U.S. Ambassador observes progress in Armenia
The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Heffern today met with Armenian journalists in the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan. Before his appointment in Armenia, Heffern served as Deputy Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels.
During the meeting, Heffern said during his tenure in office he would focus on three main directions - adoption of regional cooperation, economic cooperation aimed at promoting mutual investments and political cooperation.
"U.S. remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict," the U.S. Ambassador stressed.
Asked to comment on Azerbaijan's military rhetoric and arms race, the U.S. official recalled the Deauville statement issued by the heads of the Minsk Group co-chairing states whereby they reiterate their commitment to the peaceful settlement.
Asked why the U.S. state officials refrain from uttering the word ‘genocide' though they recognize it implicitly, Heffern said he respected the opinion of U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and was ready to defend U.S. President's statement made on April 24, 2011.
In his address on April 24, President Barack Obama used the Armenian term "Meds Yeghern," instead of genocide.
Speaking about Armenia's home political developments the U.S. Ambassador said he had been informed about the progress in Armenia in the last six months and voiced hope that the positive trends would continue.
Ambassador Heffern is hopeful that the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in Armenia will meet international standards.
