus is on the well-being of civilians. People were unable to get out, they didn't have access to food and other essentials. This is our focus. By coming here, we've learned more about the seriousness of the situation, we've been informed about what the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have been going through," the USAID chief said, adding that they have called for ensuring unimpeded access to Karabakh.

Samantha Power delivered a letter from US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In the letter, President Biden expressed the United States' commitment to working with the Armenian government to address the humanitarian needs resulting from the recent violence in Nagorno-Karabakh.

"Armenia has demonstrated its commitment to this purpose by engaging in peace talks with Azerbaijan, as well as by implementing critical economic reforms, improving government accountability, and strengthening democratic institutions. I assure you that the United States will continue to stand with Armenia as you work to strengthen democracy at home and seek stability in your neighborhood," the letter said. The USAID chief assured Armenia and its people that the United States is a reliable friend and partner.

"We will continue our partnership with the Armenian people in strengthening democracy and ensuring economic development. These attacks can't threaten the achievements that Armenia has made. I want to commend Prime Minister Pashinyan and the Armenian people for the democratic reforms that have been recorded since 2018," Power said at a press conference.

She noted that the United States has provided $33 billion in assistance to Armenia since 1992.

"Armenia has made historic progress in its independence, sovereignty, and democracy, in securing economic opportunities for its communities, and in securing the right to live in peace and dignity, which is fundamental. And as Armenia, Armenians, continue on this path, even under the conditions of this latest crisis, I want you to know that you have a friend and a reliable partner in the person of the United States," Power said.

Samantha Power also reiterated the United States' support for Armenia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy, stressing that these are inviolable principles.

US State Department Efforts to Establish International Mission in Nagorno-Karabakh

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the United States is actively engaged in developing an international mission to monitor Azerbaijan's compliance with its obligations to protect the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh residents.

"We believe that an international mission is necessary to provide the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community with transparency, assurances, and confidence that their rights and security will be protected, consistent with the public statements that Azerbaijan has made," Miller said at a briefing.

The initiative is reportedly under active discussion, with the United States working closely with its allies to develop and implement the mission effectively.