United States Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy said Monday that the consequences of the recent war in Nagorno Karabakh have not been overcome, the conflict has not been resolved because the status of Nagorno Karabakh remains to be decided.
“We will continue to work through our position as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair to work towards that goal of bringing down violence, of de-escalation so that we can get to some of the other very critical issues that need to be discussed,” Tracy told reporters in Syunik.
The ambassador said she and the State Department have already addressed the issues of regional security and border safety.
“I think you may also know that in July I visited Gegharkunik and one of these border areas where there have been tensions and violence. Let me just make very clear: we are calling for de-escalation and a separation of forces to try to bring down the violence,” added Tracy.
She said that the solution of these issues is very important because civilians have found themselves in the middle of the conflict and are being affected in terms of their safety and security in their own homes. “This is why there is such urgency in addressing these issues,” Tracy added.
Tracy, who is spending her summer holiday in Armenia’s Syunik Province, also said that Armenia has a lot to offer in the tourism sector. During a press briefing with reporters, the ambassador specially pointed out the Syunik province in this context.
Asked by reporters in the city of Sisian in the Syunik Province on how Armenia must continue attracting tourists while Azerbaijan continues border provocations, she underscored that tourists do need to be mindful of security conditions, but “that is not necessarily a question that is unique to Armenia when it comes to hosting visitors.”
“It is very important that these security issues are addressed, these are very urgent issues. But I think also it is possible for visits not just by people such as myself but tourists to come to these areas, there are areas where it is possible to safely come to and enjoy. I did so several weeks ago myself. And it’s one of the reasons I am here today and why I am underscoring the importance of supporting the tourism industry. Armenia has a lot to offer in this area, and certainly Syunik does. And for today let me say particularly Sisian,” said Tracy.
Thank you Ambassador Tracy and many thanks to President Biden for your fair approach to these most important matters.
Tracey raising the issue is a joke. This is worse than saying nothing.
We have a lot to offer in the tourism sector ? Wow !
As OSCE member, what has the U.S done all these years to resolve the matter other than issue statements?
As guardian of the world, what has the U.S done in the greater perspective ?
Words mean nothing; the insults to the Armenians continue.