WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has called on the bipartisan leadership of the U.S. Senate and House Intelligence Committees to release geospatial, signals, cyber, measurement and signature, and other forms of intelligence related to Azerbaijan’s April 2 offensive against the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR/Artsakh). The cross-border attack came immediately in the wake of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings in Washington, D.C. with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry.
In a letter sent to the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence earlier today, ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian wrote: “We are, consistent with our longstanding support of American efforts to bring about an enduring peace in this pivotal region, interested in understanding whether the U.S. intelligence community was aware that two of the most senior members of our government were meeting with a foreign official who was, as they spoke with him, planning to launch a major military offensive against Nagorno-Karabagh—a recipient of U.S. assistance and a constructive partner in the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Minsk Group peace process.”
Hamparian added: “We would value your insights on this matter and welcome—within the bounds of the law and the requirements of our national security—the public release of available geospatial, signals, cyber, measurement and signature, and other intelligence regarding Azerbaijan’s military actions.”
The letter closed with the following analysis: “If the U.S. government was aware of Azerbaijan’s preparations, it is clear that the administration did not adequately deter President Aliyev from his planned course of action. If, on the other hand, our government was not aware of Azerbaijan’s planned assault, that would, in our view, represent a meaningful intelligence failure that should and must be adequately addressed.”
Both House Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and Ranking Democrat Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) condemned Azerbaijan’s attacks this week, calling for concrete steps to bring about a lasting peace in the region.
President Aliyev, on April 2, launched a major attack against Karabagh—the worst since the 1994 ceasefire—only hours after his March 31 meeting with Biden and days following his March 30 meeting with Kerry. The Azerbaijani leader was in Washington for the 4th White House Nuclear Summit.
The House and Senate intelligence panels are charged with overseeing the intelligence activities and programs of the U.S. government.
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I wouldn’t hold my breathe as this request is more of a rhetorical question. Of course they knew and possibly condoned it and even facilitated it. But do hold them to the fire. Unite as ONE ARMENIA is the Answer.
Where’s the outrage against Russia which is supplying the weapons Azerbaijan is using to kill Armenian?
Where is your outrage against Turkey, Israel, and Ukraine supplying weapons and/or military advisers and training to Azerbaijan?
I don’t blame Russia, I blame Armenia’s leadership for being spineless and letting Putin take advantage of it. I think Russia still could be a reasonably good military partner if Armenia starts conducting the relations correctly.
I believe the United States has Aliyev’s back. The ill fated Turkish/Armenian protocols overseen by Secretary Clinton only proved that Armenia has no importance in the affairs of the United States.
Thank you for all you do ANCA. Please press this issue.
What did Obama and Biden meeting provide to Aliyev to conduct this act of war? Meeting minutes should be public!
Mehriban Aliyeva met with the mothers of the Azeri KIA. Let’s count how many mothers are gathered in the reception room: http://fnews.am/?p=2517874&l=am%2Fmehriban+alievan+handipel+e+adrbejani+zoheri+mayreri+het+hashveq+qani+mayr+e+ekel+handipmany+lusankarner#sthash.I64PMvQN.dpuf
What happend to their 12 KIA?
This is a quote from news..az
“Azerbaijan clarifying fate of soldiers reported missing in recent fighting.
The investigation was started on the basis of requests of several citizens, according to the Commission.
The Commission said that the results of the investigation will be made public.”
Is Azerbaijan saying that the reason they started their investigation on missing soldiers’ fate is because some civilians made inquiries?