Right of Reply to Azerbaijan on the Issue of Economic Activities in Nagorno-Karabakh
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Harry R. Kamian
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
October 19, 2017
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
In response to the issue of economic activities in Nagorno-Karabakh raised by the distinguished colleague from Azerbaijan, we reserve the right to reply at a later date. Regrettably, we were notified only late yesterday that this would be discussed today.
As we have noted previously when this issue has been raised in the Permanent Council, we will continue to engage bilaterally with Azerbaijan regarding these concerns.
The United States Embassy in Baku has emphasized to the government in Azerbaijan that it is not against U.S. law for American companies to operate in Nagorno-Karabakh, and in fact there are several currently providing goods and services there now. The latest guidance provided by the U.S. Government now contains language, however, advising American companies who do business in Nagorno-Karabakh that they risk facing civil and criminal penalties in Azerbaijan.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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