Senator Edward Markey, representing Massachusetts, has urged the US and the international community to utilize all resources, including this year’s COP29, to secure the release of unlawfully detained Armenian hostages and prisoners by the Aliyev regime.
During his speech, he highlighted Azerbaijan’s mistreatment of Armenian prisoners of war and political detainees, including former officials like Ruben Vardanyan. The senator emphasized the need for political prisoners’ release as a precondition for any peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Markey condemned Azerbaijan’s human rights violations and called for accountability. He urged Congress and the White House to prioritize the release of Armenian prisoners and ensure the protection of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians in ongoing peace talks.
He also criticized Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, stating that a country violating human rights should not be rewarded with the privilege of hosting an international event. Markey appealed for global attention on the plight of political prisoners in Azerbaijan and called for their release before the climate summit.
The senator’s passionate plea for justice and accountability serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights on the international stage.