U.S. lawmakers pleased by outcome of U.S.-Armenia Strategic DialogueMay 17, 2019 - 11:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Peter King (R-NY) and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), on Thursday, May 16 released the following statement in response to the first U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue. "As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, we are pleased by the outcome of the first U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue which was successfully completed last week," they said in a statement. "The Strategic Dialogue with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was the first since the conduct of free and fair elections earlier this year. "We are pleased that the State Department is taking the opportunity to deepen our already strong bilateral ties to Armenia, and to extend targeted assistance to promote economic growth, advance good governance proposals, and realize the Armenian government’s democratic reform agenda. "The Caucus looks forward to continuing to advocate for engagement with Armenia and assistance to strengthen Armenia’s democracy and economic development." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |