NA Speaker: Armenia to cooperate with US to ensure implementation of   TRIPP initiative

ArmInfo.  Armenia has experienced numerous humanitarian crises, including the tragic memory of the 1988 Spitak earthquake, which claimed tens of thousands of lives and left hundreds of thousands homeless, as stated by Alen Simonyan, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of  Armenia, during his speech at the general debates of the 151st  Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

According to him, 113 countries have sent significant humanitarian  aid to Armenia, proving that international solidarity and  humanitarian cooperation go beyond borders and political differences.  "Beyond our borders, Armenian peacekeepers have participated in  missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, protecting civilians  and promoting stability. We will continue to strengthen our  humanitarian capacity and expand protection where needed. In just a  few days in September 2023, more than 100,000 Armenians were  displaced from Karabakh to Armenia. This was a serious test of the  resilience and endurance of a country of three million. By providing  shelter, medical care, education, and employment, the Armenian  government responded with compassion and determination. This  experience has shown that even small countries, guided by principles,  can realize a vision of humanity inspired by our highest ideals,"  Simonyan said in his speech.

He emphasized that humanitarian action is an integral part of  Yerevan's quest for peace. "On August 8, 2025, in Washington, the  leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a joint declaration with the  participation of the President of the United States, which was an  important step towards ending decades of conflict and suffering. On  the same day, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan  initialed the text of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and  Interstate Relations. Following the meeting in Washington, Armenia  will cooperate with the United States and agreed third parties to  ensure the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace  and Prosperity (TRIPP) initiative. The TRIPP infrastructure project  is based on Armenia's vision of ensuring seamless regional  connectivity through its proclaimed Crossroads of Peace program,  which includes the construction of a railway, as well as roads,  pipelines, power lines and communication cables between Armenia,  Azerbaijan and neighboring countries.

 However, I must note that the issue of persons detained in  Azerbaijan remains a serious humanitarian issue that needs to be  addressed. We seek the speedy release of detainees and their  reunification with families.  Another important humanitarian priority  is clarifying the fates of the numerous missing persons. We know that  Armenia is not alone in the struggle to build a more humane world.  From Ukraine to Gaza, from Sudan to Haiti, humanitarian crises are  unfolding before our eyes. Civilians-women, children, and the  elderly- continue to suffer the most. These tragedies remind us that  it is our duty to protect human dignity. We believe that human rights  are universal, and therefore their protection should never be  selective. Dialogue and peace must replace discord and war.  Compassion, not inaction, must guide our actions. Upholding these  principles is our shared responsibility," Alen Simonyan concluded.