Pelosi: U.S. is friend to Armenia in countering Turkey on Karabakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Sunday, September 18 hosted the delegation led by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Yerevan to discuss Azerbaijan's latest aggression, which left at least 135 people killed on the Armenian side.

Pashinyan said Armenia appreciates the clear position of the United States regarding Azerbaijan's aggression.

“You are aware that the UN Security Council has discussed the current situation, and we hope, and this is our position, that this situation should remain on the agenda of the UN Security Council, and in this regard, of course, we rely on US support,” the Prime Minister said.

The Armenian PM also thanked the House Speaker for Washington's support for Armenian democracy on Sunday, September 18.

“We see the readiness of the U.S. 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 said.

Pelosi said the United States has been a friend to Armenia when it comes to supporting democracy in Armenia, passing the Armenian Genocide resolution, countering Turkey in the Nagorno Karabakh issue.

"Last 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."

The two then discussed a wide range of issues related to the Armenian-American partnership, the further development of cooperation in different directions.

They weighed in on the aggression of Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia and the need for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani units from the territory of Armenia. Issues related to the opportunities of unblocking transport infrastructure in the region, the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict were also on the table.

Earlier on Sunday, Pelosi gave a press conference in Yerevan and strongly condemned the “illegal attacks” by Azerbaijan on Armenia’s sovereign territory, saying that Armenia’s security was of great importance to the United States. In a press conference, Pelosi strongly condemned “illegal and deadly attacks by Azerbaijan” and added that the violence “threatens prospects for a much-needed peace agreement.” She said the U.S. is watching the situation closely and continues to support a negotiated settlement.