Washington, DC - In support of the right for the citizens of Nagorno Karabakh to decide their own future, U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and George Radanovich (R-CA) issued a statement today regarding the Nagorno Karabakh peace process and concerns over Azerbaijan's combative rhetoric, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).
 
The statement read:

As members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, we appreciate the continued efforts of the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group to work towards a just and peaceful solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Unfortunately, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's bellicose statements undermine this process.
 
Congress has consistently called for U.S. assistance to promote confidence-building measures among those involved in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We commend the governments of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh for their willingness in this regard. However, Azerbaijan has repeatedly rejected these measures and instead continues its war mongering against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.  Coupled with Azerbaijan's escalating military expenditures, this represents a deeply disturbing trend that serves no constructive purpose. 
 
As recently as July 14, 2009, President Aliyev threatened that he could not rule out a military solution to the conflict. This statement came just days after President Obama, French President Sarkozy and Russian President Medvedev announced renewed efforts to find a solution to the conflict through nonviolent means and only four days before Aliyev met with Armenia and Russian presidents. 
 
We stand in strong support of the people of Nagorno Karabakh's right to decide their own future. The citizens of Nagorno Karabakh have remained committed to respecting human rights and democracy and have made significant progress toward peace and prosperity.  The safety and security of the people is essential.  No solution is possible without Nagorno Karabakh's consent.

"Our position on this issue is clear," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "Any resolution must be acceptable to the people of both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh," adding that "we appreciate the efforts of the Armenian Caucus."

The Assembly's most recent statement regarding the Nagorno Karabakh peace process is available here in its entirety.

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 501(c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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