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On August 15, Artak Zakaryan, Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, the RA NA MPs Mher Shahgeldyan, Edmon Marukyan and Khachatur Kokobelyan had a working meeting with the U.S. Congressional Delegation headed by Steve Chabot, Chairman of the House Small Business Committee.

Welcoming the U.S. Congressmen at the Armenian Parliament, Artak Zakaryan highlighted the nature of the Armenian-American cooperation, noted that since the Independence of Armenia, the Armenian-American relations has contained a large scope of interactions.

The Committee Chairman noted that Armenia and the USA has strong partner relationship both on bilateral and multilateral platforms.

It was also noted that the RA highly appreciates the continuous support shown by the USA to our country’s economic development, various improvements in different spheres, sustainability of democracy and civil society aimed at the strengthening of the RA statehood.   

Highlighting the promotion of the Armenian-American economic cooperation, Artak Zakaryan mentioned that IT is a successful sphere of the Armenian-American economic interaction where the American side is a leader in investments. Totally, more than 550 enterprises are registered in the RA with US capital involved.

In the development of interparliamentary relations Artak Zakaryan spotlighted the activities of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. The Caucus members play a pivotal role for the support in raising and backing up such issues as the Armenian Genocide, financing of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

Artak Zakaryan underscored the US ’ active role in the works of the OSCE Minsk Group aimed at the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue. 

The exercise of the right to self-determination and the definition of legal status of Nagorno Karabakh through negotiations between the parties were highlighted, for achieving lasting and complete political settlement.

The Committee Chairman highlighted the US position on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue, which refects the settlement through military means.

In relation to the Armenian –Turkish relations, the following fact was highlighted: the US has always supported the rapprochement of both countries.  The Armenian MPs stated that Turkey shouldn’t impede the regional stability and should refrain from non-constructive steps. 

Touching upon the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, it was noted that more than 40 US States have recognized the Armenian Genocide.  Artak Zakaryan expressed hope that the issue will be solved at the Congressional level in the future. It was mentioned that the Members of the US Congress also participated in the events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.  

The USA is one of the countries with the largest Armenian Diaspora in the world. More than 1.500.000 ethnic Armenians live in the USA . The role of Armenian Diaspora organizations in 43 States is spotlighted in the advancement of the Armenian-American relations.  

Steve Chabot, Head of the Delegation of US Congressmen, expressing gratitude for the warm reception, has noted that it is a great honour for him to be in the Armenian Parliament.

He informed that he will convey all the issues raised by the Armenian parliamentarians to his US partners.  

Touching upon the NK conflict, the US Congressman noted that it should be settled through peaceful means, through negotiations. Steve Chabot excluded the settlement of the conflict through military means.

The US Congressman emphasized the struggle against corruption in the fostering economic ties. 

Pertaining to the Armenian Genocide, the US Congressman noted that it’s a sensitive issue and requires comprehensive work.

The RA MPs Edmon Marukyan, Mher Shahgedyan and Khachatur Kokobelyan also attached importance to the peaceful settlement of the NK conflict, stressed the cohesive position of all the forces in the parliament on regulation principles.

Mr. Richard M. Mills, US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia , also attended the working meeting.