WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is reporting that a broad array of members of Congress, from both the Senate and House, have issued statements condemning Azerbaijan and Turkey for their military offensive against the free and independent Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) – an attack which expanded to Armenia earlier today.
“The ANCA calls on the U.S. Congress to immediately take steps to cut all U.S. military aid to the Aliyev regime in Baku and enact broad and overwhelming military and economic sanctions on Turkey,” remarked ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “Aliyev’s Azerbaijan and Erdogan’s Turkey are the modern-day sick men of Eurasia – warmongering in the midst of a global COVID-19 pandemic,” added Hamparian.
“The fact is – not one U.S. Government dollar should be spent on Aliyev and Erdogan’s rabid and war-obsessed regimes in Baku and Ankara. American taxpayers must not be forced to subsidize Aliyev’s petro-dictatorship or support a NATO ally like Turkey using American warplanes to attack Armenia,” the ANCA Chairman emphasized.
In the first 48 hours after the attack, the ANCA and its supporters have sent over 100,000 letters to Capitol Hill and the White House calling for, among other key requests, the cutting of all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan. On Tuesday, the ANCA issued a nationwide call alert to Congress urging them to 1) Withdraw Presidential Authority to Waive Section 907, 2) Stop All U.S. Military Aid to Azerbaijan, 3) Sanction NATO “ally” Turkey.
Below is a sample of the Congressional statements made criticizing Azerbaijan and Turkey for their attacks on Artsakh.
“I strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno Karabakh, yet another act of aggression supported by Turkey. The Trump Administration should suspend security assistance to Azerbaijan and engage through the OSCE Minsk Group to bring about a ceasefire.”
— U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee
“I stand with Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey is emboldening Azerbaijan against Armenia with military aid & provocative statements that undermine mediation efforts. The US must support efforts to achieve peace in the region.”
— U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA)
“Armenians have a right to defend themselves when attacked. I am deeply concerned about the escalation of heavy fighting between Azerbaijani forces and Armenian troops in Nagorno-Karabakh. I urge restraint and steps to prevent further harm to civilians. President Trump must pursue an immediate cessation of hostilities and facilitate a peaceful settlement of the dispute. Additionally, all countries in the region should work to defuse this crisis and not seek to inflame tensions.”
— U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee
“In July, @SenatorMenendez & I called on the Trump Administration to suspend military assistance to Azerbaijan & I again encourage the administration to halt this assistance. Turkey is encouraging and enabling this violence in the region & must stop.”
— U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
“If reports that an Armenian fighter was shot down by Turkey are true, this is a dangerous escalation. The U.S. should do everything in our power to stop the violence. We must oppose aggressive measures in Nagorno-Karabakh and push for peace.”
— Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA)
“I stand in support of the people of Armenia in light of the recent disturbing acts of aggression taken by Azerbaijan along the Armenian border. This senseless violence puts the lives of innocent civilians at risk. De-escalatory steps must be taken to prevent further loss of life. I urge a dedication toward a diplomatic approach to prevent any further violence.”
— Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
“It is time for the U.S. to stop funding Azerbaijan’s violence against Armenians. Sunday’s early morning assault by Azerbaijan on the people of Nagorno Karabakh was just the latest instance this summer of unprovoked Azeri aggression which has now led to at least 30 deaths and over 100 injured. My heart breaks for the innocent people of Nagorno Karabakh who are being terrorized by these attacks, and especially for those who have lost loved ones. But the U.S. can do so much more than simply watch from the sidelines. We have a role to play in ending this conflict. “The U.S. must end security assistance to Azerbaijan until they agree to a cease-fire and commit to upholding it. Under this President, U.S. aid to Azerbaijan has increased from about $3 million in 2016-17 to about $100 million in 2018-19. This massive amount of funding has enabled Azerbaijan to free up other resources to attack Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, as we have seen repeatedly this summer. That is why, in addition to calling for a suspension of security assistance to Azerbaijan, I also included language in the FY2020 House-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which would enforce the Royce-Engel peace proposals, including the use of shot locators, an increase in international observers, and the non-deployment of snipers, heavy arms, and new weaponry along the line of contact. To my great disappointment, however, this language was removed by the Senate, and now we are seeing the consequences. Azerbaijan, with Turkey’s assistance, is able to both attack the people of Nagorno Karabakh and deny their own responsibility. This aggression cannot continue. The Royce-Engel proposals can save lives and moreover, can prevent Azerbaijan from denying their own responsibility in this conflict. That is why the U.S. should immediately put pressure on Azerbaijan to accept these proposals by withholding security assistance. And our State Department must step in to save lives by calling upon Azerbaijan to cease all offensive uses of force, and must also warn Turkey against sending arms or fighters to contribute to Azerbaijan’s aggression.”
— Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA)
“Early this morning, Azerbaijani armed forces launched an air-to-surface missile strike along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh, targeting peaceful settlements and residents, including the capital Stepanakert. This is a continuation of military aggression against the northern border of Armenia which started in July of 2020, when Azerbaijani authorities threatened to fine a rocket at the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant near Yerevan, Armenia. This morning’s attack once again shows Azerbaijan’s blatant disregard of international law. The recent actions of Turkey’s President and Defense Minister in referring to Azeri soldiers as martyrs, speaking in religious and nationalist terms about the support Ankara could give and warning Armenia not to “play with fire” are troublesome. I strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s aggression towards Armenians and its repeated escalation of hostilities against Nagorno Karabakh.”
— Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI)
“Azerbaijan’s unprovoked and ongoing attacks on Artsakh are reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. These acts of aggression have already claimed lives and come just two months after violating its cease-fire with Armenia. The United States should suspend all military aid to Azerbaijan and work with the other members of the Minsk Group to restore peace and stability.”
— Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA)
“Azerbaijan has made it clear it does not respect the ceasefire agreement as it continues to choose violence over progress towards peace,” said Costa. “Azerbaijan has continued to fuel this fire by failing to recognize the sovereignty of the Republic of Artsakh, while Turkey has helped enable this aggression. I condemn the actions taken by Azerbaijan and stand ready to support the Armenian people. I call upon all parties to return to the negotiating table to reach a peaceful solution.”
— Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA)
“Azerbaijan’s baseless attacks on the capital of Artsakh have already taken lives. This aggression proves yet again that the US must stop all military aid to Baku. We must stand in solidarity with the Armenian communities in Artsakh and condemn Azerbaijan’s hostility in the strongest possible terms.”
— Congressman T.J. Cox (D-CA)
“I condemn the Azeri attacks on Artsakh & call for an immediate end to the violence. Also, Turkey must halt all support & enabling of the Azeri offensive. The U.S. must work with our partners in the Minsk Group to develop a ceasefire that provides for lasting peace in the region.”
— Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO)
“I am deeply concerned and alarmed by the escalating violence and tragic loss of life in Nagorno-Karabakh. I call on leaders in Azerbaijan and Armenia to take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation, end hostilities, and refrain from seizing territory across the line of contact. Each country must renew its commitment to OSCE Minsk Group process. Dialogue, not violence, is the only way to bring a comprehensive and enduring peace to the region. In addition, the influence of external actors such as Turkey recklessly meddling in the conflict is troubling. The international community must remain committed to the peace process. As a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States should not tolerate Turkey disrupting the peace process and exacerbating a conflict already careening toward drastic escalation.”
— Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY)
U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman
“I condemn Azerbaijan’s reckless military attacks in the region. Azerbaijan should be held accountable for its aggressive actions which undermine peace. As Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the U.S. must take the lead in forging a ceasefire and preventing conflict before this dangerous situation escalates any further.”
— Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
“It’s reported this morning Azerbaijan forces conducted assaults in Nagorno-Karabakh reigniting conflict. The developments are concerning as they threaten stability in the region. I urge a cessation of offensive operations endangering civilians & withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces.”
— Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI)
“I am deeply troubled by the outbreak in hostilities and the tragic loss of life in Nagorno-Karabakh. Concrete steps must be taken to de-escalate the situation & resume negotiations between Armenia & Azerbaijan. This conflict must be resolved through dialogue, not violence.”
— Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI)
“I condemn Azerbaijan’s reckless military attacks against Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan must de-escalate the situation & restore the ceasefire. And most importantly, the US must work with Azerbaijan and Armenia to resume peace negotiations.”
— Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV)
“I strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s military attacks on Nagorno Karabakh. It is imperative that the Trump Administration halt military assistance to Azerbaijan and work through the OSCE Minsk group to get Baku back to the peace table.”
— Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
“The Armenians have had that [Nagorno Karabakh] for a long time, going back thousands of years. Azerbaijanis have a claim to it, but as I think most people around here in this region know that Western Armenia is gone, it’s a part of Turkey now, so this is one of those small areas on the eastern side on the other side of Armenia that’s been at conflict now for many many years, but over the weekend it looks like the Turks, you know, a NATO ally no less, but it looks like they’re up to some shenanigans causing the Azerbaijanis and the Armenians into a conflict.”
— Congressman Devin Nunes (R-CA), speaking on the Ray Appleton Radio Show
Ranking Republican, House Intelligence Committee
“For months, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have increased their use of combative rhetoric and provocative actions toward Artsakh and Armenia. The Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues has consistently urged assertive action from the Department of State to deescalate this dangerous situation and hold the aggressors – Azerbaijan and Turkey – accountable for their destabilizing actions. The United States has an important role to play in stopping this violence, and we must act quickly and decisively to halt this belligerent display of aggression and hold the aggressors – Azerbaijan and Turkey – accountable for their destabilizing actions.”
— Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair
“This weekend’s attacks on the border of Artsakh and Azerbaijan are a dangerous and tragic escalation. Aggression by Azerbaijan, and backed by Turkey, is unacceptable. Such action is counter to the shared interest of peace and security in the Caucuses. I urge the State Department to work with other members of the Minsk Group to immediately de-escalate the conflict and prevent further loss of life. The US must continue to work with our allies to ensure stability in the region.”
— Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
“Overnight, Azerbaijan launched the largest attack in years on Artsakh, and early reports suggest there have been significant casualties. The United States must urgently work with other members of the Minsk Group to restore peace and prevent any further escalation which will endanger more lives. This attack comes just months after a serious military exchange with Armenia along the international border. The aggression by Azerbaijan represents the failure of a policy of false equivalence that has looked the other way from Azerbaijan’s bellicose rhetoric and constant attacks. I have introduced legislation that would require U.S. intelligence agencies to assess who initiated this and other skirmishes, a necessary step to hold Azerbaijan accountable.”
— Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Chairman, House Intelligence Committee
“At this sacred time for my family and co-religionists, I’m troubled by the recent Azeri attacks on Artsakh. We must condemn this aggression and urge Baku to cease offensive military action and return to the peace table. We should halt military aid to Azerbaijan and urge Turkey to abstain from sending arms or fighters.”
— Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)
“I condemn Azerbaijani attacks on Nagorno Karabakh and Turkey’s support for this aggression. The U.S. must lead diplomatic efforts through the OSCE Minsk Group and urge Turkey to stop sending arms and fighters to Azerbaijan.”
— Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV)
“The news of three consecutive days of Azerbaijani aggression in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is extremely troubling. Reports that Turkey is further fanning the flames of this conflict that has already killed dozens and woulded hundreds more is infuriating. The State Department must intervene in a serious way to save lives and put an immediate end to the violence.”
— Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA)
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Armenia is a small Christian Nation that is surrounded by Moslem countries like the Azeris and Turks who wish to ethnically cleanse all of the Caucus region! I pray that peace will be restored and a ceasefire will be achieved! Nationalism and religious persecution are the reasons for this conflict! I can only hope that some nations can bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution! If not only death and destruction will become more deadly! If only people would practice religious toleration and not resort to violence upon other people’s! It is an all together common theme throughout Armenia’s long history of persecution and subjugation from their Moslem neighbors! Armenia needs help or we will have a repeat of the 1915 Armenian Genocide!
Some congressman they like to make money ,they talk , they give good speech . No one cares about Armenia & Armenian Genocide. Some of them don’t know history ,geography , like to see like president Wilson,& John Kennedy real historían , Geopolitidion
Armenians where they live , any country what fancy cars or beautiful houses you own it’s not yours ,. We suppose to support & help with donations our blood to our country then we accomplish our real dream,wake up young Armenian youths !
Where is Ilhan Omar, the known genocide denier who is currently under investigation for ballot harvesting?
She was supposedly a prized addition to the Armenian Caucus
https://en.armradio.am/2020/08/26/rep-ilhan-omar-joins-congressional-armenian-caucus/
Omar only joined the Armenian Caucus to garner a unified vote with her fellow (and sister) Democrats, who finally recognized the Armenian Genocide as another plot to take down (destroy) the Trump administration.
Ilhan Omar is a disgrace. She had a meeting with Erdogan, not long before she voted Present, in effect voting against an American acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide, as a genocide.
“Armenia is a small Christian Nation that is surrounded by Moslem countries like the Azeris and Turks who wish to ethnically cleanse all of the Caucasus region.”
But yet, these two Moslem countries of Azerbaijan and Turkey do not wish to ethnically cleanse Georgia, which also happens to be a Christian country. In fact, the two of them happen to have very good relations with Georgia, who was helped by Turkey in persuading Stalin to give away the Armenian province of Javakhk to the Georgians. Therefore, Christianity cannot possibly be the reason why the Turks and Azerbaijanis wish to wipe out the Armenians from the South Caucasus. The reason, has to do with ethnicity. They want to destroy the Armenian culture once and for all, and grab what’s remaining of the Armenian homeland. As a result of accomplishing this, it would finally enable Turkey and Azerbaijan to be connected to one another. That’s the reason for this conflict!
“I can only hope that some nations can bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution!”
Are you serious? How? Those three Christian countries from the OSCE (Russia, France, and the USA) have done a terrible job of bringing this conflict to a peaceful resolution, by continuously attempting to persuade Armenia to give up and return our liberated Artsakh lands to the Azerbaijanis.
“I pray that peace will be restored and a ceasefire will be achieved!”
Why would you pray for something like that? Where’s the logic in accepting a “cease-fire” with Azerbaijan? It would indeed be another failure for Armenia and Artsakh. Without losing any territory, the Azerbaijanis will simply regroup and continue on with their skirmishes until they feel confident enough to launch another all-out terrorist attack. Therefore, if the leaders of Artsakh and Armenia (Harutyunyan and Pashinyan) are at least a little bit smart, they will never accept any kind of “cease-fire” from Azerbaijan (as it eventually begins to feel weakened, discouraged from fighting a more powerful Armenian enemy, and therefore starting to move backward in its own territory) and instead, will have their military forces advance towards Baku, while grabbing as much territory as possible (there still remain several Armenian lands in the possession of the Azerbaijanis, which need to be liberated); and along the way, destroying Azerbaijan’s oil pipelines, which would severely damage its economy. After that, the Azerbaijanis will be in no position to put up any kind of fight against the Armenians. Therefore, as a result of those remaining Armenian lands (northeastern and eastern Artsakh) being liberated, combined with a heavily damaged Azerbaijan, this would finally be the end of Azerbaijan’s campaign of terrorism against Artsakh and Armenia.
Peace will finally be restored as soon as the Armenian military forces arrive in Baku, in front of Ilham Aliyev’s mansion, and either capture or kill him.
I like to see Artsakh (Nogorno karabakh ) Comandoes to blow azerbaijanis piplines & gas pipelines ,Dams ,Ganga city , We’re son of General Andranig (pasha) ,Karekin Njdeh , Tehlerian. (History will repeat again), Wake up Armenians!!!
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate need to ‘step up to the plate’ and stand with and advocate for the Armenians of Artsakh. Turkey is no longer our ally anyway, especially PM Erdogan. It is difficult for Americans to fathom that since 500 BC Armenians were the prominent people group residing in Artsakh, not the Azeris.
Only since 1922 has there been an Azerbaijan per se, and the people of Azerbaijan were mostly Russian-speaking ethnically Turkish-Azeri, Armenians, Jews, Georgians, and Farsi-speaking Iranians.
Generations of Azeri lived under atheistic communist rule, so their hatred toward the Armenians was likely more of socio-political nature than a religious one due to Islamic beliefs.
The Turks are up to their old shenanigans. They used the cover of WW 1 to carry out the Armenian Genocide. Now they are using the cover of a global pandemic to try and complete the job.
And using the US pre-election chaos as well to make their moves, knowing Americans will be too preoccupied with their own problems to intervene significantly in Karabagh
Why is NATO member Turkey aiding and abetting Azerbaijan? The crimes of one NATO member bind all NATO members, silence is complicity.
Because Europe is weak and has always assumed the position for Turkey just like they did during the Armenian genocide, the release of Ramil Safarov and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
Just look at some of the statistics of Turks living in Europe , which should give you an indication of how much Europe is in love with Turks:
France: 1 million Turks
Germany: 2.7 million Turks
U.K.: 500,000
Austria: 200,000
Switzerland: 120,000
Sweden: 100,000
Denmark: 63,000
Members of Congress, should also be blasting Israel for being an accomplice to Azerbaijan’s terrorist attacks against the Armenians. However, that will certainly never happen, and we all know the reason why.
http://www.asbarez.com/197229/azerbaijani-cargo-planes-flying-in-and-out-of-israeli-airbase/
“The Russian-Israeli blogger, Alexander Lapshin, quoted Israeli politician, Roman Bronfman, on Monday as saying Israel was shipping arms to Azerbaijan.”
“Lapshin explained that since Sunday, Israel was marking Yom Kippur-the holiest Jewish holiday-when commonly all transportation is virtually suspended in Israel, TV and Radio broadcasts are halted and entertainment centers are shut down.”
“‘But even during Yom Kippur, yesterday and overnight, the Azerbaijani Silk Way airline planes were landing and taking-off at the Ovda airbase in south Israel, bringing death to the peaceful residents of Artsakh,’ Lapshin said, citing Bronfman.”
Israel, is certainly wasting no time in joining Turkey to provide Azerbaijan with lots of highly sophisticated military weapons to be used against the Armenians.
Trump has one chance and one chance only to take concrete ACTION before the election… if not he will lose every Armenian American vote, many of whom support him and many are in the swing states he so desperately needs. EVERYONE reading this needs to write to whitehouse.gov and State and tell them exactly this! DO IT!