Armenian Community Meets with Senator Peters & Discusses Humanitarian Crisis in Artsakh

(l-r)Corinne Khederian, John Jamian, Roger Basmajian (host),

Senator Gary Peters and Gary Assarian

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Armenian community in Michigan met with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and discussed the humanitarian crisis in Arstakh as a result of Azerbaijan's ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

"We greatly appreciate Senator Peters' support and friendship, and look forward to working with him and his colleagues to ensure that the Lachin Corridor is open and that Azerbaijan is held accountable for its actions," stated Assembly State Director John Jamian.

"The meeting hosted by Roger Basmajian provided a timely opportunity for us to share the community's concerns and the urgent need for action to help the Armenian people of Arstakh," added Assembly State Chair Corinne Khederian.

Senator Peters delivering his remarks

The Armenian community continues to raise the alarm on the over month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor, which has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis for the Armenian people of Artsakh. Last week, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to the Administration "demanding that the Biden administration strengthen efforts to end Azerbaijan's month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor," and "hold Azerbaijan to account for blocking a civilian population's access to food and basic necessities."

Group photo of representatives from 10 Metro Detroit organizations in attendance at the Armenian Community meeting with Senator Peters

In addition to ending Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the Assembly also continues to urge that Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act is fully enforced; that Global Magnitsky Sanctions are applied against Azerbaijan officials responsible for gross human rights violations against the Armenian people; and that the U.S. provides a robust assistance package to help the Armenian people affected by Azerbaijan's state-sponsored policy of blockade and terror.

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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