Friday, August 12 2016 04:13

Building on the momentum of last week's grassroots campaign to members of the U.S. Senate and House, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is expanding the Armenian American community's efforts against the flawed "Madrid Principles" to include targeted calls upon the White House for a more balanced and sustainable approach to ensuring a lasting peace for Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh).

"As an advocate for peace, I cannot accept - and urge you to oppose - any resolution that runs counter to our American belief in self-determination or that would force a Christian nation under a violent Azerbaijani regime that has recruited extremists (including Afghanistani Mujahideen and ISIS militants from Syria) to fight its anti-Armenian wars," begins a letter to President Obama and Vice-President Biden. "Today, Artsakh - despite decades of Azerbaijani aggression - remains dedicated to strengthening its democracy, further developing its open economy, and working with in partnership with regional powers, the OSCE, and the international community toward a fair and enduring regional peace."

First discussed in 2007 with the specifics largely kept secret until recently, the "Madrid Principles" set forth a proposed formula which purportedly calls for Artsakh's up-front surrender of 7 regions of its sovereign territory in return for only a vague promise that Azerbaijan will allow a future "expression of will" that would determine its status, setting the stage for continued conflict and increased regional instability.

"At its heart, Nagorno Karabakh is a very American story, representing the victory of a free people over foreign rule. A democratic, Christian-majority, pro-Western society that stands strong against the forces of intolerance deserves our support," continues the letter to President Obama.

The expanded grassroots campaign comes as Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders met in separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, with reports that Nagorno Karabakh peace was among a broad range of issues discussed. The U.S. along with Russia and France co-Chair the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, which has been tasked to mediate a long-term Artsakh peace since 1994.

Supporters of a peaceful and democratic Artsakh can visit anca.org/madrid to contact the Obama Administration and share with them the dangers of the "Madrid Principles."



