Tweet
OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 223-4330
Fax: (202) 315-3339
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.nkrusa.org
PRESS RELEASE
September 6, 2006
ARTSAKH MARKS 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone Send Congratulations
Washington, DC - On September 2, 2006 the people of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, Artsakh were joined by an ever-expanding circle
of friends around the world to celebrate fifteen years of liberty,
perseverance and progress in Artsakh. In 1991, after suffering from
over seventy years of discrimination and oppression by Soviet
Azerbaijan and the Soviet regime, the people of Artsakh boldly and
fearlessly stepped up their struggle for freedom and democracy,
shaking off the shackles of subjugation.
The decision to establish a sovereign state came as a continuation
of the national liberation movement that began immediately after
Joseph Stalin's infamous and arbitrary decision to include Nagorno
Karabakh within Soviet Azerbaijan in 1921. The NKR Declaration of
Independence, formally adopted on September 2, 1991 at a joint
session of local legislatures - Nagorno Karabakh Regional and
Shahumian District Councils of Peoples Deputies, said in part:
"Expressing the popular will supported by a documented referendum ...
striving for freedom, independence, equality and good neighborly
relations ... recognizing Azerbaijan's policies of apartheid and
discrimination [against its] Armenian population ... striving for
restoration of good neighborly relations between Armenian and
Azerbaijani peoples ... abiding by the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights ... and trusting in the understanding and support of the
international community ... declares [the establishment of] the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic." (The full text of the document appears
below.)
Fifteen years later, Artsakh is justifiably proud of its 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.
Foreign dignitaries and friends traveled to Stepanakert to
participate in the Independence Day celebrations and to express
their solidarity with the people of Artsakh. In his address, NKR
President Arkadi Ghukasian thanked the Republic of Armenia and the
Armenian Diaspora around the world for their vital, steadfast and
ongoing support of Artsakh. He also thanked Artsakh's international
friends and well-wishers, including elected officials, international
organizations and individuals, who supported Artsakh during the most
difficult years of Azerbaijan's attack and post-war reconstruction
efforts.
President Ghoukasian particularly underscored the unparalleled
support and commitment of the Vice-Speaker of the British House of
Lords Baroness Caroline Cox. For their significant contribution to
Artsakh's development, the President especially thanked benefactors
Louise M. Simone, Kevork Hovnanian, Hirair Hovnanian, Vahakn
Hovnanian, Albert Boyajian, Gerard Cafesjian, Eduardo Eurnekian,
Vahe Karapetian, Levon Hairapetian, Ara Abrahamian and George
Pagoumian.
Joining the people of Artsakh on this milestone anniversary were
also the two Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr.
(D-NJ), who sent a joint letter to the NKR President.
In their letter the Congressmen said in part, "We are writing to
congratulate the people of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh,
your Government, and yourself, on the 15th Anniversary of
Independence. This historic anniversary represents an important
milestone in your struggle for liberty. On September 2, 1991, the
people of Nagorno Karabakh declared their intention to create their
own independent state. With declaration [of independence] the
courageous people of Artsakh expressed their determination to live
in freedom."
The Co-Chairs also said, "for the past 15 years, the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has proven its vitality, its strong
commitment to universal values of freedom, peace, democracy and
protection of human rights."
They voiced strong support for Nagorno Karabakh's struggle for
freedom, saying that the U.S. Congress stood by the people of
Nagorno Karabakh along their path to liberty. "We continue standing
with you in your noble effort to achieve formal, international
recognition of your independence," concluded the letter.
NKR Representative to U.S. Vardan Barseghian thanked Mr. Knollenberg
and Mr. Pallone for their ongoing, critical and multifaceted support
of Artsakh.
"Artsakh's friends around the world make a big difference in the
lives of our people. Most of our achievements would not have been
possible without their support. During last 15 years, Artsakh has
indeed proved its vitality and we look to our future with great
optimism. I have no doubt that liberty, democracy and progress will
continue guiding us toward new victories for Artsakh, Armenia and
the world," said 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.
* * *
To request photos from Independence Day celebrations in Artsakh for
publishing with this press release, send an email to [email protected]
* * *
Full text of the Co-chairs' letter follows:
September 2, 2006
H.E. Arkadi Ghukasian
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
20th February Street, 3
Stepanakert, NKR
Dear President Ghukasian:
We are writing to congratulate the people of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic, Artsakh, your Government, and yourself, on the 15th
Anniversary of Independence. This historic anniversary represents an
important milestone in your struggle for liberty. On September 2,
1991, the people of Nagorno Karabakh declared their intention to
create their own independent state. With this declaration the
courageous people of Artsakh expressed their determination to live
in freedom.
You have successfully defended your right to live in freedom against
Azerbaijani military aggression. Many of your brave sons and
daughters laid their heads to ensure the triumph of liberty on the
land of Artsakh. The unwavering faith in your righteous cause and
your commendable perseverance led you to many more victories in
restoring your war-torn economy, strengthening your democracy and
creating a firm foundation for continued development and prosperity.
For the past 15 years, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has
proven its vitality, its strong commitment to universal values of
freedom, peace, democracy and protection of human rights.
We have stood with you along your path to liberty and we continue
standing with you in your noble effort to achieve formal,
international recognition of your independence. We assure you of our
strong commitment to Karabakh's security and development and we look
forward to the day when the flag of an independent Artsakh proudly
beckons all over the world as a testament to the realization of your
democratic dream!
Sincerely,
/signed/
Joe Knollenberg Frank Pallone, Jr.
Member of Congress Member of Congress
* * *
Full text of the NKR Declaration of Independence:
http://nkrusa.org/nk_conflict/decla ration_independence.shtml
PROCLAMATION OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC
(Adopted at a joint session of legislative bodies)
With the participation of delegates from all levels of councils in a
joint session of peoples' deputies of the Nagomo Karabakh (NK)
regional and Shahumian district councils, by the expression of the
popular will supported by a documented referendum, and by the
decision taken by the authorities of the NK autonomous region and
the Shahumian district between 1988-91 concerning its freedom,
independence, equal rights, and neighborly relations;
Noting specifically the Azerbaijani Republic's declaration of
restoring its national independence according to its 1918-20
boundaries;
Recognizing that Azerbaijan's policies of apartheid and
discrimination have created an atmosphere of hatred and intolerance
toward the Republic's Armenian population, and led to armed clashes,
casualties, and the deportation of Armenian civilians from peaceful
villages;
Establishing itself on the basis of the current constitution and the
laws of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), which,
upon the secession of a union republic from the USSR, allow the
peoples of autonomous formations and coexisting ethnic groups the
right to self-determination of its national-legal status;
Noting that the territory of the Shahumian district was forcibly
detached from Nagorno Karabakh, and recognizing the intentions of
the Armenian population to reunify as commensurate with the norms of
natural and international law;
Intending that neighborly relations between the peoples of Armenia
and Azerbaijan be restored based on mutual respect for each other's
rights;
Taking into consideration both the complexity and controversial
nature of the situation in the country, the future of the [Soviet]
Union, and the uncertain future of the [Soviet] Union structures of
ruling authority and government;
Respecting and abiding by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
the principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, and trusting in the understanding and support of the
international community;
Declares:
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic within the current boundaries of the
NK autonomous region and the adjacent Shahumian district, the NKR
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, basing itself on the authority given
to republics by the constitution and legislation of the USSR,
reserves the right to decide independently its legal status as a
state on the basis of political consultations and negotiations with
the leadership of other countries and republics.
Prior to the acceptance of the constitution and laws of the NKR, the
constitution and legislation of the USSR, as well as other existing
laws shall be in effect on the territory of the NKR unless they
contradict the purposes and principles of this declaration and the
specific nature of the republic.
/Signed by delegates of all levels participating in the joint
session of the NK regional and Shahumian district council's peoples
delegation/
September 2, 1991
* * *
This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S.
Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional
information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington,
D.C.
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 223-4330
Fax: (202) 315-3339
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.nkrusa.org
PRESS RELEASE
September 6, 2006
ARTSAKH MARKS 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone Send Congratulations
Washington, DC - On September 2, 2006 the people of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, Artsakh were joined by an ever-expanding circle
of friends around the world to celebrate fifteen years of liberty,
perseverance and progress in Artsakh. In 1991, after suffering from
over seventy years of discrimination and oppression by Soviet
Azerbaijan and the Soviet regime, the people of Artsakh boldly and
fearlessly stepped up their struggle for freedom and democracy,
shaking off the shackles of subjugation.
The decision to establish a sovereign state came as a continuation
of the national liberation movement that began immediately after
Joseph Stalin's infamous and arbitrary decision to include Nagorno
Karabakh within Soviet Azerbaijan in 1921. The NKR Declaration of
Independence, formally adopted on September 2, 1991 at a joint
session of local legislatures - Nagorno Karabakh Regional and
Shahumian District Councils of Peoples Deputies, said in part:
"Expressing the popular will supported by a documented referendum ...
striving for freedom, independence, equality and good neighborly
relations ... recognizing Azerbaijan's policies of apartheid and
discrimination [against its] Armenian population ... striving for
restoration of good neighborly relations between Armenian and
Azerbaijani peoples ... abiding by the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights ... and trusting in the understanding and support of the
international community ... declares [the establishment of] the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic." (The full text of the document appears
below.)
Fifteen years later, Artsakh is justifiably proud of its 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.
Foreign dignitaries and friends traveled to Stepanakert to
participate in the Independence Day celebrations and to express
their solidarity with the people of Artsakh. In his address, NKR
President Arkadi Ghukasian thanked the Republic of Armenia and the
Armenian Diaspora around the world for their vital, steadfast and
ongoing support of Artsakh. He also thanked Artsakh's international
friends and well-wishers, including elected officials, international
organizations and individuals, who supported Artsakh during the most
difficult years of Azerbaijan's attack and post-war reconstruction
efforts.
President Ghoukasian particularly underscored the unparalleled
support and commitment of the Vice-Speaker of the British House of
Lords Baroness Caroline Cox. For their significant contribution to
Artsakh's development, the President especially thanked benefactors
Louise M. Simone, Kevork Hovnanian, Hirair Hovnanian, Vahakn
Hovnanian, Albert Boyajian, Gerard Cafesjian, Eduardo Eurnekian,
Vahe Karapetian, Levon Hairapetian, Ara Abrahamian and George
Pagoumian.
Joining the people of Artsakh on this milestone anniversary were
also the two Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr.
(D-NJ), who sent a joint letter to the NKR President.
In their letter the Congressmen said in part, "We are writing to
congratulate the people of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh,
your Government, and yourself, on the 15th Anniversary of
Independence. This historic anniversary represents an important
milestone in your struggle for liberty. On September 2, 1991, the
people of Nagorno Karabakh declared their intention to create their
own independent state. With declaration [of independence] the
courageous people of Artsakh expressed their determination to live
in freedom."
The Co-Chairs also said, "for the past 15 years, the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has proven its vitality, its strong
commitment to universal values of freedom, peace, democracy and
protection of human rights."
They voiced strong support for Nagorno Karabakh's struggle for
freedom, saying that the U.S. Congress stood by the people of
Nagorno Karabakh along their path to liberty. "We continue standing
with you in your noble effort to achieve formal, international
recognition of your independence," concluded the letter.
NKR Representative to U.S. Vardan Barseghian thanked Mr. Knollenberg
and Mr. Pallone for their ongoing, critical and multifaceted support
of Artsakh.
"Artsakh's friends around the world make a big difference in the
lives of our people. Most of our achievements would not have been
possible without their support. During last 15 years, Artsakh has
indeed proved its vitality and we look to our future with great
optimism. I have no doubt that liberty, democracy and progress will
continue guiding us toward new victories for Artsakh, Armenia and
the world," said 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.
* * *
To request photos from Independence Day celebrations in Artsakh for
publishing with this press release, send an email to [email protected]
* * *
Full text of the Co-chairs' letter follows:
September 2, 2006
H.E. Arkadi Ghukasian
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
20th February Street, 3
Stepanakert, NKR
Dear President Ghukasian:
We are writing to congratulate the people of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic, Artsakh, your Government, and yourself, on the 15th
Anniversary of Independence. This historic anniversary represents an
important milestone in your struggle for liberty. On September 2,
1991, the people of Nagorno Karabakh declared their intention to
create their own independent state. With this declaration the
courageous people of Artsakh expressed their determination to live
in freedom.
You have successfully defended your right to live in freedom against
Azerbaijani military aggression. Many of your brave sons and
daughters laid their heads to ensure the triumph of liberty on the
land of Artsakh. The unwavering faith in your righteous cause and
your commendable perseverance led you to many more victories in
restoring your war-torn economy, strengthening your democracy and
creating a firm foundation for continued development and prosperity.
For the past 15 years, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has
proven its vitality, its strong commitment to universal values of
freedom, peace, democracy and protection of human rights.
We have stood with you along your path to liberty and we continue
standing with you in your noble effort to achieve formal,
international recognition of your independence. We assure you of our
strong commitment to Karabakh's security and development and we look
forward to the day when the flag of an independent Artsakh proudly
beckons all over the world as a testament to the realization of your
democratic dream!
Sincerely,
/signed/
Joe Knollenberg Frank Pallone, Jr.
Member of Congress Member of Congress
* * *
Full text of the NKR Declaration of Independence:
http://nkrusa.org/nk_conflict/decla ration_independence.shtml
PROCLAMATION OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC
(Adopted at a joint session of legislative bodies)
With the participation of delegates from all levels of councils in a
joint session of peoples' deputies of the Nagomo Karabakh (NK)
regional and Shahumian district councils, by the expression of the
popular will supported by a documented referendum, and by the
decision taken by the authorities of the NK autonomous region and
the Shahumian district between 1988-91 concerning its freedom,
independence, equal rights, and neighborly relations;
Noting specifically the Azerbaijani Republic's declaration of
restoring its national independence according to its 1918-20
boundaries;
Recognizing that Azerbaijan's policies of apartheid and
discrimination have created an atmosphere of hatred and intolerance
toward the Republic's Armenian population, and led to armed clashes,
casualties, and the deportation of Armenian civilians from peaceful
villages;
Establishing itself on the basis of the current constitution and the
laws of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), which,
upon the secession of a union republic from the USSR, allow the
peoples of autonomous formations and coexisting ethnic groups the
right to self-determination of its national-legal status;
Noting that the territory of the Shahumian district was forcibly
detached from Nagorno Karabakh, and recognizing the intentions of
the Armenian population to reunify as commensurate with the norms of
natural and international law;
Intending that neighborly relations between the peoples of Armenia
and Azerbaijan be restored based on mutual respect for each other's
rights;
Taking into consideration both the complexity and controversial
nature of the situation in the country, the future of the [Soviet]
Union, and the uncertain future of the [Soviet] Union structures of
ruling authority and government;
Respecting and abiding by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
the principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, and trusting in the understanding and support of the
international community;
Declares:
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic within the current boundaries of the
NK autonomous region and the adjacent Shahumian district, the NKR
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, basing itself on the authority given
to republics by the constitution and legislation of the USSR,
reserves the right to decide independently its legal status as a
state on the basis of political consultations and negotiations with
the leadership of other countries and republics.
Prior to the acceptance of the constitution and laws of the NKR, the
constitution and legislation of the USSR, as well as other existing
laws shall be in effect on the territory of the NKR unless they
contradict the purposes and principles of this declaration and the
specific nature of the republic.
/Signed by delegates of all levels participating in the joint
session of the NK regional and Shahumian district council's peoples
delegation/
September 2, 1991
* * *
This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S.
Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional
information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington,
D.C.