The United States and the European Union Emphasize Continued Support for Armenia

The United States and European Union member countries emphasized their continued support for Armenia regarding the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region on Friday, April 6. According to Reuters, this support was expressed during a meeting between American and European officials with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels. Last year, Azerbaijan attacked Nagorno-Karabakh and took control of this previously separated region from the country, leading to a massive migration of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, 'We are committed to further increasing our support for Armenia's democratic and economic resilience.' He added, 'We will continue to support the one hundred thousand Armenians who were displaced from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This is crucial for the long-term stability of Armenia.' Josep Borrell, Antony Blinken, Ursula von der Leyen, and Nikol Pashinyan were present. Armenia, traditionally a close ally of Russia, has seen its relations with Moscow deteriorate significantly in recent months. Yerevan has sought to establish ties with the West and blames Russia for failing to defend Armenia against Azerbaijan, its long-standing neighbor and rival. Armenia is also trying to distance itself from the fallout of Russia's military attack on Ukraine. Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, a close ally of Baku, criticized the Brussels meeting, stating it would not contribute to peace in the strategically important South Caucasus region, through which oil and gas pipelines pass. Antony Blinken, Ursula von der Leyen, and Josep Borrell told reporters in Brussels that economic integration among South Caucasus countries, especially in energy and telecommunications, is vital for ensuring regional stability. Von der Leyen noted that the EU's efforts to assist Armenia indicate that 'the EU and Armenia increasingly share aligned values and interests.' Borrell also mentioned that EU-Armenia relations are developing positively and stronger than before. The U.S. Secretary of State and the President of Azerbaijan discussed advancing the peace process with Armenia. Blinken in Paris: 'We will make any arms shipments to Russia impossible through cooperation with Europe.' Abram Pili's visit to the South Caucasus; 'destabilizing behavior' of the Iranian government was a key topic of discussion with regional leaders. The President of Azerbaijan stated, 'We are closer to peace with Armenia than ever before.' The first day of peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was hosted by Germany. Border clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan have resulted in the death of four Armenian soldiers. The crackdown on media in Azerbaijan continues, with another journalist arrested.