Dear Congressman Schiff,
We, the South Azerbaijani Republic Party (SARP), write to express our deep concerns regarding the “Artsakh Revenue Recovery Act of 2024,” which you recently introduced to the U.S. Congress. While we understand that your intention is to address the humanitarian challenges faced by displaced Armenians, we find the bill deeply problematic due to its one-sided nature and its potential to undermine the principles of international law and regional stability.
First and foremost, it is critical to recall the historical and legal context surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The region in question, known as Karabakh, is internationally recognized as part of the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan by all major international bodies, including the United Nations. In four separate resolutions (822, 853, 874, and 884) passed in 1993, the UN Security Council unequivocally affirmed Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and called for the immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied Azerbaijani territories. The Republic of Azerbaijan’s recent military operations to liberate these territories were not only justified but fully aligned with the principles of international law and sovereignty, as recognized under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which upholds a nation’s right to self-defense.
Your bill, by seeking to seize Azerbaijani assets and compensate only one side of the conflict, unfortunately overlooks the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who were ethnically cleansed from their homes during Armenia’s decades-long illegal occupation. Over 750,000 Azerbaijanis were displaced, and atrocities such as the 1992 Khojaly Massacre, where 613 civilians were brutally murdered, stand as stark reminders of the human cost Azerbaijan has borne. The selective nature of this legislation disregards the legitimate grievances and rights of displaced Azerbaijanis, thus creating an imbalanced and unjust narrative.
Moreover, the proposed sanctions and asset seizures under this bill threaten to damage the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has been a key strategic partner to the U.S. in the Caucasus region, contributing to global energy security, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional stability. Any move to unilaterally penalize Azerbaijan based on incomplete and biased information could severely undermine this partnership and complicate future cooperation on critical security and economic issues.
Additionally, we find it particularly troubling that this bill has been introduced at a time when Azerbaijan is set to host the Conference of Parties (COP) in November 2024. COP is a crucial international event where world leaders convene to assess global progress in combating climate change and to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement. The significance of Azerbaijan hosting this conference cannot be overstated, as it highlights the nation’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and its role in the international community. Introducing such a divisive bill just as Azerbaijan is preparing to host this pivotal global forum risks tarnishing the country’s image and detracting from important international efforts to tackle climate change. Furthermore, it undermines the collaborative spirit needed to confront global issues at a time when unity is paramount.
Lastly, we urge you to consider the broader regional implications of this bill. By taking a one-sided approach to this complex conflict, the legislation risks inflaming tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, hindering ongoing peace-building efforts. Azerbaijan has committed itself to post-conflict reconstruction and peace initiatives aimed at reintegrating the Armenian population of Karabakh and ensuring lasting stability in the region. Introducing legislation that disproportionately targets Azerbaijan would derail these efforts and contribute to instability, rather than supporting the long-term peace that both nations so urgently need.
We also wish to emphasize that all Azerbaijanis, both from the North and South, fully support and stand by the independent and democratic Republic of Azerbaijan as one united nation.
We firmly believe that peace and stability in the region will flourish with the vision of a greater, united Azerbaijan, where mutual respect, security, and prosperity for all ethnic groups are ensured.
In closing, we respectfully ask that you reconsider the “Artsakh Revenue Recovery “Act of 2024, taking into account the full context of the conflict, including the rights and suffering of Azerbaijani civilians, and the importance of maintaining balanced and productive relations between the United States and Azerbaijan. A more equitable and holistic approach will not only safeguard U.S. interests in the region but also foster a more just and sustainable peace for all involved.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Araz Ataxan
Chairman
South Azerbaijani Republic Party (SARP)