Wednesday, June 24 2026 11:14

ArmInfo.Belows is a readout by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)

1000 Days: A preview of ANCA's Aram Hamparian's remarks at today's  Capitol Hill press conference, organized by Congressman Brad Sherman,  calling for Azerbaijan's immediate and unconditional release of  Armenian prisoners.

"On this day, as we mark 1,000 days of Azerbaijani hostage diplomacy,  we reaffirm our call for peace.

A real peace.

A just peace.

A peace worthy of the name.

Today - here in Washington - the so-called "peace" deal announced  last year is being sold as progress.

In reality, it's the consolidation of Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing  of Artsakh.

The legitimization of the last war.

A prelude to the next war.

The normalization of Azerbaijani hostage taking;

Its occupation of Armenian territory;

Its destruction of Christian holy sites - dating back to the 1st  Century;

Its obstruction of the right of Artsakh refugees to return home.

A false peace that locks in Azerbaijan's genocidal gains, that locks  a free people out of their indigenous lands.

A false peace that would reward Azerbaijan - with our American tax  dollars.

Mark my words:

If we reward Azerbaijani aggression with American treasure today, we  will reap a bitter harvest of renewed Azerbaijani aggression  tomorrow.

Violence - funded by U.S taxpayers - at the expense of American  interests, and yet more Armenian lives and land.

All the costs borne by Armenians.

All the benefits flowing to Baku.

Every new Armenian concession met with new Azerbaijani demands.

A real peace requires accountability

Starting here in Washington, DC - with our Congress securing:

-- The release of Armenian hostages - illegally held and brutally  abused for 1,000 days.

-- The withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces - occupying territory across  sovereign Armenia.

-- The return of Armenians to Artsakh - in safety, under an  international mandate.

-- The protection of ancient Christian holy sites - being bulldozed  across Artsakh.

-- The enforcement of Section 907 sanctions on Azerbaijan

-- statutory protection of American taxpayers against complicity in  Christian persecution.

Baku says these requirements block a peace deal.

We know that each represents a crucial building block of a lasting  peace.

Of a real peace.

Of a durable peace.

A peace based on justice.

On human rights.

On religious freedom.

A peace worthy of the name."