“MILITARY ACTIONS ARE NOT A WAY OUT”
Support A1+!U.S. Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Joseph Pennington thinks the “latest crisis” in the region shows that the borders must finally be opened to restore economic and diplomatic ties between Armenia and Turkey. In this respect, the short-time opening of the Armenian-Turkish border during the Georgian-Ossetian war must serve as a precedent for the two countries.
The U.S. Charge d’Affaires declined to answer a journalist’s question whether Russia’s recognition of Ossetia and Abkhazia independence will affect the region.
“I can say nothing in this respect. The USA endorses Georgia’s territorial integrity. I urge the conflicting sides, including Russia, to meet the commitments of cease-fire regime,” said Pennington.
Asked whether the recent events in the region may effect the Armenian-Azeri relations, the U.S. Charge d’Affaires said: “We saw the tragic outcome of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. It must serve as a good lesson for Armenia and Azerbaijan and they must realize that they will gain nothing with military actions.”
A journalist asked Mr. Pennington to comment on yesterday’s incident in Northern Avenue during which policemen attacked sit-down strikers and tore the posters of political prisoners.
“I don’t want to make any comments. I see both progress and drawbacks in the Armenian authorities’ actions. Anyway, we stand ready to further cooperate with the Armenian leadership to effect apparent changes.”
