Pelosi Discusses Her Visit to Armenia

The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, summarized her visit to Yerevan, stating that the U.S. Congressional delegation traveled to Armenia as an important front in the fight between democracy and authoritarianism.

“During our meetings in Yerevan, we sent a decisive signal of support for Armenia's democracy and security, especially after Azerbaijan’s assaults on Armenia. Our visit was planned prior to the hostilities that began on September 12,” emphasized the Speaker of the House.

Pelosi recalled visiting the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial dedicated to the Armenian Genocide with Congress members Frank Pallone, Anna Eshoo, and Jackie Speier, stating that Congress aims to ensure that the truth about the Genocide is never forgotten. “That is why in 2019 we passed the law recognizing the Armenian Genocide, which President Biden supported with the official recognition last year. It was an honor for me to be awarded the Ambassador Henry Morgenthau Medal by the Genocide Museum-Institute, which I accepted on behalf of Congress for our work on recognition and awareness of the Genocide,” she said.

She noted that she met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, National Assembly President Alen Simonian, and Defense Minister Suren Papikyan. According to her, these meetings allowed for an exchange of ideas regarding policies and actions to advance stability, peace, and prosperity in Armenia and the region.

“During our visit, it was important that we held a roundtable with leaders of civil society, who expressed the concerns and needs of the people at this difficult time and shed light on Armenia's struggle for democracy and security. It was an honor for me to speak at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, a gem of Armenian culture, where I presented a clear message of the U.S. commitment to Armenia. Later, we met with the opposition leaders in the National Assembly. Despite disagreements over internal politics, there was a clear consensus among them that Azerbaijan must cease its aggression immediately,” the statement read.

Pelosi also mentioned that she is inspired by the reception of the delegation and is returning to Washington with pride and readiness to advance Congress's commitment to a democratic Armenia and a secure and peaceful Caucasus region.