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We know that we have come in a difficult period for Armenia, for this region. We understand that tragic cases happened: the memory of the conflict victims is still bright, and another outbreak happened. But let me mention once again that bipartisan, bi-chamber efforts are made by the U.S., particularly, on the return of captives. We are against the invasion that took place in the sovereign territory of Armenia, and we are demanding that Azerbaijan return to initial positions. We also understand that the U.S. has a role to play, particularly, directing the international community, cooperating with the international organizations for ensuring regulated solution to the long-term conflict. That is, we discuss the conflict, we discuss the possible role of the U.S.: the Chairman of the U.S. House Democracy Partnership (HDP) David Price said during the joint press conference with the Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Eduard Aghajanyan.

“We should also observe our counterparts’ visit as a next phase of dynamic development of the Armenian-American relations in recent period,” Eduard Aghajanyan noted.

Regarding the issue of the democracy development in our country David Price positively assessed the achievements of Armenia. He especially highlighted the anti-corruption reforms being made in Armenia and the steps being undertaken in strengthening democracy.

A month ago, when the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited Armenia, she mentioned that she had come to hear what military assistance the Armenian side expects from the United States. One of the journalists was interested in the consultations, Armenia-U.S. military cooperation and if there are programs on it. The Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership considered evident the change of balance in the region, taking into account the happenings connected with Russia. “Surely, there will be changes, and at this moment, discussions take place between our counterparts and together with them, particularly, on the development of relations, including on security. I can say that at this moment these discussions are rather intensively going on,” David Price underlined.

One other issue referred to the resolutions presented to the U.S. House of Representatives after September 13 Azerbaijani military aggression against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, which condemn the Azerbaijani aggression. David Price clarified that the resolutions are at the phase of observation and discussion.

In response to the question if it is necessary, is the U.S. ready to provide guarantees? David Price noted that the U.S. is ready to be involved in multilateral, bilateral negotiations, and they seriously perceive the role of the Minsk Group Co-Chair, they understand that the reality of political security has undergone serious changes in the region. The Congressman added that endless discussions are required, noting that they don’t want that sides will assume a role predetermined in advance by them.

Let us note that today the representatives of the Delegation had meetings with the RA Prime Minister, the NA President, a meeting was held with the participation of the members of the RA NA Standing Committees on Foreign Relations and on Defense and Security. A wide scope of issues was discussed: the issue of cornerstone importance referring to the security problems and challenges going on in Armenia at this moment. The Committee Chairman Eduard Aghajanyan informed that with respect to the mentioned problems a rather substantive and important conversation was held with the U.S. counterparts.

The Chairman of the U.S. House Democracy Partnership (HDP) David Price thanked his RA NA counterparts for having effective, open and sincere discussions, emphasized the exchange of experience and cooperation between parliaments.