YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Artsakh Davit Babayan and members of the US Congressional Armenian Caucus participated in an event at the Congress dedicated to Artsakh Independence.

"Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan," stated Foreign Minister David Babayan, offering powerful remarks about the existential, genocidal threats facing the people of Artsakh and need for united action to support the burgeoning democracy.

The Artsakh Foreign Minister thanked the US and global Armenian community and all supporters of Artsakh, noting that "we are struggling not only for our future but our past, present, and all of humanity."

"The US must cut off all aid [to Azerbaijan], explore sanctions, and prosecute Azerbaijani leaders for war crimes," stated House Intelligence Committee Chairman Congressman Adam Schiff, arguing that by not calling out Azerbaijan's aggression unequivocally, Azerbaijan has been emboldened to carry out its most recent attacks against Armenia.

Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone Jr. - who joined Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi on her historic trip to Armenia along with Armenian American members of Congress Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) made clear that an important part of their mission was to ensure that "Armenia continues to be independent - and Artsakh is a part of that."

"We must hold Azerbaijan accountable," said Central Valley, California Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), condemning Azerbaijan's latest attack on Armenia, and calling on Congress to review any US assistance currently being sent to Azerbaijan.

"Azerbaijan has banned me from their country - and I consider it a badge of honor," said Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) speaking at the Capitol Hill Salute to Artsakh's liberty. Rep. Chu, who has traveled to Artsakh, discussed the importance of zeroing out military aid to Azerbaijan and expanding support for Artsakh.