Azerbaijani military forces must withdraw from Armenian lands – Congresswoman Katherine Clark – Armenia Public Radio

Today, Deputy President Katherine Clark (MA-5) issued the following statement on the escalation of violence in Azerbaijan along its border with Armenia which took place earlier this week. Azerbaijani forces attacked Armenian positions in Gegharkunik province along the northeastern sector of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Three Armenian soldiers were killed and four were injured as a result of the attack.

“Azerbaijani military forces must immediately withdraw from Armenian lands and stop the violence that has already claimed many lives. This violation of Armenia’s sovereignty is another dangerous and provocative action taken by Azerbaijan’s increasingly authoritarian government to undermine any path to peace and further fuel regional instability. I unequivocally condemn this act of aggression and I am proud to have voted in favor of Congressman Pallone’s amendment to cut Azerbaijan’s military funding and hold this regime accountable for its destabilizing actions. Now more than ever, we must strengthen our strategic relationship with Armenia by providing economic assistance and finally recognize the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination, ”she said.