U.S. Lawmakers Declare: It's Time to Hold Aliyev Regime Accountable for Actions Against Armenians

In a resounding call for accountability, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), David G. Valadao (CA-21), and Adam B. Schiff (CA-30), issued a statement condemning Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's recent statements in a January 10 interview to local TV networks. The lawmakers express deep concern over Aliyev's territorial claims against Armenia and his refusal to withdraw troops.

"President Aliyev’s most recent escalatory remarks, including his refusal to remove troops from Armenian territory, follow the same pattern he used in the build-up to the ethnic cleansing of over 100,000 Armenians in Artsakh last fall. He makes hostile statements, uses those claims to justify further mobilizing his military, and then takes aggressive action because he believes there will not be any consequences. The international community has sadly proven him right with its inaction over the last few years," states the joint statement released on Thursday.

The lawmakers stress that it is past time to hold the Aliyev regime accountable for its belligerent rhetoric and actions against Armenians in the South Caucasus. They urge the United States and regional partners to employ every diplomatic tool, including sanctions, to ensure the territorial integrity of Armenia and counter Aliyev's explicit threats.

"We call on the State Department and our international partners to take immediate action to halt any further Azeri aggression and ensure Armenia’s safety and security," concludes the statement.

The strong stance from the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues shows the need for decisive international action to address Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggressive rhetoric against Armenians. There is a growing expectation for diplomatic efforts to safeguard Armenia's territorial integrity and counter any potential threats posed by the Aliyev regime.