[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   SUPPORT FOR THE CIRCASSIAN PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2014

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concerns 
regarding the Sochi Olympics. A number of issues have been raised 
regarding the misguided decision to host the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, 
from LGBT rights to the real threat of terrorism. However, I would like 
to discuss an issue which has not received the same level of attention: 
the historical mistreatment of the Circassian people by Russia.
  The Circassians are an ethnic group originating in the North Caucasus 
region. Sochi is located in the historical nation of Circassia, which 
was conquered by the Russian Empire in a series of wars during the 18th 
and 19th centuries. In fact, Sochi served as the last capitol of 
Circassia.
  Following their defeat in 1864, 90 percent of the Circassian 
population was forcibly deported or killed and Circassia was annexed by 
Russia. Hundreds of thousands of Circassians were exiled from their 
homeland, never to return.
  Millions of Circassians are now spread around the world in diaspora 
communities, while only about 700,000 Circassians remain within their 
ancestral homeland, now a part of the Russian Federation.
  Given this history, it is deeply disrespectful to the Circassian 
community for the Russian government to use Sochi as a stage to promote 
themselves to the world. Although I condemn the decision to hold the 
Olympics in Sochi, this year's Winter Olympics present the opportunity 
to raise the world's awareness of the historical injustices perpetrated 
by Russia against the Circassian people and homeland.
  Today, Circassians worldwide strive to achieve the right of return to 
their homeland, and seek to gain self-determination and a revival of 
their language and culture. I am proud to represent a large and active 
Circassian-American community within New Jersey's Ninth Congressional 
District.
  Colleagues, I urge you to join me in condemning the Sochi Olympics 
and celebrating the contributions of the Circassian people to the 
United States of America.

                          ____________________