Blinken: US support Armenian government's Crossroads of Peace project
The United States supports the Crossroads of Peace project initiated by the Armeian government, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said ahead of trilateral talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Friday.
''We are here to reaffirm Trans-Atlantic support for democratic, prosperous future for the Armenian people and a more integrated and a more peaceful South Caucasus region. We share the Armenian people’s vision for the future, we want Armenia to take its place as a strong, independent nation in peace with its neighbors, connected to the region and the world. The United States and the European Union both want to be partners in this effort. And today is the evidence of that," Blinken said.
“We have to harness this moment of choice for the Armenian people and its leaders. The United States is investing in efforts that are aligned with the Prime Minister’s governance and economic reforms. We plan to provide over $65 million in assistance from our budget funds, more than 50 present two years ago."
Blinken pledged continued U.S. support for more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.
“This is central to Armenia’s long-term stability and prosperity, as well as regional security. We are also supporting efforts to integrate people into the economy, into society, including the access to housing, jobs, education,” the top U.S. official said.
Blinken highlighted that regional integration is a key to security and prosperity for Armenia.
"So, we support, Mr. Prime Minister, the ideas, that are at the heart of your Crossroads of Peace proposal. We see a more integrated South Caucasus with more transportation routes, energy cooperation, telecommunications. This will promote diversified economies, expanded opportunity and will bolster peace and reconciliation efforts," he noted.
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