State department responds to Aliyev's claims of U.S. arming Yerevan

YEREVAN, December 25. /ARKA/. Official Washington has responded to the Azerbaijani president’s accusations regarding the arming of Armenia.

The State Department told Radio “Azatutyun” that U.S. security assistance to both Armenia and Azerbaijan is aimed at strengthening cooperation with U.S. and NATO forces to enhance the professionalism of their armies, as well as to reinforce the two countries' shared border with Iran.

In his latest interview with Russian state television, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev claimed that France is the leader in arms supplies to Armenia, followed by India and the United States.

“The United States ensures that its security assistance to both Armenia and Azerbaijan is not used for offensive purposes and does not undermine or impede ongoing efforts for a stable and dignified peace,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

He also emphasized that the United States supports continued dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan to work toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Neither Yerevan nor Washington has ever publicly confirmed arms supplies.