US Supports Efforts to Reopen Closed Borders with Turkey, Says Deputy Secretary of State

The Deputy Secretary of State, Uzra Zeya, delivered a speech at the Armenian Embassy during an event dedicated to the anniversary of Armenia's Independence. According to Voice of America, the United States supports Armenia's efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, combating corruption, and encouraging reforms for sustainable economic growth.

During her speech at the event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Armenia's Independence, Zeya stated that Washington welcomes the positive assessment of the parliamentary elections in Armenia by the OSCE report and hopes that the upcoming local self-government elections will receive a similar response.

She also emphasized the steps Armenia has taken in the past year towards establishing democratic institutions, including the joint efforts of the United States and Armenia to form an anti-corruption commission and a new patrol police force.

“There is still much work to be done. We welcome opportunities to support your efforts aimed at promoting an impartial and independent judiciary, increasing respect for freedom of speech, and strengthening parliamentary oversight over the executive branch. Effective democratic governance also includes searching for peaceful ways to resolve disagreements with the opposition. These are vital reforms, and the U.S. is ready to support Armenia in implementing them,” said the Deputy Secretary.

Zeya expressed condolences regarding the casualties during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The U.S. remains fully committed to achieving a peaceful, comprehensive, political, and sustainable resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including its role as a co-chair of the Minsk Group. She highlighted the recent meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan under the auspices of the Minsk Group in New York as a first step towards resuming the peace process.

“I assure you that we will continue to engage in establishing a real dialogue that will lead to resolving all unresolved issues related to the conflict and its aftermath. At the same time, we will continue bilateral efforts aimed at releasing all remaining detainees. We urge both governments to investigate allegations of human rights and international humanitarian law violations to hold perpetrators accountable,” she stated.

The American diplomat also addressed Armenian-Turkish relations: “The United States supports diplomatic efforts to reopen Armenia’s closed borders with Turkey and to build economic ties throughout the South Caucasus,” said Deputy Secretary Zeya.

In concluding her remarks, the senior American diplomat congratulated Armenia again on the 30th anniversary of its Independence and expressed Washington’s willingness to continue cooperation with Armenia to establish stronger ties based on shared values.