News - Congressman Wilson: US will support inviolability of Armenia's borders

The United States wants to advance the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and is ready to contribute to the respective talks. US Senator Roger Wicker stated this at the joint press conference after the meeting of his bipartisan delegation and Armenian colleagues in the National Assembly of Armenia Friday. Wicker noted this in response to Armenian News-NEWS.am's question as to what the American understanding is of the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty, and whether they see in it the release of Armenian prisoners of war, and the withdrawal of Azerbaijan from the occupied territories of Armenia. The US wants to be a mediator, and it helps to form the principles that will enable to sign the peace agreement. After the agreement is signed, there will of course be issues to deal with. The US position is that its lauds the sincere desire and efforts that Armenia is showing towards achieving agreement and lasting peace. The ultimate goal of the US is to have peace, security, and respect for the rights of its neighbors throughout this region, Wicker said. In turn, Joe Wilson, a member of the US House of Representatives and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, added that they will support Armenia's sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders, and will also try to assist in the return of Armenian prisoners of war. Ben Cardin, Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, also addressed the topic, noting that the peace agreement must ensure for Armenia that there are no military attacks on its borders. People of Armenia should have confidence that they can live in peace and there is no threat of military operations. Border checkpoints will be open, which is very important for Armenia, and these are the goals of the peace agreement, Cardin said. The US supports the release of all detained persons, and attaches importance to the preservation of cultural heritage. But the peace agreement is important for Armenia in that it be sure that there will be no military operations by Azerbaijan, the border checkpoints will be open, and steps will be taken towards other unresolved matters. The US wants the peace treaty to be signed as soon as possible, the American senator noted.