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Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
[email protected]
www.ancawr.org
PRESS RELEASE May 8, 2014
Contact: Elen Asatryan
Cell: 818.523.8389 Office: 818.500.1919
Email: [email protected]
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY RECOGNIZES ARTSAKH'S INDEPENDENCE
-- Landslide 70 to 1 Victory Reaffirms California State Assembly's
Commitment to Democratic Self-Determination, Calls for U.S.
Recognition of Karabakh's Independence.
SACRAMENTO, CA - The California State Assembly, in an overwhelming
bipartisan vote, today called for U.S. recognition of the Republic of
Nagorno Karabakh, marking a major milestone in the growing American
movement supporting the national and democratic aspirations of the
citizens of this independent and historically Armenian country,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
(ANCA-WR).
The historic vote specifically voiced encouragement for Artsakh's
(Nagorno Karabagh) continuing efforts to develop as a free and
independent nation, and formally called upon the President and
Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and
democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. AJR 32 was
adopted by a vote of 70 to 1, and will now move to the California
State Senate for consideration. Earlier this week, AJR 32 was adopted
by the State Assembly Rules Committee by a vote of 9-1.
`Today the people of California, through a nearly unanimous vote by
their elected representatives in the State Assembly, stood on the side
of freedom and independence for the people of Artsakh. We were
extremely proud and gratified to work so closely with Speaker John A.
Perez and Assemblymembers Mike Gatto, Katcho Achadjian, Adrin
Nazarian, and Scott Wilk in achieving this great victory, and we thank
each and every one of them for leading this effort. We look forward to
a similar victory in the State Senate, as the ANCA WR continues its
day to day efforts in pursuit of every aspect of the Armenian Cause,'
stated ANCA WR Chair, Nora Hovsepian who had provided compelling oral
testimony during the committee hearing held on Monday, May 5, 2014.
"Today's overwhelming vote puts the California State Assembly on
record in support of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and reaffirms our
unwavering commitment to freedom and self-determination for all
peoples," noted Assembly Speaker John A. Perez.
AJR 32 lead author, Assemblymember Gatto introduced the resolution on
the floor providing historical background; noting the importance of
supporting the self-determination and independence of Artsakh.
Co-Author Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian (R-CA), Assemblymembers
Cheryl Brown (D-CA), Ian Calderon (D-CA), Tim Donnelly (R-CA) Adrin
Nazarian (D-CA), and Scott Wilk (R-CA) joined Assemblymember Gatto in
urging their colleagues to support the resolution.
"We worked so hard to make it move forward, and we are so proud today
that the California State house stood with me in support of the people
of Artsakh in their ongoing quest for freedom, democracy and
independence," stated Assemblymember Gatto.
California is home to tens of thousands of Armenian-Americans who are
refugees of pogroms against Armenians in Sumgait (1988), Kirovabad
(1988), and Baku (1990), and the ethnic-cleansing of the Armenian
population of Azerbaijan. Dozens of refugees from the region, many
from the Shahumian district of Artsakh, were present for the historic
vote.
Alena Nalbandyan, who lived in Shahumian until the Azerbaijani
military assault against Armenian civilians, provided personal
testimony during the hearing which resonated with the committee
members. `It was very gratifying to be able to share my experience
with the members of the State Legislature. Today's vote represents
a
validation of the demand for self-determination by all Armenians from
Arstakh."
`This resolution represents a major step in the recognition of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent nation. I would especially
like to thank my colleague Assemblymember Gatto for bringing this
issue before the Assembly for debate. I am proud the state of
California has taken a stance to support NKR's pursuit of liberty and
freedom,' stated Co-Author of AJR 32, Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian.
Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian said, `Today's historical vote on AJR
32 demonstrated the Legislature's will to accurately recognize truth
in the face of false adversity. I commend my colleagues for standing
on the side of truth, freedom, and democracy. Their solidarity with
the people of Artsakh speaks volumes about the progress they have made
in their path for self-determination, and their goal for recognition
as an independent state.'
`It is a special day for Artsakh. As we are preparing to celebrate a
triple holiday in Artsakh - the liberation of Shushi, formation of
the
NKR defense army and victory in WW2, we now have another significant
reason to celebrate, which is the support of Artsakh's freedom and
sovereign democracy by one of the strongest states of the United
States,' commented Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
to
the United States Robert Avetisyan. `We want to thank the California
State Assembly for supporting us and our aspiration for freedom and
everyone who made this day possible. This decision by the State
Assembly of the State of California reiterates that the human rights
and liberties are the prevailing values in this world and it only
reinforces our determination to move forward and develop as an open
and democratic society,' added Avetisyan.
The Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region (ANCA-WR)
worked closely with Speaker Perez's office as well as the author,
Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Co-Author Katcho Achadjian, and
Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian and Scott Wilk to garner support for
the resolution. In weeks and days leading up to the vote, the ANCA WR
also activated its grassroots in sending letters and making calls to
elected officials, urging them to support AJR 32.
"California has always been at the forefront of global human rights
issues, leading America and the world on everything from ending
Apartheid to, now, supporting democracy and self-determination for the
independent Republic of Nagorno Karabakh,' states ANCA-WR Executive
Director, Elen Asatryan. `As Americans we cherish our own liberty and
support the right of all peoples to live in freedom and under
governments of their own choosing. The people of Nagorno Karabakh
deserve nothing less, " added Asatryan.
Upon passage by the State Senate, California will join Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Maine and Louisiana in adopting legislation which
supports the independence of Artsakh.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.
###
Photo CaptionS:
1. AJR 32_Nagorno Karabakh Republic 518 05-08-14: On the floor of
the CA State Assembly After Vote on AJR 32 From Left: Assemblymember
Katcho Achadjian, Counsellor of Armenia to Los angeles Artak Galstyan,
Savak Khatchadorian of ACA, Assemblymember Cheryl Brown,
Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, ANCA Western Region Chair Nora
Hovsepian, Assemblymember Scott Wilk, ANCA Western Region Executive
Director Elen Asatryan, NKR Representative to the United States Robert
Avetisyan, Assemblymember Mike Gatto
2. ANCA Western Region Board and Staff with Counsellor of Armenia to
Los angeles Artak Galstyan, NKR Representatives to the United States
Robert Avetisyan, Montebello Councilmember Jack Hadjinian and members
of the Armenian Youth Federation outside of Assembly Chambers after
Historic Vote.
3. Leading Author of AJR 32, Asssemblymember Mike Gatto
4. Speaker of the CA State Assembly John Perez
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
[email protected]
www.ancawr.org
PRESS RELEASE May 8, 2014
Contact: Elen Asatryan
Cell: 818.523.8389 Office: 818.500.1919
Email: [email protected]
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY RECOGNIZES ARTSAKH'S INDEPENDENCE
-- Landslide 70 to 1 Victory Reaffirms California State Assembly's
Commitment to Democratic Self-Determination, Calls for U.S.
Recognition of Karabakh's Independence.
SACRAMENTO, CA - The California State Assembly, in an overwhelming
bipartisan vote, today called for U.S. recognition of the Republic of
Nagorno Karabakh, marking a major milestone in the growing American
movement supporting the national and democratic aspirations of the
citizens of this independent and historically Armenian country,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
(ANCA-WR).
The historic vote specifically voiced encouragement for Artsakh's
(Nagorno Karabagh) continuing efforts to develop as a free and
independent nation, and formally called upon the President and
Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and
democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. AJR 32 was
adopted by a vote of 70 to 1, and will now move to the California
State Senate for consideration. Earlier this week, AJR 32 was adopted
by the State Assembly Rules Committee by a vote of 9-1.
`Today the people of California, through a nearly unanimous vote by
their elected representatives in the State Assembly, stood on the side
of freedom and independence for the people of Artsakh. We were
extremely proud and gratified to work so closely with Speaker John A.
Perez and Assemblymembers Mike Gatto, Katcho Achadjian, Adrin
Nazarian, and Scott Wilk in achieving this great victory, and we thank
each and every one of them for leading this effort. We look forward to
a similar victory in the State Senate, as the ANCA WR continues its
day to day efforts in pursuit of every aspect of the Armenian Cause,'
stated ANCA WR Chair, Nora Hovsepian who had provided compelling oral
testimony during the committee hearing held on Monday, May 5, 2014.
"Today's overwhelming vote puts the California State Assembly on
record in support of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and reaffirms our
unwavering commitment to freedom and self-determination for all
peoples," noted Assembly Speaker John A. Perez.
AJR 32 lead author, Assemblymember Gatto introduced the resolution on
the floor providing historical background; noting the importance of
supporting the self-determination and independence of Artsakh.
Co-Author Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian (R-CA), Assemblymembers
Cheryl Brown (D-CA), Ian Calderon (D-CA), Tim Donnelly (R-CA) Adrin
Nazarian (D-CA), and Scott Wilk (R-CA) joined Assemblymember Gatto in
urging their colleagues to support the resolution.
"We worked so hard to make it move forward, and we are so proud today
that the California State house stood with me in support of the people
of Artsakh in their ongoing quest for freedom, democracy and
independence," stated Assemblymember Gatto.
California is home to tens of thousands of Armenian-Americans who are
refugees of pogroms against Armenians in Sumgait (1988), Kirovabad
(1988), and Baku (1990), and the ethnic-cleansing of the Armenian
population of Azerbaijan. Dozens of refugees from the region, many
from the Shahumian district of Artsakh, were present for the historic
vote.
Alena Nalbandyan, who lived in Shahumian until the Azerbaijani
military assault against Armenian civilians, provided personal
testimony during the hearing which resonated with the committee
members. `It was very gratifying to be able to share my experience
with the members of the State Legislature. Today's vote represents
a
validation of the demand for self-determination by all Armenians from
Arstakh."
`This resolution represents a major step in the recognition of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent nation. I would especially
like to thank my colleague Assemblymember Gatto for bringing this
issue before the Assembly for debate. I am proud the state of
California has taken a stance to support NKR's pursuit of liberty and
freedom,' stated Co-Author of AJR 32, Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian.
Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian said, `Today's historical vote on AJR
32 demonstrated the Legislature's will to accurately recognize truth
in the face of false adversity. I commend my colleagues for standing
on the side of truth, freedom, and democracy. Their solidarity with
the people of Artsakh speaks volumes about the progress they have made
in their path for self-determination, and their goal for recognition
as an independent state.'
`It is a special day for Artsakh. As we are preparing to celebrate a
triple holiday in Artsakh - the liberation of Shushi, formation of
the
NKR defense army and victory in WW2, we now have another significant
reason to celebrate, which is the support of Artsakh's freedom and
sovereign democracy by one of the strongest states of the United
States,' commented Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
to
the United States Robert Avetisyan. `We want to thank the California
State Assembly for supporting us and our aspiration for freedom and
everyone who made this day possible. This decision by the State
Assembly of the State of California reiterates that the human rights
and liberties are the prevailing values in this world and it only
reinforces our determination to move forward and develop as an open
and democratic society,' added Avetisyan.
The Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region (ANCA-WR)
worked closely with Speaker Perez's office as well as the author,
Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Co-Author Katcho Achadjian, and
Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian and Scott Wilk to garner support for
the resolution. In weeks and days leading up to the vote, the ANCA WR
also activated its grassroots in sending letters and making calls to
elected officials, urging them to support AJR 32.
"California has always been at the forefront of global human rights
issues, leading America and the world on everything from ending
Apartheid to, now, supporting democracy and self-determination for the
independent Republic of Nagorno Karabakh,' states ANCA-WR Executive
Director, Elen Asatryan. `As Americans we cherish our own liberty and
support the right of all peoples to live in freedom and under
governments of their own choosing. The people of Nagorno Karabakh
deserve nothing less, " added Asatryan.
Upon passage by the State Senate, California will join Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Maine and Louisiana in adopting legislation which
supports the independence of Artsakh.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.
###
Photo CaptionS:
1. AJR 32_Nagorno Karabakh Republic 518 05-08-14: On the floor of
the CA State Assembly After Vote on AJR 32 From Left: Assemblymember
Katcho Achadjian, Counsellor of Armenia to Los angeles Artak Galstyan,
Savak Khatchadorian of ACA, Assemblymember Cheryl Brown,
Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, ANCA Western Region Chair Nora
Hovsepian, Assemblymember Scott Wilk, ANCA Western Region Executive
Director Elen Asatryan, NKR Representative to the United States Robert
Avetisyan, Assemblymember Mike Gatto
2. ANCA Western Region Board and Staff with Counsellor of Armenia to
Los angeles Artak Galstyan, NKR Representatives to the United States
Robert Avetisyan, Montebello Councilmember Jack Hadjinian and members
of the Armenian Youth Federation outside of Assembly Chambers after
Historic Vote.
3. Leading Author of AJR 32, Asssemblymember Mike Gatto
4. Speaker of the CA State Assembly John Perez