[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 38 (Monday, March 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E236-E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ETHNIC ATTACKS AGAINST ARMENIANS IN SUMGAIT, 
                               AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TJ COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 4, 2019

  Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, February 27th marks the 31st 
anniversary of the ethnic attacks against Armenians in Sumgait, 
Azerbaijan. During these horrific pogroms, hundreds of Armenians were 
wounded or murdered, women and children were raped and even burned 
alive. Despite Sumgait's close proximity to Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, 
police and law enforcement stood by and allowed the persecution to 
continue on for three days.
  The violence was just the start of continued attacks against 
Armenians in Azerbaijan, resulting in a war with Nagorno-Karabakh where 
thousands of more were killed. To this day, the conflict in Azerbaijan 
remains and a military blockade of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic 
continues. Devastatingly, these pogroms have led to a huge refugee 
crisis, ultimately displacing thousands and eliminating the once-
significant Armenian population in Azerbaijan.
  The government of Azerbaijan has never been held accountable for 
these atrocities. Now more than ever these acts of murder must be 
condemned. As we mourn the loss of the innocent lives, we must be 
mindful of the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, the recurring 
incidents of hate rhetoric led by Azeri

[[Page E237]]

political leaders, and the continued military clashes along the border. 
Azerbaijan's leaders must commit to fruitful negotiations to bring 
lasting peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  Madam Speaker, I call upon my colleagues to join me in condemning 
this violence and injustice. We must learn from this atrocity and 
continue to advocate for the protection of human rights for the 
Armenian people, and for all. I'm committed to working with my 
colleagues on the Armenian Caucus to always remember the victims of the 
pogroms in Sumgait and to ensure this history never repeats itself.

                          ____________________