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Text of Letter to Secretary Pompeo
Dear Secretary Pompeo:
I am writing, on the eve of a meeting in Washington, DC between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to ask you to announce that the Trump Administration is lifting the arbitrary, outdated, and counter-productive restrictions, first put in place by the Clinton Administration under pressure from Baku, that restrict travel and communication between the U.S. and the Republic of Artsakh.
Azerbaijan’s attempts to limit U.S.-Artsakh dialogue, much like its reckless efforts to exclude Artsakh from full participation in OSCE negotiations, are clearly intended to serve the Aliyev regime’s domestic political purposes, but, just as clearly, hinder U.S. diplomacy, and hold back the progress we would all like to see toward a durable and democratic peace between Artsakh and Azerbaijan. It is worth recalling in this regard that Artsakh signed the 1994 Bishkek Protocol, the cease-fire agreement that has, despite breaches by Baku, remained in place for a quarter century. Artsakh must be a full stakeholder in any and all discussions regarding its future.
The mutual understanding that comes from direct engagement among all stakeholders represents our best hope for peace. It is time, consistent with the bipartisan priorities set forth in H.Res.190, to give American diplomacy a chance by removing these artificial and outdated barriers.
Thank you for your consideration of my request and for your timely feedback. As we head into 2020, my family, friends, and local Armenian American community are closely following the Administration’s policies on Artsakh and the full range of Armenian American policy priorities.
Sincerely,
Text of Letter to U.S. Representatives Who Have Co-Sponsored H.Res.190 – the U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution
Dear Representative _____________,
I am writing, on the eve of a meeting in Washington, DC between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to thank you for cosponsoring the U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communications Resolution, a pro-peace measure that – in the best tradition of American diplomacy – promotes direct dialogue between the United States and the Republic of Artsakh.
As you know, open dialogue represents the cornerstone of American diplomacy and the key to conflict resolution, in Artsakh and around the world. Sadly, successive U.S. administrations have allowed the Aliyev family of Azerbaijan to dictate the terms of American discourse with the stakeholders of the Artsakh peace process. For far too long, Baku has been granted an undeserved veto over direct U.S. dialogue with Artsakh, at the expense of U.S. interests and contrary to our core American commitment to understanding and peace among nations.
This resolution seeks to advance U.S. interests by removing artificial, outdated, and obsolete barriers to travel and communications between America and Artsakh, in support of our shared aims of peace, stability, and democratic development in the Caucasus region. The adoption of this resolution would also facilitate improved U.S. oversight of our aid program in Artsakh, while, more broadly, providing opportunities for U.S. policymakers to witness first-hand the progress of this proud republic and the challenges its people face as they seek a fair and lasting peace with Azerbaijan.
As our diplomats know so well, there is, very simply, no substitute for direct dialogue or on-the-ground presence. Self-imposed restrictions that impose gag-rules, travel bans, or diplomatic no-go zones upon our own officials are self-defeating, unwisely and unnecessarily handicapping U.S. foreign policy practitioners just when we need to be stepping up our global diplomatic leadership.
This is an area of urgent concern to my family and community and, as such, I thank you, once again, for your leadership and look forward to learning of your efforts to secure passage of this measure.
Sincerely,
Text of Letter to U.S. Representatives Who Have Not Yet Co-Sponsored H.Res.190 – the U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution
Dear Representative ____________________________,
I am writing, on the eve of a meeting in Washington, DC between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to ask you to cosponsor the U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communications Resolution (H.Res.190), a pro-peace measure that – in the best tradition of American diplomacy – promotes direct dialogue between the United States and the Republic of Artsakh.
As you know, open dialogue represents the cornerstone of American diplomacy and the key to conflict resolution, in Artsakh and around the world. Sadly, successive U.S. administrations have allowed the Aliyev family of Azerbaijan to dictate the terms of American discourse with the stakeholders of the Artsakh peace process. For far too long, Baku has been granted an undeserved veto over direct U.S. dialogue with Artsakh, at the expense of U.S. interests and contrary to our core American commitment to understanding and peace among nations.
This resolution seeks to advance U.S. interests by removing artificial, outdated, and obsolete barriers to travel and communication between America and Artsakh, in support of our shared aims of peace, stability, and democratic development in the Caucasus region. The adoption of this resolution would also facilitate improved U.S. oversight of our aid program in Artsakh, while, more broadly, providing opportunities for U.S. policymakers to witness first-hand the progress of this proud republic and the challenges its people face as they seek a fair and lasting peace with Azerbaijan.
This measure would specifically stipulate that the House of Representatives:
1) Affirms its commitment to supporting actions that encourage visits and communication between officials from the United States and Artsakh at all levels, including cabinet-level national security officials, general officers, and other executive branch officials, to travel to Artsakh and openly and directly communicate with their Artsakh counterparts;
2) Encourages open communication, meetings, and other direct contacts between officials of Artsakh and the executive and legislative branches of the United States, representatives of State and local governments, and representatives of American civil society; and
3) Calls for the full and direct participation of the democratically-elected Government of the Republic of Artsakh in all OSCE and other negotiations regarding its future.
As our diplomats know so well, there is, very simply, no substitute for direct dialogue or on-the-ground presence. Self-imposed restrictions that impose gag-rules, travel bans, or diplomatic no-go zones upon our own officials are self-defeating, unwisely and unnecessarily handicapping U.S. foreign policy practitioners just when we need to be stepping up our global diplomatic leadership.
In the interest of peace, I ask you to please cosponsor and work for the passage of the Artsakh Travel and Communications Resolution (H.Res.190). This is an area of urgent concern to my family and community and, as such, I would very much value hearing of your position on this legislation and learning of your actions on this matter.
Sincerely,