We Are Doing Everything at the Highest Levels to Prevent the Use of Force: Lynn Tracy Visits Syunik

On September 27, the Governor of Syunik, Robert Ghukasian, welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy. Accompanying her were Kim Zapfel, Deputy Head of the Economic and Political Section of the Embassy, John Alello, Director of the USAID Armenia Office, and Haikanush Bagratuni, the office's program coordinator.

Governor Ghukasian expressed gratitude to the ambassador for her visit, especially for being in Syunik on September 27. The ambassador, noting the 2nd anniversary of the 44-day war, extended her respects to the memory of the victims and condolences to their families, stating that, unfortunately, the recent war had also claimed the lives of young men.

Robert Ghukasian detailed the Azerbaijani incursion into Syunik on September 13, emphasizing, "It is very important for us that you are by our side during this difficult time. We are aware of your and the U.S. position on all this, for which we are grateful. However, the recent two-day war in the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia demonstrated that the enemy violates not only the fundamental rights of another state and its citizens but also humanitarian elements, even targeting ambulances. People here do not want to leave their homes, which increases the risk of military operations against the civilian population. All of this should be properly assessed by the international community; therefore, we ask everyone once again to pay attention to the enemy's recent actions and to exert clear pressure to prevent their recurrence."

Ambassador Tracy stated that this conflict is a focus of attention for the United States, even while there are other simultaneous conflicts in the broader region: "And at the highest levels, including through diplomatic channels, we are doing everything to prevent the use of force, to ensure the continuity of negotiations, and to establish a resolution to the issue that leads to lasting and sustainable peace."

The senior diplomat acknowledged how difficult it is for the residents of Syunik and other border regions to feel safe right now. That is why she visited the region with her colleagues—to understand what is happening on the ground and how they can help.

Robert Ghukasian discussed several issues arising from the context of current events in the region with his guests and expressed gratitude to the USAID for the work done so far, noting that ongoing collaborative projects should not only focus on development but also be directed towards resilience in difficult situations. As Ambassador Tracy concludes her diplomatic mission in Armenia, she remarked at the end of the meeting: "The situation in Syunik, and Armenia in general, will always be on my mind, and if there is anything I can do to help establish peace here, I will continue to do so in the future, regardless of where I am."