Azerbaijan parliament condemns U.S. bill as threat to Armenia peace efforts

Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis has condemned discussion of Bill H.R. 9087 by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, rejecting what it described as unfounded accusations against Baku and warning the measure could undermine efforts to advance the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process.

The statement criticised Congressman Brad Sherman, the author of the amendment, accusing him of advancing the agenda of Armenian lobbying groups and linking his actions to the political approach of former Congressman Bob Menendez.

It argued that the initiative, introduced ahead of the U.S. congressional elections, was driven by lobbying interests rather than national interests and called for greater scrutiny of the decision-making process.

Concerns over impact on peace process

The Milli Majlis said the timing of the initiative was particularly concerning amid ongoing efforts to normalise relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

It said international efforts, including U.S.-led initiatives, had created opportunities to advance a lasting peace agreement between the two countries.

"Attempts by individual Congressmen to secure the adoption of politically motivated and unilateral decisions in such an environment not only undermine the climate of trust but also hinder the peace process," the statement said.

The parliament called on U.S. lawmakers to respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and avoid actions it said could contribute to renewed tensions in the South Caucasus.

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Dispute over terminology in the bill

The statement also criticised the use of terms such as "prisoners of war" and "political convicts" in relation to individuals convicted by Azerbaijani courts.

The Milli Majlis said those individuals were prosecuted for offences including military aggression, war crimes, enforced disappearances, torture and terrorism, and rejected claims that they were victims of political persecution.

It said portraying them otherwise represented a distortion of the facts and interference in Azerbaijan’s judicial affairs.

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Azerbaijan Milli Majlis Azerbaijan-Armenia relations South Caucasus peace process International law