It has been almost three months that Azerbaijani military forces, having breached Armenia’s sovereign border, have advanced their positions in the Gegharkunik and Syunik provinces, with a reported 1,000 troops stationed within Armenia proper. This coupled with the aggressive cross border military attacks on Armenian positions in the Ararat province as well, has resulted in the deaths of Armenian soldiers and poses a threat to the civilian population in these areas.
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee condemns Azerbaijan’s continued aggression against Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian population.
With three provinces under direct attack on a daily basis, the threat of a full-blown war—this time in Armenia proper—is looming. This creates an existential threat for our homeland.
As was the case with last fall’s 44-day war, the international community has been virtually silent on this matter and has watched as Azerbaijan has essentially invaded Armenia. Official Baku’s rejection of any mediating effort speaks loudly to its intentions, which continue to be bolstered by Turkey and its murderous regime.
One reason that has emboldened Azerbaijan is the international community’s long-standing false parity in its assessment of the situation in Armenia and Artsakh and its failure to directly condemn Baku for its overt violation of human rights and international law.
While Congress has taken steps to curb U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, the White House has continued to waive the restrictions that have been put in place to limit Baku’s ability to aggressively encroach on Armenia and the Caucasus region.
American and European leaders must hold Azerbaijan accountable as they continuously speak about importance of protecting human rights. While their rhetoric inspires hope, their actions contradict the very principles on which they are advancing their policies. This must end.
At the same time, Russia, which has been ceding its dominance in the region to the Turkey-Azerbaijan alliance, in order to minimize its losses and regain its foothold, has been acting in its own self interest at the expense of Armenia and Armenians.
The convening of the new parliament must become an opportunity for Armenia’s elected representatives to drastically alter the divisive political tenor that has dominated the domestic discourse and has fueled internal enmity and fractured civil society.
We call on the international community to step up its efforts for the sake of human rights and we expect Armenia’s leaders and the newly-elected lawmakers to prioritize Armenia’s national security above all else.
The ARF Western U.S. Central Committee remains committed to work with all facets of the community to collectively advance our national aspirations and assist in the strengthening of Armenia, Artsakh and our homeland and call on all Armenians to unite in our common struggle against Azerbaijan and Turkey.