Washington, DC (STL.News) The US Department of State released the following statement:

Secretary Antony J. Blinken spoke with Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.  The Secretary underscored the continuing importance of the U.S. – Armenia bilateral partnership and U.S. commitment to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus.  Noting recent reports of escalation between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, the Secretary called for the sides to show restraint and intensify diplomatic engagement to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues.  The Secretary urged continued democratic reforms in Armenia.  The Secretary highlighted the U.S. commitment, alongside other partners, to continue to hold Moscow and its supporters, including the Lukashenka regime in Belarus, accountable for the Kremlin’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine.