BAKU – A contingent of Azerbaijani parliamentarians has approached Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov with a request to reassess the country’s diplomatic and defense relationships with the United States, citing perceived double standards and undue pressure.

According to Trend News Agency, the Azerbaijani MPs have expressed concerns in a letter that highlights various grievances, including what they describe as racial discrimination and slander in a recent communication from U.S. Senators and Representatives to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The MPs are advocating for a significant shift in foreign policy, including the cessation of defense cooperation and the suspension of all USAID projects within Azerbaijan.

The letter details several points of contention, accusing the United States of ignoring the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage by Armenians and failing to condemn Armenia’s militarization. It also criticizes the U.S. for its lack of support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, which the MPs argue promotes conflict rather than peace in the region.

Moreover, the Azerbaijani legislators condemn what they see as a longstanding U.S. bias, noting that despite Azerbaijan’s contributions to international security, including participation in NATO operations, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Azerbaijan but not Armenia. They assert that U.S. policy has overlooked serious issues such as the Khojaly genocide and the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenian forces.

The letter also mentions recent U.S. financial aid to Armenia for rearmament, which the MPs claim undermines the peace process and fuels regional instability. They argue that a meeting in Brussels on April 5, 2024, between U.S., EU, and Armenian officials further exacerbated tensions by seemingly encouraging Armenian military objectives.

In conclusion, the Azerbaijani MPs call for a review of bilateral agreements and question the future of cooperative efforts with the U.S., demanding a relationship built on mutual respect and effort. They emphasize that Azerbaijan is willing to maintain partnerships but not at the expense of national dignity and sovereignty.

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