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AAA: Members Of Congress Denounce Azerbaijan's War Rhetoric

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  • AAA: Members Of Congress Denounce Azerbaijan's War Rhetoric

    PRESS RELEASE
    July 23,2009
    Contact: Michael A. Zachariades
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (202) 393-3434

    MEMBERS OF CONGRESS DENOUNCE AZERBAIJAN'S WAR RHETORIC

    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.

    ###

    NR#2009-061
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