In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Armenian Assembly of America called for urgent U.S. engagement to secure the release of all Armenian prisoners held by Azerbaijan, including the political leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Assembly emphasized that the continued detention of these individuals is incompatible with international law and human rights standards, warning that no genuine peace in the region can be achieved while hostages remain behind bars. “These detentions stand in direct opposition to the principles of international law and human rights,” the letter stated, calling on the United States to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure their freedom. The political leaders of Nagorno Karabakh have been held in Azerbaijani custody since the 2023 military offensive and mass displacement of the region’s Armenian population. The Assembly described the situation as a grave humanitarian concern and urged the U.S. government to prioritize this issue in ongoing peace discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. While the Assembly welcomed recent remarks by President Donald J. Trump suggesting peace may be within reach, it stressed that true reconciliation requires addressing core issues – chief among them, the release of prisoners and political detainees. Signed by Assembly Co-Chairs Oscar Tatosian and Talin Yacoubian, the letter reiterates the Armenian-American community’s readiness to support the U.S. in advancing regional peace, justice, and human rights.