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February 12, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 29 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

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RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAKU POGROMS; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 29
(Extensions of Remarks - February 12, 2020)

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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E176-E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAKU POGROMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th 
anniversary of the Baku Pogroms. These atrocities, in addition to

[[Page E177]]

pogroms committed in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Maraga, should never be 
forgotten. During this horrific period, the Armenian population of the 
former Soviet Azerbaijan were the victims of state-sponsored violence. 
These acts of violence paved the way for outright war against Nagorno-
Karabakh and decades of conflict. The legacy of this conflict persists 
today.
  The Soviet-sanctioned violence against the Armenian population in 
Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh earned strong condemnation from the 
United States Congress, which we are proud to uphold today. The 
systematic looting, maiming, and murder of Armenians permitted and 
encouraged by the Soviet Government remain a terrible stain on our 
world history. On this anniversary, it is vital that we recommit 
ourselves and United States policy to healing the pain caused by anti-
Armenian aggression.
  I urge the Trump Administration to support life-saving programs like 
demining assistance in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as officially 
recognize the Republic of Artsakh. It is past time to implement 
carefully crafted, bipartisan proposals to cement peace in the region. 
Only by doing so can we honor the memory of the countless victims of 
the anti-Armenian pogroms and their descendants. I am proud to stand 
with Armenians and Armenian-Americans on this solemn day.

                          ____________________