News - USAID: Armenia and Azerbaijan close to signing peace treaty

Armenia is close to signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, which could put an end to the long-standing conflict. This was stated by Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), at a briefing in Yerevan on July 10, responding to a question from Armenian News-NEWS.am. She added that representatives of the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan continue negotiations aimed at reconciliation. Power assured that the U.S. will do everything possible to help Armenia capitalize on this historic moment. "The U.S. Agency for International Development and the United States stand ready to help Armenia strengthen democracy and achieve peace with Azerbaijan. I am here today because Armenia has an opportunity to prosper, strengthen its democracy, and achieve the peace that people have dreamed of for so long. The United States stands ready to help Armenia make the most of this window of opportunity," the USAID chief added. Power noted that the benefits of peace will also be significant for the people of Azerbaijan. "According to the latest poll, there is broad support for the peace agenda there as well. We call for human treatment and respect for the rights of prisoners in Azerbaijan," she noted.