PRESS RELEASE
May 6, 2014
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
Contact: Taniel Koushakjian
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
Web:
CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY ADVANCES BILL RECOGNIZING NAGORNO KARABAKH’S INDEPENDENCE
Historic Vote Scheduled for May 8
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the California State Assembly Rules
Committee adopted AJR 32, a bill that would `encourage and support the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s continuing efforts to develop as a free
and independent nation,’ reported the Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly). Introduced by District 43 Assemblyman Mike Gatto
(D-Burbank), the measure was adopted by a vote of 9-1, with one member
abstaining, following a lengthy debate.
`This historic resolution will let the world know that the United
States’ largest state has expressed the will that Artsakh [Nagorno
Karabakh] be recognized as a peaceful, free, and independent land,’
Assemblyman Gatto told the Assembly. `I am proud to author AJR 32,
standing with the Armenian Community here and everywhere, in support
of the most American values of freedom and self-determination,’ he
said.
In addition to lead sponsor Gatto, AJR32 co-author Assemblyman Katcho
Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo), as well as Vice Chair Scott Wilk
(R-Santa Clarita), and Committee members Adrin Nazarian (D-Van Nuys)
and Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), offered testimony in support of
the measure. Local Armenian American community figures were also
present to testify and witness firsthand the historic vote.
`I stand with the freedom loving people of Artsakh in support of AJR
32. We will continue to speak out until Artsakh is free,’ stated Vice
Chairman Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita).
Assembly members who voted in favor of AJR 32 include Chairman Richard
S. Gordon (D-Palo Alto), Vice Chair Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita),
Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino), Matthew Dababneh (D-Encino),
Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), Adrin Nazarian (D-Van Nuys), Bill Quirk
(D-Hayward), and Sebastian Ridly-Thomas (D-Culver City). Assemblyman
Rocky Chavez (R-Carlsbad) cast the lone vote in opposition, while
Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) abstained. The measure now
heads to the floor of the California State Assembly for a vote on
Thursday, May 8.
“We thank Assemblyman Mike Gatto for his dedicated efforts and for his
unwavering support for the self-determination and freedom for the
people of Artsakh,” stated Assembly Western Region Director Aline
Maksoudian.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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NR: # 2014-027
Available online: