YEREVAN. Jan 22 (Interfax) - The U.S. administration of President Joe Biden is committed to assisting Armenia in strengthening democratic institutions and deems further efforts toward settlement of the Karabakh conflict important, U.S. Ambassador in Yerevan Lynne Tracy said.
"As the United States begins a new chapter in our own country's history, we renew our commitment to partnering with the Armenian people, Government, civil society, media, and the private sector to support the aspirations of the Armenian people who voiced their choice for meaningful, tangible reforms to strengthen the institutions of Armenia's democratic institutions," the embassy press service quoted Tracy as saying.
"Above all, we recognize the urgent work to be done in moving forward following the devastating conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The U.S. government has responded to Armenia's critical needs by providing clothes, food, child-friendly safe-spaces, and shelter to displaced peoples. The United States continues to call for the swift and safe return of the remaining detainees. We condemn the acts of atrocities connected with the conflict. Those responsible must be held to account. And, while the fighting has stopped, the need for an enduring political solution on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is essential for securing regional peace and stability," she said.
"Together with our Armenian friends and partners, we will tackle the challenges before us, uphold our shared values, and ensure that democracy and the rule of law prevail," Tracy said.
The press service for Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said, in turn, that the president had congratulated Biden on his inauguration as the next U.S. president.
"I am sure you will do the utmost in the coming years to ensure further advancement and inspiring achievements for your country. I look forward to our collaboration, which will enable us to further Armenian-American friendly relations and support a long-awaited peace and stability in the region," Sarkissian said in a telegram.
Sarkssian also congratulated Kamala Harris on assuming the post of U.S. vice president and wished her further success.
The hostilities in the Karabakh conflict zone began on September 27, 2020. On November 9, 2020, the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia adopted a trilateral statement, which declared a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to the region, and the handover of certain districts to Azerbaijan.