PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Commemorates 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at Annual Event on Capitol Hill

Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) delivered remarks at the Armenian National Committee of America and Armenian Assembly of America's Genocide Commemoration event. As a Senator to the state with the largest Armenian American population, Schiff honored the 1.5 million lives lost during the Armenian Genocide 111 years ago.

"We need to continue to advocate for Armenia's security and its sovereignty. We must hold the Aliyev regime accountable and call attention to the destruction and desecration of Armenian religious and cultural sites by Azerbaijan in its effort to erase Armenian culture and history. That accountability includes going beyond the implementation of the peace agreement signed last summer at the White House, since that agreement does not even mention prisoners of war Azerbaijan continues to hold," said Senator Schiff during his remarks.

"And I know that the truth and justice will ultimately prevail, because from what I've seen, Armenians do not waver in speaking truth to power, in fighting for justice and human rights, and strengthening diplomatic ties between the United States and Armenia. We know there remains much more to do. We know the fight is not over," Senator Schiff continued.

Schiff also addressed the ethnic cleansing of over 150,000 Armenians from Artsakh, the unlawful detention of Armenian prisoners, recent sentencing of Artsakh leaders to terms of 20 years all the way to life in prison, and the destruction of Armenian cultural and religious heritage - emphasizing his commitment to continue to advocate for Armenia's security and sovereignty.

Background: California is home to nearly 250,000 Armenians - more than half of the Armenian diaspora in the United States. Senator Schiff has been a strong champion for the Armenian community, leading Congress to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide in 2019.

Last year, Schiff submitted a provision to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to bring home the Armenian prisoners of war following Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of Artsakh in 2023. He will continue pushing for the release of the prisoners of war that Azerbaijan continues to hold.

View photos from the event below:

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