YEREVAN, MARCH 1, ARMENPRESS. Members of the US Congress Judy Chu and Terrance John Cox have made statements condemning the Armenian massacres in Sumgait 31 years ago, reports Armenpress.

“As the lines of the Soviet Union were fading, the people of Nagorno Karabakh were united in a call for a say in their own futures and greater independence from Azerbaijan. This peaceful movement for self-determination and freedom was followed by premeditated and government-sponsored attacks. Over the next two years, the Armenian population in the territory of Artsakh was repeatedly victim to brutal and racially motivated pogroms, darkly reminiscent of the days of the Armenian Genocide. Hundreds were murdered, thousands were displaced, and the Armenian community – both in Artsakh and in exile - continues to bear the scars from the brutal attacks in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku”, the Congresswoman said in the statement. “As we commemorate the somber anniversary marking the struggle of the Nagorno Karabakh people, we wish for the peaceful resolution of this conflict and hope that its citizens will be free to determine their own future”, she added.

Congressman Terrance John Cox in his statement emphasized that now more than ever these acts of murder must be condemned. 

“During these horrific pogroms, hundreds of Armenians were wounded and murdered. To date, the government of Azerbaijan has never been held accountable for these atrocities. Now more than ever these acts of murder must be condemned. We must learn from this mistake in history and continue to advocate for the protection of human rights for the Armenian people, and for all”, Congressman TJ Cox said.