Senior U.S. Officials Visit Syunik as Indigenous Armenians Flee Homes in Artsakh

Senior U.S. officials, USAID Administrator Samantha Power and Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim, embarked on a visit to Syunik, Armenia, to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from the recent violence in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Their mission aims to affirm US support for Armenia's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and democracy, according to a statement released by the US embassy via Facebook.

The visit comes at a critical juncture as thousands of indigenous Armenians are fleeing their homes in Artsakh to seek refuge in Armenia due to the ethnic violence, hatred, and Armenophobia by Azerbaijanis who have occupied the Republic by force. Samantha Power, Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), began her visit in Goris, Armenia, where she witnessed firsthand the dire situation faced by displaced individuals.

Accompanied by Syunik Province governor Robert Ghukasyan, Power received a detailed overview of the relief efforts being organized to assist the displaced population. During her visit to the theater building in Goris, where displaced individuals are being registered and provided with essential support, she engaged with local authorities to better understand the specific needs of those affected and the assistance available to them.

Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, who has been actively involved in Goris for the past two days, presented an overview of the completed humanitarian works and ongoing efforts to aid those affected by the crisis.

Power's itinerary also includes a visit to the humanitarian station in Kornidzor, where a press conference is scheduled.

Armenia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paruyr Hovhannisyan, emphasized the importance of thoroughly assessing all humanitarian needs arising from the ongoing crisis. He stressed the significance of providing appropriate assistance and ensuring that international partners are well-informed about the complex situation. According to Hovhannisyan, the delegation's visit to Goris by USAID representatives aligns with the overarching goal of understanding and effectively addressing the humanitarian disaster unfolding in the region.