Nagorno Karabakh Observer

From May 1-2, Chargé d’affaires Amy Carlon traveled to Khojaly, Khankendi, Shusha, and Lachin alongside members of the diplomatic corps as part of an official trip organized by the Government of Azerbaijan. In Khojaly, CDA Carlon visited the Khojaly memorial dedicated to those who died in February 1992. In Shusha, she visited the ASAN public service center, a regional hospital, the construction area of a new mosque designed to be the largest in the region, and other sites. CDA Carlon also had the opportunity to learn about new infrastructure and regional development initiatives in Khankendi and Lachin, including Karabakh University and the Zerti Agro-Industrial Park. This was CDA Carlon’s second visit to the region in less than a week, and she emphasized that trips like these help build a clearer understanding of the region and support growing U.S.-Azerbaijan cooperation in areas like connectivity, economic development, defense, and security.

We are now finding our own sanctions formats against Russia’s shadow fleet. And this morning, we demonstrated our results – what Ukraine was able to achieve overnight. But partner sanctions are also needed. For example, the United Kingdom is doing this the right way, and it is important for us that they help other partners respond accordingly. In particular, we are discussing this today with Prime Minister Starmer and other partners during the visit to Armenia. This visit is the first in the past 24 years. That means an entire generation has grown up in both Ukraine and Armenia during this time. Nevertheless, it is important that the visit is taking place, and that it coincides with the arrival of many other European – and not only European – leaders in Yerevan to take part in the European Political Community Summit. For the first time, Armenia is hosting the European Political Community Summit. The fact that so many countries have come together in this way is certainly a strong European signal to Russia. Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney has also arrived. A meeting with him is scheduled for tomorrow. It is important that we all coordinate in a substantive way. From a conversation with the media ahead of the meeting with Keir Starmer.

From April 27-29, Chargé d’Affaires Amy Carlon visited Aghdam and Fuzuli to engage with local communities and observe reconstruction and demining efforts. In Aghdam, she visited the Juma Mosque, the Imarat Complex, the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex, Bash Garvand village, and the Aghdam Industrial Park, and observed the important work of ANAMA deminers who are clearing land for the safe return of IDPs.

Today marks the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As we honor the 1.5 million Armenians murdered by the Ottoman Empire across modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Armenia, we must refuse to let history repeat itself. In 2020, the military forces of Azerbaijan and Turkey attacked the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2023, Azerbaijan expelled over 100,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, continuing the genocidal campaign that had begun over 100 years prior. On this day of remembrance, we reaffirm the right of the Armenian people — and all people — to freedom, safety, and self-determination.