BAKU, July 24, 2025 — A group of Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations has issued a public letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, voicing strong opposition to a recent appeal by several U.S. lawmakers regarding Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories and the peace process with Armenia.
In the letter, published by Report, the NGOs express “deep concern” over what they describe as a “one-sided and provocative” congressional initiative. According to the statement, the letter signed by the U.S. lawmakers undermines the ongoing peace dialogue between Baku and Yerevan, particularly following recent high-level talks in Abu Dhabi where the two countries reportedly made significant progress toward finalizing a peace agreement.
“Figures from the Biden–Blinken era, who signed this appeal, are attempting to derail President Donald Trump’s constructive efforts for peace in the South Caucasus,” the NGOs write. “Their actions serve only to inject artificial tension and provoke new conflict in the region.”
The NGOs also criticize what they call the influence of the Armenian lobby in Washington, alleging that some U.S. legislators have historically ignored atrocities such as the Khojaly massacre and the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, while siding with “aggressors.” They specifically name Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Bob Menendez — the latter recently convicted on corruption charges — and Rep. Frank Pallone, who was met with public protests during his 2024 visit to Baku.
The letter calls for U.S. officials to acknowledge the right of return for hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis displaced from Armenia during the late 20th century — a topic the signatories claim is neglected in Western discourse. It also denounces the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in both Armenia and formerly occupied territories in Karabakh and Zangazur.
Furthermore, the NGOs criticize recent statements from Swiss lawmakers, presented at an international peace forum, as “undermining stability in the South Caucasus” and “encouraging revanchism in Armenia.”
“The real motivation behind this congressional letter appears to be discomfort with the growing positive momentum in U.S.-Azerbaijan relations,” the appeal continues. “We trust that the Trump administration, committed to achieving lasting peace in the region, will respond appropriately to these actions, which serve only the interests of the so-called ‘Washington swamp.'”
The full letter has been sent to Secretary Rubio and key members of the U.S. Department of State.
