Congressional Armenian Caucus leaders joined with human rights advocates and Armenian American community members in solemn remembrance of the 30th anniversary of the anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku, vowing to continue U.S. aid and support enhanced security for the Republic of Artsakh.

Among Members of Congress sharing their commitment to stronger U.S.-Artsakh relations were Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) as well as Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), TJ Cox (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Andy Levin (D-MI), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

The event featured moving keynote remarks by Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, who, along with her family, fled the anti-Armenian attacks in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, in the fall of 1989, finding safe haven in the US in 1992. An accomplished lawyer, author, and human rights advocate, Astvatsaturian Turcotte, explained, “the same anti-Armenianism that made my grandfather an orphan and that made me a refugee is alive and well today.

ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan, who introduced Astvatsaturian Turcotte at the event and served as one of two emcees for the evening, shared the poignant story of Baku survivor Rosa Akopova, who was forced to watch as her daughter was raped and killed during the attacks 30 years ago.

Earlier in the day, Yerimyan and Astvatsaturian Turcotte advocated for broader U.S. support for Artsakh safety and security, as well as continued U.S. assistance in meetings with House Foreign Affairs Committee members Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Steve Chabot (R-OH), and House Appropriations Committee member Chellie Pingree (D-ME).

The Capitol Hill program was organized by the ANCA, Armenian Assembly of America, Embassy of Armenia, and the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.