Washington, D.C. – The initialing of an Agreement on the “Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations” between Armenia and Azerbaijan, together with the “Joint Declaration” witnessed by the President of the United States last week, marks an important diplomatic milestone. Its true significance, however, will depend on whether it delivers tangible progress on the unresolved security, humanitarian, and sovereignty challenges that continue to threaten lasting peace.
The Armenian Assembly of America emphasizes that peace is impossible without immediate and verifiable steps to resolve the following:
- Immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian detainees held in Baku, in full compliance with international humanitarian law and prior commitments.
- Withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from sovereign Armenian territory and restoration of internationally recognized borders.
- Resolution of the humanitarian crisis caused by the ethnic cleansing of 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh during Azerbaijan’s 2023 offensive, including the right of return to their indigenous homeland, with security, democracy and full protection of cultural heritage and religious sites.
- Full adherence to binding provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice.
As President Donald J. Trump stated last year, “120,000 Christians were horrifically persecuted and forcibly displaced in Artsakh.” He pledged to “protect persecuted Christians” and during the White House meeting promised to ask Aliyev to release the 23 Christians being held. We call on the United States to turn these words into concrete, measurable action.
With further details expected on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), U.S. engagement is now directly relevant to the future of the South Caucasus. Given that regional connections have been under discussion for some time, it is in Armenia’s interest that any such arrangements be developed with strong U.S. involvement to ensure they advance Armenia’s security and prosperity, and that they embed safeguards to prevent coercion, renewed aggression, or the undermining of Armenia’s sovereignty.
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The Armenian Assembly urges the continued enforcement of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act until Azerbaijan meets its obligations in full and recommends that any lasting agreement include:
- Verification mechanisms to monitor compliance on troop withdrawals, prisoner releases, and humanitarian commitments.
- Automatic consequences for violations, including suspension of aid and targeted sanctions, backed by the United States and the international community.
Permanent peace in the South Caucasus will not be achieved through words on paper alone. It requires the will to uphold commitments, the courage to confront violations, and the mechanisms to ensure accountability. The Armenian Assembly of America stands ready to work with the United States, international partners, and all stakeholders to ensure that this framework leads to genuine security, justice, and a future where Armenians can live in freedom and dignity on their ancestral land.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
The Armenian Assembly of America