"MILITARY ACTIONS ARE NOT A WAY OUT"

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[06:26 pm] 26 August, 2008

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."