Open Letter to President Joe Biden and President-Elect Donald Trump on the Occasion of the 104th Anniversary of Woodrow Wilson’s Arbitral Award

Dear President Biden and President-Elect Trump:

We, the participants of the conference commemorating the 104th Anniversary of President Woodrow Wilson’s Arbitral Award on the Turkish-Armenian boundary, write to express our profound respect for the enduring principles of justice, international law, and humanitarian compassion embodied in President Wilson’s actions. On this significant occasion, we urge the leadership of the United States to reaffirm its commitment to the values that shaped this historic decision and to recognize its importance for regional stability and the future of U.S.-Armenian relations.

On November 22, 1920, President Wilson signed and sealed with the Great Seal of the United States the Arbitral Award delineating the boundary between Armenia and Turkey in accordance with the Paris Peace Conference request (April 26, 1920) and the Treaty of Sèvres (August 10, 1920). This decision was grounded in the principles of self-determination, fairness, and the protection of vulnerable populations. At a time when the Armenian people were recovering from the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide, Wilson’s intervention not only symbolized hope but also demonstrated the United States’ moral leadership on the global stage.

Wilson’s legacy extends beyond diplomacy. His leadership in supporting Near East Relief efforts saved hundreds of thousands of Armenian orphans and survivors of the genocide. These actions showcased America’s capacity for compassion and its ability to galvanize international efforts for humanitarian aid. Today, the descendants of those rescued Armenians stand as a testament to the enduring impact of U.S. leadership in times of crisis.

The Arbitral Award remains a cornerstone of international legal discourse, representing a commitment to resolving conflicts through legal means rather than force. In the context of the South Caucasus, the principles it enshrines are as relevant today as they were over a century ago. The region continues to face challenges stemming from unresolved disputes and historical injustices. Affirming the significance of the Arbitral Award can serve as a basis for promoting peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development.

We believe that the United States has a unique opportunity to lead by example, using its historical ties to Armenia and its moral legacy to promote stability and justice in the region. By acknowledging the enduring relevance of Wilson’s Arbitral Award, your leadership can reaffirm America’s dedication to a rules-based international order and its commitment to addressing historical injustices.

Furthermore, as the South Caucasus navigates a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, renewed U.S. engagement can help foster regional stability. Armenia, as a future resilient democracy, values its partnership with the United States and looks to it for continued support in building a prosperous and peaceful future. Recognizing the historical context of U.S.-Armenian relations and the moral precedent set by Wilson can serve as a foundation for deepening bilateral ties.

As we commemorate this landmark anniversary, we urge you, as leaders of the United States, to reaffirm the values embodied by President Wilson’s decision. Let us honor the legacy of a statesman who championed justice, saved countless lives, and laid the groundwork for enduring principles of international law. In doing so, we can contribute to a future where justice prevails, historical wounds heal, and nations work together for the common good.

With respect and hope,

Participants of the 104th Anniversary Conference of Woodrow Wilson’s Arbitral Award Dedicated to U.S.-Armenian Relations and Regional Peace

November 23, 2024, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia