Pallone to Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Artsakh’s Right to Self-Determination
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) speaks during a news conference discussing H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, on Capitol Hill on October 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. The bill aims to end the ban on Medicare negotiating directly with drug companies, and reinvest in innovation medical treatment. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), joined by a bipartisan group of 30 Members of the House of Representatives, will introduce a resolution supporting the Republic of Artsakh, recognizing its right to self-determination, and condemning Azerbaijan and Turkey for aggression.
The resolution focuses on the ongoing conflict raging in the South Caucuses after Azerbaijani and Turkish forces broke a long-standing ceasefire and invaded Artsakh on September 27. These ruthless attacks have led to the deaths of hundreds of soldiers and dozens of civilians in Artsakh and to the displacement of roughly half of its population. This is a direct result of Azerbaijan’s confirmed use of hired mercenaries from Syria on the front lines, lethal drone strikes, and indiscriminate shelling – including the confirmed use of cluster munitions – against major population centers in an effort to force a quick surrender. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and Turkey have declared on multiple occasions that they are unwilling to come back to the negotiating table under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Minsk Group, which is co-chaired by the U.S., France, and Russia.
“It is incredibly important for the House of Representatives to send a strong message of support for Artsakh and its people’s bid for independence, especially on the eve of important meetings between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers and Secretary of State Pompeo,” said Pallone. “The international community has folded to Azerbaijani and Turkish pressure for too long, ignoring their constant bombastic rhetoric and their blatant military buildup over the years. As this bloody conflict continues, we believe now is the time to finally acknowledge Artsakh’s legitimate claims to independence on the world stage and grant formal recognition of their people’s right to self-determination.
“This resolution reflects the ongoing situation in the South Caucuses and takes a significant step in demonstrating Congressional support for the people of Artsakh during this difficult time. The United States must remain committed to immediately halting the ongoing fighting in Artsakh. In the process, we must also take bold steps toward holding Azerbaijan and Turkey accountable for their aggressions and toward producing a permanent solution that resolves Artsakh’s status and security issues. The introduction of this resolution helps us along that path.”
“Armenian Americans applaud the leadership of the Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs and the supporters of this timely resolution for showing the world that, even in uncertain times, Americans stand with democracies like Armenia who are under attack because they are a free society. The U.S. and other western democracies must defend Armenia and Artsakh from falling to the forces of evil.” stated Armenian Council of America Washington D.C. Representative Taniel Koushakjian.
Current list of 30 cosponsors includes: Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Jackie Speier (CA-12) ), James P. McGovern (MA-03), Katherine Clark (MA-05), TJ Cox (CA-21), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Jim Costa (CA-20), Grace Napolitano (CA-38), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Brad Sherman (CA-27), David N. Cicilline (RI-01), John Sarbanes (MD-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-39), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Anna Eshoo (CA-14), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Zoe Lofgren (CA-16), Dina Titus NV-01), Grace Meng (NY-06) Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03).
The resolution will be formally introduced on Friday, October 23. The full resolution can be found here.
