Lack of a resolution to Nagorno-Karabakh fuels corruption: Ambassador Mills

“The peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict remains an important and priority issue for the United States of America,” Richard Mills, Ambassador of the USA to Armenia announced before the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia.

He stated that 25 years ago it was this very day, when the USA launched its diplomatic mission in newly-independent Armenia. The Ambassador said  in that relatively short space of time, they have witnessed events that have changed Armenia’s political and economic landscape, as well as demonstrated country’s resiliency in the face of tragedy.

In his words during these months and especially in the tragic aftermath of the April war he realized how much the lack of a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict diverts precious resources – both Armenian and those provided from Armenia’s international and diaspora friends – from the shared goals and the priorities he and the U.S. Embassy have set for themselves.

“For instance, lack of a resolution to Nagorno-Karabakh fuels corruption because it keeps Armenia’s borders closed and, when borders are closed, it is easier for powerful business people and others to control economic markets and close off competition,” Ambassador Mills said.

He stressed that the Embassy, the US administration and personally himself, collaborating with the new Minsk Group American Co-chair Richard Hoagland, continue to observe Nagorno Karabakh conflict as an important and priority issue. Then Ambassador Mills also reflected to the work implemented towards four priority directions defined by him, giving clear assessments and outlining the Embassy’s forthcoming programs.

By Araks Martirosyan