Final NDAA Bill Calls for Immediate Release of All POWs

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomed language in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) calling for the immediate "release of all prisoners of war and captured civilians" unlawfully held by Azerbaijan.

The Bill requires a report regarding last Fall's war against the Armenian people launched by Azerbaijan with the full support of Turkey. The report must include: (1) "an assessment of the use of United States weapons systems or controlled technology that were employed;" (2) "a description of the foreign actors in the conflict," including "military activities" and efforts "to recruit or employ foreign fighters;" and (3) any violations of the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement "including the detention of prisoners of war."

The Bill also states that it is the sense of Congress that (1) the November 9th trilateral statement and obligations under international law be adhered to; (2) the importance of refraining from "the use of force and threats to use force;" and that (3) the United States should redouble its engagement "with the Minsk Group, to make clear the importance of adhering to these obligations and advance diplomatic progress."

"The language in the conferenced bill makes it clear that Azerbaijan must immediately release all POWs still held hostage," stated Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan. "The report will shed further light on Azerbaijan and Turkey’s aggression against the Armenian people," she added. "We appreciate the efforts and support of Members in the House and Senate who have been with us every step of the way," Khaloyan concluded.



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NR# 2021-106