Biden: U.S. will continue to advocate for release of all Armenian PoWsSeptember 21, 2021 - 14:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States will continue to advocate for the release of all Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan, President Joe Biden said on Tuesday, September 21, in remarks released on the 30th anniversary of Armenia's Independence. "Our two nations are bonded by history, family, and friendship, including 1.5 million Armenian-Americans whose contributions enrich and strengthen our bilateral ties. This year, we will mark 30 years of bilateral relations between our countries. We look forward to continuing to support the Armenian people on your democratic journey in the years ahead, including by supporting your efforts to strengthen your democratic institutions, advance human rights, combat corruption, and uphold the rule of law," Biden said in a letter sent to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. "The Armenian people have faced challenges over the last year, including the tragic loss of life in the fighting in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. As we mourn with the people of Armenia, we will work hand in hand with your government, including through the OSCE Minsk Group and other regional formats, to promote regional stability and conflict resolution. The United States will continue to advocate for the release of all Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan. " Biden noted that the U.S. is committed to continued cooperation in the fight against Covid-19. He reminded that his country has contributed over $14.2 million to Armenia in the fight against the coronavirus, and pledged to continue working together to advance an inclusive global economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic. Photo. Getty Images Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” |