Armenian Cause Committee in America Outlines Priorities for Working with the New U.S. Administration

The Armenian Cause Committee in America congratulates Joe Biden on the occasion of his inauguration as the 46th president of the United States. We join our community, coalition partners, and Congressional allies in encouraging the administration to engage constructively and collaboratively in U.S. policy priorities that affect Armenia, Artsakh, Eurasia, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Greater Middle East.

In the backdrop of the previous administration's passivity and the aggressive interventions of hostile forces in the region, it is imperative for the United States to pivot towards a proactive approach. This includes defending the security of the Republic of Artsakh, holding Baku and Ankara accountable for war crimes and ongoing hostilities, strengthening the U.S.-Armenia strategic partnership, and recognizing the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. executive branch.

From the first days of Biden's administration, we call attention to the need to restore stability, promote peace, and investigate the genocidal pan-Turkic plans of Aliyev and Erdogan, as well as support for Armenia and Artsakh:

• Immediate humanitarian aid package of $250 million to meet humanitarian needs and to secure and stabilize the homes of Armenian refugees in Artsakh, alongside the introduction of new components of the "Millennium Challenge" program to encourage high-tech education in Armenia.
• Military assistance/sales to Turkey and Azerbaijan: Full implementation of Section 907 of the Support Act. Suspension of all U.S. military and security assistance to Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as denial of all new licenses for arms exports to both countries.
• Sanctions: Magnitsky international and other statutory sanctions against the regimes of Aliyev and Erdogan for human rights violations committed during Azerbaijan's aggression against Artsakh, including the use of foreign terrorist fighters recruited by Turkey.
• U.S. spare parts in Azerbaijani drones: A joint investigation by the U.S. State Department, Pentagon, and Department of Justice into American-made parts found in Turkish drones used by Azerbaijan during aggression against Artsakh.
• Release of prisoners: U.S. leadership must ensure the release by Azerbaijan of Armenian civilians and soldiers, many of whom have been tortured, mutilated, and killed while sharing materials on social media.
• Preservation of Christian churches: The important role of the U.S. in documenting, monitoring, protecting, and preserving Armenian churches and cultural sites currently under Azerbaijan's military control.
• Recognition of Artsakh: Urgent recognition by the U.S. of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh as a necessary restorative measure for the survival of the Christian Armenian population in this ancient homeland.
• Reactivation of U.S.-Armenia relations: Renewed strategic partnership focused on specific economic and military cooperation that supports and maintains the security of both Armenia and Artsakh.