The co-chairs of the US Congressional Caucus on Armenian Affairs, Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone and Republican Gus Bilirakis, and the vice co-chairs, Democrat Brad Sherman and Republican David Valadao, have sent a joint letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In it, they address the priorities of the bipartisan Caucus and express hope for cooperation with the current administration on these issues. Voice of America reports.
The letter states explicitly that one key request is that the United States continue to build on the strategic partnership agreement signed on January 15, 2025.
“This agreement reflects the efforts of a broad bipartisan coalition of members of Congress who have developed this important bilateral relationship with several administrations. It demonstrates the growth and significant reforms the Armenian government has achieved since the Velvet Revolution of 2018. Most importantly, the strategic partnership opens the door to closer bilateral ties between our countries, creates opportunities for further American investment in Armenia’s economic future, and generally creates a stronger bond between our peoples,” the US lawmakers wrote.
The Congressmen call on the United States to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, calling for the application of Section 907 of the Freedom Assistance Act against Baku, the sanctions imposed by the Global Magnitsky Act, and the denial of EXIM Bank financing to Azerbaijan. A sustainable and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan requires strict accountability and must be based on the right of Armenians to return to their homeland, Nagorno-Karabakh, in a protected manner, the letter states.
“To this end, we call on the State Department to remain fully engaged in the peace process and help ensure guarantees of Armenia’s territorial integrity, end the violent blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan, and promote better trade and transportation links in the region. A final agreement should also ensure the release of all prisoners of war and hostages, including political leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh who are unjustly detained in Azerbaijan, and protect ancient Armenian cultural sites in Nagorno-Karabakh and elsewhere in the region that are under imminent threat.”
More in the source.
