Assemblyman Mike Gatto introduces resolution to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh
January 07, 2014 | 16:33
Assemblyman Mike Gatto joined with people of Armenian descent around
California and the world in calling for the United States to recognize
the Nagorno-KarabakhRepublic as a sovereign state. The resolution,
AJR 32, invokes strong language from theUnited States’ own history
regarding the rights of the people to `self-determination and
democratic independence.’
If Gatto’s resolution passes, it would make California the most
populous governmental entity to call for Nagorno-Karabakh recognition,
or to recognize it outright.
Three organizations that have already expressed support for the
legislation are the Armenian Council of America (ACA), the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA), and the Unified Young Armenians
(UYA).
Assemblyman Gatto has worked closely with each of these organizations
on legislation he has authored in the past, including a resolution
calling for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and on
legislation extending the statute of limitations for victims of the
genocide to file insurance claims. The Assemblyman has also supported
events sponsored by each organization, including their stellar efforts
to raise money for Armenians in need around the world. `The community
is united in support of recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh,’ stated Gatto.
`It has been my privilege on this resolution to work with the leaders
of the local Armenian American community and their outstanding
representatives,’ said Gatto. `I am especially honored to introduce
this legislation on a day when Armenians around the world are
celebrating Christmas with family and loved ones.’
`The introduction of AJR 32 by Assemblyman Gatto is an integral step
towards the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as a sovereign state,’
stated Sevak Khatchadorian, Chairman of the Armenian Council of
America. `The Armenian Council of America applauds Assemblyman Gatto
for his courageous and heroic effort toward promoting democracy and
the right to self-determination in the region. This legislation will
not only serve as a triumph for people of Armenian descent, but also
as a victory shared by citizens of the world who value democracy,
freedom and justice.”
Once passed by both houses of the California Legislature, a copy of
AJR 32 will be transmitted to the President of the United States, the
Secretary of the United States Senate, the Clerk of the United States
House of Representatives, and to each member of the California
delegation to the United States Congress.
From: Baghdasarian