Pashinyan thanks U.S. for helping to stop further Azerbaijani invasion

ArmInfo. Despite the global and regional challenges Armenia consistently continues to implement democratic reform agenda. This was stated on March 29 by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, speaking during the Second Summit for Democracy initiated by U.S. President Joe Biden, which is being held via videoconference.

According to him, the Armenian government continues tackling climate change for building a low-emission energy sector and a vibrant green economy.  "We have made progress in the international energy ranking, "Energy Trilemma Index 2021", taking the 53rd place among 127 countries", he said.

At the same time, as the prime minister pointed out, in September 2022, Armenia had to face aggression against the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Armenia, which resulted in the occupation of part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia by Azerbaijan.

"It was back in September that we felt the union of democracies and the clear condemnation of aggression against Armenia. I want to take this opportunity and extend our gratitude to the United States and other partners that helped us stop the further incursion through diplomatic engagement," he said.

As Pashinyan pointed out, Armenia strongly condemns human rights violations around the world. "There is a lot that we need to do together to prevent genocides, ethnic cleansings and atrocities. .  Whatever is happening with Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh today, the blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan and the humanitarian crisis resulted by it, is definitely an attempt of ethnic cleansing of Armenians in NK.  And we cannot turn a blind eye on that. At the same time, I reiterate that Armenia remains committed to the peace process with Azerbaijan. We are convinced that there is no alternative to the peaceful development of the region and that sticking to democratic values will help us find a way to peace", the head of the RA Cabinet of Ministers said.

"Democracy is work in progress and we will proceed with new commitments by setting a new benchmark for Armenia in the global democratic rankings. I believe in the power of democracy - for peace, for freedom, for happiness," Nikol Pashinyan concluded.

The U.S. presidential administration sent out invitations to 120 world leaders. Azerbaijan, Turkey, North Korea and Russia are among the countries that did not receive an invitation.