08/31/12 - Statement released on the release and pardon of Ramil Safarov - ?I am outraged by the reckless actions taken by the government of Azerbaijan in freeing Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani soldier who brutally murdered an unarmed Armenian soldier during a NATO-sponsored training program in Hungary. It is extremely egregious that the President of Azerbaijan has issued a decree granting pardon to a convicted murderer and has allowed him to walk free despite his conviction.

?These are not the actions of a government that is dedicated to justice and peace. Unfortunately, the actions taken by Azerbaijan only further confirm their desire to facilitate and condone violence against Armenia and its people.

?I believe that the United States government should stand in solidarity with the Armenian government in condemning the actions of the governments of Azerbaijan. Further, I call upon the Azerbaijani government to acknowledge Ramil Safarov as a convicted murderer and immediately take action commensurate with a democratic nation that supports justice under the rule of law.?

07/23/12 - Remarks offered on the House floor regarding H. Res. 2362 - Mr. Speaker, I thank my ranking member.

I rise to oppose H.R. 2362, the Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act. To put it quite simply, there is no good reason for passage of this legislation. In fact, there are a whole bunch of reasons why this legislation should fail today.

First, I would like to say that I strongly support efforts to bring economic prosperity to Indian Country. I've been a longtime advocate of Indian Country's right and power to exercise their sovereignty and pursue economic development in the ways they choose. That is why I was glad to vote for H.R. 205, the HEARTH Act.

The HEARTH Act permits all tribes, not just a select few, to engage in leasing activities without Federal oversight under certain circumstances. Under the HEARTH Act, tribes can engage in these activities with both domestic and foreign entities. Furthermore, the HEARTH Act enjoys strong bipartisan support and passed this body on May 15 by a vote of 400-0. The bill then passed the Senate by unanimous consent, and it now only awaits the President's signature.

In contrast, H.R. 2362 singles out the Republic of Turkey for preferential treatment. Anyone who questions this just needs to turn to the bill itself which states its purposes as ``to facilitate economic development by Indian tribes and encourage investment by Turkish enterprises.'' If this bill didn't give Turkey special preference, what would be the point? It would be entirely duplicative to what will be law in just a few days.

The Republic of Turkey, Mr. Speaker, acts increasingly hostile to U.S. interests and has a long history of human rights violations. Turkey is not a country that should be receiving preferential treatment in any sense, and certainly not explicitly approved by this Congress. Turkey has yet to acknowledge the fact of the Armenian genocide and reconcile itself with its own history. The Armenian genocide is the first genocide of the 20th century. It's a dark chapter in history, but it must be remembered and reaffirmed. That's why we must not stand by as the Republic of Turkey continues their policy of denying the 20th century's first genocide.

It is also very appropriate to remember that this past Friday marked the 38th anniversary of the illegal occupation of northern Cyprus by Turkey. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in violation of international law, and at great cost to the citizens of Cyprus. Turkish troops continue to occupy Cyprus illegally, and the invasion forced nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots to flee their homes.

The EU member Cypriot government has made strong efforts to bring this ongoing occupation to a peaceful settlement. However, the Turkish government from afar continues to push against such peace negotiations. In fact, Turkey has used its bases in northern Cyprus to harass Israeli merchant vessels peacefully engaged, in cooperation with the Cypriot Government, on oil and gas exploration. It has even threatened U.S. companies.

I have just presented a couple of examples as to why Turkey's policies fly in the face of solid moral standing and threaten U.S. interests abroad. Legislating preferential treatment for Turkey would be a mistake and only signal that genocide denial, illegal occupation of U.S. allies, and other anti-U.S. policies will be tolerated.

I'm proud to say that this Congress has passed legislation that gives tribes more flexibility in entering into lease agreements that will promote economic development and future vitality. Today's bill does not advance this cause. It would simply put Turkey on a pedestal, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and vote ``no.''

07/20/12 - Congressmen Pallone and Royce Statement Congratulating Nagorno Karabakh on their Democratic Presidential Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Ed Royce (CA-40) today congratulated the people of Nagorno Karabakh on the peaceful exercise of democracy through the regular presidential elections which occurred on July 19, 2012. The elections represented another step in the bolstering of the democratic process that has been established in Nagrono Karabakh:

Rep. Royce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, said, 'I commend the people of Nagorno-Karabakh for holding peaceful and honest elections. Throughout the years we have seen a trend of its electoral system working in proper fashion and the most recent election maintains that precedent. Voting embodies a functioning democracy, I applaud all in Nagorno-Karabakh for putting democracy into action.'

Rep. Pallone said, 'As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I wish to extend our congratulations to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic on their exercise of democratic presidential elections. The presidential elections held on July 19, 2012 are another important day in the history of independence and democratic freedom for the people of Artskh. It is heartening to see their continued dedication to peaceful democracy.'

'On September 2, 1991 the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared the formation of an independent, democratic republic. On December 10, 1991 a referendum on the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic took place and was overwhelmingly approved. I am pleased the Republic continues to hold regular parliamentary and presidential elections that have previously been viewed as free and fair by international observers.'

'These elections represent the strength of the democratic process in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and are a testament to the commitment of the people in Artsakh to the Republic?s sovereignty. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus I am committed to promoting the democratic independence of Nagorno Karabakh and will continue to support the rightful exercise of self-determination which contributes to regional stability and development.'

03/01/12 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Sumgait - Mr. Speaker, once again this year I rise to mark an important date that remains strong in the memories of the Armenian and American people. It is always with great emotion that I commemorate the Sumgait pogroms where the murder of hundreds of Armenians stood out as a particularly atrocious event in a long history of hostility against the Armenian people. This anniversary above all reminds us of our duty to act. Year after year, it strengthens our determination to obtain justice and peace.

Beginning on the evening of February 27th, 1988, hundreds of Armenians were brutally murdered, some of them burned alive and thrown from windows. Women and children were raped and maimed by Azerbaijani rioters. Apartments were robbed, shops demolished, and thousands of people became refugees. Despite Sumgait's proximity to Baku, police turned a blind eye to this dire situation, allowing the pogroms to go on for three days.

The truth is that for over two decades, authorities in Azerbaijan have made relentless efforts to erase all traces of these crimes. This state-sponsored denial is an insult to the memory of all men, women and children who perished on those fateful days; it is a daily affront to their descendants. The Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus is resolutely committed to ensure that those Armenians who lost their lives are not forgotten.

The need for the government of Azerbaijan to fully recognize the Sumgait pogroms is not only in the interest of historical accuracy but also necessary to ensure a peaceful future. The just recognition of these crimes is the first step towards an enduring and peaceful resolution of the regional conflict. Stability in the region is needed now more than ever. The specter of violence indeed still looms and many Armenian lives continue to be subject to threats by the Azerbaijani government. Ceasefire violations by Azerbaijani armed forces at the contact line with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic have shown this to be true. President Aliyev recently announced that Azerbaijan is buying up modern weaponry to occupy the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

I stand here today to solemnly condemn all intimidations and acts of aggression against the Armenian people. The Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus will do its very best to ensure that basic rights to life, liberty and security are not violated. May the Armenian people never have to fear again such attacks. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues stand with me in recognizing the Sumgait pogroms and the needless deaths of so many.

12/14/11 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2011
Contacts: Ray Zaccaro/Erin Bzymek (202) 225-4671

Pallone & Schiff Call on Administration to Support State of Armenia in Meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon

Washington, DC ? Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus co-chairs Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. and Armenian Genocide Resolution sponsor Congressman Adam Schiff met with Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon Wednesday to address issues related to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. The meeting represented a continuing dialogue between the caucus and the Department of State on the importance of the U.S.-Armenia relationship.

In the meeting the members emphasized the importance of the Armenian Diaspora in the United States and the need to continue supporting the state of Armenia as a strong ally. As part of the relationship the members raised the importance of robust foreign aid funding to be directed to Armenia and the need for parity in military aid between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the President?s annual budget request.

The members also expressed concern over aggressive posturing by Azerbaijan and the importance of U.S. support of Nagorno Karabakh. The members called for policies that will show U.S. support of Nagorno Karabakh such as increased development and humanitarian assistance and their inclusion in the Minsk Group peace process. A continuing concern of the caucus, which was expressed, is a lack of funding directed to Nagorno Karabakh despite congressional approval of a higher level.

?The state of Armenia is a critical ally to the United States and the administration?s policies should reflect the importance of this relationship,? said Pallone. ?While the Armenian Issues Caucus will continue to fight for higher levels of foreign assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide and other issues important to the Armenian community, the State Department must know that strong action is needed on their behalf as well.?

The members called on the administration to take strong action to show support for Armenia and to challenge Turkey and Azerbaijan in their hostile policies towards Armenia.

?It is more important than ever that the United States support the right of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh,? Rep. Schiff said. ?Directing these resources to Nagorno-Karabakh will not only help the people of the Karabakh cope with humanitarian crises resulting from the twin blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan, but it will also help to stabilize the region by demonstrating our continued commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I will continue to fight for adequate resources for NKH, as well as formal recognition of the Armenian Genocide.?

11/01/11 - Reps. Sarbanes and Pallone wrote a letter to the Indian Affairs Subcommittee expressing concerns about a bill which would give Turkish businesses special trade preferences on Indian tribal lands. Letter on file.

07/20/11 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Cyprus - Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 37th anniversary of Turkey's illegal occupation of Cyprus . I hope that my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in calling for an end to this occupation.

On July 20th 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in violation of international law and at great cost to the citizens of Cyprus . Turkish troops established a heavily-armed force which occupied the northern part of Cyprus and continues to occupy close to 37 percent of Cyprus' territory. The invasion forced nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots to flee their homes and made one-third of the Cypriot population refugees in their own country.

Turkey continues to illegally occupy northern Cyprus with a force of approximately 43,000 troops. This incredible number of troops amounts to almost one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish Cypriots. The military occupation of northern Cyprus continues in the face of international pressure to achieve a peaceful settlement.

While military occupation of northern Cyprus continues to be a constant threat to peace, the forcible expulsion of Greek Cypriots and U.S. citizens has resulted in the mass colonization of their homes and property. At the time of the invasion this amounted to almost one-third of the total population of the island being expelled and having their property taken. Once again this illegal colonization comes in defiance of international calls on Turkey to take action to stop the illegal occupation and ensure the return of properties to their rightful owners.

In fact, since 1974 more than 75 resolutions have been adopted by the U.N. Security Council and more than 13 by the U.N. General Assembly calling for a withdrawal of Turkish troops and the return of refugees to their rightful homes. However, the Turkish government continues to remain defiant, plainly ignoring these calls to withdraw and continuing to display blatant disrespect towards Greek Cypriots and their property.

We continue to see Turkey pursuing policies that not only hurt its relations with nations that
should serve as true democratic allies, but also policies that hurt regional stability. I have been an outspoken opponent of Turkey's irresponsible regional relations, which in many ways negatively impact the United States. Turkey plainly disrespects international law and provides support to rogue nations and organizations that threaten the United States and our regional partners.

It is unfortunate that I must again this year say enough is enough and ask my colleagues to join me in taking principled steps to prevent further destabilizing actions by Turkey. As a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I have long advocated for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Cyprus and called on Turkey to support a settlement that comes from the Cypriots themselves.

Cypriot President Christofias has begun meetings with Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Eroglu and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in attempts to come to a peaceful settlement. The leaders have agreed to intensify their diplomatic contacts in order to establish a practical plan for overcoming the major remaining disagreements. It is my hope that this agreement will come in a fair and expeditious manner that is in the best interest of the Cypriot people.

The U.S. must also do its part to foster a united Cyprus . It is in the best interest of the United States, and I believe all involved parties to ensure that the goal is a reunified Cyprus where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live together in peace and security. A successful settlement effort must build on the work towards a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality that represents U.N. Security Council resolutions. In the end, Cyprus must have a single sovereignty and single citizenship which all Cypriots can enjoy.

Now is the time for Turkey to show that they are willing to take a sincere approach to allowing a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The leadership in Ankara must show that the will and support behind a peaceful settlement is in the best interest of Turkey and that it is fully supported. Without such a signal by the Government of Turkey, a final settlement will continue to dwindle as Turkish settlers pursue the policies of their home nation. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has shown their willingness to work constructively with the Cypriots towards a reunified island. It is time for Turkey to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, today I am reintroducing legislation that is just one step towards achieving justice for those who have been unfairly expelled from their rightful property in occupied Cyprus . My legislation, the American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act, will enable U.S. citizens who own property in the Turkish-occupied territory to seek financial remedies with either the current inhabitants of their land or the Turkish government. Passage of this legislation will not only return rights to U.S. citizens but send an important message to Turkey and the international community that the status quo cannot stand.

Mr. Speaker, as we remember the 37th Anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus , I remain hopeful a united Cyprus can become a reality. However, the United States can not be complacent in this goal or the protection of its citizens.

04/13/11 - Pallone testified before the House Foreign Operations Subcommittee in support of all our foreign aid priorities. His testimony focused primarily on Armenia and NKR and lastly included Israel priorities. Less than 15 members testified before the Subcommittee.

02/18/11 - Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record on Sumgait - Mr. Speaker, next week marks the twenty-third anniversary of the Sumgait massacre. I stand today to recognize the massacres in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, and the continued Turkish and Azeri aggression against the Armenian people.

In late February of 1988, during what was supposed to be a period of glasnost and perestroika within the Soviet Union, Armenians, who had been the target of genocide in the early part of the 20th century by the Ottoman government, were under assault by the Azeri authorities in the town of Sumgait in Azerbaijan. This three-day rampage left dozens dead and hundreds injured, many burned alive. Women and minors were abused, scores of apartments were robbed, shops and kiosks were demolished, and thousands of people became refugees.

The Sumgait massacre is but one example in a long line of Azerbaijan?s aggression and hostility against the Armenian people. Just two years later, the disappearance of a 450,000 strong Armenian community in Azerbaijan was witnessed. While Azerbaijan claims that events in Baku were about the liberation of Azerbaijani people from the Soviet occupation, the truth is that Mikhail Gorbachev had to send Soviet troops to the Azerbaijani capital to stop the mass killings and deportations of Armenians organized by the Government of Azerbaijan. The unfortunate fact is that the Azerbaijani Government was successful in ethnic cleansing and the mass deportation of the entire Armenian population of Baku.

Despite the attempt by the Government of Azerbaijan to cover up the crimes of Sumgait and Baku, enough brave witnesses came forward to give an accurate account of the offenses. Having survived near annihilation at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish authorities, it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people that they were able to endure and overcome another genocide campaign during the pogroms that took place throughout Azerbaijan, including in its capital city of Baku.

Many Armenians have marked the anniversary of the Sumgait massacre by organizing a march here in Washington from the Embassy of Turkey to the Embassy of Azerbaijan in order to highlight the continued Turkish and Azeri aggression toward the Armenian people. This anniversary reminds us yet again of the historical injustices the Armenian people have faced, and the need for strong U.S. engagement in the region to safeguard Armenia against the aggressive tactics of its neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues stand with me in recognizing this tragic moment in history. Through recognizing the atrocities of the past, we can build a more peaceful future.