U.S. CONGRESSMEN CALLED ON GEORGE BUSH TO EXPAND ENGAGEMENT WITH KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
04.10.2006 13:25 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The congressional letter, signed by 77 members and
sent to the White House on September 29, highlights a long history
of U.S. support to Nagorno Karabakh and the will of the people of
Artsakh to build a democratic and economically viable country.

As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from the NKR Representative Office
in the U.S., the letter also notes the continuation of Azerbaijan’s
destructive policy, which threatens peace and stability in the
region and "goes against U.S. interests." Most importantly, the
congressional letter advocates for expansion of U.S. political and
economic engagement with Nagorno Karabakh.

The letter said in part: "As we work towards peace, the United
States can and must expand its engagement with the lawfully and
democratically established Nagorno Karabakh Republic. These ties
should not be dictated by outside forces but rather should be guided
by the shared values of our two nations. […] We should build on this
success by investing in developmental and good governance programs that
will strengthen Nagorno Karabakh’s economy, democratic institutions,
and promote even greater cooperation on a range of regional and
security issues."

"Everyday, we are advancing in building a country of our dreams – a
free, democratic and prosperous Artsakh. Fifteen years of independent
statehood have proved the righteousness of the historic path chosen
on September 2, 1991. Throughout these years, the people of Artsakh
have been truly blessed to enjoy the political and economic support
of the U.S. Congress.

We are deeply thankful to the American people for their generous
economic assistance that helped restore dozens of war-torn
villages, drinking water supplies and medical facilities," said NKR
Representative in the United States Vardan Barseghian.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress