Baku, July 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: A coalition of Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations has submitted a formal appeal to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing deep concern over a recent letter by a group of U.S. congressmen regarding Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories and the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Published by Europe Today, the appeal criticizes what it describes as a “hypocritical and one-sided approach” by certain U.S. lawmakers, accusing them of attempting to sabotage the delicate peace efforts in the South Caucasus. The signatories condemned statements made by the congressmen as inflammatory and unrepresentative of the ground realities in the region.
“The Azerbaijani public is outraged by the double standards and interference displayed by some American politicians who are far removed from the realities of the region,” the letter stated. “These actions only serve to obstruct the peace process and reignite tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
The NGOs pointed out that the most recent high-level meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders in Abu Dhabi had led to a consensus on the text of a peace agreement, and emphasized that external attempts to derail this progress are unacceptable.
The appeal further accused certain U.S. congressmen of being influenced by the Armenian lobby in Washington and of maintaining silence during decades of Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories, including the atrocities committed during the Khojaly genocide. The NGOs also referenced past anti-Azerbaijani activities by prominent figures such as Senator Bob Menendez and Congressman Adam Schiff, questioning their credibility and motives.
Highlighting the hostile reception given to Congressman Frank Pallone during his previous visit to Baku in 2023 — where he was met with public protests — the letter asserted that such figures have no legitimacy in speaking on behalf of regional peace or human rights.
In addition, the appeal underscored the right of return for Azerbaijanis displaced from Armenia, particularly from Western Azerbaijan, and reiterated the community’s willingness to engage in peaceful dialogue. It also condemned recent proposals by the Swiss Parliament that were seen as undermining regional peace and promoting revanchist agendas.
The letter concluded with an affirmation of Azerbaijani civil society’s trust in the Trump Administration’s constructive role in the South Caucasus peace process and called for a measured and balanced response from Secretary Rubio and U.S. leadership.
The appeal was signed by leading civil society representatives, including:
- Ramil Iskandarli – Chairman, Azerbaijan National NGO Forum
- Aziz Alakbarli – Chairman, Western Azerbaijan Community
- Amir Aliyev – Chairman, Center for the Promotion of Human Rights
- Fariz Khalilli – Chairman, “Miras” Public Union
- Umud Mirzayev – Chairman, International Eurasia Press Fund
- Zaur Ibrahimli – Chairman, “Priority” Social and Economic Research Center
- Irada Rzazada – Chairwoman, “For the Social Welfare of Citizens” Union
- Haji Abdulla – Chairman, “Zangezur” Societies Public Union
- Konul Behbudova – Chairwoman, “Karabakh Missing Families” Public Union
- Khatira Valiyeva – Chairwoman, “Khankendi” IDP Support Union
- Vugar Gadirov – Chairman, “Youth Organization for Return and Revival”
- Rey Karimoghlu – Chairman, “Association of Mine Victims in Azerbaijan”
The statement reflects a strong response from Azerbaijan’s civil society to perceived international bias and reiterates their commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of national sovereignty.
