Holding Azerbaijan Accountable: US Congress Members' Call to the State Department

The co-chairs of the Armenian Issues Congressional Task Force, Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone and Republican Gus Bilirakis, along with vice-chairs Democratic Brad Sherman and Republican David Valadao, have addressed a joint letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the priorities of the bipartisan Congressional Armenian Issues Task Force and expressing hope for cooperation with the current administration on these matters. This was reported by Voice of America.

The letter specifically states that one of the main requests is for the United States to continue building relations with Armenia based on the strategic partnership agreement signed on January 15, 2025.

“This agreement reflects the efforts of a broad bipartisan coalition of Congress members who have developed these important bilateral relations across several administrations. It demonstrates the growth and significant reforms achieved by the Armenian government since the 2018 Velvet Revolution. Most importantly, the strategic partnership opens the door to closer bilateral ties between our countries, creates opportunities for American investments in Armenia’s economic future, and generally strengthens the bonds between our peoples,” the American legislators write.

In their letter, the Congress members note that “Armenia faces numerous geopolitical and political challenges as a landlocked country, surrounded by Turkey and Azerbaijan. These obstacles have long hindered its economic potential. The United States has a brilliant opportunity to shape the future of the region by advancing Armenia’s energy security and economic resilience, in line with the vision of the 'Peace Crossroad' for sustainable peace.”

According to the Congress members, such investments will allow Armenia to achieve its goal of diversifying its energy production and eliminating dependence on Russian energy and trade.

“We also ask the State Department to consider our current defense relations with Armenia, which include bilateral peacekeeping exercises such as Eagle Partner and support for the Export Control and Border Security Program to enhance Armenia's border security capabilities,” the letter states.

The Congress members call on the United States to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its military crimes and ethnic cleansing in Karabakh, urging the application of Article 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act against Baku, sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, and the refusal to finance Azerbaijan through the EXIM Bank.

A durable and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan demands strict accountability and must be grounded in their indigenous territory of Artsakh, based on the right of Armenians to return safely, the letter emphasizes.

“To that end, we urge the Secretary of State to remain comprehensively engaged in the peace process and help guarantee the territorial integrity of Armenia, put an end to the forced blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan, and contribute to the development of better trade and transportation connections in the region. The final agreement must also ensure the release of all prisoners of war and hostages, including the political leaders of Artsakh who are unjustly detained in Azerbaijan, and protect the ancient Armenian cultural sites in Artsakh and other regions, which are under immediate threat.”

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