Prominent Prosecutor Urges Immediate U.S. Action Against Aliyev's Genocidal Intent in Artsakh

In a powerful and impassioned testimony before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the United States Congress on the blockade of the Lachin corridor, former prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno Ocampo, left no room for doubt about President Aliyev's genocidal intentions in the ongoing conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Moreno Ocampo urged the United States to step in and prevent further atrocities in the region.

Addressing the commission, Moreno Ocampo stated unequivocally, "There is no doubt that genocide intentions are there." He called on the United States, a party to the Genocide Convention, to take decisive action to halt Azerbaijan's alleged genocide against Artsakh's indigenous Armenian population.

"You have to prevent that genocide. Stop the one already happening and prevent the one which is coming," Moreno Ocampo implored, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Furthermore, Moreno Ocampo questioned the feasibility of negotiations while genocide remains a looming threat. He emphasized, "The US is deeply involved in the negotiations. But there can be no negotiations between the genocide perpetrator and the victim. Just stop the genocide and then discuss negotiation. You cannot be involved in negotiations when President Aliyev is using genocide as a method of negotiation."

The former ICC Prosecutor also raised concerns about potential complicity, stating, "If you know that President Aliyev is using genocide and trying to deny the genocide, the US assistance to denial of genocide could be considered complicity."

In a bold suggestion, Moreno Ocampo proposed a concrete course of action for the United States. "The US President or Secretary of State can officially tell Mr. Aliyev to remove, unconditionally, the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, or we consider you responsible for genocide. That will trigger a lot of consequences," he declared, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for swift intervention.

The hearing shed light on the alarming developments in Artsakh and the growing urgency for international intervention to prevent further loss of life and suffering. As the United States contemplates its role in this crisis, Moreno Ocampo's impassioned plea serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a signatory to international conventions aimed at preventing genocide and protecting human rights. The world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution that will bring an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.