During the opening of the debate titled ‘The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh’ in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Congress, the Chair of House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Tom Kean, said that he considers the use of force by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia absolutely unacceptable.
“On September 19, more than 100,000 Armenians found refuge in Armenia because of the military operations started by Azerbaijan against ethnic Armenians. These people are in dire need of international humanitarian aid. Despite Azerbaijan claims that it will ensure the rights of ethnic Armenians, there is no confidence in this matter on both sides. We in US Congress will follow Azerbaijan closely to ensure that Azerbaijan fully respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.
We must ensure that lasting peace guarantees a better life for the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan. We need to understand how this administration works with the international community to bring Armenia and Azerbaijan back to the negotiating table. Currently, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh live as refugees in Armenia. We cannot allow the region to be rocked by another war given the ongoing conflicts in the world. We also need to find out how the more than $11.5 million in aid announced by USAID Administrator Power is being used.
I am deeply disappointed that Baku chose to occupy the region by force instead of settling the conflict diplomatically. It only deepened the mistrust between the two sides. I would like to hear how today's reporters convey the message to President Aliyev that the use of force against the sovereign territory of Armenia, including the Syunik province, will be completely and totally unacceptable. I want to see a peaceful region free from the influence of Russia and Iran. That is what the people of these two countries deserve,” said the Congressman.
