RI Lawmakers Condemn Azerbaijani Offensive against NKR

Rhode Island lawmakers have come forward to condemn the deadly attacks against the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) by Azerbaijan. Statements have been issued by members of Congress David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and James Langevin (D-R.I.), as well as—most recently—U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

“I am deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Nagorno-Karabagh. These attacks on the Armenian people are completely unacceptable and call into question the sincerity with which Azerbaijan has approached recent peace negotiations. The hostilities must end and both parties should return to the negotiating table to work toward a lasting and sustainable agreement,” said Senator Reed in a statement.

Reed is a member of the Appropriations Committee—the largest and most powerful committee in the Senate—which authors legislation to fund the federal government and its operations. As a member of the committee, Senator Reed helps allocate funding for all federal agencies and programs each year.

Congressman Langevin, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, also issued a statement condemning the recent attack against the people of Nagorno-Karabagh by Azerbaijan.

“I am deeply troubled by the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh, which threatens not only the security of the Armenian people, but the security of the region as a whole,” the statement reads. “This blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, which resulted in both military and civilian deaths, is not only dangerous; it is reckless. Azerbaijan’s aggressions and rhetoric must be de-escalated immediately so that both parties [to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict] can come together to honor the ceasefire agreement and work towards the goal of peace in Nagorno-Karabagh.”

On April 6, House Foreign Affairs Committee Member David Cicilline specifically called out Azerbaijan’s use of sniper fire, “which is in direct violation of the ceasefire agreement and international law.” He said he was “appalled by reports that Azerbaijan forces attacked a Red Cross envoy.”

“I am deeply troubled by the resurgence of fighting in Nagorno-Karabagh 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 Azerbaijan 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 Sarkisian 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,” read the statement by Congressman Cicilline.

 

 
Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-West