Armenia Stands at a Critical Crossroads, Says US Helsinki Commission Chair

U.S. Congress members and senators participated in hearings by the Helsinki Commission regarding Armenia, where they welcomed the country's pivot towards the West in its foreign policy.

The hearings aimed to delineate the avenues through which the United States and Congress could support Armenia in continuing its democratic path, ensuring sovereignty, ultimately establishing peace, and regulating relationships with Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as countering Russia's efforts to dominate the region.

“Armenia stands at a critical crossroads. The United States can play a unique and decisive role in supporting Armenia towards a peaceful, democratic, stable future, free from destabilizing elements,” said Helsinki Commission Chair Joe Wilson.

He emphasized that today Armenia faces new challenges, but the country’s potential can only be realized through real integration with the West, deepening ties with Europe, the U.S., and their allies.

“Armenia has taken bold steps to defend its independence and distance itself from the military influence of Putin. These decisions have not come easily, especially in a region where Putin's influence is pervasive. Moscow has continually shown that it prefers to see Armenia and its neighbors in conflict. This strategy is intended to maintain Russia's dominance,” Wilson continued.

According to him, Russia desires to recreate the Soviet Union, while the Armenian people seek something different. “They want peace, democracy, and a future free from external interference... here the U.S. must play a decisive role. We need to be there to support Armenia in building democracy, correcting the economic and political situation,” the Helsinki Commission Chair stated.

These hearings were preceded by an exploratory visit to Armenia in July by Helsinki Commission member legislators, during which they noted Armenia's unstable strategic situation, yet at the same time, its resilience, serving as an example of democracy in the region and the public-political consensus in favor of a European future.