Azerbaijani NGOs accuse US lawmakers of undermining peace in South Caucasus A letter to Secretary of State Rubio

Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations has addressed an open letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sharply criticizing what they describe as "hypocrisy" and "provocations" by certain members of the US Congress regarding Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories and the ongoing peace process with Armenia.

The letter reflects growing frustration within Azerbaijani civil society over recent statements by American lawmakers they view as undermining progress in the South Caucasus, Caliber.Az reports.

The address reads :

"Dear US Secretary of State Marco Rubio!

The hypocrisy of a group of US congressmen who addressed a letter to you regarding Azerbaijan's sovereign territories, and their activities against the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, have caused sharp indignation in Azerbaijani society. We reject such one-sided approaches.

We believe that the pro-Armenian figures of the Biden-Blinken era have, in fact, launched an open provocation against US President Donald Trump's peace efforts in the South Caucasus.

Recently, the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia held a meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is stated that the text of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia has already been agreed upon. Serious, difficult work continues to advance the peace process. The calls from a group of US congressmen are nothing but an attempt to hinder and obstruct this process. They are trying in every way to create artificial tension and a new conflict hotspot in the region.

It is regrettable that people who have no link with the region and are unaware of the issues are signing irresponsible statements in exchange for material incentives from the Armenian lobby in the US. Azerbaijani society knows such individuals well. They remained silent about Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijan, the spilling of innocent blood, the Khojaly genocide, and stood by the aggressor. Today, they are doing everything possible to prevent the prosecution of war criminals who shed the blood of the Azerbaijani people. These congressmen have no authority in Azerbaijan.

We would like to remind you that former Senator Bob Menendez, who previously initiated similar anti-Azerbaijan, pro-Armenian initiatives and was one of President Trump's harsh critics, has been convicted of corruption and bribery. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, one of the initiators of the known address, has harshly criticized Mr. Trump and stated the necessity of bringing him to criminal responsibility.

Congressman Frank Pallone, who visited Baku last year during the COP29 event, was met with ‘Go away!’ chants by local activists. He cut his visit short and left the country in disgrace.

We believe that congressmen like Pallone, who today talk about the return of Armenians to Azerbaijan's sovereign territories, should first recognize the right of return for hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. People displaced from Western Azerbaijan should return to their native lands peacefully. The Western Azerbaijan Community is also ready to establish dialogue with Armenia in this direction.

Azerbaijan's material and cultural heritage was plundered in the territory of Armenia and during the occupation period in Karabakh and East Zangazur. Remaining silent about this is the greatest injustice.

The recent proposals by the Swiss parliament under the name of ‘international peace forum,’ which harm peace and stability in the South Caucasus and defend the position of revanchists in Armenia, are a betrayal of peace-building and trust in the region. The reference to the provocative steps of the Swiss parliament in the letter addressed to you on behalf of a group of congressmen once again reveals the true nature of this letter and its authors.

We believe that those who organized the known address are concerned about the new rise in bilateral relations between the US and Azerbaijan, which is clearly visible from the correspondence between the leaders of the US and Azerbaijan. We believe that the Trump Administration, which has made commendable efforts towards establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus, will properly evaluate the activities of these congressmen who represent the ‘Washington swamp’."

Signatures:

Ramil Isgandarli – Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum

Aziz Alakbarli – Chairman of the Board of the Western Azerbaijan Community

Amir Aliyev – Chairman of the Center for the Promotion of Human Rights Public Union

Fariz Khalilli – Chairman of Miras Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage

Umud Mirzayev – Chairman of International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF)

Zaur Ibrahimli – Chairman of the Priority Socio-Economic Research Center Public Union

Irada Rzazada – Chairperson of the For Citizens' Social Welfare Public Union

Haji Abdulla – Chairman of the Zangazur Societies Public Union

Konul Behbudova – Chairperson of the Karabakh Missing Families Public Union

Khatira Valiyeva – Chairperson of the Khankandi Support to IDPs Public Union

Vugar Gadirov – Chairman of the Youth Organization for Return and Revival Public Union

Rey Karimoghlu – Chairman of the Azerbaijan Mine Victims Association