A group of Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations has issued
a formal appeal to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing
strong disapproval of recent actions taken by certain members of
the U.S. Congress regarding Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories and
the ongoing peace process with Armenia, Azernews
reports.

In the statement, the NGOs denounced what they described as the
“hypocrisy” of several U.S. congressmen who recently sent a letter
to Secretary Rubio criticizing Azerbaijan. The appeal notes that
such actions have provoked sharp indignation among the Azerbaijani
public and are seen as deliberate attempts to obstruct the peace
process between Baku and Yerevan.

“We reject such unilateral approaches,” the appeal reads,
stating that certain pro-Armenian figures from the Biden-Blinken
era are attempting to sabotage former U.S. President Donald Trump’s
efforts to bring lasting peace to the South Caucasus.

The NGOs emphasized that a recent meeting between the leaders of
Azerbaijan and Armenia in Abu Dhabi signaled important progress,
with reports indicating that the draft text of a peace treaty has
been agreed upon. According to the appeal, attempts by U.S.
lawmakers to interfere serve only to derail these developments.

“It is regrettable that individuals unfamiliar with the region
are signing irresponsible statements in exchange for financial
incentives from the Armenian lobby in the United States,” the
letter asserts. The NGOs further accuse these individuals of having
remained silent during Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani
territories and the Khojaly massacre, and of continuing to obstruct
efforts to hold Armenian war criminals accountable.

The appeal also draws attention to former Senator Bob Menendez,
known for his anti-Azerbaijani stance, who was later convicted of
corruption and bribery, and criticizes Democratic Senator Adam
Schiff and Congressman Frank Pallone for their perceived bias. The
letter recounts that during Pallone’s visit to Baku for the COP29
event, he was met with public protest and left the country in
embarrassment.

The signatories argue that if certain U.S. lawmakers are
advocating for the return of Armenians to Azerbaijani territories,
they should also support the right of return for Azerbaijanis
expelled from Armenia. “The Western Azerbaijan Community is ready
to engage in dialogue with Armenia to enable the peaceful return of
displaced persons to their ancestral lands,” they note.

Highlighting the destruction and plundering of Azerbaijani
cultural and material heritage during the occupation of Karabakh,
East Zangezur, and Armenian territory, the NGOs criticize the
international community’s silence on these issues.

The statement also condemns recent proposals by the Swiss
Parliament for an “international peace forum,” describing them as
biased and supportive of Armenian revanchists. The appeal notes
that these initiatives, referenced in the congressmen’s letter,
betray regional peace and trust-building efforts.

The NGOs conclude by expressing concern that the congressional
appeal is motivated by discomfort with the growing bilateral
relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan. They affirm
their belief that the Trump administration, which they credit for
contributing positively to peace in the region, will accurately
assess the intentions behind the congressmen’s actions, which they
describe as representative of the “Washington swamp.”

Signatories:

Ramil Iskanderli – Chairman, Azerbaijan National NGO Forum

Aziz Alakbarli – Chairman, West Azerbaijan Community

Amir Aliyev – Chairman, Center for the Promotion of Human Rights
Public Union

Fariz Khalilli – Chairman, “Miras” Public Union for the Study of
Cultural Heritage

Umud Mirzayev – Chairman, International Eurasian Press Fund

Zaur Ibrahimli – Chairman, “Priority” Center for Socio-Economic
Research Public Union

Irada Rzazadeh – Chairman, “For the Social Welfare of Citizens”
Public Union

Haji Abdulla – Chairman, “Zangezur” Societies Public Union

Konul Behbudova – Chairman, “Karabakh Missing Families” Public
Union

Khatira Valiyeva – Chairman, “Khankendi” IDP Support Public
Union

Vugar Gadirov – Chairman, “Youth Organization for Return and
Revival” Public Union

Rey Kerimoglu – Chairman, “Association of Mine Victims in
Azerbaijan” Public Union