KARABAKH RECORDS PALPABLE PROGRESS IN ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION: D. BABAYAN
16:02, 8 January, 2014
YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. The resolution introduced by
Assemblyman Gatto on January 6 regarding the recognition of Nagorno
Karabakh as a sovereign state proves that the process of Karabakh’s
international recognition actively moves on. This is a significant
and positive process, which will contribute to the establishment
of bilateral ties between California and the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic. The Press Spokesman of the Artsakh Republic President Davit
Babayan stated this in a conversation with “Armenpress”. In addition
Davit Babayan underscored that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and the
people of Artsakh express their gratitude to Assemblyman Mike Gatto,
who carried out huge work at the course of these years and contributed
to the process of Karabakh’s international recognition.
Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) joined with people of Armenian
descent around California and the world in calling for the United
States to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a sovereign
state. The resolution, AJR 32, invokes strong language from the
United 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.
In 1921, the Soviet Union illegally severed Nagorno-Karabakh, also
known as Artsakh, from Armenia, and placed it under the newly created
Soviet Azerbaijani administration. Seventy years later, the people
there formed the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. On 6 January 1992, the
democratically elected legislature of the Republic formally declared
independence. Since proclaiming independence, the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic has registered significant progress in democracy building,
including a presidential election last year that was assessed by
international observers as free and transparent.
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.”
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.
Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the
California State Assembly. He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada
Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods
of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills,
Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.
From: Baghdasarian