[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 63 (Monday, May 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E718-E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCCUPATION OF SHUSHA IN AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2012

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, given the significance of this week to the 
U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship, it is important to commemorate 
the 20th Anniversary of the Occupation of Shusha in Azerbaijan. Shusha 
lies within the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and is another 
painful reminder of the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia 
in the region.
  Twenty years ago today, Armenian forces stormed the strategically 
important town of Shusha, which lies on a hill just over three miles 
away from the Nagorno-Karabakh capital of Stepanakert. The town was 
attacked at the break of dawn from three sides, trapping Azeri military 
units and civilians on their hilltop.
  For hours the town was shelled, killing and wounding thousands of 
men, women, and children, and the attacking forces have occupied it 
ever since.

[[Page E719]]

  As a result of this tragic incident, the rich history and culture of 
Shusha remains inaccessible to the Azeri people who are prohibited from 
visiting the ancient Azeri museums, religious sites, musical schools, 
and historical sites of their past.
  Despite four United Nations resolutions insisting that the Nagorno-
Karabakh region--and by extension, the town of Shusha--legally belongs 
to Azerbaijan, the region remains war-torn and steeped in conflict.
  Today we remember those who died defending their homeland and support 
those who are still affected, unable to return to the homes from which 
they were separated.
  My hope is that this anniversary will provide another opportunity to 
work together to ensure a peaceable, lasting resolution to the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict so that people from both nations will no longer 
suffer.

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