The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF MASSACRES AGAINST ARMENIANS IN
SUMGAIT
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the thirty-fourth anniversary of the Sumgait pogroms, which is known as one of the most violent anti-Armenian massacres orchestrated by Azerbaijan.
In February of 1988, the Armenian people of Nagorno Karabakh, more commonly known by its people and descendants as Artsakh, rose in peaceful protest to demand their right to self-determination. On February 27, 1988, civilians were subjected to violent riots and massacres, which lasted for three days. Many innocent civilians were injured, killed, and tortured; some managed to escape and survive while coping with the catastrophe they survived.
Unfazed by their oppression, the Armenian community remained strong and dedicated to preserving their self-determination toward a free-
democratic country, that would finally end their rule under the Soviet Union. The courage demonstrated by the people of Artsakh must never be forgotten.
Human rights violations cannot be ignored, and we must learn from our experiences to ensure basic human rights across the globe. In 2020, we saw the Azerbaijani government capture 25 Armenian soldiers and held them as prisoners of war. The fate of one prisoner remains unknown as of this date. The Azerbaijani government must be held accountable for its violent aggression against the Armenian people.
Today, the people of Artsakh continue to demonstrate strength and unity as they strive towards creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their sovereignty. As lawmakers, it's imperative that Congress continues to work with our counterparts to support a free, prosperous, and secure Armenia and hold Azerbaijan accountable.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the thousands of Armenian Americans living in my congressional district, I ask my colleagues to stand with the people of Artsakh in remembering the lives lost during this tragic event. May their memory serve as a reminder for each one of us to continue advocating for human rights and democracy around the globe.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 38
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up