We emphasize the meeting, especially in this period when the situation in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh is quite complicated when internal and external challenges affect today’s security environment, which shakes the foundations of our statehood, security, and unity of the Armenian people. This was said by Seyran Ohanyan, head of the Armenia faction of the RA NA, during the meeting with the delegation members led by US Senator Gerry Peters.
It took place on September 25 and was attended by Anna Grigoryan, Lilit Galstyan, and Taguhi Tovmasyan, deputy of the RA NA “I have honor” faction, as well as the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the RA, Christina Alison Quinn.
Seyran Ohanyan presented the situation in Nagorno Karabakh to the delegation members. “Azerbaijan has always countered the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh with wars and combat operations and aimed to depopulate it with the tacit consent of the international community,” said the head of the Armenia faction of the National Assembly, stressing that today, instead of self-determination, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are treated by the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem. Another genocide is being carried out. “It is nice to meet with our colleagues in the legislative body. We have a lot in common in the scope of legislative activity,” said Gerry Peters, thanking for the warm reception and conveying the greetings of his colleagues in the Senate. He noted that he represents the state of Michigan, with a large Armenian community. According to him, the Armenians there, imbued with great love for their homeland, are interested in the developments in Armenia. The senator noted that he expects the meeting to present the issues and ways the US can be helpful.
Taguhi Tovmasyan noted that Armenians are in a difficult period. “We know from the history textbooks how, in 1915, people were shot and committed genocide, as a result of which the Armenian diaspora grew. On September 19, we witnessed how Nagorno-Karabakh was surrounded and bombed. People had no place to escape,” Taguhi Tovmasyan elaborated, talking about the many victims, displaced, captured, and kidnapped citizens. He noted that they expect the support of the most influential countries to preserve the homeland and democracy. The deputy added that after the events of Nagorno Karabakh, the following atrocities may be committed in Armenia, and to prevent them, it is necessary to act by imposing sanctions on Azerbaijan and its president.
Lilit Galstyan noted that what is happening in Nagorno-Karabakh is genocide, which could have been prevented if the international community’s attitude was adequate. “Unfortunately, the failure of the international community to hold the aggressor accountable gave a green light, and today we have a clear genocide: ethnic cleansing, elimination of cultural heritage, forcibly displaced people, and a humanitarian disaster,” said Lilit Galstyan. He noted that although the USA condemned Azerbaijan’s actions at the level of many senators and members of Congress, Armenia expected more specific, targeted actions. Speaking about the security issues, the deputy of the “Armenia” faction noted that the international community and, significantly, the USA should develop specific guarantee mechanisms to protect the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and guarantee their salvation if necessary. “I have repeatedly raised the issue of Resolution 907, which refers to US military support to Azerbaijan. With that resolution, a green light was opened for the aggressor,” Lilit Galstyan added, expressing his belief that the US will make sufficient efforts to ensure peace and security guarantees.
Anna Grigoryan noted that Azerbaijan was not punished for the aggressive actions of 2020 and continues the same pattern today. He asked to act, stating that otherwise, the ethnic cleansing and genocide would continue.
“Your messages were obvious; I realize this is a historic moment for this country. I want to note that I am the initiator of the legislative project regarding the actions you mentioned in the USA. One of them is giving the US president the power to impose sanctions on actors like Abejan. That legislative initiative will also refer to Resolution 907 on limiting aid to Azerbaijan. The legislation will also provide funding for humanitarian aid,” said US Senator Gerry Peters. He also said he visited Lachin Corridor and will meet forcibly displaced persons.
