[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATING THE SUMGAIT POGROMS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2014

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the Sumgait pogroms. 
The Sumgait pogroms consisted of the murder of hundreds of Armenians, 
making it a particularly atrocious event in a long history of hostility 
against the Armenian people. I would like to recognize the anniversary 
of the Sumgait pogroms and remind all of us that it is our duty to act 
when a people are targeted with violence. Our commitment to remembering 
this injustice strengthens our determination to obtain peace.
  In 1988, hundreds of Armenians were brutally murdered, some of them 
burned alive and thrown from windows. Women and children were raped and 
maimed by Azerbaijani rioters. Apartments were robbed, shops 
demolished, and thousands of people became refugees. Despite Sumgait's 
proximity to Baku, police turned a blind eye to this dire situation, 
allowing the pogroms to go on for three days. And since that time, 
authorities in Azerbaijan have sought to erase all traces of these 
crimes. Yet, the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus is resolutely 
committed to ensure that those Armenians who lost their lives are not 
forgotten.
  I ask my colleagues to solemnly condemn all intimidations and acts of 
aggression against the Armenian people. The Congressional Armenian 
Issues Caucus will do its very best to ensure that basic rights to 
life, liberty and security are not violated. I also ask my colleagues 
to join me in calling upon the Azerbaijani government to acknowledge 
Ramil Safarov as a convicted murderer and immediately take action to 
bring him to justice for the murder that he committed against an 
innocent Armenian man.
  As co-chair and founder of the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus, 
I will continue to promote peace and security throughout the Caucasus 
region. I look forward to the day when the Armenian people never have 
to fear such attacks.

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