20th Anniversary of the Occupation of Shusha in Azerbaijan

Floor Speech

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, given the significance of this week to the U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship, it is important to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Occupation of Shusha in Azerbaijan. Shusha lies within the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and is another painful reminder of the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the region.

Twenty years ago today, Armenian forces stormed the strategically important town of Shusha, which lies on a hill just over three miles away from the Nagorno-Karabakh capital of Stepanakert. The town was attacked at the break of dawn from three sides, trapping Azeri military units and civilians on their hilltop.

For hours the town was shelled, killing and wounding thousands of men, women, and children, and the attacking forces have occupied it ever since.

As a result of this tragic incident, the rich history and culture of Shusha remains inaccessible to the Azeri people who are prohibited from visiting the ancient Azeri museums, religious sites, musical schools, and historical sites of their past.
Despite four United Nations resolutions insisting that the Nagorno-Karabakh region--and by extension, the town of Shusha--legally belongs to Azerbaijan, the region remains war-torn and steeped in conflict.

Today we remember those who died defending their homeland and support those who are still affected, unable to return to the homes from which they were separated.

My hope is that this anniversary will provide another opportunity to work together to ensure a peaceable, lasting resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict so that people from both nations will no longer suffer.

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