[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAKU AND SUMGAIT POGROMS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2022

  Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, as the Representative of America's largest 
and oldest Armenian population, I rise today to commemorate the Baku 
and Sumgait Pogroms and to reaffirm that the U.S. stands on the side of 
democracy and peace--and that means standing with the Armenian people.
  Over 30 years ago, as the lines of the Soviet Union were fading, the 
people of Artsakh were united and voted for greater independence from 
Azerbaijan. But this peaceful movement for self-determination was 
followed by premeditated and government-sponsored attacks. Over the 
next two years, the Armenian population of Artsakh was repeatedly 
victim to brutal and racially motivated pogroms. Hundreds were 
murdered, and thousands were displaced in Baku, Sumgait and Kirovabad.
  These pogroms were a direct assault on the right of self-
determination in Artsakh, And it is an assault that is continuing 
today. In the fall of 2020, as the world was struggling to contain the 
corona virus pandemic, Azerbaijan launched yet another war of 
aggression against the peaceful people of Artsakh, destroying homes and 
villages and once again displacing thousands.
  This violence is unacceptable, which is why I immediately called for 
a cease fire and have called for an end to U.S. military assistance to 
Azerbaijan. We must also ensure the humanitarian needs of the Armenian 
people are being met, which is something I have pushed Samantha Power, 
the Administrator of USAID, to help us do.
  Having had the privilege of visiting Artsakh in October 2019, I've 
seen the pride of the people there and I know how strong they are. That 
is why I know that, just as their spirit could not be defeated after 
the Sumgait and Baku pogroms, it will not be defeated today.
  I am proud to stand with the Armenian people in their fight for 
democracy and human rights and stand united in rejecting the violence 
from Azerbaijan that has destroyed too many lives.

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