Arminfo.info


 Thursday, December 15 2022 12:38
Marianna Mkrtchyan

Closure by Azerbaijan of Lachin Corridor has "severe humanitarian  implications" - Karen Donfried

Closure by Azerbaijan of Lachin Corridor has "severe humanitarian  implications" - Karen Donfried

ArmInfo. Today, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber, convened a hearing on "U.S. Policy Towards the Caucasus,"  where Karen Donfried, Assistant Secretary of State for European and  Eurasian Affairs, reiterated that the closure by Azerbaijan of the  Lachin Corridor - the only road connecting Armenia and Artsakh - has  "severe humanitarian implications" and should be "restored" as it  "sets back the peace process," reported the Armenian Assembly of  America (Assembly).  

In his introductory remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Bill Keating  (D-MA), stated that the Caucasus is a region with a "vibrant history"  at a "vital crossroads of the world," however, it faces many  challenges, including democratic backsliding taking hold in some  countries, and continued violence taking place across internationally  recognized borders."

He reflected on Armenia and Azerbaijan's ceasefire statement two  years ago, and although the ceasefire was "supposed to represent a  formal bookend to the fighting, skirmishes have indeed continued. As  a result, civilians continue to be displaced, many have been wounded  or lost their lives, and longterm peace agreements remain elusive."

Chairman Keating noted the importance of U.S. involvement in the  negotiation process, alongside the EU and OSCE Minsk Group, as well  as bilateral talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"While a sustained peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is  vital for the region, so is continued democratic reform, respect for  rule of law and anti-corruption initiatives," said Chairman Keating,  as he called upon Azerbaijan to protect minority groups, and make  necessary reforms to establish democratic processes in the country.  These reforms include the need for increased religious tolerance, as  exhibited by a report published today by the United States Commission  on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) titled, "Tolerance,  Religious Freedom, Authoritarianism," where it lists Azerbaijan's  religious intolerance as a case study.

He also noted Azerbaijan's key ally, Turkey, and its increasing role  in the region "which has only grown since the 2020 ceasefire."  Chairman Keating stated that he supported "normalization of relations  between the two countries, and that a mutually agreed upon path  forward for Armenia and Turkey will open immense opportunities for  the people and the economies on both sides of the border."

Ranking Member Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), stated that the conflict  between Armenia and Azerbaijan recently escalated this past  September, and pointed out the "footage of Azeri executions of  Armenian prisoners of war and mistreatment of many people, which has  raised concern and criticism internationally."

During her testimony, Secretary Donfried said that following  intensified fighting in September, Armenia and Azerbaijan have  "renewed focus on negotiations, with U.S. engagement playing a key  role."

"We continue to press Azerbaijan and Armenia to maintain momentum for  negotiations, and we continue to advocate that the rights and  security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh is a key part of those  discussions," said Secretary Donfried, noting that since September  2020, the U.S. has provided over $21 million in humanitarian  assistance to address critical regional needs.

She also stated that relations between Armenia and Turkey can  "increase regional stability" and lead to "greater economic  development."

Regarding Azerbaijan's blatant human rights violations, Secretary  Donfried said the State Department "continues to advocate with the  government of Azerbaijan to protect human rights and hold individuals  accountable for human rights abuses."

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) questioned Secretary Donfried about  Azerbaijan's "flagrant violations of human rights," including  illegally imprisoning Armenian POWs, and asked whether she discusses  these violations with negotiators in Washington, D.C.

Secretary Donfried replied that "human rights are a critical part of  the conversation," and has raised the issue with both Armenia and  Azerbaijan's foreign ministers.

Rep. Costa then pressed upon what the U.S. is doing to hold  Azerbaijan accountable, to which she responded that the State  Department has begun to "impose visa restrictions" on an Azerbaijani  official relating to his involvement in a "gross human rights  violation, including torture" against an Azerbaijani civilian.

Bringing to light the priority issue this past week of Azerbaijan  blockading the Lachin Corridor between Armenia and Artsakh, which is  a "critical humanitarian lifeline," and that gas pipelines have been  shut off by the Aliyev regime, thus impacting 120,000 Armenians in  Artsakh, Rep. Costa said that this "does not show good faith" and  asked Secretary Donfried what specific steps are being taken to  safeguard Armenians living in Artsakh.

Secretary Donfried concurred that the closure of the Lachin Corridor  has "severe humanitarian implications and sets back the peace  process." She said she called upon the government of Azerbaijan to  "restore free movement throughout the Corridor."

In the face of continued human rights abuses, Rep. Costa emphasized  that the Administration's consistent waiver of Section 907 of the  FREEDOM Support Act "is a mistake."

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) expressed his support of legislation in  Congress condemning aggression against the Armenian people in  Artsakh, and emphasized that the "U.S. has a critical role to play to  protect Armenians against unprovoked aggression."

"Congressional action should be viewed as important leverage for  peace, given the considerable aid the U.S. supplies to the region,"  Rep. Schneider continued, before asking Secretary Donfried to expand  on how to prevent other nations from undercutting stability and peace  in the region.

Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), emphasized that she has a "significant  Armenian American community" in her district, and that many of her  constituents are "deeply and personally connected to the continuing  conflict."

"Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh continue to face an acute humanitarian  crisis, including threats of renewed attacks and chronic shortages of  water, energy, healthcare and food," she noted, to which Secretary  Donfried replied that access to Nagorno-Karabakh is limited, "which  impacts U.S. ability to engage and undertake in assistance programs."  Despite limitations, however, the "U.S. has sought to help those  impacted by the conflict, many of whom are in Armenia."

In his concluding remarks, Chairman Keating underscored the "greater  issue we're facing today of authoritarianism versus democracy, and  we'll do everything we can to have success here [in the Caucasus]  because we'll be helping the entire region, and on a larger scale,  the cause of democracy."

"Given Azerbaijan's attempt to isolate the people of Artsakh via  blocking access to the only road connecting Armenia and Artsakh and  cutting off the gas supply during the chill of winter, leaving  120,000 Armenian civilians without heat and needed medical supplies,  today's House Foreign Affairs hearing was timely and important," said  Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan. "The  Assembly appreciates Rep. Costa's strong and salient questions to  Secretary Donfried regarding Azerbaijan's actions that have yet again  undermined the peace process and created a humanitarian crisis for  the Armenian people."

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Lawyer: Lawyer: "Chief Investigator" "instructed" to search the place where  we, as Christians, enter with reverence
Lawyer: Any new action by security forces at the Mother See of Holy  Etchmiadzin will be considered a Lawyer: Any new action by security forces at the Mother See of Holy  Etchmiadzin will be considered a "deliberate encroachment"
Seyran Ohanyan stripped of his parliamentary immunitySeyran Ohanyan stripped of his parliamentary immunity
Armenian wrestlers return with medals from  European Freestyle  Wrestling Championship  in ItalyArmenian wrestlers return with medals from  European Freestyle  Wrestling Championship  in Italy
NA ruling faction members approved Prosecutor General`s motion to  prosecute Artsvik MinasyanNA ruling faction members approved Prosecutor General`s motion to  prosecute Artsvik Minasyan
Foreign Minister: Armenia has decided to enlarge, increase its  participation in the SCOForeign Minister: Armenia has decided to enlarge, increase its  participation in the SCO
Moody`s upgrades Converse Bank`s ratingsMoody`s upgrades Converse Bank`s ratings
RA Investigative Committee  press secretary responds to Galstanyan`s  lawyer`s statement  that  published recording was falsified and taken  out of contextRA Investigative Committee  press secretary responds to Galstanyan`s  lawyer`s statement  that  published recording was falsified and taken  out of context
RA National Security Council Secretary receives Ambassador of SwedenRA National Security Council Secretary receives Ambassador of Sweden
Saakashvili: Pashinyan has officially taken a course on EU membershipSaakashvili: Pashinyan has officially taken a course on EU membership
Swedish Ambassador concludes his mission in ArmeniaSwedish Ambassador concludes his mission in Armenia
Prosecutor General asks for criminal prosecution against a member of  Armenia`s National AssemblyProsecutor General asks for criminal prosecution against a member of  Armenia`s National Assembly
Geghard Foundation: Any state that  supports Aliyev`s rhetoric  complicit with Azerbaijan in the event of future aggression in the  regionGeghard Foundation: Any state that  supports Aliyev`s rhetoric  complicit with Azerbaijan in the event of future aggression in the  region
Kremlin: Moscow and Baku should remain partners and alliesKremlin: Moscow and Baku should remain partners and allies
Ruling elite focuses efforts on internal policy, ignoring external  challenges - opposition MPRuling elite focuses efforts on internal policy, ignoring external  challenges - opposition MP
Official unveiling ceremony of Charles Aznavour`s monument to take  place in Yerevan on July 18Official unveiling ceremony of Charles Aznavour`s monument to take  place in Yerevan on July 18
Preliminary investigation into riots in Syunik completed Preliminary investigation into riots in Syunik completed 
 Armenia`s Ministry of Environment proposes introducing institute of  extended producer responsibility for producers  Armenia`s Ministry of Environment proposes introducing institute of  extended producer responsibility for producers 
Caucasus has no patience to experience one more conflict - Recep  Erdogan Caucasus has no patience to experience one more conflict - Recep  Erdogan 
Armenian premier`s statement order to Prosecutor`s Office - lawyers Armenian premier`s statement order to Prosecutor`s Office - lawyers 
`Terrorism` case means of pressing `unwelcome ones` - lawyer `Terrorism` case means of pressing `unwelcome ones` - lawyer 
Yerevan must meet growing demand for sports competitions - mayor Yerevan must meet growing demand for sports competitions - mayor 
Isolation of clergymen and businessman shows bankruptcy and fears of  ruling regime - expertIsolation of clergymen and businessman shows bankruptcy and fears of  ruling regime - expert
Digital broadcasting to be suspended in Armenia Digital broadcasting to be suspended in Armenia 
Muster of reservists to take place in Armenia Sept 23 to Nov 28Muster of reservists to take place in Armenia Sept 23 to Nov 28
Armenian MP proposes using `political persecution` in place of  `prosecution`Armenian MP proposes using `political persecution` in place of  `prosecution`
Political scientist Karen Igityan prohibited from entering ArmeniaPolitical scientist Karen Igityan prohibited from entering Armenia
Armenia`s premier addresses message concerning Catholicos Garegin II Armenia`s premier addresses message concerning Catholicos Garegin II 
Armenia`s territory cannot be used by third countries for military  operations - RA MFA Armenia`s territory cannot be used by third countries for military  operations - RA MFA 
Armenian MFA summons Russian Ambassador over “hostile propaganda” against it Armenian MFA summons Russian Ambassador over “hostile propaganda” against it
Archbishops Mikael Ajapakhian and Bagrat Galstanian, currently in NSS  detention center, go on hunger strikeArchbishops Mikael Ajapakhian and Bagrat Galstanian, currently in NSS  detention center, go on hunger strike
Holy Etchmiadzin issued statement expressing indignation at   reprehensible campaign unleashed by Holy Etchmiadzin issued statement expressing indignation at   reprehensible campaign unleashed by 
Under  hashtag #MERDZEVOV, march in support of political prisoner,  well-known businessman and entrepreneur Samvel Karapetyan starting on  the central boulevard of YerevanUnder  hashtag #MERDZEVOV, march in support of political prisoner,  well-known businessman and entrepreneur Samvel Karapetyan starting on  the central boulevard of Yerevan
A march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in YerevanA march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in Yerevan
A leader without trust, an opposition without support and peace  without concessions:  Nikol Pashinyan`s 7 years in powerA leader without trust, an opposition without support and peace  without concessions:  Nikol Pashinyan`s 7 years in power
Armenian Cathedral of Ani to function as a mosque after restorationArmenian Cathedral of Ani to function as a mosque after restoration
IDBank issues the 3rd, 4th and 5th tranches of bonds of 2025IDBank issues the 3rd, 4th and 5th tranches of bonds of 2025
Christian Solidarity International urges UN Human Rights Council to  appoint a special rapporteur for Nagorno-KarabakhChristian Solidarity International urges UN Human Rights Council to  appoint a special rapporteur for Nagorno-Karabakh
Armenia`s public multiplex  should not be used to serve foreign  policy agendas - StatementArmenia`s public multiplex  should not be used to serve foreign  policy agendas - Statement
Lawyer: the next part of Marlezon Ballet being staged in parliamentLawyer: the next part of Marlezon Ballet being staged in parliament
Alen Simonyan believes that Catholicos of All Armenians will soon  vacate Patriarchal throneAlen Simonyan believes that Catholicos of All Armenians will soon  vacate Patriarchal throne
Armenian Court of Appeal upholds Samvel Karapetyan`s arrestArmenian Court of Appeal upholds Samvel Karapetyan`s arrest
Lindsay Snell calls for support of  ANCA initiative to launch a  bipartisan Congressional letter in defense of Artsakh Armenians Lindsay Snell calls for support of  ANCA initiative to launch a  bipartisan Congressional letter in defense of Artsakh Armenians 
According to recording, <Tashir Samvel> was supposed to join later,  and Bagrat Galstanyan speaks about this: RA NA Speaker According to recording, was supposed to join later,  and Bagrat Galstanyan speaks about this: RA NA Speaker 
Levon Kocharyan is not a political figure: Alen Simonyan does not  comment on his remarksLevon Kocharyan is not a political figure: Alen Simonyan does not  comment on his remarks
Taguhi Tovmasyan to RA Prosecutor General: Maybe you haven`t received   SMS, and there is no political expediency in punishing Civil  Contract`s favorite businessman ?Taguhi Tovmasyan to RA Prosecutor General: Maybe you haven`t received   SMS, and there is no political expediency in punishing Civil  Contract`s favorite businessman ?
French Arnouville adopts resolution condemning unfair expulsion of   ICRC from AzerbaijanFrench Arnouville adopts resolution condemning unfair expulsion of   ICRC from Azerbaijan
Gegham Stepanyan: Artsakh art historians have no legal issues in  Armenia, difficulties exist only in practical fieldGegham Stepanyan: Artsakh art historians have no legal issues in  Armenia, difficulties exist only in practical field
All conversations and a fragment of the recording with Archbishop  Bagrat Galstanyan are manipulative - ARFAll conversations and a fragment of the recording with Archbishop  Bagrat Galstanyan are manipulative - ARF
Azerbaijan holding 17th ECO summit in occupied StepanakertAzerbaijan holding 17th ECO summit in occupied Stepanakert
Vahagn Chakhalyan detained Vahagn Chakhalyan detained 
RA Prosecutor General personally submitted report on Samvel  Karapetyan, which is evidence of political persecution - lawyer RA Prosecutor General personally submitted report on Samvel  Karapetyan, which is evidence of political persecution - lawyer 
Azerbaijani regime continues crackdown on journalists Azerbaijani regime continues crackdown on journalists 
RA FM holds farewell meeting with Swedish ambassador to Armenia RA FM holds farewell meeting with Swedish ambassador to Armenia 
Transport movement to be stopped in some of Yerevan`s neighborhoods  on July 4 and 5 Transport movement to be stopped in some of Yerevan`s neighborhoods  on July 4 and 5 
Cultural return must be cause of return to Artsakh - ex-minister of  culture Cultural return must be cause of return to Artsakh - ex-minister of  culture 
`Armenia`s ruling force staging performance against me` - Seyran  Ohanyan `Armenia`s ruling force staging performance against me` - Seyran  Ohanyan 
RA NA discussing consent to prosecution of MPs Seyran Ohanyan and  Artsvik Minasyan RA NA discussing consent to prosecution of MPs Seyran Ohanyan and  Artsvik Minasyan 
Yerevan hopes for strategic partnership with Washington Yerevan hopes for strategic partnership with Washington 
Pashinyan to Trump: `I highly appreciate your vision for ending  conflicts and establishing peace in the world`Pashinyan to Trump: `I highly appreciate your vision for ending  conflicts and establishing peace in the world`
Read more



Commented