ArmInfo.On September 27, Syunik Region Governor Robert Ghukasyan received US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy. This was reported by the regional administration of Syunik.
Along with the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Embassy Political and Economic Affairs Section Kimberly Zapfel,, Mission Director of USAID/Armenia John Allelo and Program Coordinator Haykanush Bagratunyan visited the region.
During the meeting, Robert Ghukasyan, presenting the details of the invasion of Azerbaijani Syunik on September 13, pointed out the importance of the fact that during this difficult period, the American diplomat was by the side of the Armenian people. <We know your position, and the position of the United States in relation to all this, for which we are grateful to you. But the last two-day war on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia showed that the enemy not only violated the fundamental rights of another state and all human rights, but even targeted ambulances. <People here do not want to leave their settlements, which increases the risk of military operations against civilians. The international community should give an appropriate assessment to all of this, so once again we ask everyone to pay attention to the recent actions of the enemy and put clear pressure on him to prevent their repetition.
Lynne Tracy, in turn, noted that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the focus of the United States, although there are parallel conflicts in the wider region as well. "We are doing everything we can at the highest level, including through diplomatic channels, to prevent the use of force, ensure the continuity of negotiations and have the prospect of a settlement of the problem that will bring long-term and stable peace," the diplomat said.
She noted that she understands how difficult it is now for the residents of Syunik, as well as other border regions. That is why she visited the region with her partners to understand what is happening and how they can help.
Robert Ghukasyan discussed with the guests a number of issues that have arisen in the context of the developments taking place around the region, and also thanked the US Agency for International Development for the work done so far, noting that projects with continued cooperation should be aimed not only at development, but also at solving problems in difficult situations.
Lynne Tracy, who is completing her diplomatic mission in Armenia, said: "The situation in Syunik, in Armenia as a whole, will always be on my mind, and if I can do something to bring peace here, I will do it in the future, regardless of where I will be.