GOP lawmaker introduces resolution to penalize Azerbaijan for ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Armenian enclave.

Resolution Introduced to Stop “Ethnic Cleansing” in‌ Artsakh

Rep. Chris Smith ⁤(R-NJ) has taken a stand against the “ethnic cleansing” of the ethnic Armenian breakaway Republic of Artsakh ⁢by introducing a resolution to⁢ impose sanctions on Azerbaijan. The recent invasion by⁢ an overwhelming Azerbaijani force resulted in the ​deaths of approximately 200 ethnic Armenians, including innocent civilians, according to Artsakh officials. Fearing persecution and death, the 120,000 Christian Armenians in the region ‌have begun a mass⁢ exodus to Armenia proper. Smith is urging the United States to ⁣intervene and prevent the ethnic cleansing of a population that has called this​ region home ⁣for centuries.

Act Now to Save ⁣Innocent Lives

Smith’s resolution, known as the Preventing Ethnic Cleansing and Atrocities in ⁢Nagorno-Karabakh Act of ⁢2023, aims to impose sanctions on the government​ of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. ‍This bipartisan bill has garnered support from both‍ Republicans and Democrats. Smith emphasizes the importance of ⁢protecting the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, stating, “The Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh have every‍ right to ⁣continue to live in their ancient homeland—and to do so in safety.” He‍ hopes that his legislation will prompt the Biden Administration ‍to take immediate action to ​save innocent lives in the region.

Smith further highlights the dire situation faced by the Armenians, stating, “Tragically, they have been ⁣forced‌ to disarm and surrender their independence to a ruthless dictator whose government has repeatedly⁣ committed horrific abuses against them over many years, expressed its will to ethnically cleanse them, and even initiated a genocide by starvation with the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.” He emphasizes‍ the need to work with the Armenians to ensure a transition that does not involve further human atrocities.

International Peacekeepers Needed for Security

A senior adviser to the ‍Armenian government, speaking anonymously, suggests that​ the only viable scenario for ethnic Armenians to ‍remain in Nagorno-Karabakh is if international peacekeepers are deployed to ensure their safety. While Smith’s resolution does not propose such a ⁢move, it does require ⁣the Biden administration to establish a systematic policy to address the crisis and impose sanctions on several officials in Azerbaijan’s capital, ​Baku.

The exodus of ethnic Armenians began immediately after Artsakh’s capitulation, ‍with footage showing long lines of cars leaving for Armenia proper. The ‌residents are fleeing for their lives, fearing the imminent⁤ threat of death. The adviser explains, “The prevailing logic is if you stay, you’re going to be massacred. Unless there are international peacekeepers or international instruments protecting ‍this population, this population isn’t going to stay ⁣there because … you know, it’s a‍ matter of time before Azerbaijanis have killed them.”

Marut Vanyan, a local blogger, confirms the mass exodus, stating, “People right now say ⁣everyone is leaving. In Stepanakert, there is no second opinion, everyone is trying to find⁤ a few liters of petrol and be ready any time, any ​second, for when ⁣we are going,” referring ‍to the capital of Artsakh.

Efforts in the Senate

A similar resolution ⁤has been introduced in the Senate ‌Committee on​ Foreign Affairs⁤ by Sen. Bob ⁣Menendez (D-NJ). Azerbaijan has claimed ‌the region since⁣ gaining independence from the Soviet Union.⁣ After losing⁤ a war⁤ against Armenia ‌and Artsakh in the 1990s, Azerbaijan spent years strengthening its military. This culminated in a brief but⁣ brutal ⁣war in ‌2020, resulting in Yerevan’s defeat after‌ just 44 days of fighting. ⁢Despite international mediation attempts, a peaceful solution ⁤was not achieved, leading to Azerbaijan’s recent invasion.

It is crucial for the international community to take ​action ‌and prevent further atrocities in Artsakh. The resolution introduced‌ by Rep. Chris Smith and the efforts in the Senate highlight the urgent need to protect the Armenian population and ensure their safety in their⁢ ancestral homeland.

‍What is the historical context of ‍the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh?

Azerbaijan has agreed to a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, the adviser believes‍ that without ​international peacekeepers, the ethnic Armenians will continue to face persecution and potential⁤ expulsion from the region.

Smith echoes this sentiment, stating that the United States​ should work⁤ with international partners to deploy a peacekeeping ⁣force in Nagorno-Karabakh to ensure the safety and security⁤ of ‍the Armenian population. He emphasizes ​that swift action‍ is needed to prevent further loss of life and to uphold​ the basic human rights⁢ of the Armenians in ​the⁤ region.

The Historical Context and Importance of Artsakh

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan​ over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh dates back to the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.⁣ At that time, Nagorno-Karabakh, with its majority ethnic⁤ Armenian population,‍ declared independence from Azerbaijan. This declaration led to a ‍brutal war between​ the two‌ countries and resulted in ‍the deaths of thousands⁣ of ⁤people.

Since then, the region ⁣has ⁣remained a ⁤source of⁣ tension and violence,⁣ with sporadic clashes erupting⁣ over the years. The recent invasion by⁤ Azerbaijan,⁣ supported by Turkey, has‌ intensified the conflict and raised ‍concerns about⁢ the safety and survival of the ethnic Armenian population.

Artsakh, as the ethnic‍ Armenians ⁤refer to⁤ Nagorno-Karabakh, holds great ‌historical and cultural significance for the Armenian people. It is considered by many to ‍be an ancient Armenian homeland, with deep ‌ties ⁣and ​a ‍rich heritage dating back centuries. The prospect of ethnic ‌cleansing and the displacement of Armenians from this region is therefore ‍not only a humanitarian⁤ crisis but also a threat to their cultural identity and heritage.

The Global Response and Path to Peace

The​ international community has largely condemned ⁢the invasion⁢ and called ⁣for an end‌ to the conflict. ​The ⁢United States, European Union, and several other countries have expressed concern over the ⁤use of force and the resulting loss of civilian lives. ⁣Diplomatic efforts have been made to mediate a ceasefire and find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

In addition to Smith’s resolution,‌ other initiatives have⁢ been put forth ⁣to​ address⁣ the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.⁤ The United⁤ Nations‍ Security Council has called‍ for an immediate cessation of hostilities, while the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, co-chaired by France, Russia, and the‍ United States, has been involved in negotiations to find a lasting solution.

The path⁤ to‌ peace ‍in Nagorno-Karabakh requires a commitment from all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, respect the‌ rights of all ethnic groups, and⁢ work towards ​a peaceful coexistence. The immediate priority should be the ‌safety and​ well-being ​of the Armenian population, with international peacekeepers playing a crucial role in ⁤ensuring‌ their ⁣security.

Conclusion

The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is ‌dire, with the ethnic ​Armenian population facing the threat of ethnic cleansing and displacement. The introduction of Rep. Chris Smith’s ⁣resolution to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan is a ⁢significant step towards addressing this ​crisis and protecting innocent lives.

International intervention, including the deployment of ‌peacekeepers,⁤ is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being‍ of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. The global community ‍must stand ⁣together and ⁢act ⁣swiftly to prevent further loss of life and uphold the basic human rights of all people involved in the conflict.

It is crucial that diplomatic efforts continue to find a lasting solution⁢ to the conflict, one that respects ⁢the rights and aspirations of all ethnic​ groups in Nagorno-Karabakh. ‌Only through dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to peace can‍ the region ‌achieve stability and security for its people.

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