Representatives of Azerbaijan’s civil society address open letter to U.S. Vice President JD Vance

Representatives of Azerbaijan’s civil society have addressed an open letter to Vice President of the United States of America JD Vance.

“Dear Mr. Vice President,

We write to you as representatives of a nation that has, for centuries, served as a bridge between civilizations. This is a land where the call to prayer and the ringing of church bells harmonize in a spirit of true coexistence. Azerbaijan remains steadfast in its commitment to the spiritual and traditional values that form the bedrock of any stable society: the sanctity of the family, the preservation of heritage, and the protection of religious freedom.

In light of the current U.S. Administration’s firm commitment to religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, we are proud to highlight Azerbaijan’s enduring legacy as a model of interfaith harmony and tolerance. Our nation’s relationship with the Christian world is not merely diplomatic, but deeply cultural. Azerbaijan has historically invested in the protection of diverse religious heritage, including the extensive renovation of Christian churches and sacred sites in Vatican. We take immense pride in our blossoming ties with the Holy See and the growing presence of diverse Christian denominations within our borders. From the flourishing activities of the Catholic community to the recent establishment of the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” in Baku, Azerbaijan continues to expand the space for faith to thrive. Our commitment is further evidenced by the ongoing construction of a second Catholic church in our capital which is a testament to our belief that a society is strengthened by its religious diversity.

However, the path to our current peace has been marked by profound loss. We must remember the historical injustice faced by Western Azerbaijanis who, since 1987, were forcibly uprooted from their ancestral lands in Armenia.

Hundreds of villages were emptied, homes looted, and sacred sites, including the historic Blue Mosque in Yerevan, were desecrated or had their identities erased.

Despite decades of integration within Azerbaijan, the longing to visit ancestral graves and restore ruined homes remains a peaceful, humanitarian heartbeat within our people.

Western Azerbaijanis harbor no territorial ambitions. Their goal is not to challenge sovereignty of Armenia, but to exercise the fundamental human right to return to one's roots in peace and dignity.

We stand at a historic crossroads. The Joint Declaration signed on August 8, 2025, in Washington, serves as a beacon of hope. We fully endorse the vision shared by President Ilham Aliyev and US President Donald Trump to replace decades of discord with a future defined by trade, security, and mutual respect.

Mr. Vice President,

We ask for your support in advocating for the right of return and preservation of the cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis expelled from the Republic of Armenia in early 90s.

Your support for the peaceful return of Western Azerbaijanis to their historical homelands and restoration of destroyed religious and cultural heritage sites of Azerbaijani people in Armenia can be a significant step forward in the right direction.

Furthermore, we believe a truly comprehensive peace must address the right of return for Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands in Armenia. While the Western Azerbaijan Community seeks a constructive dialogue regarding a peaceful return, these efforts have yet to be reciprocated. Ultimately, a just and lasting peace must include the reconciliation and safe return of these individuals to their original homes.

Your leadership and moral clarity can ensure that the "Peace of 2025" becomes a permanent reality for every family in the Caucasus."