Biden Administration to Review Security Assistance to Azerbaijan, Says Antony Blinken

Amid the recent outbreak of military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, the U.S. administration will review security assistance provided to Azerbaijan. This was announced by U.S. Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken in response to written questions from Senator Bob Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This information was reported by the Armenian Assembly of America.

“I support providing assistance to Armenia in strengthening security, democracy, and promoting economic growth. This will help bolster Armenia's security and stability. In light of the recent military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, our administration will review the security assistance given to Azerbaijan. I expect to work with Congress and the Secretary of Defense to clarify the appropriate magnitude of assistance to meet the security needs of Armenia and the region,” said Blinken in response to Senator Menendez.

Blinken also noted that adjustments would be made if necessary regarding the provisions of the Freedom Support Act’s Section 907. “Following the recent military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Biden-Harris administration will review the support provided to Azerbaijan in the security sector. Should circumstances demand, the Biden-Harris administration will be prepared to halt the implementation of the restrictions stipulated by Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act,” Blinken mentioned.

The Secretary of State nominee also stated that the U.S. would enhance its engagement in the Minsk Group to seek a lasting resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “The president has stated that the U.S. must lead strong diplomatic efforts for resolving the conflict by working with our European partners and ensuring the provision of international humanitarian assistance to end the suffering. I will enhance U.S. participation in the search for a definitive resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which will safeguard the security of Nagorno-Karabakh and help prevent a new war. This also includes our enhanced cooperation within the Minsk Group,” the nominee stated.

Antony Blinken expressed support for funding demining programs in Artsakh and providing humanitarian assistance in general.