Egyptian expert: Repeal of Section 907 key to South Caucasus peace

The repeal of the Section 907, included in the US Freedom Support Act, is a key step toward sustainable peace and economic cooperation in the South Caucasus, Egyptian expert Ghada Gandil.

Speaking to AZERTAC, Gandil, Head of the Türkiye and Iran Research Sector at the Centre for Arabic Eurasian Studies of Egypt, said that in the wake of Azerbaijan’s Victory in the 44-Day Patriotic War, the Section 907 has “lost its logical and political basis.” She noted that the Section 907, which for many years represented a significant injustice toward Azerbaijan, became subject to potential change following the Trump administration’s rise to power.

“In this context, the fact that the unfair Section 907, adopted by the US Congress in 1992 and prohibiting direct US government assistance to Azerbaijan, has still not been fully repealed raises legitimate questions among foreign political and economic experts interested in the region,” Gandil said.

The expert stressed that keeping the amendment in force—or delaying its full repeal—at a time when Azerbaijan and Armenia are beginning to normalize relations could be perceived as a form of pressure on Azerbaijan and may foster distrust.

Gandil described the repeal of the Section 907 as a critical measure that could facilitate political stability, strengthen regional economic ties, and expand diplomatic engagement. She highlighted the current period as a “unique opportunity for a new shaping of the South Caucasus,” noting that opening logistics corridors between Azerbaijan and Armenia and restoring trade could bolster the regional economy and create tools for diplomatic influence.

By Vafa Guliyeva