Starting with a letter to US President Obama and Vice-President Biden, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), has started a campaign pointing out that US endorsement of flawed “Madrid Principles”, which purportedly call for Artsakh’s up-front surrender of 7 regions of its sovereign territory in return for only a vague promise that Azerbaijan will allow a future “expression of will”, runs counter to the American belief in self-determination and will force a Christian nation under a violent Azerbaijani regime.
The expanded grassroots campaign comes as Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders met in separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, with reports that Nagorno Karabakh peace was among a broad range of issues discussed. The U.S. along with Russia and France co-Chair the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, which has been tasked to mediate a long-term Artsakh peace since 1994.
As an advocate for peace, I cannot accept – and urge you to oppose – any resolution that runs counter to our American belief in self-determination or that would force a Christian nation under a violent Azerbaijani regime that has recruited extremists (including Afghanistani Mujahideen and ISIS militants from Syria) to fight its anti-Armenian wars.
Today, Artsakh – despite decades of Azerbaijani aggression – remains dedicated to strengthening its democracy, further developing its open economy, and working with in partnership with regional powers, the OSCE, and the international community toward a fair and enduring regional peace.
First discussed in 2007 with the specifics largely kept secret until recently, the “Madrid Principles” set forth a proposed formula which purportedly calls for Artsakh’s up-front surrender of 7 regions of its sovereign territory in return for only a vague promise that Azerbaijan will allow a future “expression of will” that would determine its status, setting the stage for continued conflict and increased regional instability.
At its heart, Nagorno Karabakh is a very American story, representing the victory of a free people over foreign rule. A democratic, Christian-majority, pro-Western society that stands strong against the forces of intolerance deserves our support.”
