Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the latter’s initiative.
The American side congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on the victory of the “Civil Contract” party in the elections, emphasizing the consistent steps taken by the RA government in recent years to ensure Armenia’s democratic achievements. In this context, the US Secretary of State highly appreciated Nikol Pashinyan’s efforts to peacefully resolve the tension created during the pre-election period in the country and to build civilized relations with the opposition.
Antony Blinken stressed the importance of the reform agenda implemented by the RA government, particularly in the fight against corruption and in the field of justice, and added that the US is ready to continue its support in this direction.
At the same time, he noted that the partnership between the two countries is anchored in democratic values.
Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed gratitude for the appreciation of Armenia’s achievements in the direction of democratic reforms. He highly appreciated the US continued support for strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law in Armenia, as well as for the launch of the police patrol service in Yerevan. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Patrol Service will subsequently be expanded throughout the country and expressed hope that American assistance will make it possible to complete that process. The Acting Prime Minister highly appreciated the efforts of Deputy Secretary of State Phil Reeker in the return of Armenian prisoners from Azerbaijan a month ago. As issues of key importance for establishing stability in the region, the return of prisoners and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from Armenia’s sovereign territory were emphasized.
The Secretary of State assured that the US will continue its efforts to ensure the return of all prisoners. Referring to the topic of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Secretary of State greatly emphasized the revival of the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, underscoring the need to develop a clear agenda for the peace process that would make it possible to find a stable and long-term solution to the conflict.
Within this framework, Nikol Pashinyan also stressed that the conflict is not resolved and requires a comprehensive solution, which can be achieved exclusively within the framework of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship.
The American side noted that it agrees with the Acting Prime Minister’s observation that the “status quo” cannot be stable and that the Minsk Group co-chairmanship needs a clear agenda that contributes to the success of the negotiations.
