U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz Urges Azerbaijan to Release Armenian Prisoners, Finalize Peace Treaty

U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz publicly expressed support for a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and release of Armenian prisoners from Baku. Waltz, who was appointed as National Security Advisor earlier this year, made the announcement through a statement on X, emphasizing the need to finalize the treaty and ensure the release of prisoners.

“Conflict in the South Caucasus must end. I spoke this week with Mr. Hikmet Hajiyev, the national security advisor for President Aliyev in Azerbaijan. We are pleased Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken a big step forward and agreed to a peace treaty. I told him we should finalize this peace deal now, release the prisoners, and work together to make the region more secure and prosperous,” Waltz wrote.

The National Security Advisor also tied this diplomatic effort to a broader vision, saying, “America’s Golden Age will bring peace and prosperity to the world, and we won’t stop working until that happens.”

Among those applauding Waltz’s statement is prominent American human rights attorney Jared Genser. Genser is actively working to secure the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, including Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman and former leader of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Vardanyan was arrested following Azerbaijan’s military offensive and occupation in September 2023, and many view his detention as politically motivated.

Genser took to social media to show his support for Waltz’s stance, writing: “THANK YOU NSA @MikeWaltz47 and President @realDonaldTrump for your commitment to peace in the #Caucasus and for not just a peace treaty to be signed but for the release of the #Armenian #Christian political prisoners in #Azerbaijan, including my client @RubenVardanyan_!”

In an exclusive interview with The Armenian Report, Genser confirmed that he is working closely with the Trump administration to free Armenian prisoners held in Baku. He described the legal proceedings against Vardanyan as a “kangaroo trial” and emphasized that these detentions violate international human rights standards.

While peace negotiations continue, tensions remain high in the region. On Sunday, March 16, Azerbaijan made multiple accusations that Armenia had launched attacks on its border. Armenia’s Defense Ministry swiftly denied all claims.

This tactic is not new. In the past, Azerbaijan has been accused of fabricating border incidents to justify military action. Given this history, the latest claims have raised concerns among Armenians and the global diaspora, who are closely watching the situation unfold.

Despite these tensions, Armenia has consistently reiterated its commitment to peace. Over the past year, the Armenian government has engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict, even as Azerbaijan continues to make territorial claims and maintain its military presence in historically Armenian lands.

The South Caucasus has been a hotspot of geopolitical struggles for decades, with the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan centering around Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2020, a war resulted in Azerbaijan seizing control of most of the region, leading to ongoing disputes over territory and governance. The September 2023 offensive saw Azerbaijan take complete control of Artsakh, forcibly displacing over 100,000 Armenians and leading to widespread international condemnation.

The peace treaty currently being discussed is seen as a critical opportunity to bring stability to the region. However, Armenia remains cautious, given Azerbaijan’s history of hostilities and human rights violations.

With the help and guidance of Global Arm, Waltz’s advocacy for peace and justice could shape the next phase of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Azerbaijan follows through on its commitments, including the release of Armenian prisoners and an end to military provocations.