October 15, 2020 - (FRESNO) – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after violence continues to escalate despite Azerbaijan and Armenia agreeing to a temporary ceasefire in Artsakh: 

"The violence is Artsakh must stop. Far too many lives have been lost," Rep. Costa said. "This weekend’s aggression by Azerbaijan – in violation of an agreed ceasefire – is unacceptable and should have consequences.  We cannot abdicate our role as a world leader seeking peace. We must continue to work towards solutions that ensure the sovereignty of the Republic of Artsakh.  As a Member of Congress, I will continue to support the Armenian people in the face of these serious threats."

Congressman Costa is a longtime supporter of Armenia and the Armenian community. He took the following actions during the 116th Congress: 

• Cosponsoring H.Res.1165 - Condemning Azerbaijan’s military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh and denouncing Turkish interference in the conflict.
• Cosponsoring and voting to pass H.Res.296 to ensure U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

• Cosponsoring H.Res.190 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting visits and communication between the United States and the Republic of Artsakh at all levels of civil society and government.
• Voting to provide$40 million to fund Armenian democracy assistance.
• Supporting annual appropriations process for demining funding 

Congressman Costa has consistently called for Turkey and Azerbaijan to be held accountable for their provocative and aggressive actions in the region, including: 

• Sending a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging the State Department to employ all available diplomatic tools to calm tensions, stop the violence and prevent Azerbaijan from further escalating the conflict in the futureIn October 2019, Congressman Costa

• Cosponsoring and voting  in favor of H.R.4695 –The Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act in October 2019
• Supportingan amendmentto restrict the transfer of military equipment to Azerbaijan if it could be used to threaten civilian aviation.  
  Source: Congressman Jim Costa