AAA calls on U.S. to translate its commitments to ensure release of  Christian Armenians held in Baku into action 

ArmInfo.In advance of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Armenia, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomes the continued strengthening of U.S.-Armenia relations and sustained high-level engagement between the two countries. At the same time, the Assembly remains deeply concerned by Baku's continued refusal to release all Christian Armenian hostages wrongfully imprisoned in Azerbaijan and urges their immediate and unconditional release.

As President Donald J. Trump previously stated, "120,000 Christians  were horrifically persecuted and forcibly displaced in Artsakh."  President Trump also pledged to "protect persecuted Christians" and,  during the White House meeting on the "Establishment of Peace and  Inter-State Relations," committed to raising directly with President  Aliyev the release of Christian Armenians being held hostage. The  Armenian Assembly calls on the United States to translate these  commitments into concrete, measurable action.

As the United States and Armenia continue working together to advance  the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), along  with several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) across key sectors,  the Armenian Assembly reiterates the importance of strengthening  Armenia's security infrastructure and addressing the ongoing  humanitarian needs of the Armenians of Artsakh. This includes  supporting the right of return to their indigenous homeland with  meaningful guarantees for security, democratic rights, and the full  protection of Armenian cultural heritage and religious sites.

The Armenian Assembly of America will continue its work to advance  genuine security, justice, and a future in which the Armenian people  live in freedom and dignity on their ancestral homeland.

The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in  Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate the number to  be several hundred. Currently, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the  presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in  Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the  military- political leadership of Artsakh. These include former  Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik  Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister David Babayan; as well as  Parliament Speaker David Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh  Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and  former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

In February, a Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David  Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to  life imprisonment, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben  Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on trumped- up charges. The so-called  court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in  prison.