Adam Schiff Condemns Bono's Statement Excluding Sanctions Against Azerbaijan

U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff has composed a letter condemning the recent statements made by Senior Advisor of the U.S. Secretary of State regarding Caucasus negotiations. Luis Bono stated during his visit to the region on March 8 that "now is not the time for sanctions."

The Armenian National Committee of America reports that Adam Schiff is gathering signatures for a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives. The letter's authors and the Armenian National Committee condemn the U.S. official's exclusion of sanctions against Azerbaijan, which has been blockading 120,000 Armenians in Artsakh for three months. According to Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America, such a statement by the U.S. diplomat confirms that President Joe Biden's administration will not take concrete actions against Azerbaijan, allowing Ilham Aliyev to continue his anti-Armenian actions.

Schiff's letter specifically states: "We are deeply concerned by your comments during your trip that exclude the use of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Azerbaijan in response to their obvious aggression. It has been reported that you stated 'now is not the time for sanctions... that is not even on the table at this moment.' While 120,000 innocent people are deprived of their basic rights in Artsakh due to the blockade, which the International Court of Justice has ordered Azerbaijan to stop, now is not the time to exclude any tool."

The letter also notes that the U.S., the U.S. President, the State Department, and the entire administration must utilize all available tools to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh, including ceasing financial support to Azerbaijan and imposing sanctions against that country.