Swiss Peace Initiative Aims for Safe Return of Armenian Christians

U.S. Urged to Back Peace Efforts for Armenian Christians

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, there is a growing call for the United States to support initiatives that could reverse the expulsion of Armenian Christians from Nagorno-Karabakh. This region, once a vibrant home to over 100,000 Armenians, now finds its community scattered due to military actions by Azerbaijan.

John Eibner, president of Christian Solidarity International, alongside Swiss parliamentarians Erich Vontobel and Lukas Reimann, and former Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, convened in Washington to discuss this pressing issue. The session highlighted the Swiss peace initiative aimed at ensuring the safe return of displaced Armenians to their traditional homeland.

This initiative seeks to address the consequences of a September 2023 offensive by Azerbaijan, which followed a blockade that began in December 2022. The assault led to the displacement of a predominantly Armenian population from a region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan yet known as the Republic of Artsakh by Armenians.

The ‘Latest Stage’ of Historical Genocide

Speaking to media, Eibner emphasized the historical context of the Armenian plight, describing it as part of a “historical process of genocide” against Armenian Christians. He remarked, “It started in the late 19th century. Then there was the great Armenian genocide that basically emptied Turkey of Armenian Christians. This is the latest stage.”

He expressed hope that the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, would lend its support to the Swiss Peace Initiative. Eibner noted, “It doesn’t require military intervention,” but rather public support for neutral negotiations between the Azerbaijani government and the displaced Armenians.

International Political Dynamics

Oskanian addressed concerns about the U.S. government’s reluctance to take a robust stance against Azerbaijan, citing its strategic relationship with Turkey, a NATO member. He stressed that geopolitical alliances should not overshadow the moral imperative to support the displaced Armenians’ right of return, a principle enshrined in international law.

Oskanian stated, “This sends the wrong message and sets a very dangerous precedent, because the right of return is not a political concession.” He urged the U.S. to support the Swiss-led dialogue, which aims to facilitate a fair resolution in line with humanitarian principles.

Moving forward, both Eibner and Oskanian advocate for a neutral platform where all parties can engage in dialogue, emphasizing that the initiative is not about taking sides but about creating a space for peace and reconciliation.