US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned what she said were “illegal” border attacks by Azerbaijan on Armenia. Pelosi visited Armenia over the weekend to pledge the support of Washington over the Russian ally.
Pelosi visited Armenia Sunday in an effort to strengthen support for what the top House Democrat said was a beacon of democracy. Speaking in Yerevan, Pelosi also said her visit was significant following Azerbaijan’s attacks on Armenia that triggered border clashes that left over 200 people dead.
“We strongly condemn those attacks,” said Pelosi, adding that the incidents were triggered by Azerbaijan’s assaults on Armenia and the chronology of the conflict must be clear.
Pelosi’s remarks were condemned by Baku, saying that Pelosi was threatening peace in the region, especially following her visit to Taiwan last month which angered China.
Pelosi’s remarks blaming Azerbaijan for the conflict come in contrast with remarks by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken previously called for calm in the area but did not pin the blame on either side.
Blinken also urged Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev Sunday to comply with the ceasefire, “disengage military forces and work to resolve all outstanding issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan through peaceful negotiations,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price.
Rep. Frank Pallone, who was part of the delegation led by Pelosi, said that Washington wanted to do whatever it can to show more support for Armenia’s security.
Weighing in on Armenia’s disappointment with Russia’s response to the conflict, Pelosi said it was interesting that Russia only responded by launching a monitoring mission rather than protection.
“It is interesting that they were disappointed they got fact finders and not protection from that relationship and we’ll see what happens next,” said Pelosi.
Wednesday last week, Pelosi told reporters during a news conference that the proposed bill that would see stricter rules on lawmakers' stock holdings and trades should come together this month.
Pelosi described the legislation as “very strong” but did not indicate whether the bill would also include congressional staff in the provisions.
A vote by the House on the legislation follows months after committees sought to draft a bill. Lawmakers are also set to go on a break until the November midterm elections.