Today, October 17, 2022, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), released the following statement:

“I am deeply concerned that Azerbaijani forces have continued to violate the U.S.-mediated ceasefire and have opened fire on Armenian positions, even as an advance team for the announced European Union observer mission arrived in Yerevan. This civilian mission is a crucial follow up to the U.S.-brokered truce, which helped restore calm following last month’s clashes that killed at least 286 people. As a Jewish American, the targeting of ethnic minorities is deeply personal for me. The U.S. must do more to stand with Armenians, including expanding aid to Artsakh deportees and cutting aid to Azerbaijan.”

Gottheimer has been a strong supporter of Armenia against Azerbaijani attacks. As a proud member of the bipartisan Congressional Armenian Caucus, Gottheimer also met with Armenian refugees of the 44 Day War earlier this year.

Gottheimer has cosponsored the Armenian Genocide Education Act, as well as House Resolutions calling on Azerbaijan to immediately release all prisoners of war and captured civilians, condemning atrocities committed by the Republic of Azerbaijan, and condemning Azerbaijan’s unprovoked military attack on Armenia. He has also signed letters urging support for pro-Armenian foreign aid priorities in 2021 and 2022 including aid to Artsakh. Gottheimer also supports recognition of the Armenian Genocide and stopping sales of U.S. F-16s and Russian S-400s to Turkey.

###Gottheimer Statement on Ceasefire Violations in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)