YEREVAN, AUGUST 14, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), amid growing Congressional opposition to Baku’s escalating aggression, is calling directly upon the Obama Administration for U.S. leadership in stopping Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s march toward war. As reports “Armenpress”, in reference to “Asbarez” newspaper, among the recent Congressional expressions of concern on this topic were made by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI).

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA): “The increased military aggression by Azerbaijan toward Armenians and its use of snipers to shoot at Armenian civilians and even the International Committee of the Red Cross in Armenia must be condemned. These actions by Azerbaijan are violations of international law and a long-standing ceasefire. Against all odds, the Armenian people of Nagorno Karabakh have succeeded in creating a democratic society that upholds peace and justice. They have fought back against attacks to their society and for their very right to exist. The international community must stand with them to stop Azerbaijan’s march toward war.”

Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA) [Tweet]: “Saddened by deaths of Armenian & Azeri troops & attacks on RedCross staff. I hope for no further violence & for peace & diplomacy in future.”

Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI): “I am deeply troubled by the resurgence of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh and hope Armenia and Azerbaijan can find a resolution to restore peace. I strongly condemn the use of sniper attacks by the Azerbaijani government, which is in direct violation of the cease-fire agreement and international law, and am appalled by reports that Azerbaijani forces attacked a Red Cross envoy. This continued aggression will only bring unrest and risks jeopardizing a cease-fire agreement that was put in place over 20 years ago. As both Presidents Sargsyan and Aliyev prepare to travel to Russia, I hope Azerbaijan will agree to stop these attacks to defuse the escalating violence and prevent the further loss of life.”

On August 8, representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America held a frank and open discussion with Ambassador James Warlick, the Department of State’s mediator for Nagorno Karabakh, to press the U.S. government to meaningfully challenge and materially constrain ‪Azerbaijan’s reckless march toward war. During this meeting, the Ambassador was given a letter from ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, which noted that “President Aliyev’s most recent wave of fatal cross-border attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh has cost dozens of lives and seriously undermined the vital work of the OSCE Minsk Group.”