Embassy: USAID never supported separatist forces in region

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) does not, nor has it ever, supported separatist organizations or separatist forces in the region, US Embassy Spokesperson told Report, commenting on statements about the alleged assistance provided by USAID to separatists in Karabakh.

“USAID has provided humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict in the region, as well as internally displaced persons in Azerbaijan. This humanitarian assistance has included demining, housing and school repairs, primary health care, water, and agriculture,” clarified the embassy, adding that as an integral part of the U.S. Embassy Baku, USAID's mission in Azerbaijan engages in dialogue with the Azerbaijani government on how to support and participate in the rehabilitation of the conflict-affected areas.

Moreover, over the past 30 years, USAID has committed over $400 million dollars in bilateral assistance to aid Azerbaijan's development as well as humanitarian assistance.

“USAID/Azerbaijan looks forward to continuing its support of Azerbaijani citizens through its on-going development activities,” concluded the embassy.

The other day, the Azerbaijani website caliber.az disseminated information that in Bulutan village of Khojavand District of Azerbaijan, which was liberated by the Azerbaijani army in October 2020, during the occupation a medical center was built and equipped by USAID.

As proof, the website posted photos from the logo of the federal agency USAID on the equipment of the first-aid post.