Key Takeaways:
– Former President Donald Trump criticizes Vice President Kamala Harris over her alleged inaction as Armenian Christians faced persecution in Azerbaijan.
– The crisis began when Azerbaijan invaded the Armenian-majority region of Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to a mass exodus.
– US firms BGR Government Affairs and Friedlander Consulting Group played crucial roles in advocating Azerbaijan’s interests following the offense.
– Lobbyists Mark Tavlarides and Ezra Friedlander, tied to the Democrats, worked for Azerbaijan during the crisis.
– Proposed legislation to penalize Azerbaijan for its actions is facing lobbying resistance.
Siege on Nagorno-Karabakh
In 2023, Azerbaijan invaded Nagorno-Karabakh, a region chiefly composed of Christian Armenians. This sudden offensive sent almost all 120,000 inhabitants fleeing in fear. As the crisis unfolded, a barrage of correspondence reached US lawmakers, primarily from Azerbaijan’s foreign agents. Their goal was simple – quell domestic backlash to the assault on Armenian Christians.
The Foot Soldiers: BGR and Friedlander
BGR Government Affairs and Friedlander Consulting Group have been busy promoting the interests of Azerbaijan. They’ve been sending countless emails, setting up meetings, and making phone calls. Both firms have leveraged their influence in forwarding Azerbaijan’s stronghold in the US political arena, intensifying their efforts after the offensive.
Ties to the Democratic Party
Interestingly, the key personnel of these lobbying firms have solid connections to the Democratic Party. Mark Tavlarides of BGR and Ezra Friedlander of Friedlander Consulting are no strangers within democratic circles.
Tavlarides has served under the Clinton administration and made significant donations to Democratic political committees. Likewise, Friedlander has a long-standing relationship with Democratic politics in New York City.
The Silence Facing Ethnic Cleansing
The persecution faced by the people of Nagorno-Karabakh sparked an outcry from prominent figures in the academic and political arenas. Notwithstanding, the US and the European Union have been accused of turning a blind eye to the suffering of Armenians.
Moreover, Friedlander’s firm began its public relations campaign for Azerbaijan just days after displacing ethnic Armenians was apparent. Their actions included facilitating meetings between key US policymakers and the Azerbaijani government.
Lawmakers have noted the rapid mass exodus out of Nagorno-Karabakh by Christian Armenians in the wake of Azerbaijan’s breach of the ceasefire agreement.
Attempts to Influence US Legislation
In an effort to neutralize criticism, Azerbaijani lobbyists have sought to influence lawmakers. For instance, after the proposal of a Senate resolution asking for aid for displaced Armenians and sanctions on Azerbaijan, Friedlander, acting as the Azerbaijani foreign agent, exhorted Senate offices to oppose the resolution.
The lobby has also manipulated narratives. Citing permission for Christmas celebrations in Azerbaijan, the lobbyists downplayed the religious persecution in Azerbaijan. However, the nation was given a zero score for religious freedom by Freedom House in 2023.
Lobbyists on a Mission
Efforts from lobbying firms extended beyond lawmakers. They also tried to influence the Biden administration’s response, particularly Tavlarides. He worked on modifying various legislative measures regarding Azerbaijan. These proposed changes would lead to continued US military assistance to Azerbaijan, despite its alleged human rights abuses.
Moreover, Azerbaijani lobbyists have sought to expand their influence network in Washington. Since leaving Congress, lobbyists have used their connections to provide exceptional representation to their clients.
States’ Rights Over Foreign Influence?
As this foreign involvement unfolds, many believe that “foreign governments don’t deserve a veto over US human rights policy,” as per the Armenian National Committee of America executive director, Aram Hamparian. Therefore, the situation warrants the resolute stance of the United States against the alleged ethnic cleansing witnessed in Nagorno-Karabakh.