WASHINGTON, D.C. – Armenia is an important partner of the United States (US), and we are interested in seeing Armenia economically developed.
US Congressman Adam Schiff, who is also Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, told the aforesaid to the Voice of America Armenian service.
For the development of Armenia’s economy, the congressman pointed to high-tech which, in his view, has great prospects in the country. He added that Armenia, owing to its national intellectual potential, can become the Silicon Valley of the Caucasus.
Schiff noted, however, that Turkey’s blockade as well as problems with Azerbaijan are among the important external obstacles standing in the way of Armenia’s economic development. He also called on US diplomats to react more drastically and substantively to ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan.
The congressmen linked the importance of US relations with Armenia also to the existence of a large American-Armenian community.
But Schiff expressed concern by the next US administration’s future position on matters relating to Armenia and the American-Armenian community, especially regarding Armenian Genocide recognition.
He stated that US President-elect Donald Trump and some members of his team have economic interests in Turkey and Azerbaijan, and that this may adversely affect the Armenian agenda in the US.
Separately, Congressman Adam Schiff positively assessed Armenia’s contribution to accepting refugees from Syria.
Also, he underscored the protection of the national—including Armenians—and religious minorities in Syria and Iraq.
