Congress Members Address Joe Biden on Developments Surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh

Members of the U.S. Congressional Armenian Caucus, Congressmen Adam Schiff, Frank Pallone, and Jackie Speier, have sent a letter to the elected President of the United States, Joe Biden, regarding the developments surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh.

The congressmen emphasized that due to Azerbaijan and Turkey's heavy offensive, causing significant casualties and posing a threat to the survival of thousands of Armenians, Armenia has agreed to sign a peace agreement mediated by Russia. Although this ended military operations, it did so at a great cost to Armenia: regions of Nagorno-Karabakh have come under Azerbaijani control, a land connection is being established for Baku with Nakhchivan through Armenian territory, and Russian peacekeepers will prevent the resumption of military operations in the region.

“We welcome peace, but are deeply concerned about the sharp and long-term consequences of this agreement, which does not resolve the status issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. These tragic consequences could have been avoided if the U.S. and the international community had acted more actively, as the absence of such actions has only fueled the aggressive rhetoric, concrete actions, and the resulting realities from Azerbaijan and Turkey,” the letter stated. “As you take office as President of the United States, you have the opportunity to adopt a new policy in the region that will support democracy, human rights, and particularly the right to self-determination.”

First, we are confident that your administration will suspend Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act regarding Azerbaijan, ceasing military assistance that has exceeded $100 million in the past two years. The U.S. should not support the enhancement of a country that uses military force against its neighbors.

Second, the U.S. must re-engage in negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group for the long-term resolution of the conflict. The ceasefire established this week does not in any way resolve the conflict nor guarantee long-term peace. The U.S. should work with the OSCE Minsk Group to ensure that the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh aligns with the right to self-determination.

Third, we must acknowledge that the economy, population, and infrastructure of Nagorno-Karabakh have been severely damaged by Azerbaijan’s military strikes, particularly through shelling and the use of prohibited weaponry. We must ensure that displaced Armenian refugees can return, and that they face no threats to their safety from Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Fourth, the U.S. must seriously reconsider its policy towards Turkey, which, as a NATO member, regularly acts against the interests of the United States. Turkey's policies in Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, and Cyprus have been destabilizing. As you know, Turkey has already tested Russian S-400 air defense systems, contrary to U.S. law. We expect a reassessment of U.S. policy toward Turkey that aligns with our values and interests.

Finally, the U.S. should strive to strengthen ties with Armenia, a young democracy that has been shaken by recent events. We urge your administration to find ways to develop relations with Armenia,” the congressmen concluded in their letter.