Asbarez writes that the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic parliament on Tuesday welcomed a resolution adopted by the Massachusetts state legislature, which urges “the President and Congress of the USA to support the self-determination and democratic independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
The newspaper adds: “Vahram Atanesyan, the chairman of the standing committee on foreign affairs at the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic parliament, welcomed the resolution calling it an action “in support of freedom.”
Atanesyan commended such decision made by individuals US states, expressing hope that this trend could make the US recognition of Karabakh’s independence likely.
“Recognition of Karabakh’s independence would ease tensions and would promote stability in the South Caucasus which is in the interests of the United States,” said Atanesyan.
The Massachusetts bill, introduced by State Representative Jonathan Hecht condemns the killings of Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku and acts of violent repression by Azerbaijan against the peaceful demonstrations for self-determination in Nagorno-Karabakh. The document notes that today also the “Nagorno-Karabakh’s security continues to be threatened by Azerbaijan’s hostile acts.” It notes that despite these continuous acts of violence, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in a popular referendum on December 10, 1991 voted in support of independence, freedom and democracy.
The resolution also congratulates “Nagorno-Karabakh on the success of its ongoing efforts to develop democracy” and commends the July 19, 2012 presidential elections as “another major step” in this regard”.
“We are grateful to Representative Hecht for his crucial leadership in this issue. We also praise our compatriots and longtime supporters James Kalustian and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian for their great dedication and continued efforts in promoting Artsakh’s interests in the United States,” said Robert Avetisyan, the representative of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the US.
On May 17, the Rhode Island House had passed a resolution calling on the U.S. president and Congress to recognize the independence of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR). The resolution also encouraged the republic’s “continued efforts to develop as a free and independent nation,” and praised Artsakh’s (Karabagh) “constructive involvement with the international community and its efforts to reach a lasting solution to the existing regional problems.”
