ArmInfo.The United States welcomes the cessation of active hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is stated in the statement of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which is quoted by the American Embassy in Armenia.
"From the outset of hostilities, the United States has called for an end to the violence and condemned the military escalation that has resulted in significant casualties, including among civilians. We reiterate our condolences to the families of those killed and wounded, and call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law. including international humanitarian law.
Cessation of recent hostilities is only the first step towards a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict. We urge the parties to resume interaction with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs as soon as possible to find a lasting and sustainable political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the principles of the Helsinki Final Act - on the non-use of force or the threat of its use, territorial integrity, as well as on self-determination and equal rights peoples. As the co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States remains fully engaged in these efforts, "Pompeo said.
However, he stated that, in parallel with diplomatic engagement, the United States is providing $ 5 million in humanitarian aid to support the operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations and non-governmental organizations in helping people affected by the recent hostilities.
"Thanks to this funding, the total amount of US humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan since fiscal 2019 has exceeded $ 10 million, including almost $ 3.9 million to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and help vulnerable migrants, displaced persons and their host communities.
The new aid, provided by the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development, will support local efforts to provide food, health, shelter and other emergency assistance to conflict-affected people. US government humanitarian experts continue to assess the impact of this crisis. We recognize the contributions of our partners in the international community and call on other governments to join in renewed and growing support for these efforts, "concluded the US Secretary of State.