If Azerbaijan Continues Attempts to Use Military Force, the International Community Will Recognize Artsakh's Independence, Says U.S. Senator

U.S. Senator Edward Markey has called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to work towards establishing an immediate ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan following the meetings of the foreign ministers of both countries, and to advance the negotiations over the escalated conflict in Artsakh since the end of September.

“The previous two agreements to establish a humanitarian ceasefire, initiated by Russia and France, were immediately violated. The fighting has caused hundreds of civilian casualties, while reports emerge that Turkey is transporting militants from Syria to Azerbaijan to fight against the Armenian population.

Azerbaijan's aggressive actions against Artsakh and Armenia, which are fully supported by Turkey, must be halted. Secretary Pompeo should clarify that the U.S. supports a peaceful resolution of the conflict and is prepared to help restart the negotiations. Third parties like Turkey must cease their aggressive actions and military incursions to create the necessary conditions for peace and effective ceasefire establishment.

The U.S. must immediately facilitate the establishment of a ceasefire along the Azerbaijan-Karabakh line and the resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group. If Azerbaijan continues its attempts to use illegal military force to resolve the conflict, the international community will have no choice but to recognize the independence of the Republic of Artsakh.

“Secretary Pompeo must clarify that the Freedom Support Act No. 907 will be fully implemented, and U.S. security assistance to Azerbaijan will be suspended. Furthermore, Secretary Pompeo and President Trump, who have close ties with Turkish President Erdogan, should make it clear to their authoritarian friend that further involvement with Turkey in this conflict will cost him the military assistance he receives and the warm relationship with the U.S. presidential administration,” emphasized the senator.