The California State Senate passed a resolution by Pasadena area Assemblymember Chris Holden condemning Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh with a unanimous vote of 39-0. 

“This resolution reaffirms California’s solidarity with Armenia and our 200,000 strong community of California-Armenians,” said Assemblymember Holden. “There is power in our solidarity and there is even more when we acknowledge the wrongs committed and urge for justice.”

Holden added that the resolution, known as AJR 1, sets a precedent for the future and creates long-lasting ties toward a better tomorrow.

The bill has passed both houses of the California Legislature with bi-partisan support. The resolution calls on the Biden Administration to work to immediately facilitate the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance by way of airlift to Armenians in Artsakh.

“Armenians in Artsakh are facing extermination by the Azerbaijani government, with their illegal blockade.  Mr. Holden and his colleagues in the California Legislature have stood up for humanity by condemning Azerbaijan’s barbaric acts,” said ANCA National Board Member Aida Dimejian.

“The Armenian American community is thankful for this resolution calling on the Azeri government to end its illegal blockade and to hold Azerbaijani government accountable for its relentless aggression against the innocent men, women and children of Artsakh.”  

Today, there are nearly three million Armenians living in the Republic of Armenia, which consists of a portion of the Armenians’ historic homelands. The United States has the second largest diaspora of Armenians.  California has the largest population of Armenians in the country.

https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/california-state-senate-passes-holdens-resolution-condemning-azerbaijans-blockade-of-artsakh