[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2330-2331]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH REGION OF AZERBAIJAN

  (Ms. CHU asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. CHU. This year marks the 25th anniversary of a critical turning 
point in the political freedom of the Armenian people of Azerbaijan. 
Let us take this occasion to remember their struggle for self-
determination and freedom.
  In 1988, the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan petitioned to 
become part of Armenia. For the next 2 years, the Armenian population 
was the target of racially motivated pogroms. Hundreds of Armenians 
were murdered and more wounded during three violent attacks in Sumgait, 
Kirovabad, and Baku.
  In 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh officially declared independence, becoming 
a democratic state committed to freedom and respect for human rights. 
But today, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are still forced to live 
under authoritarian rule. As we commemorate their century-long 
struggle, let us not forget their quest for autonomy and justice.

[[Page 2331]]



                          ____________________