One thousand days—this is exactly how long Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages have been unlawfully held in Azerbaijani captivity. For 1,000 days, families have been waiting for answers and for their loved ones to come home. We are gathered here today because the world must never forget Azerbaijan's ongoing crimes. U.S. Congressman Jim Costa, representing California, stated this at a press conference on Capitol Hill.

The politician emphasized that Baku's actions constitute a clear violation of international law and fundamental human rights. He recalled the human catastrophe that resulted in more than 120,000 Armenians being forcibly driven out of Artsakh—their ancestral homeland, where the Azerbaijani military is systematically destroying their communities, churches, and cultural heritage sites.

Jim Costa noted that his connection to the Armenian people is deeply personal. "I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, where many survivors of the Armenian Genocide—the first genocide of the 20th century—relocated years ago. I grew up side-by-side with these families, we farmed together, and as a young boy, I learned about these horrific atrocities from my neighbors," shared the Congressman, adding that Baku's current incursions into the sovereign territory of Armenia prove that Azerbaijan's cruelty has been ongoing for decades.

The lawmaker asserted the need for strict measures at the state level. In addition to supporting his colleague Brad Sherman's amendment, Costa is pushing his own legislative initiative. His amendment demands a complete halt to all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan until official Baku takes meaningful steps toward the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners and completely withdraws its forces from the occupied sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia.

The Congressman also reported that he personally approached the U.S. Secretary of State, demanding the deployment of every available diplomatic lever, including international institutions, to protect the cultural and religious heritage of the region and secure the release of the detainees.

"Azerbaijan must not use names and photographs of these people as political leverage. The families have waited far too long. It is time to bring them home. We will continue to work together—not only for the release of the prisoners but also to ensure and protect the sovereignty and the future of Armenia," concluded Jim Costa.