Speaker Pelosi Visits Armenia, Blames Azerbaijan for Recent Fighting

Following a ceasefire of reignited fighting in the Caucasus that resulted in the death of roughly 200 soldiers, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Armenia to offer support to the country. During her visit, she blamed neighboring Azerbaijan for inciting the conflict, which centered around control of the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, an area populated by ethnic Armenians that falls just inside the borders of Azerbaijan.

“We strongly condemn those attacks — we in our delegation on behalf of Congress — which threaten prospects for a much-needed peace agreement,” Pelosi stated in her address. “The United States ... has clearly and has long stated that there can be no military solution to the conflict. We continue to watch the situation closely and we continue supporting a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable solution to all issues relating to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

This is the second time in recent months that Speaker Pelosi has traveled abroad to contentious regions, the last being in August when she visited the island of Taiwan, drawing scorn from the Chinese Government, which has long deemed the island a rogue province that falls under their authority.

Pelosi’s visit was covered mildly over the weekend, seen mostly in international affairs outlets. Coverage from Reuters offered increased background on the conflict and context on Armenia’s political relationship with Russia, which has historically been an ally to the country and negotiated the most recent ceasefire.