Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I, has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to personally intervene for the immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and political detainees.

He reminded Trump of his campaign statements in which he condemned the oppression, ethnic cleansing, and forced displacement of the people of Artsakh, while also affirming their right to return.

Aram I emphasized that Azerbaijan has unlawfully imprisoned Artsakh’s political and military leaders, including former presidents, prime ministers, and other high-ranking officials, through closed-door trials without international observers or fair legal proceedings.

"The Armenian people would greatly appreciate Trump's intervention in calling on [Azerbaijani President] Aliyev to immediately and unconditionally release the prisoners. Such a step would contribute to the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, create favorable conditions for the return of Artsakh Armenians, and demonstrate Trump's commitment to peace,"** the letter stated.

In early November 2024, during the campaign period, Trump and Aram I held a phone conversation in which Trump expressed his full support for Artsakh and a lasting peace in the region.

On the final day of Aram I’s pastoral visit to the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, two high-ranking representatives of Trump met him in Detroit, relaying Trump's greetings and his willingness to establish direct contact.