Two Senior U.S. Officials Visit Armenia Amid Nagorno-Karabakh Developments

Senior officials from the Biden administration, including Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Yuri Kim, acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, arrived in Armenia on Monday, October 25. This visit marks the first time U.S. officials have been in Armenia since ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh accepted a ceasefire following their defeat against Azerbaijani forces last week. According to Reuters, citing a U.S. official, Power will express the U.S. government's deep concern regarding the situation of the ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh during meetings with senior Armenian officials and discuss measures related to addressing the humanitarian crisis. Prior to this, reports had emerged about the flight of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The visit of the two U.S. officials comes just two days after Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on social media platform 'X' that he spoke with the Armenian Prime Minister to express his concerns about the protection of the rights and security of the people of Karabakh. He added, 'The United States will continue its strong support for Armenia and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.' Additionally, the leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh stated that 120,000 Armenians are leaving for Armenia due to fears of 'ethnic cleansing.' According to Reuters, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh have not accepted Baku's promises regarding the guarantee of their rights. The separatist government of the region has stated that 120,000 Armenian citizens do not wish to live in Azerbaijan due to fears of repression and ethnic cleansing. Meanwhile, the Armenian government has made necessary arrangements to temporarily house tens of thousands of Armenians fleeing from Nagorno-Karabakh. Reports indicate that thousands of Armenians from the region are waiting in lines for fuel. Furthermore, the road leading to Armenia has experienced heavy traffic. The separatist government of Nagorno-Karabakh has stated that it will continue its work as long as residents are seeking to leave. Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized by international circles as part of Azerbaijan. Last week, Azerbaijan launched military operations in the region, citing terrorist attacks by Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh against Azerbaijani civilians. The U.S. has expressed its concerns regarding these operations. The announcement of the U.S.'s strong support for Armenia's territorial integrity follows attacks by Azerbaijan on 'Karabakh,' resulting in over 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Armenian-American military exercises have commenced, and the latest border developments in Karabakh indicate a state of readiness at the borders; Baku and Yerevan are engaged in diplomatic disputes and accusations. The U.S. has expressed 'deep concern' over the 'rapid deterioration' of the humanitarian situation in the Armenian-populated region of Karabakh and has sought an agreement to reopen routes leading to Nagorno-Karabakh.