PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
Contact: Danielle Saroyan Ashbahian
Telephone: (202) 393-3434
Web: www.aaainc.org
CONGRESS CONDEMNS TURKISH
INVASION
Armenian
Assembly of America Urges Immediate Action to Prevent Horrific Atrocities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate and House of
Representatives condemned Turkey’s invasion of northern Syria, and called for
sanctioning Turkey for its violence against innocent civilians, specifically
targeting the Kurdish population and ethnic minorities in the region, such as
Armenians, Assyrians, Yazidis, and other vulnerable minority groups, reported
the Armenian Assembly of America.
Today, Speaker of the House of
Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) discussed
reaching across the aisle to take additional measures.
“We must put together the strongest
bipartisan, bicameral sanctions package similar to the bipartisan bill the
House is advancing,” Speaker Pelosi said.
“I will be working across party lines in
a bicameral fashion to draft sanctions and move quickly, appreciating President
Trump’s willingness to work with the Congress,” stated Senator Graham.
Last week, a series of measures were
discussed and proposed in both congressional chambers. Senators Lindsey Graham
(R-SC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced a framework of legislation that
puts financial and visa restrictions on U.S.-based assets of Turkish
authorities, sanctions military transactions with Turkey and the Turkish energy
sector, and prohibits U.S. military assistance. House Foreign Affairs Committee
Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Ranking Member Michael McCaul (R-TX) introduced
H.Res.625 to sanction Turkish officials and banks involved in the defense
sector.
“The sanctions we are introducing will
hold Erdogan accountable for this stunning disruption to international
security,” stated Chairman Engel.
“Turkey’s military operation has already
resulted in civilian casualties and threatens global security by creating
conditions that will enable an ISIS resurgence. It must stop its incursion
immediately,” Ranking Member McCaul said.
Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz
Cheney (R-WY) also took the lead to condemn Turkey for its violence in northern
Syria with nearly 30 U.S. Representatives in support of legislation to sanction
Turkey.
Chairwoman Cheney is joined by House
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise
(R-LA), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-TX),
Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), Rep.
Jack Bergman (R-MI), Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR), Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Rep.
Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), Rep.
Richard Hudson (R-NC), Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL),
Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-MI), Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Rep. Guy Reschenthaler
(R-PA), Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL), Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Rep. Denver Riggleman
(R-VA), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), Rep. Mark Walker
(R-NC), Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL), Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Rep. Joe Wilson
(R-SC), and Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR).
“President Erdogan and his regime must
face serious consequences for mercilessly attacking our Kurdish allies in
northern Syria, who incurred thousands of casualties in the fight against ISIS
and helped us protect the homeland,” said Chairwoman Cheney.
“The international community should not
stand by and watch as Turkey once again subjects ethnic and religious
minorities in Syria to horrific atrocities. It is our legacy to protect those
whose lives are at risk and our responsibility to prevent atrocities from being
committed. We urge Congress to take immediate action against Turkey and to
swiftly adopt bipartisan, bicameral legislation,” Armenian Assembly of America
Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian stated.
Established in 1972, the Armenian
Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization
promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly
is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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NR# 2019-059
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