US Deputy Secretary of State to visit Armenia

YEREVAN, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya from July 9-17, will be in Tbilisi and then in Yerevan to engage in the processes of democratic governance and the fight against corruption. The visits will also cover issues related to media freedom and freedom of speech, as well as issues related to vulnerable groups, the US State Department said in a statement.

"In Georgia, Deputy Secretary Zeya will meet with government, civil society, media, and parliamentary representatives to underscore serious U.S. concerns about the "foreign influence" law and other illiberal laws, as well as harmful rhetoric by the Georgian government that jeopardizes Georgia's Euro-Atlantic trajectory. 

In Armenia, Zeya will meet with senior government officials and civil society representatives on strengthening the U.S.-Armenian partnership and advancing Armenia's democratic gains in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption, and judicial reform. 

She will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1915 Genocide. 

Deputy Secretary Zeya will also engage with the UN and other international organizations in Armenia supporting members of vulnerable and marginalized groups.  In addition, the Undersecretary will visit the Haghpat Monastery to promote respect for religious freedom and support cultural preservation," the statement reads.