Azerbaijan must be held accountable for its war crimes, and the attack against Armenians must be clearly condemned. Today, members of the US Senate stated this during a meeting of the Foreign Relations Committee.
It should be noted that hearings are taking place in the US Senate for the confirmation of the US ambassador to Armenia.
Committee Chairman Robert Menendez expressed concern that State Department officials have recently been avoiding questions regarding videos depicting the killing and mutilation of Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan.
“It is necessary that our ambassadors, especially in conflict zones, be able to pursue the truth, so that we, as policymakers, can decide what to do with that truth,” the senator stated.
Kristina Kvien, the nominee for US ambassador to Armenia, promised to do everything to document the atrocities depicted in these videos.
But in response to this promise, Menendez said that one should not wait for requests from Armenians, but should take the initiative.
“Senators need facts about Azerbaijani war crimes and attacks when they make decisions regarding the application of Section 907 restrictions on providing US assistance to Azerbaijan,” the senator noted.
Senator Van Hollen noted that holding to account is extremely important. He expressed concern that Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried and Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations at the State Department Philip Reeker have refused to recognize Azerbaijan as the aggressor following the latest attacks.
“In September, it was documented in the press that Azerbaijan committed attacks and carried out various kinds of atrocities. I understand the importance of being a mediator, but to be a credible mediator, in my opinion, you must at least start with the facts and be prepared to state them publicly,” Senator Van Hollen said.
It should be noted that senators have one week to submit additional questions to the ambassador nominees, after which the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and later the full Senate, will have the opportunity to confirm the nominees.
