[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF MASSACRES AGAINST ARMENIANS IN 
                                SUMGAIT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2022

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the thirty-fourth 
anniversary of the Sumgait pogroms, which is known as one of the most 
violent anti-Armenian massacres orchestrated by Azerbaijan.
  In February of 1988, the Armenian people of Nagorno Karabakh, more 
commonly known by its people and descendants as Artsakh, rose in 
peaceful protest to demand their right to self-determination. On 
February 27, 1988, civilians were subjected to violent riots and 
massacres, which lasted for three days. Many innocent civilians were 
injured, killed, and tortured; some managed to escape and survive while 
coping with the catastrophe they survived.
  Unfazed by their oppression, the Armenian community remained strong 
and dedicated to preserving their self-determination toward a free-
democratic country, that would finally end their rule under the Soviet 
Union. The courage demonstrated by the people of Artsakh must never be 
forgotten.
  Human rights violations cannot be ignored, and we must learn from our 
experiences to ensure basic human rights across the globe. In 2020, we 
saw the Azerbaijani government capture 25 Armenian soldiers and held 
them as prisoners of war. The fate of one prisoner remains unknown as 
of this date. The Azerbaijani government must be held accountable for 
its violent aggression against the Armenian people.
  Today, the people of Artsakh continue to demonstrate strength and 
unity as they strive towards creating a better tomorrow for themselves 
and their sovereignty. As lawmakers, it's imperative that Congress 
continues to work with our counterparts to support a free, prosperous, 
and secure Armenia and hold Azerbaijan accountable.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the thousands of Armenian Americans 
living in my congressional district, I ask my colleagues to stand with 
the people of Artsakh in remembering the lives lost during this tragic 
event. May their memory serve as a reminder for each one of us to 
continue advocating for human rights and democracy around the globe.

                          ____________________