{"id":9700,"date":"2016-09-02T14:28:06","date_gmt":"2016-09-02T14:28:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ancnews.info\/?p=9700"},"modified":"2016-09-02T14:28:06","modified_gmt":"2016-09-02T14:28:06","slug":"congressional-armenian-caucus-congratulates-nagorno-karabakh-republic-on-25-years-of-independence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ancnews.info\/?p=9700","title":{"rendered":"CONGRESSIONAL ARMENIAN CAUCUS CONGRATULATES NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC ON 25 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE"},"content":{"rendered":"

— Bipartisan Leadership Pledges Ongoing Support; Calls for the Formal Recognition of Artsakh\u2019s Independence<\/strong><\/p>\n

WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Leaders of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues praised the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh)\u2019s commitment to democratic development and peace in celebration of the 25th anniversary of its independence, marked worldwide on September 2nd, reported the Armenian National Committee of America<\/a> (ANCA).<\/p>\n

\u201cArmenian Americans across the U.S. appreciate the decades of Congressional Armenian Caucus leadership in support of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and its people\u2019s inalienable right to self-determination,\u201d said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. \u201cAs we join together in marking the 25th anniversary of the Republic, we are reminded that Artsakh is a very American story – the victory of a free people over foreign rule. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure continued U.S. assistance and leadership to attain a peaceful and lasting resolution which respects Artsakh\u2019s right to freedom and security.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a letter to Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Robert Dold (R-IL), Jackie Speier (D-CA) and David Valadao (R-CA) were joined by Vice-Chairs Adam Schiff (D-CA) and David Trott (R-MI) in calling the 25th anniversary an \u201cimportant milestone in Artsakh’s struggle to defend its right to self-determination and liberty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Praising the Republic\u2019s commitment to the \u201cfundamental principles of liberty, democracy, and peace,\u201d the Armenian Caucus leadership commended Artsakh for \u201cconsistently holding free and fair elections and your commitment to advance democratic governance and rule of law.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Congressional Caucus Co-Chairs noted they are \u201ccommitted to the continued development of Artsakh\u2019s economy and its democracy,\u201d condemning \u201cAzerbaijan’s most recent aggression in early April against the people of Artsakh that led to hundreds of military and civilian casualties.\u201d<\/p>\n

The letter concluded with a call for the formal international recognition of Artsakh Independence.<\/p>\n

A copy of the letter is available on the ANCA website at: http:\/\/anca.org\/assets\/graphics\/2016\/090216_NKR_25th_Caucus.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

In a video message issued on the occasion of Artsakh\u2019s 25th anniversary celebration, the ANCA\u2019s Hamparian offered a \u201cspecial tribute to those guarding the frontiers of Artsakh’s freedom and to all those building a better tomorrow, safe within the sacred borders defended by the brave sons and daughters of our ancient nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must match their courage with our commitment; their sacrifice with our service; their valor with our vigor,\u201d noted Hamparian, who called on all to do \u201cour part, across our vast and vibrant diaspora – as a second army of the Armenian nation; as citizen advocates serving the sacred cause of Armenian liberty.\u201d<\/p>\n