Pashinyan Meets with USAID Head Samantha Power's Delegation

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received a delegation led by Samantha Power, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which included Acting Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim. The Prime Minister welcomed Ms. Power's visit to Armenia during this difficult time.

“I believe you are aware of the overall situation, as we had the opportunity to discuss this situation with members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and I spoke with Secretary Blinken two days ago. Our partners are in contact, and I think it is very important that we have this opportunity to discuss all the details of the current situation in our region. You are aware that unfortunately, the ethnic cleansing of the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh is continuing at this moment, and that is a very tragic fact. We have been trying to inform the international community that this ethnic cleansing would take place, but unfortunately, we were unable to prevent it. However, this situation and the tensions in our region continue to escalate, and now it is very important to take specific steps to prevent further escalation and even greater issues. I am very glad for this opportunity and welcome you to our country,” noted Nikol Pashinyan.

Samantha Power thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome extended to her delegation. “I know how busy you are, given the current situation. President Biden has sent me and my delegation here to emphasize the deep commitment of the United States to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy of Armenia. I know that USAID is working with the Armenian people, and the Armenian government has never shown indecision on this issue, which is very important. We have arrived in Armenia, and I hope to have another opportunity to come again to discuss our steps aimed at strengthening your deepening democracy. But during this visit, we are certainly focused on the specific crisis, the humanitarian needs of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and the humanitarian needs of those who have fled Nagorno-Karabakh. I believe about 5,000 people have crossed into Armenia today, and we are really very serious about our responsibility to focus resources on supporting local authorities in finding shelters and other assistance, but also to encourage other countries to do the same. The United States will continue to work with both your government and the government of Azerbaijan to achieve lasting peace between the countries, also considering what profound economic benefits and stability it will ensure for the Armenian people. The steps you have taken regarding the separation of powers and the fight against corruption are all investments in the future of Armenia,” stated Samantha Power.

The head of USAID conveyed a letter from U.S. President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Pashinyan. Subsequently, the interlocutors discussed the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, opportunities to support our compatriots in Nagorno-Karabakh, the ongoing developments in the region, and the further development and expansion of Armenia-U.S. cooperation.