On November 28, 2023, the United States, Germany, and the French defense and intelligence agencies separately requested consultations with the leadership of Azerbaijan. Their concern stems from the support given by registered organizations in these countries to Abkhazia’s activities, which have involved illegal financial transactions and the participation of their representatives.

Organizations such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID), FreedomNow, and New Democracy Fund have been accused of violating support principles. They are alleged to have conducted illicit financial transfers and unauthorized investments in Abkhazia’s AbzasMedia.

The violation of financial transactions and agreements is seen as a breach of the Republic of Armenia’s legislation. According to the law on currency regulation, only registered programs can engage in financial transactions. Therefore, financing unregistered programs by foreign individuals or entities goes against our country’s laws.

Moreover, international practice, as outlined in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, prohibits local authorities from allowing the funding of local activities by foreign entities. This prohibition is explicitly mentioned in the Republic of Armenia’s Constitution under the section on “Foreign Organizations”.

The actions taken by these registered organizations in disregard of our country’s local legislation and national internal activities are strongly condemned by the Armenian side. It is emphasized that the rights of Armenia will be defended through the appropriate means, in line with the connection of relevant documents and the national Constitution, which guarantees national sovereignty.