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President Ilham Aliyev addressing Azerbaijani people during the Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
A senior US Senator calls for sanctions on Azerbaijani President, alleging a “genocidal” campaign against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
In a passionate call for action, Senator Bob Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged the United States on Tuesday to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan’s leader, President Ilham Aliyev. The senator accused Aliyev’s government of perpetrating a campaign of “genocide” against the ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, a charge vehemently rejected by Azerbaijani authorities.
The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has taken a toll on the region, leading to humanitarian concerns, alleged atrocities, and a dire need for international intervention. Senator Menendez’s appeal highlights the urgency of the situation and calls for decisive measures to address it.
Accusations of Genocide and Atrocities
Senator Menendez, known for his close ties to the Armenian diaspora, did not mince words in his address to the Senate. He accused the Aliyev government of conducting “heinous atrocities that bear the hallmarks of genocide” against the Armenian population in Artsakh, the Armenian name for the self-styled republic governed by separatist authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“We need to call out those individuals perpetrating this campaign of ethnic cleansing,” Menendez added during his speech on the Senate floor.
The senator’s grave accusations were further reinforced by former International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo, who likened Azerbaijan’s tactics to the “invisible genocide weapon” of starvation. Ocampo accused Azerbaijan of depriving Nagorno-Karabakh of essential food supplies, a claim Azerbaijani officials vehemently deny.
The Aliyev government in Azerbaijan is carrying out a campaign of heinous atrocities. Now is the time to step up and protect this vulnerable population.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by closing the only road link between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. This closure has raised concerns about the accessibility of essential supplies and assistance to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
However, the separatist authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh have reported that a Russian aid convoy managed to reach the region, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the dire circumstances. Nevertheless, the situation remains precarious, with international actors closely monitoring developments.
"Food and medicine urgently need to reach the population in Nagorno-Karabakh. Civilians shouldn’t be held hostage to political and geopolitical contests for power," writes @Larahttps://t.co/sbqx2Mn5kFpic.twitter.com/QJVUzsrlby
The senior official also acknowledged the three rounds of US-led peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan but emphasized the need for concrete action against President Aliyev and those involved in the alleged campaign of ethnic cleansing. He called for sanctions that would target not only the Azerbaijani leader but also cut off access to the wealth and assets they have accumulated in financial institutions worldwide, as well as their yachts and mansions in Europe.
Menendez’s call for sanctions underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency of holding accountable those responsible for alleged atrocities and human rights violations.
US Concerns and Efforts to Address the Crisis
The United States, while deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, faces challenges in obtaining firsthand information due to a lack of personnel on the ground. Despite these challenges, US officials have expressed their commitment to addressing the crisis and ensuring the delivery of food assistance to the affected population.
A senior US official, speaking anonymously, told reporters that there were no confirmed cases of famine or malnutrition leading to deaths. Additionally, the United States rejects suggestions of “international complicity” in the situation and is actively working to facilitate food assistance to those in need.
A History of Conflict
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh is not a recent development but has deep historical roots. Both nations have fought two wars to control the region, with the most recent conflict occurring in 2020. During this conflict, Azerbaijan, with the support of Turkey, regained territory that had been under Armenian control for decades.
The ongoing tensions in the region, along with the unresolved status of Nagorno-Karabakh, pose a significant challenge to achieving a lasting and durable peace.
A Focus on Peace and Humanitarian Concerns
US officials have emphasized that their actions are not intended to displace Russia, which has deployed peacekeepers to the region following the 2020 conflict.
Instead, the focus is on achieving a lasting and durable peace in the region, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and ensuring that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh receive the necessary aid and support.
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In conclusion, Senator Menendez’s call for sanctions against Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev underscores the gravity of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The ongoing conflict, allegations of atrocities, and humanitarian concerns demand international attention and action. As the United States navigates its role in the region, the ultimate goal remains the pursuit of peace and alleviating the suffering of those affected by the conflict.
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