U.S. lawmakers demand action for Armenian POWs release

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. lawmakers have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help secure the release of Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan, during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Congressman Chris Smith criticized Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his actions regarding Armenian prisoners of war and political detainees, urging immediate U.S. intervention, Factor.am reports.

“Aliyev is a dictator. Release those prisoners. They are being treated horribly. It’s very clear that after the genocide against Armenians perpetrated by Aliyev, there are many political prisoners and prisoners of war. I would just encourage you to do everything in your power to secure their release,” Smith stated.

Rubio emphasized that the release of Armenian detainees is a “significant” part of the U.S.'s ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He also noted the tangible risk of renewed conflict.

“As for Azerbaijan, our primary focus has been on promoting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. There is a real risk of conflict, which we are trying to prevent. Our teams are deeply engaged in building something sustainable and preventing military escalation,” Rubio said.

Congressman Jim Costa echoed this position, endorsing deeper U.S. involvement in the region to hold Azerbaijan accountable and defend Armenia. He urged Rubio to uphold the principles of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and to halt military aid to Baku, stressing the importance of accountability and integrity in U.S. policy.

“We’ve tried to demonstrate to both sides—especially Azerbaijan—the immense benefits of signing a peace agreement and avoiding war, which we see as destructive, counterproductive, and the last thing needed in the region right now,” Rubio declared.

In September 2023, following a nine-month blockade and the ethnic cleansing of the entire Armenian population of Artsakh, Azerbaijan captured former Artsakh presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, foreign minister David Babayan, and several other former officials. The fabricated charges they face could result in life sentences. On January 17, a show trial began in Baku concerning the Artsakh leadership.