Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) was joined by U.S. House colleagues Judy Chu (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA) in commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Azerbaijani pogroms against Armenians in Sumgait, spotlighting the Aliyev regime's ongoing threats and violence against Armenia and Karabakh, in powerful statements issued earlier today, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

"Twenty-six years ago, the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region of Azerbaijan petitioned to become part of Armenia," began Rep. Chu. "Their desire to determine their own future was met with brutal force and violence that was tragically reminiscent to events preceding the Armenian Genocide."

Rep. Peters explained that "Peaceful demonstrations by Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh, who sought freedom and protested against policies that discriminated against Armenians, were met with violence against the Armenians of Sumgait, who were hundreds of miles away, defenseless, and targeted simply because they were Armenians. . . . True democracies must respect the rights of the minority and the human rights of all residents."

Rep. Sanchez noted that "It is my hope that by speaking out publicly against atrocities suffered by our brethren around the world, we will help reaffirm America's commitment to an enduring, peaceful and democratic resolution."

Rep. Pallone concluded that "As co-chair and founder of the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus, I will continue to promote peace and security throughout the Caucasus region. I look forward to the day when the Armenian people never have to fear such attacks."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) was joined by fellow Committee colleagues Brad Sherman (D-CA) and David Cicilline (D-RI) and Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Katherine Clark (D-MA) in issuing similar statements condemning the Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad pogroms and calling on Azerbaijan to end its aggression against Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.