Co-Chairs of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone and Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis, along with Vice-Chairs, Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman and Republican Congressman David Valadao, have sent a joint letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio according to VOA. In the letter, the Congressmen addressed the priorities of the bipartisan Congressional Armenian Caucus and expressed hope for cooperation with the current administration on these issues.
The Congressmen highlighted Armenia’s geographical vulnerabilities, being a landlocked country bordered by Turkey and Azerbaijan, which significantly impacts the nation’s economic development. This circumstance underscores Armenia’s need for external support and security guarantees. The letter paid particular attention to the issue of Armenia’s energy independence, a crucial prerequisite for the country’s sustainable development.
The Congressmen called on the US to play a more active role in establishing regional stability in the South Caucasus. They emphasized that the humanitarian and political issues stemming from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remain unresolved and require the attention of the international community. The letter raised concerns about human rights violations and war crimes allegedly committed by Azerbaijan, as well as the security and rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
This letter further underscores the bipartisan support in the US Congress for Armenia and regional security issues. It is aimed not only at strengthening relations between Armenia and the US but also contributes to the establishment of lasting peace in the South Caucasus.