WASHINGTON, DC. – The United States are ready to help Armenia and other regional states in overcoming economic problems that occurred because of deteriorating economic situation in Russia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin said.

The officials in Washington realize that economic difficulties in Russia have an impact on other countries, and the U.S. is ready to work with the governments of these states to help them overcome the obstacles.

Eric Rubin noted that economic difficulties in Russia were caused rather by reduction in energy prices and insufficient diversification of Russian economy, than by western sanctions.

The goal of sanctions is not to punish other regional states, Rubin said, adding that the issue will be high on the agenda of the meetings between new Ambassador Richard Mills with Armenian leadership in Yerevan.

The politician said U.S. policy on South Caucasus is based on support of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states. At the same time U.S. supports economic growth, democracy development and free speech in these countries.

Eric Rubnin emphasized that the United States consider their relations with the regional states in the context of development of bilateral ties, rather than in terms of competitiveness with Russia.