U.S. Independence Day Celebrated in Kapan during Ambassador Kvien’s Visit to Syunik

On July 11, Ambassador Kvien hosted the U.S. Embassy’s first-ever Independence Day celebration held in Kapan, Syunik.  “The people of Armenia deserve to live in peace and prosperity. Hosting this special celebration in Kapan is a wonderful opportunity to advance our shared democratic values and strengthen the close ties between our people,” said Ambassador Kvien.

While in Syunik, Ambassador Kvien met with Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan to discuss opportunities for deepening U.S.-Armenia cooperation, and U.S. support for Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.  She also joined the European Mission in Armenia (EUMA) monitoring mission to observe the situation on the border.  Ambassador Kvien met with the Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan and the Patrol Police Service, and participated in a donation of medical kit supplies.

In Kapan, Ambassador Kvien met with displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) to hear about their current needs and the support they have received from both the Armenian government and USAID to create new livelihoods in their communities.

During her visit to Kapan, Ambassador Kvien and the Director of the Syunik Regional Library Liana Gasparyan signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to support continued cooperation on the American Corner in Kapan.  Ambassador Kvien also met with students from the U.S.-Embassy sponsored English ACCESS program, implemented by the Educational Initiatives NGO in Kapan, Goris, and Meghri.

During her visit to Syunik, Ambassador Kvien visited the U.S.-owned Contour Global Hydro Cascade, a top renewable energy producer, generating between 12 and 15 percent of Armenia’s annual electricity