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“When I think back on the past 15 months – that is, the period between my first speech before the Chamber in November 2015 and my address to you today – it is sobering to realize that in that relatively short space of time, we have witnessed events that have changed Armenia’s political and economic landscape, as well as demonstrated this country’s resiliency in the face of tragedy,” U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills noted in his speech delivered before American Chamber of Commerce of Armenia, Panorama.am reports.

In his words during these months and especially in the tragic aftermath of the April war he realized that how much the lack of a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts diverts precious resources – both Armenian and those provided from Armenia’s international and diaspora friends – from the shared goals and the priorities he and the U.S. Embassy have set for themselves. 

“The lack of a resolution to Nagorno-Karabakh fuels corruption because it keeps Armenia’s borders closed and, when borders are closed, it is easier for powerful business people and others to control economic markets and close off competition,” the ambassador noted adding that the NKR conflict prevents Armenia from realizing its great potential.

R. Mills also noted that the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. administration and he himself, collaboration with the new Minsk Group American Co-Chair Richard Hoagland continue to observe Nagorno Karabakh conflict as an important and priority issue.