A landlocked, self-declared republic in the South Caucasus with Armenia to the west, Azerbaijan to the east, and the Islamic Republic of Iran to the south. Its capital is Stepanakert.
The conflict has roots going back over a century. In 387 CE, Armenia was divided between the Byzantine empire and Persia, and the eastern part of Armenia, including Artsakh, fell under Persian rule. Since then, Artsakh and Armenia have been under Russian (1813) and Soviet (1920) rule. In 1921, after the end of World War I, the Soviet government established the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and annexed it to Azerbaijan, redrawing the borders of Armenia. In 1991, with the fall of the Soviet Union, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabagh declared independence from the Soviet Union, but its de facto independence or historical belonging to Armenia is not internationally recognized. A Russia-brokered ceasefire was signed in 1994, leaving Karabagh as an independent state.
Artsakh’s population is 95% ethnic Armenian. Artsakh was a part of the historical Armenian Kingdom and was inhabited by Armenians even before Roman times. There are over 3,000 Armenian monuments and 500 Armenian churches dating back 2,000 years in Nagorno-Karabakh.
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Here's what Senators and Congressmen have to say about Azerbaijani attacks on Armenia. We, Armenians, thank you for your public support.
“I strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, yet another act of aggression supported by Turkey. The Trump Administration should suspend security assistance to Azerbaijan and engage through the OSCE Minsk Group to bring about a ceasefire.”
“I strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s military attacks on Nagorno Karabakh. It is imperative that the Trump Administration halt military assistance to Azerbaijan and work through the OSCE Minsk group to get Baku back to the peace table.”
“I am deeply disturbed by the continued escalation of fighting on the border between Azerbaijan and Artsakh, and I stand in solidarity with my Armenian-American neighbors and friends in demanding an end to the violence.”
“I stand with Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey is emboldening Azerbaijan against Armenia with military aid & provocative statements that undermine mediation efforts. The US must support efforts to achieve peace in the region.”
“Azerbaijan’s unprovoked aggression against the Republic of Artsakh will not be tolerated by the United States or the international community. Reports of Turkey’s involvement and direct support of Azerbaijan’s attacks are equally troubling and unacceptable. Azerbaijan must immediately cease all attacks against Artsakh, and the Trump Administration must work quickly to deescalate this growing conflict. I also call on Congress and the Administration to immediately suspend all military aid to Azerbaijan.”
“Visiting #Artsakh this time last year, I was moved by the warmth & resilience of its people. Azerbaijan’s unprovoked attacks on Artsakh – including on Stepanakert, the capitol of 55K+ people, is unthinkable. My heart is with the brave Armenians fighting to protect their homeland.”
The civilians and soldiers of Artsakh are relying on generous donations from the diaspora and supporters to help lead Artsakh to independence once and for all.
Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, on Twitter