PRESS RELEASE August 26, 2004
CONTACT: Christopher Close/Knollenberg
(202) 225-5802
Andrew Souvall or Jennifer Cannata/Pallone
(202) 225-4671
ARMENIAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS COMMEND NAGORNO KARABAKH ON 13TH ANNIVERSARY
OF INDEPENDENCE
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), cochairmen of the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues, today commended the people of Nagorno Karabakh on the
13th anniversary of their independence.
“Despite all the difficulties, today Nagorno Karabakh is a proud state
committed to the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and an
open civil society,” Knollenberg and Pallone wrote in a letter to
President Arkady Ghoukasian of Nagorno Karabakh. “Today, as we extend
our congratulations to the people and the authorities of Nagorno
Karabakh on the 13th anniversary of the Proclamation of the NKR, we
welcome your determination and efforts in strengthening Karabakh’s
democratic institutions and market economy.
“Karabakh has proven to be a capable, reliable and serious partner of
the international community,” the lawmakers continued. “Peace and
stability in the South Caucasus are not possible without a
contribution from Nagorno Karabakh. We assure you of our strong
commitment to Karabakh’s security and development.”
On September 2, 1991 the people of Artsakh adopted the Proclamation of
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, declaring their independence from
Azerbaijani rule.
The text of the letter to President Arkady Ghoukasian follows.
August 26, 2004
H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
3 February 20th Street
Stepanakert, NKR
Dear Mr. President
As you know, September 2 is a historic day for Nagorno Karabakh. On
this day in 1991 the people of Nagorno Karabakh declared their
intention to create their own independent state. This is the day when
the Declaration proclaiming the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was adopted.
With this Declaration the courageous people of Artsakh expressed their
determination to live in freedom.
The people of Artsakh have persevered through many challenges to peace
and stability as the Soviet oppression, Azerbaijan’s military
aggression, consequences of a devastating war, and the continuing
blockade imposed by Azerbaijan failed to break the spirit of Artsakh’s
people. Despite all the difficulties, today Nagorno Karabakh is a
proud state committed to the values of democracy, respect for human
rights, and an open civil society.
Today, as we extend our congratulations to the people and the
authorities of Nagorno Karabakh on the 13th anniversary of the
Proclamation of the NKR, we welcome your determination and efforts in
strengthening Karabakh’s democratic institutions and market economy.
Karabakh has proven to be a capable, reliable and serious partner of
the international community. Peace and stability in the South
Caucasus are not possible without a contribution from Nagorno
Karabakh. We assure you of our strong commitment to Karabakh’s
security and development.
Sincerely,
Joe Knollenberg Frank Pallone, Jr.
Member of Congress Member of Congress
Jennifer Karch Cannata
Press Secretary
Office of U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.
420 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4671 office
(202) 225-9665 fax
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress