U.S. State Department Responds to RAND Report on Prospects of Washington-Yerevan Relations

Recently, the renowned American "RAND" Corporation published an analysis titled "The U.S. Cannot Guarantee Armenia's Security Despite Azerbaijan's Threats, but Can Help," authored by Joe Haberman and Paul Kohmari, on its website. In response to the publication, the U.S. State Department commented on the points raised in the RAND report.

In an inquiry by "Voice of America" regarding the statements in the RAND publication, the State Department stated: "The United States supports the ongoing democratic development, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries in the South Caucasus. This is a fundamental principle of U.S. policy throughout the region, and it is for this purpose that we are expanding our involvement in broad relations with Armenia."

The U.S. foreign policy agency welcomed "any constructive engagement that brings peace and stability to the peoples of the South Caucasus," adding in this context: "We have witnessed Russia's ongoing, destructive aggression against Ukraine, the continued occupation of Georgia's sovereign territory, and destabilizing actions throughout the region and worldwide. Therefore, we cannot consider Russia a reliable or constructive ally or partner in the South Caucasus or elsewhere."

Addressing Iran as well, the State Department emphasized: "We have consistently encouraged the countries of this region [South Caucasus] to critically assess Iran's intentions and to proceed with caution in all dealings related to the Iranian regime."

It is worth recalling that the RAND Corporation recently published an analysis authored by Joe Haberman and Paul Kohmari, titled "The U.S. Cannot Guarantee Armenia's Security Despite Azerbaijan's Threats, but Can Help." Analysts argue that the United States should adopt a more cautious strategy, based on both its own and Armenia's interests, providing Armenia with means to defend itself while also clearly outlining the limits of its commitments.