Nagorno-Karabakh Independence Event at the US Congress

02 December, 2014

On December 2, the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues, with the cooperation of the Embassy of Armenia to the United States, NKR Office and the Armenian-American organizations organized an event dedicated to the 23rd anniversary of independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh), held at the U.S. Congress, . A dozen of Congressmen, leaders and members of the Armenian American organization, as well as numerous representatives of the Armenian community attended the event.

In his remarks the keynote speaker of the event Mr. Ashot Ghulian, Speaker of the NKR Parliament, particularly presented the independence path of Artsakh and current developments. The NKR official also highly appreciated the political support demonstrated by the legislative bodies in various states across the USA, in particular referring to the five US states, which have adopted resolutions in support for the right to self-determination and democratic independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. Within the context of Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian and militaristic policy, recent activation of provocations, Mr. Ashot Ghulian stressed, that “the only way of establishing a long-lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus is the international recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic de facto independence and the provision of international security guarantees.”

U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Janice Hahn (D-CA), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), and Kerry Bentivolio (R-MI) delivered remarks at the event. A special address from Robert Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign relations Committee has been delivered to the participants of the meeting.

In their remarks the U.S. Congressmen emphasized their determination to continue the support provided to the fight for freedom of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, and undertake measures to maintain the financial assistance aimed at Artsakh’s democratic enhancement and development. They strongly criticized the militaristic policy of Azerbaijan. In regard with the provocative actions of Azerbaijan almost all the Congressmen mentioned the incident with downing a helicopter of the NKR Defense Army. In his message Senator Menendez outlined the bravery of the Armenian soldiers who returned the remains of the helicopter crew.

In his remarks, H.E. Tigran Sargsyan, Ambassador of Armenia to the United States, highly appreciated the activities of the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues for the benefit of Artsakh’s independence and the security in the region. He noted that final settlement of any conflict is possible only when the sides share the same set of values. In case of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the reconciliation will become possible only when the leadership of Azerbaijan, which is currently suppressing any sign of pluralism in its country, begins to recognize fundamental values, such as aspirations of freedom and independence, and as a result the right of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh for self-determination and to decide their own fate.
Ambassador Sargsyan also touched upon the provocative actions of Azerbaijan, which, according to the leadership of that country, should serve to the imaginary goal of blackmailing Armenia and the international community and gaining some advantages in the negotiation process. Within this context Ambassador Sargsyan outlined that Armenian people will never yield to such intimidations and provocations. Our position is unwavering – the indefeasible rights and fundamental interest of the people of Artsakh can never be a matter of negotiations.

Furthermore, Ambassador Sargsyan mentioned that international community and the co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group should send a clear message to the leadership of Azerbaijan that they would never tolerate any steps, any action, which could lead to the renewal of hostilities.

Summing up his speech, the Ambassador urged the US congressional representatives to continue their efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region and supporting the just cause of the freedom-loving people of Nagorno Karabakh.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications