Adam Schiff: The US Should Not Supply Arms to Azerbaijan

Adam Schiff, a member of the US House of Representatives and vice-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus (Democrat, California), is deeply concerned about the ongoing threats to the Armenian people following the war unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey against Artsakh, particularly regarding Azerbaijan's continued threats and attacks on Armenia.

In response to an inquiry from Armenpress, the congressman stated that it is unacceptable for the United States to supply arms to a country that regularly uses force against its neighbor. He emphasized that the House of Representatives adopted the Pallone Amendment, which, according to Schiff, holds Aliyev's regime accountable by demonstrating that the US will not ignore Azerbaijan's use of force against Armenia and Artsakh.

“Now, more than ever, we must pursue further strengthening and supporting democracy in Armenia. That’s why I proudly joined my colleagues in supporting the recently adopted Pallone amendment, which holds Aliyev's regime accountable and shows that America will not overlook Azerbaijan’s violence against Armenia and Artsakh. The United States must not supply weapons to a country that regularly uses force against its neighbor,” Schiff declared, highlighting his unwavering support for the people of Armenia and Artsakh.

Regarding President Joe Biden's April 24 message this year, Adam Schiff remarked that President Biden's decision to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide was a historic moment for his thousands of Armenian-American constituents, their families, and the Armenian community across the country, who have been working, advocating, fighting, and praying for recognition. “I was very excited that the announcement was made at a time when there are still survivors of the genocide who are alive and can testify,” said Congressman Schiff.

Adam Schiff is a leading advocate for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the United States and a great friend of the Armenian people and Armenia. He is a co-author of the House resolution on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, H.Res.296. On October 29, 2019, the US House of Representatives passed the resolution by an overwhelming majority (405 in favor, 11 against). On December 12, 2019, the US Senate unanimously adopted a similar resolution, S.Res.150. On April 24, 2021, during a statement made on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, President Joe Biden used the term 'Armenian Genocide.' On July 28, 2021, the US House of Representatives passed with an overwhelming majority the bipartisan amendment presented by Congressman Frank Pallone, co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, which amended the foreign assistance provisions in the 2022 budget to limit military assistance to Azerbaijan in the form of financial and military support.

Aram Hambaryan, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America, told Armenpress that the Pallone amendment was Washington's first signal to Aliyev that he cannot conduct business with the United States as he did in the past.