Calls to Reject Reckless “Madrid Principles”
Calls for a New, More Balanced and Sustainable Approach Which Respects Nagorno-Karabagh’s Right to Self-Determination
WASHINGTON—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-Karabagh (Artsakh/NKR).
“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 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE,0 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-Karabagh 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-Karabagh peace was among a broad range of issues discussed. The U.S. along with Russia and France co-Chair the 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.”
Guest Contributor
Obama has other agendas, he will not do a thing. Remember it’s in his interest to support the turks and the azeri’s. It’s called a political thing be it against the norm. This man could not even after all his rhethoric mention the word GENOCIDE and you want him to do something about Nagorno-Karabagh? come on let’s be honest about the scenario “he does not care”. SAD but TRUE.
Well done ANCA and good luck. Out with the one sided and unworkable Madrid principle.
Raelly which one of our “leaders” would entertain such a loser proposal in 2007? That would be katcharian. Only one that was promised personal wealth for screwing his country? Of course.
Obama and Hillary have proven to be totally ineffectual leaders in all of their foreign policies, thus convincing either one of these losers to intercede to resolve the Karabakh autonomy issue is a complete waste of time. I propose an alternate plan: how about bringing Putin into the picture?,if he can get away annexing Crimea with Russia, may be he can finally, and once for all, complete the annexation of Karabakh with Mother Armenia as well? [ call it sleeping with your past enemy if you wish.]
ANCA – your political move addressed to Obama is timely, just and absolutely valid. However, as I have said before, you would gain more if – – as an accredited NGO- you attended the General Assembly (NY)sessions (e.g. in the fall of this year), as well as the Human Rights Council meetings, late Sept., in Geneva. And therein voice loudly your points, claims and projects (for Artsakh and comprehensive Armenian rights following the agendas of both bodies when issues of self-determination, the right to live and other relevant human rights instruments and violations are discussed during their several meetings. As a civil society org. you can play an interactive role arousing the consciousness of all UN (and its agencies) members to the unresolved destiny and claims of Armenians. what the armenian Missions do in Geneva and NY. And if I may go a bit further, if the genocide issue had – or were – finally brought and judged by an international tribunal (can still be created) under the auspices of UN, Artsakh could have been recuperated (saved) as COMPENSATION/REPAIR for the crimes committed ans never acknowledged or repaired. Hard but legally possible, if not too late.
Anyway, good luck with Obama And Hillary next. At the same time, envisage multilateral moves rather than bilateral ones. More another time. Keep in touch. The best, aline d.