Democratic senators demand inquiry into alleged Turkish and Azerbaijani human rights abuses
Turkey has responded to some of the recent criticisms it has received from Democrats in Washington. The recent call from the Senate focuses Turkish support for Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia.
A group of Democratic senators is demanding the US government look into alleged human rights abuses committed by Turkey and its ally Azerbaijan. This comes amid increasing criticism of Turkey from Democrats as well as Azerbaijan’s ongoing war with Armenia.
On Thursday, Sens. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and several others introduced two resolutions for US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The resolutions, which are nonbinding, ask the top diplomat to conduct an inquiry into human rights abuses by Turkey and Azerbaijan, according to a press release.
The lawmakers passed the resolution in response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In late September, fighting broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the long-disputed territory, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but controlled by Armenia. Turkey backs Azerbaijan militarily and has historic, linguistic and cultural ties to the country.
“With full support from Turkey, Azerbaijan has attacked population centers, killing and wounding hundreds of civilians and driving more than half of Nagorno-Karabakh’s population from their homes,” the senators said.
