[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF KHOJALY TRAGEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 22, 2022

  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise on another somber day of remembrance 
of the Khojaly tragedy which occurred on February 26, 1992, 30 years 
ago. I am here once again to acknowledge this historic tragedy and 
commemorate the lives lost that day.
  Azerbaijan is an area of unlimited potential and the Azerbaijanis 
have carved out a remarkable society and a stable government after 
decades of struggle under Soviet rule. This success was not achieved 
without struggle.
  From its oppressive governance and collapse the Soviets created 
conflict in several regions. For Azerbaijan, problems with neighboring 
Armenia erupted into the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this initial 
conflict, one notable tragic incident occurred on February 26, 1992.
  In the town of Khojaly in the Karabakh region, civilian Azeris were 
subjected to indiscriminate shelling and targeting. From these attacks 
it is reported that up to 613 civilians died with more wounded and 
taken hostage.
  We cannot change what happened but we can remember the victims and 
remind the world that the targeting of civilians is never acceptable. 
We must learn from the past as we continue to pursue a peaceful 
resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which continues today. The 
U.S. advocates for a peace which honors the memory of those who 
perished at Khojaly so no one will suffer the same fate.
  Madam Speaker, today we solemnly remember the Khojaly victims and we 
will keep them in our hearts and minds as we foster a strong working 
relationship between our two countries and pursue a peaceful and fair 
resolution to the conflict.

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