In a compelling appeal, international human rights lawyer Jared Genser has urged the Trump administration to honour its commitment to assist Armenian Christians, as recent negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan potentially overlook the plight of prisoners of war. He emphasised that any peace agreement should prioritise the release of these Armenian Christian POWs. Genser, renowned for his advocacy on behalf of the wrongfully imprisoned, pointed out the need for all prisoners’ release to be integral to moving forward with peace talks.
The recent peace agreement draft aims to conclude decades of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, yet both nations have hesitated to sign. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has shown interest in the pact but faces considerable disagreement regarding its terms. Genser highlighted the pressing situation of Ruben Vardanyan, who was detained following Azerbaijan’s blockade and has been deprived of spiritual support. This denial, he argues, signals systemic persecution rooted in his identity as a Christian.
Genser further detailed that Vardanyan confronts 42 charges before a military tribunal despite never being a soldier, coupled with a harrowing series of hunger strikes as a form of protest. Advocating for the broader context, Genser maintains that the quest for Vardanyan’s freedom aligns with addressing the war-related injustices that impact many Armenian prisoners.
The lawyer noted the significant campaign promise made by Donald Trump to support Armenian Christians and described the urgency for the new administration to act on behalf of these prisoners. A potential peace deal without ensuring the safety and freedom of POWs could lead to a dismal compromise, putting lives at risk.
Genser has urged caution regarding Aliyev’s demands related to the peace deal that jeopardise Armenian sovereignty and could provoke further conflict. The ongoing tensions between the countries, coupled with accusations of ceasefire violations, underline the unresolved issues fuelling hostilities. In response to inquiries about the situation, the State Department has confirmed their commitment to monitoring human rights in the region, stressing the importance of fair trials for anyone charged.
Ultimately, Genser believes that true peace will require comprehensive resolution to all pertinent issues, indicating that a partial peace agreement could spiral into renewed conflict, undermining stability and justice for those affected.
Jared Genser, an international human rights lawyer, calls on the Trump administration to prioritise the release of Armenian Christian POWs as a condition for any peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The recent peace agreement draft does not address these critical issues, risking further conflict. Genser’s advocacy emphasises the humanitarian plight of prisoners like Ruben Vardanyan and highlights the need for all relevant issues to be resolved for lasting peace.
In conclusion, the appeal from Jared Genser underscores the precarious situation for Armenian Christian POWs amidst ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The insistence on prioritising their release serves not only as a humanitarian plea but as a necessary condition for lasting peace. Without addressing these critical issues, the risk of future unrest remains prevalent, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive resolutions to prevent further hostilities.
Original Source: www.catholicnewsagency.com
