U.S. Senate Passes Measure Blocking Military Aid to Azerbaijan

President Joe Biden has begun discussions about potential accountability measures against Azerbaijan, including the cessation of all U.S. military aid, in response to the ongoing conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

This decision comes amid growing pressure from the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), congressional allies, and various community partners urging the administration to take a firmer stance against Azerbaijan's aggression. The ethnic cleansing has resulted in the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Artsakh, sparking concerns about humanitarian crises and renewed violence in the region.

Ambassador James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, addressed the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the situation. He indicated that the U.S. does not plan to waive Section 907, a 1992 law that restricts aid to Azerbaijan due to its ongoing aggression against Armenia and Artsakh. O’Brien firmly rejected arguments suggesting that enforcing Section 907 would compromise U.S. national security interests.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian criticized the delayed response, stating, "Having armed, emboldened, and actively abetted Azerbaijan’s genocide of Artsakh, President Biden will need to do far more than send signals about his willingness to enforce an existing U.S. statute." Hamparian emphasized the need for concrete actions, such as leading a UN Security Council resolution to secure the safe return of Armenians to Artsakh.

During the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on "The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh," Committee members pressed State Department officials and USAID representatives on providing aid to displaced Artsakh Armenians and preventing further aggression by Azerbaijan.

Subcommittee Chair Tom Kean emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the administration to focus on providing humanitarian assistance to displaced Armenians and deterring further attacks against Armenia. Other lawmakers echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for accountability and aid for those affected by the conflict.

Ambassador O’Brien expressed the State Department's insistence on ensuring access, protection, and adequate information for those displaced from Artsakh. However, he announced plans for independent investigations into the events leading to the displacement, without specifying a timeline for the report's presentation.

U.S. lawmakers expressed skepticism about the progress of peace talks and Azerbaijan's commitment to peace. Some questioned the effectiveness of the U.S. response and raised concerns about Azerbaijan's ties to Russia and Iran.

The hearing shed light on the complexities of the conflict, with lawmakers pressing for a more robust U.S. response to ensure accountability and prevent further aggression against Armenia and Artsakh.