On October 5, 2024, Azerbaijani Members of Parliament (MPs) sent a letter to Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, urging a reassessment of the country's relations with the United States. This call comes in response to perceived double standards and pressure from Washington, particularly following a letter from U.S. lawmakers to Secretary of State Antony Blinken dated October 3, 2024, which the MPs claimed contained racial discrimination against Azerbaijan and supported Armenia's militarization [8f4b5716].
The Azerbaijani MPs criticized what they view as the U.S.'s historical neglect of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage destruction, asserting that U.S. actions have laid the groundwork for renewed conflict by rejecting Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. They pointed to U.S. sanctions under Section 907 and the financial aid provided to Armenia, arguing that these actions escalate tensions in the region [8f4b5716].
In light of these developments, the MPs proposed withdrawing from defense agreements with the U.S. and suspending USAID activities in Azerbaijan. They emphasized that constructive relations require mutual effort and made it clear that Azerbaijan would not succumb to external pressure or threats [8f4b5716].
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of recent U.S. diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations in the South Caucasus, particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously reaffirmed support for Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity while advocating for normalization between the two countries [238a1d95].
As tensions rise, the U.S. continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its support for Armenia with the need to maintain constructive relations with Azerbaijan. The recent statements from Azerbaijani MPs reflect a growing frustration with U.S. policies that they perceive as biased against their national interests [8f4b5716].