WILL THE USA RECOGNIZE THE INDEPENDENCE OF NKR?

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[03:49 pm] 04 October, 2006

Washington, DC – To mark the 15th Anniversary of Artsakh’s
Independence, Members of Congress joined the Co-Chairs of the
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), in sending a letter to President Bush
urging him "to recognize the 15th anniversary of the independence of
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic [Artsakh]" and calling the President’s
attention to Artsakh’s "efforts in furthering their democracy and
creating an independent state."

Nagorno Karabakh’s decision to establish a sovereign state came as a
continuation of the national liberation movement that began immediately
after Joseph Stalin awarded administrative control over Karabakh
to Soviet Azerbaijan in 1921. After suffering from over 70 years of
discrimination and oppression by Azerbaijan and the Soviet regime, the
people of Artsakh stepped up their struggle for freedom and democracy
by establishing the independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

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. 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." (The full text of the letter is provided at the
end of the release.)

Despite the overwhelming challenges of the past 15 years, Artsakh has
registered impressive achievements: successful defense of its freedom
against Azerbaijani military aggression, nearly complete restoration of
its war-devastated economy, continued strengthening of its democracy,
unprecedented economic growth and constructive partnership with the
international community to bring about lasting peace and stability
to the South Caucasus.

"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.

Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), who co-chairs the Armenian Caucus,
said: "The United States stands for freedom and democracy, values
that have vividly triumphed in Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, without
any international support. I am proud to support this nation as it
works to achieve formal international recognition of its well-deserved
independence. The U.S. economic assistance to Nagorno Karabakh should
be continued."

"Time and again, the people of Nagorno Karabakh have demonstrated
their firm commitment to values of liberty and peace. They have
also worked hard to establish a developing democracy and growing
market economy. The United States should expand its political and
economic engagement with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic," echoed fellow
Armenian Caucus Co-chair Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ). Congressmen
Knollenberg and Pallone also thanked their colleagues, the co-signers
of this congressional letter to President Bush, for supporting this
critical initiative. "In its quest for freedom and its efforts to
strengthen its democracy and develop its economy, Nagorno Karabakh
enjoys a broad-based congressional support. Our collective aim was to
convey this message to President Bush as the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
celebrates the 15th Anniversary of Independence," the congressmen said.

This congressional effort enjoyed strong support of the two
Armenian-American advocacy groups in Washington, DC.

"The Armenian Assembly commends Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone
for their initiative and leadership in urging the U.S. to strengthen
relations with Karabakh as it celebrates 15 years of independence,"
said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "As we mark this
special occasion, we are reminded of the accomplishments the people
of Karabakh have already achieved. The Assembly will continue to work
with its friends in Congress and the Administration to advocate for
Karabakh’s right to self-determination."

"We want to thank Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone and all those
who joined with the Armenian Caucus in marking this milestone of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s continued contribution to the growth of
democracy, economic development, and the prospects for an equitable
and lasting peace in the Caucasus," said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian.

On behalf of the NKR Government, Barseghian thanked the Armenian
Assembly of America and the Armenian National Committee of America
for their effective work on Capitol Hill.

"We are also grateful to our congressional friends for their continued
support of Nagorno Karabakh on our path towards freedom, democracy
and prosperity — universal values that have been guiding Artsakh
since independence," said Representative Barseghian.

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is
based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia
and the public representing the official policies and interests of
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.